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Modeling Manual
2010 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved. This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referenced Software. Use of the Software, and use of this Software Manual are governed by a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement sets certain warranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, defines permitted uses of the Software, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software. All information set forth in this manual is provided with the warranty set forth in the License Agreement. Please refer to the License Agreement for important obligations and applicable limitations and restrictions on your rights. Tekla does not guarantee that the text is free of technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Tekla reserves the right to make changes and additions to this manual due to changes in the software or otherwise. In addition, this Software Manual is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. Unauthorized reproduction, display, modification, or distribution of this Manual, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the full extent permitted by law. Tekla, Tekla Structures, Xcity, Xengineer, Xpipe, Xroad, Xpower, Xsteel, and Xstreet are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Tekla Corporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. By referring to a third-party product or brand, Tekla does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or endorsement by such third party and disclaims any such affiliation or endorsement, except where otherwise expressly stated. Portions of this software: D-Cubed 2D DCM 2008 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software III (GB) Ltd. All rights reserved. EPM toolkit 1995-2004 EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rights reserved. XML parser 1999 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights reserved. Project Data Control Library 2006 - 2007 DlhSoft. All rights reserved. DWGdirect, DGNdirect and OpenDWG Toolkit/Viewkit libraries 1998-2005 Open Design Alliance. All rights reserved. FlexNet Copyright 2006 Flexera Software Limited. All Rights Reserved. This product contains proprietary and confidential technology provided by and owned by Flexera Software Limited Of Schaumburg, IL, USA. Any use, copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission of such technology in whole or in part in any form or by any means without the prior express written permission of Flexera Software Limited is strictly prohibited. Except where expressly provided by Flexera Software Limited in writing, possession of this technology shall not be construed to confer any license or rights under any of Flexera Softwares intellectual property rights, whether by estoppel, implication, or otherwise. The software is protected by U.S. Patent 7,302,368. Also elements of the software described in this Manual may be the subject of pending patent applications in the European Union and/or other countries including U.S. patent applications 2004031231, 2004267695, 2005285881, 2006000484 and 200613639.
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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
Contents
Conventions used in this guide ........................................................................................................................... 3
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Deleting a single grid line .......................................................................................................... 33 2.6 Views .................................................................................................................................................... 33 Should I model in a 3D or plane view?............................................................................................. Creating a view ................................................................................................................................ About naming views .................................................................................................................. View types ................................................................................................................................. View planes ............................................................................................................................... Moving a view plane .................................................................................................................. Creating grid views .................................................................................................................... Opening a view ................................................................................................................................ Modifying a view............................................................................................................................... Deleting a view................................................................................................................................. Switching between open views ........................................................................................................ Switching between 3D and plane view............................................................................................. Refreshing views.............................................................................................................................. Arranging views................................................................................................................................ 2.7 34 35 35 36 36 37 38 38 38 38 39 39 39 39
Construction objects ............................................................................................................................. 40 Creating a construction plane .......................................................................................................... 40 Creating a construction line.............................................................................................................. 41 Creating a construction circle........................................................................................................... 41
2.8
2.9
Reference models................................................................................................................................. 43 Inserting a reference model ............................................................................................................. Modifying reference model properties.............................................................................................. Selecting a reference model ............................................................................................................ Hiding a reference model ................................................................................................................. Highlighting a reference model ........................................................................................................ Updating reference models .............................................................................................................. Detecting changes in a reference model.......................................................................................... Viewing reference model layers ....................................................................................................... Reference model objects ................................................................................................................. Selecting a reference model object ........................................................................................... Splitting a reference model into reference model objects .......................................................... Supported DGN objects ................................................................................................................... 44 44 45 45 45 45 45 46 47 48 48 48
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Changing the profile of a part .................................................................................................... Standard profiles ........................................................................................................................ Parametric profiles ..................................................................................................................... User-defined profiles .................................................................................................................. Materials........................................................................................................................................... Changing the material of a part ................................................................................................. Colors ............................................................................................................................................... User-defined attributes ..................................................................................................................... Part labels ........................................................................................................................................ Showing part labels in a view .................................................................................................... 3.2 Moving a part using handles ............................................................................................................ Showing part reference lines in model views ................................................................................... Modifying the position of a part ........................................................................................................ Position on the work plane ......................................................................................................... Rotation ..................................................................................................................................... Position depth ............................................................................................................................ Vertical position ......................................................................................................................... Horizontal position ..................................................................................................................... End offsets ................................................................................................................................. Levels ........................................................................................................................................ Bending ...................................................................................................................................... 3.3 Creating a steel column.................................................................................................................... Creating a steel beam ...................................................................................................................... Creating a steel polybeam................................................................................................................ Creating a curved beam ................................................................................................................... Creating a contour plate ................................................................................................................... Creating a round contour plate .................................................................................................. Creating an orthogonal beam........................................................................................................... Creating a twin profile....................................................................................................................... 3.4 Creating an assembly....................................................................................................................... Creating a sub-assembly ........................................................................................................... Using bolts to create assemblies ............................................................................................... Bolting sub-assemblies to an existing assembly ....................................................................... Using welds to create assemblies ............................................................................................. Welding sub-assemblies to an existing assembly ..................................................................... Adding objects to assemblies........................................................................................................... Assembly hierarchy ................................................................................................................... Adding parts to an assembly ..................................................................................................... Creating a nested assembly ......................................................................................................
52 53 53 53 54 54 55 55 56 56 57 58 58 59 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 70 71 71 71 72 72 72 73 73 74 74
Steel parts............................................................................................................................................. 66
Assemblies............................................................................................................................................ 70
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Joining assemblies .................................................................................................................... Changing the assembly main part ............................................................................................. Changing the main assembly .................................................................................................... Removing objects from an assembly ............................................................................................... Highlighting objects in an assembly ................................................................................................. Exploding an assembly .................................................................................................................... Assembly examples ......................................................................................................................... 3.5 Creating a pad footing...................................................................................................................... Creating a strip footing ..................................................................................................................... Creating a concrete column ............................................................................................................. Creating a concrete beam................................................................................................................ Creating a concrete polybeam ......................................................................................................... Creating a concrete slab .................................................................................................................. Creating a round slab ................................................................................................................ Creating a concrete panel ................................................................................................................ 3.6 Creating a cast unit .......................................................................................................................... Adding objects to cast units ............................................................................................................. Adding concrete objects to a cast unit ....................................................................................... Adding non-concrete objects to a cast unit ............................................................................... Changing the cast unit main part ............................................................................................... Removing objects from a cast unit ................................................................................................... Highlighting objects in a cast unit..................................................................................................... Exploding a cast unit ........................................................................................................................ Defining the cast unit type................................................................................................................ Casting direction .............................................................................................................................. Defining the casting direction of a part ...................................................................................... Showing the top-in-form face ....................................................................................................
75 75 75 75 75 76 76 78 78 78 79 79 80 80 81 82 82 82 82 82 83 83 83 83 84 84 84
Cast units.............................................................................................................................................. 81
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Creating oversized holes.................................................................................................................. 90 4.3 Welds .................................................................................................................................................... 91 Creating a weld between parts......................................................................................................... Weld position ............................................................................................................................. Weld size prefixes ...................................................................................................................... Creating a polygon weld................................................................................................................... Creating a weld to a part .................................................................................................................. Weld preparation .............................................................................................................................. Manually preparing a part for welding ........................................................................................ 4.4 91 92 93 93 94 94 94
Surface treatment.................................................................................................................................. 95 Modifying surface treatment properties ............................................................................................ 96 Adding surface treatment to parts .................................................................................................... 96 Adding surface treatment to a selected area ............................................................................. 97 Adding surface treatment to a part face ..................................................................................... 97 Adding surface treatment to all faces of a part .......................................................................... 97 Adding surface treatment to cut faces ....................................................................................... 97 Surface treatment on chamfered parts ...................................................................................... 98 Surface treatment on parts with openings and recesses ........................................................... 98 Creating new surface treatment options........................................................................................... 99 Tiled surface treatment................................................................................................................... 100 Creating new tile patterns ........................................................................................................ 100 Example pattern definition ....................................................................................................... 101 Tile pattern definitions .............................................................................................................. 103 Tile pattern elements ............................................................................................................... 104
4.5
Fine-tuning part shape ........................................................................................................................ 104 Chamfers........................................................................................................................................ Chamfering part corners .......................................................................................................... Corner chamfer types and dimensions .................................................................................... Polybeam chamfers ................................................................................................................. Chamfering part edges ............................................................................................................ Fittings............................................................................................................................................ Creating a fitting ....................................................................................................................... Cuts ................................................................................................................................................ Line cuts .................................................................................................................................. Polygon cuts ............................................................................................................................ Part cuts ................................................................................................................................... Cutting parts with a line ........................................................................................................... Cutting parts with a polygon .................................................................................................... Cutting parts with another part ................................................................................................. Modifying the shape of a polygon................................................................................................... Warping concrete parts .................................................................................................................. Warping a beam using deformation angles ............................................................................. 104 105 105 106 107 108 108 109 109 109 110 111 111 112 112 113 113
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Warping a concrete slab by moving chamfers ......................................................................... Warping a Floor Bay (66) slab ................................................................................................. Cambering parts............................................................................................................................. Cambering a part ..................................................................................................................... Shortening and lengthening parts .................................................................................................. Shortening a part in drawings .................................................................................................. Lengthening a part in drawings ............................................................................................... 4.6
Combining parts.................................................................................................................................. 116 Combining two parts into one......................................................................................................... 116 Attaching a part to another part...................................................................................................... 117
4.7
Splitting parts ...................................................................................................................................... 117 Splitting a straight or curved part ................................................................................................... 118 Splitting a plate or slab................................................................................................................... 118
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Showing and hiding components ................................................................................................... Object groups ................................................................................................................................. Creating an object group ......................................................................................................... Copying an object group to another model .............................................................................. Deleting an object group .......................................................................................................... Object representation settings........................................................................................................ Creating object representation settings ................................................................................... Copying object representation settings to another model ........................................................ Deleting object representation settings .................................................................................... 5.4 Creating a visualization .................................................................................................................. Copying visualization settings to another model ............................................................................ Deleting visualization settings ........................................................................................................ Example: Visualizing the erection schedule of a project ................................................................ Example: Defining an erection schedule ................................................................................. Example: Creating object groups ............................................................................................. Example: Creating object representation settings ................................................................... Example: Creating visualization settings ................................................................................. Example: Visualizing the erection schedule ............................................................................ 5.5 Measuring objects .......................................................................................................................... Measuring distances ................................................................................................................ Measuring angles .................................................................................................................... Measuring bolt spacing ............................................................................................................ Detecting clashes ........................................................................................................................... Finding clashes in a model ...................................................................................................... Clash Check Manager ............................................................................................................. Defining a clash check clearance area for bolts ...................................................................... Reverting to the old clash checking functionality ..................................................................... Comparing parts or assemblies...................................................................................................... Finding distant objects....................................................................................................................
132 132 132 133 133 133 134 135 135 136 136 136 136 137 137 138 138 139 143 143 143 143 144 145 145 148 149 149 149
10
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Family numbers.............................................................................................................................. Assigning family numbers ....................................................................................................... Changing the family number of an object ................................................................................ Overlapping numbering series ....................................................................................................... 6.4 Numbering assemblies and cast units ........................................................................................... Assembly position numbers .................................................................................................... Numbering reinforcements............................................................................................................. Saving preliminary numbers........................................................................................................... Control numbers............................................................................................................................. Assigning control numbers to parts ......................................................................................... Locking and unlocking control numbers .................................................................................. Changing numbers......................................................................................................................... Clearing numbers........................................................................................................................... Creating a standard-part model ..................................................................................................... 6.5 6.6 6.7
155 155 156 156 157 157 157 158 158 159 159 159 160 160
Viewing the numbering history............................................................................................................ 161 Repairing numbering errors ................................................................................................................ 161 Numbering examples.......................................................................................................................... 162 Example: Numbering identical beams............................................................................................ Example: Using family numbers..................................................................................................... Example: Numbering selected part types ...................................................................................... Example: Numbering parts in selected phases.............................................................................. Example: Numbering settings during a project .............................................................................. 162 163 164 164 165
Phases................................................................................................................................................ 171 Dividing the model into phases ...................................................................................................... 171 Custom phase properties ............................................................................................................... 171
7.3
Sequences.......................................................................................................................................... 172 Creating a sequence ...................................................................................................................... Adding parts to a sequence ........................................................................................................... Checking the sequence of a part ................................................................................................... Modifying the sequence number of a part...................................................................................... Deleting a sequence ...................................................................................................................... 172 173 173 173 173
7.4
11
Creating a lot .................................................................................................................................. Adding parts to a lot ....................................................................................................................... Removing parts from a lot .............................................................................................................. Deleting a lot .................................................................................................................................. 7.5 7.6
Parametric modeling ........................................................................................................................... 176 Parametric profiles available in Tekla Structures ........................................................................... 176 Sketched cross sections ..................................................................................................................... 181 Opening the cross section sketch editor ........................................................................................ Sketch Browser ........................................................................................................................ Variables .................................................................................................................................. Sketching the outline of a cross section ......................................................................................... Sketching a polyline ................................................................................................................. Sketching an arc ...................................................................................................................... Sketching a circle ..................................................................................................................... Refining the shape of a sketched cross section ............................................................................. Adding a parallel constraint ..................................................................................................... Adding a perpendicular constraint ........................................................................................... Adding a coincident constraint ................................................................................................. Adding a fixed constraint ......................................................................................................... Adding a horizontal constraint ................................................................................................. Adding a vertical constraint ...................................................................................................... Deleting a constraint ................................................................................................................ Adding dimensions to a sketched cross section............................................................................. Adding a radial dimension to a sketch ..................................................................................... Adding an angle dimension to a sketch ................................................................................... Adding a dimension between two points in a sketch ............................................................... Adding a horizontal dimension to a sketch .............................................................................. Adding a vertical dimension to a sketch .................................................................................. Deleting a dimension from a sketch ......................................................................................... Defining positioning planes for a sketched cross section............................................................... Part positioning planes ............................................................................................................ Connection positioning planes ................................................................................................. Showing and hiding positioning planes .................................................................................... Moving positioning planes ....................................................................................................... Moving positioning plane handles ............................................................................................ Reverting to default positioning planes .................................................................................... Checking a sketched cross section ................................................................................................ Saving a sketched cross section .................................................................................................... Modifying a sketched cross section................................................................................................ Modifying chamfers in a sketch ............................................................................................... Setting the sketch thickness .................................................................................................... Cross section extrusion types .................................................................................................. 181 182 183 184 184 185 185 186 186 187 187 188 188 189 189 190 190 191 191 192 192 193 193 193 194 195 195 196 197 197 198 198 199 199 200
12
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Using sketched cross sections in a model ..................................................................................... Creating an image of a sketched cross section ....................................................................... Importing and exporting sketched cross sections .......................................................................... Importing sketched cross sections .......................................................................................... Exporting sketched cross sections .......................................................................................... Example: Creating a symmetric C-shaped cross section............................................................... Example: Sketching a C-shaped cross section ....................................................................... Example: Adding dimensions to the cross section .................................................................. Example: Setting the cross section thickness ......................................................................... Example: Modifying the chamfers of the cross section ........................................................... Example: Using the cross section in a model ..........................................................................
201 201 202 203 203 204 204 205 206 207 208
View settings....................................................................................................................................... 215 View properties .............................................................................................................................. 215 Grid view properties ....................................................................................................................... 215 Display settings .............................................................................................................................. 216
8.3
Part properties .................................................................................................................................... 217 Steel column properties ................................................................................................................. Steel beam properties .................................................................................................................... Contour plate properties................................................................................................................. Orthogonal beam properties .......................................................................................................... Twin profile properties.................................................................................................................... Pad footing properties.................................................................................................................... Strip footing properties ................................................................................................................... Concrete column properties ........................................................................................................... Concrete beam properties.............................................................................................................. Concrete slab properties ................................................................................................................ Concrete panel properties.............................................................................................................. 218 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 225 226
8.4
Detail properties.................................................................................................................................. 227 Bolt properties................................................................................................................................ 227 Weld properties .............................................................................................................................. 229 Weld types ..................................................................................................................................... 231
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
13
Corner chamfer properties ............................................................................................................. 232 Edge chamfer properties ................................................................................................................ 232 8.5 Numbering settings ............................................................................................................................. 233 General numbering settings ........................................................................................................... 233 Weld numbering settings................................................................................................................ 234 Control number settings ................................................................................................................. 235
14
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
Creating 3D Models
This section explains how to open, create, and save models in Tekla Structures.
Contents
What is a 3D model (p. 15) Creating a new model (p. 16) Opening a model (p. 17) Saving a model (p. 17) Model templates (p. 18)
Geometry and dimensions Profiles and cross sections Connection types Materials
The 3D model is the single source of information for drawings and other outputs, such as reports and NC data files. This ensures that the information in drawings and reports is always up to date, as they react to modifications in the model.
15
See also
2.
3. 4. 5.
Define where to save the new model. To select a folder, click Browse. To save the model in a recently used model folder, use the Save in list box. To define the location manually, type the path in the Save in field, followed by the \ character. Do not enter the model name in this field.
Type a unique name in the Model name field. Do not use special characters (/ \ ; : | ). Optional: In the Model template list box, select the template you want to use. In the Model type list box, define whether the model may be used by one person or shared by many. Single-user: model will be used by one person.
6.
Multi-user: model is stored on a server and may be used by several people. Also enter the name of the server in the Server field.
Click OK. Tekla Structures creates the model and opens the default model view.
See also
16
2.
3.
To open a recently used model folder, use the Look in list box. To search for models in another folder, click Browse...
Click OK to open the model. If no views are visible after you have opened a model, Tekla Structures prompts you to select one.
You can sort models by clicking the column titles. When the models are sorted alphabetically by their names, you can use the keyboard to select models. For example, when you type N, Tekla Structures selects the first model starting with an N.
See also
See also
Saving a model with a different name or location (p. 17) Saving in multi-user mode Autosave
17
3. 4.
In the Model name field, type a new name. Click OK. Tekla Structures creates a new copy with a different name, but the original version of the model remains intact.
See also
You can save the desired settings in a model and use that model as a template when you create new models. The location of model templates is defined by the advanced option XS_MODEL_TEMPLATE_DIRECTORY. For example, you can set this advanced option to point to the same location as XS_FIRM. By default, the advanced option points to the folder ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\default\model_templates\. Any model under the defined folder will be available as a model template if the file TeklaStructuresModel.xml in the model folder contains the setting <IsTemplate>TRUE</IsTemplate>. The default value is FALSE. You can create only single-user models with model templates. If you wish to create a multi-user model using a model template, create the model in single-user mode and then switch to multiuser mode.
See also
Creating a model template (p. 18) Switching between single-user and multi-user modes
5.
18
Do not edit the TeklaStructuresModels.xml file that is located in the TeklaStructuresModels folder or in the place pointed by the advanced option XS_RUNPATH.
6. 7.
See also
19
20
This section explains how to set up the workspace so that you can start modeling. It also presents some basic Tekla Structures vocabulary and concepts that are needed when working with 3D models.
Contents
Screen layout (p. 21) Work area (p. 25) Work plane (p. 27) Coordinate system (p. 28) Grids (p. 29) Views (p. 33) Construction objects (p. 40) Points (p. 42) Reference models (p. 43)
21
The following illustration identifies the various areas of the Tekla Structures modeling interface:
Status bar displays instructions, and the status of some settings Snap settings control which points you can snap to and pick Select switches determine the selectable objects Pull-down menus contain all the commands Toolbars can be either docked or floating
See also
22
To use a single-colored background, set the same value for all four corners of the background. To use the default background color, leave the advanced option fields empty. 3.
See also
Close and reopen the view for the change to take effect.
Finding RGB values for colors (p. 239) Background color examples (p. 23)
23
RGB values
1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Result
0.0 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
24
RGB values
0.3 0.0 0.6 0.3 0.0 0.6 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Result
0.0 0.2 0.7 0.0 0.8 0.7 0.0 0.2 0.7 0.0 0.8 0.7
See also
Changing the background color (p. 23) Finding RGB values for colors (p. 239)
25
You can define the work area to suit particular situations, for example, to concentrate on a particular area of the model. Defining the work area makes it faster and easier to work with the model. Objects outside the work area still exist, but they are not visible.
See also
Defining the work area (p. 26) Hiding the work area (p. 26)
Select a command from View > Fit Work Area. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. Define the work area by following the instructions on the status bar.
See also
26
The red arrow symbol shows the xy plane. The z direction follows the right-hand rule. Most of the commands that are dependent on the coordinate system use work plane coordinates. For example creating points, part positioning, and copying always comply with the work plane coordinate system. The current work plane is model-specific, so it is the same in all views.
See also
Shifting the work plane (p. 27) Restoring the default work plane (p. 28) Changing the color of the work plane grid (p. 28) Right-hand rule (p. 239)
27
See also
Click View > Set Work Plane > Parallel to XY(Z) Plane... Set Plane to XY. Set Depth coordinate to 0. Click Change.
3. 4.
See also
Work plane (p. 27) Finding RGB values for colors (p. 239)
28
In wire frame views, the green cube represents the global coordinate system and lies at the global point of origin.
See also
2.5 Grids
Grids are used as an aid in locating objects in a Tekla Structures model. A grid represents a three-dimensional complex of horizontal and vertical planes. The grid is shown on the view plane using dash-and-dot lines.
