January 2, 2014

Designing Built-Up Sections using RISA-3D

Use RISASection to find the properties of built-up steel sections, then model beams using the same section properties in RISA-3D and get full code-checks using AISC 360. This webinar will teach you how to use RISASection quickly and easily to determine complex section properties.

Tags: RISA-3D, New, RISASection

September 27, 2018 | RISA-3D, New, Analysis

Using Analysis Offsets in RISA-3D

Have you ever wondered what the Analysis Offset feature does? Let’s take a look at how this feature can be used to model members at top of steel. The analysis offset feature allows a member to be offset from its centerline for analysis. When it is enabled the member is actually shifted to the offset location for analysis. In order to provide connectivity the program places hidden rigid links to connect the member to the nodes that define the member’s I/J Joints. Joints which fall along a physical member are also automatically connected to the member’s actual analysis location via hidden rigid links. You can access the analysis offset by clicking on the member or through the Advanced tab of the Members spreadsheet. When the analysis offset dialogue is opened, the software will present the user with options for offsetting the member from its original centerline. The most common option for analysis offset is Local -y axis, which equates to setting the analysis line at top of member. Using this setting for the beam in a simple frame system allows for a more realistic representation of the structure (which can be seen graphically when the rendered view is enabled). It…

August 17, 2016 | RISA-3D, New, Warping, Torsion

How Does RISA-3D Account for Torsional Warping?

Twisting of a member or frame induces torsional forces and stresses. This is included in the RISA-3D analysis as long as you have the Torsional Warping checkbox selected on the Solution tab of (Global) Model Settings. The primary reference used in the development of RISA-3D’s torsional calculations was the AISC Design Guide #9, Torsional Analysis of Structural Steel Members. It is important to remember that RISA-3D models warping members using CASE 2 only. As shown in the Torsion reference, CASE 2 represents the torsionally fixed and warping fixed end conditions for the member. Thus, a member would be then subjected to an equal and opposite point torque at the end of the member. Note: RISA’s calculation of torsion stresses is good for capturing the torsion due to racking of the structure, not point or line torques on an individual member. That type of check is not supported. Stress Results RISA-3D calculates and lists the torsional stresses for the members of the structure, including the warping stresses. These are reported in the Member Torsion spreadsheet. For warping shapes (I’s and C’s), three separate stresses are calculated: pure torsion shear, warping shear and warping normal (bending) stresses. Code Check Results These torsional…

December 14, 2011 | RISA-3D, New, RISASection

How to Import a RISASection Shape into RISA-3D

RISASection 2.0 includes the ability to assign your section as one of the predefined hot rolled steel Shape Types (Wide Flange, Channel, Tube, etc.). This means that when the shape is imported into RISA-3D, you will now be able to get design results and code checks for the member. First, make sure that you assign the appropriate shape type in the Section Information dialog in RISASection. Save the RISASection file. Where does your RISASection file need to be saved? Open RISA-3D. Launch the RISA-3D application on your computer. Access Application Settings. Go to the menu bar and click on File, then select Application Settings. Locate the File Locations Tab. In the Application Settings window, navigate to the File Locations tab. Find the RISASection Files Line. Look for the line labeled RISASection Files. This is the location where RISA-3D will search for any RISASection files to import. Move or Adjust the File Location. Option 1: Move your RISASection files to this location so that RISA-3D can find them. Option 2: Change the File Location to where your RISASection files are currently saved. Save and Close. Once you've made the necessary adjustments, click OK to save your settings and close the window…