November 21, 2022

Model & Analyze Post-Tensioned Elements in Ramps

ADAPT-Builder provides the user with the ability to add post-tensioning to ramps modeled within the program. Users can add tendons in ramp slabs as well as add tendons in beams supporting the ramp. The tendons and effects of the tendons on the structure will be included in the analysis of the model. To learn more about this feature, watch the video below:

Additional information about the modeling and analysis of post-tensioned tendons in ramps can be found by reviewing the ADAPT-Builder Online Help file:

Tags: Tendons, ADAPT-Builder, ADAPT, New, Ramps, Popular

March 25, 2025 | New, Structural Engineering

Wood vs. Steel: Making the Right Choice for Your Building

Choosing between wood and steel for your next project isn’t just a material decision—it’s a balancing act of strength, cost, sustainability, and performance. As structural engineers, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with the right tools (like RISA), you can model, compare, and optimize your designs with confidence. So, let’s break it down: wood vs. steel—how do they stack up? Strength & Performance: The Heavy Hitters Both materials are powerhouses in their own right, but their strengths shine in different scenarios: Wood – Lightweight yet incredibly strong, wood is the go-to for low- to mid-rise buildings. Mass timber products like CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) push the limits even further, allowing for taller structures while offering fire resistance and sustainability. Steel – Need long spans, high loads, or extreme durability? Steel is your best friend. Its superior strength and ductility make it the material of choice for high-rises and structures in seismic or high-wind zones. 📊 How RISA Helps: Whether it’s checking lateral loads in a steel frame with RISA-3D or optimizing wood shear walls in RISAFloor, you can analyze every aspect of your structure before the first beam is placed. Cost & Sustainability: Budget vs. Carbon Footprint Wood – Generally…

March 10, 2015 | RISA-3D, Walls, New

The Internal Force Summation Tool for Walls

You may be familiar with the Internal Force Summation Tool (IFST) that is currently present in RISA-3D. However, a new tool has been added which allows you to click point to point within a wall and will only sum forces between these two points. Previously when using the IFST, forces were summed across all elements within the plane of a cut. The previous IFST is still available, but the new IFST Wall tool is located on the left side of the screen as well. A few rules to keep in mind when using this tool: A batch solution or single load combination must be run. The wall or walls in question need to be selected in the model view. The IFST Wall can be used along multiple walls. However the walls must be in the same plane. Let’s take a look at an example using the IFST Wall. Below is a model where we are interested in the forces within a section of the wall: 1. Run a single load combination solution of the model. 2. For ease of viewing the wall panel, we will only select that element in the model. This is not necessary though unlike with the…

November 2, 2016 | Seismic, RISA-3D, New, Loading

Basic Code Terms for Seismic Behavior and Why We Use Them

Seismic Forces are generated automatically using seismic parameters R, SD1, and SDS in the Seismic Load Generator when using the Director to go from RISAFloor to RISA-3D or when inserting Seismic Loads on a rigid diaphragm in RISA-3D. Additionally, Seismic Load Combinations can be generated using the seismic parameters ρ, Ωo, and SDS and applied to the structure. These seismic parameters are used to approximate the inelastic response of the structure subjected to seismic design lateral forces. Figure 1 shows a simplified example of what some of the seismic parameters represent when looking at force versus drift for a lateral system. In RISA-3D, the seismic load generator is accessed by selecting the Advanced tab and then clicking on Seismic. When the load generator opens and the loads are calculated the dialogue looks like the image below. R is the Response Modification Factor as defined in Table 12.2-1 of ASCE 7-16. It provides a reduction for the design seismic force based on the ductility of the system. The program offers a single user-input R value in each Global direction. R is used in the calculation of the Seismic Response Coefficient, Cs, which determines the Seismic Base Shear, V, and these values…