RISA-3D Training Courses - are they of significant benefit?

[Ingenuity]

As a recent RISA-3D licensed user I received an email for upcoming training courses on RISA-3, namely:

Course details:

Course 1: Basics of Structural Modeling - Cost: $600​

Course 2: Advanced Structural Modeling - Cost: $600​

Course 3: Dynamic & Response Spectra Analysis - Cost: $600​

Save $300: Attend comprehensive training for all 3 days for $1500.

Location: RISA offices in Foothill Ranch, California

Do any users/past attendees have any comment on the usefulness of the training courses, value-for-money, and if any specific course was more/less beneficial?

My typical use with RISA-3D is 2 and 3 D modelling, typical linear-elastic analysis, mostly concrete and steel, some lateral load analysis. Some modelling of RC circular tanks.

I appreciate any feedback.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

I'm surprised that no one has responded. I have held off for obvious reasons.... I teach the training classes now, so I have a very different perspective than an end user would have.

I can share some experience from waaay back when I last took the classes as a student (15 years ago). At the time I already considered myself a "power user" of the RISA-3D program. I had been using it frequently in practice for 5+ years and had been one of the "computer support specialists" at my previous company. Meaning that when other engineers at our company had questions about the program they usually came to me for guidance.

Day 1: Was less useful to me. I still learned a few neat tips and tricks for features that I hand't been using very much. Therefore, it wasn't wasted time. But, it's not like I learned a ton. This mostly covers the basics, creating simple 2D models, loading them, solving them and reviewing the results. Great for beginners or people with limited experience with the program.

Day 2: There was a lot of stuff happening in Day 2. Some of which I thought I knew already, but it was presented in a way that gave me more confidence in how to do it. There are a lot of more advanced topics covered this 2nd day.... Torsion, plates, wall panels, P-Delta and stability, moving loads. So many topics that we usually poll the class at the beginning of the day to see which ones are most important to them as a group. Because it's tough to cover them all.

Day 3: This 3rd day is mostly related to Dynamics. Since I have always had an interest in dynamics, I was probably a bit ahead of the class when I took it. But, still found it interesting. It can be a bit much for some people who aren't really interested, and we see some people zone out after awhile. That being said, I think it covers the material (dynamics, response spectra, and dynamic equipment) in a much more practical way than most engineers have been exposed to. And, it provides them with some good references and examples to turn back to when they encounter some of these issues down the line for real projects..... Of course, I was the person who wrote much of the current training materials for this 3rd day. So, I'm obviously going to think it's useful and helpful... or, I wouldn't have included it.

 

[Ingenuity]

Josh,

Thank you for your detailed reply, from both current instructor and past client-user perspectives.

Your reply is in line with my expectations. Day 1 for me is probably not time/money well spent from a modelling perspective BUT I think it may ultimately be beneficial from learning some tricks and tips on RISA-3D.

My background is 20+ years experience as a loyal user of a non-US based 2D/3D non-FEA, general analysis program (linear, NL, vibration) that was recently purchased by Bentley, and since I don't like the Bentley subscription model I switched and purchased RISA-3D earlier this year.

I am thinking of doing the full 3 day course. Is there currently space available for 1 user for the October 3-day course?

Thanks.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

Yes, but you have to bring your own laptop. All of the desktop computers in our training room have been reserved already for the October Training...

 

[Ingenuity]

Thanks. No problem to byo laptop.
Do I need to purchase the course immediately, or is there currently enough space left that I can do it next week? I got to check flights etc.
Thanks, Josh.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

I would think there would still be space next week. Can't promise, but I would be surprised if it filled up before then.