
July 26, 2018
How to Troubleshoot Unsupported Deck Edges
Have you ever received error message 2054 when modeling in RISAFloor?
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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Have you ever received error message 2054 when modeling in RISAFloor?
RISAFloor column results are available in the results spreadsheets, but you may not be aware that you can also graphically review the input and results of columns. To do this you need to customize your toolbar, which is an option available in the Tools menu:
RISAFloor does not record the applied deck in a spreadsheet. To simplify modeling, it instead assumes a default deck is drawn within the entire diaphragm edge. If you have an area that will be a different deck or a different span direction, then you are free to draw in over the default. Whatever is...
RISA is pleased to announce the release of the latest RISA-Revit Link which is compatible with Revit 2020. The RISA-Revit Link v19.0 allows seamless integration between RISAFloor, RISA-3D, and Autodesk Revit. The latest version now includes the ability to import beam reinforcement details from...
The BS EN 1992-1-1:2004+A1:2014 has been implemented in RISA-3D version 16.0 and RISAFloor version 12.0. To select this code for your design, simply open the Model Settings and under the Codes tab select BS EN 1992-1-1:2004+A1:2014 for concrete:
The new TMS 402-16 Masonry Code (formerly designated as ACI 530 and ASCE 5) have been added to RISA-3D v16.0, RISAFloor v12.0 and RISAFoundation v10.0.
An update to the Cold-Formed Steel Design Codes has been added to RISA-3D v16.0 and RISAFloor v12.0. Updated Codes include:
RISAFloor v11 includes the new Area Load Query tool which allows users to visually inspect the area loads applied to a floor level.
Basic Description Pattern based skip loading has recently been added into RISAFloor beam design. This can be turned on or off using the checkbox in the Solution tab of the (Global) Model Settings shown below.
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