Grid origin is the point where the zero points of each coordinate axis intersect Grid line extensions define how far the grid lines extend in each direction Grid labels are the names of the grid lines shown in views You can make grids and grid lines act magnetically so that the objects on the grid lines follow if you move the grid line.
29
You can have more than one grid in a model. So that you can easily locate objects in your model, we strongly advise that you create a modular grid. You can create a large-scale grid for the entire structure, and smaller grids for some detailed sections. You can also create single grid lines and attach them to an existing grid.
See also
Creating a grid (p. 30) Modifying a grid (p. 31) Deleting a grid (p. 31) Changing the grid color (p. 31) Grid lines (p. 32)
Creating a grid
When you create a new model, Tekla Structures automatically creates a grid and a view according to the saved standard properties. You can also create grids manually. To manually create a grid: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Modeling > Create Grid... Modify the grid properties. Optional: To bind objects to the grid lines, select the Magnetic grid plane check box. Optional: When prompted, pick a point to indicate the origin of the grid. The coordinates of the picked point appear in the Grid dialog box as X0, Y0, and Z0. If you do not pick a point, Tekla Structures positions the origin according to the values you entered for X0, Y0, and Z0. 5.
See also
Click Create.
Grids (p. 29) Grid coordinates (p. 30) Grid labels (p. 31) Grid properties (p. 211)
Grid coordinates
The x and y coordinates of a grid are relative. This means that the entries for x and y are always relative to the previous entry. The z coordinates are absolute, which means that entries for z are absolute distances from the work plane origin. There are two ways to enter the x or y coordinates of grid lines:
Define the coordinates individually. For example, 0 4000 4000. Define several grid lines with equal spacing. For example, 0 2*4000.
Use a zero at the start to represent a grid on the 0,0 coordinate and spaces as separators for coordinates. You can have a maximum of 1024 characters in the coordinates field.
See also
30
Grid labels
Labels are the names of the grid lines shown in views. The names in the X field are associated with the grid lines parallel to the y axis and vice versa. The Z field is for the names of levels parallel to the work plane. If you wish, you can leave the label fields empty.
When working with very large grids, always having the grid labels visible might slow down Tekla Structures. To hide the grid labels when you zoom in, use the advanced option XS_ADJUST_GRID_LABELS.
See also
Modifying a grid
To modify a grid: 1. 2. 3. is selected. Ensure that the Select grid selection switch Double-click a grid line. The Grid dialog box appears. Modify the grid properties. If you have attached additional grid lines to the grid and you want to preserve them, clear the check boxes next to the coordinate fields in the Grid dialog box. If the coordinate check boxes are selected, Tekla Structures deletes all single grid lines attached to the grid. 4.
See also
Deleting a grid
To delete a grid: 1. 2. 3. is selected. Ensure that the Select grid selection switch Select a grid line. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu. When you delete a grid, ensure that you do not have any other objects selected. If you have also other objects selected, Tekla Structures only deletes the objects, not the grid.
See also
31
1. 2.
Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View. Modify the advanced option XS_GRID_COLOR. Define the color using RGB values on a scale of 0 to 1. For example, to change the color to red, set the value to 1.0 0.0 0.0. Click OK. Close and reopen the view for the change to take effect.
3. 4.
See also
Grids (p. 29) Finding RGB values for colors (p. 239)
Grid lines
You can attach single grid lines to an existing grid. Single grid lines have handles. When you select a grid line, the handles appear in magenta. You can use handles to move the grid lines.
If you want to move the grid lines using the handles to make a skewed grid, you can do this only on the local XY plane of the grid.
See also
Grids (p. 29) Creating a single grid line (p. 32) Modifying a single grid line (p. 33) Deleting a single grid line (p. 33) Moving a part using handles (p. 57)
32
See also
is selected. Ensure that the Select grid line selection switch Double-click a grid line. The Grid Line Properties dialog box appears. Modify the grid line properties. Click Modify to save the changes.
When you delete a grid line, ensure that you do not have any other objects selected. If you also have other objects selected, Tekla Structures only deletes the objects, not the grid line.
See also
2.6 Views
A view is a representation of a model from a specific location. Each view is displayed in its own window inside the Tekla Structures window. There are several ways to create views in Tekla Structures. For example, you can create views:
of the entire structure of selected parts and components of selected cast units and assemblies along the grid lines
33
When you need to see a specific part clearly, create a 3D view of the part. This places the part in the center of the view.
See also
Creating a view (p. 35) Opening a view (p. 38) Modifying a view (p. 38) Deleting a view (p. 38) Switching between open views (p. 39) Switching between 3D and plane view (p. 39) Refreshing views (p. 39) Arranging views (p. 39)
A 3D view to see a real-life version of the model A plane view, where you can add and connect parts An elevation view to check the level
34
If you are working with two screens, maximize your work area by putting the elevation and 3D views on one screen and the plane view on the other.
See also
Views (p. 33) Switching between 3D and plane view (p. 39)
Creating a view
To create a new view: 1. 2. 3. Select a view command from the View menu. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. Create the view by following the instructions on the status bar. Optional: Save the view. a Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. b Type a unique name in the Name field. Temporary views have a default name in parentheses. Do not use parentheses when naming a view, or the view will not be saved for later use.
c
See also
Click Modify.
Views (p. 33) View settings (p. 215) About naming views (p. 35) View types (p. 36) View planes (p. 36) Creating grid views (p. 38)
In multi-user mode, it is very important to give views unique names. If several users have different views with the same name, the view settings of one user may randomly override the settings of another user.
See also
35
View types
The view type defines the appearance of the view. It also affects what methods you can use to rotate the model. The view type options are:
Rendered Objects look more realistic because they are non-transparent and their surfaces are displayed. Wire frame Objects are transparent and their outlines are displayed. You cannot rotate the model with the mouse in wire frame views.
See also
View planes
Each view has a view plane on which the grids are visible and points are represented as yellow crosses. Points that are located outside the view plane are red.
Basic views
Basic views are those parallel to the global basic planes (xy, xz, and zy). In basic views, two axes always define the view plane and the axes appear in the plane name. The third axis is perpendicular to the view plane. It does not appear in the plane name. In the basic plane view, the model is shown from the direction of the third axis. The view plane options for basic views are:
Plane: XY
36
Plane: XZ
Plane: ZY
For basic views, you also define the distance the view plane is from the global origin in the direction of the third axis. The view plane coordinate equals this distance.
Other views
For view types other than basic views, you either define the view plane and coordinate by picking points, or the points are defined automatically, depending on the creation method. Moving a view plane (p. 37) Creating a view (p. 35)
See also
See also
37
See also
Opening a view
To view and open an existing view: 1. Click View > View List.... The Views dialog box appears. Tekla Structures lists all invisible named views on the left, and all visible views on the right. Select a view and use the arrows between the lists, or double-click a view to open it. You can have up to nine views on the screen at the same time. If you try to open more than nine views, Tekla Structures displays a warning. If the view does not appear, check how many views you have open.
2.
To open multiple views, use the Shift and Ctrl keys when you select views from the list.
See also
Modifying a view
To modify an existing view: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. Modify the view properties. Click Modify.
Deleting a view
To delete a named view:
38
1.
Click View > View List.... The Views dialog box appears. Tekla Structures lists all invisible named views on the left, and all visible views on the right. Select the view you want to delete. Click Delete. To delete multiple views, use the Shift and Ctrl keys when you select views from the list.
2. 3.
See also
Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Tab. On the Window menu, select a view from the list.
Views (p. 33) Switching between 3D and plane view (p. 39)
Press Ctrl+P. Click View > Switch to 3D / Plane. In the View Properties dialog box, select an option from the Angle list box, and then click Modify.
Refreshing views
To refresh the screen display, do any of the following:
To Redraw the contents of the active view Redraw the contents of all the views
See also
Do this Right-click the view and select Redraw View from the pop-up menu. Click View > Redraw All.
Arranging views
You can arrange views manually by dragging and dropping each view within the Tekla Structures window, or have Tekla Structures automatically arrange views.
39
To Arrange all open views in a stack Arrange all open views horizontally Arrange all open views vertically Close all the views
Do this Click Windows > Cascade. Click Windows > Tile Horizontally. Click Windows > Tile Vertically. Click View > Close All.
You cannot use the Cascade, Tile Horizontally, and Tile Vertically commands for views that you can move outside the Tekla Structures window. For more information on how to move part and component basic views and zoom windows across the entire Windows desktop, see XS_MDIVIEWPARENT, XS_MDIZOOMPARENT, and XS_MDIBASICVIEWPARENT.
See also
Creating a construction plane (p. 40) Creating a construction line (p. 41) Creating a construction circle (p. 41)
40
7.
Click Modify.
See also
See also
See also
41
2.8 Points
You can create points to make it easier to place objects at positions where no lines or objects intersect. There are many ways to create points in Tekla Structures. Which method is the most convenient at each time depends on what you have already created in the model and which locations you can easily pick. When you create points, Tekla Structures always places them according to the work plane coordinate system. Points located on the view plane are yellow and points outside the view plane are red.
See also
Creating a point (p. 42) Importing points (p. 42) Point properties (p. 212)
Creating a point
To create a point: 1. 2.
See also
Use the icons on the Points toolbar, or select a command from Modeling > Add Points. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. Create the point by following the instructions on the status bar.
Importing points
This section is for advanced users.
You can import points to specific locations in an open Tekla Structures model using the point creation import macro. You need to specify the point coordinates in a text file. In some cases this file is generated by another software package. To import points from a file: 1. Create a point import file.
42
Create a text file that consists of single lines for each point. Use commas or tabs as delimiters for the three point coordinates on a line. For example:
100,500,1000 300,700,1500
2. 3. 4. 5.
b Save the file. Press Ctrl + F to open the Component Catalog. Type point in the Search field and click Search. Double-click Point Creation Import (8). Type the ASCII file name. Include the full path and the file extension. If you do not specify the path, Tekla Structures looks for the file in the current model folder. Define the origin of the imported points by entering the coordinates. Click Create. During the import process, Tekla Structures ignores all lines in the import file which do not consist of valid values delimited by tabs or commas.
6. 7.
See also
AutoCAD (*.dxf) AutoCAD (*.dwg) MicroStation (*.dgn, *.prp) Cadmatic models (*.3dd) IFC files (*.IFC) IGES files (*.igs, *.iges) Tekla WebViewer XML files (*.xml)
You can snap to reference model geometry. Tekla Structures loads the reference model from the file each time you open your model. It does not save the reference model when you save the current model. The filename extension of a saved reference model properties file is *.rop.
See also
Inserting a reference model (p. 44) Modifying reference model properties (p. 44) Selecting a reference model (p. 45) Hiding a reference model (p. 45) Highlighting a reference model (p. 45)
43
Updating reference models (p. 45) Detecting changes in a reference model (p. 45) Viewing reference model layers (p. 46) Reference model objects (p. 47) Supported DGN objects (p. 48)
If you do not define a reference model file to use, the file does not exist, or you forget to click Apply, Tekla Structures displays a default reference model. The default reference model is a white cross:
See also
See also
44
switch.
Reference models (p. 43) Selecting a reference model object (p. 48)
Click File > Reference Model List... Select Hidden from the Visibility list box.
See also
See also
45
2. 3. 4.
In the Reference Model Properties dialog box, browse for the name of the old file by clicking the Browse... button next to the Old file name field. Select an option in the Show list box in the Change detection section. For example, select Inserted to see the added objects. Click Display. Tekla Structures highlights the inserted reference model objects.
See also
46
2. 3. 4. 5.
In the Reference Model Properties dialog box, click Select layers... Select the layers you want to view. Depending on your reference model, you could for example select a layer that contains only windows. Click OK. Click Modify in the Reference Model Properties dialog box. Tekla Structures highlights the layer with windows.
See also
The use of this functionality depends on the file format and file structure. You can use it for example for IFC and for DWG files that include any of the following objects:
block table polyface mesh polygon mesh proxy object (for example, ADT) ACIS objects (3DSolid, Body, Region)
47
You cannot use this functionality for DGN, STEP, or IGES files.
See also
Reference models (p. 43) Selecting a reference model object (p. 48) Splitting a reference model into reference model objects (p. 48)
Activate the Select objects in components Select the desired object in the reference model.
switch.
Reference model objects (p. 47) Selecting a reference model (p. 45)
When you have split the reference model into reference model objects, the ID numbers of all the reference model objects are visible in the model database, even if you remove the reference model object and update the reference model.
See also
Reference model objects (p. 47) Filtering reference model object properties
Line Elements (Type 3) Line String (Type 4) Shape (Type 6) Text Nodes (Type 7)
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Curve (Type 11) Complex Chains (Type 12) Complex Shapes (Type 14) Elliptic Elements (Type 15) Arc Elements (Type 16) Text Elements (Type 17) Surfaces (Type 18) Solids (Type 19) Point String Elements (Type 22) Cone Elements (Type 23) B-spline Surfaces (Type 24) B-spline Curves (Type 27) Shared Cells (Type 34, 35) Mesh Elements (Type 105), subtype "Indexed Face Loops"
Dimension Elements (Type 33) Multiline Elements (Type 36) Mesh Elements (Type 105), other subtypes than "Indexed Face Loops"
49
50
This section explains how to create and modify parts using different materials and profiles. It also includes a general description of part properties and step-by-step instructions for all the part commands.
Contents
Parts (p. 51) Part position (p. 57) Steel parts (p. 66) Assemblies (p. 70) Concrete parts (p. 77) Cast units (p. 81)
3.1 Parts
In Tekla Structures, the term part refers to the basic building objects that can be modeled and detailed further. These are the building blocks of the physical model. Every part has properties that define it, such as material, profile, and location. You can use part properties in view and selection filters. For example, you can select, modify, and hide parts based on their properties. You can also include part properties and user-defined attributes in drawing and report templates.
See also
Part properties (p. 217) Part types (p. 52) Profiles (p. 52) Materials (p. 54) Colors (p. 55) User-defined attributes (p. 55) Part labels (p. 56)
51
Part types
The main steel parts are:
See also
The main concrete parts are: pad footing strip footing column beam polybeam slab panel
Parts (p. 51) Steel parts (p. 66) Concrete parts (p. 77)
Profiles
Tekla Structures contains standard, parametric, and user-defined profiles. When you create or modify a part, you can select the profile from a tree that contains all the profiles available in the profile catalog. The profiles are grouped according to rules that you can define and modify. For user-defined profiles Tekla Structures also displays cross section information.
Icon
See also
Changing the profile of a part (p. 52) Standard profiles (p. 53) Parametric profiles (p. 53) User-defined profiles (p. 53) The profile catalog
52
3.
By default, only the profile types that are relevant to the material of the part are shown. Optional: Define what profile information you want to see. To display all the profiles of the profile catalog in the tree, select the Show all profiles check box. To see all the properties of profiles, select the Show details check box. Select a profile from the list. To select a recently used profile, use the Profile name list box.
4.
5. 6.
If you select a parametric profile, enter the profile dimensions in the Value column.
Click Apply or OK. Click Modify. You can also enter a profile name in the Profile field in the part properties dialog box.
See also
Standard profiles
When you first start Tekla Structures, the profile catalog contains standard, environmentspecific profiles. The properties of these library profiles conform to industry standards, so you should not edit them. You can add profiles to the profile catalog.
See also
Parametric profiles
You can use parametric profiles to model profiles that are standard in a specific environment, but do not exist in the Tekla Structures profile catalog. Parametric profiles are partly userdefinable and they have a predefined shape, but you determine their size by giving one or more parameters. Parametric profile names have specific prefixes and they include dimension values. Dimension values in parametric profile names are separated by the standard separators -, X, /, and *. You can define alternative prefixes for parametric profiles. You can also define additional separators using the variables XS_PARAMETRIC_PROFILE_SEPARATOR and XS_USER_DEFINED_PARAMETRIC_PROFILE_SEPARATORS .
See also
User-defined profiles
You can create your own profiles and save them in the profile catalog. For example, you could create a pitched user-defined profile, with different cross sections at the beginning and end of the profile.
See also
Profiles (p. 52) Sketched cross sections (p. 181) Adding a standard (fixed) user-defined profile
53
Materials
When you create or modify a part, you can select the material and grade from a tree that contains all the materials available in the material catalog. Each material has the following properties:
Property Alias
Description Aliases are alternative names. For example, they can be former names, or names used in different countries or standards. Tekla Structures automatically translates aliases into the standard name when you select a material grade.
Analysis information
The Analysis tab contains information about the properties used in structural analysis, including the modulus of elasticity, Poissons ratio, and thermal dilatation coefficient. The Design tab contains information about design-specific properties, such as strengths, partial safety factors, and so on. Use the User attributes tab to view or modify the userdefined properties of materials. For example, this tab could contain the maximum grain size, porosity, or surface quality class of a concrete material type, or country-specific properties.
See also
4. 5. 6.
Select a material from the list. Click Apply or OK. Click Modify. You can also enter a material name in the Material field in the part properties dialog box.
See also
54
Colors
You can change the color of some model objects by modifying their class in the part properties dialog box. You can also use the object representation settings to specify colors for defined object groups.
Class
Color black
1 2 or 0 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
See also
light gray or white red bright green blue cyan yellow magenta gray pink lime aqua lilac orange light blue
User-defined attributes
User-defined attributes provide extra information about a part. Attributes can consist of numbers, text, or lists. The following table gives some examples of what you can use attributes for:
Attribute
Comment Shorten
Can be used... In part and weld marks in Tekla Structures drawings, or in projects. When drawings of the parts are created, Tekla Structures decreases the true length of the part by this value. This is useful when creating assembly drawings of bracing bars that should always be under tension. In part marks in Tekla Structures drawings.
Camber
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Attribute
Preliminary mark Locked Shear, Tension, and Moment User field 1...4 Connection code
Can be used... To obtain preliminary marks for parts in reports. To protect objects from being accidentally changed. To save reaction forces for AutoDefaults. You can enter forces separately for each end of a part. User-defined fields. You can change the names of these fields and add new user-defined fields. When importing information on connection types into Tekla Structures. You can then use the connection codes as rules in AutoConnection and AutoDefaults. Each end of a part can have a different connection code.
See also
Part labels
You can display selected part properties, user-defined attributes, and template attributes in a model view by using part labels.
See also
Part properties (p. 217) Showing part labels in a view (p. 56)
56
5.
6.
7.
See also
Define which part properties to display in part labels. a Select a property in the Properties list. b Click Add to add the property to the Part label list. Optional: Define which user-defined attribute or template attribute to display in part labels. a Select User-defined attribute in the Properties list. b Click Add. The Part label dialog box appears. c Enter the attribute name and click OK. Click Modify.
The handles also symbolize the part reference points. The position of a part is always relative to its reference points.
See also
Moving a part using handles (p. 57) Showing part reference lines in model views (p. 58) Modifying the position of a part (p. 58) Part positioning tips (p. 241)
See also
57
Click View > View Properties... Click Display... to open the Display dialog box. On the Advanced tab, select the Part reference line check box. Click Modify and OK.
Do this 1. 2. Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. On the Position tab, modify the desired position settings. For example, you can define the part to be positioned 200 units above its reference points. Click Modify. Click in the Mini Toolbar. Modify the settings. The object moves in the model accordingly.
To change the overall position of the part, use the round selection dial. Click and drag to select a position. To change the rotation angle, click and drag the green rotation angle knob. To change the Angle, Plane offset, or Depth offset, enter a value in the corresponding box.
The rotation angle knob snaps to every 45 degrees. Hold down Shift to override this.
See also
58
Rotation (p. 59) Position depth (p. 60) Vertical position (p. 61) Horizontal position (p. 62) End offsets (p. 63) Levels (p. 64) Bending (p. 65)
You can also define the distance of a part from its original reference line. To do this, type a distance in the field next to the On plane check box.
Examples
Position
Middle
Example
Right
Left
Middle 200
Right 200
Left 200
See also
Rotation
When you define the rotation of a part around its axis on the work plane, you have the following options:
59
Below
You can also define the angle of rotation. Tekla Structures measures positive values clockwise around the local x axis.
Examples
Position
Front
Example
Top
Back
Below
See also
Position depth
When you define the position of a part in terms of its depth, perpendicular to the work plane, you have the following options:
Examples
Position
Middle
Example
Front
60
Position
Behind
Example
Middle 100
Front 100
Behind 100
See also
Vertical position
When you define the vertical position of a part, relative to its reference point, you have the following options:
Examples
Middle Down Up
Position
Middle
Example
Down
Up
61
Position
Middle 100
Example
Down 100
Up 100
See also
Horizontal position
When you define the horizontal position of a part, relative to its reference point, you have the following options:
Examples
Position
Middle
Example
Left
Right
Middle 100
62
Position
Left 100
Example
Right 100
See also
End offsets
You can use end offsets to move the ends of a part, relative to its reference line. You can enter positive and negative values. You have the following options:
Field
Dx Dy Dz Examples
Description Changes the length of the part by moving the part end point along the reference line. Moves the part end perpendicular to the reference line. Moves the part end in the z direction of the work plane.
Position
Dx
Example
Dx
Dy
63
Position
Dy
Example
Dz
Dz
See also
Levels
For parts that you create by picking only one point (such as columns), you can enter the positions of the part ends, relative to the picked point, in the global z direction Tekla Structures creates the part at the level that you defined in the part properties dialog box, not at the level you picked. You have the following options:
Option
Bottom Top Example
Description Use to define the position of the first end. Use to define the position of the second end.
In this example, the concrete columns form a two-story structure. To position the upper columns correctly, you must modify their bottom level position.
