2007 Precast Sessions

DRAWING SETTINGS HIERARCHY
WORKFLOW
MAIN DRAWING PROPERTIES
Both view and main drawing classifiers modify objects on Level 2 and override all drawing and view properties. If modifications are made in Level 1, then changes to Level 0 should be avoided due to settings being overridden.
VIEW PROPERTIES
VIEW PROPERTIES
VIEW PROPERTIES
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MODIFICATIONS RETAINED
GRID PROPERTIES BEAM PROPERTIES
CHANGE PROPAGATION
REBAR PROPERTIES
Modeling Custom Parts for Precast
7 June 2007
Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Contents
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................................................2
Foreword...................................................................................................................................3
Background..............................................................................................................................3
General Recommendations....................................................................................................3
Defining Assembly Hierarchy ................................................................................................4
Embed Setup............................................................................................................................6
Foreword
There are many ways to model custom parts in Tekla Structures. In many cases custom parts are used hundreds or even thousands of times in a single model. Consequently, it is crucial to have an awareness of how to properly setup custom parts in your model. The method used will have a significant impact on the model, drawings, and reports. It is not recommended that precast elements be model as custom parts. This will add complexity to a model and possibly lead to undesired results in the drawings and reports. One exception is a sandwich panel which would be difficult to manage without the use of custom parts. The assembly functionality should be managed using components, not in the model. It is very important to use custom parts and to use the custom components in your modeling practice. This document is designed to recommend a path that will lead to optimal productivity and performance.
Background
Custom parts are setup and intended to be small arrangements of parts that represent one unit. Custom components allow the storage and use of this unit as if it were once piece, but in practice it could be a dozen or so individual pieces kept together. The most common case would be an embed. Custom parts are stored in the component library for efficient use. The information concerning these custom parts is handled in a unique way by the system. There is one library copy in the component catalog but it is used many times in the model. Anytime the user needs to change this custom part they can edit the component catalog instance and the system will update every use of this Custom Part in the model.
General Recommendations
Loose parts are handled differently in the model than custom parts and they should be avoided when possible. Custom parts are designed to be used and inserted in the model using other custom components such as a custom details, custom connections, or custom seams. You can loosely put custom parts in the model but this is not recommended. By using custom components to insert custom parts into the model, tasks are automated and detailing is kept consistent leading to much better results and productivity. It is very important for custom components to be used and for assigning parts to cast units so it is always kept with model changes. Using custom components has a huge impact on modeling consistency and will lead to fewer detailing errors later on. Remember that you should use numbering on a regular basis to check and fix your work as you go.
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Foreword
Defining Assembly Hierarchy

Having a custom part does not guarantee that it is correctly defined as an assembly. To ensure that it is a proper assembly, the assembly of a custom part should always be checked inside edit mode or as it is being created. Assemblies of more than one part should be handled by using welds. Custom parts should be divided up you so that they represent only one assembly. A custom part can only be added to a precast member if it is correctly defined as an assembly. Custom parts can not be split into different precast members; each custom part must go in only ONE precast unit. Use the inquire assembly command to always check to see this is properly defined. See below for color coding chart: Inquire > Assembly -command Material Concrete: Steel: Rebar: Main Part Magenta Orange White Secondary Parts Cyan Yellow Yellow n/a
Other/Miscellaneous: Orange
E.g. Column Base Plate Assembly Base plate and rebar are added to same precast piece together; therefore, they are defined as one assembly and added through out as a custom part.
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Defining Assembly Hierarchy
E.g. Anchor Assembly The anchor rod, washer, and nut are all part of the same assembly that is either prefabricated or assembled on site and put into the same cast unit. Since it is in the same cast unit (precast or cast in place) it is all in the same custom part. These objects are welded together so that they define one unique assembly and so that they can be added to the cast in place footing or precast column as one unit, by adding the custom part as sub assembly. E.g. Spandrel Tie Back Sleeve Assembly In this illustration the plastic sleeve is one custom part by itself. This is because only it is added to the column. The shim and column spandrel plate are not added to the column and therefore not all part of the same custom part. The shim will be its own custom part since it is not added to any assembly. The stud plate will be a third custom part since it is added to the spandrel assemblies. Using this method the parts are broken up into smaller units that are managed based on which elements go into which cast unit. This is the method that should be used for deciding which elements are in which custom parts. Each assembly can have one and only one main part. To properly define this main part it must be the first part you pick when using the weld tool. The main part is the part to which all other objects are welded or attached (rebar). All other objects should be welded (attached if rebar) to this one main part. Make sure to have the weld tool setup as shown below for creating embed assemblies. Weld Settings for Embeds:
Example Vector Connector Assembly
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Defining Assembly Hierarchy
Embed Setup
Orientation
It is recommended to model the plate stock information first (as the profile) and length as the pick handles for the steel beam. This will give correct and consistent report output. This assumes you will want the least expensive steel stock to be used. E.g. PL 3/8" x 4" stock 12" long vs PL3/8" x 12" x 4" long.
Note: To get the "PL" prefix you will need to set the advanced option, see below. This is located in the "Plate work" section of the advanced options. Default is "FL". XS_FLAT_PREFIX=PL
Pick Handles
Choose the pick handles of the custom part carefully. These handles will determine how the component behaves in the model. The rotation along the profile is handled automatically when creating custom components, however, the tilt along the piece is not. Define the handles in such a way to allow manipulation of the custom part to follow the Precast member. In the illustration it is clear how the handles of this embed need to be defined; to follow the tilting of members
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TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Embed Setup Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation 1
along their handles. The red field plate has its handles defined into the page; therefore, it can not follow the beam tilt with bindings. Generally, the handles need to be defined in the same plane as the main part or how it is to be inserted. Always choose two handles to define your custom part. The part will be automatically be positioned based on the center of the extreme limits of the parts that represent the custom part, as long as the Use the center of the bounding box in positioning is chosen (default).
This option allows the embed to be centered even if the points picked are not exactly in the center of the part(s). This will allow the positioning tab to function properly in the model for the custom part. Disabling this functionality by un-checking this box will no longer automatically center the position planes for the part; instead, it will use the two handles defined to determine the center. The locations of the handles picked define the center, middle of the assembly. Default handle location:
As long as this box is checked, custom parts with handles picked not in the center, middle will automatically have an offset entered for the handles. The center of positioning planes will automatically be calculated. The handles picked are then offset from the center of the part in the dialog box. See below for an example.
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Embed Setup
The 1st input handle could be in the center or edge of the custom part. If the start handle is in the center of the part then dimensioning to this reference point (start handle) is possible. Note: Choose as secondary objects and it will dimension both ends instead.
Note: Always set the position used in most cases and create a "save as" of the custom part named "standard". This will then be used for inserting future components. The "standard" is the default used unless another setting is applied to the system first.
Rebar
Always use reinforcement tools for modeling rebar, lifting hooks, DBA, strand, etc. Rebar is much lighter in the model than round beams and this will have a large impact on performance. Rebar is handled differently in the model and in templates than beams, so be sure to coordinate this with your templates with model practices. When copying rebar always check the assembly to make sure it is attached to the proper part. If rebar is not part of the assembly, be sure to select the rebar and attach to the correct part manually. If the rebar is always used with the embed or lifting device then it should be modeled in the custom part for most efficient use and model consistency.
Studs, Holes, and Bolts

