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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Updated Torsional Shape Properties
October 15, 2012

Updated Torsional Shape Properties

RISASection v2 includes updated torsional shape properties for a more accurate analysis. Check out the video below for more information:

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Using Virtual Joist Girders in RISAFloor
October 10, 2012

Using Virtual Joist Girders in RISAFloor

The Steel Joist Institute (SJI) has recently put together a Virtual Joist Girder table which converts common joist sizes into equivalent wide flange beams. This topic describes how to use these Virtual Joist Girders within the RISAFloor program.

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Using Virtual Joist Girders in RISA-3D
October 4, 2012

Using Virtual Joist Girders in RISA-3D

The Steel Joist Institute (SJI) has developed a Virtual Joist Girder table which converts common joist sizes into equivalent wide flange beams for use in RISA-3D.

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How Can I Use a Wall for Shear Only (no Bearing) in RISA-3D?
September 13, 2012

How Can I Use a Wall for Shear Only (no Bearing) in RISA-3D?

Let’s consider the example of the frame shown below. Suppose there is a diaphragm present at the framing level, and that the wall shown is intended only to handle the lateral loads. In reality the columns will be in-line with the wall, and the cantilever beams will pass over the wall without...

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How to Install a RISA Program on a Mac
September 6, 2012

How to Install a RISA Program on a Mac

RISA programs are Windows-based and require a Windows operating system to run. Although RISA software does not operate natively on macOS, it is compatible with virtual machines that run Windows OS on your Mac. Below are the steps to get RISA up and running smoothly:

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How to Model Multiple Pedestals/Loads on One Footing
August 31, 2012

How to Model Multiple Pedestals/Loads on One Footing

RISAFoundation includes a footing element which is represented by a single node. A frequent question that arises is how to apply multiple point loads to a single footing, but at different locations. This can be done with or without corresponding pedestals, but for the example below multiple...

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How to Model a Column within a Wall in RISA-3D
August 9, 2012

How to Model a Column within a Wall in RISA-3D

While RISA-3D does not currently have pilaster design, there are still plenty of situations where you would want to have a column embedded within a wall. The idea behind this is that the column handles the gravity loads for any beams which frame into it, while the wall handles lateral loads. No...

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How to Add a Deck to a RISAFloor Model
July 12, 2012

How to Add a Deck to a RISAFloor Model

RISAFloor has some default decks provided for you when you open the program in the Deck Definitions spreadsheet. You can use one of these decks or you can create your own by going to the bottom of the spreadsheet and press ENTER.

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How to Apply Hydrostatic Loads to Circular Tanks in RISA-3D
June 7, 2012

How to Apply Hydrostatic Loads to Circular Tanks in RISA-3D

RISA-3D v10 now has the ability to quickly and easily apply hydrostatic loads to circular tanks using the Cylinder Generator. This generator can be found by clicking the Templates button and choosing the Cylinder - Plates/Members option.

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