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RAM Elements V12.5 updated to include the 2011 MSJC

November 1, 2011

Media contact David Sovinski dsovinski@imiweb.org (410) 280-1304

ANNAPOLIS, MD —RAM Elements V12.5 now has the capability of designing masonry structures per the 2008 MSJC (TMS 402-08/ACI 530-08/ASCE 5-08: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures) with either Allowable Stress Design or Strength Design and as added bonus – an option to use the 2011 MSJC ASD provisions has also been included. 

Several years ago, the International Masonry Institute, (IMI) partnered with the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), Ryan Biggs and Associates, and Bentley to add loadbearing and hybrid masonry to this very powerful whole building, finite element analysis program.  The newest version of the software has 2008 MSJC strength design, allowable stress design, and seismic provisions capability and the 2011 MSJC ASD provision option.  Allowable stresses in the 2011 MSJC have been substantially increased thanks to a comprehensive stress recalibration effort and can provide significantly more efficient designs than under previous editions of the code.   Now with the added efficiency of the code and the capability of optimizing designs utilizing the RAM Elements software, very efficient structural masonry designs are possible.  For more information click here.

IMI has partnered with NCMA National Account Task Group to conduct webinars for structural engineers on the RAM Elements software targeted to specific regions across the country.  Over 600 engineers have attended the first three webinars with the next webinar targeted to the northeastern section of the US and Canada has been scheduled for November 3. One more session will be scheduled for later this year.  For more information, contact Elena Johnson at ejohnson@imiweb.org or Dennis Graber at dgraber@ncma.org.