Ram Steel Beam Composite Beam Analysis with less than 40% Composite Action

[FishTheStructure]

I would like to use Ram Steel Beam to analyze an existing composite beam which I wish to reinforce to reduce the deflection due to an increased loading. The plate reinforcement that I would like to add to the bottom flange causes the existing composite beam (with 45% of full composite action) to have less than 40% of full composite action. As the Canadian code (S16) does not allow composite action to be considered for strength if the percentage of full composite action is below 40%, RAM ignores the studs and gives me non-composite results. However, I am not reinforcing the beam for strength but for increased stiffness and the same code does allow you to consider composite action for deflection if it has at least 25% of full composite action.

Does anyone know how to force RAM to complete a composite beam analysis for beams with less than 40% of full composite action?

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds - Albert Einstein

 

[SethGuthrie]

Try editing the criteria - stud criteria so that the last option,
For Design Warning -
When beam fails minimum composite requirements:
- Use Composite section properties.
Then re-check the beam, you'll have to reset the stud number to the actual number, but then the results will all be based on the composite action you have, even less than 40% (or 25% in US codes).

 

[SethGuthrie]

PS, try our forum next time, we tend to watch it more closely.

https://communities.bentley.com/products/structural/structural_analysis___design/f/5932

 

[FishTheStructure]

Brilliant - thanks for the response, that setting was exactly what I needed.

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds - Albert Einstein