Always model studs, holes, and bolts with the "Bolt" tool. These elements are considerably lighter in the model. Bolts are handled differently in the model and in templates than other objects. Use the "PC_Hole" and "PC_Stud" presets to guide you in using the correct settings. It is important to make sure the bolt type is "Workshop" for studs on plates. This affects the reports and drawings as well.
Note: Bolts do not change color when you inquire the assembly; they do no exist loose in the model they are always attached to an assembly.
Presets
There are included presets in the system for modeling embeds. Use these unless you already have your own integrated modeling and template system setup. For creating embeds always use the steel toolbar. Add to this list of presets as necessary and make sure to coordinate these settings when making your templates. Make sure each user models embeds consistently using the same settings. These presets distinguish the class for the different types of embeds and model objects. This system makes checking the model and filtering drawings and reports easier. It is also recommend that the secondary parts of multiple part embed assemblies be modeled differently so there will then be a mechanism that can be used to filter the secondary and primary parts more easily. Modeled correctly, you will be able to visually see in the model which is the main part and which embeds are correctly defined as precast or other. It is best to store the identification name or number in the "Name" field. A different identifier can be stored for each plate or part in the assembly if you wish. The main identification to be used in the drawings and reports should be in the "Name" field of the main part of that assembly. Some parts are best called out using a description rather than a profile and length; a UDA field should be adopted for this and referenced in the templates where applicable. Use one of the existing user defined attribute fields or create one by modifying the objects.inp and use this information in the reports or drawings. See below for an example.
Presets for Modeling Custom Parts:

General Parts: Object Name CIP_Hardware PC_Embed FieldHardware PC_Insert PC_Embed_Secondary Corbel Haunch Tekla Name ~Reference Name~ ~Reference Name~ ~Reference Name~ ~Reference Name~ ~Reference Name~ CORBEL HAUNCH Class 101 102 100 103 109 900 901 Assembly St. Prefix No. HC 100 HP 100 HF 100 HI 100 HX 100 CBL 1 HNC 1 Part Prefix w w w w w Concrete Concrete St. No 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Material
Make sure only the concrete parts are modeled with the concrete tools in Tekla.
Steel tools and concrete tools have different information and presets associated with them. When working with any part that is steel, it needs to be defined as a material available in your material catalog in the "Steel" section. If the part is plastic, steel, neoprene, or anything other than concrete it should be modeled using the steel tools and use a material in the "Miscellaneous" or "Steel" section of your material catalog. You might need to add some materials to your catalog. Note: If the material is not properly defined or in the material catalog it will not perform properly in the model or drawings.
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Accuracy
Remember the goal when modeling embeds, especially vendor or standard embeds is to show the placement in drawings. If the embeds are not fabricated from the Tekla drawings then the modeling of the parts can be simplified. Include only enough detail that they show clearly in the drawing for production to place them but not more detail than is easily seen. Always keep heavily used model objects as simple as possible. Custom parts are used many times in the model so the more parts, handles, parameters, intelligence, and complexity the more data heavy the project becomes. Avoid unnecessary detail and complexity for the best model, report, numbering, and drawing performance. Try to avoid putting cuts in as part of custom parts if possible. Round objects, chamfers, curved beams, part cuts, and other fine detail should be avoided if possible when creating standard or catalog embeds. Remember these embeds are used extensively in the model so any small changes you make to how simple they are modeled can have a large impact on the performance of your job.
Heavy
Moderate
Light
Parametric Ability
For standard and vendor embeds there is no need for formulas, bindings, parameters, and other parametric ability. They do not change often and there are a set number of them in a catalog. It is much better to create a save as of the custom part and adapt when creating a new part. By keeping these embeds simple it cuts down on unnecessary work in the model. This can have a large impact on performance.
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General Suggestions for Properties

