March 20, 2013
Plate Contours Compared to Spreadsheet Values
After solution in RISA-3D, you can use Results View Settings to view the Plate Contours graphically on your model.
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...
March 1, 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 type of shape would be most similar to yours. This is because the program needs to use the correct code equations for your shape type.
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...
November 19, 2011
RISA-2D Educational Version
Students and Professors can utilize a special version of RISA-2D which is aimed at teaching and understanding the basics of structural analysis. While this version has a limited number of features, it will prove to be a useful tool in expanding the students structural engineering knowledge.
August 18, 2011
Using Projected Loads in RISA-3D
RISA-3D, RISA-2D and RISAFloor have the capability to project distributed and area loads onto members. Consider the case of snow load on two buildings: one with a flat roof and one with a sloped roof. Ignoring the concept of shedding, if both buildings have the same footprint then they should both...
June 16, 2011
How to Model a Hole in a Plate
While RISA-3D (or RISA-2D) does not have an explicit tool to punch a hole in a plate, you can use the following steps to manually model them:
March 31, 2011
How RISA-3D Handles Single Angles
The bending and axial code checks for single angles differ somewhat from other shape types, because single angles behave quite differently in bending and compression depending on how they are braced along their length.
March 9, 2011
How Do I Investigate My RISA-3D Model Using the Deflected Shape?
When your RISA-3D model is not behaving as you anticipated, one of the best tools you have is viewing the deflected shape. Displaying the deflection graphically will help you visualize how the model is behaving and will often times bring to light modeling errors.