64
Top level = 1000, Bottom level = 0 Top level = 1700, Bottom level = 1200 Slab thickness = 200
See also
Bending
You can create curved parts by defining a radius and the plane of curvature. When you initiate a command that creates a curved part, for example a curved beam, Tekla Structures prompts you to pick three points to define the radius. Alternatively, you can define the radius in the part properties dialog box. To have Tekla Structures draw a curved part, you need to specify the number of segments. Tekla Structures does not show curved surfaces exactly in views, instead the number of segments determines how realistic the curved part looks: the more segments, the less angular the part appears. You can also define the plane of curvature, which is relative to the current work plane. The options are:
Examples
XZ plane XY plane
Number of segments: 2
65
Number of segments: 5
Number of segments: 15
See also
Creating a steel column (p. 66) Creating a steel beam (p. 67) Creating a steel polybeam (p. 67) Creating a curved beam (p. 68) Creating a contour plate (p. 68) Creating an orthogonal beam (p. 69) Creating a twin profile (p. 70)
66
Use the Orthogonal Beam Properties dialog box to correct the position of a column, if the upper and lower levels were switched when the column was copied and mirrored. Remember to change the part name to COLUMN.
See also
See also
67
4. 5.
Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking. Optional: To create curved segments, chamfer the corners of the polybeam.
See also
Polybeam chamfers (p. 106) Steel beam properties (p. 218) Polybeam length calculation
See also
68
See also
Creating a round contour plate (p. 69) Contour plate properties (p. 219)
See also
Creating a contour plate (p. 68) Contour plate properties (p. 219) Chamfers (p. 104)
69
See also
See also
3.4 Assemblies
Tekla Structures creates basic assemblies of steel parts when you use a workshop weld or bolt to join parts together. Assemblies and their main parts are automatically defined when you:
Create single workshop welds or bolts. Apply automatic connections which create workshop welds or bolts.
You can also create nested assemblies by adding sub-assemblies to existing assemblies, or by joining assemblies together. The main part in a steel assembly has other parts welded or bolted to it. By default, the main part is not welded or bolted to any other parts. You can change the main part in an assembly.
See also
Creating an assembly (p. 71) Adding objects to assemblies (p. 73) Removing objects from an assembly (p. 75) Highlighting objects in an assembly (p. 75)
70
Exploding an assembly (p. 76) Assembly examples (p. 76) Selecting assemblies and cast units
Creating an assembly
To create an assembly: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active. Select the parts and/or assemblies that you want to join together. Right-click and select Make into Assembly from the pop-up menu.
Assemblies (p. 70) Creating a sub-assembly (p. 71) Using bolts to create assemblies (p. 71) Using welds to create assemblies (p. 72)
Creating a sub-assembly
To create a sub-assembly of parts that are already in an assembly: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Ensure that the Select objects in assemblies selection switch is active. Select the parts you want to include in the sub-assembly. Right-click and select Make into Sub-Assembly from the pop-up menu.
Bolt type
Workshop or Site
Result Nested assembly with the assembly you are bolting as a sub-assembly. The first part you pick determines the assembly to which you are bolting.
As secondary part
Workshop
Basic assembly with the part you are bolting as a secondary part. The first part you pick usually becomes the main part in the assembly.
Site
No assembly created.
71
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box. In the Connect part/assembly list box, select As sub-assembly. Click Apply or OK. Select a part in the assembly to bolt to. Select a part in the sub-assembly to be bolted. Pick the bolt group origin. Pick a point to indicate the bolt group x direction.
Workshop/Site
Workshop or Site
Result Nested assembly with the assembly you are welding as a sub-assembly. The first part you pick determines the assembly to which you are welding.
As secondary part
Workshop
Basic assembly with the part you are welding as a secondary part. The first part you pick usually becomes the main part in the assembly.
Site
No assembly created.
Double-click the Create weld between parts icon to open the Weld Properties dialog box. In the Connect part/assembly list box, select As sub-assembly. Click Apply or OK. Select a part in the assembly to weld to. Select a part in the sub-assembly to be welded. Optional: Create a drawing to check that the weld marks look correct.
72
Create a nested assembly
Add parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts. Bolt or weld parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts. Add parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts. Bolt or weld assemblies to an existing assembly as sub-assemblies. Add assemblies to an existing assembly as subassemblies. Join existing assemblies together without adding any loose parts.
Sub-assemblies in a nested assembly retain their own assembly information and main part. You can also define properties separately for the sub-assemblies and the nested assembly by using the part properties dialog box.
See also
Assemblies (p. 70) Assembly hierarchy (p. 73) Adding parts to an assembly (p. 74) Creating a nested assembly (p. 74) Joining assemblies (p. 75) Changing the assembly main part (p. 75) Changing the main assembly (p. 75)
Assembly hierarchy
You can work on any level of a nested assembly, from single parts and bolts, through the basic and sub-assemblies, up to the highest level of the nested assembly. To work with nested assemblies, you need to know how to use the Shift key and mouse scrolling to select objects on different levels in assembly hierarchy.
73
Assembly hierarchy in nested assemblies affects drawings and reports. You can create separate drawings and reports of the sub-assemblies and the nested assembly, and still produce dimensions, marks, fabrication information, etc. for all assembly levels.
See also
Adding objects to assemblies (p. 73) Selecting nested assemblies and components
Ensure that the Select objects in assemblies selection switch is active. Select the part you want to add. Right-click and select Assembly > Add to Assembly from the pop-up menu. Select the assembly to add to.
74
See also
Joining assemblies
To join existing assemblies without adding any loose parts: 1. 2. 3. Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active. Select the assemblies you want to join. Right-click and select Assembly > Make into Assembly from the pop-up menu. The assembly with the largest volume becomes the main assembly.
See also
Changing the main assembly (p. 75) Adding objects to assemblies (p. 73)
2. 3. 4.
See also
Select the new main assembly. Right-click and select Assembly > Set as New Main Sub-Assembly from the pop-up menu.
Select the part or sub-assembly you want to remove. Right-click and select Assembly > Remove from Assembly from the pop-up menu.
75
Tekla Structures highlights the other parts that belong to the same assembly. The following colors are used:
Object type Concrete - main part Concrete - secondary part Reinforcement Steel part - main part Steel part - secondary part
See also
Exploding an assembly
When you explode a nested assembly, Tekla Structures breaks the assembly hierarchy level by level, always starting from the highest level. You need to use the Explode command several times to break a nested assembly back to single parts. You can also explode sub-assemblies to single parts without breaking the entire assembly hierarchy. To explode an assembly: 1. 2. Select the assembly or sub-assembly you want to explode. Do one of the following: To explode the entire assembly, right-click and select Assembly > Explode from the pop-up menu. To only explode the sub-assembly, right-click and select Assembly > Explode SubAssembly from the pop-up menu.
See also
Assembly examples
Column corbel
A column corbel is fabricated in one workshop, and then attached to the column in another workshop. Model the corbel as a sub-assembly of the column. Then create an assembly drawing for each workshop: one assembly drawing showing how the corbel is welded together, another assembly drawing showing how the corbel and the other part are welded to the column.
76
Model the halves of a complex truss as assemblies. Create assembly drawings for the workshop to fabricate the truss halves. Then create another assembly drawing showing how the halves should be joined on site. In a frame of built-up columns and beams, each built-up profile can be a sub-assembly. You can create an assembly drawing showing the entire frame, and separate drawings showing how the columns and beams are constructed. Assemblies (p. 70) Assembly drawing
Built-up profile
See also
Creating a pad footing (p. 78) Creating a strip footing (p. 78) Creating a concrete column (p. 78) Creating a concrete beam (p. 79) Creating a concrete polybeam (p. 79)
77
Creating a concrete slab (p. 80) Creating a concrete panel (p. 81)
See also
See also
78
See also
See also
79
See also
Polybeam chamfers (p. 106) Concrete beam properties (p. 225) Polybeam length calculation
See also
Creating a round slab (p. 80) Concrete slab properties (p. 225)
80
See also
Creating a concrete slab (p. 80) Concrete slab properties (p. 225) Chamfers (p. 104)
See also
Creating a cast unit (p. 82) Adding objects to cast units (p. 82) Removing objects from a cast unit (p. 83)
81
Highlighting objects in a cast unit (p. 83) Exploding a cast unit (p. 83) Defining the cast unit type (p. 83) Casting direction (p. 84)
Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Create. Select the objects you want to include in the cast unit. Click the middle mouse button to create the cast unit.
Cast units (p. 81) Adding concrete objects to a cast unit (p. 82) Adding non-concrete objects to a cast unit (p. 82) Changing the cast unit main part (p. 82)
Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Add to. Select the objects you want to add. Select an object in the cast unit.
Ensure that the Select components selection switch is active. Click Modeling > Assembly > Add as Sub-Assembly. Select the non-concrete part you want to add. Select the cast unit to which you want to add the part.
82
See also
Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Remove From. Select the objects you want to remove.
Object type Concrete - main part Concrete - secondary part Reinforcement Steel part - main part Steel part - secondary part
See also
Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Explode. Select an object in the cast unit you want to explode.
Double-click a concrete part to open the concrete part properties dialog box. Go to the Cast unit tab. In the Cast unit type list box, select Precast or Cast in place. Click Modify to save the changes.
83
Casting direction
To indicate the casting direction of a concrete part, you can define which part face you want to have on top of the casting form. The top-in-form face is displayed in the front view of a drawing. Tekla Structures highlights the top-in-form face in red:
In drawings, use the Fixed coordinate system to show the top-in-form face in the front view.
See also
Cast units (p. 81) Defining the casting direction of a part (p. 84)
Select a concrete part. Right-click and select Cast Unit > Set Top in Form Face. Select the part face that will face upwards in the form.
See also
84
Detailing Structures
This section explains how to create details using Tekla Structures. It also gives you some techniques for fine-tuning part shapes.
Contents
Bolts (p. 85) Holes (p. 89) Welds (p. 91) Surface treatment (p. 95) Fine-tuning part shape (p. 104) Combining parts (p. 116) Splitting parts (p. 117)
4.1 Bolts
To create bolts, you can either create a single bolt group or apply a component that automatically creates bolt groups.
85
For more information on using components to automatically create bolt groups, see Defining bolts and welds in the Detailing Manual. You can create different part marks for holes and bolts in drawings. You cannot use bolt elements (such as screws, washers, and nuts) while creating holes, as Tekla Structures uses the same command for creating bolts and holes.
See also
Creating a bolt group (p. 86) Creating a single bolt (p. 88) Changing or adding bolted parts (p. 88) The bolt and bolt assembly catalogs
Bolts (p. 85) Bolt properties (p. 227) Bolt group shape (p. 86) Bolt group position (p. 87) Bolt offsets (p. 88)
Array for rectangular Circle for circular xy list for any shape
Tekla Structures uses the values of the Bolt dist X and Bolt dist Y fields to determine how many bolts the bolt group contains, as shown in the table below:
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Shape
Array Circle xy list
Bolt dist X Spacing between bolts, in the x direction of the bolt group. Number of bolts. x coordinate of each bolt, from the bolt group point of origin.
Bolt dist Y Spacing between bolts, in the y direction of the bolt group. Diameter of the bolt group. y coordinate of each bolt, from the bolt group point of origin.
Examples
Dimensions
Bolt dist X: 150 Bolt dist Y: 100
Picture
Circle
xy list
See also
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Dimensions are relative to the bolt group origin, which is the first point you pick when creating a bolt group. Tekla Structures sets the x direction of a bolt group using the second point picked. It is important that the points you pick to create the bolt group are close enough to the parts you want to connect.
See also
Bolt offsets
You can use offsets to change the position of the bolt group. Offsets move the bolt group by moving the x axis of the bolt group. The starting point values Dx, Dy and Dz move the first end of the bolt group, relative to the bolt group x axis. The end point values move the second end of the bolt group.
Example
A positive Dx value moves the starting point towards the end point.
Dy moves the end point perpendicular to the bolt group x axis on the current work plane. Dz moves the end point perpendicular to the current work plane.
See also
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box. Under Bolt group, select Array from the Shape list box. In the Bolt dist X and Bolt dist Y fields, type 0. Click Apply to save the changes. Create the bolt the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on the status bar.
Bolts (p. 85) Bolt properties (p. 227) Creating a bolt group (p. 86)
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1. 2.
Click Detailing > Bolts > Edit Bolted Parts. When prompted, reselect the main and secondary parts. Tekla Structures automatically updates bolt length to suit these changes.
See also
4.2 Holes
Tekla Structures uses the same command for creating bolts and holes. Before creating holes, you need to change some of the properties in the Bolt Properties dialog box. If you want to create only holes without any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check boxes:
See also
Creating round holes (p. 89) Creating oversized holes (p. 90) Creating slotted holes (p. 90)
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box. Optional: Modify the hole properties. If you do not want to create any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check boxes. Click Apply to save the changes. Create the holes the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on the status bar.
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3. 4. 5.
Tolerance Slotted hole X or Y Bolt size 6. Optional: In the Rotate slots list box, select Even or Odd to rotate alternate holes by 90 degrees.
Click Apply to save the changes. Create the holes the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on the status bar.
90
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
See also
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box. Select the desired Parts with slotted holes check boxes to indicate which plies of the connection get oversized holes. If you do not want to create any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check boxes. In the Hole type list box, select Oversized. In the Oversize field, enter the allowance for the oversized hole. You can also use a negative value to create smaller (tapped) holes. Click Apply to save the changes. Create the holes the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on the status bar.
4.3 Welds
You can either create a weld manually, or use a component that automatically creates welds. The following types of welds can be created manually:
Weld between parts Tekla Structures welds two parts together using the weld position defined in the Weld Properties dialog box. The length of the weld depends on the length of the connection between the welded parts. Polygon weld You define the exact position of the weld by picking the points you want the weld to traverse. Single-part weld Tekla Structures creates a weld to a single part, without connecting any other parts.
See also
Creating a weld between parts (p. 91) Creating a polygon weld (p. 93) Creating a weld to a part (p. 94) Weld preparation (p. 94)
91
Welds (p. 91) Weld properties (p. 229) Weld position (p. 92) Weld size prefixes (p. 93) Using welds to create assemblies (p. 72)
Weld position
You define the position of a weld relative to the work plane. The type and position of the parts to be welded affect the position of the weld. The options for weld position are:
x y z
These can all be in a positive or negative direction. Tekla Structures creates the weld on the face or side of the part that faces in the selected direction (x, y, or z).
Example
The following image shows welds in different positions. If there are no faces that touch in the specified direction, Tekla Structures places the weld relative to the center point of the secondary part.
See also
92
Prefix a s z
See also
93
See also
Click Detailing > Weld > Create Weld to Part. Select the part that you want to weld. Pick the starting and end point, or alternatively, pick the points you want the weld to go through. Click the middle mouse button to create the weld.
Use the Create Weld to Part command to weld seams in tubular sections:
To model tubular sections with visible seams, use the SPD profile.
See also
Weld preparation
When parts are prepared for welding, their edges can be beveled to produce a groove for the weld. You can define the angle of bevels and grooves. You can either prepare a part for welding manually, or apply a component that does it automatically.
To prevent automatic weld preparation, set the variable XS_DISABLE_WELD_PREP_SOLID to TRUE in your environment initialization file.
See also
Welds (p. 91) Manually preparing a part for welding (p. 94) Welded connections
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3.
The part to be cut The cutting part Cuts are displayed using dash-and-dot lines
See also
When you create overlapping surface treatments, the smaller surface treatment overrides the larger one. The overlapping area is recognized in reports: only the topmost (visible) surface treatment is calculated.
95
See also
Modifying surface treatment properties (p. 96) Adding surface treatment to parts (p. 96) Creating new surface treatment options (p. 99) Tiled surface treatment (p. 100)
9.
See also
Surface treatment (p. 95) Adding surface treatment to a selected area (p. 97) Adding surface treatment to a part face (p. 97) Adding surface treatment to all faces of a part (p. 97) Adding surface treatment to cut faces (p. 97) Surface treatment on chamfered parts (p. 98) Surface treatment on parts with openings and recesses (p. 98)
96
See also
Adding surface treatment to parts (p. 96) Modifying surface treatment properties (p. 96)
See also
Adding surface treatment to parts (p. 96) Modifying surface treatment properties (p. 96)
Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment > To All Faces of Part. Select the part to apply the surface treatment to.
Adding surface treatment to parts (p. 96) Modifying surface treatment properties (p. 96)
97
5.
See also
If you are using the To Selected Area on Part Face command, pick the points to define the area of the surface treatment.
Adding surface treatment to parts (p. 96) Modifying surface treatment properties (p. 96)
Surface treatment does not work on sketched profiles with chamfers. Add surface treatment before chamfering the part. If surface treatment is applied to a chamfered part, the surface treatment chamfer cannot be modified later on. The chamfers for the main part and surface treatment are separate. Modifying the main part chamfer does not affect the surface treatment chamfer. The orientation of unsymmetric chamfers depends on the face where it was created (such as top, bottom, left, or right). To change the orientation of an unsymmetric chamfer, you must swap the chamfer's x and y values.
See also
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The green surface treatment has the Cut by father part cuts check box selected The tiled surface treatment is not cut by the cut in the part: Cut by father part cuts is not selected.
If you use the To All Faces of Part command and select the Cut by father part cuts checkbox, Tekla Structures automatically adds surface treatment also to the cut faces.
See also
Adding surface treatment to parts (p. 96) Modifying surface treatment properties (p. 96)
You can add new options to the Surface treatment name list box in the Surface Treatment
Properties dialog box.
To create new surface treatment options: 1. Open the product_finishes.dat file using any text editor. The file is located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder. The first section of the file defines the available types of surface treatment. Do not edit this section:
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// Product finishes // ------------------------// // Type : Type of surfacing // 1 = concrete finish // 2 = special mix // 3 = tile surface // 4 = steel finishes
2.
// // // // // 1 1 1
Go to the sections that define the options for each type of surface treatment:
========================================= *** Concrete Finish ========================================= WET FINISH ---------MF "Magnesium Float" SMF "Smooth Magnesium Float" WT "Wet Trowel"
3.
4.
See also
Add rows to define new options. a Define the surface treatment type. For example, 1 for concrete finish. b Define a code for the surface treatment option. For example, MF for Magnesium Float. c Define the full name of the surface treatment option. For example, Magnesium Float. Remember to enclose the name in double quotes " ". Save the file.
Tekla Structures includes complex tile and brick surface treatment options, such as basketweave and herringbone patterns. Tiled surface treatment options are based on repeating tile patterns that are stored in XML format.
See also
Surface treatment (p. 95) Creating new tile patterns (p. 100) Example pattern definition (p. 101)
2.
100
The <TilePattern> element must have <HOffset> and <VOffset> elements and at least one <Tile> element. Other elements are optional.
You may find it easier to copy one of the existing elements, and then modify it to suit your needs.
3. 4.
See also
Repeat adding <TilePattern> elements for all the patterns you want to define. Save the TilePatternCatalog.xml file.
Tiled surface treatment (p. 100) Example pattern definition (p. 101) Tile pattern definitions (p. 103) Tile pattern elements (p. 104)
Tile width Mortar width VOffset HOffset Red marks indicate TileOrigin. Angle value for vertical tiles is 90
101
Tile height Mortar height The pattern is repeated in the x and y direction of the surface treatment, starting from the origin of the surface treatment. You can run the pattern in different x directions:
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The name of the pattern The size of the pattern block in the x direction, after which the pattern repeats The size of the pattern block in the y direction, after which the pattern repeats The definition file uses the same symbols as the pattern definition table in the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box:
See also
Creating new tile patterns (p. 100) Tile pattern definitions (p. 103) Tile pattern elements (p. 104)
File TilePatternCatalog.xml
Description
Contains the tile pattern definitions. Located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments \<environment>\system folder. Document Type Declaration (DTD) file that defines the elements allowed in the TilePatternCatalog.xml file. Located in the same folder as the TilePatternCatalog.xml file. The images that appear in the Picture field in the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box. Located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\nt\bitmaps folder. Filenames identify the pattern types. For example, herringbone.bmp illustrates the herringbone pattern type.
TilePatternCatalog.dtd
Thumbnail images
See also
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Element
TilePatternCatalog TilePattern HOffset VOffset Tile Color Parameter Label TileOrigin
Description The container for tile patterns. Required. Tile pattern element. Required. This element can contain the following elements listed in this table. Horizontal offset of the tile pattern. Required. Vertical offset of the tile pattern. Required. The individual tiles used in a tile pattern. At least one required. Color of the tile or mortar, defined by the RGB values (0 255). Optional. Creates an attribute for any element in the TilePattern. Optional. The label that identifies a parameter in the dialog box. Optional. The origin of an individual tile, defined from the origin of the pattern. Optional.
See also
Chamfers (p. 104) Fittings (p. 108) Cuts (p. 109) Modifying the shape of a polygon (p. 112) Warping concrete parts (p. 113) Cambering parts (p. 115) Shortening and lengthening parts (p. 115) Combining parts (p. 116) Splitting parts (p. 117)
Chamfers
Chamfers are modeling details that can be used to refine the shape of parts for aesthetic, practical, and manufacturing reasons. In Tekla Structures, you can chamfer part corners and part edges.
Limitations
Only the following parts have corner chamfers: contour plates, concrete slabs, and parts that you create by picking more than two points (strip footings, steel and concrete polybeams, and concrete panels). The end points of a part do not have corner chamfers. The handles that you select must be at corner points or between two segments of a part.
104
See also
Fine-tuning part shape (p. 104) Chamfering part corners (p. 105) Chamfering part edges (p. 107)
Select the part. Double-click the handle of any part corner. The Chamfer Properties dialog box is displayed. Modify the chamfer properties. Select the handles of the part corners you want to modify. Click Modify.
