
May 1, 2020
Video: Steel Member Design in RISACalc
Learn how to load and design individual beam and column steel members in RISACalc.
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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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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