- Product name (e.g. P01 ) => Main part name - Order number (e.g. 05.337.032.430A) => Comment - Treatment (e.g. G for galvanized) => Finish-field - Description (e.g. 8T BURKE ANCHOR HEAD) => User field 1 - Class varies per type of embed - Numbering series: - Part prefix: EB_name (E.g. EB_P01), Start number 1 - Assembly prefix: EB_name(E.g. EB_ P01), Start number 1 Note: Numbering series are unique for each product name in order to make numbering faster for standard parts (difference is found easily, no need for solid comparison) Catalog Name: It is recommended you prefix the embed with EB_ or Embed_ and then add on the Product Name (e.g. EB_ P01). This makes them easy to filter and use in the component catalog.
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Numbering Setup Guidelines for Precast
8 August 2007
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................................................2
Foreword...................................................................................................................................3
A. First numbering setup........................................................................................................4
B. Numbering after marks have been released for coordination .....................................5
C. Clearing Marks ....................................................................................................................6
Foreword
The purpose of this document is to recommend procedures for the proper setup and use of numbering for the Precast industry. Once mark and piece information are released on a project, it is NOT recommended to change numbering setup. It is not recommended to change settings that affect numbering during the course of the project. In order to get the best Precast numbering results, objects must be modeled using standards and put in the model consistently. Also, in the case of tees, the lengths vary to achieve warping. For concrete parts, careful consideration must be used when assigning the tolerance and this must be consistent throughout the project. The tolerance should never be set to zero. It is recommended to use a tolerance that is reasonable to allow slightly longer tees or other tilted parts to get same mark if this is the desired result. Be careful not to choose a tolerance that is so large that concrete parts get the same mark even though they are truly different cast pieces. When working in multi-user mode care must be taken with numbering and modeling to achieve consistent Precast results. Numbering should be the responsibility of one person to avoid multiple users numbering at different times. Numbering must be coordinated at all times. When numbering is run, make sure that it is run on a model that is fully up to date. This requires that all users save sequentially and then the one person who is responsible for numbering must save last, number, and then save the results. After the model is numbered then it should be saved immediately so others can get the results. Numbering setup can vary from project to project and must be reviewed by each company. Settings can vary depending on desired outcome. The numbering settings suggested in this document should be a good starting point to achieve consistent numbering. Pay special attention to each option in the dialog box, each option can make a large difference in the results. Keep in mind that the rebar_config.inp file also affects how rebar is marked and numbered as well as several advanced options for numbering. The tolerances in the setup files and templates should match what you have in numbering setup. The tolerance entered for each material is used for all aspects of the part's geometry. This includes length, width, height, block outs, embed locations, rebar location, and all other geometry. Also keep in mind that nested sub assemblies have their own marks as well as rebar. For any two cast units, if the marks of embedded objects are different then the cast units must also be different. Numbering should be used to help check the model starting from day one. It should not be postponed until right before you need to release drawings. If you use it daily it will help you check and fix you model as you go. If there are extra marks it is a good idea to go ahead and fix the model inconsistencies at that time before moving on.
1 Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Foreword
A. First numbering setup

This occurs when you reach a certain point in your project where most of your pieces are modeled, usually the first few days. Numbering has been done before but no drawings/marks have been released for final coordination. Like parts (parts that need to have the same mark number) should be detailed the same for best results. The numbering setup used at this point is unique, see below. At this time, all pieces are renumbered and old numbers are reused to avoid gaps in the numbering sequence.
Numbering Steps: 1. Setup numbering as shown above. 2. Click Apply. 3. Go to Tools>Numbering>Full numbering. 4. Verify that the numbers came out as needed. 5. Change numbering to "PC_standard" settings, see section B. 6. Rename "PC_Standard" to "standard". This is a critical step! Modified numbering does not remark parts that have not changed. In order to remark all parts taking into account new settings, full numbering is needed. Full numbering will check all parts against applied numbering settings, whereas before now settings were not probably set or consistent. From this point forward numbering modified will be the primary numbering method.
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TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST A. First numbering setup Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation 1
B. Numbering after marks have been released for coordination

