Tekla Structures Glossary

Tekla Structures Glossary
January 2014
2014 Tekla Corporation
FOREWORD
Tekla Structures terminology project was originally launched in 2006 in order to compile a glossary of
the key concepts related to Tekla Structures.
This glossary, created as a result of the project, is intended for technical writers, user interface designers,
marketing people, trainers, and the end users of the software. The glossary aims to facilitate
communications related to Tekla Structures by clarifying various concepts and terms.
The glossary explains the contents of 519 Tekla Structures related concepts. The relations between
concepts are illustrated by means of concept diagrams, and the definitions and supplementary notes
offer an effortless way to familiarize oneself with Tekla Structures terminology. The glossary gives also
different types of recommendations on the usage of the English terms.
Terms have been compiled broadly, since the terminology is not fully established, but a large number of
synonyms (that is, words with the same meaning) exist. In such cases the glossary gives
recommendations on the terms to be used in the Tekla Structures user interface and the Tekla Structures
related communication. The glossary also introduces new terms as proposed terms.
In spring 2010 Tekla Structures Glossary was revised with new and updated drawing concepts. Drawing
production in Tekla Structures had been improved, and the updates in the glossary reflected these
improvements.
In fall 2010 Tekla Structures Glossary was revised with new construction management and concrete
concepts. Some analysis concepts were updated to reflect the improvements in analysis in Tekla
Structures. Also a collection of concepts related to settings and properties and Tekla Structures
intelligence was updated on the basis of comments received from the glossary users.
In fall 2011 Tekla Structures Glossary was revised with new concepts that mainly relate to Tekla
Structures environments, profiles, and files. The updates were made to reflect the improvements in Tekla
Structures and on the basis of comments received from the glossary users.
In fall 2013 Tekla Structures Glossary was revised with new concepts that mainly relate to Tekla
Structures basic concepts, concrete building, drawings, files and folders, and analysis. Numerous
concepts were updated to reflect the development of Tekla Structures and on the basis of comments
received from the glossary users.
Several people from both Tekla and Sanastokeskus TSK have participated in compiling the glossary and
given their expertise on both Tekla Structures and on terminology work to the project. In addition, a
number of Teklans have taken part in the glossary project in the form of comments and feedback. Their
expertise on different subject matters has proved to be indispensable for the project.
The Learning Materials Team from Tekla is the main contact in any questions related to the glossary.
Email: BetC_Documentation@tekla.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................................................2
List of Concept Diagrams.......................................................................................................................................................................4
Structure and Layout of the Glossary ...............................................................................................................................................5
Grouping of the Glossary and Searching for Terms...............................................................................................................5
Interpreting Diagrams.....................................................................................................................................................................6
1 Basic Concepts ..................................................................................................................................................................................10
1.1 Tekla Structures Objects ...................................................................................................................................................16
1.1.1 Model Objects ......................................................................................................................................................19
1.1.2 Building Objects ..................................................................................................................................................21
1.1.3 Cast Units ..............................................................................................................................................................26
1.1.4 Assemblies .............................................................................................................................................................28
1.1.5 Modeling Aids ......................................................................................................................................................30
1.1.6 Annotation Objects ............................................................................................................................................32
1.1.7 Components ..........................................................................................................................................................34
1.2 Settings and Properties .....................................................................................................................................................38
1.3 Tekla Structures Intelligence ...........................................................................................................................................44
1.4 View .........................................................................................................................................................................................47
1.5 Coordinates, Planes, Points, and Lines ..........................................................................................................................51
1.6 Modes ......................................................................................................................................................................................57
1.7 Functions ................................................................................................................................................................................58
2 Modeling .............................................................................................................................................................................................62
2.1 Model Types ..........................................................................................................................................................................62
2.2 Parts .........................................................................................................................................................................................65
2.3 Part Properties ......................................................................................................................................................................68
2.4 Details .....................................................................................................................................................................................71
2.5 Component Creation and Structure ..............................................................................................................................74
2.6 Component Objects in Steel Components ..................................................................................................................75
2.7 Tools .........................................................................................................................................................................................81
2.8 Numbering .............................................................................................................................................................................84
3 Drawing ...............................................................................................................................................................................................87
3.1 Drawing Types ......................................................................................................................................................................87
3.2 Drawing Layout and Views ...............................................................................................................................................90
3.3 Creating and Modifying Tekla Structures Drawings ................................................................................................93
4 Templates and Reports ................................................................................................................................................................105
5 System ...............................................................................................................................................................................................108
5.1 Files and Folders ................................................................................................................................................................109
5.2 Catalogs ................................................................................................................................................................................114
5.3 Import and Export .............................................................................................................................................................116
6 Construction Management .........................................................................................................................................................119
7 Analysis .............................................................................................................................................................................................122
7.1 Loads .....................................................................................................................................................................................122
7.2 Analysis and Design .........................................................................................................................................................125
Index........................................................................................................................................................................................................131
LIST OF CONCEPT DIAGRAMS
Concept diagram 1. Modeling with Tekla Structures ................................................................................................................10
Concept diagram 2. Tekla Structures Architecture ....................................................................................................................13
Concept diagram 3. Tekla Structures Online Services ..............................................................................................................16
Concept diagram 4. Objects ..............................................................................................................................................................17
Concept diagram 5. Model Objects .................................................................................................................................................19
Concept diagram 6. Building Objects .............................................................................................................................................21
Concept diagram 7. Reinforcement ................................................................................................................................................24
Concept diagram 8. Cast Unit ..........................................................................................................................................................26
Concept diagram 9. Assemblies .......................................................................................................................................................28
Concept diagram 10. Modeling Aids ..............................................................................................................................................30
Concept diagram 11. Annotation Objects .....................................................................................................................................32
Concept diagram 12. Components (parts of Tekla Structures functionality) ...................................................................34
Concept diagram 13. Components (groups of model objects) ...............................................................................................36
Concept diagram 14. Settings and Properties .............................................................................................................................38
Concept diagram 15. Object Properties .........................................................................................................................................42
Concept diagram 16. Tekla Structures Intelligence ...................................................................................................................44
Concept diagram 17. Views ...............................................................................................................................................................47
Concept diagram 18. Coordinate Systems ....................................................................................................................................51
Concept diagram 19. Planes ..............................................................................................................................................................53
Concept diagram 20. Points and Lines ...........................................................................................................................................55
Concept diagram 21. Modes .............................................................................................................................................................57
Concept diagram 22. Select ..............................................................................................................................................................58
Concept diagram 23. Snap .................................................................................................................................................................60
Concept diagram 24. Models ............................................................................................................................................................62
Concept diagram 25. Part Types .......................................................................................................................................................65
Concept diagram 26. Part Properties .............................................................................................................................................68
Concept diagram 27. Bolt Assembly ...............................................................................................................................................71
Concept diagram 28. Cuts and Fittings .........................................................................................................................................72
Concept diagram 29. Component Creation ..................................................................................................................................74
Concept diagram 30. Component Elements .................................................................................................................................75
Concept diagram 31. Basic Component Objects .........................................................................................................................77
Concept diagram 32. Additional Component Objects ..............................................................................................................79
Concept diagram 33. Tools .................................................................................................................................................................81
Concept diagram 34. Numbering ....................................................................................................................................................84
Concept diagram 35. Drawing Types ..............................................................................................................................................87
Concept diagram 36. Drawing Layout and Views ......................................................................................................................90
Concept diagram 37. Drawing Settings and Properties ...........................................................................................................93
Concept diagram 38. Associative Annotation Objects .............................................................................................................97
Concept diagram 39. Independent Annotation Objects ........................................................................................................100
Concept diagram 40. Indicators .....................................................................................................................................................102
Concept diagram 41. Dimensions ..................................................................................................................................................103
Concept diagram 42. Editors and Templates .............................................................................................................................105
Concept diagram 43. Files ...............................................................................................................................................................109
Concept diagram 44. Folders ..........................................................................................................................................................112
Concept diagram 45. Catalogs .......................................................................................................................................................114
Concept diagram 46. Model Output .............................................................................................................................................116
Concept diagram 47. Construction Management ....................................................................................................................119
Concept diagram 48. Loads .............................................................................................................................................................122
Concept diagram 49. Analysis Objects ........................................................................................................................................125
Concept diagram 50. Analysis Settings .......................................................................................................................................128
STRUCTURE AND LAYOUT OF THE GLOSSARY
Grouping of the Glossary and Searching for Terms
The glossary has been grouped thematically into chapters, and the aim has been to place related
concepts in each chapter close to each other.
At the end of the glossary, there is an alphabetical index. In addition to the preferred and deprecated
terms, the indexes also include other terms closely related to the concept in question. These other terms
have been provided with a reference to the preferred term and its number. The concepts have been
numbered in the glossary.
The entry describing reference model is cited below as an example with explanations:
6 - consecutive entry number
<Tekla Structures> - the subject area of the definition
reference model - English terms; the most preferred term is
given first
not: reference object
not: = the synonym does not have the same
meaning as the preferred term or is
linguistically erroneous
model which the designer can use as an
aid when building a Tekla Structures
model
- definition (begins with a lower-case letter, no
full stop)
- italics = refer to a concept defined elsewhere
in this glossary; italics serve as a link to the
concept in question
A reference model is created in
Tekla Structures or another
software or modeling tool and
imported to Tekla Structures. It
appears in the background of the
Tekla Structures model. The user
can snap to reference model
points (1). Tekla Structures does
not save the reference model
when the user saves the current
Tekla Structures model, but saves
the link to the reference model.
For example, an architectural
model, a plant design model, or a
heating, ventilating, and air-
conditioning (HVAC) model can be
a reference model.
- notes supplementing the definition
- further information on the concept, examples,
information on the use of the terms, and so on.
- indented
- written as normal sentences
5
The following symbols and notations have been used in certain cases with terms:
* proposed term
obsolete term
<Tekla Structures> the subject area of the definition
verb part of speech (if other than a noun)
not:
the synonym does not have the same
meaning as the preferred term or is
linguistically erroneous
rather than:
the term is not preferred
(use in Tekla Structures and
related materials)
additional information about usage of
the term
/US/ American English
/UK/ British English
/IN/ Indian English
drawing (1) homonym; the number in brackets
after the term indicates that the
glossary contains several terms that
have identical spellings but different
meanings
pl plural
Interpreting Diagrams
The concept diagrams and the glossary are intended as presentation formats supporting each other. The
diagrams illustrate the relationships between concepts and help the reader to understand entities. They
do not portray any individual situation, event, or system, and they should not be confused with, for
example, organisation charts.
The concept relations appearing in this glossary and their established notations are described in the
following:
Concept
each concept is represented in the diagram by a preferred term and a definition, for example
as follows:
assembly
building object that represents
a structure that consists of one
or several parts and possibly
other items
the diagrams also include auxiliary terms, which are not printed in boldface, or auxiliary
definitions; they facilitate the interpretation of the diagrams but are not defined in the
glossary
the diagrams do not include any synonyms or notes (given in the glossary)
6
Generic relation (tree diagram)
between a broader superordinate concept (associative annotation object) and a narrower
subordinate concept (dimension and mark)
the subordinate concept has all the characteristics of the superordinate concept and at least
one additional characteristic, and it covers a smaller set of objects than the superordinate
concept
a subordinate concept can be regarded as a special case of the superordinate concept
for example:
other
associative annotation object
annotation object that is updated
according to the changes made to the
related model object
mark
associative annotation object that
is used for the identification of an
individual building object and that
displays a set of property
elements that the user has
selected (2)
dimension
associative
annotation object
that represents
building object
measurements
Partitive relation (rake diagram)
subordinate concepts relate to parts of the whole to which the superordinate concept relates
the subordinate concept does not have the characteristics of the superordinate concept as in
a generic concept system
double line: several such parts are typically needed to form a whole
nested assembly, for example, consists of a parent assembly and one or several sub-
assemblies
for example:
sub-assembly
assembly in a nested
assembly that is subordinate
to a parent assembly
parent assembly
assembly that is
superordinate to
assemblies on the
lower assembly level
nested assembly
assembly that consists of
several assemblies on
many assembly levels
7
Associative relation (arrows)
a wide range of concept relations that cannot be classified as generic or partitive
for example, relations based on time, location, function, tool, or origin
the type of the relation usually appears from the linguistic form of the definition
for example, the relations between assembly, assembly hierarchy, and assembly level are
associative
assembly level
assembly's place in the
assembly hierarchy
assembly hierarchy
arrangement of assemblies
that describes the
manufacture and erecting of
the actual assembly to be built
assembly
other items
Multidimensional concept system
multidimensionality = bold lines
the basis for dividing the concepts into different dimensions is often indicated beside the
dimension line
the superordinate concept leads to different selections of subordinate concepts when
different bases for division are used
subordinate concepts that belong to a single dimension (those indicated below a single
bold line), that is, those with the same basis for division, are always mutually exclusive
subordinate concepts from several different dimensions can be combined to form new
concepts
basic assembly and single-part assembly, for example, are in different dimensions but can
be combined; in other words, a single-part assembly can also be a basic assembly
basic assembly
assembly that is an
independent unit on
one assembly level
assembly
other items
nested assembly
single-part assembly
one part
assembly that
consists of
several parts
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
a
s
s
e
m
b
l
y

h
i
e
r
a
r
c
h
y
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
n
u
m
b
e
r

