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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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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Wood vs. Steel: Making the Right Choice for Your Building
March 25, 2025

Wood vs. Steel: Making the Right Choice for Your Building

Choosing between wood and steel for your next project isn’t just a material decision—it’s a balancing act of strength, cost, sustainability, and performance. As structural engineers, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with the right tools (like RISA), you can model, compare, and...

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Engineering Tomorrow: Hidden Costs of Manual Calculations
March 24, 2025

Engineering Tomorrow: Hidden Costs of Manual Calculations

When was the last time you took a step back and evaluated the efficiency of your structural design workflow? Many engineers rely on spreadsheets, hand calculations, or outdated processes simply because they’ve always done it that way. But what if those manual methods are costing more than you...

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ADAPT-Builder: Fixing Instability Warnings Due to Multiple Slabs
March 11, 2025

ADAPT-Builder: Fixing Instability Warnings Due to Multiple Slabs

When working with ADAPT-Builder, in some models users may encounter an instability warning due to multiple slabs on a single level. This can be frustrating, but we're here to help! The root cause is typically related to insufficient boundary conditions allowing unintended translation or rotation....

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How the RISA Learning Center Fits Into Your Workflow
March 4, 2025

How the RISA Learning Center Fits Into Your Workflow

Inside the RISA Learning Center: What You’re Missing Ever wonder how top engineers master RISA software without stepping away from their projects? The secret isn’t extra hours—it’s integrating learning into their daily workflow. The RISA Learning Center makes it easy to sharpen your skills,...

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Ready to Reconnect? How to Make the Most of Returning to RISA
February 18, 2025

Ready to Reconnect? How to Make the Most of Returning to RISA

Whether you’re coming back to RISA after a short break or revisiting it after years away, we’re here to make your return seamless and rewarding. From updated features to enhanced training resources, RISA is more equipped than ever to support your structural engineering needs. Here’s a step-by-step...

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What’s Your Structural Design Personality?
February 11, 2025

What’s Your Structural Design Personality?

Valentine's Day Quiz: What's Your Structural Design Personality? 💕 This Valentine’s Day, it’s time to find out which structural element matches your personality! Are you steady and supportive like a column, or do you love taking the load like a beam? Take this fun quiz and discover your inner...

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Lifelong Learning in Structural Engineering: Why it Matters?
February 5, 2025

Lifelong Learning in Structural Engineering: Why it Matters?

On January 24th, we celebrate the International Day of Education, a reminder of the transformative power of learning. For structural engineers, education doesn’t stop at graduation. It’s a lifelong journey that ensures we stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. Let’s explore why ongoing learning,...

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2025 Structural Engineer’s Calendar: Key Dates and Can’t-Miss Events
January 7, 2025

2025 Structural Engineer’s Calendar: Key Dates and Can’t-Miss Events

Get ready to mark your calendar and set reminders! 2025 is packed with important conferences, fun competitions, and key industry updates that every structural engineer should know about. From opportunities to learn and connect to celebrations of engineering achievements, here’s a look at what’s...

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