RISA 3D vs Solidworks Simulation 1

[Michael.Bull]

I currently use Solidworks Simulation to analyze A-Frame capacity (See picture). My question is,
(1)Should I purchase RISA 3D or Solidworks buckling addon to analyze the stability of the A-Frame?
(2)Does RISA provide additional insight to whether or not the A-Frame can support the load?
If so, what additional insight does it provide?

 

[271828]

I didn't realize RISA-3D could predict buckling, so I'd recommend verifying that first.

 

[driftLimiter]

RISA has element code checks built into it but there are many user required inputs that need to be properly defined in order to use this for design. Several of those code checks are related to stability including buckling failure modes. However these solutions are restricted to certain types of cross sections and materials, to my knowledge there isn't a general buckling analysis capability.

 

[Michael.Bull]

271828
if it can't determine buckling, I don't see the benefit it has over Solidworks.
The only benefit I see is that it might be quicker than SW to model a large structure.

 

[271828]

Michael,

I'm not familiar with Solidworks, so I don't know what RISA-3D can do for you that Solidworks won't.

RISA-3D is a very popular program with structural engineers. Its analysis capabilities are fairly modest. It is popular mostly because it is easy to learn and use.

If you're looking for eigenvalue buckling analysis, then I'd recommend SAP2000. It's a good middle ground between simpler programs and the very complicated, powerful, and expensive programs like Ansys.

271828

 

[JoshPlumSE]

RISA doesn't do an Eigen Value buckling analysis. It is more geared toward the Material Design Codes used in the US.... AISC, ACI, NDS, AISI and such.

For example, the AISC 360 design code now requires various analysis modifications that are meant to approximate a more complex analysis (which includes material and and geometric non-linearity). RISA (and programs like it) do address this AISC "Direct Analysis Method".

My guess is that the Solidworks type programs do NOT have a way to easily address this very code specific analysis required by AISC. It might be able to do an acceptable alternate method. But, that's not what most structural engineers are doing for A frame structures like this.


Declaration of bias:
I used to work for RISA under the original owner who sold the company in late 2017. I now work for it's largest rival (Computers and Structures Inc which produces SAP2000, ETABS and Perform3D). So, be aware that I may have some bias for or against some of these Structural Engineering software applications.