Tips & Tricks

January 1, 2026

Top RISA-3D Features Engineers Underuse

Powerful Tools Don’t Help If They’re Left Unused Many engineers evaluate analysis software based on core modeling and design checks. But once a demo is over, some of the most impactful features are the ones that quietly save time on real projects — especially mid-size jobs where efficiency matters most. These aren’t advanced edge-case tools. They’re everyday features that often go underused. Diaphragm Forces: See Load Paths Instead of Guessing Diaphragm force output is one of the most valuable — and least leveraged — parts of a full building model. Instead of relying on manual distribution or conservative assumptions, engineers can directly see how loads are flowing to vertical elements. For mid-size structures, this clarity can mean: Fewer overdesigned collectors More confidence in lateral load paths Faster review and revisions when layouts change Batch Results: Review Smarter, Not Longer Batch results allow engineers to review multiple load cases, members, or design checks in a single pass. Instead of hunting through individual reports, patterns become obvious quickly. On mid-size jobs, this speeds up: QA/QC reviews Iterative design changes Comparing “before and after” scenarios It’s not about skipping checks — it’s about seeing the full picture sooner. Design Iteration Speed Is the…

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What Happens During a RISA Software Tour?
August 13, 2025

What Happens During a RISA Software Tour?

Exploring a new structural design software purchase? If you’ve ever wondered how RISA’s software could fit into your structural design workflow, a RISA Software Tour is the fastest way to find out—no guesswork, no canned presentations. In this free, 1-hour session, you’ll meet 1-on-1 with a RISA...

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How RISA-3D Handles Wall Surface Loads at Openings
July 17, 2025

How RISA-3D Handles Wall Surface Loads at Openings

When designing shear walls in RISA-3D, it’s common to add surface loads—whether to simulate lateral wind or seismic pressures, or even out-of-plane loads. But what happens when those loads intersect with openings in your wall panels? Let’s walk through exactly how RISA-3D handles this scenario...

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Understanding Plate and Member Interaction in RISA
June 17, 2025

Understanding Plate and Member Interaction in RISA

When modeling plate elements alongside member elements in RISA, users may notice that member forces—such as bending moments or axial loads—are lower than expected. This behavior is often the result of how loads are shared between plates and members based on their relative stiffness. If the...

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The Ultimate Guide to Instability Warnings in RISA-3D
June 3, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Instability Warnings in RISA-3D

Modeling instability can be one of the most frustrating errors to troubleshoot in structural software. Whether you're a new user or a seasoned pro, instability warnings in RISA-3D can bring your workflow to a halt if not properly diagnosed and resolved. This master article brings together all the...

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How RISA Powers Manufacturing Facility Design from Top to Bottom
May 22, 2025

How RISA Powers Manufacturing Facility Design from Top to Bottom

Case Study: Designing for Strength at Every Level When a Midwest engineering firm was tasked with designing a 120,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, they knew the challenge wasn’t just about steel and concrete—it was about integration. The structure needed to support overhead cranes, custom...

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How to Run a Basic Dynamic Eigensolution in RISA-3D?
November 19, 2024

How to Run a Basic Dynamic Eigensolution in RISA-3D?

Welcome to a high-level walkthrough of dynamic analysis in RISA-3D! This guide introduces essential aspects of modeling dynamics, focusing on natural frequencies, mode shapes, and the impact of dynamic behavior on structural integrity.

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Tips for Solving a Slow Solution in RISA-3D
October 25, 2024

Tips for Solving a Slow Solution in RISA-3D

Is your RISA-3D software solution running slower than you expected? There are a few things you can do during your model set up in order to make your model more efficient and reduce the solution time. RISA has compiled a list of our most common tips for solving a slow solution in RISA-3D.

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