January 23, 2026

A Day in the Life of a RISA-3D User

What does a typical day look like for an engineer using RISA-3D? From initial model setup to final analysis, RISA-3D simplifies complex structural design tasks, saving time and enhancing accuracy. This narrative follows an engineer tackling a mid-sized steel-framed warehouse project, showcasing how RISA-3D’s powerful features streamline every step of the process. 7:30 AM: Morning Coffee and Project Kickoff As the day begins, the first task is reviewing the new project’s scope. It’s a mid-sized steel-framed warehouse, and the architectural plans have just landed in the inbox. Armed with a fresh cup of coffee, the engineer opens RISA-3D, ready to create the initial model. One of RISA’s standout features becomes apparent immediately: its user-friendly interface. The engineer sets up grids and assigns materials in just minutes, appreciating the intuitive workflow that keeps everything organized from the start. 9:00 AM: Importing and Integration With the structural grid in place, it’s time to integrate the Revit model provided by the architects. The seamless RISA-Revit Link ensures a smooth import, saving hours of manual data entry. Columns, beams, and even structure geometry are automatically transferred, leaving the engineer free to focus on refinement. A quick visual review confirms that everything matches the architectural…

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September 13, 2012

How Can I Use a Wall for Shear Only (no Bearing) in RISA-3D?

Let’s consider the example of the frame shown below. Suppose there is a...

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August 31, 2012

How to Model Multiple Pedestals/Loads on One Footing

RISAFoundation includes a footing element which is represented by a single...

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August 09, 2012

How to Model a Column within a Wall in RISA-3D

While RISA-3D does not currently have pilaster design, there are still...

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July 12, 2012

How to Add a Deck to a RISAFloor Model

RISAFloor has some default decks provided for you when you open the...

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June 07, 2012

How to Apply Hydrostatic Loads to Circular Tanks in RISA-3D

RISA-3D v10 now has the ability to quickly and easily apply hydrostatic...

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June 05, 2012

How to Account for Axial Loads in your RISAConnection Designs

With the new RISAConnection version 2.0, users now have the ability to...

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May 17, 2012

Detailed Look at Lintel Analysis for Concrete Walls in RISA

RISA-3D now has the ability to design concrete walls with openings for...

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April 03, 2012

Why Don’t My Response Spectra Reactions Satisfy Statics?

The applied loads in a response spectrum analysis (RSA) are the applied...

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March 01, 2012

How to Get a Code Check for Custom Cold Formed Steel Shapes

In order to get code calculations, RISA-3D and RISA-2D need to know what...

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