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: Maximizing Productivity During Winter Slowdowns
December 23, 2024

How To: Maximizing Productivity During Winter Slowdowns

The winter months bring a unique set of challenges to structural engineering: projects slow down, site conditions become less predictable, and downtime can be harder to avoid. However, this season also brings opportunities to work smarter, streamline workflows, and plan ahead for a productive year....

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Engineering Halloween: The Science Behind Spooky Fun
October 29, 2024

Engineering Halloween: The Science Behind Spooky Fun

Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy—it’s also an opportunity to dive into the hidden engineering that makes the season’s fun come to life. Whether it’s dropping pumpkins for the perfect splatter or figuring out how to make your decorations seem to defy gravity, there’s plenty of science...

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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: When to Switch Spreadsheets for Structural Software
August 29, 2024

Engineering Tomorrow: When to Switch Spreadsheets for Structural Software

If you’re a structural engineer, chances are you’ve spent a fair amount of time tinkering with Excel spreadsheets. They’re incredibly handy for quick calculations, like determining load capacities, checking code requirements or designing individual specialty components. In fact, many professionals...

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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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