o
f

p
a
r
t
s
Mixed concept system
the same concept system includes several different types of concept relations, for example,
both generic and associative relations.
8
Dashed lines
illustrate concept relations that are important for understanding the concept but irrelevant for
defining it
the relations do not appear from the definitions
in partitive relations, illustrate a part that is optional (not necessary to build the whole entity).
9
Tekla Structures Glossary 2013-12-03
1 BASIC CONCEPTS
Tekla Structures
building information modeling
software for the delivery process
of design, detailing,
manufacturing, and construction
organizations
modeling
simulation of an object, a system,
or a process that exists or will
exist in the real world
building information
modeling
process of modeling and
communicating the structure of a
building in detail to benefit the entire
construction life cycle
project
uniquely organized action
which aims at
constructing a structure,
or a complex of structures
model
pattern of an object, a system,
reference model
model which the
designer can use as an
aid when building a
e!la "tructures model
Tekla Structures drawing
drawing (#) that includes the output
of the selected information in a
e!la "tructures model or a part of
the model and other information
related to the model and the project
report
model output that is represented
as a list of information for the
entire e!la "tructures model,
selected objects (#), or selected
e!la "tructures drawings
Tekla Structures model
model that is built with e!la
"tructures and that represents a
structure to be constructed,
containing information needed to
manufacture and construct the
structure, and other information
related to the project
other other
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
drawing (1)
building contract
document that shows, in
graphic or pictorial form,
the design, location, and
dimension of the elements
of a project
other
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

h
o
w
t
h
e

m
o
d
e
l

i
s

u
s
e
d
Tekla !"sight
software for model2based
project communication
Sketch#p
software for 31 modeling
Concept diagram 1. Modeling with Tekla Structures.
1
Tekla Structures
building information modeling software for the delivery process of design, detailing, manufacturing, and
construction organizations
Tekla Structures encompasses specialized configurations for structural engineers, steel detailers
and fabricators, precast concrete detailers and manufacturers, as well as contractors.
10
2
<Tekla>
building information modeling /US/; building information modelling /UK/; BIM
process of modeling and communicating the structure of a building in detail to benefit the entire
construction life cycle
Building information modeling facilitates the exchange and use of building information in a
digital format.
3
modeling /US/; modelling /UK/
simulation of an object, a system, or a process that exists or will exist in the real world
The product of modeling is a model.
4
model
pattern of an object, a system, or a process that exists or will exist in the real world
5
model that is built with Tekla Structures and that represents a structure to be constructed, containing
information needed to manufacture and construct the structure, and other information related to the
project
A Tekla Structures model is the single source of information for Tekla Structures drawings and
other model outputs, such as reports and NC files. This ensures that the information in drawings
and reports is always up to date, since they react to modifications in the model and update
accordingly.
Tekla Structures supports multiple users working concurrently on the same Tekla Structures
model, even in different locations.
A Tekla Structures model can be utilized in other software.
6
<Tekla Structures>
reference model
not: reference object
model which the designer can use as an aid when building a Tekla Structures model
A reference model is created in Tekla Structures or another software or modeling tool and
imported to Tekla Structures. It appears in the background of the Tekla Structures model. The user
can snap to reference model points (1). Tekla Structures does not save the reference model when
the user saves the current Tekla Structures model, but saves the link to the reference model.
For example, an architectural model, a plant design model, or a heating, ventilating, and air-
conditioning (HVAC) model can be a reference model.
7
Tekla BIMsight
software for model-based project communication
Tekla BIMsight can be used for examining models created with different software, for example
Tekla Structures models.
11
8
SketchUp
software for 3D modeling
SketchUp can be used for modeling part shapes.
9
drawing (1)
building contract document that shows, in graphic or pictorial form, the design, location, and dimension
of the elements of a project
10
Tekla Structures drawing; drawing (2)
drawing (1) that includes the output of the selected information in a Tekla Structures model or a part of
the model and other information related to the model and the project
Tekla Structures drawings react to modifications in the Tekla Structures model and are updated
accordingly.
Tekla Structures includes the following types of drawings: single-part drawings, assembly
drawings, cast unit drawings, general arrangement drawings, and multidrawings. Tekla Structures
creates drawings using the drawing properties defined for each type of a drawing.
Every Tekla Structures drawing is made up of a drawing layout and drawing views.
11
<Tekla Structures>
report
model output that is represented as a list of information for the entire Tekla Structures model, selected
objects (1), or selected Tekla Structures drawings
Reports react to modifications in the Tekla Structures model.
Reports are for quantity surveying or any other measurement purpose.
12
<construction industry>
project
uniquely organized action which aims at constructing a structure, or a complex of structures
A project can include several models, for example Tekla Structures models.
12
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
Tekla Structures
modeling software for the
delivery process of design,
detailing, manufacturing,
and construction
organizations
software
e!la "tructures
functionality
feature
part of e!la "tructures
functionality that is
maintained and owned
by e!la and that is
included in the e!la
"tructures installation
e$tension
functionality that is
developed with or
without the help of
e!la in order to
extend the capability of
e!la "tructures, and
that is meant to be
shared with other
users, but that is not
included in the e!la
"tructures installation
other
Tekla Structures
configuration
e!la "tructures
software set2up for a
specific user group
Tekla Structures
environment
region2 or
company2specific
settings and
information that are
defined by e!la or the
user to be used in
e!la "tructures
role
user group profile in a
certain e!la
"tructures
environment that limits
the available files and
settings
macro (1)
saved series of
actions that
includes
instructions for a
program and that
can be found in the
.acros dialog
application
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

s
t
a
t
u
s
i
n

t
h
e

i
n
s
t
a
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
f
ile

t
y
p
e
core
functionality
common default
environment
local
environment
component (1)
functionality that is used
for creating a group of
model objects that are
easy to model and
modify as a single unit
software interface
e!la "tructures
user interface
programming
interface to e!la
"tructures
Tekla %pen &'!
programming
interface to e!la
"tructures that uses
.icrosoft4 5+)
6ramewor!
technology
developer kit
programming
interface to e!la
"tructures that
uses &emote
$rocedure ,all
(&$,) technology
other
Concept diagram 2. Tekla Structures Architecture.
13
13
Tekla Structures configuration; configuration
not: profile (2)
Tekla Structures software set-up for a specific user group
Tekla Structures license is a permission to activate and use certain Tekla Structures
configurations. A Tekla Structures configuration consists of a set of features that the user is
entitled to based on the license agreement, and is the commercial part of Tekla Structures.
There are several Tekla Structures configurations, for example, Steel Detailing, Precast Concrete
Detailing, Engineering, and Viewer.
A more detailed description of Tekla Structures configurations is included in the Tekla Structures
product description document.
14
Tekla Structures environment
region- or company-specific settings and information that are defined by Tekla or the user to be used in
Tekla Structures
To be able to use Tekla Structures, the user must install the software, including the global settings
(called common), and at least one Tekla Structures environment.
A Tekla Structures environment can be either default or local. The default environment is not
related to any country standards, and it contains a basic set-up of Tekla Structures. The local
environment is defined for a specific region, and the local environment settings may override the
common settings.
Properties files form the largest part of a Tekla Structures environment. A Tekla Structures
environment consists of, for example, profile catalogs, part property files, and drawing settings.
15
role
user group profile in a certain Tekla Structures environment that limits the available files and settings
In Tekla Structures, different roles may be available in each Tekla Structures environment.
Typically the following roles are available: all, concrete contractor, construction management,
engineer, precast concrete detailer, rebar detailer, and steel detailer.
16
<Tekla Structures>
feature
rather than: function
part of Tekla Structures functionality that is maintained and owned by Tekla and that is included in the
Tekla Structures installation
17
<Tekla Structures>
extension
not: external application; plug-in (2); .NET application; .NET plugin; API macro
part of Tekla Structures functionality that is developed with or without the help of Tekla in order to
extend the capability of Tekla Structures, and that is meant to be shared with other users, but that is
not included in the Tekla Structures installation
In Tekla Structures, extensions are .NET applications (.exe), plug-ins (.dll), macros (.cs), custom
components, and RPC macros (system components, DevKit macros).
14
18
<Tekla Structures>
component (1)
part of Tekla Structures functionality that is used for creating a group of model objects that are easy to
model and modify as a single unit
Components (1) are located in the component catalog.
Components (1) can be used for creating, for example, parts, bolts (1), and reinforcing bars.
The created component (2) adapts to changes in the Tekla Structures model. For example, Tekla
Structures automatically modifies a connection if the user modifies the parts it connects.
19
<Tekla Structures>
macro (1)
saved series of actions that includes instructions for a program and that can be found in the Macros
dialog
In Tekla Structures, macros (1) are recorded or created manually and stored as *.cs file in a folder
defined with the advanced option XS_MACRO_DIRECTORY.
Macros can, for example, be used for creating Tekla Structures drawings or reports.
Macros (1) are a part of Tekla Structures functionality, and they can be either features or
extensions.
Macros (1) are sometimes used to run an application.
20
Tekla Open API
not: Tekla Structures .NET API
programming interface to Tekla Structures that uses Microsoft .NET Framework technology
Tekla Open API enables creation of applications, macros (1), extensions, and plug-ins (1), and is a
trademark of Tekla.
21
developer kit
not: Developer Kit; Developer-Kit; developer-kit
programming interface to Tekla Structures that uses Remote Procedure Call (RPC) technology
Developer kit is used for creating system components.
15
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
Tekla Structures
modeling software for the
delivery process of design,
detailing, manufacturing,
and construction
organizations
software
other
Tekla #ser
&ssistance
online help and self2support
service for e!la "tructures
Tekla (ampus
online portal service for
students to learn e!la
modeling tools
e!la "tructures
learning edition
other
e!la "tructures
student license
Concept diagram 3. Tekla Structures Online Services.
22
Tekla User Assistance
online help and self-support service for Tekla Structures
Tekla User Assistance includes instructions, support articles, and instructional videos, and it offers
a possibility for feedback.
23
Tekla Campus
online portal service for students to learn Tekla building information modeling tools
Tekla Campus offers a student license for downloading a Tekla Structures learning edition, and it
includes a learning environment for Tekla BIM tools.
1.1 Tekla Structures Objects
24
verb
explode
to ungroup the objects (1) that are parts of another object (1) or a component (2)
In Tekla Structures, it is possible to explode components (2), cast units, and assemblies.
16
model object
object (#) that is
represented in a e!la
"tructures model
object (1)
collection of human and computer
interpretable data that is needed to
model, manufacture, and construct a
structure
object type
collection of data that
describes an object (#)
that represents the
common characteristics
shared by a number of
individual objects
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

w
h
e
r
e
t
h
e

o
b
j
e
c
t

i
s

r
e
p
r
e
s
e
n
t
e
d
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
p
u
r
p
o
s
e

o
f

u
s
e

o
f

t
h
e

o
b
j
e
c
t
building object
object (#) that represents
something that will exist in
the real building or be
closely related to it
information
!nowledge that concerns
such things as facts,
concepts, objects, events,
ideas
data
representation of information in a
formalized manner suitable for
communication, interpretation,
storing, or processing
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g

to

t
h
e
o
b
je
c
t
's
a
c
t
u
a
lit
y
individual object
object (#) that exists in
a e!la "tructures
model, or in a e!la
"tructures drawing or
other model output
other
associative object
drawing object (#) that is
updated according to the
changes made to a model
object in the modeling mode
independent drawing
object
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

h
o
w

t
h
e

d
r
a
w
i
n
g

o
b
j
e
c
t
f
u
n
c
t
i
o
n
s

i
n

t
h
e

d
r
a
w
i
n
g
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
modeling aid
information that is only
relevant in building a
annotation object
drawing object (#) that
represents information
that is only relevant in a
e!la "tructures drawing
drawing object (1)
object (#) that is
"tructures drawing
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

p
u
r
p
o
s
e

o
f

u
s
e
o
f

t
h
e

d
r
a
w
i
n
g

o
b
j
e
c
t
other
Concept diagram 4. Objects.
25
<information processing>
information
knowledge that concerns such things as facts, concepts, objects, events, ideas
17
26
data
representation of information in a formalized manner suitable for communication, interpretation,
storing, or processing
27
<building information modeling>
object (1)
collection of human and computer interpretable data that is needed to model, manufacture, and
construct a structure
28
object type
collection of data that describes an object (1) that represents the common characteristics shared by a
number of individual objects
For example, beam, construction line, and mark are object types.
29
individual object
object (1) that exists in a Tekla Structures model, or in a Tekla Structures drawing or other model output
30
model object; object (2)
object (1) that is represented in a Tekla Structures model
A model object is either created in a Tekla Structures model or imported into a Tekla Structures
model.
31
drawing object (1)
object (1) that is represented in a Tekla Structures drawing
32
associative object
drawing object (1) that is updated according to the changes made to a model object in the modeling
mode
All the associative annotation objects and the building objects that are represented in Tekla
Structures drawings are associative objects.
33
annotation object
drawing object (1) that represents information that is only relevant in a Tekla Structures drawing
An annotation object can be either an associative annotation object or an independent
annotation object.
For example, dimensions, marks, texts, and symbols (2) are annotation objects.
18
34
building object
object (1) that represents something that will exist in the real building or be closely related to it
A building object is always created in a Tekla Structures model, but it is also represented as a
drawing object (1) in a Tekla Structures drawing in which its properties can be modified.
35
modeling aid
object (1) that represents information that is only relevant in building a Tekla Structures model
For example, grids, points (2), construction lines, construction circles, reference models, and
reference drawings are modeling aids.
1.1.1 Model Objects
object group
model objects with settings
that match the settings that
the user has defined for a
certain purpose
model object
object (#) that is
"tructures model
component object
single model object that
belongs to a component (2)
reference model object
model object that is an
individual part of an imported
reference model
Tekla Structures
model object
model object that is created
in e!la "tructures or
imported into it
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

