RAM Structural System
Building design and building information modeling (BIM) software
CAD software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$4,476.00 per 12-month practitioner license
Free Trial unavailableFree version unavailable
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- Professional services (engineering, legal, consulting, etc.)
- Energy and utilities
- Construction
What is RAM Structural System
RAM Structural System is a structural analysis and design application used by structural engineers to model, analyze, and design building framing systems such as steel and concrete floors, beams, columns, and lateral systems. It supports code-based design workflows and produces calculation and design reports for common building scenarios. The product is typically used in detailed structural design phases and is often paired with drafting/BIM tools through file-based interoperability rather than serving as a primary authoring CAD platform.
Building-focused structural workflows
The software is organized around typical building framing components (e.g., gravity framing and lateral systems) rather than general-purpose finite element modeling. This structure can reduce setup time for common building types compared with more generic analysis tools. It also aligns outputs (member design, reactions, drift checks) with day-to-day structural engineering deliverables.
Integrated analysis and design
RAM Structural System combines analysis with member and system design checks within the same environment. Engineers can iterate between modeling changes and code checks without exporting to separate design modules. This can streamline coordination between gravity and lateral design tasks for a single building model.
Engineering deliverables and reporting
The product produces engineering-oriented outputs such as design summaries, member utilization results, and calculation-style reports. These artifacts support internal QA/QC and submittal documentation workflows. The reporting focus differentiates it from BIM authoring tools that prioritize drawings and model coordination over calculation traceability.
Not a full BIM authoring tool
RAM Structural System is primarily an analysis and design environment, not a comprehensive BIM/CAD authoring platform. Users typically still rely on separate BIM/CAD tools for detailed documentation, model-based coordination, and multi-discipline authoring. As a result, end-to-end BIM workflows often require additional software and process integration.
Interoperability can require cleanup
Data exchange with BIM/CAD ecosystems is commonly file-based and may require mapping, validation, and manual adjustments. Differences in analytical vs. physical modeling assumptions can lead to rework when synchronizing geometry, loads, and member definitions. Teams should plan for coordination effort rather than expecting seamless round-tripping.
Narrower scope than general FEA
The product is optimized for building structural systems and may be less suitable for highly specialized structures or non-building applications that need advanced general-purpose finite element capabilities. Complex custom components, unusual boundary conditions, or niche analysis types may require complementary tools. This can limit standardization if a firm supports a wide variety of structural project types.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Virtuoso Subscription — 12-month practitioner license | $4,476.00 (Special price, USD) | 12-month subscription sold through Bentley's eStore (Virtuosity). Includes 2 Keys (credits) redeemable for expert services and tailored training; taxes not included; described as a Virtuoso Subscription (software + training/support). cite |
| Perpetual License (SELECT) | Custom pricing — contact Bentley | One-time perpetual license purchase with yearly SELECT maintenance (annual support/subscription). SELECT includes 24/7/365 technical support, learning resources, license pooling, and options to exchange licenses. Price not listed on product pages — contact Bentley for a quote. cite |
| Enterprise / Global Licensing | Contact Bentley (custom pricing) | Enterprise/global licensing and success-plan services available for larger organizations; Bentley asks customers to contact sales for pricing and access. cite |
Seller details
Bentley Systems, Incorporated
Exton, Pennsylvania, USA
1984
Public
https://www.bentley.com/
https://x.com/bentleysystems
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bentley-systems/
