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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Aging Infrastructure: Retrofitting for Longevity
October 25, 2023

Aging Infrastructure: Retrofitting for Longevity

Aging infrastructure is a multifaceted problem. Many of our essential structures were built decades, if not centuries, ago, and were not initially designed to meet the demands of our rapidly changing world. Factors contributing to the challenge of aging infrastructure include. Older structures may...

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Harnessing the Power of Web-Based Engineering Software
October 5, 2023

Harnessing the Power of Web-Based Engineering Software

In the ever-evolving field of structural engineering, staying ahead of the curve often means leveraging cutting-edge technology. Web-based structural analysis software has emerged as a game-changer, offering engineers the flexibility and power they need to design and analyze complex structures with...

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Guide To: Reviewing Your RISA-3D Model
September 21, 2023

Guide To: Reviewing Your RISA-3D Model

When working with RISA-3D, a structural analysis and design software, it's essential to thoroughly review your model to ensure accuracy and reliability. This checklist will guide you through the critical steps to review your RISA-3D model before analysis and design. This guide is not all...

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Introducing Kids to STEM
August 24, 2023

Introducing Kids to STEM

Introducing kids to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at an early age is a fantastic way to spark their curiosity, promote critical thinking, and lay the foundation for future learning and potential careers in these fields. Remember that every child is unique, and their...

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Benefits of Investing in BIM
July 27, 2023

Benefits of Investing in BIM

What percentage of your design work uses BIM software? The adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is steadily increasing in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. In many regions, BIM has become a standard practice for large and complex projects, while in...

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Celebrating RISA's Successful Partnership with United Way OC
July 5, 2023

Celebrating RISA's Successful Partnership with United Way OC

This week, RISA joined forces with Untied Way OC to bring students into our world of structural engineering and software development. Through the Youth Career Connections program, the high school students visit key industries to see potential careers and pathways for them to pursue. At our RISA...

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5 Minute Breaks
June 20, 2023

5 Minute Breaks

Sure, you have a lot on your plate at work right now. Whether you are managing a project or designing dozens of steel connections, you have a long and very important task list you need to accomplish every work day. But has anyone introduced you to the concept of "5-Minute Breaks." These breaks are...

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Top 5 Structures Featured in Movies
May 23, 2023

Top 5 Structures Featured in Movies

Structures in movies serve as more than just mere backdrops or settings. They play significant roles in storytelling, providing visual spectacle, symbolism, and often becoming iconic elements of the films themselves. Famous structures like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, or the...

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RISA Celebrates: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 2, 2023

RISA Celebrates: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a month-long celebration in the United States that takes place annually during the month of May. During Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, there are various events and activities organized across the United States to celebrate and...

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