Advancements with RISA
MDEP’s work often defies conventional design approaches. And that’s where RISA shines. One standout example is their hillside pool foundation modeling. Traditionally, pools are designed using 2D methods, assuming fixed base conditions and simplified force distribution. But the team at MDEP used RISA-3D to incorporate spring constants along the full length of the caissons, revealing uplift at piles closest to retaining walls and compression forces at distant piles. This improved design accuracy while allowing them to value engineer the foundation, saving material and cost without compromising performance.
In complex multi-material projects, such as the Oceanside Pier restaurant, the team modeled interaction between steel frames, wood roof systems, mass timber, and tension-only cables—all in RISA-3D. In a single project, several team members tackled different components: one modeled the pier base, another the dome structure, and a third handled the lateral moment frames. RISA’s consistent modeling environment enabled seamless coordination and model merging.
Engineers also leveraged custom load combinations for public-sector and flood-control projects governed by AASHTO, UFC, or non-IBC codes. In one flood-control A-frame structure, RISA allowed them to implement minimum thickness and corrosion control requirements—even when those criteria weren’t natively supported by other structural software.
Finally, the team emphasized how RISA’s graphics and rendering tools enhance project communication. In many cases, they don’t need to draft designs separately for the architect or client—the RISA model speaks for itself.
Overcoming Challenges
The greatest challenge for MDEP isn’t the typical load path—it’s the unknown. With highly architectural, unconventional projects, the team rarely receives full design documentation. Instead, they’re handed a concept sketch or rendering and asked to make it real.
One example is Gallagher Square at the San Diego Padres stadium. The project involved interconnected play towers with complex geometries and strict live load requirements. The team used RISA-3D to model multiple lateral systems and resolved torsional and out-of-plane behaviors. Midway through design, they shifted from moment frames to mechanical columns based on fabrication constraints—all while keeping the project moving through DD and permitting.
Another challenge lies in adaptive reuse and fire-damaged buildings. In one recent project, Fernanda modeled existing trusses in RISA-3D to support a retrofit design for a historic church. In another, the team recreated the performance of a damaged building under the code that was in place when it was originally built—then reran the model under the current code to engineer the retrofit.
Throughout all of this, MDEP relies on RISA’s transparent calculation process. “Other software just gives you results,” Lenard explains. “RISA shows you how it got there—so you can backcheck it by hand or teach a young engineer exactly how the code works.”
Looking Ahead: Future Plans
MDEP’s work spans both coasts—from seismic-resilient structures in California to wind- and snow-governed buildings in the Southeast. With two offices operating as one cohesive team, RISA’s consistency and versatility allow them to manage complexity, maintain quality, and train staff across regions.
The firm actively invests in RISA training resources—including RISA’s on-demand video content, live courses, and in-person sessions. Engineers at all levels, from entry-level to senior staff, participate in learning new features and refining workflows. RISA has become not just software, but a critical part of the company’s engineering education and mentorship structure.
As the team continues expanding into public-sector and complex architectural work, RISA remains their central tool. Whether designing a freestanding pavilion meant to “breathe” like lungs, or retrofitting a historic concrete staircase into a modern venue, MDEP sees RISA as a bridge between vision and constructability.