Chamfers (p. 104) Corner chamfer properties (p. 232) Corner chamfer types and dimensions (p. 105) Polybeam chamfers (p. 106)
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Type
None
Icon
Dimensions x: not used y: not used x:the distance in the x coordinate direction from the corner y: the distance in the y coordinate direction from the corner
Line
Rounding
x: the radius y: not used x: the radius y: not used x: not used y: not used The chamfer is perpendicular to the edges. x: the distance in the x coordinate direction from the corner y: the distance in the y coordinate direction from the corner
Arc
Arc point
Square
Square parallel
The chamfer is parallel to the opposite edge. x: the distance in the x coordinate direction from the corner y: the distance in the y coordinate direction from the corner
x (if smaller than y): the arc radius x (if bigger than y): the distance in the x coordinate direction from the corner y (if smaller than x): the arc radius y (if bigger than x): the distance in the y coordinate direction from the corner
See also
Polybeam chamfers
By default, Tekla Structures places a rectangular corner chamfer between each polybeam segment. You can modify the default chamfers. Tekla Structures shows the status of polybeam chamfers using the following colors:
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Color Magenta
Example
Yellow
Red
Incorrect chamfer
To see the chamfer lines of polybeams, set the advanced option XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLES to CHAMFERS.
See also
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6.
c Click OK. Right-click the view and select Redraw View. Tekla Structures removes the chamfered edge.
See also
Fittings
You can fit the end of a part to a plane by creating a straight cutting line between two points you pick. You can use fittings to extend or shorten parts inside a component, which makes it easier to create connections, details, and so on. Do not use fittings to otherwise change the length of a part in the model. A fitting adjusts the end of a beam on a plane, perpendicular to the view plane, which passes through the cutting line you pick. Fittings cannot be used on contour plates.
Fitting symbol
See also
Creating a fitting
To create a fitting: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Detailing > Fit Part End. Select the part you want to cut with a fitting. Pick the first point of the cutting line. Pick the second point of the cutting line.
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Do not apply a second fitting on the same part end, because then Tekla Structures will ignore the first fitting. This happens if you use the Fit Part End command for cutting and try to make two cuts on the same part end. In situations like this, use the Cut Part commands instead.
See also
Cuts
You can use cuts to shape a part. Do not use cuts for cutting the entire part end.
See also
Cutting parts with a line (p. 111) Cutting parts with a polygon (p. 111) Cutting parts with another part (p. 112) Hiding cut lines in a view (p. 240) Cutting efficiently (p. 240)
Line cuts
A line cut cuts the end of a beam on a plane that passes through the line you pick. Tekla Structures displays the cut line using dash-and-dot lines.
Cuts are displayed using dash-and-dot lines Cut lines are hidden By default, line cuts do not affect beam length in NC files. For more information on how to change this, see Fittings affect NC data.
See also
Polygon cuts
A polygon cut cuts a part using a polygonal shape. Tekla Structures displays the cut using dashand-dot lines. You must create cuts in a plane view.
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You should always define the polygon so that there is some tolerance between the edges. If the edge of a cutting polygon is in exactly the same position as the edge of the part to be cut, it can be unclear whether the edge should be cut away.
See also
Part cuts
You can cut a part using another part. Tekla Structures displays the cut using dash-and-dot lines. You can cut parts that already have cuts. This can be useful, for example, when you want to create more sophisticated cut shapes.
110
Cuts are displayed using dash-and-dot lines Cut lines are hidden
Do not create cuts with the same planes or vertices. This makes it unclear what should be cut away.
See also
Click Detailing > Cut Part > With Line. Select the part you want to cut. Pick the first point of the cutting line. Pick the second point of the cutting line. Pick the side you want to remove.
2. 3. 4. 5.
See also
111
See also
See also
Moving an object Moving an object using drag-and-drop Part position (p. 57)
112
Do this Use the deforming options in the part properties dialog box. Move the chamfers.
Fine-tuning part shape (p. 104) Warping a beam using deformation angles (p. 113) Warping a concrete slab by moving chamfers (p. 113) Warping a Floor Bay (66) slab (p. 114)
5. 6.
See also
3.
To move the lower corner of the chamfer, use the dz2 field.
113
4.
See also
3. 4. 5.
Right-click and select Move Special > Linear from the pop-up menu. In the Move - Linear dialog box, type a value in the appropriate direction field. For example, type 100 in the dZ field to lift that corner up 100 mm. Click Move. Tekla Structures moves the point in the direction you selected, which warps the slabs.
6. 7. 8.
Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to finish. Ensure that the Select objects in components selection switch is on. To see the warping angle of a single slab, double-click a slab to open the Beam properties dialog box, and go to the Deforming tab. The Start field shows the warping angle at the start point of the part.
The End field shows the warping angle at the end point of the part.
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See also
Cambering parts
You can use cambering to pre-camber parts, in other words, to curve long heavy sections that will settle on site and become flat. Use cambering to show the natural camber of a prestressed part in a model. Cambering affects the position of cuts, skews, and embeds in the model. Tekla Structures cambers parts in the local z direction.
The cambering functionality is available only in the Full and Precast Concrete Detailing configurations.
See also
Cambering a part
To camber a part: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. Go to the Deforming tab. In the Cambering field, define the degree of camber. Click Modify.
115
The shortening functionality is available only in the Full and Precast Concrete Detailing configurations.
See also
Fine-tuning part shape (p. 104) Shortening a part in drawings (p. 116) Lengthening a part in drawings (p. 116)
Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. Go to the Deforming tab. In the Shortening field, define the degree of shortening. Click Modify.
4.
See also
Combining two parts into one (p. 116) Attaching a part to another part (p. 117)
116
1. Click Edit > Combine. 2. Select the first part. 3. Select the second part. If the centerlines of the part are not in line with each other, the centerlines are combined by taking the largest distance between the start and end points from both parts.
When you combine parts, Tekla Structures retains the attached objects and connections. Tekla Structures does not recreate connections in the part that was selected first.
See also
Click Detailing > Attach Part. Select the part to attach to. Select the part you want to attach.
117
See also
Splitting a straight or curved part (p. 118) Splitting a plate or slab (p. 118)
Click Edit > Split. Select the part you want to split. Pick a point for the dividing line.
If you split contour plates that have bolts, welds or surface treatments, check the result after splitting.
See also
118
This section describes a variety of tools you can use to view your model and ensure it does not contain errors
Contents
Viewing the model (p. 119) Inquiring the model (p. 126) Showing and hiding objects (p. 128) Visualizing project status (p. 135) Checking the model (p. 142)
Zooming the model (p. 119) Rotating the model (p. 121) Moving the model (p. 122) Flying through the model (p. 123) Creating a clip plane (p. 124) Creating a screenshot (p. 124)
Scroll with the mouse wheel. Scroll forward to zoom in, and backward to zoom out.
119
If you do not have a wheel mouse, use the commands on the View > Zoom menu to zoom in or out in the model. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
See also
Viewing the model (p. 119) Modifying the zoom settings (p. 120) Zooming with keyboard shortcuts (p. 120) Zooming with Magnifier (p. 120)
To Keep the center point of the view in the middle of the view window Define the zoom ratio when using a 3-button mouse Define the zoom ratio when scrolling
Do this Click Tools > Options > Centered Zooms. If this option is off, the mouse pointer position determines the center point of zooming. Use the advanced option XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO. Use the advanced option XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO_IN_MOUSEWHEE L_MODE. Use the advanced option XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO_IN_SCROLL_MO DE.
Define the zoom ratio when scrolling and holding down the wheel
See also
See also
120
e 3.
Click a starting corner for the zoom window, and then drag the pointer to size the window. Click the Magnifier icon.
As you move the pointer in the general view, the zoom window displays the area around the pointer in detail. 4. To change the level of magnification, zoom in and out in the zoom window.
See also
121
Do this 1. 2. Hold down the Ctrl key and click and drag with the middle mouse button to rotate the model. To relocate the center of rotation, press v, and then pick a position in the view. Tekla Structures rotates the model around this view point.
1. 2.
Press Ctrl + R. Pick a position in the view. Tekla Structures rotates the model around this view point. Click and drag with the left mouse button to rotate the model. Click View > Rotate and select one of the commands. The center of rotation is fixed in the center of the work area. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
1. 2.
Click Tools > Options > Automatic Rotation Center to switch on automatic rotation centering. Hold down the Ctrl key and click and drag with the middle mouse button to rotate the model. The rotation center is automatically set at the location you clicked. Tip: When Automatic Rotation Center is switched off, you can temporarily activate it by holding down Ctrl + Shift while you click and drag with the middle mouse button.
1. 2. 3.
Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. Type a rotation angle in the Rotation around Z or Rotation around X field. Click Modify.
See also
122
Do this 1. To activate the middle button pan, click Tools > Options > Middle Button Pan, or Shift+M. A checkmark appears next to the menu option if the middle button pan is already active. Hold down the middle mouse button and drag the model anywhere within the view window. Press P or click View > Move > Pan to activate dynamic panning, The mouse pointer changes to a hand. Hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse anywhere within the view window. To stop panning, press Esc. Use the up, down, left and right arrows on the keyboard. Click View > Move and then select one of the commands.
See also
2.
3. 4.
5.
Drag the mouse to move around in the model. To change the flying direction, drag the mouse in the desired direction. The flying speed grows exponentially when you are approaching the model from a distance.
To move up or down, hold down Ctrl and drag the mouse forward or backward. To change the camera angle, scroll with the mouse wheel.
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6.
See also
To fly in the in the direction of the camera angle, hold down Shift and scroll forward or backward.
3. 4. 5.
Repeat step 2 to create as many clip planes as needed. To finish creating clip planes, press Esc. To move a clip plane, click the clip plane symbol and drag it to a new location.
6.
See also
To delete a clip plane, click the clip plane symbol and press Delete.
Creating a screenshot
A screenshot is a picture of a dialog box, view, or the entire Tekla Structures window. You can use screenshots in posters, brochures, or other material to show projects carried out using Tekla Structures. To create a high resolution screenshot of a rendered view: 1. 2. Ensure that the view type is set to Rendered. Click Tools > Screenshot > Custom...
124
3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
See also
To define which view to create the screenshot from, click Pick view and select a view. Under Capture, select Rendered view. Click Options... The Screenshot Options dialog box appears. Set the desired properties and click OK. Click Capture.
Creating a screenshot in Windows Vista (p. 125) Screenshot settings (p. 214)
Use the command Tools > Screenshot > Custom... Adjust the visual effects for best performance in the Performance Options dialog box in Windows Vista. Use the built-in Snipping Tool in Windows Vista to capture screenshots.
See also
Printing a screenshot
You can have Tekla Structures automatically print out a screenshot using the default printer. To print a screenshot: 1. 2. Click Tools > Screenshot > Print Screenshot to activate automatic printing. Click Tools > Screenshot and select one of the commands: To capture the entire Tekla Structures window, select Main Frame.
See also
To capture the last dialog box displayed, select Dialog. To capture the active view, select View. To capture the active view without borders, select View without Borders.
125
Inquiring object properties (p. 126) Using the Custom Inquiry tool (p. 126)
See also
Inquiring the model (p. 126) Object property report templates (p. 126)
You can modify these templates according to your needs. For more information on how to use templates, see the Template Editor user documentation.
See also
See also
Inquiring the model (p. 126) Modifying the contents of Custom Inquiry tool (p. 127)
126
3.
4.
Define which attributes are shown in the tool window. To add more attributes to the tool window, click an item in the Attributes list and then click the right arrow button. To remove attributes from the tool window, click an item in the Contents of Custom Inquiry list and then click the left arrow button. To change the order of the attributes, use the Up and Down buttons.
See also
To change the formula of an attribute, click the down arrow and select a different formula (SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, or MIN) from the list box.
Using the Custom Inquiry tool (p. 126) Adding attributes to Custom Inquiry tool (p. 127)
Use the InquiryTool.config file to control which attributes are shown as default attributes in the Manage Contents dialog box in the Custom Inquiry tool. By default, the file contains 65 attributes. The attributes refer to the contentattributes_global.lst file located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\nt\TplEd\settings folder. To add new attributes to the InquiryTool.config file: 1. Open the InquiryTool.config file in any standard text editor. The file is located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\common\macros\modeling\I nquiryToolAttributes folder. Copy the entire contents of [ATTR_CONTENT_??] to the end of the file. Change the position number of the new attribute. For example, change [ATTR_CONTENT_??] to [ATTR_CONTENT_66].
2. 3.
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4.
5.
Modify the NAME, DISPLAY_NAME, DATATYPE, UNIT, and DECIMAL values of the new attribute. Use the attribute names and definitions that are included in the contentattributes_global.lst file. Change the TOTAL_ATTR_CONTENT value to reflect the total number of attributes in the file. For example, change TOTAL_ATTR_CONTENT=65 to TOTAL_ATTR_CONTENT=66. Save the file.
6.
See also
work area view depth view settings view filter object representation settings
Work area and view depth are like two virtual boxes. Objects that have their reference line partially or totally inside both boxes are visible. Newly created objects are also visible outside the view depth but never outside the work area. When you redraw a view, only the objects inside the view depth are displayed.
See also
Defining which objects are displayed (p. 128) Representation options (p. 128) Hiding selected parts (p. 130) Hiding unselected parts (p. 131) Showing parts with exact lines (p. 131) Showing and hiding assemblies (p. 131) Showing and hiding components (p. 132) Object groups (p. 132) Object representation settings (p. 133)
Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. Click Display... to open the Display dialog box. Select or clear check boxes to specify which objects are visible in the view.
Showing and hiding objects (p. 128) Display settings (p. 216)
Representation options
In rendered views, you can define separately how Tekla Structures displays parts and component objects. The following options are available:
128
Option
Wireframe
Description Part outlines are displayed, surfaces are not, i.e. parts are transparent.
Example
Part outlines are displayed. Parts are transparent, and their surfaces are shaded.
Parts are not transparent, i.e. underlying parts are not visible.
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Option
Rendered
Description Part surfaces are displayed, i.e. parts are not transparent.
Example
Selected parts are displayed. Other parts are almost completely transparent. This option is useful, for example, when viewing clash check results in a large model.
Use the shortcuts Ctrl+1...5 and Shift+1...5 to set the desired representation for parts in the model and components.
See also
3.
See also
To make the parts visible again, do one of the following: Click View > Redraw All. Right-click the parts and select Show with Exact Lines.
Showing and hiding objects (p. 128) Hiding unselected parts (p. 131)
130
See also
Showing and hiding objects (p. 128) Hiding selected parts (p. 130)
Select the part. Click View > Representation > Short Part with Exact Lines. Click the view in which you want to display exact lines. To clear the exact lines effect, click View > Redraw All.
Do this
Right-click the assembly and select Assembly > Show Assembly from the pop-up menu. Tekla Structures displays all parts, bolts, welds, cuts, fittings, and other details belonging to the assembly, even if you had defined them as hidden in the view properties.
Hide an assembly
1. 2.
Select the assembly you want to hide. Right-click and select Assembly > Hide from the pop-up menu. Right-click and select Redraw View. Click View > Redraw All.
131
See also
Showing and hiding objects (p. 128) Refreshing views (p. 39)
Do this
Click View > Representation > Show Component Content and select a component. Tekla Structures displays all bolts, welds, and other details belonging to the component, even if you had defined them as hidden in the view properties.
1. 2.
Select the component you want to hide. Right-click and select Hide from the pop-up menu. Right-click and select Redraw View. Click View > Redraw All.
See also
Showing and hiding objects (p. 128) Refreshing views (p. 39)
Object groups
Object groups are sets of rules that can be used to group objects based on selected properties and conditions. Use object groups to control the transparency and coloring of model objects. Object groups are also used in project status visualizations.
See also
Showing and hiding objects (p. 128) Creating an object group (p. 132) Copying an object group to another model (p. 133) Deleting an object group (p. 133) Visualizing project status (p. 135)
4.
132
5. 6.
See also
Type a unique name in the field next to the Save as button. Click Save as to save the object group.
Object groups (p. 132) Selecting values from the model (p. 238)
2.
3.
See also
Delete the object group file located in the models attributes folder. Object groups have the file name extension *.PObjGrp. Restart Tekla Structures.
133
Standard object representation Only parts whose profile name starts with IPE* or HEA* are visible Objects whose user-defined attribute Planned erection date is set to 01/05/2009 are displayed in blue, while all other parts are 90% transparent
See also
Showing and hiding objects (p. 128) Creating object representation settings (p. 134) Copying object representation settings to another model (p. 135) Deleting object representation settings (p. 135)
8. 9.
134
If your object representation setting does not contain the group All, Tekla Structures adds that row to the bottom of the list when you click Modify, Apply, or OK.
See also
Object representation settings (p. 133) Color settings (p. 213) Transparency settings (p. 214)
2.
3.
See also
Delete the object representation file located in the models attributes folder. Object representation settings have the file name extension *.rep. Restart Tekla Structures.
display the erection schedule for groups of parts using different colors identify the parts that are scheduled to be fabricated during a specific time period.
To create project status visualizations, you need to have predefined object representation settings that include object groups based on date rules.
See also
Creating a visualization (p. 136) Copying visualization settings to another model (p. 136) Deleting visualization settings (p. 136) Example: Visualizing the erection schedule of a project (p. 136)
135
Creating a visualization
To create a project status visualization: 1. 2. Click Tools > Project Status Visualization... to open the Project Status Visualization dialog box. Modify the visualization settings. a In the Object representation list box, select one of the predefined object representation settings. b Define a start and end date for the time scale slider. c Define the length of the time step. Select the Refresh view automatically check box. Type a unique name in the field next to the Save as button. Click Save as to save the visualization settings. To view the visualization in the model, click the step buttons.
3. 4. 5. 6.
See also
Visualizing project status (p. 135) Example: Visualizing the erection schedule of a project (p. 136)
2.
3.
4.
See also
Delete the visualization file located in the models attributes folder. Project status visualization settings have the file name extension *.4d. Restart Tekla Structures.
136
In the following example, you will first define an erection schedule for parts using a specific user-defined attribute. After that, you will create object groups to define which objects are shown in the model, and object representation settings to define how the objects are shown in the model. Finally, you will visualize the erection schedule using the project status visualization tool.
See also
Visualizing project status (p. 135) Example: Defining an erection schedule (p. 137) Example: Creating object groups (p. 137) Creating object representation settings (p. 134) Example: Creating visualization settings (p. 138) Example: Visualizing the erection schedule (p. 139)
4. 5. 6.
Ensure that all the check boxes are cleared. Select the Erection Scheduled check box. Select all the parts for which you want to use the same erection date. To make it easier to select parts, create a separate selection filter for each group of parts.
7. 8.
See also
Click Modify. Repeat steps 17 for each group of parts in your model.
137
4. 5.
In the box next to the Save as button, enter a name for the group. For example, plan_same_or_before_review_date. Click Save as.
See also
3.
4. 5.
See also
Object representation settings (p. 133) Visualizing project status (p. 135)
138
See also
To visualize the erection schedule: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Tools > Project Status Visualization... to open the Project Status Visualization dialog box. In the list box next to the Load button, select the visualization setting you created in Example: Creating visualization settings (p. 138). Click Load. To view the visualization in the model, click the step buttons. The images below show how the objects are shown when you change the review date:
139
Visualization
November 05
November 08
140
Visualization
November 14
141
Visualization
November 20
See also
Measuring objects (p. 143) Detecting clashes (p. 144) Comparing parts or assemblies (p. 149) Finding distant objects (p. 149)
142
Measuring objects
Use the Measure tool to measure angles, the distance between two points and between bolts. All measurements are temporary. The measurements appear in the rendered view window until you update or redraw the window.
See also
Measuring distances (p. 143) Measuring angles (p. 143) Measuring bolt spacing (p. 143)
Measuring distances
To measure horizontal, vertical and user-defined distances: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
See also
Press Ctrl+P to switch to the plane view. Click Tools > Measure and select a command that measures distances. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. Pick the starting point. Pick the end point. Pick a point to indicate on which side of the dimension line you want the number to appear.
Measuring angles
To measure angles: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Click or Tools > Measure > Angle. Pick the center point. Pick the starting point. Pick the end point.
143
See also
Detecting clashes
Use the Clash Check tool to find parts, bolts, or reference model objects that collide. Clashes of objects that only touch one another are not included in the clash check results. The following reference model file types are supported in clash checking:
If you want to use another Tekla Structures model as a reference model, you must export it in IFC format to be able to use it in clash checking.
If you are checking a reference model for clashes, ensure that all the parts of the reference model are selected.
See also
Finding clashes in a model (p. 145) Clash Check Manager (p. 145) Defining a clash check clearance area for bolts (p. 148) Reverting to the old clash checking functionality (p. 149)
144
If you start clash checking while another clash check is still running, you can choose whether to continue checking, restart the operation and check the currently selected parts, or stop checking.
See also
See also
Finding clashes using Clash Check Manager (p. 146) Managing the list of clashes (p. 146) Symbols used in clash checking (p. 146) Changing the status of clashes (p. 147) Changing the priority of clashes (p. 147)
145
To highlight a clash in the model, select a row in the list of clashes. The clash is highlighted in the model and the related model objects are selected. To zoom the active view so that the selected objects are shown in the center of the view, double-click a row.