t
y
p
e

o
f

m
o
d
e
l
i
n

w
h
i
c
h

t
h
e

m
o
d
e
l

o
b
j
e
c
t

i
s

c
r
e
a
t
e
d
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

m
o
d
e
l

o
b
j
e
c
t
'
s

r
e
l
a
t
i
o
n
s
h
i
p

t
o

o
t
h
e
r

m
o
d
e
l

o
b
j
e
c
t
s

i
n

a

m
o
d
e
l
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
phase
group of model objects in a e!la
"tructures model that the user can
create for a desired purpose
phase name
description that
indicates a phase
phase number
numeric value that
indicates a phase
solid object
model object that
is represented as
a closed 31
boundary
representation
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

r
e
p
r
e
s
e
n
t
a
t
i
o
n
-ther -ther
solid modeling
Concept diagram 5. Model Objects.
36
Tekla Structures model object
model object that is created in Tekla Structures or imported into it
19
37
reference model object
model object that is an individual part of an imported reference model
The user can define user-defined attributes for a reference model object.
The reference model objects can be moved to a Tekla Structures model that is currently being
worked on.
Information included in a reference model object can be saved in the model database.
38
component object
single model object that belongs to a component (2)
Component objects created by a component (1) can be modified separately or as a group.
39
solid object
model object that is represented as a closed 3D boundary representation
Solid objects are based on solid modeling and they can be described as being watertight. Solid
objects can be poured, detailed, and deformed, for example.
40
object group
model objects with settings that match the settings that the user has defined for a certain purpose
In Tekla Structures, an object group is used on the one hand to control the transparency and
coloring of model objects in the views and on the other in project management. Object groups
can also be used in a selection filter to select (1) all objects (1) that match certain properties.
41
phase
group of model objects in a Tekla Structures model that the user can create for a desired purpose
Phases can be used to distinguish existing parts or parts that will be created or demolished.
It is possible to copy model objects from another Tekla Structures model based on their phase.
42
phase name
description that indicates a phase
43
phase number
numeric value that indicates a phase
It is possible to create reports and views, hide model objects, and copy model objects from other
Tekla Structures models, according to their phase number.
All new model objects are given the current phase number.
20
1.1.2 Building Objects
building object
something that will exist
in the real building or be
closely related to it
part
building object
that is a basic
element of a
e!la "tructures
model and that
can be modeled
and detailed
further
assembly
building object that
represents a
structure that
consists of one or
several parts and
possibly other items
cast unit
building object
that represents
a concrete
structure that
consists of one
or several parts
and possibly
other items
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
m
a
t
e
r
ia
l

o
f

t
h
e

s
t
r
u
c
t
u
r
e
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

b
u
il
d
i
n
g
o
b
j
e
c
t
's

r
o
l
e

in

t
h
e

m
o
d
e
l
reinforcement
represents steel bars that
are cast into the concrete
in such a manner that the
steel and the concrete act
together in resisting forces
embed
represents an item
that is to be cast into
a concrete structure
and that is used to
connect structures or
as an aid when
constructing a
structure
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

w
h
a
t
t
h
e

b
u
i
l
d
i
n
g

o
b
j
e
c
t

r
e
p
r
e
s
e
n
t
s
surface treatment
represents finishing of
a part
cutting part
building object
that creates a
part2shaped
hollow
assembly
main part
part that exists
in an assembly
or cast unit and
that determines
assembly or
cast unit
numbering and
the direction of
assembly or
cast unit
drawings
assembly
secondary
part
part that exists
in an assembly
or cast unit and
that is
connected to an
assembly main
part
e$plode
to ungroup the objects (#)
that are parts of another
object (#) or a component (2)
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

w
h
a
t

t
h
e
b
u
i
l
d
i
n
g

o
b
j
e
c
t

c
r
e
a
t
e
s
other
reinforcing bar
reinforcement that
represents a steel bar
used to increase the
tensile strength of
concrete
reinforcement mesh
reinforcement that
represents a mesh of
steel bars in two
perpendicular directions
development length
length of an embedded
reinforcement required to
develop the design strength of
the reinforcement at a critical
section
composite
construction
structure of parts
that have been
produced by
combining
different materials
(such as steel
and concrete, or
cast2in2place and
precast concrete)
in such a way that
the combined
parts act together
as a single part
cast unit
type
property of a
concrete part in
a cast unit that
defines if the
structure type
of the part is
precast or cast
in place
weld
connecting
building object
that joins steel
parts or
assemblies to
form an assembly,
or attaches to
them
accord
ing
to the gro
uping
o
f bu
ilding ob
je
cts
pour break
building
object used to
split a pour
object into
smaller pour
objects
pour object
building object
that is formed of
one or more
cast2in2place
concrete parts
other
reinforcement
splice
connecting
joins reinforcing
bars
connecting
building object
bolt (1)
connecting
building object
that is defined in
the bolt
assembly, and
that fastens parts
or assemblies or
attaches to them
Concept diagram 6. Building Objects.
21
44
part (use in Tekla Structures and related materials); piece /US/ (allowed in unofficial communication)
building object that is a basic element of a Tekla Structures model and that can be modeled and detailed
further
The main concrete parts are: beam, polybeam, column, pad footing, strip footing, panel, and slab.
The main steel parts are: beam, curved beam, orthogonal beam, polybeam, column, twin profile,
and contour plate.
45
assembly main part; cast unit main part; main part (1)
part that exists in an assembly or cast unit and that determines assembly or cast unit numbering and
the direction of assembly or cast unit drawings
The assembly main part in a steel assembly has other parts welded or bolted to it. By default, the
assembly main part is not welded or bolted to any other parts.
The cast unit main part in a concrete cast unit is, by default, the one with the largest volume of
concrete.
The user can change the main part in an assembly or a cast unit.
46
assembly secondary part; cast unit secondary part; secondary part
part that exists in an assembly or cast unit and that is connected to an assembly main part
47
<concrete building>
composite construction
structure of parts that have been produced by combining different materials (such as steel and concrete,
or cast-in-place and precast concrete) in such a way that the combined parts act together as a single
part
48
bolt (1)
connecting building object that is defined in the bolt assembly, and that fastens parts or assemblies or
attaches to them
49
weld
connecting building object that joins steel parts or assemblies to form an assembly, or attaches to them
50
reinforcement splice
connecting building object that joins reinforcing bars
Reinforcement splices are used to extend reinforcing bars by lapping or welding them or by using
couplers. With a reinforcement splice there is continuity of tensile stress in the reinforcement
when the concrete part is subjected to a flexural or tensile load.
22
51
cut length
bolt (1) property that indicates the depth at which Tekla Structures searches for the sections of the
bolted parts
Cut length determines whether the bolt (1) will go through one flange or two, for example.
52
cutting part
building object that creates a part-shaped hollow
53
assembly
building object that represents a structure that consists of one or several parts and possibly other items
Typically, an assembly is a steel structure.
54
cast unit
building object that represents a concrete structure that consists of one or several parts and possibly
other items
55
cast unit type
property of a concrete part in a cast unit that defines if the structure type of the part is precast or cast
in place
56
embed
rather than: embedded object
building object that represents an item that is to be cast into a concrete structure and that is used to
connect structures or as an aid when constructing a structure
For example, a cast-in socket is an embed that is placed in concrete structures to allow parts to
be bolted together on site. In Tekla Structures, embeds are modeled as steel sub-assemblies that
are inside a concrete nested assembly.
57
development length; Ld
rather than: bond length
length of an embedded reinforcement required to develop the design strength of the reinforcement at a
critical section
Development length is usually at the end of a reinforcement. It depends on concrete strength,
reinforcing bar diameter, and angle of anchorage.
See also embed.
23
58
surface treatment (in concrete detailing); surface finish (in steel detailing)
building object that represents finishing of a part
Surface treatment for concrete parts includes flat finishes, surface mixes, and tiles.
Surface finishes for steel parts include fire-proofing and unpainted areas.
In the Tekla Structures user interface, the command Create Surface Treatment creates both
concrete surface treatment and steel surface finishes as well as paint treatments.
59
grouting
action of filling voids with grout
Grout is a flowing concrete that hardens after application.
reinforced concrete (1)
concrete structure which contains
reinforcement designed on the
assumption that the concrete and
reinforcement act together in resisting
forces
reinforcement
building object that represents steel bars
that are cast into the concrete in such a
manner that the steel and the concrete
act together in resisting forces
reinforcing bar
reinforcement that
represents a steel
bar used to
increase the tensile
strength of concrete
reinforcement
mesh
reinforcement that
represents a
mesh of steel bars
in two
perpendicular
directions
prestressing
strand
reinforcement that
represents a group
of wires spun
together
lacer bar
reinforcing bar
that is placed at
the sides of a
footing
stirrup
reinforcing bar that is
used in parts located
in mainly horizontal
position and that is
transverse to the
other reinforcement
which is parallel to
the part
tie
reinforcing bar that is
used in parts located
in mainly vertical
position and that is
transverse to the
other reinforcement
which is parallel to
the part
other
other prestressing
tendon
reinforcement that
represents reinforcing
bars or wires that are
used to produce a
compressive stress in
prestressed concrete
reinforcing
bar group
group of
reinforcing bars
reinforcement
splice
connecting
building object (#)
that joins
reinforcing bars
rebar shape manager
tool for customizing the bending
shapes of reinforcing bars
*)+)&', $%&''() %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
Concept diagram 7. Reinforcement.
24
60
reinforcement; reinforcement object
building object that represents steel bars that are cast into the concrete in such a manner that the steel
and the concrete act together in resisting forces
Reinforcement types are reinforcing bars (also referred to as rebars), reinforcement meshes, and
prestressing strands.
61
reinforcing bar group; rebar group
group of reinforcing bars
62
reinforcing bar; rebar
reinforcement that represents a steel bar used to increase the tensile strength of concrete
63
rebar shape manager
tool for customizing the bending shapes of reinforcing bars
Rebar shape manager can be used for bending shapes only and not for any other reinforcing bar
properties.
64
stirrup
reinforcing bar that is used in parts located in mainly horizontal position and that is transverse to the
other reinforcement which is parallel to the part
Stirrups are used to take the shear force in the structure and prevent buckling of main bars in
compressed structures.
Typically, stirrup is a bar or a wire, either single leg or bent into an L, a U, or rectangular shape,
and located perpendicular to or at an angle to a longitudinal reinforcement.
65
tie
reinforcing bar that is used in parts located in mainly vertical position and that is transverse to the other
reinforcement which is parallel to the part
66
lacer bar; face bar
reinforcing bar that is placed at the sides of a footing
Lacer bars are used, for example, in pile caps.
67
reinforcement mesh; mesh
reinforcement that represents a mesh of steel bars in two perpendicular directions
In Tekla Structures, the reinforcement mesh bars in one direction are called main bars and
reinforcement mesh bars perpendicular to them are called crossing bars.
25
68
prestressing strand; prestressed strand; strand
reinforcement that represents a group of wires spun together
69
prestressing tendon; tendon
reinforcement that represents reinforcing bars or wires that are used to produce a compressive stress in
Besides the actual reinforcing bars or wires, prestressing tendons may comprise an anchorage.
Prestressing tendons are used in prestressed reinforcement.
1.1.3 Cast Units
precast concrete
cast unit type where
the concrete is
formed, cast, and
cured before moved
to its final position
cast-in-place
concrete
cast unit type where
the concrete is
formed, poured, and
cured in its final
position
concrete structure in which
internal stresses have been
introduced to increase its
ability to withstand
tension and stress that will
be produced by loads
concrete structure
concrete structure which
contains reinforcement
designed on the assumption
that the concrete and
reinforcement act together in
resisting forces
cast unit
represents a
concrete structure
that consists of one
or several parts and
possibly
other items
concrete part
cast unit type
property of a
concrete part in a
cast unit that defines
if the structure type
of the part is precast
or cast in place
shear reinforcement
reinforcement provided to
resist shear force
pour object
building object that is
formed of one or
more cast2in2place
concrete parts
pour phase
part property that
defines which
cast2in2place
concrete parts form a
pour object
pour break
building object used
to split a pour object
into smaller pour
objects
reinforcement
building object that represents steel
bars that are cast into the concrete
in such a manner that the steel and
the concrete act together in resisting
forces
other
cast2in2place
concrete part
pour view
view that displays
cast2in2place
concrete parts
merged into pour
objects
pour number
property of a pour
object used to define
pours
*)+)&', $%&''() %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
pour
group of pour objects
that defines how
much concrete is
poured at one go
Concept diagram 8. Cast Unit.
26
70
precast concrete
cast unit type where the concrete is formed, cast, and cured before moved to its final position
71
cast-in-place concrete; CIP; cast-in-situ concrete /UK/; poured concrete /US/;
reinforced concrete (2) /IN/
cast unit type where the concrete is formed, poured, and cured in its final position
72
pour
rather than: pour unit
group of pour objects that defines how much concrete is poured at one go
73
pour number
property of a pour object used to define pours
74
pour object
building object that is formed of one or more cast-in-place concrete parts
The cast-in-place concrete parts are merged into one pour object if they have the same material
grade and they touch each other. Pour objects are visible in pour view.
75
pour break
building object used to split a pour object into smaller pour objects
76
pour phase
part property that defines which cast-in-place concrete parts form a pour object
Pour phase can be used to prevent cast-in-place concrete parts from merging into one pour
object.
77
<concrete building>
concrete structure in which internal stresses have been introduced to increase its ability to withstand
tension and stress that will be produced by loads
Prestressed concrete is reinforced concrete (1). In reinforced concrete (1), prestressing is
commonly introduced by tensioning the prestressing tendons.
27
78
<concrete building>
concrete structure which contains reinforcement designed on the assumption that the concrete and
reinforcement act together in resisting forces
Reinforcement in reinforced concrete (1) is usually steel bars, wire, or welded wire fabric. It may
also be structural fiber of some other material.
In Tekla Structures, reinforced concrete (1) is modeled with reinforcement objects.
79
shear reinforcement
not: web reinforcement
reinforcement provided to resist shear force
Shear reinforcement in beams is in form of stirrups and in columns in form of ties.
28
1.1.4 Assemblies
sub-assembly
assembly that is subordinate
to a parent assembly
basic assembly
assembly that is an
independent unit on
one assembly level
parent assembly
assembly that is
superordinate to
assemblies on the
lower assembly level
assembly level
assembly's place in the
assembly hierarchy
assembly hierarchy
arrangement of assemblies
that describes the
manufacture and erecting of
the actual assembly to be built
assembly
other items
nested assembly
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
one part
assembly that
consists of
several parts
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
a
s
s
e
m
b
l
y