This generally occurs when preliminary marks and drawings are released to architect, owner, and/or contractor. Marks will change some because not all pieces have been fully detailed and it is necessary to add or remove some pieces at this stage. It is OK for some minimal mark changes if detailing requires it. It is important at this stage to number carefully. It is best not to number when all like elements are not detailed to the same stage. For example, if four spandrels need to have the same mark but only one of them has reinforcement then it is best not to number until all four spandrels have the same reinforcing and connections. From this stage forward you will want to use modified numbering and avoid numbering setting changes. This procedure will help to avoid unnecessary mark number changes during the project after you have set numbering. Do not change numbering settings during the project; this will adversely affect your numbering system.
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST B. Numbering after marks have been released for coordination
C. Clearing Marks
If marks are different for cast units that should ideally be the same, you can clear numbering for those pieces only and then run numbering modified. This sometimes is the case when numbering was run at times when the detailing of like parts was at different stages or different settings were used. The clearing of the marks will force those pieces to all be re-compared and remarked against the other pieces in the model. If no parts are modified, numbering modified will not give them new marks or re-compare the pieces. It is not recommended to run numbering full in a project after marks have been released because this could result in more mark changes than desired. If this process does not result in the cleared parts receiving the same mark then there is something different about the pieces in the model should be fixed. You should compare the inconsistent pieces using reports and determine what is different. See below for steps for clearing marks so that certain pieces are re-compared. To clear marks and re-compare certain pieces from scratch: 1. Select desired parts to be cleared. 2. Go to Tools>Numbering>Clear selected. 3. Run modified numbering.
Most Common Model Inconsistencies: (forcing extra marks) 1. Duplicate custom components 2. Duplicate rebar 3. Objects were at one time modified using objects in components 4. Unique or different user defined attributes 5. Parametric profile (including parameters) are different 6. Different numbering settings for prefix or start no 7. Changes in numbering setup was made at some point 8. Connections were copied and need refreshing
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST
D. Clearing Marks
If marks are different for cast units that should ideally be the same, you can clear numbering for those pieces only and then run numbering modified. This sometimes is the case when numbering was run at times when the detailing of like parts was at different stages or different settings were used. The clearing of the marks will force those pieces to all be re-compared and remarked against the other pieces in the model. If no parts are modified, numbering modified will not give them new marks or re-compare the pieces. It is not recommended to run numbering full in a project after marks have been released because this could result in more mark changes than desired. If this process does not result in the cleared parts receiving the same mark then there is something different about the pieces in the model should be fixed. You should compare the inconsistent pieces using reports and determine what is different. See below for steps for clearing marks so that certain pieces are re-compared. To clear marks and re-compare certain pieces from scratch: 1. Select desired parts to be cleared. 2. Go to Tools>Numbering>Clear selected. 3. Run modified numbering.
Most Common Model Inconsistencies: (forcing extra marks) 1. Duplicate custom components 2. Duplicate rebar 3. Objects were at one time modified using objects in components 4. Unique or different user defined attributes 5. Parametric profile (including parameters) are different 6. Different numbering settings for prefix or start no 7. Changes in numbering setup was made at some point 8. Connections were copied and need refreshing
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST D. Clearing Marks
Orientation and Top-in-Form Setup for Tekla Structures Precast
7 August 2007
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................................................2
Forward........................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Working with Columns: ..........................................................................................................4
Working with Walls: ..............................................................................................................11
Working with beams: (spandrels, IT beams, tees, etc) .................................................14
Foreword
Tekla Structures is very flexible and allows you to place pieces in the model in various ways. In cases where these pieces are all symmetrical and all faces of the piece are the same then there is no need to consider orientation and the top in form setting; however, when working with Precast it is essential to set these properties correctly to get the desired results. How you model parts affects how drawings are created. If you have set up numbering to ignore beam and column orientation then the piece orientation will not affect the marks; however it can still affect drawings. It is important to understand how the various modeling techniques and settings will affect your drawings. If care is not taken you can get different drawings for pieces other than what you might have intended. When you create a drawing of a cast unit you must select a part of that cast unit in the model to generate the drawing. This newly created drawing is of that particular piece you selected in the model. The Tekla numbering system links the drawing of that particular cast unit to all the other pieces in the model with that same mark or the assembly position. The cast unit position or assembly position number represents the identifier of that product commonly referred to as the "mark number." If you have numbering settings that lead to truly different pieces in the model receiving the same mark then your drawing might not be representative of all members of that assembly position. This is where the top in form setting, orientation, and proper model discipline can help. One of the most common examples is an exterior column. It is important to consider the many finishes of pieces in Precast. Different faces of the column will likely receive different finishes. The exterior will have a more refined finish when exposed, making the exterior face important and unique. You will most often want to see the drawing taking note of the finishes of the piece, particularly the top in form or the up face of the piece. The more processed finish is often achieved by being designated down in form. It is common to show this down in the drawing view, as it were cast. This same mechanism can be achieved in Tekla Structures drawings. For two columns on opposite sides of a structure (or any other type product) they are best modeled as rotated elements. The easiest way to see this is to consider how the piece is typically erected. This piece "A" is exactly the same as on the other side of the building except it is rotated, not mirrored or copied. The finished face remains exterior; therefore that face of that piece should remain exterior in the model as well. There are several ways of accomplishing this in Tekla Structures. The goal is to model the pieces so that the drawings are consistent regardless of which piece is used to generate the cast unit drawing. It is important to get the correct up face in the drawings so you do not have to spend time creating extra views and unnecessary editing in the
drawings. This user guide is aimed in explaining how these goals are easily achieved and to make suggestions on how to get greater overall consistency in modeling and in drawings.
Working with Columns

