How to Model Multiple Pedestals/Loads on One Footing
August 31, 2012

How to Model Multiple Pedestals/Loads on One Footing

RISAFoundation includes a footing element which is represented by a single node. A frequent question that arises is how to apply multiple point loads to a single footing, but at different locations. This can be done with or without corresponding pedestals, but for the example below multiple...

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How to Model a Column within a Wall in RISA-3D
August 9, 2012

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

While RISA-3D does not currently have pilaster design, there are still plenty of situations where you would want to have a column embedded within a wall. The idea behind this is that the column handles the gravity loads for any beams which frame into it, while the wall handles lateral loads. No...

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How to Add a Deck to a RISAFloor Model
July 12, 2012

How to Add a Deck to a RISAFloor Model

RISAFloor has some default decks provided for you when you open the program in the Deck Definitions spreadsheet. You can use one of these decks or you can create your own by going to the bottom of the spreadsheet and press ENTER.

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How to Apply Hydrostatic Loads to Circular Tanks in RISA-3D
June 7, 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 loads to circular tanks using the Cylinder Generator. This generator can be found by clicking the Templates button and choosing the Cylinder - Plates/Members option.

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Why Don’t My Response Spectra Reactions Satisfy Statics?
April 3, 2012

Why Don’t My Response Spectra Reactions Satisfy Statics?

The applied loads in a response spectrum analysis (RSA) are the applied masses times the accelerations in the response spectra. Each mode of vibration produces its own set of joint reactions. The reactions for each mode obey statics as shown in the portal frame example shown below: Response...

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How Do I Resolve a P-Delta Instability?
February 23, 2012

How Do I Resolve a P-Delta Instability?

Investigating P-Delta instabilities in RISA-3D (or RISA-2D) can be difficult. The first step is usually to solve the model without the P-Delta effect included to see if there are any obvious deflection problems that could cause issues with a P-Delta analysis. But, what can be done when this doesn’t...

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