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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30 Under 30: Career Tips for the 30yo Structural Engineer
April 4, 2023

30 Under 30: Career Tips for the 30yo Structural Engineer

There are many things professional structural engineers can do early in their education and career to set themselves up for success. With that in mind, the engineers at RISA have put our heads together to come up with our “30 under 30 list”. These are 30 suggestions for young structural engineers...

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Integrated Column Code Checks in ADAPT-Builder
March 17, 2023

Integrated Column Code Checks in ADAPT-Builder

The latest release of ADAPT-Builder (22.0.1) includes an integrated concrete column code check feature that allows users to easily check concrete columns for code compliance. Utilizing the ACI 318-19 or ACI 318-14 design code, the code check feature will perform capacity checks for bending, axial,...

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Reading Angles Using the Distance Tool in RISA-3D
March 9, 2023

Reading Angles Using the Distance Tool in RISA-3D

When using the Distance tool in RISA-3D, the program outputs Rxz, Rzy, Ryz. These angles represent the angle the Distance Tool line makes with respect to the each respective plane. Rxy represents the angle the distance line makes with respect to the XY plane.

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5 Steps to Becoming a Structural Engineer
March 7, 2023

5 Steps to Becoming a Structural Engineer

Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering that deals with the design and analysis of structures such as buildings, bridges, and tunnels. Becoming a structural engineer in the United States requires a rigorous education and training process that involves several steps. In this article,...

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Women in Construction Week: Ruth Gordon Schnapp
March 6, 2023

Women in Construction Week: Ruth Gordon Schnapp

Women in Construction Week is an annual event that takes place during the first full week of March. This week-long event celebrates women in the construction industry and their contributions to the field. The event was established by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in 1953...

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7 Tips to Consider When Switching Structural Engineering Software
February 7, 2023

7 Tips to Consider When Switching Structural Engineering Software

Are you looking to switch your structural engineering software? With so many options, knowing which one is right for your team or project can take a lot of work. These tips will help you navigate the process of switching software, from evaluating your needs and researching different types of...

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