
October 13, 2021
Defining Connections: Column to Beam Connections
Member Configuration The connection rule must be applied at the end of the beam (not the column).
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 distribution of forces doesn't align with your design expectations, it may be due to unintended interaction between these elements. Accurately capturing structural behavior requires not only the right modeling approach, but also a clear understanding of how plates and members interact within the analysis. In this article, we’ll explore common scenarios where this issue can arise, explain why it happens, and provide practical tips and workarounds to ensure your results match your design intent. Why Model Plate Elements in the First Place? Before diving into the interaction between elements, it’s worth asking: Do I need to model plate elements at all? In many cases, member design and stability can be accurately represented using simplified area or line loads—and plates might not be necessary. However, there are valid reasons to model plates, including: The model is unstable and needs plate elements for diaphragm action. Plates are part of the lateral load path. You want a…
Read More
Member Configuration The connection rule must be applied at the end of the beam (not the column).
Member Configuration The connection rule must be applied at the end of the beam (not the continuous girder).
RISAConnection Version 12 now supports skewed shear tab connections. With this enhancement, engineers have the option to skew a wide flange, a tapered wide flange or a channel beam with the following supporting members:
Now available in RISAConnection v8: the ability to design a Two-Sided Shear Connection. Building from our existing one-sided shear connection (for column/beam & girder/beam), this connection now offers the user a powerful tool to provide clip angles to both sides of the column or girder web.
Our monthly "Structural Moment" newsletter is the best way to keep up with RISA’s product updates, new releases, new features, training events, webinars and more...