Recommended Column Model Orientation:
For the purposes of this document the view names are shown below.
The default top in form face is "Back" for columns. To illustrate let us see what "Front" would do as a default.
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Working with Columns
This affects drawings only if the view orientation is set to "Fixed" and only if drawings have not already been created.
Column Drawing (generated with top in form=front):
In this case, columns are modeled as shown in orientation recommendation picture and have default top in form UDA (user defined attribute). Because of this reversed orientation, all columns in the model yield the same drawing as shown above. Reversed orientation indicates that each opposite side of the structure has the elements with opposite orientation. This effect is achieved with Copy SpecialRotate command. If the columns are inserted using the Copy SpecialTranslate then this effect is not achieved automatically, but can be achieved by manually changing the orientation as shown in picture. Having the correct orientation does ensure that pieces are modeled in a Precast friendly way and that the drawings will be consistent. It does not guarantee that the drawings will have the desired orientation. To make sure the orientation is correct we will need to work with both the rotation and the top in form face user defined attribute. Top in form face user defined attribute
If we change the top in form UDA to Back, and create a new drawing, this is the resulting cast unit drawing. This UDA does not affect existing drawings if changed after the drawing is created. Drawings must be recreated or regenerated to take into account this setting. However, the view can be rotated manually or by using the view properties to achieve desired result. It is recommended that you preset the up in form or "Front" view in the model and apply the same "Top in form face" UDA to each of the columns in the same group or mark. To get the corbel to be in the down in form face you will need to designate the top in form face UDA to Back". When a new cast unit drawing is created using this setting the corbel is now shown on the down face (far side) of the column and it is flipped on the Up in Form view. We are designating the front face by using this setting. It is a method for pinning the correct face in the model to the correct face in the drawing which also affects rotation of the views. We notice that the corbel is now down in form in the top view; however, we want the corbel in the bottom view to be shown down on the drawing page. We can not just take "Side B" and draw the corbel down because that would not correctly represent the model, but we can choose to show the other side view instead, which would show the corbel down on paper. To show the other side of the column instead you can turn on the "Bottom" view and turn off the "Top" view.
Once the view position is set, you can get all the correct views in the drawings and orientated as well. The default is setting for columns is Column_Form versus say the Beam_Form which has different view scales, views shown, and rotation perhaps. The objective is to get the drawing as you need it be shown on paper and to clone where Tekla can take into account the editing of this one drawing and apply it to other similar pieces. For the section views you will want to rotate those in the master drawing so that the "Up in Form" is up on the page, this will then clone to the other drawings. To get consistent modeling and drawing results we will want to make sure the piece orientation is opposite and the top in form settings are the same. The top in form face setting you use will depend on which face you want to designate as up in form. Below are some examples:
Note: In the below pictures the section has been expanded to see entire column length which would not be typical, this is done to show more clearly how corbel and sides interact. Top in Form= Front Rotation=Front Top in Form=Back Rotation=Front
Top in Form=Top Rotation=Front
Top in Form=Bottom Rotation=Front
By using the "Top in form face" UDA you are able to preset which face of the object you want to be used for the "front view" in the drawing. For the Precast industry, this will translate to being able to fix the drawing up face orientation to a particular side of that piece in the model. This assumes that you will want to draw the piece with a view in the drawing showing what the worker actually sees standing over the piece in the form. From the picture below you can see which face to assign depending on what side you want up in form. Looking below it is clear that we would want to link the "Front" or up in form view in the drawing to the "Back" model view. This would cause the corbel (shown in blue) to be drawn down on the drawing page and shown on the far side in the up view.
Rotation: Top
Back
Top
Bottom
Rotation: Back
Bottom Back Front
Front
Rotation: Front
Top Front Back
Top Front
Bottom
Bottom
Top
Back
Rotation: Below
The faces are generated in this order: Front>Top>Back>Bottom, in a clockwise fashion. In accordance with our view names this will translate into: Up in Form>Side A>Down in Form>Side B, in this same clockwise fashion starting from the side we designate as Top in form face. In the case where we set top in form UDA to "Back", then the Up in Form view will show the "Back" face up in the top drawing view. Then in a clockwise fashion the next face "Side A" will be the model face Bottom view, as shown in the pictures on the previous page.
If you prefer your base of the column to be drawn on the right side of the drawing instead of on the left then you can use the below "Around Z:" setting to rotate the part in the plane of the page. Rotating the views around the drawing z axis 180 degrees will cause the base of the column to be always shown at right for columns.
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Drawing using the Around Z: 180 setting.
Working with Walls

Walls work in the same manner as columns but have slightly different face positions due to the location of their handles. If you model your walls as recommended in Tekla basic training and use the recommended model discipline then this will be consistent and simple to understand. This is how the wall properties are setup for this document:
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST
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Wall placement in model:
Set the Top in form face UDA to show which side of the piece that you want drawn up in form. If you want the top in form to be the "Back" face then set this UDA to "Back" for this wall. This will designate the "Front" to be the "Down in form" side and be shown down in the drawing, see below for illustration.
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TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Working with Walls
In the above case, you will notice that the wall is upside down. We would prefer the top of the drawing to represent the top of the wall as erected. To get the drawing to rotate all parts automatically we can use same method as for columns and beams. We will set the rotation about the z axis for walls to 180, see below. For the section views you will want to rotate those manually in the master drawing so that the "Up in Form" is up on the page, this will then clone with drawings for the other walls.
Rotating about the Z (in and out of the page of the screen) changes the drawing to match what is shown below.
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Working with Walls
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Working with beams (spandrels, IT beams, tees, etc)

