December 26, 2025

Set Up 2026 Projects Faster: What to Standardize in RISA-3D

Why Standardization Pays Off More Than New Features Speed in structural design rarely comes from working faster — it comes from removing repeat decisions. Firms that standardize their analysis workflows spend less time rebuilding the same assumptions and more time engineering. Year-end is an ideal time to do this work. Without active deadlines, teams can step back and define how they want projects to start in the new year rather than reacting project by project. RISA Templates: Start Every Model 80% Complete RISA-3D templates are one of the simplest ways to reduce setup time across all projects. Firms often standardize: Typical material definitions and member shapes Default load combinations aligned with current codes Common diaphragm assumptions Frequently used analysis settings When templates are dialed in, engineers stop reinventing the same model structure and can focus immediately on project-specific behavior. For example if your firm uses custom load combinations repeatedily across several projects, then create a firm's custom load combinations template and add them to your default RISA-3D load combinations. See the example video below. Typical Details and Load Rules Reduce Rework Standardizing typical framing conditions and load rules is where operational efficiency really compounds. When gravity loads, lateral load paths,…

Read More