h
i
e
r
a
r
c
h
y
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
n
u
m
b
e
r

o
f

p
a
r
t
s
lotting
process of
creating lots and
adding
assemblies to
them
lot number
numerical value
that indicates a lot
lot
consignment of
assemblies for
transportation
to site
control number
user2defined attribute of an
assembly or a cast unit that
identifies a the assembly or cast
unit main part
assembly position code
code that indicates an assembly's
position in relation to grid lines
Concept diagram 9. Assemblies.
80
basic assembly
assembly that is an independent unit on one assembly level
81
nested assembly
not: multi-assembly; multi-level assembly
assembly that consists of several assemblies on many assembly levels
Nested assemblies include elements that are manufactured as sub-assemblies.
29
82
parent assembly
not: super assembly
assembly in a nested assembly that is superordinate to assemblies on the lower assembly level
83
sub-assembly
assembly in a nested assembly that is subordinate to a parent assembly
84
assembly that consists of one part
85
assembly hierarchy
arrangement of assemblies that describes the manufacture and erecting of the actual assembly to be
built
86
assembly level
assemblys place in the assembly hierarchy
The assembly level is expressed as a number.
87
lotting
process of creating lots and adding assemblies to them
88
lot
consignment of assemblies for transportation to site
It is possible to use lot numbers and descriptions in reports.
89
lot number
numerical value that indicates a lot
90
control number; ACN
not: assembly control number
user-defined attribute of an assembly or a cast unit that identifies a the assembly or cast unit main part
A control number does not affect numbering.
Control numbers are running numbers.
91
assembly position code
code that indicates an assemblys position in relation to grid lines
30
1.1.5 Modeling Aids
modeling aid
information that is only relevant in
building a e!la "tructures model
grid
modeling aid that
represents a
three2dimensional
complex of horizontal
and vertical planes
grid line
single line that
visualizes a single
grid plane on a view
plane
grid plane
single horizontal or
vertical plane of a grid
point ())
modeling aid that
represents a
determined place in
a coordinate system
construction line
construction object
that represents a line
between two points (2)
construction plane
construction object that
represents a plane
construction circle
represents a circle
measure
modeling aid that
displays angles,
the distance
between two
points (2), or the
location of bolt
groups
grid point
point (2) at the
intersection of
two grid lines
other
reference model
model which the
designer can use as
an aid when building
a e!la "tructures
model
grid line label
name of a grid line
grid label frame
frame of a grid line
label in a e!la
"tructures drawing
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
construction object
modeling aid that
represents a shape or
surface and that helps in
placing other objects (#)
constraint
modeling aid that
represents a
dependency
between two model
objects
Concept diagram 10. Modeling Aids.
92
grid
modeling aid that represents a three-dimensional complex of horizontal and vertical planes
In Tekla Structures, grids are used as an aid in locating objects (1) in a Tekla Structures model. The
grid is shown on the view plane by dash-and-dot lines. It is also possible to show grids and grid
line labels in Tekla Structures drawings, and to modify grid properties in the drawings.
It is possible to have more than one grid in a Tekla Structures model. For example, a large-scale
grid for the entire structure, and smaller grids for some detailed sections.
31
93
grid plane
not: gridplane
single horizontal or vertical plane of a grid
94
grid line
not: gridline
single line that visualizes a single grid plane on a view plane
95
grid line label; grid label
name of a grid line
96
grid label frame
frame of a grid line label in a Tekla Structures drawing
97
point (2)
modeling aid that represents a determined place in a coordinate system, compare with point (1)
98
grid point
point (2) at the intersection of two grid lines
99
construction object
modeling aid that represents a shape or surface and that helps in placing other objects (1)
100
construction line
construction object that represents a line between two points (2)
101
construction plane
construction object that represents a plane
102
construction circle
construction object that represents a circle
103
measure
modeling aid that displays angles, the distance between two points (2), or the location of bolt (1) groups
32
104
constraint
modeling aid that represents a dependency between two model objects
Constraints are used in a model view, in custom components, and in profiles (1).
With constraints it is possible to straighten lines, create 90 degree angles, force lines to meet,
close the shape, and add chamfers in the corners of a profile (1), for example.
1.1.6 Annotation Objects
dimension
associative annotation
object that represents
building object
measurements
mark
associative annotation object that is
used for the identification of an
individual building object and that
displays a set of property elements
that the user has selected (2)
annotation object
drawing object that represents
a e!la "tructures drawing
text text file
additional mark
mar! that the user
adds in an open e!la
"tructures drawing
automatic mark
mar! that e!la "tructures
creates in a e!la
"tructures drawing based
on the mar! properties of a
building object
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
according to the changes made to
the related model object
independent annotation object
annotation object that is not lin!ed to the
symbol (2) other other
automatic dimension
dimension that e!la
"tructures creates in a
based on the dimensioning
properties of the drawing
additional dimension
dimension that the user adds
in an open e!la "tructures
drawing
Concept diagram 11. Annotation Objects.
105
dimension
associative annotation object that represents building object measurements
A dimension consists of dimension lines, extension lines, a dimension mark, dimension tags, and
possibly other elements.
106
automatic dimension
dimension that Tekla Structures creates in a Tekla Structures drawing based on the dimensioning
properties of the drawing
33
107
dimension that the user adds in an open Tekla Structures drawing
108
mark
associative annotation object that is used for the identification of an individual building object and that
displays a set of property elements that the user has selected (2)
Examples of marks are part mark, bolt mark, and reinforcement mark.
109
automatic mark
mark that Tekla Structures creates in a Tekla Structures drawing based on the mark properties of a
building object
110
additional mark
mark that the user adds in an open Tekla Structures drawing
Additional marks are typically used for temporary, revision-related, or other similar types of
information. Examples of the additional marks that the user can add in a Tekla Structures drawing
include part marks, bolt marks, connection marks, level marks, revision marks, and weld marks.
34
1.1.7 Components
connection
component (#) for creating such
component objects that
automatically connect
component secondary parts to a
component main part and create
the necessary other objects (#)
system component
component (#) that is
included in a e!la
"tructures configuration
and whose component
objects and composition
the user can modify within
the limits of the component
(#) properties
custom component
component (#) that the user
creates and uses for creating
model objects whose
composition the user can
modify as a group
detail
component (#) for creating such
component objects that automatically
connect to a component main part at
a pic!ed location
seam
custom component
for creating such
component objects
that connect parts
along a line pic!ed
using two points (#)
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g

t
o

t
h
e
c
r
e
a
t
o
r

o
f

t
h
e

c
o
m
p
o
n
e
n
t

(
#
)
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

h
o
w

t
h
e
c
o
m
p
o
n
e
n
t

o
b
j
e
c
t
s

c
o
n
n
e
c
t

t
o

e
a
c
h

o
t
h
e
r
custom part
custom component
for creating a part
that cannot be
created by using
any existing part
command or part
profile (#)
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
other
&uto(onnection
tool that creates
connections with
predefined properties in
certain framing
conditions
up direction
connection or detail property that
indicates how the created connection
is rotated around the component
secondary part, or the created detail
around the component main part,
relative to the current wor! plane
&uto*efaults
predefined
properties that
%uto,onnection
uses when creating
connections
other
component (1)
part of e!la "tructures functionality
that is used for creating a group of
model objects that are easy to model
and modify as a single unit
modeling tool
system component
for creating and
assembling
component objects
for building a
structure
plug-in
component (#) that
is developed using
e!la -pen %$'
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g

t
o

t
h
e
d
e
v
e
lo
p
m
e
n
t

m
e
t
h
o
d
component
developed using
developer !it
component ())
group of model objects
created by a component (#)
and that e!la "tructures
treats as a single unit
Concept diagram 12. Components (parts of Tekla Structures functionality).
111
system component
component (1) that is included in a Tekla Structures configuration and whose component objects and
composition the user can modify within the limits of the component (1) properties
35
112
modeling tool
not: macro (2)
system component for creating and assembling component objects for building a structure
113
custom component
component (1) that the user creates and uses for creating model objects whose composition the user can
modify as a group
114
custom part
custom component for creating a part that cannot be created by using any existing part command or
part profile (1)
Typically, custom parts are used to create parts that have a complex composition. For example,
castellated beams and sandwich panels are often created as custom parts.
115
seam
custom component for creating such component objects that connect parts along a line picked using
two points (1)
116
connection
not: joint
component (1) for creating such component objects that automatically connect component secondary
parts to a component main part and create the necessary other objects (1)
A connection can be a system or a custom component. Other objects (1) can include bolts (1),
welds, cuts, and fittings.
117
AutoConnection
tool that creates connections with predefined properties in certain framing conditions
118
AutoDefaults
predefined properties that AutoConnection uses when creating connections
119
up direction
connection or detail property that indicates how the created connection is rotated around the
component secondary part, or the created detail around the component main part, relative to the current
work plane
The up direction options are +x, -x, +y, -y, +z, -z, and auto.
36
120
<Tekla Structures>
detail
component (1) for creating such component objects that automatically connect to a component main
part at a picked location
A detail can be a system or a custom component. For example, an alignment hook or a steel
column base plate is a detail.
121
<Tekla Structures>
plug-in (1)
rather than: plugin
component (1) that is developed using Tekla Open API
Plug-in is a .dll file and loaded inside Tekla Structures process.
Plug-ins can be started from component catalog.
e$plode
to ungroup the
objects (#) that
are parts of
another object (#)
or component (2)
nested component
component (2) that consists of
several components (2)
basic
component
component level
component's (2) place in
the component hierarchy
component hierarchy
arrangement of
components (2) that
describes the internal
structure of a nested
component
sub-component
component (2) in a
nested component that
is subordinate to a
parent component
parent component
component (2) in a
nested component that is
superordinate to the
components below it in
the component hierarchy
component symbol
symbol in a e!la "tructures model that
indicates a component (2) type, functions
as a lin! to component (2) properties, and
can be used to control component objects
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
component (1)
functionality that is used for
creating a group of model
objects that are easy to model
and modify as a single unit
component object
belongs to a
component (2)
component ())
group of model objects that is
created by a component (#) and
that e!la "tructures treats as a
single unit
Concept diagram 13. Components (groups of model objects).
37
122
component (2)
group of model objects that is created by a component (1) and that Tekla Structures treats as a single
unit
Components (2) adapt to changes in the Tekla Structures model. For example, Tekla Structures
automatically modifies a connection if the user modifies the parts it connects.
123
nested component
component (2) that consists of several components (2)
Nested components include elements that are modeled as sub-components.
124
parent component
component (2) in a nested component that is superordinate to the components (2) below it in the
component hierarchy
125
sub-component
component (2) in a nested component that is subordinate to a parent component
126
component hierarchy
arrangement of components (2) that describes the internal structure of a nested component
127
component level
components (2) place in the component hierarchy
The component level is expressed as a number.
128
component symbol
symbol in a Tekla Structures model that indicates a component (2) type, functions as a link to
component (2) properties, and can be used to control component objects
Component symbol of a connection or a detail also indicates the status of the connection or the
detail using colors.
38
1.2 Settings and Properties
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
advanced options
settings used to
customize e!la
"tructures for specific
companies, standards,
users, or user groups
general settings
settings that are used
to control the general
functions of the
software
settings
collection of choices defined by a software user
or predefined in the software in order to control
operations of the software
properties
collection of
characteristics of an
item in a software
application
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g
to
th
e
g
e
n
e
r
a
lity
o
f th
e
o
p
e
r
a
tio
n
s
other
properties
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
u
s
e
r

g
r
o
u
p

i
n
t
e
n
d
e
d
settings that are
common to all users
of the software
view
properties
active settings
settings related to
an item type and
applied to all new
items of this type
object properties
properties
associated with
an object type

a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

w
h
e
t
h
e
r

t
h
e

s
e
t
t
i
n
g
s

a
r
e

a
p
p
l
i
e
d
t
o

a
l
l

f
u
t
u
r
e

i
t
e
m
s

o
r

i
n

a

s
i
n
g
l
e

c
a
s
e

o
n
l
y
settings
modified in
order to
be used in a
single case
modeling settings
settings applied in the
modeling mode
drawing settings
settings that are defined
by giving values
to the properties
associated with a e!la
"tructures drawing
other
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

