July 15, 2025

RISAConnection in Practice

Steel buildings are rarely simple—and the connections that tie them together often present some of the biggest design and coordination challenges. For engineers in the field, tools like RISAConnection aren’t just software—they’re essential to streamlining design, verifying code compliance, and communicating intent clearly to fabricators and EORs. In this post, we’ll look at how engineers actually use RISAConnection in practice—from model integration to managing complex moment frames—and how it fits into modern structural workflows. Starting with the Model: Integrating RISA-3D to RISAConnection On a recent mid-rise office project in the Midwest, the structural engineer used RISA-3D to analyze the gravity and lateral system. Once the analysis was complete, they exported the full 3D model—including geometry and member forces—into RISAConnection. This integration eliminated the need to manually recreate connections in spreadsheets or detail by hand. With member orientation, forces, and geometry already in place, the engineer could immediately start assigning connection types and reviewing code checks. 📺 See how model integration works: Integrating Your 3D Model into RISAConnection Tackling Complex Moment Frames In seismic or wind-controlled regions, moment frames often drive the design—and require careful detailing to meet AISC provisions. On a light manufacturing facility in California, the engineer used RISAConnection…

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