To Change the sort order of clash results Select multiple rows in the list of clashes Show or hide a column
Do this Click the heading of the desired column to alternate between the ascending and descending sort order. Hold down Ctrl or Shift while selecting rows. 1. 2. Right-click one of the colum headings to open a pop-up menu. Click any of the list items to show or hide them. A check mark it is visible. in front of the item indicates that
See also
Flag (none)
Description The default state. The clash is not new, modified, resolved, or missing. All clashes are marked as new when they are found for the first time. If the object has been modified (for example, if the profile has changed), the state changes to modified when you re-run clash check. Only certain object properties affect this flag. To see which properties have an effect, right-click one of the column headings. Both visible and hidden properties affect the flag.
146
Flag
Description If the objects no longer clash, the state changes to resolved when you re-run clash check. If one or both of the clashing objects have been removed from the model, the state changes to missing when you re-run clash check.
See also
See also
See also
Medium Low
To Open a session
Do this 1. 2. 3. Click . In the Open dialog box, select a session. Click OK. .
Click
Clash Check Manager clears the list of clashes without running clash check.
147
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Save as. Click In the Save As dialog box, browse to the folder where you want to save the session. In the File name box, enter a new name. Click Save.
By default, clash check sessions are stored as XML files in the ..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>\Clashes folder. Tekla Structures creates the folder automatically when you open Clash Check Manager for the first time.
See also
d is the larger value of the bolt head or nut diameters Clash check clearance area 4. 5. Ensure that you have selected the check box in front of each field. If you clear the check boxes, the clearance will be zero. Click Apply or OK.
148
If Tekla Structures cannot find the bolt head or nut diameter in the bolt catalog, it uses the shank diameter instead.
See also
2.
Click Tools > Compare, and then select either Parts or Assemblies. Tekla Structures displays the results on the status bar.
See also
You cannot use this command to find parts (such as beams, columns or plates).
To find distant objects: 1. 2. 3. Click Tools > Diagnose & Repair Model > Find Distant Objects. Tekla Structures displays a list of object IDs. Select an object in the list. Right-click and select a command from the pop-up menu. You can, for example, inquire or delete the object.
See also
149
150
This section explains how to change numbering settings and apply numbering in Tekla Structures.
Contents
What is numbering (p. 151) What affects numbering (p. 152) Numbering objects (p. 156) Defining numbering series (p. 153) Viewing the numbering history (p. 161)
connect a drawing with the right part, cast unit, or assembly report the properties of identical parts, cast units, and assemblies identify part information when exporting parts to another software.
If the numbering of a part or assembly is not up to date, a question mark (?) is displayed in the part label and in the Inquire Object dialog box. For example:
See also
151
What affects numbering (p. 152) Inquiring object properties (p. 126)
Beam orientation Column orientation Reinforcement Cast-in embeds Surface treatment (affects only assemblies) Pop marks Shortening User-defined attributes
To define which properties affect numbering in your model, modify the settings in the
Numbering Setup dialog box. For example, if two otherwise identical concrete parts have different names and you select the Part name check box, Tekla Structures gives the parts
different numbers. By default, a part retains its number, as long as only one part has that particular number, regardless of the settings in the Numbering Setup dialog box.
Always carry out full numbering on the model after you have changed the numbering settings. If the Renumber all option is selected in the Numbering Setup dialog box, Tekla Structures will always carry out full renumbering.
See also
Numbering objects (p. 156) Numbering settings (p. 233) Identical parts (p. 152) Identical reinforcements (p. 153) User-defined attributes in numbering (p. 153)
Identical parts
Tekla Structures gives parts the same number if the parts are identical in the fabrication or casting. If a part is deformed after fabrication or casting (for example if the part is cambered, shortened, or warped), the final geometry on site and in the model may be different. Tekla Structures treats parts as identical and gives them the same number if the following basic part properties are the same:
152
You can set the degree of tolerance for part geometry in the Numbering Setup dialog box. If the geometry of parts differs within this degree of tolerance, Tekla Structures treats the parts as identical for numbering purposes. Class and phase do not affect numbering. Tekla Structures gives the same number to identical parts that belong to different classes or phases.
See also
What affects numbering (p. 152) Parts (p. 51) Phases (p. 171)
Identical reinforcements
Tekla Structures treats reinforcing bars as identical, and gives them the same number, if the following properties are the same:
Tekla Structures uses the values of the rebar_config.inp file located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system\ folder to round bar dimensions up or down. For example, if you set the rounding accuracy for bar dimensions to 5 and the rounding direction to up, Tekla Structures rounds all bar dimensions up to the nearest 5 mm. In that case, two bars with dimensions of 131 mm and 133 mm would both round up to 135 mm. This gives them identical bar geometry. Class does not affect numbering. Tekla Structures gives the same number to identical reinforcing bars that belong to different classes.
See also
If a user-defined attribute has the variable special_flag set to yes, Tekla Structures takes this user-defined attribute into account when numbering parts. If a user-defined attribute has the variable consider_in_numbering set to yes, Tekla Structures takes this user-defined attribute into account when numbering reinforcements. What affects numbering (p. 152) User-defined attributes (p. 55)
Reinforcements
See also
153
The name of a numbering series consists of a prefix and a start number. You do not have to define a part prefix (for example, you may want to omit the part prefix for minor parts). When you run numbering, Tekla Structures compares parts that belong to the same series with each other. All identical parts in the same numbering series are given the same part number.
Concrete parts are numbered according to the cast unit numbering settings. For example, if the cast unit prefix is C and the start number is 1, concrete parts will get the part prefix Concrete_C-1. This applies also to concrete components whose part position prefix is Concrete and start number is 1.
Example
For example, if you define a numbering series with the prefix P and start number 1001, Tekla Structures numbers that series P1001, P1002, P1003, ... Planning your numbering series (p. 154) Assigning a numbering series to a part (p. 154) Family numbers (p. 155) Overlapping numbering series (p. 156)
See also
Part Part Part type Beam Vertical brace Horizontal brace Rafter Purlin Column Plate
See also
Defining numbering series (p. 153) Overlapping numbering series (p. 156)
154
1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. If you are modifying the properties of a concrete part, go to the Cast unit tab. Under Numbering series, define a part prefix and a start number. Click Modify.
Family numbers
With family numbering you can group objects within the same numbering series into different families. This can be used, for example, to find similar cast units that can be cast in the same bed. When you use family numbering, the cast unit position numbers consist of a family number and a qualifier. For example:
Family number Qualifier Assemblies and cast units that match the comparison criteria you define in the Numbering Setup dialog box get the same family number. However, if they have the same family number but different part geometry or materials, they get unique qualifier numbers.
See also
Defining numbering series (p. 153) Assigning family numbers (p. 155) Changing the family number of an object (p. 156) Example: Using family numbers (p. 163)
4.
Under Compare, select the properties that need to be identical for the members of the same family. Define comparison criteria for each numbering series separately.
155
Select at least one check box, but not all of them. If you select all the check boxes, the family number will be the same as the normal assembly position, and the qualifier number will be 1 for all. If you do not select any check boxes, only one family number per series is assigned. 5. Click Apply. Tekla Structures stores the settings in the numbering database file (<model_name>.db2) in the current model folder the next time you save the model. If you are assigning family numbers to parts that have already been numbered, clear the existing numbers. Update numbering in the model. Tekla Structures assigns a family number to all objects in the numbering series.
6. 7.
See also
Select the objects whose family numbers you want to change. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Change Number > Family Number... In the Assign Family Number dialog box, type the desired values in the Family number and Family qualifier fields. Click Assign.
Defining numbering series (p. 153) Viewing the numbering history (p. 161)
2.
For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
156
See also
Numbering settings (p. 233) Numbering assemblies and cast units (p. 157) Numbering reinforcements (p. 157) Saving preliminary numbers (p. 158) Control numbers (p. 158) Changing numbers (p. 159) Clearing numbers (p. 160) Creating a standard-part model (p. 160) Example: Numbering identical beams (p. 162)
Assembly and cast unit numbering may affect part numbering, if the advanced option XS_USE_ASSEMBLY_NUMBER_FOR is set.
See also
The x, y or z coordinates of the main part of the assembly The sorting is based on the center of gravity of the reference axis. The user-defined attribute of an assembly or the main part If your sorting is based on user-defined attributes, Tekla Structures displays a list box that includes all the available user-defined attributes.
If you add new parts, objects that have already been numbered are not renumbered to suit the sorting order by, for example, the x coordinate. In this case you should renumber the parts.
See also
Numbering reinforcements
Part numbering and cast unit numbering do not affect the numbering of reinforcements. However, Tekla Structures numbers reinforcements in the same way as it does parts.
157
To force Tekla Structures to give otherwise identical concrete parts and cast units different numbers if they have different reinforcements, select the Reinforcing bars check box in the Numbering Setup dialog box.
See also
Select the parts. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Save Preliminary Numbers.
Control numbers
Control numbers are properties that identify the location of parts in a model. You can assign consecutive control numbers to all the parts or only selected parts. When you assign control numbers, you can specify in what order to assign control numbers, according to the location of each part on the global coordinate system. The options are:
None X -X Z -Z Y -Y
With positive directions (such as X), the parts with the lowest coordinate value are numbered first. With negative directions (such as -X), the parts with the highest coordinate value are numbered first. For example, if First direction is -X, Second direction is Y, and Third direction is Z, numbering starts from the parts that have the highest x coordinate value. If multiple parts have the same x coordinate, their y coordinates are also compared. If multiple parts have the same x and y coordinates, their z coordinates are also compared.
Example
158
See also
Numbering objects (p. 156) Assigning control numbers to parts (p. 159) Locking and unlocking control numbers (p. 159)
3. 4. 5.
In the Numbering list box, specify which parts get control numbers. If you are assigning control numbers to parts in a specific numbering series, type the prefix and start number in the corresponding fields. Define the control numbers to be used. a In the Start number of control numbers field, type the first control number to be used. b In the Step value field, define the interval. For example, to assign the control numbers 2, 5, 8, 11, etc., type 2 in the Start number of control numbers field and 3 in the Step value field. In the Renumber list box, specify how to treat parts that already have control numbers. Use the direction list boxes to specify in what order to assign control numbers. Click Apply, and then click Create.
6. 7. 8.
See also
3. 4.
See also
Changing numbers
Use the Change Number command to change part, assembly, multi-position, or family numbers after you run numbering. All objects with the same number will be given the number you specified. This command does not change the numbering series. To change the position numbers:
159
1. 2.
Select an object. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Change Number and select one of the commands.
For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. 3. Set the desired properties. The options you have vary depending on your selection in step 2. If the number you specified is already in use, Tekla Structures displays a warning and does not change the number.Tekla Structures also displays a warning if the position number is higher than the highest current number. This is for information only and the number is still changed. Click Assign.
4.
See also
Clearing numbers
Use the Clear Numbers command to permanently delete the assigned position numbers of objects. Next time you run numbering, Tekla Structures assigns new numbers to the objects, irrespective of what their previous numbers were. To clear the position numbers: 1. 2. Select the objects whose numbers you want to clear. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Clear Numbers and select one of the commands.
For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
See also
To create a standard-part model: 1. Create a new model and give it a descriptive name.
160
For example, StandardParts. 2. 3. 4. 5. Create the objects you want to have as standard parts. Explode all components. Delete all unnecessary items. Give the objects prefixes that are not used elsewhere (for example, STD1, STD2, and so on). Ensure that the standard-part model does not contain duplicate prefixes. Save the standard-part model. Open another model. Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Numbering. Check that the advanced option XS_STD_PART_MODEL is set, and that it points to the correct standard-part model. For example:
XS_STD_PART_MODEL=C:\Tekla StructuresModels\StandardParts
6. 7. 8. 9.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to display the Numbering Setup dialog box. If you have selected the Part name check box, ensure that the project model has the same part names as the standard-part model. Click Check for standard parts and Apply. Number the model. As Tekla Structures carries out the numbering, it compares all of the parts in the model to the standard-part model. The numbering applies any part position numbers (only the part prefix) found in the standard-part model to all identical parts found in the project model.
See also
Click Tools > Display Log File > Numbering History.... Tekla Structures displays the numbering log file.
For information on how to interpret the log file, see Numbering history log.
See also
161
2.
3. 4. 5.
Click OK to save the changes. Unless you want to repair the entire model, select the objects whose numbering you want to repair. Click Tools > Diagnose & Repair Model and select one of the following commands:
Diagnose & Repair Numbering: All Diagnose & Repair Numbering: Series of Selected Objects
For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
Tekla Structures assigns the position number of the oldest part or assembly to all identical parts, even if a newer part or assembly has a smaller position number.
To force a certain position number on a part or assembly, use the Change Number command after repairing numbering in the model.
See also
Example: Numbering identical beams (p. 162) Example: Using family numbers (p. 163) Example: Numbering selected part types (p. 164) Example: Numbering parts in selected phases (p. 164) Example: Numbering settings during a project (p. 165)
162
Depending on the numbering settings in the Numbering Setup dialog box, Tekla Structures assigns one of the following part position numbers to the modified part:
See also
Assembly position: B/1 Assembly position: B/2 Assembly position: B/3 Assembly position: B/4 We use the following family numbering settings:
Numbering series: B/1 Compare: Main part profile and Overall length
With the given family numbering criteria, Tekla Structures divides the beams into two families. All beams have the same profile, but each pair has a different length. Within both families the beams get different qualifiers because they have different holes.
See also
The first beam gets the assembly position number B/1-1 The second beam gets the assembly position number B/1-2 The third beam gets the assembly position number B/2-1 The fourth beam gets the assembly position number B/2-2
163
3. 4.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to open the Numbering Setup dialog box. Ensure that the Column orientation check box is not selected, and then click Apply.
5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Select one of the anchor rods in the model. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Series of Selected Objects. All parts with the AR prefix and start number at 1 are numbered. After the anchor rod numbering is complete, click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Series of Selected Objects. Select the Column orientation check box, and then click Apply. Select one of the steel columns in the model. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Series of Selected Objects. All columns belonging to the same numbering series as the selected column are numbered.
164
The beams in phase 1 get the numbering series prefix B and start number 1000. The beams in phase 2 get the numbering series prefix B and start number 2000.
Phase 1: green Phase 2: magenta 2. Ensure that the numbering series are not overlapping. For example, to avoid numbering overlaps with the beams in phase 2, phase 1 should not contain more than 1000 position numbers. Select the parts you want to number. Use selection filters to easily select parts belonging to a certain phase or parts with a specific start number series. You can also use selection filters to ignore specific phases that are already completed or phases that are not ready for numbering. 4. 5. 6. 7. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to open the Numbering Setup dialog box. Modify the numbering settings, and then click Apply. Select one of the parts you want to number. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Series of Selected Objects. All parts belonging to the same numbering series as the selected part are numbered.
3.
See also
165
See also
Before releasing a phase of the project for fabrication, you might use the Re-use old
numbers option for numbering the entire model.
If a phase has already been released for fabrication in a project, you might use the Take
new number option for new and modified parts.
If you are numbering other phases of the project at earlier stages of detailing, you might use the Compare to old option and try to combine as many position numbers as possible.
Example: Numbering parts in selected phases (p. 164) General numbering settings (p. 233)
166
Advanced Modeling
This section explains some advanced modeling techniques available in Tekla Structures.
Contents
Organizing the model (p. 167) Phases (p. 171) Sequences (p. 172) Lotting (p. 174) Parametric modeling (p. 176) Sketched cross sections (p. 181)
167
Model Organizer is included in the Full and Construction Management configurations only.
See also
Creating logical areas (p. 168) Creating object type categories (p. 169) Modifying logical areas and object type categories (p. 169) Viewing logical areas and object type categories (p. 170) Deleting logical areas and object type categories (p. 171)
168
To create logical areas using Model Organizer: 1. 2. Click Tools > Model Organizer.... Create a path structure. a Right-click Logical Areas. b Click New Building. c Click New Section. d Click New Story. You may create as many sections and storys as you need. Note that sections and storys are both created under buildings. Select a section or story in Model Organizer. In the model, select the area for the section or the story. Each model object can belong to only one section and one story. In Model Organizer, right-click the selected section or story, and select Add Selected to Category. In large projects, you can create sites for your project by right-clicking Logical Areas and selecting Show Site(s). You can hide the sites by selecting Hide Site(s).
3. 4. 5.
See also
3.
4.
See also
In Model Organizer, right-click the object type category and select Add Selected to Category .
169
To Rename logical areas and object type categories Redefine a logical area
1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 3.
Select the new area in the model. Right-click the area name in Model Organizer and select Add Selected to Category. Select the object type category in Model Organizer. Drag the category to another location. Select the objects in the model. Right-click the category name in Model Organizer and select Add Selected to Category. Select the object type category in Model Organizer. Hold down the Ctrl key and select the objects you want to move. Drag the objects to another category. Select the object type category in Model Organizer. Hold down the Ctrl key and select the objects you want to remove. Right-click and select Remove from Category.
Move objects
Remove objects
1. 2. 3.
See also
To View a logical area or objects belonging to an object type category View more than one logical area or object type category at a time View only the objects belonging the selected category Hide the objects belonging to the selected category
Do this Select the logical area or the object type category. The logical area or objects belonging to the selected object type category are highlighted in the model. Hold down the Ctrl key and select the logical areas and object type categories you want to view. Right-click a logical area or an object type category and select Show Only Selected. To show all objects again, right-click the category and select Redraw View. Right-click a logical area or an object type category and select Hide. To show all objects again, right-click the category and select Redraw View.
Right-click the object in the model and select Model Classification > Show Related Classification or in Model Organizer select an object and click .
See also
170
Click Tools > Model Organizer.... Select a category under Logical Areas or Object Types. Right-click and select Delete. Click OK to confirm.
7.2 Phases
Use phases to break up a model into sections. Phases are often used to indicate erection sequences. You can create reports and views, hide objects, and copy objects from other models, according to their phase number. For example, you might have a large project which several users work on simultaneously in single-user mode. First create a basic model that includes, for example, the columns. This is phase 1. You then copy this basic model to all users. Each user then works on a separate part of the building. When a part of the model is completed, you can copy it back to the basic model as a separate phase (phase 2, 3, etc.).
See also
Dividing the model into phases (p. 171) Custom phase properties (p. 171)
4.
5.
See also
To change the phase of one or more objects, select the objects, select a phase from the list, and then click Modify phase. Click OK to save your changes.
171
Define the names of phase properties in the objects.inp file. To use phase properties in reports and templates, use the syntax PHASE.ATTRIBUTE_NAME in the phase property field name.
See also
7.3 Sequences
Use the Sequencer tool to name sequences and assign incremental numbers to parts. For example, you can define the order in which to erect parts by creating erection sequences. You can define several sequences for different purposes, and a part can belong to several sequences at the same time.
Sequencer works by assigning a sequence number to a user-defined attribute of a part. The sequence name that you enter in the Sequencer Properties dialog box is the name of the userdefined attribute defined in the objects.inp file. Limitations See also
Sequencer does not work for objects that are inside a reference model. Creating a sequence (p. 172) Adding parts to a sequence (p. 173) Checking the sequence of a part (p. 173) Modifying the sequence number of a part (p. 173) Deleting a sequence (p. 173)
Creating a sequence
Use the Sequencer tool to assign sequence numbers to parts. If you want to view and modify the sequence number afterwards, you must first create a user-defined attribute to which you assign sequence numbers. To create a new sequence: 1. Create a user-defined attribute to which you assign sequence numbers. a Open the objects.inp file in any standard text editor. b In the Part attributes section, add a new user-defined attribute. The value_type must be integer, and the field_format must be %d. For example:
attribute("MY_INFO_1", "My Info 1", integer, "%d", no, none, "0.0", "0.0")
2. 3. 4. 5.
c Save the file. d Restart Tekla Structures. Click Tools > Sequencer to display the Sequencer Properties dialog box. Type a name for the sequence. Use exactly the same name as in the objects.inp file. For example, MY_INFO_1. Click Apply. Select the parts you want to include in the sequence. The first part gets the sequence number 1, the second part number 2, and so on. If you select a part that has already been included in the sequence, Tekla Structures asks if you want to override the existing number. If you click Yes, Tekla Structures gives the next available number to the part.
6.
To finish adding parts to the sequence, click Edit > Interrupt or press Esc.
172
See also
See also
See also
3. 4.
See also
Deleting a sequence
To delete a sequence: 1. Click Tools > Sequencer....
173
2. 3.
See also
Select a sequence name from the list. Click Delete and then click Yes.
7.4 Lotting
With lots you can group assemblies for transporting to site. Lotting means that you evaluate specific model parts with respect to the number of units that can be carried by a transfer vehicle. For example, you can calculate how many concrete truck deliveries are needed to pour the footings or slabs for a specific portion of the model. With this information, it is easier to determine area requirements and create an erection schedule. When you define lots, you must take into account the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle, because a lot cannot exceed the maximum total load capacity. You can calculate truck load sizes based on material weights and model quantities. For most model parts, the weight is based on the size, length, and material of the part.
To view the properties of a part, right-click the part and then select Inquire > Part or Properties...
You can use lotting in conjunction with the Sequencer tool. For example, you can load each part of the model onto a specific truck based on the erection sequence of the part. The basic lotting process is the same for steel and concrete parts. However, if you are using cast-in-place concrete, remember that the concrete is transported in a volumetric container (for example, in a ten-cubic-yard truck). In that case, you must calculate the weight-carrying capacity of the concrete vehicle before defining the number of lots.
See also
Creating a lot (p. 174) Adding parts to a lot (p. 175) Removing parts from a lot (p. 175) Deleting a lot (p. 175) Sequences (p. 172)
Creating a lot
To create a lot: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Click Properties... to display the Lot Properties dialog box. Type a name in the field at the bottom of the dialog box. Type a lot number in the Number field. Type the maximum weight of the lot in the Max weight field. Click Add. Tekla Structures creates an empty lot with the defined properties.