m
o
d
e

i
n

w
h
i
c
h
t
h
e

s
e
t
t
i
n
g
s

a
r
e

a
p
p
l
i
e
d
other
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
h
o
w

t
h
e

s
e
t
t
i
n
g
s

a
r
e

d
e
f
i
n
e
d
other
color
settings
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
o
p
e
r
a
t
i
o
n

a
f
f
e
c
t
e
d
display
settings
numbering
settings
other
part
properties
settings that
affect a specific
function
user-specific
advanced options
advanced options that
affect all models the user
has
model-specific
advanced options
affect the current model
system-specific
advanced options
affect all sessions and
wor! for all users and in
all models
role-specific
advanced options
wor! for all users with the
same role
other
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g
t
o
t
y
p
e
s
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
u
s
e
r

g
r
o
u
p
Concept diagram 14. Settings and Properties.
39
129
settings pl
collection of choices defined by a software user or predefined in the software in order to control
Settings may affect general functions of the software (see general settings) or a specific function.
Examples of settings in Tekla Structures include display settings, numbering settings, and color
settings. Also advanced options are a category of settings.
The user can define settings, for example, by entering a value or by selecting a value among the
available ones. Settings are often defined in dialog boxes or drop-down lists.
Giving values to properties also influences operations of the software. Therefore, values given to
properties are also regarded as settings. For example, values given to grid properties form part of
general modeling settings.
It is difficult to give a rule on the use of the terms settings and properties. When referring to
operations of the software, the term settings is used (for example, rotation settings, display
settings, numbering settings). When referring to real-world entities (see building object), such as
parts or details, the term properties is used.
When referring to items or objects (1) that only exist in the software (such as points (2), grids, and
views), it is possible to use either the term settings or the term properties. The term settings is
used when the viewpoint is that of the software user (the user defines settings by giving values to
properties related to the item in question, for example, view settings). The term properties is used
when the viewpoint is that of the item in question (the item has properties, for example, view
properties).
130
general settings pl; options pl
settings that are used to control the general functions of the software
For example, autosave interval and mouse settings are general settings in Tekla Structures.
General settings can be saved for each Tekla Structures model or as a standard file.
In Tekla Structures, general settings are defined in the Options dialog box.
131
advanced options pl
not: variables pl
settings used to customize Tekla Structures for specific companies, standards, users, or user groups
In Tekla Structures, advanced options are settings that are used, for example, in a specific project
or geographical area, or by a specific company.
In Tekla Structures, advanced options usually begin with the initials XS and are followed by the
name of the function, for example XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR.
132
role-specific advanced options pl
advanced options that work for all users with the same role
40
133
user-specific advanced options pl
not: user variables pl
advanced options that affect all Tekla Structures models the user has
User-specific advanced options set the users personal preferences, for example, the background
color of the model views.
User-specific advanced options are saved in the options.bin file.
134
model-specific advanced options pl
advanced options that affect the current model
Model-specific advanced options are saved in the model options and drawing options databases.
135
system-specific advanced options pl
not: system variables pl
advanced options that affect all sessions and work for all users and in all Tekla Structures models
System-specific advanced options are read from initialization files.
136
active settings pl
rather than: current properties pl; applied values pl
settings related to an item type and applied to all new items of this type
In Tekla Structures, settings related to an item type are activated by clicking Apply or OK in the
properties dialog box.
137
modeling settings pl
settings applied in the modeling mode
Examples of modeling settings include rotation settings, color settings, transparency settings,
display settings and numbering settings.
41
138
properties pl
not: attributes pl
collection of characteristics of an item in a software application
The selection of properties related to each item is usually predefined in the software. Properties
related to parts, for example, include name, profile (1) and material. The software user can also
create certain properties (see user-defined attributes).
The software user can give values to properties, or the values can be predefined in the software
(see settings).
In Tekla Structures, the term properties often refers to a dialog box in which the properties related
to an item can be given values (for example, Grid Line Properties).
Dialog boxes called properties (for example, Grid Line Properties) are used for defining settings.
For this reason, the term settings is sometimes used as a synonym for the term properties.
It is difficult to give a rule on the use of the terms settings and properties. When referring to real-
world entities (see building object), such as parts or details, the term properties is used (for
example, part properties, detail properties). When referring to operations of the software, the
term settings is used (for example, rotation settings, display settings, numbering settings).
When referring to items or objects (1) that only exist in the software (such as points (2), grids, and
views), it is possible to use either the term properties or the term settings. The term properties is
used when the viewpoint is that of the item in question (the item has properties, for example,
view properties). The term settings is used when the viewpoint is that of the software user (the
user defines settings by giving values to properties related to the item in question, for example,
view settings).
139
object properties pl
properties associated with an object type
Usually a single object property includes a default value that the user can modify.
42
property
other object property
single characteristic associated
with an object type
user-defined attribute
object property created by
the user in order to widen the
range of predefined object
properties
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g

t
o
w
h
o

c
r
e
a
t
e
s

t
h
e

p
r
o
p
e
r
t
y
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g

t
o
w
h
e
r
e

t
h
e

o
b
je
c
t

is

c
r
e
a
t
e
d
model object
property
additional
drawing object
property
parameter variable
variable (#) used to
define a value for a
parametric property
distance variable
bind the model object
to the object (#) planes
or construction planes
parametric property
model object property that
can include dependencies
model object property
that cannot include
dependencies
dependency
rule that defines a model
object7s relationship to other
model objects so that the
latter ones adapt to changes
made in the former
reference distance variable
variable (#) used to pass on
distance information in order to
define properties
predefined object
property
variable (1)
string that is used to bind model
objects or to set or store values
drawing object
property
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
Concept diagram 15. Object Properties.
140
object property
single characteristic associated with an object type
For example, profile (1) and material are object properties.
43
141
user-defined attribute; UDA
not: free attribute
object property created by the user in order to widen the range of predefined object properties
User-defined attributes are used when the predefined object properties are not sufficient but
more properties are needed. For example, comment, locked, and erection status are user-defined
attributes.
142
parametric property
rather than: variable (2)
model object property that can include dependencies
For example, length is a parametric property.
143
<Tekla Structures>
variable (1)
string that is used to bind model objects or to set or store values
In Tekla Structures, variables (1) have names like P4 or D2.
144
reference distance variable; reference distance
variable (1) used to pass on distance information in order to define properties
145
distance variable; distance (2)
variable (1) used to bind the model object to the object (1) planes or construction planes
A distance variable includes a value and a dependency.
146
parameter variable
rather than: parameter
variable (1) used to define a value for a parametric property
A parameter variable does not include a dependency.
For example, name, material grade, and bolt size are parameter variables.
147
dependency
rule that defines a model objects relationship to other model objects so that the latter ones adapt to
changes made in the former
A dependency can be created between parametric properties or between variables (1).
44
1.3 Tekla Structures Intelligence
magnetism
grid and construction object
property which enables attaching
adaptive model objects so that the
attached model objects follow
when part of the grid or
construction object is moved
parametric modeling
modeling by using
parameter variables that
define various properties
associativity
e!la "tructures drawing property
that represents the lin!ing of
drawing objects (#) to model
objects so that the former are
updated according to changes
made to the latter in the modeling
mode
binding
geometric
dependency between
model objects and
model object planes or
construction planes
parameter
variable
define a value for a
parametric property
distance variable
variable (#) used to bind
the model object to the
object (#) planes or
construction planes
parametric property
model object property that
can include dependencies
dependency
rule that defines a model
object7s relationship to other
model objects so that the
latter ones adapt to changes
made in the former
reference distance
variable
variable (#) used to pass
on distance information in
order to define properties
variable (1)
string that is used to bind model
objects or to set or store values
intelligence
adaptivity
automatic lin!ing of
model objects to
another model object
e+uation
dependency that
determines that two
things are equal
formula
rule stated in a
mathematical
language
other
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
associative object
is updated according to
the changes made to a
model object in the
modeling mode
associativity point
in a drawing object (#),
a point (#) that follows
the changes in the
model
Concept diagram 16. Tekla Structures Intelligence.
148
intelligence
In Tekla Structures, intelligence derives from software associativity, adaptivity, and other kinds of
capabilities to adjust to changes.
45
149
<Tekla Structures>
associativity
Tekla Structures drawing property that represents the linking of drawing objects (1) to model objects so
that the former are updated according to changes made to the latter in the modeling mode
In Tekla Structures, associativity only relates to one type of drawing objects (1), namely
associative objects. These can be building objects and associative annotation objects.
In Tekla Structures, the term associativity has traditionally been used when referring to the
linking of drawing objects to model objects. In other modeling contexts, however, the term
associativity may refer to any kind of linking between objects or parts of a model by using
dependencies.
150
adaptivity
automatic linking of model objects to another model object
For example, reinforcement and surface treatment automatically adapt to the changes made to
the part they are linked with.
151
<Tekla Structures>
parametric modeling
building information modeling by using parameter variables that define various properties
In Tekla Structures, parametric modeling is used in custom components and parametric user-
defined profiles.
Parametric modeling can be used for defining a model objects geometry, location, and
relationship to other model objects. Parametric modeling may also use dependencies between the
model objects to update the model objects.
The term parametric modeling has traditionally been used in Tekla Structures as defined above. In
other modeling contexts, the term associative parametric modeling may be used (see also how
associativity is defined in Tekla Structures).
152
magnetism
grid and construction object property which enables attaching adaptive model objects so that the
attached model objects follow when part of the grid or construction object is moved
See also adaptivity.
153
verb
attach
to relate a model object to another model object or to a point (1) so that the related model object
follows when the other model object or point (1) is moved or deleted
For example, a reinforcement can be attached to a concrete beam and a load can be attached to
a part.
46
154
verb
bind
to relate a model object point (1) or plane to an object (1) plane or construction plane so that they
change according to the changes made to the object (1) plane or construction plane
For example, distance variables can be used to bind handles, fittings, and cuts to construction
planes, so that the custom component can adapt to different situations, such as different shapes
and sizes of component main part profile (1).
155
binding
geometric dependency between model objects and model object planes or construction planes
In Tekla Structures, bindings are used to define locations using distance variables.
156
equation
dependency that determines that two things are equal
In Tekla Structures, equations are used to define values for parametric properties.
157
formula
rule stated in a mathematical language
Formula is part of an equation.
47
1.4 View
view
representation of a e!la "tructures model
or a part of it, which is displayed inside the
e!la "tructures window
basic view
model view whose
view plane is defined
by two global
coordinate axes and
the distance from the
global origin along the
third global coordinate
axis
default view
view whose view plane
is defined by the local
coordinate system of a
selected (#) part or
component (2)
,* view
view that displays
objects (#) three
dimensionally
view plane
plane in a space that
defines the view
grid view
view that is created along a
specified grid line of a
selected (#) grid and whose
view plane is the same as the
specified grid plane
orthogonal
displaying objects
(#) in right2angles
projection
perspective
displaying objects (#)
in a model view from
a particular
standpoint so that
distant objects (#)
appear smaller than
close ones, as do
text and points (2)
representation
the way that the information
included in a e!la "tructures
model is represented visually
rendered view
view that can display
object (#) faces
wire frame view
view that can only
display object (#)
outlines
object representation
representation of a model object or an
object group in a model view, such a
representation being based on the
color and transparency settings
applied to the model object or the
object group
model view
view that is
represented in the
modeling mode
drawing view
view that includes the
selected (#) parts of a
and that is represented in
plane view
view that displays
objects (#) two
dimensionally
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

w
h
e
r
e
t
h
e

v
i
e
w

is

r
e
p
r
e
s
e
n
t
e
d
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
t
h
e

o
b
j
e
c
t

r
e
p
r
e
s
e
n
t
a
t
i
o
n
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

d
i
m
e
n
s
i
o
n
a
l
i
t
y
o
f

t
h
e

d
i
s
p
l
a
y
e
d

o
b
j
e
c
t
s
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g

t
o
h
o
w

t
h
e

v
ie
w

i
s

c
r
e
a
t
e
d
basic view plane
view plane that is
defined by two axes
of the global
coordinate system
and the distance
other
other
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

t
y
p
e

o
f
i
n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

r
e
p
r
e
s
e
n
t
e
d
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

h
o
w

t
h
e
i
n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

i
s

r
e
p
r
e
s
e
n
t
e
d
work area
certain portion of the
that is currently active
for wor!ing on in a view
view depth
thic!ness of a slice of the
defined starting from, and
perpendicular to, the view
plane
view on part plane
view that is created of
a certain plane of a
selected (#) part
undeformed view
view that shows a
deformed part in
undeformed form
other
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

