
February 3, 2018
What is the Difference Between Fixed and Reactions on Boundary…
In RISA-3D, you can define a boundary condition as Fixed (reaction will be calculated) or Fixed, (reaction will NOT be calculated).
When modeling plate elements alongside member elements in RISA, users may notice that member forces—such as bending moments or axial loads—are lower than expected. This behavior is often the result of how loads are shared between plates and members based on their relative stiffness. If the distribution of forces doesn't align with your design expectations, it may be due to unintended interaction between these elements. Accurately capturing structural behavior requires not only the right modeling approach, but also a clear understanding of how plates and members interact within the analysis. In this article, we’ll explore common scenarios where this issue can arise, explain why it happens, and provide practical tips and workarounds to ensure your results match your design intent. Why Model Plate Elements in the First Place? Before diving into the interaction between elements, it’s worth asking: Do I need to model plate elements at all? In many cases, member design and stability can be accurately represented using simplified area or line loads—and plates might not be necessary. However, there are valid reasons to model plates, including: The model is unstable and needs plate elements for diaphragm action. Plates are part of the lateral load path. You want a…
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In RISA-3D, you can define a boundary condition as Fixed (reaction will be calculated) or Fixed, (reaction will NOT be calculated).
Column boundary conditions are set in RISAFloor per the Splice Type that you have set in the Columns spreadsheet. For any column at the lowest floor level, the Splice checkbox will automatically be checked, indicating that a boundary condition will be set at the base. You may set the boundary...
In RISA-3D, there are numerous options for Member End Releases which should not be confused with Boundary Conditions.
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