May 1, 2020

Video: Cold-Formed Steel Member Design in RISACalc

Learn how to load and design individual beam and column cold-formed steel members in RISACalc.

Tags: New, CFS, Cold Formed Steel, RISACalc

March 30, 2020 | RISA-3D, New, Steel

How Can I Optimize My Members in RISA-3D?

In RISA-3D when drawing members you must start with initial sizes. After loading and load combinations are completed the model is solved and then member design must be done, making sure that members pass for both strength and serviceability considerations. For both strength and serviceability considerations, RISA-3D has the ability to provide Suggested Design results to help optimize member design. To access the suggested design, first make sure that results are available and then click on the Suggested Design button found on the Results tab. These suggested shapes are either based on Section Sets if used, or on individual members. For Section Sets the program will find the worst case member code check within each Section Set. Based on that member the program will provide a suggestion of a shape that will work that is either bigger or smaller depending on whether the code check is failing or passing by a large margin. For individual members, the suggestion is made based just on that member. If a member or Section Set does not show up in the list that tells you that either the current section is optimal or a section cannot be found to meet strength criteria. If you…

March 10, 2021 | New Release, New, Composite Steel, RISACalc

Composite Steel Beam Design in RISACalc

Composite steel beam design is now available in RISACalc per the AISC and CSA steel design manuals with the following supported steel codes: American Codes: AISC 15th (360-16): ASD & LRFD AISC 14th (360-10): ASD & LRFD AISC 13th (360-05): ASD & LRFD AISC 9th: ASD AISC 3rd: LRFD AISC 2nd: LRFD Canadian Codes: CSA S16-14 CSA S16-09 CSA S16-05 CSA S16-01 Within the RISACalc interface, you can easily set up all the parameters necessary to perform composite steel beam design, including member size, camber criteria, steel deck information, headed stud and information about the adjacent framing. Each of the parameters can also be viewed graphically, providing instant feedback of the complete design criteria. Defining Composite Beam Properties To begin defining the properties, users can quickly choose the required beam shape from the drop down menu or can easily type in the size of the member under consideration. In the case of camber, RISACalc allows for optimization or explicit definition in the case where an existing member needs to be evaluated. Additionally, metal deck profiles from the Verco or Vulcraft catalogs are specified along with the deck angle and concrete properties. Users can also uncheck the metal deck option if…

February 15, 2022 | RISAFloor, New, Steel

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…