o
b
j
e
c
t

t
y
p
e
w
h
o
s
e

l
o
c
a
l

c
o
o
r
d
i
n
a
t
e

s
y
s
t
e
m

i
s

u
s
e
d
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

h
o
w

t
h
e
v
i
e
w

m
o
d
i
f
i
e
s

a
n

o
b
j
e
c
t

(
#
)
view name
name of an
individual view
other
other
surface view
plane view that
displays the object (#)
face
other
pour view
view that displays
cast2in2place concrete
parts merged into pour
objects
Concept diagram 17. Views.
48
158
<Tekla Structures>
representation
the way that the information included in a Tekla Structures model is represented visually
159
<Tekla Structures>
object representation
representation of a model object or an object group in a model view, such a representation being based
on the color and transparency settings applied to the model object or the object group
160
<Tekla Structures>
view
representation of a Tekla Structures model or a part of it, which is displayed inside the Tekla Structures
window
161
view plane
plane in a space that defines the view
In Tekla Structures, the grids are projected onto the view plane and the grid lines can be visible on
it.
View depth is defined starting from the view plane.
162
basic view plane
view plane that is defined by two axes of the global coordinate system and the distance
163
view depth
thickness of a slice of the Tekla Structures model defined starting from, and perpendicular to, the view
plane
164
work area
certain portion of the Tekla Structures model that is currently active for working on in a view
Tekla Structures indicates the work area using dashed lines. Since objects (1) outside the work
area exist but are not visible, the user can, for example, set a certain sized work area so that the
views of the model are simpler and quickly updated.
165
model view
view that is represented in the modeling mode
Model view is available also in the drawing mode and it is represented in its own window.
49
166
basic view
model view whose view plane is defined by two global coordinate axes and the distance from the global
origin along the third global coordinate axis
167
adj
perspective
displaying objects (1) in a model view from a particular standpoint so that distant objects (1) appear
smaller than close ones, as do text and points (2)
The user can zoom, rotate, pan, or fly through the Tekla Structures model.
168
adj
orthogonal
displaying objects (1) in right-angles projection
In a model view the size of the objects is the same despite of their distance to the viewing point.
In model view, when you zoom, the text and point size remains the same. In addition, the zoom
remains on part surfaces.
169
drawing view
view that includes the selected (1) parts of a Tekla Structures model and that is represented in a Tekla
Structures drawing
A drawing view is a container for model and drawing objects.
A Tekla Structures drawing can include several drawing views, which usually are two-dimensional
views, plane views, to the model.
Examples of drawing views in Tekla Structures include main views, section views, single-part
views, and 3D views.
170
drawing view frame
solid frame around all the contents of a drawing view
Drawing view frame can be used when modifying properties of a single drawing view. Drawing
views can be dragged using the drawing view frame.
171
drawing view boundary; view boundary
not: view extrema pl
dashed frame inside a drawing view
Drawing view boundary can be used when cropping the contents of a drawing view. For example,
it is possible to resize drawing views so that there is no unnecessary empty space in them, or to
show just a specific part of the drawing view contents.
50
172
default view
not: part basic view; component basic view
view whose view plane is defined by the coordinate system of a selected (1) part or component (2)
Tekla Structures creates four default views: front, top, end, and perspective. Each default view can
have its own view properties.
173
undeformed view
view that shows a deformed part in undeformed form
174
pour view; pour representation
view that displays cast-in-place concrete parts merged into pour objects
The cast-in-place concrete parts are merged into one pour object if they have the same material
grade and touch each other.
175
rendered view
view that can display object (1) faces
176
wire frame view
rather than: wireframe view
view that can only display object (1) outlines
177
plane view; 2D view
view that displays objects (1) two dimensionally
178
surface view
plane view that displays the object (1) face
179
3D view
view that displays objects (1) three dimensionally
180
grid view; view along grid line
view that is created along a specified grid line of a selected (1) grid and whose view plane is the same as
the specified grid plane
181
view on part plane
view that is created of a certain plane of a selected (1) part
51
182
front view
view on part plane created of the parts front plane
183
top view
view on part plane created of the parts top plane
184
back view
view on part plane created of the parts back plane
185
bottom view
view on part plane created of the parts bottom plane
186
view name
name of an individual view
1.5 Coordinates, Planes, Points, and Lines
local coordinate system
coordinate system that reflects
the current wor! plane or
drawing view plane
global coordinate system
coordinate system that reflects
the entire space of a e!la
"tructures model
user coordinate system
local coordinate system defined
by the user and used in a
drawing view
coordinate system
work plane
plane that the user has
chosen in a e!la "tructures
model and that is currently
active for wor!ing on in a
model view
point (1)
determined place in
a coordinate system
other
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
Concept diagram 18. Coordinate Systems.
52
187
<Tekla Structures>
global coordinate system
coordinate system that reflects the entire space of a Tekla Structures model
A green cube represents the global coordinate system and lies at the global point of origin in the
3D view.
188
<Tekla Structures>
local coordinate system
coordinate system that reflects the current work plane or drawing view plane
The local coordinate system is represented in a Tekla Structures model by a symbol with three axes
(x, y, and z). This symbol indicates the direction of the model. It is located in the lower right
corner of the model view.
In a Tekla Structures drawing, the local coordinate system symbol has two axes.
189
<Tekla Structures>
user coordinate system; UCS; user-defined coordinate system;
user-defined local coordinate system
not: universal coordinate system
local coordinate system defined by the user and used in a drawing view
User coordinate system makes it easier to place additional drawing objects, because the user can
place the objects relative to a user-definable point of origin, or a base point in the drawing view.
Tekla Structures displays the user coordinate system symbol in the current drawing view when the
user creates, copies, moves, or modifies additional drawing objects.
53
reference point
point (#) that e!la
"tructures creates when
the user creates a model
object, the point (#)
being visualized as a
handle
part positioning plane
positioning plane that
defines the position of a
part relative to its reference
points
connection positioning plane
positioning plane that defines the
position of component objects in a
connection relative to component
main parts
positioning plane
plane that defines the
position of a model
object relative to the
part's reference points
or other model objects
grid plane
single horizontal
or vertical plane
of a grid
construction plane
represents a plane
view plane
plane in a space
that defines the
view
clip plane
tool that cuts away a portion of
the e!la "tructures model
along a plane that the user has
determined
work plane
plane that the user has
chosen in a e!la
"tructures model and that
is currently active for
wor!ing on in a model view
plane
surface represented
in a two2dimensional
coordinate system
point (1)
determined place in
a coordinate system
other
coordinate system
boundary plane
plane whose
position is defined
by the edge of a
bounding box
center plane
plane whose
position is
defined so that it
passes through
the midpoint of
a part cross
section
outline plane
plane whose
position is
defined by the
outer and inner
surfaces of a
part
cut plane
plane
whose
position is
defined by a
cut surface
component plane
plane that is in a
component (2) and that
defines the position of
the component objects
inside the component (2)
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
h
o
w

t
h
e

p
l
a
n
e

i
s

d
e
f
i
n
e
d
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

w
h
a
t
t
h
e

p
l
a
n
e

d
e
f
i
n
e
s
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g
t
o

h
o
w
t
h
e

p
la
n
e

is

u
s
e
d
other other
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
bounding bo$
box that surrounds a
part or another item
Concept diagram 19. Planes.
190
plane
surface represented in a two-dimensional coordinate system
191
positioning plane
plane that defines the position of a model object relative to the parts reference points or other model
objects
192
part positioning plane
positioning plane that defines the position of a part relative to its reference points
54
193
connection positioning plane
positioning plane that defines the position of component objects in a connection relative to component
main parts
194
component plane
plane that is in a component (2) and that defines the position of the component objects inside the
component (2)
195
boundary plane
plane whose position is defined by the edge of a bounding box
196
bounding box
box that surrounds a part or another item
A bounding box can be two- or three-dimensional. Two-dimensional boxes are used in Tekla
Structures drawings, and three-dimensional ones in Tekla Structures models. The user can define
the distance between the edges of a bounding box and the item it contains in the x, y, and z
directions.
Examples of items around which bounding boxes may be set include loads.
197
outline plane
plane whose position is defined by the outer and inner surfaces of a part
198
cut plane
plane whose position is defined by a cut surface
199
center plane
plane whose position is defined so that it passes through the midpoint of a part cross section
200
work plane
plane that the user has chosen in a Tekla Structures model and that is currently active for working on in
a model view
Newly created, copied, or moved model objects comply with the work plane. For example, shifting
the work plane to follow a sloped plane makes it easier to model sloped structures.
55
reference point
point (#) that e!la
"tructures creates
when the user creates
a model object, the
point (#) being
visualized as a handle
reference line
line between two
reference points
handle
rectangular symbol that is
shown at the ends or
corners of a model object
and used for modifying the
model object's shape or
size or for moving it
point (1)
determined place in a
coordinate system
snap point
point (#) to which
e!la "tructures
snaps
geometry point
point (#) on an object's (#)
geometry determined by
the object's (#) shape
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
s
n
a
p
p
i
n
g
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
p
l
a
c
e

o
f

t
h
e

p
o
i
n
t

(
#
)
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

c
r
e
a
t
i
o
n
o
f

t
h
e

p
o
i
n
t

(
#
)
other
other
other
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g
to
th
e
c
h
a
n
g
e
s
in

th
e
m
o
d
e
l
associativity point
in a drawing object (#), a
point (#) that follows the
changes in the model
other
Concept diagram 20. Points and Lines.
201
point (1); location
determined place in a coordinate system
The user can determine a point (1) by clicking it or by inputting numerical coordinates.
In Tekla Structures documentation, we use the term point (1) with the verb pick. Otherwise, the
choice between the terms point (1) and location depends on the context.
202
<Tekla Structures>
geometry point
point (1) on an objects (1) geometry determined by the objects (1) shape
Geometry points can be selected (2) as snap points in a snap switch.
56
203
<Tekla Structures>
geometry line
line on an objects (1) geometry determined by the objects (1) shape
204
reference point
point (1) that Tekla Structures creates when the user creates a model object, the point (1) being
visualized as a handle
The reference points follow the model object if it is moved. They are only deleted if the related
model object is deleted.
Reference points can be selected (2) as snap points in a snap switch.
205
reference line
line between two reference points
For example, if the user picks two points (1) to position a beam, these points (1) form the
reference line, and handles appear at the line ends.
206
associativity point
in a drawing object (1), a point (1) that follows the changes in the model
For example, an end point of a line or a base point of a dimension are associativity points.
57
1.6 Modes
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
modeling mode
mode that is used for
creating and analyzing a
e!la "tructures model,
and initiating the
creation of a e!la
"tructures drawing and
a report
drawing mode
mode that is used for
editing the appearance
and content of e!la
"tructures drawings
mode
multi-user mode
mode in which several
users can wor! on the
same e!la "tructures
model using their own
wor!ing models
single-user mode
mode in which only
one user can wor! on
a e!la "tructures
model
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
w
o
r
!
i
n
g

p
h
a
s
e
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

h
o
w

m
a
n
y
u
s
e
r
s

c
a
n

w
o
r
!

o
n

t
h
e

s
a
m
e

m
o
d
e
l
custom component editor
tool that is used for modifying a component (2)
that is created by a custom component, and for
creating dependencies between component
objects and other model objects
sketch editor
tool that is used for
creating and editing
parametric
user2defined profiles
Concept diagram 21. Modes.
207
<Tekla Structures>
single-user mode
mode in which only one user can work on a Tekla Structures model
208
<Tekla Structures>
multi-user mode
mode in which several users can work on the same Tekla Structures model using their own working
models
209
modeling mode
not: model editor
mode that is used for creating and analyzing a Tekla Structures model, and initiating the creation of a
Tekla Structures drawing and a report
Custom component editor and sketch editor can be accessed in modeling mode.
58
210
drawing mode
not: drawing editor
mode that is used for editing the appearance and content of Tekla Structures drawings
Tekla Structures switches to the drawing mode when the user opens any Tekla Structures drawing.
211
custom component editor
tool that is used for modifying component (2) that is created by a custom component, and for creating
dependencies between component objects and other model objects
212
sketch editor
rather than: cross section sketch editor
not: profile tool; sketch profile tool
tool that is used for creating and editing parametric user-defined profiles
213
start-up mode
Start-up mode is the state in which Tekla Structures opens.
1.7 Functions
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
select (1)
(performed by e!la "tructures user)
to choose one or more objects (#)
in order to execute a command
directed at them
highlight
(performed by e!la "tructures)
to emphasize one or more objects (#)
by ma!ing them stand out
rollover highlight
(performed by e!la "tructures)
to highlight a model object when
the user hovers over it with the
mouse pointer
command
interrupt
(performed by e!la
"tructures user) to abort
a command
execute command
(performed by e!la
"tructures user)
repeat command
(performed by e!la
"tructures user)
other
Concept diagram 22. Select.
59
214
<Tekla Structures> verb
select (1)
(performed by Tekla Structures user) to choose one or more objects (1) in order to execute a command
directed at them
Objects (1) can be selected (1) in a Tekla Structures model or in a Tekla Structures drawing.
Tekla Structures highlights the selected (1) objects (1).
215
verb
highlight
not: show
(performed by Tekla Structures) to emphasize one or more objects (1) by making them stand out
When the user selects (1) objects (1) on which to carry out commands, Tekla Structures highlights
the selected (1) objects (1). Objects (1) can be highlighted in a Tekla Structures model or in a Tekla
Structures drawing.
216
rollover highlight
(performed by Tekla Structures) to highlight a model object when the user hovers over it with the mouse
pointer
Tekla Structures rollover highlights model objects in a rendered model view. Tekla Structures
highlights the model objects the user can select (1) in yellow.
217
verb
select (2)
(performed by Tekla Structures user) to choose an option given in a dialog box, list box, or list in order to
define properties or settings
In Tekla Structures, the user can, for example, select (2) checkboxes to specify which model
objects are visible in the model view.
218
verb
interrupt
(performed by Tekla Structures user) to abort a command
60
snap
(performed by e!la
"tructures) to automatically
hit an exact point (#) on a
model object when the user
moves the mouse pointer
near it
pick
(performed by e!la "tructures
user) to clic! one or more
points (#) in a e!la "tructures
model in order to execute an
action using those points (#)
snap point
point (#) to
which e!la
"tructures
snaps
snap grid
area covered with
regularly spaced
snap points
snap -one
zone around one or
more snap points inside
which e!la "tructures
hits the closest snap
point corresponding to
the active snap
switches
snap priority
property of a snap
point that defines its
ran!ing among the
snap points inside a
snap zone
point (1)
determined place in a
coordinate system
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
other
Concept diagram 23. Snap.
219
pick
(performed by Tekla Structures user) to click one or more points (1) in a Tekla Structures model in order
to execute an action using those points (1)
The user picks points (1) to position model objects when creating them, for example.
Picking can be done by using the left mouse button, for example.
220
verb
snap
(performed by Tekla Structures) to automatically hit an exact point (1) on a model object when the user
moves the mouse pointer near it
221
snap point
point (1) to which Tekla Structures snaps
61
222
snap zone
zone around one or more snap points inside which Tekla Structures hits the closest snap point
corresponding to the active snap switches
223
snap priority
property of a snap point that defines its ranking among the snap points inside a snap zone
Tekla Structures automatically snaps to the point (1) with the highest snap priority, but the user
can also choose another point (1).
224
snap grid
area covered with regularly spaced snap points
225
mini toolbar
not: floatie
floating toolbar that contains commands for modifying the most common object properties
The user can customize the mini toolbar.
62
2 MODELING
2.1 Model Types
model
pattern of an object, a system,
reference model
model which the
designer can use as an
aid when building a
model that is built with e!la
"tructures and that
represents a structure to be
constructed, containing
information needed to
manufacture and construct
the structure, and other
information related to the
project
other other
single-user model
that is opened in
single2user mode
multi-user model
that is opened in
multi2user mode
master model
current model from and to which
information is fetched and saved
in multi2user mode, and into
which e!la "tructures merges
changes that individual users
ma!e in the wor!ing models
working model
current model that an
individual user wor!s on in
multi2user mode
structural model
model that represents
a structure to be
constructed
analysis model
structural model that is
created from a physical
model and used on the one
hand for analyzing
structural behavior and
load bearing, and on the
other hand for design
physical model
structural model with
a direct or indirect
counterpart in the
structure to be built
building information model
model that facilitates the exchange
and use of building information
maintenance model
model that covers
information on the
maintenance of the
building
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

