November 2, 2018

Masonry Lintel Analysis using FEA

In RISA-3D, the current method of design for masonry lintels is Simply Supported where the masonry lintels are idealized into a simply supported pin-pin beam configuration. Now, masonry lintels can instead be analyzed using finite element analysis. With this method, the lintel will be fully integrated as part of the wall.

In the Wall Design Rules spreadsheet, choose the FEA analysis method for the masonry lintel.

With the FEA analysis method, the forces that are experienced by the lintel are based on finite element analysis rather than a simply supported beam condition. The shear and moment diagrams can be seen in the Opening section of the Wall Detail Report.

Note: Reinforcement for the masonry lintel is only provided for the Simply Supported analysis method.

Tags: RISA-3D, New, Analysis, Masonry

May 19, 2020 | RISA-3D, New, Reporting, Detailed Reports

Why is my force demand higher than what is reported in my force…

A question that we are asked from time to time in technical support is “why is my required force higher than what is reported in my force diagrams”. For instance, in the detail report below we can see that the maximum moment about the member’s weak axis is 28.9 k-ft. However, the required weak axis moment is reported as 31.8 k-ft. The reason there is a discrepancy between these two values is that the force diagram is solely reporting the moment about the weak axis whereas the required force is also including contribution from the torsional warping stresses. The required shear force shows a similar difference in that torsion is also included. If you are using RISA-3D v18 and newer, you are able to access the new detailed reports which include the full limit state calculation that was used to determine the required forces. In this example, click on the “Applied Loading - Bending/Axial” or “Applied Loading - Shear” section for a breakdown of these calculations. After expanding the “Applied Loading - Bending/Axial” section it becomes clear that required flexural strength is derived from both the weak axis bending stress and the local warping bending stress. For more information on…

March 3, 2021 | RISAFloor, New

Video: Using a DXF Underlay to Create Geometry in RISAFloor

Oftentimes the architecture of a building does not follow a simple rectangular nor radial grid. A quick and easy way to handle these scenarios within RISAFloor is to import the building geometry or grid system as a DXF underlay…

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…