RISA Modeling

[Structural noob]

Hey All,

I am trying to model a concrete T-beam girder (deck acting as flange composite with the girder). Since there is no way to model a T-beam in the concrete section modeling of RISA, I was thinking of different ways to model it in RISA.

1. Is it s good idea to model the flange separately and add it to the web?
2. Should I create an arbitrary section in RISA since I know the section properties of my girder?

Thank you,

 

[JoshPlumSE]

There should be a way to model Tee beams in RISA. This was added some years ago.

Step 1: Draw in your concrete member as a rectangular beam.
Step 2: double click the member to bring up the member properties dialog.
Step 3: on the "Design" tab, enter in the left and right flange thickness and depths.

This treats the Tee beam as a single concrete flexural member. That's what you're looking for, right? Obviously, if you want, you could also model it with plate elements representing the flanges and / or the stem. But, that becomes more complicated and is often less useful.

I hope that helps!

 

[Structural noob]

My RISA window says,

"No information for General Material members here."

 

[JoshPlumSE]

Lionel -

That's because you drew it in as a "general material" member not as a concrete member. Those design options are only available for members that are defined with concrete materials.