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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RISA-3D (11)

September 15, 2020

CD Factor for Wood Hold-Downs

If you have utilized Hold-Down's in RISA-3D, you have mostly likely...

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September 10, 2020

Understanding Node Reactions for Wall Panels

In the Node Reaction spreadsheet, all reactions from node-based boundary...

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August 27, 2020

VIDEO: Creating Custom Shapes in RISA-3D

Learn how to build custom steel and concrete shapes using RISASection and...

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August 18, 2020

Determining Masonry Wall Compression Block Depth Value "a"

When determining the Depth of Compression Block value of ‘a’ in a Masonry...

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August 12, 2020

WEBINAR: Basics of Dynamics Analysis in RISA-3D

Modeling and analyzing structures for dynamic conditions is essential to...

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July 21, 2020

Improving Mass Participation in RISA-3D

In structural engineering, a modal analysis uses the overall mass and...

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July 07, 2020

Expanded Results for Contour Plots

Color contours and gradients can be very helpful to visualize the...

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May 26, 2020

Support Frame Structures for Rotating Machinery in RISA-3D

RISA-3D can be used to model the effects of rotating machinery on their...

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May 19, 2020

Why is my force demand higher than what is reported in my force…

A question that we are asked from time to time in technical support is...

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