RISA | Tips & Tricks (64)

February 18, 2025

Ready to Reconnect? How to Make the Most of Returning to RISA

Whether you’re coming back to RISA after a short break or revisiting it after years away, we’re here to make your return seamless and rewarding. From updated features to enhanced training resources, RISA is more equipped than ever to support your structural engineering needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you re-engage with RISA and maximize your experience. 1. Assess Your Needs Before diving back in, take a moment to consider your current project requirements. Are you focusing on steel design, concrete analysis, or something else? Knowing your priorities will help you identify the RISA products and features that align with your goals. Quick Tip: New to RISA? Check out our products with an engineer to see which tools best match your project scope. 2. Explore What’s New RISA software evolves continuously to meet industry demands. If it’s been a while, you might be amazed by the new features and integrations we’ve introduced. For example: Enhanced RISA-3D and RISAFloor integration for seamless lateral and gravity design workflows. New templates and tools for complex systems like semi-rigid diaphragms. Improved interoperability with Revit and other BIM software. Next Step: Visit our New Features page to catch up on the latest updates. 3…

February 1, 2011

What is a “Default Deck” in RISAFloor?

To understand decks it is important to know what a deck is. In typical buildings, most of each floor will consist of only one type of deck.

January 18, 2011

How to Model Tension-Only Bracing in RISA-3D

Before reading this, be sure to check out the article linked below on X-Bracing. In RISA-3D, you can set a member to be tension-only by selecting it and selecting Tension Only or Euler Buckling from the Additional Properties section of the Member Properties.

January 6, 2011

How to Model X-Bracing in RISA-3D

There are several tips to modeling X-Bracing within RISA-3D that can help the model solve faster and give you better results.

December 29, 2010

What is P-Delta Analysis?

When a model is loaded, it deflects. The deflections in the members of the model may induce secondary moments due to the fact that the ends of the member may no longer be vertical in the deflected position. These secondary effects for members can be accurately approximated through the use of...

December 21, 2010

How Can I Account For Continuous Tie Rods in RISA-3D Wood Walls?

Continuous tiedown systems are used to help resist overturning forces generated by lateral loads, and can be estimated in RISA-3D using the hold-down database and the strap forces.

December 16, 2010

How Should I Model Boundary Conditions for a Truss in RISA-3D?

When it comes to trusses in RISA-3D, boundary condition definitions (pin vs. roller) can make a huge difference. Let’s take an example of a typical roof truss. Note that a pin-pin boundary condition has been applied to the ends.

December 13, 2010

Rebar Design using the Internal Force Summation Tool in RISA-3D

When you have a plate model for a slab or wall in RISA-3D, the Internal Force Summation Tool (IFST) is a very useful analysis tool to get exactly the forces that you want to design for. To use the tool, you must:

November 29, 2010

How to Check Frame Story Shears in RISA-3D

When using rigid diaphragm analysis in RISA-3D it can be useful to evaluate the story shear in each frame. This is a perfect application for the Internal Force Summation Tool. The first step is to solve the desired load combination.

October 26, 2010

How to Use Spreadsheets More Effectively in RISA

RISA includes various advanced spreadsheet operations that make reviewing input and results easy.

Tips & Tricks