Mastering RISASection: A Step-by-Step Custom Shape Tutorial

RISASection is a specialized cross-section property calculator developed by RISA Tech. It allows engineers to quickly design, modify, and calculate properties for complex built-up, custom, or composite structural sections. The calculated sections integrate seamlessly into mainstream structural analysis programs such as RISA-3D, RISAFloor, and RISA-2D. Core Workflow to Build a Section

You can calculate section properties by following this foundational workflow:

Launch a Project: Start the software and select a new file from the starter dialog box.

Add Source Shapes: Select standard shapes from the Shape Library on the left menu. Drag-and-drop or double-click to place them onto the workspace.

Modify and Align: Use drawing grids, dimension boxes, or graphical tools to change shape geometry. Use spatial manipulation tools like Parallel Align, Center, Stack Shapes Vertically, and Rotate to construct your custom build-up.

Merge Shapes: Click the Merge button to group multiple individual elements into a single composite entity.

Solve: Click the Solve and Torsional J Solve icons to instantly run the analysis engines.

Export: Assign the required material type and shape type, then save the section file to reference inside your structural analysis models. Key Capabilities & Features 1. Multimaterial & Composite Section Support

Mix completely distinct materials like hot-rolled steel, cold-formed steel, concrete, aluminum, or stainless steel within a single built-up model. Define a Base Modulus of Elasticity (

) under the Section Property Options. The program automatically sets a relative Property Multiplier for each separate component to correctly scale transformed section properties. 2. Advanced Geometric Analysis Engines Geometric & Plastic Modulus: Evaluates basic parameters (

) via polygon boundaries. It pinpoints the exact plastic neutral axis via an iterative equal-weighted area calculation.

Finite Element Torsion Constant (J): Beyond simple standard formulas used for pipes and circles, RISASection automatically generates a fine structural mesh across arbitrary shapes. It uses a finite element stress solver to accurately pinpoint the total torsional constant ( 3. Flexible Geometry Generation Designing built up sections using RISASection and RISA-3D