
September 20, 2010
Use RISA to Consider Bi-Directional (Quartering) Wind Loading
RISA-3D automatically considers the complex wind combinations required by ASCE 7 using the wind load generator and the load combination generator.
We often get asked: “Should I model my foundation as a slab or a spread footing in RISAFoundation?” While both are valid options, they use very different analysis methods, and the results can vary accordingly. In this article, we’ll walk through a side-by-side comparison, using the same modeled conditions to highlight how the results differ — and why. Model Setup To keep things consistent, we modeled a single condition in two ways: once with a spread footing and once with a mat slab. Mat Dimensions: 10' x 10' x 1' Pedestal: 1' x 1' x 2' Loads Applied: 40 k vertical dead load 10 k lateral dead load 15 k lateral wind load 14.79 k concrete self-weight Soil Overburden: Set to 0 for both elements Slab Mesh Size: Refined below default for more detailed results Load Combinations: A basic set used for clarity (see screenshots in RISAFoundation) Analysis Methodology Feature Spread Footing Slab Element Analysis Type Rigid body Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Support Model Single support point Compression-only springs (based on subgrade modulus) Mesh Behavior No submesh Submeshed into smaller plate elements Lever Arm for Lateral Loads Spread Footings: Full pedestal height + full footing thickness Slabs: Full pedestal height…
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RISA-3D automatically considers the complex wind combinations required by ASCE 7 using the wind load generator and the load combination generator.
When you model your building in RISAFloor, make sure that you define your slab edge as flexible. That will ensure that the entire contents of the diaphragm will use flexible behavior.
When dealing with a sloping site, it is often necessary to step-down the bases of columns and walls along the length of a building. The example below illustrates how to model this in RISAFloor.
RISAFloor is capable of automatically generating the wind loads on sloped roofs. Let’s look at an example of this with the model below:
The Dyn Load represents the additional load that must be included in the calculation of the total seismic weight.
RISAFloor has the capability to design wood I-Joists based on tables provided by the manufacturer, or provided by you. When modeling beams in RISAFloor, choose the Wood Product material, and choose a joist manufacturer from the shape group.
RISAFoundation now has the ability to automatically generate a circular slab with just a few easy clicks. Using the generator the program will create the mat slab and tank loading all in one easy step. Go to the Insert menu and select "Circular Foundation".
In standalone RISA-3D models (those not integrated from RISAFloor), Semi-Rigid diaphragms cannot be directly defined. Only the Rigid diaphragm type is available by default. To create a semi-rigid diaphragm in a standalone RISA-3D model, users must define plate elements manually. If you’re dealing...
In order to understand the interaction between plates and members it is important that you know the basics of Physical Members and Plate Connectivity. Remember that plates only connect to other elements at their corners, and you will instantly recognize why the model below will not work as intended.
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