Tips & Tricks

December 29, 2025

What’s New for IBC 2024 in RISA: A Closer Look

With RISA’s latest release of RISA-3D v23.0.1, we’re continuing to expand support for IBC 2024, helping engineers stay aligned with the latest building code requirements as adoption accelerates across the U.S.—including federally funded projects. This release builds on v23.0.0 ASCE 7-22 enhancements and adds key material design updates that move RISA further into full IBC 2024 compliance. New Material Design Updates Supporting IBC 2024 The upcoming release introduces several important design code updates referenced by IBC 2024, including: Steel Seismic design per AISC 341-22 Prequalified connections per AISC 358-22 Continued support for AISC 360-22 (16th Edition) steel design Ongoing updates to the hot-rolled shape database, including compatibility with both 15th and 16th Edition steel manuals These updates support modern seismic detailing requirements and ensure consistency with current steel industry standards. Masonry Masonry design per TMS 402-22, aligning with the latest strength and serviceability provisions adopted by IBC 2024. Key updates include: Revisions to shear design equations, including clarified definitions of shear area as outlined in Table 4.4.5, improving consistency and transparency in shear capacity calculations. Updated strength reduction factors for flexure and combined flexure + axial. Unlike previous editions that used a fixed ϕ-factor of 0.9, TMS 402-22 introduces tension-controlled,…

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Rethinking Tall Building Design
June 24, 2025

Rethinking Tall Building 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...

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Understanding Plate and Member Interaction in RISA
June 17, 2025

Understanding Plate and Member Interaction in RISA

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...

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RISA Employee Spotlight: Tim Barton
June 10, 2025

RISA Employee Spotlight: Tim Barton

Meet Tim Barton, one of RISA's go-to problem solvers and Solutions Engineer extraordinaire! With a background as diverse as his playlist, Tim's engineering journey started with a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Utah State University. Since earning his PE license in Utah, he's tackled...

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The Ultimate Guide to Instability Warnings in RISA-3D
June 3, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Instability Warnings in RISA-3D

Modeling instability can be one of the most frustrating errors to troubleshoot in structural software. Whether you're a new user or a seasoned pro, instability warnings in RISA-3D can bring your workflow to a halt if not properly diagnosed and resolved. This master article brings together all the...

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RISA Software Options for Students and Educators
May 23, 2025

RISA Software Options for Students and Educators

Empowering the Next Generation of Structural Engineers RISA is committed to supporting the academic community with free and affordable access to the same powerful software used by professionals in the industry. Whether you're a student just starting your journey or an educator shaping future...

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ADAPT-Revit 2025 Link Now Available
May 15, 2025

ADAPT-Revit 2025 Link Now Available

RISA is pleased to announce the release of the latest ADAPT-Revit Link which is compatible with Revit 2025. The ADAPT-Revit Link v25.0 allows seamless integration between ADAPT-Builder and Autodesk Revit.

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Reinforced vs. Post-Tensioned Concrete: Which One Fits Your Project?
April 22, 2025

Reinforced vs. Post-Tensioned Concrete: Which One Fits Your Project?

When designing a concrete structure, engineers must decide between conventionally reinforced concrete and post-tensioned (PT) concrete. This choice impacts the structure’s efficiency, cost, and long-term performance. Each system has unique mechanical behaviors and design considerations that...

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RISA Employee Spotlight: Aaron Seybert
April 8, 2025

RISA Employee Spotlight: Aaron Seybert

Aaron Seybert is a Structural Solutions Specialist at RISA, bringing over 15 years of experience in sales, management, marketing, and operations. Before joining RISA, he worked within the athletic and higher education sectors, handling both B2C and B2B relationships. His ability to connect with...

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