Tips & Tricks
July 22, 2025
Designing Light-Framed Structures: Tips for Wood & CFS
Light-framed construction has become increasingly prevalent in mid-rise and modular development, driven by its cost-efficiency, speed of construction, and adaptability. But with flexibility comes complexity. Engineers designing with wood and cold-formed steel (CFS) must navigate a unique set of challenges: diaphragm behavior, segmented shear walls, buckling sensitivity, and code-specific checks that differ from traditional hot-rolled steel or reinforced concrete structures. This article explores practical modeling and design approaches for light-framed buildings, focusing on how structural engineers can balance constructability, analysis clarity, and compliance with governing codes. Diaphragm Behavior: Not Always Rigid In light-framed buildings, flexible diaphragms are often assumed due to the nature of wood sheathing or light-gauge decking. However, as buildings increase in size and irregularity, this assumption deserves scrutiny. Flexible diaphragm assumptions work well in rectangular buildings with regular framing, but irregular load paths or large openings may require semi-rigid modeling to capture torsional behavior. Engineers should consider the influence of diaphragm stiffness when assigning lateral forces, especially in hybrid systems where part of the structure may be stiffer or tied into concrete cores. In projects where semi-rigid diaphragm analysis was warranted, integrating tools like finite element meshing helped visualize how in-plane stiffness impacted overall response—particularly in designs…
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February 25, 2025
A Day in the Life of an Industrial Structural Engineer
If you've ever wondered what it’s like to be an industrial structural engineer, let me paint you a picture: Imagine juggling a dozen problems at once—steel frames, conveyor supports, pipe racks, tank foundations—all while trying to decipher a set of drawings that look like they were faxed from...

February 18, 2025
Ready to Reconnect? How to Make the Most of Returning to RISA
Whether you’re coming back to RISA after a short break or revisiting it after years away, we’re here to make your return seamless and rewarding. From updated features to enhanced training resources, RISA is more equipped than ever to support your structural engineering needs. Here’s a step-by-step...

February 5, 2025
Lifelong Learning in Structural Engineering: Why it Matters?
On January 24th, we celebrate the International Day of Education, a reminder of the transformative power of learning. For structural engineers, education doesn’t stop at graduation. It’s a lifelong journey that ensures we stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. Let’s explore why ongoing learning,...

February 4, 2025
Making the Switch: Your Guide from RAM Concept to ADAPT-Builder
Transitioning from one structural engineering software to another can seem daunting, but with careful planning and the right resources, the process can be both efficient and rewarding. If your firm is considering moving from RAM Concept to ADAPT-Builder for concrete structure design and analysis,...

January 29, 2025
A Day in the Life of a RISA-3D User
What does a typical day look like for an engineer using RISA-3D? From initial model setup to final analysis, RISA-3D simplifies complex structural design tasks, saving time and enhancing accuracy. This narrative follows an engineer tackling a mid-sized steel-framed warehouse project, showcasing how...

December 23, 2024
How To: Maximizing Productivity During Winter Slowdowns
The winter months bring a unique set of challenges to structural engineering: projects slow down, site conditions become less predictable, and downtime can be harder to avoid. However, this season also brings opportunities to work smarter, streamline workflows, and plan ahead for a productive year....

December 17, 2024
Automating Foundation Design with RISAFoundation
Why RISAFoundation is Essential for Today’s Engineers? Incorporating RISAFoundation into your foundation design process is more than just a time-saver—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing the accuracy and quality of engineering deliverables. By automating the most tedious and error-prone aspects of...

December 10, 2024
Integrating RISA with Other Structural Engineering Tools
RISA software is designed to integrate smoothly with essential tools like AutoCAD, Revit, ADAPT, SDS2, Tekla, Archicad, and Excel, making it easier for structural engineers to work efficiently and reduce project costs. By minimizing redundant data entry, improving accuracy, and enhancing...
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