February 15, 2022

Easily view specific data using Viewer Mode in RISA-3D

RISA-3D is a robust tool for the analysis and design of a variety of different structures. Whether users are creating simple or incredibly complex models, the need to be able to easily review precise results and create corresponding screenshots is paramount. As a result, RISA-3D Version 20 now includes Viewer Mode which allows users to quickly show element information only for selected elements. Additionally, both input and result spreadsheets are also automatically filtered based on which elements are selected.

What is Viewer Mode?

When Viewer mode is enabled, only the elements that are displayed or selected will graphically display information. This applies to element labels, code checks, force diagrams or any other information that is displayed on the elements. By default, spreadsheets will also automatically filter to reflect the elements that are currently selected in the 3D view.

Enabling & Using Viewer Mode

Viewer Mode can be activated by clicking on the "eye" icon found in the 3D View's "Selection Toolbar".

When this icon is green this means Viewer mode is enabled. Additionally you will see a green border around the 3D View when Viewer mode is enabled.

With Viewer Mode active you can simply single click an element to select or unselect it. Results and labels will only be displayed for the selected elements and unselected elements will appear as a grey line. This way the focus is on the selected elements but you still have the rest of your structure for reference.

The single click selection allows you to quickly add or remove elements that you want to be apart of the display.

Use Cases

There are various use cases or practical applications for enabling viewer mode when RISA-3D, including:

To highlight the forces on the members that you are focusing on.
To focus on the code checks of the members that are most important to you at the moment

Tags: RISA-3D, New, UI, Interface, View

October 30, 2020 | RISA-3D, Results, New, v19

Improvements to Solid Elements in RISA-3D

A number of improvements have been made to solid elements in RISA-3D v19 allowing users enhanced flexibility in viewing input data as well as evaluating results associated with solid elements. Solid Primary Data Spreadsheet Once solid elements have been drawn, you now have the option to view their properties in the Solids spreadsheet. From within the spreadsheet, the material type and the activation of solids may be modified. Internal Force Summation Tool The Internal Force Summation Tool (IFST) is now available to be used on solid elements. Similar to plates, you will select the IFST from the ‘Selection Toolbar’ on the left side of the 3D window. To define the cutting plane, select two nodes. This will define the start and end of the cutting plane as well as lock the cutting plane to that exact location. The Internal Force Summation Tool uses a new axis so it's important to view your model in the Plan or Elevation View to get accurate results. Clicking a third time will initiate the Internal Force Summation results dialog. The axes shown in the dialog correspond to the direction in which the cutting plan was selected with the "1" direction running along the line…

November 4, 2022 | RISA-3D, Results, Diaphragms, New, Wood, Selection, Popular

New Features in RISA-3D v20.0.4 now Available!

We are pleased to announce our latest RISA-3D release. Our teams have been working hard to add the features and functionality that our customers have requested as well fix some of the issues that have been reported. New features in this release include: Detail Report for Flexible Wood Diaphragm Region Design With multi-story wood buildings becoming more popular, the use of RISAFloor to design these structures is becoming more common. As a result, the design and detailing of the wood diaphragm is crucial to the overall completion of the design. RISA-3D now includes a robust detailed report for the design of a flexible wood diaphragm. Within the detailed report, the Diaphragm Detail Report Key Plan can be found, from which a user can then select a specific diaphragm region. The Diaphragm Region detail report gives detailed information about the diaphragm design and is split into four main sections: Input, Envelope Diagrams, Design Summary and Chord Force Summary. Element Hover for displaying input/output information Users can now hover over elements within the graphical interface to see specific input and output data for the element. The information available can be toggled on/off within the Application Settings. Find/select functionality in the Warning Log…

August 27, 2014 | RISA-3D, New, Analysis

What is a Rigid Link in RISA-3D?

A rigid link is a member element in RISA-3D that can be used for many advanced modeling procedures. It is so useful that it is included as one of the default member Section Sets, as you’ll see below. On the General tab of the Section Sets spreadsheet there is a default “RIGID” Section Set that uses the “RIGID” material. You can see the cross-sectional properties make the section very rigid. You can also open the General tab of the Materials spreadsheet to see the material properties assigned to the “RIGID” material. It has very stiff material properties with zero density so that it does not create any erroneous additional self-weight. As you can see from the properties above, a dummy member is a very stiff member which can be used to help transfer forces from one point to another. This can be useful for a number of advanced modeling techniques in RISA-3D, such as offsetting elements or modeling composite behavior. A great example of how to use Rigid Links is Offset Connections. Another use for these rigid link members is in RISA-3D rigid diaphragms…