
May 1, 2020
Video: Steel Member Design in RISACalc
Learn how to load and design individual beam and column steel members in RISACalc.
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 load and design individual beam and column steel members in RISACalc.
In RISA-3D when drawing members you must start with initial sizes. After loading and load combinations are completed the model is solved and then member design must be done, making sure that members pass for both strength and serviceability considerations. For both strength and serviceability...
RISA-3D includes the ability to design steel structures for seismic provisions found in AISC 341 and AISC 358 including moment frames and braced frames. For more information, review the video below.
Connection design according to the new AISC 360-16 (15th Ed.) Steel Manual has now been implemented in RISAConnection. To select this code for your design, simply choose either LRFD or ASD from the Solution tab within the Global Project Settings. The addition of the new 15th Edition code, includes...
The most recent release of AISC 360-16 (15th Edition) includes changes to connection design for rectangular HSS shapes with applied concentrated forces. These changes are now included in RISAConnection v10.
The release of RISAConnection v10 incorporates updates according to AISC 360-16 (15th Edition) including changes to HSS provisions as well as improved design for column webs subject to out-of-plane loading, in addition to other enhancements.
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