Beam elements work in the same manner. If you model your beams, spandrels, and tees as recommended in the Tekla basic training and use the recommended model discipline then this will be consistent and simple to understand. Here is the setup used for beams:
For beams, you will most likely want to show the "Up in Form" as the top of the piece looking down into the bed it is poured in. To accomplish this we will want to set the "Top in form Face" to "Top," as seen on the next page.
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TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Working with beams (spandrels, IT beams, tees, etc)
The resulting drawing will be shown as below. The section should be manually rotated in your master drawing and then cloned for the other beam drawings to accomplish top in form top of page concept. Using these methods, it does not matter which tee you select in the model to generate the cast unit drawing, each will yield the same result (assuming your exterior tee bays are modeled from outside in, as with beam standard modeling practice).
If you want to have the exterior end of the tees on the right side of the page you can set the rotation about the z axis to 180, as with columns and walls. Be aware that "Side A" and "Side B" will reverse in the drawing by doing this. This is because you are not switching which view you are looking at in the drawing, only rotating them. If you do not want to switch "Side A" and "Side B" you could also rename the "Top" and "Bottom" view name for beam drawings.
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Sides for beam orientation: (Finish handle is into page)
If you are looking at the other end of the beam (Start handle is into page) the "Front" and "Back" sides would be reversed. IT, rectangular, and ledge beams will all behave in similar manner. Depending on your standards, you might want to do a preset for each product type to ensure the correct views are correct in the drawing from the start.
16
Here is the setup used for spandrels:
Other example: (Finish handle is into page, modeled clockwise) Model Faces:
17
For the spandrel drawings you will most likely want to turn off the bottom view, this was preset but could be setup as turned on instead. You can see from this example that you can easily do presets for each product type and get the desired views and orientation from the start. The views can also be renamed in case you want to make the names more sense based on product type. There are presets for the following: Beam Spandrel Column DoubleTee Slab VertWall (for slender vertical walls or ramp walls) Wall (for shear walls or longer horizontal walls)
18
Element Save As DoubleTee ItBeam LB_Spandrel LedgeBeam NLB_Spandrel RectangularBeam Column HorizontalWall RampWall ShearWall VerticalWall Slab
Default Top in Form UDA Top Top Front Top Front Top Back Front Front Front Front Back
These presets and drawing setups work along with the wizard settings and model objects select filters. The filters help the drawing creation wizard know which parts are classified as certain elements. The wizard goes through and sets up the correct drawing presets for each piece type and then creates the drawing. There are "form" versus "rebar" setups for each type of drawing setup. Wizards available:
Example form Precast_Shop_Form setup:

set_drawing_type(cast_unit) /* Filters beams and creates drawings */ set_drawing_attributes(Beam_Form) set_filter(Precast_Beam) create_drawings() For more help and information see the help for Drawing > Wizard.
1 Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Working with beams (spandrels, IT beams, tees, etc)
19
Part Mark Settings in Drawings Guide
23 May 2007
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................................................2
Forward........................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Suggested Drawing Part Mark Settings................................................................................5
Part mark categories...............................................................................................................6
General Note ...............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Foreword
This document is a guide to help you correctly setup part marks so drawings are generated correctly. Remember your advanced options server_user.bat user.bat, and usimp_env.bat all affect how Tekla Structures works. They take precedence in that order.
Necessary Advanced Settings or user.bat:

set XS_OMIT_MARKS_OF_HIDDEN_PARTS_IN_GA_DRAWINGS= (The above setting is blank, anything else prohibits hidden part marks) set XS_PART_MARKS_ALWAYS_VISIBLE_IN_DRAWING=CG (The above setting allows marks to be shown if entire part is hidden in certain drawings)
Merging Mark Settings:

set XS_MAX_MERGE_DISTANCE_IN_HORIZONTAL=2134 set XS_MAX_MERGE_DISTANCE_IN_VERTICAL=2134 set XS_PART_MERGE_MAX_DISTANCE=2134 (Remember 2134mm = 7ft, consider tee stem plates if you want these marks to merge in elevation views) set XS_NS_POSTFIX_FOR_MERGED_PART_MARK=(N/S) set XS_FS_POSTFIX_FOR_MERGED_PART_MARK=(F/S) set XS_NSFS_POSTFIX_FOR_MERGED_PART_MARK=(E/S) (Above settings, set how merged marks are called out)
Optional Settings to consider:

See help for more information on each of these settings, here are some general suggestions: set XS_UPDATE_MARKS_IN_FROZEN_DRAWINGS=
set XS_DO_NOT_DRAW_COLUMN_MARKS_AT_45_DEGREES_IN_GA_DRAWING=TRUE
set XS_DRAW_SHORT_LEADER_LINES_OF_PART_MARKS=TRUE set XS_DRAWING_IGNORE_ZERO_LEVELS_IN_PART_MARKS=FALSE set XS_UPDATE_MARK_PLACING_IN_DRAWING= set XS_MULTIPLIER_SEPARATOR_FOR_MERGED_PART_MARK=set XS_MIN_MERGE_PART_COUNT=2 set XS_COUNT_BOTH_PARTS_IN_NSFS_PART_MARK=TRUE set XS_COUNT_ALL_PARTS_IN_NSFS_REPEATED_PART_MARK=TRUE set XS_NSFS_TEXT_POSITION_IN_PART_MARK=23
Suggested Drawing Part Mark Settings

It is recommended that these settings be used in the drawing properties for GA drawings. It is often best to work directly with views, especially if there are multiple views in one drawing. It is recommended to add mark content through the view properties instead of through the drawings properties. The settings in this document show how to setup the drawings and views to have marks properly come into the views. Once in the mode of editing at the view level, it is not recommended to go back and change properties on the drawing level.
Suggested View Part Mark Settings:
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Suggested Drawing Part Mark Settings
Part mark categories
General Note
The above settings work well for details, sections, and small areas where all embeds are called out. For large GA drawings where only certain embeds or certain part marks are called out you can use associative notes or use part marks though classifier systems. It is often easier to call out only the parts you need rather than call out all marks and delete the ones you do not need. The most efficient way to handle marks in plans, elevations, and other large scale drawings is to develop a system of classifiers that automatically calls out only the marks you need. There are some presets available to you as a guide included in the view presets called _PC_Plan and _PC_Elevation. See Help: The Drawing Classifier
6
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Part mark categories Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation 1
Marks for Grouped Items

