
November 24, 2021
Defining Connections: Beam and Column Splices Connections
Member Configuration The connection rule must be applied to both sides of the splice (either beam to beam or column to 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…
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Member Configuration The connection rule must be applied to both sides of the splice (either beam to beam or column to column)
Member Configuration The connection rule must be applied at the end of the beam (not the column).
One of the advantages of the RISA Building System is the ability to utilize and share model information (geometry, loading, etc.) between software packages. One such way, is the ability to define hot-rolled steel connections in RISAFloor and/or RISA-3D and then transfer them to RISAConnection for...
Member Configuration The connection rule must be applied at the end of the beam (not the continuous girder).
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