See also
174
3. 4.
5.
Always use the Shift key when adding parts to an existing lot. If you simply select parts, you will overwrite the contents of the lot. When you hold down Shift, you cannot select parts that already belong to another lot.
See also
Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Select an existing lot from the list. Tekla Structures highlights the parts included in the lot. Hold down Ctrl and select the parts you want to remove from the lot. Tekla Structures deselects the parts. Click Apply selected. Click OK to close the dialog box.
Deleting a lot
To delete a lot: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Click Properties... Select an existing lot from the list. Click Delete.
175
Create variables that define the properties of the model object, such as a beam or column. Variables can define fixed properties, such as the name of a column. They can also include formulas, so that Tekla Structures calculates the property value each time you use the model object. Create dependencies, or relationships, between model objects, so the properties of one model object adjust if you change the related model object. For example, you might create a dependency that offsets a column a fixed distance from a plane on a wall, so that when you move the wall, the column follows.
See also
Defining variables Creating distance variables Creating reference distances Parametric profiles available in Tekla Structures (p. 176)
BLLh*b*t
BLZh*b*t
176
BLUh*b*t
ELDd1*r1*d2*r2
PDd*t
EPDd1*r1*d2*r2*t
Ph*t Ph*b*t
Ph1*b-h2*b*t
177
CWh-t-e-b-f-h1
178
BFh-s-b-h1
SPDd*t SPDd1-d2*t
EDh-t-b-e-h1-h2-f1-f2-a
EEh-t-e-b-f1-f3-h1-f2-a
EFh-t-e-b1-b2-f1-f2/h1-a
179
EZh-t-e-b-f1-f3-h1-f2-a
EWh-t-e-b-b-f1-f2-h2-h1-a
RCXXs*h-b*t*h1-h2-ex
RCLs*h-b*t
RCXs*h-b*h2*h1
180
See also
Opening the cross section sketch editor (p. 181) Sketching the outline of a cross section (p. 184) Refining the shape of a sketched cross section (p. 186) Adding dimensions to a sketched cross section (p. 190) Defining positioning planes for a sketched cross section (p. 193) Checking a sketched cross section (p. 197) Saving a sketched cross section (p. 198) Modifying a sketched cross section (p. 198) Using sketched cross sections in a model (p. 201) Importing and exporting sketched cross sections (p. 202) Example: Creating a symmetric C-shaped cross section (p. 204)
181
See also
Sketch Browser
The Sketch Browser shows the objects (lines, arcs, circles, constraints, dimensions, and chamfers) of a cross section sketch in a hierarchical, tree-like structure. The Sketch Browser automatically opens when you open the cross section sketch editor. When you click an object in the cross section sketch editor, Tekla Structures highlights the object in the Sketch Browser, and vice versa.
182
The Sketch Browser displays the following information about a cross section:
See also
Extrusion type (0, 1, or 2) and thickness of the sketch. Lines, arcs, and circles Constraints Distances and dimensions and their values Chamfers and their type (0=None, 1=Line ... 7=Line and arc) and dimensions.
Opening the cross section sketch editor (p. 181) Cross section extrusion types (p. 200) Corner chamfer types and dimensions (p. 105)
Variables
Use the Variables dialog box to define the properties of a sketched cross section. Variables can define fixed properties, or they can include formulas, so that Tekla Structures calculates the property value each time you use the profile in a model. The Variables dialog box automatically opens when you open the cross section sketch editor.
183
See also
Opening the cross section sketch editor (p. 181) Defining variables Display variables
See also
Sketching a polyline (p. 184) Sketching an arc (p. 185) Sketching a circle (p. 185)
Sketching a polyline
You can create line segments in the cross section sketch editor by picking points. Tekla Structures automatically creates coincident constraints between the line segments and displays a chamfer symbol where line segments meet. To sketch a polyline: 1. 2. Open the cross section sketch editor. Click the Sketch polyline icon:
3. 4.
Pick points to create each line segment. Click the middle mouse button to create the polyline.
184
See also
Sketching an arc
You can create an arc in the cross section sketch editor by picking three points. To sketch an arc: 1. 2. Open the cross section sketch editor. Click the Sketch arc icon:
3.
See also
Sketching a circle
You can create a circle in the cross section sketch editor by picking two points. To sketch a circle: 1. 2. Open the cross section sketch editor. Click the Sketch circle icon:
3. 4.
Pick a point to indicate the center of the circle (1). Pick a point to indicate the radius of the circle (2).
185
See also
Adding a parallel constraint (p. 186) Adding a perpendicular constraint (p. 187) Adding a coincident constraint (p. 187) Adding a fixed constraint (p. 188) Adding a horizontal constraint (p. 188) Adding a vertical constraint (p. 189) Deleting a constraint (p. 189)
2. 3.
Select a line in the sketch (1). Select another line in the sketch (2).
186
See also
2. 3.
Select a line in the sketch (1). Select another line in the sketch (2).
See also
Where two lines meet. Between line segments when you draw them with the Sketch
polyline tool.
Between the start of the first line segment and the end of the last line segment in a shape, if they are within a certain distance of each other.
Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To add a coincident constraint:
187
1. 2.
Ensure that the Snap to end points Click the Coincident constraint icon:
3. 4.
Pick the end of the first line (1). Pick the end of the second line. (2)
See also
2.
See also
2.
188
See also
2.
See also
Deleting a constraint
To delete a constraint from a sketched cross section: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Click to open the Sketch Browser. Select the constraint you want to delete. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu. Click Refresh.
189
Do not create too many dimensions in a sketch, or the dimensions will not be able to adjust when the values are changed. In the following example, if you create the dimension marked in red, the dimension b1 will no longer work:
See also
Adding a radial dimension to a sketch (p. 190) Adding an angle dimension to a sketch (p. 191) Adding a dimension between two points in a sketch (p. 191) Adding a horizontal dimension to a sketch (p. 192) Adding a vertical dimension to a sketch (p. 192) Deleting a dimension from a sketch (p. 193)
2.
190
See also
2. 3.
Select the first line (1). Select the second line (2).
If you are unable to see the angle symbol, scroll with the mouse wheel to zoom in.
See also
2. 3.
Pick a point to indicate the starting point of the dimension (1). Pick a point to indicate the end point of the dimension (2).
191
4.
Pick a point to indicate the location of the dimension lines and text.
See also
2. 3. 4.
Pick a point to indicate the starting point of the dimension (1). Pick a point to indicate the end point of the dimension (2). Pick a point to indicate the location of the dimension lines and text.
See also
2. 3.
Pick a point to indicate the starting point of the dimension (1). Pick a point to indicate the end point of the dimension (2).
192
4.
Pick a point to indicate the location of the dimension lines and text.
See also
Select the dimension you want to delete. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu.
Part positioning planes (p. 193) Connection positioning planes (p. 194) Showing and hiding positioning planes (p. 195) Moving positioning planes (p. 195) Moving positioning plane handles (p. 196) Reverting to default positioning planes (p. 197)
193
The On plane options Left and Right are set according to the vertical blue planes, and the Middle option is halfway between them. The same principle applies to the At depth setting: the Front and Behind options are set according to the horizontal blue planes, and the Middle option is halfway between them.
Example
You can define part positioning planes so that an asymmetric cross section will be positioned according to its web only. In the following example, the Middle option is illustrated in gray dotted lines:
194
Example
The following image shows the default connection positioning planes of a double tee slab that was created as a sketched cross section. The green line illustrates the default connection positioning planes.
To place connections according to the location of the stems of the double tee, move the connection positioning planes as shown below.
See also
To Show or hide the part positioning planes Show or hide the connection positioning planes
See also
195
1. 2. 3.
Display the positioning planes you want to move. Select the positioning planes. Select one of the positioning plane handles. The same handle controls both the vertical and horizontal plane, so you can move them both at the same time.
4. 5.
See also
Right-click and select a Move command from the pop-up menu. Move the planes like any other object in Tekla Structures.
Defining positioning planes for a sketched cross section (p. 193) Showing and hiding positioning planes (p. 195) Moving an object
2. 3.
4.
Example
Click a handle to select it. Move the handle like any other object in Tekla Structures. For example: a Right-click and select Move. b Pick the origin for moving. c Pick a destination point. If the handle is not at the outmost corner of the cross section, add a dimension between the handle and the corner.
In the following examples, the left handle of the positioning plane has been bound by using a horizontal dimension (b1):
196
See also
Do this 1. 2. 3. Click to show the part positioning planes. Select the part positioning planes. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu. Click again to check that the planes have reverted back to the default. Click to show the connection positioning planes. Select the connection positioning planes. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu. Click again to check that the planes have reverted back to the default.
1. 2. 3.
4.
See also
197
4. 5.
See also
Check that the shape of the profile does not change and that the dimensions adjust correctly. Click Cancel to close the Distance Properties dialog box.
You cannot use the name of a standard profile. You cannot include numbers, special characters, or blank spaces in the cross section name. Lower case letters are automatically converted into upper case letters.
Do this 1. 2. Click Save sketch . Type a name in the Prefix field, and then click OK. Click Save sketch . Click Yes when prompted to update the existing cross section. Click Save sketch as . Type a new name in the Prefix field, and then click OK.
Update an existing cross section 1. 2. Save a copy of the cross section under a different name
1. 2.
Sketched cross sections are saved in the xslib.db1 file, which is a library file that contains custom components and sketches. Ordinary profiles are saved in the profdb.bin file.
See also
Adding dimensions to a sketched cross section (p. 190) Importing and exporting sketched cross sections (p. 202)
198
You cannot change dimensions that have been calculated using formulas in the Variables dialog box. Constraints may also prevent you from changing dimensions.
To modify a sketched cross section: 1. 2. Click Modeling > Profiles > Edit Cross Section in Sketch Editor... The Component Catalog dialog box opens. Double-click a cross section to open it in the cross section sketch editor. Sketched cross sections have the symbol 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
See also
Double-click an object to modify its properties. The sketch objects you can modify appear in yellow. Modify the object properties. Click Modify in the object properties dialog box. Close the object properties dialog box. Click the Save sketch as icon to save the changes.
Modifying chamfers in a sketch (p. 199) Setting the sketch thickness (p. 199)
Double-click a chamfer symbol in the cross section sketch editor. In the Chamfer Properties dialog box, change the shape and dimensions of the chamfer. Click Modify. Click OK to close the dialog box. Click the Save sketch as icon to save the changes.
Modifying a sketched cross section (p. 198) Corner chamfer types and dimensions (p. 105)
199
To set the thickness of a sketch: 1. 2. In the cross section sketch editor, sketch an open polyline. Do one of the following: To set a fixed thickness: a b In the Sketch Browser, right-click Thickness and select Add Equation from the pop-up menu. Type the value of the thickness after =.
To define a parametric thickness: a b c d In the Variables dialog box, add a new parameter variable for Length (for example, P1). In the Formula column, define the default value for the parameter variable. In the Sketch Browser, right-click Thickness and select Add Equation from the pop-up menu. Type the name of the parameter variable (for example, P1) after =.
3.
To define the extrusion type: a In the Sketch Browser, right-click Extrusion Type and select Add Equation from the pop-up menu. b Type the extrusion type number (0, 1, or 2) after =. Click the Save sketch as icon to save the changes.
4.
See also
Modifying a sketched cross section (p. 198) Cross section extrusion types (p. 200)
200
Type 0
Description The sketch is extruded symmetrically to the outside and inside of the polyline. (Default)
Image
See also
3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
See also
Open the Others branch at the end of the profile tree. Select a profile with the sketched cross section. Optional: If the cross section is parametric, define its dimensions in the Value column on the General tab. Click OK to apply the changes. Pick points to place the part in the model.
201
The image must be in Windows bitmap format (*.bmp) and can be created with any bitmap editor, for example Microsoft Paint. You can also take a screenshot of your cross section in the cross section sketch editor and use that image. To create an image of a sketched cross section using a screenshot: 1. 2. 3. Open the cross section sketch editor. Click the sketch to ensure it is the active view. Press F12 on your keyboard to take a screenshot of the sketch without the borders. Tekla Structures saves the screenshot in the ..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>\snapshots folder. Open the screenshot in any graphics editor (for example, Microsoft Paint) and modify the image if necessary. Save the image in bmp format in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\nt\bitmaps folder. Use the cross section name as the filename, for example, mysketch.bmp.
4. 5.
See also
Using sketched cross sections in a model (p. 201) Creating a screenshot (p. 124) Saving a screenshot in bitmap format (p. 125)
See also
Importing sketched cross sections (p. 203) Exporting sketched cross sections (p. 203)
202
To automatically import all *.uel files from a folder when creating a new model, use the advanced option XS_UEL_IMPORT_FOLDER.
See also
Importing and exporting sketched cross sections (p. 202) Exporting the profile catalog Exporting elements from the profile catalog
Open the Tekla Structures model you want to export from. Press Ctrl+F to open the Component Catalog. Select Sketched profiles from the list. Tekla Structures lists all the sketched cross sections available in the current model. Select the cross sections you want to export. To export several cross sections, hold down the Ctrl key when selecting. Right-click and select Export... from the pop-up menu. In the Export Components dialog box, enter a name for the export file in the Selection box. Optional: To save the export file to a specific location, browse for the folder. By default, Tekla Structures saves the export file in the current model folder. Click OK.
203
Width (b1) Total height (h1) Height (h2) Thickness (P1) Chamfers (P2)
In the following example, you will first sketch a C-shaped cross section and add dimensions to it. After that, you will set the cross section thickness and modify the chamfers. Finally, you will use the cross section in a model.
See also
Example: Sketching a C-shaped cross section (p. 204) Example: Adding dimensions to the cross section (p. 205) Example: Setting the cross section thickness (p. 206) Example: Modifying the chamfers of the cross section (p. 207) Example: Using the cross section in a model (p. 208)
204
3.
commands.
4.
See also
Opening the cross section sketch editor (p. 181) Sketching a polyline (p. 184) Adding a horizontal constraint (p. 188) Adding a vertical constraint (p. 189) Saving a sketched cross section (p. 198)
205
2.
3.
In the Variables dialog box, enter the following values for the distances:
4. 5.
See also
Ensure that Visibility is set to Show for the distances b1, h1, and h2. Save the cross section.
Adding a horizontal dimension to a sketch (p. 192) Adding a vertical dimension to a sketch (p. 192) Saving a sketched cross section (p. 198) Variables (p. 183)
206
1.
In the Variables dialog box, do the following: a Click Add to add a parameter variable P1. b In the Formula box, enter 20.00. c In the Visiblity box, select Show. d In the Label in dialog box box, enter Thickness.
2.
In the Sketch Browser, set the cross section thickness using the parameter variable P1. a Right-click Thickness, select Add equation from the pop-up menu, and then enter =P1. b Right-click ExtrusionType, select Add equation from the pop-up menu, and then enter =2 to get the sketch extruded to the inside of the polyline.
3.
See also
Variables (p. 183) Sketch Browser (p. 182) Cross section extrusion types (p. 200) Saving a sketched cross section (p. 198)
3.
207
4.
In the Sketch Browser, do the following: a Double-click Chamfer constraint to open the chamfer properties. b Right-click Chamfer X, select Add equation from the pop-up menu, and then enter =P2. c Enter the same value for Chamfer Y. d Repeat steps ad for all the cross section chamfers.
5.
See also
Modifying chamfers in a sketch (p. 199) Variables (p. 183) Sketch Browser (p. 182) Saving a sketched cross section (p. 198)
3. 4.
Open the Others branch at the end of the profile tree, and select the CSHAPE profile. Optional: Modify the dimensions of the cross section profile on the General tab.
5. 6.
Click OK to apply the changes. Pick points to place the part in the model.
208
See also
Modifying a sketched cross section (p. 198) Defining positioning planes for a sketched cross section (p. 193)
209
210
Modeling Settings
This section provides more information about the various settings you can modify in Tekla Structures.
Contents
General settings (p. 211) View settings (p. 215) Part properties (p. 217) Detail properties (p. 227) Numbering settings (p. 233)
Grid properties (p. 211) Grid line properties (p. 212) Point properties (p. 212) Rotation settings (p. 213) Color settings (p. 213) Transparency settings (p. 214) Screenshot settings (p. 214)
Grid properties
Use the Grid dialog box to view and modify the grid properties.
211
Option
Coordinates
The coordinates of the grid in the global x, y, and z directions (x and y are relative, z is absolute).
Labels Line extensions Origin Magnetic grid plane User-defined attributes... See also
X - grid lines vertical to the work plane Y - grid lines horizontal to the work plane Z - elevations in the structure
The names of the grid lines. Define how far the grid lines extend in the directions Left/Below and Right/Above. The coordinates of the grid origin in the global x, y, and z directions. Select to bind objects to grid lines. Click to access the user-defined properties of the grid.
Option
Label Depth in view plane Extension Left/Below Extension Right/Above Magnetic grid plane User-defined attributes... Visible in drawings Grid line automatic dimensioning See also
The name of the grid line. The height of the grid plane perpendicular to the view plane. Define how far the grid lines extend in the directions Left/ Below and Right/Above. Select to bind objects to the grid line. Click to access the user-defined properties of the grid line. Select to make the grid line visible in drawings. Select to use single grid lines in grid dimensioning.
Point properties
Use the Point Information dialog box to view and modify the properties of a point.
Option
Phase
The phase number. You can filter objects by their phase numbers.
212
Option
Id
The ID number, which is used in log files. You can filter objects by their ID numbers. The local (work plane) and global x, y, and z coordinates of a point. Indicates the correct location of the point.
Coordinates
See also
Rotation settings
Use the Copy - Rotate and Move - Rotate dialog boxes to view and modify the settings that are used when you rotate objects in Tekla Structures.
Option
X0 Y0 Origin angle Number of copies dZ Rotation angle Around
The x and y coordinates of the starting point of the rotation axis. The angle of the rotation axis when rotating around a line on the work plane. Defines the number of copies created. The difference in position between the original and copied object in the z direction. The rotation angle between the original and new position. Defines whether the rotation axis is a line on the work plane or in the z direction.
See also
Rotating objects
Color settings
Use the Object Representation dialog box to define the color of object groups.
Option
As is
The current color is used. If the object belongs to one of the object groups defined in the following rows, its color is defined by the settings that the object group in question has on that row.
Colors
Color by class Color by lot Color by phase Color by analysis type Color by analysis utility check Color by attribute
Select color from the list. All parts are colored according to their Class property. Parts belonging to different lots get different colors. Parts belonging to different phases get different colors. Displays parts according to the member analysis type. Displays parts according to the utilization ratio in analysis. Displays parts in different colors according to the values of a user-defined attribute.
See also
213
Transparency settings
Use the Object Representation dialog box to define the transparency of object groups.
Option
As is
The current visibility. If the object belongs to any object group whose visibility and color settings have been defined, the settings will be read from that object group.
Visible 50% transparent 70% transparent 90% transparent Hidden See also
Screenshot settings
Use the Screenshot dialog box to view and modify the screenshot settings.
Option
View name View View without borders Rendered view Place on clipboard Print to file
Shows the selected view name. Includes the view content and window borders in the screenshot. Includes only the view content in the screenshot. For high resolution screenshots from rendered views. The Options... button displays the Screenshot Options dialog box. Places the screenshot on the clipboard. Saves the screenshot to a file.
Option
Final width
The width of the screenshot. Uses the same unit as other dimensions in modeling. The height of the screenshot. Uses the same unit as other dimensions in modeling. The pixel density (DPI) of the screenshot. There are limitations to pixel density. You can change the DPI using a graphics editor.
Final height
DPI
Uses white background. Uses smooth lines to decrease jagged edges. Sets the line width.
214
See also
View properties (p. 215) Grid view properties (p. 215) Display settings (p. 216)
View properties
Use the View Properties dialog box to view and modify the view properties.
Option
Name Angle Projection
The name of the view. Whether the view angle is Plane or 3D. The projection type of rendered views.
Orthogonal: All objects are of equal size (no perspective).
When you zoom, text and point size remains the same. In addition, the zoom remains on part surfaces.
Perspective: Distant objects appear smaller than close ones, as do text and points. You can zoom, rotate the model, or fly through it. Rotation View type Color and transparency in all views Representation... View depth
How the view is rotated around the z and x axes. Rotation is view-specific. The appearance of the model in the view. The color and transparency setting that is used in all views (according to the status of the objects in the model). Opens the Object Representation dialog box for defining color and transparency settings. The thickness of the displayed slice of model. You can define the depth separately upwards and downwards from the view plane. Only objects positioned within the view depth are visible in the model. Opens the Display dialog box for defining which objects are displayed in the view and how. Which object group is displayed in the view. Opens the Object Group - View Filter dialog box for creating and modifying object groups.
See also
215
Option
View plane Number of views
The plane of the view defined by two axes similarly to the default view. Defines which grid lines the views will be created of.
None does not create any views. One (First) only creates the view closest to the grid origin. One (Last) only creates the view furthest from the grid origin. All creates all views in grid planes in the relevant direction.
The prefix to be used with the grid label in the view name. This name overrides the name in the view properties. View names consist of a prefix and a grid label, e.g. PLAN +3000. If the View name prefix field is left empty, no prefix is used. Tekla Structures adds a dash and a running number to the view name if view names are otherwise identical.
View properties
Defines which view properties (applied or saved) will be used. Each view plane has its own view properties. You can load the properties from the current view properties with the option <applied values> or from saved view properties. The Show... button displays the current view properties.
See also
Display settings
Use the Display dialog box to define which object types Tekla Structures displays and how they appear in the model. Some of these settings may affect system performance.
