User Guide

Conclusion
Version 5.0 115
Conclusion
If you've completed the tutorials you should have a very good feel for how to use
RISA-3D. Some of the topics we have not covered are listed below. You may not
need all of these features but it is good idea to know they are available. Of
course, if you wish to know more about specific features, you can refer to the
RISA-3D General Reference or the On-line help system.
Model Generation
RISA-3D has an expanding library of automatic generators that can quickly
generate continuous beams, arcs, trusses, cylinders and numerous mesh layouts of
our plate shell element. Click the button to access this feature. If nothing
else, try the rectangular tank generator.
Moving Loads
The standard AASHTO loads are built into the moving loads database and you
can add custom moving loads as well.
Thermal Loads
You can model temperature differentials causing axial expansion or contraction of
members.
Rigid Diaphragms
RISA-3D allows you to quickly identify rigid planes that distribute forces to
lateral force resisting systems.
Tension-Compression Only Members and Springs
These features allow you to model one-way stiffness such as braces that cannot
take compression or soil that can only resist compression.
Member Offsets
You may rigidly offset the member ends to model rigid end zones and you may
offset the tops of horizontal members to align member tops.
Story Drift, Joint Slaving and Enforced Displacements
You may calculate and report inter-story drift, slave joints together or specify the
displacement at a joint.
Tapered Members and Unequal Flanges
You may specify tapered wide flanges or members with unequal flanges and
design them per the Appendix F criteria.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions feel free to call us at 949-
951-5815, or FAX us at 949-951-5848 or e-mail us at “[e-mail]”.