For cast unit drawings there is another setting that affects how marks are shown in drawings. In the "Cast unit drawing properties>Dimensioning, the menu below appears. Under the tab Dimension grouping there is a setting to not show certain part marks. If the box highlighted below is checked it will prevent marks from coming into drawings for cases where they were or are marks included in a dimension line tag as part of the automatic dimensioning.
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Marks for Grouped Items
Rebar Mark Settings in Drawings Guide
12 June 2007
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................................................2
Foreword...................................................................................................................................3
Reinforcement marks..............................................................................................................4
Foreword
This document is a guide to help you correctly setup Rebar marks so drawings are generated correctly. Remember your advanced options server_user.bat user.bat, and usimp_env.bat all affect how Tekla Structures works. They take precedence in that order.
Optional Settings to consider

XS_CONSIDER_REBAR_NAME_IN_NUMBERING=TRUE XS_REBAR_CLASH_CHECK_BENDING_TOLERANCE=0.5 See help for more information on each of these settings.
Numbering Settings
Rebar is marked according to its Prefix and Start No from the tool used to input it into the model. If necessary, no "Prefix" need be assigned, this would result in 1, 2, 3 instead of R/1, R/2, R/3. The content part of the position number can be broken up or used to create rebar marks that are different than the position number if desired. The "position" number is the prefix plus the numbered suffix. It is good practice to use this mark to refer to the rebar in the view and then reference more information in the bill of materials or a rebar schedule. WARNING: You should not use different start numbers that are close together in the same model. If you have some rebar starting at 1 and other rebar starting at 100 it is very possible to see the warning message "Overlapping Rebar Series". This warning means you have 2 or more rebar with the same position or mark. This could result
in detailing errors and fabrication errors. It is easiest to start all bars at 1. However, if you do not use this method make sure there is ample room between numbering series to cover all variations of rebar in the model.
Reinforcement marks
Many drawings use multiple views and have unique view settings. It is best to set rebar marks in the view properties. The view and drawing properties have to be set to work together. Be sure to save these settings as a preset once you get it correctly setup. This document works for both GA and CU drawing properties, the menus vary slightly but the setup is the same.
Drawing Properties
This dialog illustrates how to set the drawing settings at the drawing level. It is most efficient to turn the marks off at the drawing level and turn them on only for the views which you need to see marks. There is some content in this setup to avoid empty marks from the drawing level.
TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Reinforcement marks
View properties:
The dialogs below illustrate how to set up view properties to show rebar marks correctly. When you are dealing with rebar groups they get reported as one mark. In order to have quantity you will need to have "number" and "position" for group marks. Be sure to save this away as a preset once you get it correctly setup.
Using these settings, new views would result in the below drawing view: The rebar marks as shown in section "B" are merged horizontally on the page. These can be set to merge vertically instead. There is no option that will merge all four bars at corners of beam automatically. If parenthesis are preferred in group marks these can be add with text "(" and ")" to the content around the "number" field.
If merge marks are not needed in that view, set the properties as shown to the left.
Note: The merging settings of the view can NOT be changed after creating the view to have them re-merge. These must be preset for the merging to work properly before view is created. Once they are set to "No merge", they will not go back and re-merge. The same applies to the "Preferred direction of merge"; this must be preset to work properly. The "Identical marks in same cast unit:" feature can be changed after the view is created and the marks will readjust accordingly. Note: "Block prefix", "Single mark content", and "Symbol separating" content must be set as a minimum for merged marks to work properly. They need to be in the order as shown above. Note: You will need to preset these rebar mark settings for views in which rebar will be used. The view settings will clone when working with the CU drawings. The same view properties are available for both CU and GA drawings; however, it is best to do presets for each separately.
Precast Session I- Modeling Methods 2007 North American User Meeting
Tekla Structures User Meeting 2007 Modeling
Agenda Slab Bars (18) Split and Combine Split Rebar Polygon edit New Longitudinal and Stirrup Tool Import (.XML) Web Model Tips and Tricks
08.06.07 G. Hutchinson 2
Slab Bars (18) Slabs Walls
Rebar Mesh
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Split and Combine Walls, Columns, Beams, Pad Footings Perpendicular to Handles Cannot Split:
Cannot Combine:
Polybeams Slabs Contour Plates Rebar Polybeams (more than 2 handles) Slabs Contour Plates
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Split Rebar Split Single Rebar Split Group Rebar
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Polygon edit (Add/Remove Handles)
Select the Slab or Contour Plate Select Edit from the pulldown menu
Pick an existing corner Pick a NEW point or points Pick the NEXT existing corner
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
New Longitudinal and Stirrup Tool
Stirrup Reinforcement (67) Longitudinal Reinforcement (70) Both react to cuts Can be used in CCs
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Import (.XML) Tekla Web Model Reference Object

Model Progression (track changes) Expansion, Reference Existing Structure
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Tips and Tricks Move the Clip Plane Scissors

Hold Shift, Pick Scissors and move
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Tips and Tricks Hiding the Object line when

using Hide
Hold Shift, Right Click, Select Hide
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
10
Tips and Tricks Fit Work Area by Parts

Select Object Right Click Select Fit by Parts Selected Views
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
11
Tips and Tricks Pick Work Area

Select View Pick work area Ensure you are in Plan or Elevation (CTRL+P) Select the new work area with a crossing window
08.06.07 G. Hutchinson 12
Tips and Tricks Hide the Work Area Box

Select the View Hold Shift Right Click Select Redraw Window
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
13
Thank You!
Precast Session II- The Precast Workflow 2007 North American User Meeting
2007 North American User Meeting Precast Session II
The Precast Workflow

