RISAConnection Best Practices for Faster, Safer Connections

Getting Started with RISAConnection: Installation & First Steps

System requirements & prep

• Windows ⁄₁₁ (64-bit) recommended — check RISA site for exact supported OS and required service packs.
• Administrator rights to install.
• Ensure RISA-3D/RISAFloor installed if you plan to import models.
• Sign in to the RISA Customer Portal (portal.risa.com) to download installers and access license files.

Installation (quick steps)

1. Download RISAConnection installer from the RISA Customer Portal > Products > Downloads.
2. Run installer as Administrator; accept UAC prompts.
3. Follow the installer wizard:
   • Install required prerequisites when prompted.
   • Choose destination folder (default C:\Program Files\RISA recommended).
   • Select Subscription (cloud) or Network/standalone licensing per your license.
   • Choose region to set default codes/databases.
4. Finish install and launch RISAConnection. If prompted, migrate data from older versions.

Licensing & activation

• Use Cloud (subscription) or Server (network) license per your account.
• For cloud: sign in with your RISA account when the program asks.
• For server: point the client to your license server per RISA licensing docs.

First-run configuration

• Set Region and design codes (AISC/CSA, seismic options) in Program Options.
• Configure default connection templates and material/shape libraries.
• Enable integration with RISA-3D/RISAFloor if used (Tools → Integrations).

Basic workflow (first steps)

1. Create a new Project (File → New → RISAConnection Project).
2. Import connections or loads:
   • Import directly from RISA-3D / RISAFloor, Tekla, or create connections manually.
3. Add or edit a connection group → open a connection to view geometry in 3D.
4. Assign plates, bolts, welds, stiffeners and set connection type (shear, moment, brace, base plate).
5. Define load cases/combinations (or import from superstructure model).
6. Run design/checks and review limit-state results and warnings.
7. Export reports/drawings (DXF, printable calculation report) or push results back to RISA-3D.

Useful resources

• RISACustomer Portal: downloads, installers, and licensing.
• RISAConnection product page and video tutorials (risa.com).
• RISA Online Help / General Reference Manual (installation details, reference checks).
• RISATraining Quick Start course (on-demand) for hands-on walkthrough.

If you’d like, I can produce a step-by-step checklist tailored to your OS/version and license type.