w
h
a
t
t
h
e

m
o
d
e
l

r
e
p
r
e
s
e
n
t
s
architectural
model
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

t
y
p
e

o
f

t
e
c
h
n
i
c
a
l
s
o
l
u
t
io
n

u
s
e
d

i
n

b
u
i
l
d
i
n
g

t
h
e

m
o
d
e
l
other
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

t
o
o
l
u
s
e
d

i
n

b
u
i
l
d
i
n
g

t
h
e

m
o
d
e
l
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

h
o
w
t
h
e

m
o
d
e
l

i
s

u
s
e
d
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
c
u
r
r
e
n
t

m
o
d
e
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
e
!
l
a

"
t
r
u
c
t
u
r
e
s

m
o
d
e
l

r
o
l
e
model template
which is used as a basis
for creating new e!la
"tructures models
Tekla !"sight model
building information model that is
used for project collaboration in
e!la 8'.sight
current model
e!la "tructures model that
is active in the tool
other
Concept diagram 24. Models.
63
226
single-user model
Tekla Structures model that is opened in single-user mode
227
multi-user model
Tekla Structures model that is opened in multi-user mode
228
model template
Tekla Structures model which is used as a basis for creating new Tekla Structures models
The user can save a Tekla Structures model including all its elements, such as object properties,
certain settings, parts, and components (2), in a model template.
229
current model
Tekla Structures model that is active in the tool
230
master model
current model from and to which information is fetched and saved in multi-user mode, and into which
Tekla Structures merges changes that individual users make in the working models
It is not possible to work on the master model.
231
working model
not: plan model
current model that an individual user works on in multi-user mode
Working model is a local copy of a master model.
232
structural model
model that represents a structure to be constructed
233
physical model
structural model with a direct or indirect counterpart in the structure to be built
234
analysis model; analysis and design model; analysis & design model
structural model that is created from a physical model and used on the one hand for analyzing structural
behavior and load bearing, and on the other hand for design
Analysis model can be viewed in Tekla Structures in a model view.
Analysis model that is made with Tekla Structures can be worked on in other analysis and design
software.
64
235
maintenance model
model that covers information on the maintenance of the building
236
building information model; structural BIM
rather than: < product model
model that facilitates the exchange and use of building information
In Tekla, the acronym BIM is only used for the term building information modeling.
237
Tekla BIMsight model
building information model that is used for project collaboration in Tekla BIMsight
Tekla BIMsight models (project files) can be published from Tekla Structures.
65
2.2 Parts
part
building object that is a basic element of
a e!la "tructures model and that can be
modeled and detailed further
other
panel
plate (#) that represents a
structure such as a wall or
roof panel
contour plate
part whose
outline form the
user defines by
pic!ing three or
more points (#)
concrete part steel part
column
part that
represents a linear
extruded structure
in a mainly vertical
position
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
t
h
e

m
a
t
e
r
i
a
l

o
f

t
h
e

p
a
r
t
other twin profile
part that
represents two
identical parts
mirrored in relation
to their position
orthogonal beam
beam created
perpendicular to a
wor! plane in a pic!ed
position
polybeam
part of a certain shape that
is created as a continuous
chain of beams passing
through points (#) that the
user pic!s
plate ())
plate (#) that
represents a
steel structure
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
t
h
e

f
u
n
c
t
i
o
n

o
f

t
h
e

p
a
r
t
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
c
o
m
b
i
n
a
t
i
o
n

o
f

m
a
t
e
r
i
a
l
s
multi2material part single2material part
pad footing
footing that
supports a single
point of contact
strip footing
footing that supports several
points of contact or a region
of points of contact
footing
part that represents a
construction that is
located under another part
and used for distributing
loads on the ground
beam
part that represents
a linear extruded
structure in a mainly
horizontal position
slab
plate (#) that
represents a
concrete structure
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
c
r
e
a
t
i
o
n

m
e
t
h
o
d
other
plate (1)
part that
represents a flat
structure
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
m
a
t
e
r
i
a
l

o
f

t
h
e

s
t
r
u
c
t
u
r
e
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
s
t
r
u
c
t
u
r
e

t
y
p
e
se+uence number
incremental number of an
individual part that belongs
to a sequence of parts
sequence of parts
se+uencer
e!la "tructures tool for
creating named sequences
for parts and assigning
sequence numbers to the
parts
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
corbel
concrete part representing a
structure that projects from
the face of a concrete part
and that serves as a support
for an overhanging part and
connects the parts
other
pile cap
footing that covers the heads
of a group of piles, tying them
together so that the structural
load is distributed and they act
as a single unit
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g
t
o
th
e
n
u
m
b
e
r
o
f
p
o
in
t
s
o
f
c
o
n
ta
c
t
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

w
h
a
t

t
h
e
f
o
o
t
i
n
g

c
o
v
e
r
s
other
pile
slender column or
pole that is put into the
ground to carry loads
or to provide support
Concept diagram 25. Part Types.
66
238
corbel
concrete part representing a structure that projects from the face of a concrete part and that serves as a
support for an overhanging part and connects the parts
239
beam
part that represents a linear extruded structure in a mainly horizontal position
In Tekla Structures, beams are created with two points (1).
240
orthogonal beam
beam created perpendicular to a work plane in a picked position
Beam is only orthogonal in the creation stage. After its creation, an orthogonal beam can be
modified as if it were beam or column.
241
column
part that represents a linear extruded structure in a mainly vertical position
In Tekla Structures, columns are created with one point (1).
242
footing
part that represents a construction that is located under another part and used for distributing loads on
the ground
243
pad footing
footing that supports a single point of contact
Pad footing usually supports one column.
244
strip footing
footing that supports several points of contact or a region of points of contact
Strip footing supports a length of wall or a line of closely spaced columns, for example.
In Tekla Structures, strip footing has a polygon shape that the user defines by picking points (1).
245
pile cap
footing that covers the heads of a group of piles, tying them together so that the structural load is
distributed and they act as a single unit
Pile cap usually includes a reinforcement.
67
246
<concrete building>
pile
slender column or pole that is put into the ground to carry loads or to provide support
Pile may be made of precast or cast-in-place concrete, or steel.
247
plate (1)
part that represents a flat structure
248
slab
plate (1) that represents a concrete structure
In Tekla Structures, a slab is created by picking three or more points (1).
Slab may be part of a floor, for example.
249
plate (2)
plate (1) that represents a steel structure
Plate (2) is mainly used as a connection piece or as a floor plate.
250
panel; > wall (in cast-in-place concrete)
plate (1) that represents a structure such as a wall or roof panel
In Tekla Structures, a panel is created by picking two or more points (1).
251
polybeam
part of a certain shape that is created as a continuous chain of beams passing through points (1) that
the user picks
The segments of the polybeam are straight, but segment intersections can be curved. For example,
a beam that follows a zigzag line is a polybeam.
252
contour plate
part whose outline form the user defines by picking three or more points (1)
The user can define the shape of the contour plate parallel to the work plane. The profile (1) in use
defines the thickness. The corners of the contour plate can be chamfered.
253
twin profile
part that represents two identical parts mirrored in relation to their position
Twin profile can be separated into two individual parts, after which it is no longer a twin profile.
68
254
sequence number
incremental number of an individual part that belongs to a sequence of parts
255
sequencer
Tekla Structures tool for creating named sequences for parts and assigning sequence numbers to the
parts
Sequencer is used for defining erection sequences, for example.
2.3 Part Properties
class
part property
that groups
parts according
to identifiers
given by the
user
profile (1)
part property that specifies
the cross sections of the
whole length of the part
parametric profile
predefined profile (#) whose cross section
dimensions the user can change by using
parameter variables in the dialog box
fi$ed user-defined profile
fixed profile whose cross
section dimensions the user has
predefined from scratch, or by
modifying an existing
parametric profile
finish
part property
that describes
how the part
surface will be
treated
end offset
part property that
is used to move
the ends of a part,
relative to the
part's reference
line
part property
object property
single characteristic associated
with an object type
other
other
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
shortening
deforming that decreases
the modeled length of a part
in a e!la "tructures
drawing by a value the user
has entered
warping
deforming that
twists the part by
rotating the ends
of the part
cambering
deforming that curves a part to
compensate for deflection
which arises due to loads on
the structure
deforming
part property
that changes
the shape of
the part
parametric user-defined profile
parametric profile whose cross section
dimensions the user has predefined
fi$ed profile
predefined profile (#)
whose cross section
dimensions the user
cannot change
part label
set of part properties that the
user has selected (2) to be
displayed with the part in a
model view
se+uence name
part property that
indicates a
sequence of parts
standard fi$ed profile
fixed profile whose cross
section dimensions e!la
has predefined
system parametric profile
parametric profile whose cross
section dimensions e!la has
predefined
cross section
geometrical form
of a part
sectioned
perpendicular to
its axis
Concept diagram 26. Part Properties.
69
256
profile (1)
part property that specifies the cross sections of the whole length of the part
A profile (1) can have one or more cross sections, and the separate cross sections can have
different geometrical form and dimensions.
In Tekla Structures, it is possible to use different functionalities for creating and managing profiles
(1) of different types.
257
cross section
geometrical form of a part sectioned perpendicular to its axis
258
fixed profile
rather than: library profile
predefined profile (1) whose cross section dimensions the user cannot change
259
fixed user-defined profile
fixed profile whose cross section dimensions the user has predefined from scratch, or by modifying an
existing parametric profile
The user can create a fixed user-defined profile in several ways, for example, by importing a DWG
file to a Tekla Structures model.
260
standard fixed profile
fixed profile whose cross section dimensions Tekla has predefined
The standard fixed profiles are located in the profile catalog.
261
parametric profile
predefined profile (1) whose cross section dimensions the user can change by using parameter variables
in the dialog box
262
parametric user-defined profile
parametric profile whose cross section dimensions the user has predefined
Parametric user-defined profiles are defined using the sketch editor or .clb files.
263
system parametric profile; system profile
not: standard parametric profile
parametric profile whose cross section dimensions Tekla has predefined
For example, ledger beams and fixed I-shaped profiles are system parametric profiles.
264
part label
set of part properties that the user has selected (2) to be displayed with the part in a model view
70
265
finish
part property that describes how the part surface will be treated
Finish influences numbering.
266
end offset
part property that is used to move the ends of a part, relative to the parts reference line
267
deforming
part property that changes the shape of the part
268
shortening
deforming that decreases the modeled length of a part in a Tekla Structures drawing by a value the user
has entered
Shortening is used when the parts are manufactured shorter than modeled.
269
warping
deforming that twists the part by rotating the ends of the part
270
cambering
deforming that curves a part to compensate for deflection which arises due to loads on the structure
Cambering is typically an upward curvature defined for a beam.
271
class
part property that groups parts according to identifiers given by the user
The identifiers of classes are usually numbers. Classes can be used for defining the color of parts
in the Tekla Structures model, for example. Class does not influence the numbering of model
objects.
272
sequence name
part property that indicates a sequence of parts
273
handle
rectangular symbol that is shown at the ends or corners of a model object and used for modifying the
model objects shape or size or for moving it
71
2.4 Details
*)+)&', $%&''() %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
connect bolt assembly
group of bolts (2),
screws, or studs, and
washers and nuts
that e!la "tructures
bolt ())
element in the bolt
assembly that
represents a metal
rod or pin that
connects parts or
assemblies together
nut washer
stud
element in the bolt
assembly that
represents a metal
rod or pin that is
welded to steel parts
to transfer loads
between steel and
concrete
cut length
bolt (#) property that
indicates the depth at
which e!la
"tructures searches
for the sections of the
bolted
parts
hole
small hollow open
throughout a part or
assembly and used
for fastening parts
with bolts (#) or other
such
objects (#)
metal rod or pin
bolt (1)
connecting building
object (#) that is defined
in the bolt assembly,
and that fastens parts
or assemblies or
attaches to them
screw
Concept diagram 27. Bolt Assembly.
274
bolt assembly
group of bolts (2), screws, or studs, and washers and nuts that Tekla Structures treats as a single unit
Tekla Structures uses bolts (1) and the bolt assembly also for creating holes.
275
bolt (2)
element that represents a metal rod or pin that connects parts or assemblies together
A bolt (2) has a head at one end and the other end is open and threaded. A bolt (2) is usually
secured by a nut. A bolt (2) is part of the bolt assembly.
276
stud
element that represents a metal rod or pin that is welded to steel parts to transfer loads between steel
and concrete
A stud has all its length threaded and it can be used with two nuts. A stud is part of the bolt
assembly.
72
cut
deletion of a
portion of a part
line cut
cut whose shape is
defined by a cutting
line
polygon cut
cut whose shape is
defined by a polygon
part cut
cut whose shape is
defined by a
cutting part
cutting line
straight line that is
defined by pic!ing
two points (#) and
used for shaping
the part
fitting
adjustment of a
part end
hole
small hollow open
throughout a part or assembly
and used for fastening parts with
bolts (#) or other such objects (#)
opening
large hollow open
throughout a wall, partition,
roof, floor ceiling or other
such part
recess
hollow that does not
extend through an
object (#) or part of
the construction
hollow
cut in a part
cutting part
creates a part2shaped
hollow
polygon
detail
other
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g

