
December 20, 2018
How to Create and Apply A Custom Rebar Layout
Applying a Custom Rebar Layout in RISA-3D: To begin creating a custom rebar layout, simply click the Custom Rebar Layout button located in the Advanced tab of the ribbon toolbar.
Light-framed construction has become increasingly prevalent in mid-rise and modular development, driven by its cost-efficiency, speed of construction, and adaptability. But with flexibility comes complexity. Engineers designing with wood and cold-formed steel (CFS) must navigate a unique set of challenges: diaphragm behavior, segmented shear walls, buckling sensitivity, and code-specific checks that differ from traditional hot-rolled steel or reinforced concrete structures. This article explores practical modeling and design approaches for light-framed buildings, focusing on how structural engineers can balance constructability, analysis clarity, and compliance with governing codes. Diaphragm Behavior: Not Always Rigid In light-framed buildings, flexible diaphragms are often assumed due to the nature of wood sheathing or light-gauge decking. However, as buildings increase in size and irregularity, this assumption deserves scrutiny. Flexible diaphragm assumptions work well in rectangular buildings with regular framing, but irregular load paths or large openings may require semi-rigid modeling to capture torsional behavior. Engineers should consider the influence of diaphragm stiffness when assigning lateral forces, especially in hybrid systems where part of the structure may be stiffer or tied into concrete cores. In projects where semi-rigid diaphragm analysis was warranted, integrating tools like finite element meshing helped visualize how in-plane stiffness impacted overall response—particularly in designs…
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Applying a Custom Rebar Layout in RISA-3D: To begin creating a custom rebar layout, simply click the Custom Rebar Layout button located in the Advanced tab of the ribbon toolbar.
In RISA-3D, the current method of design for masonry lintels is Simply Supported where the masonry lintels are idealized into a simply supported pin-pin beam configuration. Now, masonry lintels can instead be analyzed using finite element analysis. With this method, the lintel will be fully...
The 2015 NBC compliant codes have been implemented into RISA-3D v17.0, RISAFloor v13.0 and RISAFoundation V.11.0!
The 2016 edition of ASCE Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7-16) is now available in RISA-3D v17.0, RISAFloor v13.0, and RISAFoundation v11.0!
Eurocode lateral torsional buckling capacity is calculated per equations in Annex F in the ENV 1993-1-1:1992. This calculation uses variables C1, C2 and C3. Since there is no generic formula in the Eurocode to calculate the moment gradient factor, C1, RISA will use the widely accepted López, Yong...
With the initial implementation of wood wall design in RISA-3D, the wall aspect ratio was calculated as the full height of the wall divided by the width of the region.This was intended to accommodate balloon framed multi-story walls that were drawn as one continuous wall stack. With recent...
With the recent release of RISA-3D v17 the program now offers the user the option to use Chord Straps between floors of a wood shear wall building in lieu of using hold downs. Chord Straps are a great option for transferring tension load between floors of a multi-floor building and can be installed...
RISA-3D v17.0 now has the ability to model partial fixity member end releases. Partial fixity end releases can be utilized in RISA to model the behavior of a partially restrained or semi-rigid connection that cannot be idealized as fully fixed or pinned. Partially restrained connections are common...
The new AWC NDS 2018 code has been implemented into RISA-3D v17.0 and RISAFloor v13.0. To select this code for your design, simply choose this code from the Codes tab within Model Settings.
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