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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How to Troubleshoot Large Deflections in RISA-3D?
October 8, 2024

How to Troubleshoot Large Deflections in RISA-3D?

Deflection is a key tool for verifying whether your model was built correctly in RISA-3D. After solving, you can view the deflected shape to confirm if the deflections are within the expected range. If you notice abnormal deflections, use the following steps to troubleshoot the issue.

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How Much Does RISA-3D Really Cost?
October 1, 2024

How Much Does RISA-3D Really Cost?

In today’s structural engineering world, software plays a crucial role in optimizing workflows, ensuring accuracy, and ultimately, saving time. When considering software investments for small structural projects, one of the most frequent questions asked is: How much does RISA-3D actually cost in...

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RISA Celebrates: Hispanic Heritage Month
September 17, 2024

RISA Celebrates: Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time for structural engineers to celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in engineering and architecture. From iconic structures to innovative design approaches, there’s a lot of inspiration to be found. Here are some fun...

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Engineering Tomorrow: Transforming Engineer-Draftsman Teamwork with BIM
August 15, 2024

Engineering Tomorrow: Transforming Engineer-Draftsman Teamwork with BIM

In the realm of construction and architecture, the role of structural engineers and draftsmen has undergone significant transformation. Traditionally, structural engineers and draftsmen worked in somewhat separate spheres, with draftsmen focusing on detailed drawings and engineers concentrating on...

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School’s in Session: Time to Inspire Future Engineers!
August 8, 2024

School’s in Session: Time to Inspire Future Engineers!

Engaging in STEM outreach is one of the most impactful ways we can contribute to the profession’s growth and ensure that the next generation is equipped to tackle the engineering challenges of tomorrow. Structural engineers bring a unique perspective to STEM outreach. Our work is a tangible...

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Celebrate 4th of July the Engineer's Way
July 3, 2024

Celebrate 4th of July the Engineer's Way

The 4th of July is a time for celebration, fireworks, and, of course, a bit of fun. For those with a knack for engineering or simply looking to engage in some creative activities, why not take on some patriotic engineering challenges? These activities are perfect for kids and adults alike,...

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Engineering Tomorrow: The Benefits and Challenges of Modular Construction
May 21, 2024

Engineering Tomorrow: The Benefits and Challenges of Modular Construction

Modular construction is making waves in the infrastructure world, revolutionizing how we build everything from bridges to buildings. By assembling prefabricated modules off-site and then transporting them to their final location, this method offers unique advantages along with some challenges.

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How to Add a Composite Deck to the RISAFloor Deck Database
May 6, 2024

How to Add a Composite Deck to the RISAFloor Deck Database

RISAFloor has four different deck types: concrete, composite, metal, and wood. When it comes to composite decks, there is a predefined Composite Deck definition already setup in the Deck Definitions spreadsheet. You can also specify a composite deck by (1) setting up your deck configuration using...

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Honoring Asian American & Pacific Islander Tradition in Modern Construction
May 6, 2024

Honoring Asian American & Pacific Islander Tradition in Modern Construction

In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, RISA celebrates the enduring architectural traditions that have shaped structural engineering. Among these, the intricate timber joinery techniques stand as a testament to AAPI craftsmanship and innovation. Passed down...

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