
August 27, 2020
VIDEO: Creating Custom Shapes in RISA-3D
Learn how to build custom steel and concrete shapes using RISASection and then import them into RISA-3D to incorporate them in analysis and design.
In structural engineering, few design challenges are as rewarding—or as unforgiving—as the tall building. While gravity systems and code checks form the backbone of any structural project, once a structure rises beyond ten or fifteen stories, a shift occurs. Wind and seismic forces begin to dominate. Story drift and torsional irregularities become non-negligible. Load paths grow increasingly indirect. And design decisions, if not carefully made early on, can have exponential consequences higher in the structure. Tall buildings are not simply “bigger” versions of short ones. They behave differently. And understanding those differences is essential for any engineer working in an urban environment where building vertically is often the only viable path forward. Modeling for Reality, Not Just Code The foundation of any successful tall building design lies in the model—its assumptions, resolution, and degree of abstraction. Many engineers begin with simplified representations: rigid diaphragms, idealized connections, and linear material properties. This is practical and often sufficient for early design phases. But as the building increases in height and complexity, those assumptions may start to mask critical behaviors. Semi-rigid diaphragm modeling, for instance, allows engineers to capture in-plane flexibility of floor systems—especially important in buildings with irregular cores, open floor plans,…
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Learn how to build custom steel and concrete shapes using RISASection and then import them into RISA-3D to incorporate them in analysis and design.
When using RISA Integration between RISASection and RISA-3D, RISA-2D and/or RISAFloor, there are a few common mistakes that people make when attempting to access the RISASection files from the Shape Database.
There are multiple options in RISA-3D and RISAFloor to create a custom shape not available in the program databases. The first, is to utilize RISASection in order to create cross-sections, calculate section properties and import the shape directly into RISA-3D. For more information on integrating...
Use RISASection to find the properties of built-up steel sections, then model beams using the same section properties in RISA-3D and get full code-checks using AISC 360. This webinar will teach you how to use RISASection quickly and easily to determine complex section properties.
RISASection v2 includes updated torsional shape properties for a more accurate analysis. Check out the video below for more information:
In order to get code calculations, RISA-3D and RISA-2D need to know what type of shape would be most similar to yours. This is because the program needs to use the correct code equations for your shape type.
RISASection 2.0 includes the ability to assign your section as one of the predefined hot rolled steel Shape Types (Wide Flange, Channel, Tube, etc.). This means that when the shape is imported into RISA-3D, you will now be able to get design results and code checks for the member.
The latest version of RISASection, includes a powerful new DXF import feature. This feature allows the user to import any 2D geometry into RISASection for the calculation of the cross-sectional properties and the import into RISA-2D, RISA-3D or RISAFloor for use in the larger model.
Modeling built-up or composite sections can easily be done in RISASection. Because the properties of such a section are computed using a weighted summation of the transformed shape properties, RISASection uses a Property Multiplier to specify the relative weight of a single shape in a built up...
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