Option
Parts
parts.
Reference line shows parts as sticks. This option increases display speed significantly, when viewing the entire model, or large parts of it. Bolts
is the recommended representation mode for bolts, because it increases display speed significantly and consumes less system memory.
Exact shows bolts, washers, and nuts as solids.
216
Option
Holes
option, Tekla Structures always displays fast holes on the first part (counting from the head of the bolt). If there are slotted holes in any of the parts, a slotted hole is displayed on the first part, even if the hole in that part is not slotted. The new slotted hole has the same size and rotation as the first slotted hole (counting from the head of the bolt). Holes that are outside a part are always displayed as fast holes in rendered views.
Exact shows holes as solids. Exact long holes only displays slotted holes in exact mode and ordinary holes in fast mode. Point size
Defines the size of points in views. You can also change the size of the part handle using this field.
In model increases the point size on the screen when you zoom
in.
In view does not increase the point size. AutoStick
Defines whether the objects are shown as sticks or as objects. This option is only available in wire frame views. By dragging the sliders you can adjust the zoom distance where objects should be shown as reference lines. This option increases performance significantly when viewing large models. It still lets you zoom in on a small area and display it exactly.
See also
Steel column properties (p. 218) Steel beam properties (p. 218) Contour plate properties (p. 219) Orthogonal beam properties (p. 220) Twin profile properties (p. 221) Pad footing properties (p. 222) Strip footing properties (p. 223) Concrete column properties (p. 224) Concrete beam properties (p. 225) Concrete slab properties (p. 225) Concrete panel properties (p. 226)
217
Option
Part prefix and start number Assembly prefix and start number Name
The part mark series of the column. The assembly mark series of the column. The user-definable name of the column. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of the column. The material of the column. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group columns. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes Vertical Rotation Horizontal Top Bottom Analysis tab Composite tab Start releases tab End releases tab Design tab Deforming tab See also
User-defined properties of the column. The position of the column, relative to its reference point. How the column is rotated around its axis. The horizontal position of the column, relative to its reference point. The position of the second end of the column in the global z direction. The position of the first end of the column in the global z direction. The analysis properties of the column. The analysis properties of the slabs in composite constructions. The support conditions of the column ends. The design information of the column. Warping, cambering, and shortening of the column.
218
Option
Part prefix and start number Assembly prefix and start number Name
The part mark series of a beam. The assembly mark series of the beam. The user-definable name of a beam. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of a beam. The material of a beam. The finish type. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group beams. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Radius Number of segments Analysis tab Loading tab Composite tab Start releases tab End releases tab Design tab Deforming tab See also
User-defined properties of a beam. The position of a beam on the work plane. How much a beam is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The position of a beam, in terms of depth perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of beam ends relative to a beams reference line. The plane of curvature and radius of a curved beam. The number of segments Tekla Structures uses when drawing a curved beam. The analysis properties of the beam. The loading properties of the beam. The analysis properties of the slabs in composite constructions. The support conditions of the beam ends. The design information of the beam. Warping, cambering, and shortening of the beam.
219
Option
Part prefix and start number Assembly prefix and start number Name
The part mark series of the contour plate. The assembly mark series of the contour plate. The user-definable name of the contour plate. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
Profile
The profile of the contour plate. The format is PL+ thickness, for example PL20. The material of the contour plate. The finish type. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Material Finish
Class
Used to group contour plates. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes At depth Analysis tab Loading tab Spanning tab Design tab See also
User-defined properties of the contour plate. The position of the contour plate, in terms of depth, perpendicular to the work plane. The analysis properties of the contour plate. The loading properties of the plate. The spanning properties of the plate. The design information of the contour plate.
Option
Part prefix and start number Assembly prefix and start number Name
The part mark series of the beam. The assembly mark series of the beam. The user-definable name of the beam. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
Profile Material
220
Option
Finish
The finish type. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group beams. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes Vertical Rotation Horizontal Top Bottom Analysis tab Composite tab Start releases tab End releases tab Design tab See also
User-defined properties of the beam. The position of the beam, relative to its reference point. How much the beam is rotated around its axis. The horizontal position of the beam, relative to its reference point. The position of the second end of the beam in the z direction of the work plane. The position of the first end of the beam in the z direction of the work plane. The analysis properties of the beam. The analysis properties of the slabs in composite constructions. The support conditions of the beam ends. The design information of the beam.
Option
Part prefix and start number Assembly prefix and start number Name
The part mark series of the twin profile. The assembly mark series of the twin profile. The user-definable name of the twin profile. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of both the beams in the twin profile. The material of the beams. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
221
Option
Class
Used to group twin profiles. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Twin profile type Horizontal Vertical Analysis tab Composite tab Start releases tab End releases tab Design tab See also
User-defined properties of the twin profile. The position of the twin profile on the work plane. Defines how the twin profile is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The beam position, in terms of depth, perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of the ends of the beam, relative to the beams reference line. Defines how the profiles are combined. The horizontal clearance between the profiles. The vertical clearance between the profiles. The analysis properties of the twin profile. The analysis properties of the slabs in composite constructions. The support conditions of the twin profile ends. The design information of the twin profile.
Option
Name
The user-definable name of the pad footing. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of the pad footing. The material of the pad footing. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group pad footings. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined properties of the pad footing. The vertical position of the pad footing, relative to its reference point. How much the pad footing is rotated around its axis.
222
Option
Horizontal Top Bottom Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type See also
The horizontal position of the pad footing, relative to its reference point. The position of the top surface of the pad footing in the global z direction. The position of the bottom surface of the pad footing in the global z direction. Define the cast unit series of the pad footing. Indicates whether the footing is precast or cast in place.
Option
Name
The user-definable name of the strip footing. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of the strip footing. The material of the strip footing. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group strip footings. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type Radius Number of segments Analysis tab
User-defined properties of the strip footing. The position of the strip footing on the work plane. How much the strip footing is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The position of the strip footing in terms of depth perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of the ends of the strip footing relative to its reference line. Define the cast unit series of the strip footing. Indicates whether the footing is precast or cast in place. The plane of curvature and radius of the curved strip footing. The number of segments required to draw a curved strip footing. The analysis properties of the strip footing.
223
Option
Start releases tab End releases tab Design tab See also
The support conditions of the footing ends. The design information of the footing.
Option
Name
The user-definable name of the column. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of the column. The material of the column. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group columns. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes Vertical Rotation Horizontal Top Bottom Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type Analysis tab Start releases tab End releases tab Design tab Deforming tab See also
User-defined properties of the column. The vertical position of the column relative to its reference point. How much the column is rotated around its axis. The horizontal position of the column relative to its reference point. The position of the second end of the column in the global z direction. The position of the first end of the column in the global z direction. Define the cast unit series of the column. Indicates whether the column is precast or cast in place. The analysis properties of the column. The support conditions of the column ends. The design information of the column. Warping, cambering and shortening of the column.
224
Option
Name
The user-definable name of the beam. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of the beam. The material of the beam. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group beams. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Radius Number of segments Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type Analysis tab Start releases tab End releases tab Loading tab Design tab Deforming tab See also
User-defined properties of the beam. The beam position on the work plane. How much the beam is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The position of the beam in terms of depth perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of the ends of the beam, relative to its reference line. The plane of curvature and radius of the curved beam. The number of segments required to draw a curved beam. Define the cast unit series of the beam. Indicates whether the beam is precast or cast in place. The analysis properties of the beam. The support conditions of the beam ends. The loading properties of the beam. The design information of the beam. Warping, cambering and shortening of the beam.
225
Option
Name
The user-definable name of the slab. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The thickness of the slab. The material of the slab. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group slabs. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes At depth Analysis tab Spanning tab Loading tab Design tab Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type See also
User-defined properties of the slab. The position of the slab, in terms of depth, perpendicular to the work plane. The analysis properties of the slab. The spanning properties of the slab. The loading properties of the slab. The design information of the slab. Define the cast unit series of the slab. Indicates whether the slab is precast or cast in place.
Option
Name
The user-definable name of the panel. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of the panel (thickness height of the wall). The material of the panel. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group panels. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes
226
Option
On plane Rotation At depth End offset Analysis tab Spanning tab Loading tab Design tab Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type Radius Number of segments See also
The position of the panel on the work plane. How much the panel is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The position of the panel, in terms of depth perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of the ends of the panel, relative to its reference line. The analysis properties of the panel. The spanning properties of the panel. The loading properties of the panel. The design information of the panel. Define the cast unit series of the panel. Indicates whether the panel is precast or cast in place. The plane of curvature and radius of the curved panel. The number of segments required to draw a curved panel.
Bolt properties (p. 227) Weld properties (p. 229) Weld types (p. 231) Corner chamfer properties (p. 232) Edge chamfer properties (p. 232)
Bolt properties
Use the Bolt Properties dialog box to view or modify the properties of a bolt group.
Option
Bolt size Bolt standard Bolt type Connect part/ assembly Thread in material
Bolt diameter. Bolt assembly standard/grade. Defines whether the bolts are assembled on-site or in the shop. Indicates whether you are bolting a secondary part or a subassembly. Indicates if the thread of the bolt can be inside the bolted parts. Tekla Structures does not use this value when calculating the length of full-threaded bolts.
227
Option
Cut length
Indicates which parts the bolt connects. The value defines the area Tekla Structures should search for parts that belong to the bolt group. Using cut length you can determine whether the bolt will go through one flange or two. Tekla Structures searches for parts using half the cut length value, in both directions from the bolt group plane. In the illustration below, A is the cut length and B is the bolt origin. Tekla Structures calculates the search area as A/2 in both directions from point B.
Tekla Structures warns you if the cut length is too small (i.e. the bolt group contains no parts) and makes the bolt length 100 mm. If there are large gaps between the connected parts, the gap is added to the length of the bolt. Tekla Structures calculates bolt length using the the total distance between the first and last surfaces. If you want to force a bolt to be a certain length, enter a negative value for cut length (e.g. -150).
Extra length
Additional bolt length. Increases the material thickness that Tekla Structures uses when calculating bolt length. For example, you might need extra bolt length to allow for painting. You can also build additional lengths into bolt assemblies.
Shape Bolt dist X Bolt dist Y Tolerance Hole type Slotted hole X Slotted hole Y Rotate Slots
Bolt group shape. Bolt spacing, number, or co-ordinate, depending on the bolt group shape. Bolt spacing, group diameter, or coordinate, depending on the bolt group shape. Tolerance = Hole diameter - Bolt diameter Oversized or slotted. Field activates after you select the Parts with
slotted holes check boxes.
x allowance of a slotted hole. Zero for a round hole. y allowance of a slotted hole. Zero for a round hole. If the bolt connects several parts, you may want to rotate alternate holes by 90 degrees. This allows the bolt to move in different directions.
228
Option
On plane
Rotation
Defines how far the bolt group is rotated around the x axis, relative to the current work plane. For example, you can use this field to indicate on which side of the connected parts you want the bolt head to be.
Moves the bolt group perpendicular to the current work plane. Offsets that move the bolt group by moving the bolt group x axis.
Weld properties
Use the Weld Properties dialog box to view or modify the properties of a weld.
Option
Prefix Size
See Weld size prefixes (p. 93). The size of the weld. If you enter a zero or negative weld size, Tekla Structures creates the weld, but does not display it drawings.
Type Angle
See Weld types (p. 231). The angle of weld preparation, bevels, or groove. Tekla Structures displays the angle between the weld type symbol and the fill type contour symbol.
Contour
229
Option
Finish
Tekla Structures displays the finish symbol above the weld type symbol in drawings. The options are:
Length
The length of a regular weld depends on the length of the connection between the welded parts. You can set the exact length of a polygon weld by, for example, defining the start and end points of the weld. Indicates whether the weld is an intermittent weld. Intermittent welds are staggered on both sides of the part being welded. Tekla Structures shows the weld type symbols as staggered in weld symbols.
Intermittent weld
Pitch
The center-to-center spacing of welds for non-continuous welds. To create a non-continuous weld, define the center-to-center spacing and the pitch of the welds. Tekla Structures calculates the distance between the welds as the pitch minus the length of the weld. Tekla Structures uses the character by default to separate weld length and pitch, for example 50100. To change the separator to @, for example, set the advanced option XS_WELD_LENGTH_CC_SEPARATOR_CHAR to @.
Root face
Root face thickness is the height of the narrowest part inside the root opening. The RFT fields in the connection dialog boxes also refer to the root face thickness. Neither root face nor RFT values appear in drawings, but you can use the WELD_ROOT_FACE_THICKNESS field in reports to show the root face dimension in the weld list.
The weld size used in weld strength calculation. The space between the welded parts. Additional information to appear in the weld symbol. For example, information about the weld specification or process. Indicates whether only one edge or the entire perimeter of a face should be welded. A circle in the weld symbol in drawings indicates the Around option has been used.
Workshop/Site
Indicates where the weld should be made. This setting affects assemblies and drawings. Tekla Structures indicates site welds in the weld symbol using a flag.
Defines the non-desctructive testing and inspection level. See Using welds to create assemblies (p. 72). See Weld position (p. 92).
230
Option
Electrode classification Electrode strength Electrode coefficient Welding process type See also
Defines the weld electrode classification. Defines the electrode strength. Defines the electrode strength coefficient. Defines the process type.
Weld types
Use the Weld Properties dialog box to define the weld type. Some weld types also automatically prepare the parts to be welded. The following table shows the available weld types:
Weld type
Name None Fillet weld Bevel-groove (single-V butt weld) Bevel-groove (single-bevel butt weld) Square-groove (square butt weld) Single-V butt weld with broad root face Single-bevel butt weld with broad root face U-groove weld (single-U butt weld) J-groove weld (single-J butt weld) Flare V-groove weld Flare-bevel-groove weld Edge-flange weld Corner-flange weld Plug weld Bevel backing weld Spot weld Seam weld
Number 0 10 3 4 2 5 6 7 8 16 15 1 17 11 9 12 13
Preparation No No Both parts Secondary part No Both edges Secondary part Both parts Secondary part Both parts Secondary part No No No No No No
231
Weld type
Name Slot weld Partial penetration weld (single-bevel butt + fillet) Partial penetration weld (square groove + fillet) Melt-through weld Steep-flanked single-V butt weld Steep-flanked single-bevel butt weld Edge weld Surfacing weld Fold joint Inclined joint
Number 14 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Option
Type x y dz1 dz2
The shape of the chamfer. The dimensions of the chamfer. The dimension depends on the chamfer type. Only used for contour plates and concrete slabs. Moves the top or bottom surface of the part corner in the parts local z direction. Use these fields, for example, to give plates varying thicknesses.
See also
Field
Type Name
More information
232
Field
Cutting distance in X direction Cutting distance in Y direction First end type Second end type
Description Defines how far away from the chamfered edge the chamfer will end in the x direction. Defines how far away from the chamfered edge the chamfer will end in the y direction. The shape and position of the first end point. The shape and position of the second end point.
More information
Dimension
positioned at the end of the part (moving along the nearest edge), and the shape is straight. Straight: The end point is positioned at the point you pick, and the shape is straight. Bevelled: The end point is positioned at the point you pick, and the shape is angled.
The distance between the (picked) end point and the bevelled points.
See also
General numbering settings (p. 233) Weld numbering settings (p. 234) Control number settings (p. 235)
Option
Renumber all Re-use old numbers
All parts get a new number. All information on previous numbers is lost. Tekla Structures reuses the numbers of parts that have been deleted. These numbers may be used to number new or modified parts.
233
Option
Check for standard parts
If a separate standard-part model has been set up, Tekla Structures compares the parts in the current model to those in the standard-part model. If the part to be numbered is identical to a part in the standardpart model, Tekla Structures uses the same part number as in the standard-part model.
Compare to old Take new number Keep number if possible Synchronize with master model
The part gets the same number as a previously numbered similar part. The part gets a new number even if a similar numbered part already exists. Modified parts maintain their previous numbers if possible. Use this setting when working in multi-user mode. Tekla Structures locks the master model and performs a save, numbering, and save sequence, so that all other users can continue working during the operation. If the main part of a drawing is modified and therefore gets a new assembly position, the existing drawing is automatically assigned to another part of the position. If the modified part moves to an assembly position that does not have a drawing, the original drawing is automatically cloned to reflect the changes in the modified part.
Automatic cloning
Holes Part name Beam orientation Column orientation Reinforcing bars Embedded objects Surface treatment Tolerance Assembly position sort order See also
The location, size, and number of holes affects numbering. The part name affects numbering. The orientation of beams affects numbering. The orientation of columns affects numbering. The orientation of reinforcing bars affects numbering. The orientation of equal embedded objects affects numbering. Surface treatments affect the numbering of assemblies. Parts can get the same number if they do not differ more than as set in this input field. See Assembly position numbers (p. 157).
234
Option
Start number
The number from which the numbering starts. Tekla Structures automatically suggests the following free number as the start number. Defines which objects are affected by the change.
All welds changes the number of all welds in
Apply for
the model.
Selected welds changes the number of the selected welds without affecting others. Renumber also welds that have a number Re-use numbers of deleted welds
Tekla Structures replaces existing weld numbers. If some welds have been removed, Tekla Structures uses their numbers when numbering other welds.
See also
Option
Numbering
Defines the prefix and start number of the numbering series for which to create control numbers. Needed only with the By numbering series option.
The number from which the numbering starts. Defines the interval between two control numbers. Defines how to treat parts that already have control numbers.
Yes replaces the existing control numbers. No keeps the existing control numbers.
235
236
Modeling Tips
This section provides useful hints and tips that help you to model structures more quickly and accurately, and avoid potential problems with templates and drawings.
Contents
General modeling tips (p. 237) Part positioning tips (p. 241)
Defining default part properties (p. 237) Copying and moving efficiently (p. 238) Modeling identical areas (p. 238) Selecting values from the model (p. 238) Activating an overlapping view (p. 239) Finding RGB values for colors (p. 239) Right-hand rule (p. 239) Hiding cut lines in a view (p. 240) Cutting efficiently (p. 240) Useful shortcuts in viewing logs and reports (p. 241)
237
3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
In the box next to the Save as button, enter a name for the set of properties. For example, enter BEAM. Click Save as to save the set of properties. Click OK to close the part properties dialog box. Continue to save sets of properties for each type of part you intend to create. To make the sets of part properties you have defined the default sets for this project, click Tools > Defaults > Save Defaults. To use a default set of part properties, open the part properties dialog box and select an option from the list next to the Load button. Click Load to load the properties.
3.
See also
For a project that has several identical floors, try modeling an entire floor, then copying it to several levels.
See also
238
To select values from the model: 1. 2. 3. Click Add row. Select options from the Category and Property list boxes. In the Value list box, select one of the options. The availability of options depends on your selection in the Property list box. You can select dates from the model only if the property is a date. a b To select an object property, click Select from model... and then select an object. To select a date, click Select date... to open the Select date dialog box, and then select one of the options. You can either select a date from the calendar, select the review date, or define the number of days before or after the review date. The review date is the same as Review date in the Project Status Visualization dialog box.
See also
Creating a view filter Creating a selection filter Creating an object group (p. 132) Creating a visualization (p. 136)
See also
Right-hand rule
Right-hand rule indicates the direction of the coordinate axes. When you hold the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of your right hand so that they form three right angles, then the thumb symbolizes the x axis, the index finger the y axis, and the middle finger the z axis.
239
Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. Click Display... to open the Display dialog box. Clear the Cuts check box. Click Modify.
Cutting efficiently
Follow these guidelines when cutting objects in the model:
Avoid part faces Avoid creating cuts that are exactly on the part planes or go through vertices. Try to position the cut at least 0.3 mm outside of the part planes. Use polygon cuts Whenever possible, use polygon cuts. The Cut part with polygon command automatically extends the cut slightly outside of the part face. Note that after creating the polygon, you may have to adjust the position of the handles manually. Use edge chamfers Whenever possible, use edge chamfers instead of small cuts, especially in components. Tips for flange cuts When cutting a flange, if the cutting part cuts very slightly the web as well (at least 0.3 mm), the cut is more likely to succeed. For example, if you are cutting a beam that has roundings, it may be useful to cut even further onto the web than just the flange thickness. Tips for round tube cuts Use the Round tube (23) component for round tube cuts. The component automatically rotates the cutting part until a successful cut position is found. If the component fails, rotate the cutting part slightly until you find a successful cut position.
If a cut fails, Tekla Structures displays the cutting part using dash-anddot lines. An error notification is printed in the session history log stating which part and which cut caused the failure. To locate the failure in the model, click a row that contains an ID number in the session history log. Tekla Structures selects the corresponding part and cut in the model.
See also
240
Viewing log files Useful shortcuts in viewing logs and reports (p. 241)
Do this 1. 2. Hold down Z. Click a row that contains an ID number. Tekla Structures zooms to the corresponding objects in the active model view.
1. 2.
Hold down F. Click a row that contains an ID number. Tekla Structures zooms to the corresponding objects in the active model view.
See also
Modifying part length (p. 241) Creating horizontal parts (p. 242) Optional ways of placing objects in a model (p. 242) Positioning objects in a radial or circular pattern (p. 242)
Do not use fittings to lengthen parts. It can cause problems with connections and details.
241
See also
See also
Use the snapping commands. Use construction planes, lines and circles. Create points.
Create a grid line and use the Copy Special > Rotate command to copy it. Use construction lines and circles to position the objects.
