Risa Tips & Tricks: How to Use Our Structural Analysis Software

July 30, 2026

Need Help with RISA? Here Are Your Go-To Resources

RISA supports you at every stage of your design process, from the first click in the program to the final design. Whether you need a quick answer or in-depth guidance, we offer a wide range of resources to help you work efficiently and with confidence. The RISA Help Files Get answers on all the behind-the-scenes technical information including analysis methods, variable definitions, and design assumptions. The help file provides transparency into the program methodology to make sure RISA engineers can feel confident in the results. The help file is available for each program in the RISA suite for tailored information. It can be accessed at risa.com/help or press F1 within the program for even easier access. Tips & Tricks Blog Explore modeling tips, troubleshooting ideas, and engineering insights on the RISA blog. Our blog articles are designed as quick reads to help engineers find answers fast. Start reading at blog.risa.com. The Video Library See the workflow in real time with the RISA video library at risa.com/videos. From quick clips showing a specific concept to full on-demand webinars, these videos help you understand workflows and seamlessly navigate the interface. Learning Paths Start exploring RISA with on-demand interactive training through our learning…

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August 09, 2012

How to Model a Column within a Wall in RISA-3D

While RISA-3D does not currently have pilaster design, there are still...

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July 12, 2012

How to Add a Deck to a RISAFloor Model

RISAFloor has some default decks provided for you when you open the...

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June 07, 2012

How to Apply Hydrostatic Loads to Circular Tanks in RISA-3D

RISA-3D v10 now has the ability to quickly and easily apply hydrostatic...

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June 05, 2012

How to Account for Axial Loads in your RISAConnection Designs

With the new RISAConnection version 2.0, users now have the ability to...

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May 17, 2012

Detailed Look at Lintel Analysis for Concrete Walls in RISA

RISA-3D now has the ability to design concrete walls with openings for...

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April 03, 2012

Why Don’t My Response Spectra Reactions Satisfy Statics?

The applied loads in a response spectrum analysis (RSA) are the applied...

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March 01, 2012

How to Get a Code Check for Custom Cold Formed Steel Shapes

In order to get code calculations, RISA-3D and RISA-2D need to know what...

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February 23, 2012

How Do I Resolve a P-Delta Instability?

Investigating P-Delta instabilities in RISA-3D (or RISA-2D) can be...

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February 13, 2012

How to Apply a Rigid Diaphragm in RISA-3D

In RISA-3D, rigid diaphragms can be added using the Diaphragm spreadsheet....

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