In structural steel projects, the transition from design to fabrication is a common source of coordination challenges. One of the biggest pain points? Connection design. Whether it’s miscommunication on end reactions or unclear design intent, connection assumptions can break down in the gap between engineering and detailing.
By using RISA-3D and RISAConnection—and leveraging direct integrations with SDS2 and Tekla Structures—structural engineers can streamline the handoff to fabricators, reduce errors, and improve collaboration.
This post walks through how to support real-world coordination using these tools in practice.
Start by building your structural steel frame in RISA-3D. Define geometry, assign member sizes, apply loads, and analyze the model. Once you're satisfied with the analysis results, RISA-3D provides the connection forces—axial, shear, and moment reactions—for each member end.
Next, send selected members and their design forces to RISAConnection. This direct integration eliminates the need to manually transfer loads or recreate geometry.
Once in RISAConnection, you can:
Choose from a library of shear, moment, and braced connections
Model the full geometry, including bolt patterns, welds, and gusset plates
View pass/fail results for each limit state, with clear failure mode tracking
Export calculation reports for internal review or submittal
This is especially useful for engineers doing in-house connection design or firms aiming to reduce back-and-forth with detailers.
RISA-3D includes a direct link to SDS2, allowing engineers to export member geometry and end reactions directly to the detailing environment. This enables fabricators and detailers to begin connection detailing with real design forces—eliminating guesswork or rework.
This workflow supports:
Transfer of member sizes and end reactions
Consistent geometry for easier alignment between engineer and detailer
Clear communication of design intent from day one
Note: This integration is initiated from within RISA-3D—not RISAConnection—and ensures a more seamless connection between the analysis model and fabrication detailing.
The RISA-Tekla Link facilitates a bidirectional workflow between RISA-3D, RISAConnection, and Tekla Structures. This is especially beneficial for teams working in BIM environments or design-build settings.
Capabilities include:
Pushing steel frame geometry and design parameters from RISA-3D into Tekla
Transferring connection models and limit state results from RISAConnection
Reducing manual data entry between design and detailing models
RISAConnection generates calculation reports, 2D/3D connection views, and transparent limit state summaries. These can be shared with fabricators, internal teams, or AHJs to support:
Connection submittal and approval
RFIs related to connection loads or geometry
Final detailing aligned with structural intent
When paired with SDS2 or Tekla workflows, the result is fewer coordination issues and a more streamlined path from design to detailing.
Steel connection design doesn’t need to be a black box—or a back-and-forth guessing game. With the right tools and integrations, structural engineers can deliver connection-ready data and models that fabricators trust and build from.
By combining:
RISA-3D for modeling and analysis
RISAConnection for detailed, code-checked connection design
SDS2 or Tekla for fabrication and coordination
...you create a workflow that supports accuracy, efficiency, and true design-to-fabrication continuity.