Creating a single grid line (p. 32) Rotating objects Construction objects (p. 40)
242
Index
#
3D models................................................................... 15 views ..................................................................... 39 4D tool, see visualizing project status ........................ 135 beams cambering............................................................115 concrete beams............................................ 79, 225 concrete polybeams ..............................................79 curved beams........................................................68 orthogonal beams..................................................69 steel beams .................................................. 67, 218 steel polybeams ....................................................67 warping................................................................113 bending.........................................................................65 bolts ............................................................... 71, 85, 227 bolt group position .................................................87 bolt group shape....................................................86 bolt offsets .............................................................88 bolt spacing .........................................................143 bolting sub-assemblies..........................................72 clash checking.....................................................148 creating........................................................... 86, 88 modifying ...............................................................88
a
absolute coordinates .................................................... 30 angle dimensions ....................................................... 191 angles......................................................................... 143 arcs............................................................................. 185 assemblies ................................................................... 70 adding objects .................................................73, 74 changing the main assembly................................. 75 changing the main part.......................................... 75 comparing ........................................................... 149 creating ................................................................. 71 examples............................................................... 76 exploding............................................................... 76 highlighting ............................................................ 75 joining.................................................................... 75 lotting................................................................... 174 nested assemblies ..........................................73, 74 numbering ........................................................... 157 removing objects ................................................... 75 showing and hiding ............................................. 131 sub-assemblies ..................................................... 71 using bolts to create assemblies ........................... 71 using welds to create assemblies ......................... 72 attaching parts............................................................ 117
c
cambering parts..........................................................115 cast in place..................................................................83 cast units ......................................................................81 adding non-concrete objects .................................82 adding objects .......................................................82 cast unit type .........................................................83 casting direction ....................................................84 changing the main part..........................................82 creating..................................................................82 exploding ...............................................................83 highlighting ............................................................83 lotting...................................................................174 numbering ...........................................................157 removing objects ...................................................83 top-in-form face .....................................................84 chamfering..................................................................104 corner chamfer dimensions .................................105 corner chamfer types...........................................105 corner chamfers ..................................................105 edge chamfers.....................................................107 in sketches ..........................................................199
b
background color changing................................................................ 23 examples............................................................... 23
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
243
checking sketched cross sections ......................................197 checking the model.....................................................142 circles..........................................................................185 Clash Check Manager ....................................... 145, 146 clash checking .................................. 144, 145, 146, 149 bolts .....................................................................148 changing priority ..................................................147 changing status ...................................................147 list of clashes .......................................................146 managing results .................................................146 sessions...............................................................147 symbols ...............................................................146 class....................................................................... 51, 55 classifying information ................................................167 clip planes...................................................................124 coincident contraints ...................................................187 colliding objects ..........................................................144 colors ............................................................................55 background color ...................................................23 background color examples...................................23 color settings .......................................................213 finding RGB values..............................................239 grid color......................................................... 28, 31 columns concrete columns ......................................... 78, 224 steel columns................................................ 66, 218 combining parts ................................................. 116, 117 comparing parts or assemblies...................................149 components showing and hiding..............................................132
concrete parts ...............................................................77 beams ........................................................... 79, 225 cast units................................................................81 casting direction.....................................................84 columns ........................................................ 78, 224 pad footings .................................................. 78, 222 panels ........................................................... 81, 226 polybeams .............................................................79 slabs ............................................................. 80, 225 strip footings ................................................. 78, 223 warping ................................................................113 constraints...................................................................186 coincident.............................................................187 deleting ................................................................189 fixed .....................................................................188 horizontal .............................................................188 parallel .................................................................186 perpendicular .......................................................187 vertical .................................................................189 construction objects ......................................................40 construction circles ................................................41 construction lines ...................................................41 construction planes................................................40 contour plates ................................................68, 69, 219 control numbers ................................................. 158, 159 settings ................................................................235 coordinates coordinate system..................................................28 copying hints and tips........................................................238 object groups .......................................................133 object representation settings..............................135 project status visualizations .................................136 corner chamfers .........................................104, 105, 232 types and dimensions ..........................................105
244
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
creating assemblies ......................................................70, 71 bolts....................................................................... 86 cast units ............................................................... 82 clip planes ........................................................... 124 concrete beams..................................................... 79 concrete columns .................................................. 78 concrete panels..................................................... 81 concrete polybeams .............................................. 79 concrete slabs ....................................................... 80 construction circles................................................ 41 construction lines .................................................. 41 construction planes ............................................... 40 contour plates..................................................68, 69 curved beams........................................................ 68 fittings.................................................................. 108 grid lines................................................................ 32 grid views .............................................................. 38 grids ...................................................................... 30 holes................................................................89, 90 logical areas ........................................................ 168 lots....................................................................... 174 models................................................................... 16 nested assemblies ................................................ 74 object groups....................................................... 132 object representation settings ............................. 134 object type categories ......................................... 169 orthogonal beams ................................................. 69 pad footings........................................................... 78 project status visualizations ................................ 136 screenshots......................................................... 124 sections ............................................................... 168 sequences........................................................... 172 single bolts ............................................................ 88 sketched cross sections ...................................... 184 slabs...................................................................... 80 standard-part models .......................................... 160 steel beams........................................................... 67 steel columns ........................................................ 66 steel polybeams .................................................... 67 storys................................................................... 168 strip footings.......................................................... 78 sub-assemblies ..................................................... 71 tile patterns.......................................................... 100 twin profiles ........................................................... 70 views ..................................................................... 35 welds ........................................................ 91, 93, 94 cross sections cross section sketch editor.................................. 181 sketching cross sections ..................................... 181 curved parts............................................................65, 68
Custom Inquiry ...........................................................126 adding attributes..................................................127 modifying contents ..............................................127 cuts .............................................................................109 hints and tips .......................................................240 line cuts ...................................................... 109, 111 part cuts...................................................... 110, 112 polygon cuts ............................................... 109, 111
d
deleting logical areas ........................................................171 object types .........................................................171 detail properties ..........................................................227 DGN supported objects ..................................................48 dimensions angle....................................................................191 between two points..............................................191 deleting from a sketch .........................................193 horizontal.............................................................192 in sketching .........................................................190 radial....................................................................190 vertical .................................................................192 display settings ...........................................................216 distances measuring............................................................143 dividing models...........................................................171
e
edge chamfers........................................... 104, 107, 232 end offsets ....................................................................63 erection schedules............................................. 137, 139 erection sequences ....................................................171 exact lines...................................................................131 examining the model ..................................................119 examples assemblies ............................................................76 background colors .................................................23 creating object groups .........................................137 creating object representation settings................138 creating project status visualization settings .......138 creating symmetric C-shaped cross section........204 defining erection schedules.................................137 numbering ..................................162, 163, 164, 165 tile pattern definition ............................................101 visualizing erection schedules.............................139 visualizing project status .....................................136
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
245
exploding assemblies.............................................................76 cast units ...............................................................83 exporting sketched cross sections ......................................203 extrusion types............................................................200
f
family numbers ...........................................................155 example ...............................................................163 modifying .............................................................156 finding clashes ................................................................145 finding distant objects .................................................149 fittings .........................................................................108 fixed constraints..........................................................188 flying through model ...................................................123 footings ........................................................78, 222, 223
g
global coordinate system ..............................................28 grid lines .......................................................................32 creating..................................................................32 deleting ..................................................................33 modifying ...............................................................33 properties.............................................................212 grid views creating..................................................................38 properties.............................................................215 grids coordinates ............................................................30 creating..................................................................30 deleting ..................................................................31 grid color......................................................... 28, 31 labels .............................................................. 29, 31 line extensions.......................................................29 modifying ...............................................................31 origin......................................................................29 properties.............................................................211 work plane grid ......................................................27
hiding assemblies...........................................................131 components .........................................................132 cut lines................................................................240 grid labels ..............................................................31 part labels ..............................................................56 positioning planes ................................................195 reference lines .......................................................58 reference models ...................................................45 selected parts ......................................................130 top-in-form face......................................................84 unselected parts ..................................................131 work area ...............................................................26 highlighting assemblies.............................................................75 cast units................................................................83 reference models ...................................................45 hints and tips, see tips ................................................237 holes ...................................................................... 89, 90 horizontal constraints ..................................................188 horizontal dimensions .................................................192 horizontal position .........................................................62
i
identical areas....................................................................238 parts.....................................................................152 reinforcements .....................................................153 importing points .....................................................................42 sketched cross sections.......................................203 inquiring models .................................................................126 object properties ..................................................126
j
joining assemblies.........................................................75
l
lengthening parts ........................................................116 levels.............................................................................64 line cuts.............................................................. 109, 111 lines exact ....................................................................131 local coordinate system ................................................28
h
handles .........................................................................57 moving ...................................................................57 of positioning planes............................................196
246
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
log files viewing ................................................................ 241 logical areas .......................................................167, 168 viewing ................................................................ 170 lotting.......................................................................... 174 adding parts ........................................................ 175 creating ............................................................... 174 deleting................................................................ 175 removing ............................................................. 175
moving hints and tips .......................................................238 models in a view..................................................122 positioning planes................................................195 using handles ........................................................57
n
nested assemblies................................................. 73, 74 numbering.......................................................... 151, 156 about numbering .................................................151 assemblies ..........................................................157 cast units .............................................................157 checking and repairing ........................................161 clearing................................................................160 control numbers.......................................... 158, 159 examples ....................................162, 163, 164, 165 family numbers ................................... 155, 156, 163 history..................................................................161 identical parts ......................................................152 identical reinforcements ......................................153 modifying .............................................................159 numbering series.................................................154 preliminary numbers............................................158 reinforcements.....................................................157 sequences ...........................................................172 series.................................................. 153, 154, 156 settings ............................................... 233, 234, 235 standard-part model ............................................160 user-defined attributes.........................................153 what affects .........................................................152 numbering settings .....................................................233
m
Magnifier..................................................................... 120 materials....................................................................... 54 measuring objects ...................................................... 143 angles.................................................................. 143 bolt spacing ......................................................... 143 distances ............................................................. 143 Mini Toolbar modifying part position .......................................... 58 Model Editor screen layout......................................................... 21 Model Organizer......................................................... 167 modeling hints and tips ....................................................... 237 identical areas ..................................................... 238 parametric modeling............................................ 176 rendered or plan view?.......................................... 34 Modeling of floor bay (66)........................................... 114 models about 3D models ................................................... 15 checking for errors .............................................. 142 creating ................................................................. 16 dividing into phases............................................. 171 examining............................................................ 119 flying through model............................................ 123 inquiring............................................................... 126 moving................................................................. 122 numbering ........................................................... 151 organizing............................................................ 167 rotating ................................................................ 121 saving.................................................................... 17 viewing ................................................................ 119 zooming............................................................... 119 modifying logical areas ........................................................ 169 object types ......................................................... 169
o
object groups ..............................................................132 color settings .......................................................213 copying to another model ....................................133 creating................................................................132 deleting................................................................133 example...............................................................137 transparency settings ..........................................214 object property report templates.................................126 object representation settings.....................................133 copying ................................................................135 creating................................................................134 deleting................................................................135 example...............................................................138 object types ................................................................167 viewing ................................................................170
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
247
objects clash checking ............................................ 144, 145 defining visibility...................................................128 finding distant objects ..........................................149 inquiring properties ..............................................126 measuring............................................................143 numbering............................................................156 placing objects in model ......................................242 positioning ...........................................................242 showing and hiding..............................................128 offsets ...........................................................................63 opening models ...................................................................17 organizing the model ..................................................167 orthogonal beams .......................................................220 overlapping numbering series .................................................156 views....................................................................239 oversized holes.............................................................90
p
pad footings ......................................................... 78, 222 panels ...........................................................................81 panning .......................................................................122 parallel constraints......................................................186 parametric modeling ...................................................176 profiles .................................................................176 parametric profiles ........................................................53 part add, see attaching parts ......................................117 part labels .....................................................................56 showing and hiding................................................56 part properties.............................................................217
parts adding to assembly................................................74 assemblies.............................................................70 bending ..................................................................65 cambering ............................................................115 changing the material ............................................54 changing the profile ...............................................52 combining ............................................................116 comparing ............................................................149 concrete parts ........................................................77 cutting with another part ............................. 110, 112 default properties .................................................237 hiding ...................................................................130 horizontal parts ....................................................242 identical parts.......................................................152 labels .....................................................................56 lengthening ..........................................................115 lengthening in drawings .......................................116 lotting ...................................................................174 material ..................................................................54 modifying part length ...........................................241 numbering................................................... 154, 156 part types ...............................................................52 position ........................................................... 57, 58 profiles ...................................................................52 properties...............................................................51 sequences .................................................. 172, 173 shortening ............................................................115 shortening in drawings.........................................116 showing only selected parts.................................131 showing with exact lines ......................................131 splitting.................................................................117 steel parts ..............................................................66 user-defined attributes ...........................................55 warping ................................................................113 perpendicular constraints............................................187 phases ........................................................................171 in numbering ........................................................164 plane views ...................................................................39 points ............................................................................42 coordinates ..........................................................212 importing ................................................................42 phase and ID .......................................................212 properties.............................................................212 polybeams.............................................................. 67, 79 polygon cuts....................................................... 109, 111 polygon shapes...........................................................112 polygon welds ...............................................................93 polylines ......................................................................184
248
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
position bending ................................................................. 65 depth ..................................................................... 60 end offsets............................................................. 63 horizontal............................................................... 62 levels ..................................................................... 64 on the work plane.................................................. 59 rotation .................................................................. 59 vertical................................................................... 61 positioning planes....................................................... 193 handles................................................................ 196 moving................................................................. 195 reverting to default .............................................. 197 prefixes profile name prefixes............................................. 53 weld size prefix...................................................... 93 preliminary numbers................................................... 158 preparing parts for welding........................................... 94 printing screenshots......................................................... 125 priority in clash checking................................................. 147 profiles.......................................................................... 52 parametric .....................................................53, 176 prefixes.................................................................. 53 separators ............................................................. 53 sketched profiles ................................................. 201 standard ................................................................ 53 twin profiles ........................................................... 70 user-defined .......................................................... 53 project status visualizations........................................ 135 copying................................................................ 136 creating ............................................................... 136 deleting................................................................ 136 example.......................................................136, 138 properties default ................................................................. 237
r
radial dimensions ....................................................... 190 radius............................................................................ 65 redrawing views............................................................ 39 reference lines........................................................57, 58 reference model objects ............................................... 47 selecting ................................................................ 48
reference models..........................................................43 clash checking.....................................................144 hiding.....................................................................45 highlighting ............................................................45 inserting.................................................................44 modifying properties ..............................................44 selecting ................................................................45 splitting into reference objects...............................48 supported DGN objects .........................................48 updating.................................................................45 viewing changes....................................................45 viewing layers........................................................46 reference points............................................................57 refreshing views............................................................39 reinforcements identical ...............................................................153 numbering ...........................................................157 relative coordinates ......................................................30 rendered views .............................................................36 representation options.........................................128 repairing numbering errors .................................................161 report templates for inquiring object properties ..............................126 reports viewing ................................................................241 representation options ................................................128 restoring default work plane .........................................28 reverting to default positioning planes................................197 to old clash checking functionality .......................149 RGB values ................................................................239 right-hand rule ............................................................239 rotating models.................................................................121 parts ......................................................................59 rotation settings ...................................................213 rotation angle knob .......................................................58 round holes......................................................................89 plates.....................................................................69 slabs ......................................................................80
s
saving models...................................................................17 sketched cross sections ......................................198 screen layout in Model Editor ......................................................21
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
249
screenshots creating................................................................124 in Windows Vista .................................................125 printing.................................................................125 saving in bitmap format .......................................125 settings ................................................................214 sections.......................................................................168 selecting dates from model.................................................238 reference model objects ........................................48 reference models...................................................45 values from model ...............................................238 selection dial .................................................................58 sequences ..................................................................172 adding parts.........................................................173 creating................................................................172 deleting ................................................................173 inquiring ...............................................................173 modifying .............................................................173 settings bolt properties......................................................227 concrete beam properties....................................225 concrete column properties .................................224 concrete panel properties ....................................226 concrete slab properties ......................................225 contour plate properties.......................................219 corner chamfer properties ...................................232 detail properties ...................................................227 display settings ....................................................216 edge chamfer properties......................................232 general modeling settings....................................211 grid line properties ...............................................212 grid properties......................................................211 grid view properties .............................................215 numbering settings .............................233, 234, 235 orthogonal beam properties.................................220 pad footing properties..........................................222 part properties .....................................................217 point properties....................................................212 rotation settings ...................................................213 screenshot settings..............................................214 steel beam properties ..........................................218 steel column properties .......................................218 strip footing properties .........................................223 twin profile properties ..........................................221 view properties ....................................................215 view settings ........................................................215 weld properties ....................................................229 shifting the work plane ..................................................27 shortcuts in viewing logs and reports ..................................241 shortening and lengthening parts ...............................115
shortening parts in drawings .......................................116 showing assemblies...........................................................131 components .........................................................132 cut lines................................................................240 parts labels ............................................................56 parts with exact lines ...........................................131 positioning planes ................................................195 reference lines .......................................................58 top-in-form face......................................................84 views......................................................................38 work area ...............................................................26 single bolts ....................................................................88 single grid lines .............................................................32 single-part welds ...........................................................94 Sketch Browser...........................................................182 sketch editor................................................................181 sketched cross sections..............................................181 adding constraints................................................186 adding dimensions...............................................190 arcs ......................................................................185 chamfers ..............................................................199 checking...............................................................197 circles...................................................................185 creating ................................................................184 creating images ...................................................201 example ...............................................................204 exporting ..................................................... 202, 203 extrusion types.....................................................200 importing ..................................................... 202, 203 modifying .............................................................198 polylines...............................................................184 positioning planes ...............................193, 194, 196 profiles .................................................................201 refining the shape ................................................186 saving ..................................................................198 sketch thickness ..................................................199 using in models....................................................201 variables ..............................................................183 slabs..............................................................................80 warping ....................................................... 113, 114 slotted holes..................................................................90 snapping to middle points......................................................57 snapshots, see screenshots .......................................124 splitting parts............................................................ 117, 118 plates and slabs...................................................118 standard profiles ...........................................................53 standard-part models ..................................................160 status in clash checking .................................................147
250
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
steel parts..................................................................... 66 assemblies ............................................................ 70 beams ...........................................................67, 218 columns.........................................................66, 218 contour plates......................................... 68, 69, 219 curved beams........................................................ 68 orthogonal beams .........................................69, 220 polybeams............................................................. 67 twin profiles ...................................................70, 221 storys.......................................................................... 168 strip footings .........................................................78, 223 sub-assemblies ............................................................ 71 bolting to existing assembly .................................. 72 welding to existing assembly................................. 72 surface treatment ......................................................... 95 adding ................................................................... 96 creating new surface treatments ........................... 99 modifying............................................................... 96 on all faces of part................................................. 97 on chamfered parts ............................................... 98 on cut faces........................................................... 97 on part face ........................................................... 97 on parts with openings and recesses.................... 98 on selected areas.................................................. 97 tiled surface treatment...................................96, 100 switching between views ..................................................................... 39
top-in-form face ............................................................84 transparency settings .................................................214 twin profiles.......................................................... 70, 221
u
user interface in Model Editor ......................................................21 user-defined attributes..................................................55 in numbering........................................................153 user-defined profiles .....................................................53
v
values selecting from model ...........................................238 variables in parametric modeling ........................................176 in sketching .........................................................183 vertical constraints......................................................189 vertical dimensions .....................................................192 vertical position.............................................................61 view depth ..................................................................128 view planes...................................................................36 moving...................................................................37 view settings ...............................................................215 viewing logical areas ........................................................170 models........................................................ 119, 124 numbering history................................................161 object types .........................................................170 sequence numbers..............................................173 views.............................................................................33 arranging ...............................................................39 closing ...................................................................39 creating..................................................................35 deleting..................................................................38 modifying ...............................................................38 naming...................................................................35 opening..................................................................38 overlapping..........................................................239 properties ............................................................215 refreshing ..............................................................39 switching between views .......................................39 temporary ..............................................................35 view planes............................................................36 view types..............................................................36 visibility of objects.......................................................128 visualizing project status.............................................136
t
testing sketched cross sections ...................................... 197 tiled surface treatment................................................ 100 creating new tile patterns .................................... 100 pattern definition example ................................... 101 pattern definitions................................................ 103 pattern elements ................................................. 104 tips activating overlapping views ............................... 239 copying and moving efficiently ............................ 238 creating horizontal parts...................................... 242 cutting efficiently.................................................. 240 defining default part properties............................ 237 finding RGB values for colors.............................. 239 modeling identical areas ..................................... 238 modifying part length........................................... 241 placing objects .................................................... 242 positioning objects in radial or circular pattern .... 242 right-hand rule ..................................................... 239 selecting values from model................................ 238 useful shortcuts in viewing logs and reports ....... 241
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
251
w
warping beams..................................................................113 concrete parts......................................................113 concrete slabs ............................................ 113, 114 welds.................................................................... 91, 229 between parts ........................................................91 creating.....................................................91, 93, 94 numbering............................................................234 polygon welds........................................................93 single-part welds....................................................94 weld position..........................................................92 weld preparation ....................................................94 weld size prefixes ..................................................93 weld types............................................................231 welding sub-assemblies ........................................72 wire frame views ...........................................................36
work area ............................................................. 25, 128 defining ..................................................................26 hiding .....................................................................26 work plane.....................................................................27 restoring.................................................................28 shifting ...................................................................27 workspace in Model Editor.......................................................21
z
zooming using Magnifier ....................................................120 with keyboard shortcuts .......................................120 zoom settings.......................................................120 zoom window .......................................................120 zooming in or out ........................................................119
252
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
253
254
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
255
256
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
257
258
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
259
260
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16