In this session we will go over the impact BIM technology has on the traditional Precast concrete fabrication workflow. We will first discuss what Building Information Modeling is and how it is being employed in other construction segments. After defining the Precast workflow we will discuss what role BIM currently plays (if any) and what role it might play in Precast fabrication in future years. We will then discuss what Tekla and Tekla Structures brings to this segment and how BIM can be implemented. Various methods will be discussed for getting more out of BIM software by adapting your workflow and by realizing BIM is not yet the standard in Precast. We will hear from some customers and their experiences in implementing Tekla Structures and how they perceive BIM.
www.tekla.com | 1-877-TEKLA-OK
Precast Session III- Custom Component Workshop 2007 North American User Meeting
Tekla Structures User Meeting 2007 Custom Components
Agenda Part Position Type Custom Details Best Practices
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Part Position type Middle Box Plane Collision Plane Endend Plane Gusset Plane
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Middle Where the Center lines of the main and

secondary parts intersect.
Ex. Column to Spandrel (3+ Parts)
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Box Plane Where the main part box and the center
line of the secondary part intersect.
Ex. Column to IT Beam
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Collision Plane Where the main part and the center line
of the secondary part intersect.
Ex. Spandrel to
Double Tee
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
End End Plane Where the Center line of the secondary

part hits the end of the main part.
Ex. Column to Footing Wall to Wall at Ends
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Gusset Plane Where the Center lines of the main part

and the first secondary part intersect. The x direction is perpendicular to the center line of the main part.
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Custom Details Detail Type Detail Position Type
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
Detail Type End Detail
Intermediate Detail
Used at the ends of objects (Face of Handle) Used everywhere else Most commonly used
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
10
Detail Position Type Reference point
Main Part
Insert the Detail by picking a Reference Point (Ex. End Details) Inserted by selecting the Main Part Only (Ex. Rebar Details)
08.06.07
G. Hutchinson
11
Best Practices Keep It Light
Keep It Simple
Only Bind objects that you have to Keep intelligence to a minimum Dont detail every little thing Model only what you have to, so you can understand what the object is in the drawings.
G. Hutchinson 12
08.06.07
Thank You!
Precast Session IV- Drawing Methods 2007 North American User Meeting
2007 Tekla Structures User Meeting
Precast Drawings
Drawing Setup 13.1 advances Top in form UDA now setup for standard
Presets now available for form drawings Presets now available for rebar drawings Wizard available for form, rebar, and Template for hardware Drawing reports
07.08.07 Charles Pool 2
structural parts
hardware drawings
Dimensioning in GA Plans Semi automatic dimensioning setup Where to use, how Automatic dimensioning setup Typical use cases
07.08.07
Charles Pool
Connection Marks Fast, Accurate way to refer to specific

Easily mark which components in model are
different Using this method you do not have to worry about repetitive callouts in drawings, they will all match
Charles Pool 4
drawings
07.08.07
Drawing Tips: Embedding drawings Dragging part marks Filtering large drawings Field hardware drawings
07.08.07
Charles Pool
Precast Session V- Development Roadmap/Top 10 Discussion 2007 North American User Meeting
2007 Tekla Structures User Meeting
New Features Outline 13.1 Precast
More Numbering Control You now have more control over how
Assign family numbers individually if desired Sorting capabilities
assemblies are given their position numbers
07.08.07
Charles Pool
Cloning Progress 13.1 More intelligent cloning Reduction of repetitive work Better cloning of marks and editing
07.08.07
Charles Pool
Improvements in General:
Save as properties now read in upon model Copying parts with details and connections Several fixes to polygonal meshes More control over embed rotation and
placement refreshes create yes/no features open
07.08.07
Charles Pool
Rebar Shapes: 13+ new shapes added to 13.1 Several fixes to shape recognitions Several fixes to dimension outputs Updated rebar_schedule_config.inp
07.08.07
Charles Pool
Fixes: Reinforcement Marks:

Tekla Structures had problems in showing, creating
and merging reinforcing bar marks. These problems have now been fixed. Fixed: If you used the One leader line to group option to create marks for reinforcing bar groups, Tekla Structures created a separate leader line for each bar.
07.08.07
Charles Pool

2007 Precast Sessions

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DRAWING SETTINGS HIERARCHY

MAIN DRAWING PROPERTIES

GRID PROPERTIES BEAM PROPERTIES

Modeling Custom Parts for Precast

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Contents

Defining Assembly Hierarchy ................................................................................................4

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Contents

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Foreword

Defining Assembly Hierarchy

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Defining Assembly Hierarchy

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

Example Vector Connector Assembly

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Defining Assembly Hierarchy

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Embed Setup

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Embed Setup

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

Studs, Holes, and Bolts

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Embed Setup

Presets for Modeling Custom Parts:

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Embed Setup

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Embed Setup

General Suggestions for Properties

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Embed Setup

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

Numbering Setup Guidelines for Precast

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Contents

A. First numbering setup........................................................................................................4

B. Numbering after marks have been released for coordination .....................................5

C. Clearing Marks ....................................................................................................................6

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Contents

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

A. First numbering setup

B. Numbering after marks have been released for coordination

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST D. Clearing Marks

Orientation and Top-in-Form Setup for Tekla Structures Precast

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Contents

Forward........................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

Working with Columns: ..........................................................................................................4

Working with Walls: ..............................................................................................................11

Working with beams: (spandrels, IT beams, tees, etc) .................................................14

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Contents

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

Working with Columns

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Working with Columns

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

Column Drawing (generated with top in form=front):

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Working with Columns

TEKLA STRUCTURES PRECAST Working with Columns

Copyright 2007 Tekla Corporation