February 15, 2022

Design of WT and LL members in RISAFloor

RISAFloor Version 16 provides engineers the ability to analyze and design hot rolled steel WT and LL shapes. This functionality was previously implemented in RISA-3D and will allow users greater flexibility when designing their steel structures. Additionally, WT and LL shapes can be specified and modeled as column or beam elements in RISAFloor. Finally, WT and LL shapes are generally popular in uses such as truss chords, braces, perimeter beams to support façade systems in structures and as drag struts or collectors in diaphragm edges.

Currently, the design of hot rolled steel WT and LL shapes are available for the following design codes:

AISC 360-16 (15th Edition): ASD & LRFD
AISC 360-10 (14th Edition): ASD & LRFD

When the design of these elements is complete, users can review results in both Design and Code Check spreadsheets as well as in the detailed reports.

For more information about WT and LL shapes and their use in RISAFloor, visit the Hot Rolled Steel section of the RISAFloor Online Help.

Tags: RISAFloor, New, Steel

October 10, 2017 | RISA-3D, New, Steel

Stainless Steel Design per US Codes now Available

Stainless Steel provisions are now available in RISA-3D v16 according to the AISC Design Guide 27 - Structural Stainless Steel. Stainless steel shape properties and member design are based on the recommendations in the AISC Design Guide 27 Structural Stainless Steel. The procedure outlined in the design guide follows the 2010 AISC Specification and 14th Edition Steel Manual. In the Model Settings on the Codes tab there is an option for Stainless Steel code for either AISC 14th (360-10) ASD or LRFD. Stainless steel shapes are similar to the shapes in the AISC database for all shapes. Thus, RISA currently supports only the AISC steel database for the shape selection of stainless steel members. The Stainless Steel Design Parameters Spreadsheet records the design parameters for the stainless steel code checks and may be accessed by selecting Members on the Data Entry Toolbar and then selecting the Stainless tab. These parameters are defined for each individual member and may also be assigned graphically. The design for stainless steel follows the design for hot-rolled steel design with a few exceptions which are outlined in the design guide. The Design Results are on the Stainless Steel tab in the Design Results spreadsheet. The…

February 15, 2022 | RISAFloor, New, Hanger Columns

Hanger Columns now available in RISAFloor

With the release of RISAFloor Version 16, users can now model, analyze and design hanger columns. This type of construction has been widely requested by customers and will allow customers to accurately model hanging mezzanine levels in building structures. What are Hanger Columns? Unlike tradition columns, hanger columns resist load primarily in tension due to the fact that they are not supported at their base. This type of construction is widely used in multi-story commercial and residential buildings because it allows for the column layout on individual floors to be modified where larger, open spaces are required by the building’s program. When utilized to support mezzanine floors, the floor loads are distributed up the column to the floor above. Creating a Hanging Mezzanine Floor in RISAFloor Create beam supported floor at elevation above desired mezzanine. This will allow for the mezzanine to be added and "hung" from existing structure. Create "Mezzanine" floor level by navigating to Insert > Floor and choosing the desired floor elevation. Open the "Draw or Modify Columns" tool located on the Graphical Editing Toolbar and select Hanger Columns. If more than two levels exist, select the bottom and top levels as required. Model columns at desired…

October 30, 2020 | RISAFloor, New, Cold Formed Steel

Design of Back-to-Back CFS profiles now in RISAFloor

In many cases, cold-formed steel channels are built-up as back-to-back profiles in order to add strength and stability. Previously, these sections (along with face-to-face profiles) could be specified in RISAFloor, but unlike in RISA-3D could not be designed. RISAFloor v15 now includes the ability to specify, analyze and design both back-to-back (B2B) and face-to-face (F2F) cold-formed profiles made from CU or CS shapes as shown below. Once the back-to-back profiles are added to a RISAFloor model, they can be shown as rendered in order to verify they have been added properly. With the shapes added, RISAFloor can now complete a variety of code checks that are executed for back-to-back sections per the AISI. One thing to note is the required definition of the value of “a” which signifies the spacing of the connections between the back-to-back members. This value is utilized to properly calculate the slenderness (KL/r) of the member and is required to receive a code check for any back-to-back cold-formed member. This additional spacing input is listed in Beams or Columns spreadsheet: Beams: Columns: The Detail Report for back-to-back members shows all the controlling section properties, unbraced lengths, slenderness and connection spacing for the gravity design of the…