t
o
t
h
e

c
u
t
ty
p
e a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

h
o
w

t
h
e

c
u
t

i
s

c
r
e
a
t
e
d
cut that modifies the
outline of the part
hollow open
throughout a part
void
hollow inside
a part
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
chamfer
refining of the
shape of a part
Concept diagram 28. Cuts and Fittings.
277
cut
deletion of a portion of a part
278
line cut
cut whose shape is defined by a cutting line
279
cutting line
straight line that is defined by picking two points (1) and used for shaping the part
73
280
polygon cut
cut whose shape is defined by a polygon
281
part cut
cut whose shape is defined by a cutting part
282
hollow
cut in a part
283
hole
small hollow open throughout a part or assembly and used for fastening parts with bolts (1) or other
such objects (1)
284
opening
large hollow open throughout a wall, partition, roof, floor ceiling or other such part
Opening can be created for a door, window or ductwork, for example.
285
recess
hollow that does not extend through an object (1) or part of the construction
286
void
hollow inside a part
287
fitting
adjustment of a part end
288
chamfer
refining of the shape of a part
In Tekla Structures, it is possible to create chamfers at part corners and edges.
74
2.5 Component Creation and Structure
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
part
building object that is a basic
element of a e!la "tructures
model and that can be
modeled and detailed further
component main part
input part that the user
selects (#) first when
creating a component (2)
component secondary part
input part that the user selects (#)
after selecting (#) the component main
part when creating a component (2)
input point
point (#) that the user
pic!s when creating a
component (2)
input part
part that exists in a e!la
"tructures model and that
the user selects (#) when
creating a component (2)
other
component ())
group of model objects that is
created by a component (#)
and that e!la "tructures
Concept diagram 29. Component Creation.
289
input point
not: input object (1)
point (1) that the user picks when creating a component (2)
290
input part
not: input object (2)
part that exists in a Tekla Structures model and that the user selects (1) when creating a component (2)
291
component main part; main part (2)
not: primary part; supporting part
input part that the user selects (1) first when creating a component (2)
Connections and details always have a component main part but not all modeling tools have
component main parts and component secondary parts.
292
component secondary part; secondary part (2)
not: supported part
input part that the user selects (1) after selecting (1) the component main part when creating a
component (2)
A component (2) can have none, one or more component secondary parts.
Connections and details always have a component main part but not all modeling tools have
component main parts and component secondary parts.
75
2.6 Component Objects in Steel Components
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
distance (1)
space that represents
the degree or amount
of separation between
two points (#), lines,
surfaces, or objects (#)
gap
any space
between two
objects (#)
clearance
space around
an object (#)
that is reserved
for erecting the
actual structure
cut
deletion of a
portion of a part
fitting
adjustment
of a part end
cope
cut in one component
object or input part
for receiving another
component object or
input part
component object
weld access hole
small cut that is made
on the beam web in
order to enable welding
by using an electrode
weld preparation
cut that is made on the
part edge in order to
enable a more complete
weld penetration which
provides a stronger joint
tolerance
permissible amount by
which the dimensions of
a structure may vary from
the wor! size specified
space
component element
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

a
c
t
i
o
n
t
h
a
t

r
e
q
u
i
r
e
s

t
h
e

c
u
t
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
c
u
t

u
s
a
g
e
other other setback distance
distance (#) between
a part end and its
reference point
other
Concept diagram 30. Component Elements.
293
distance (1)
space that represents the degree or amount of separation between two points (1), lines, surfaces, or
objects (1)
294
setback distance; setback
distance (1) between a part end and its reference point
In Tekla Structures, knock-off dimensions are an example of setback distances.
295
clearance
space around an object (1) that is reserved for erecting the actual structure
In bolted connections, clearance is required for entering and tightening the bolts (2) with an
impact wrench. In addition to this, there may be a clearance for a fillet.
In welded connections, clearances are required in order to allow a welder to lay a correct weld.
76
296
gap
any space between two objects (1)
The term gap is used in its general sense in Tekla Structures.
297
tolerance
permissible amount by which the dimensions of a structure may vary from the work size specified
Tolerance is usually stated as a plus or minus dimension.
The term tolerance is used in its general sense in Tekla Structures.
In a Tekla Structures model the term tolerance should not be used to refer to a gap.
298
<steel>
cope /US/
rather than: notch /UK/
cut in one component object or input part for receiving another component object or input part
299
weld access hole; rathole
small cut that is made on the beam web in order to enable welding by using an electrode
300
weld preparation
not: weld prep
cut that is made on the part edge in order to enable a more complete weld penetration which provides a
stronger joint
77
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
haunch
component
object that
represents a
wedge2li!e
structure that
strengthens a
beam at its
end
component object
seat angle
seat that
represents
an angle
shear tab
component object
that represents a
plate (2) welded
to the component
main part and
bolted to the web
of the component
secondary part
clip angle
component
object that
represents a
right angle that
is made of a
standard
02shaped profile
and that
connects parts
bent plate
component
object that
represents an
angle that is
bent from a
plate (2) and
that connects
parts
seat plate
seat that
represents a
plate (2)
end plate
component
object that
represents a
plate (2) welded
perpendicular to
the end of the
component
secondary part
seat
component object
that represents a
structure upon
which a
component
secondary part
rests
other
gusset
component
object that
represents a
plate (2) that
connects
braces to a
beam, column,
or base plate
base plate
component
object that
represents a
plate (2)
welded to a
column base
other
basic component object
component object that is essential
in a component (2)
additional component object
component object that complements the
basic component objects
Concept diagram 31. Basic Component Objects.
301
component object that is essential in a component (2)
Tekla Structures component categories may be based on the basic component objects.
302
component object that complements the basic component objects
Additional component objects are optional in a component (2).
303
<steel>
gusset
component object that represents a plate (2) that connects braces to a beam, column, or base plate
304
<steel>
shear tab /US/
rather than: shear plate /UK/
not: single plate; fin plate
component object that represents a plate (2) welded to the component main part and bolted to the web
of the component secondary part
78
305
<steel>
base plate
component object that represents a plate (2) welded to a column base
Base plates are used to distribute the concentrated load of the column over a much larger area of
the material that supports it.
306
<steel>
end plate
component object that represents a plate (2) welded perpendicular to the end of the component
secondary part
307
<steel>
seat
component object that represents a structure upon which a component secondary part rests
308
<steel>
seat angle
rather than: angle seat
seat that represents an angle
309
<steel>
seat plate
seat that represents a plate (2)
310
<steel>
clip angle /US/; angle cleat /UK/
component object that represents a right angle that is made of a standard L-shaped profile and that
connects parts
311
<steel>
bent plate
not: folded plate /UK/
component object that represents an angle that is bent from a plate (2) and that connects parts
312
<steel>
haunch
component object that represents a wedge-like structure that strengthens a beam at its end
79
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
stiffener
component
object that
represents a
structure that
strengthens a
steel beam or
column
web doubler plate
component object that
represents a structure
that strengthens a
steel beam web or
steel column web by
thic!ening it
weld backing bar
component object
that represents a
structure that
facilitates the welding
process
flange plate
component
object that
represents a
plate (2) that
connects the
flanges of a
beam to a
column
shim plate
component object
that represents a
plate (2) that is
used for filling
clearances and
gaps on the
construction site
other spacer plate
component
object that
represents a
small plate (2)
that is used to
separate two
objects (#)
component object that complements
the basic component objects
end-plate stiffener
stiffener that represents
a plate (2) that is used
to compensate for the
effect of a flange cut
other finger shim
shim plate with
slots cut
through the
edge
strip shim
shim plate
with round
punched
holes
shear key
component
object that
represents a
short steel
profile welded
to the bottom
of a base plate
component object
component object that is essential
in a component (2)
Concept diagram 32. Additional Component Objects.
313
<steel>
weld backing bar; backing bar
component object that represents a structure that facilitates the welding process
Weld backing bars are used, for example, to help contain the weld metal or suspend the structure.
314
<steel>
shim plate; shim
rather than: fitting plate; filler plate
not: fill plate; loose fill; packing plate; spacer (2)
component object that represents a plate (2) that is used for filling clearances and gaps on the
construction site
315
<steel>
finger shim; comb
shim plate with slots cut through the edge
80
316
<steel>
strip shim
shim plate with round punched holes
317
<steel>
stiffener
component object that represents a structure that strengthens a steel beam or column
Stiffeners are usually plates (2).
Stiffeners are used to prevent web buckling at supports or concentrated loads.
318
<steel>
end-plate stiffener
not: compensating flange plate; comp flange; comp. flange pl; stiffened notch; horizontal stiffener
stiffener that represents a plate (2) that is used to compensate for the effect of a flange cut
319
<steel>
web doubler plate; doubler plate
component object that represents a structure that strengthens a steel beam web or steel column web by
thickening it
320
<steel>
spacer plate; spacer (1)
component object that represents a small plate (2) that is used to separate two objects (1)
Spacer plate can be used, for example, to separate two profiles in a twin profile.
321
<steel>
flange plate
component object that represents a plate (2) that connects the flanges of a beam to a column
Flange plates are used in moment connections, for example.
322
<steel>
shear key
not: key profile; additional beam
component object that represents a short steel profile welded to the bottom of a base plate
81
2.7 Tools
clash check
tool that finds and
highlights parts that
collide on a selected
(#) area
tool
filter
tool used for
displaying, modifying,
or selecting (#) only
the desired information
in a e!la "tructures
model or in a e!la
"tructures drawing
view filter
filter used for defining
which objects (#) are
displayed in a model
view or drawing view
selection filter
filter used for
defining which
object types can
be selected (#)
other
selection
switch
switch used for
controlling which
object types can
be selected (#)
switch
other
clip plane
tool that cuts
away a portion
of the e!la
"tructures
model along a
plane that the
user has
determined
snap switch
switch used for
controlling what
!ind of points (#)
e!la "tructures
snaps to
snap override
tool used for
temporarily
bypassing the snap
switch in use
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
clash check manager
tool for finding parts that
collide on a selected (#)
area
and managing data
related to the collisions
tool related
to detecting
part
collisions
project status
visuali-ation
tool used in the
modeling mode for
visualizing the
properties of model
objects
object browser
tool used to inquire,
view, and report the
properties of selected
(#) building objects
custom
component
dialog editor
tool used for
modifying the
custom component
dialog box in custom
component editor
ortho tool
tool used to snap
into orthogonal
directions in a
e!la "tructures
model or drawing
rebar shape
manager
tool for customizing
the bending shapes
of reinforcing bars
a
c
c
o
rd
in
g
to
m
a
n
a
g
in
g
h
o
w
th
e
to
o
l w
o
r!
s
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
m
a
n
a
g
i
n
g

t
h
e

m
o
d
e
l
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g
to
m
a
n
a
g
in
g
th
e
o
b
je
c
ts
(
#
)
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
m
a
n
a
g
i
n
g

t
h
e

p
a
r
t
s
other
other
other
other
custom
component
editor
tool that is used for
modifying
component (2) that
is created by a
custom component,
and for creating
dependencies
between component
objects and other
model objects
tool related
to managing
custom
component
layout manager
tool used to import
and export layout
data between e!la
"tructures and a field
layout device
snap
(performed by e!la
"tructures) to automatically
hit an exact point (#) on a
model object when the user
moves the mouse pointer
near it
Concept diagram 33. Tools.
82
323
selection switch
not: select switch
switch used for controlling which object types can be selected (1)
324
snap switch
switch used for controlling what kind of points (1) Tekla Structures snaps to
The user needs to activate snap switches to be able to pick different points (1), for example, line
ends and intersections.
Snap switches help the user to pick points (1) in order to position model objects precisely without
having to know the coordinates or create additional lines or points (2).
325
snap override
tool used for temporarily bypassing the snap switch in use
Snap override only bypasses the snap switch settings for the next point (1) the user picks.
326
ortho tool
tool used to snap into orthogonal directions in a Tekla Structures model or drawing
327
filter
tool used for displaying, modifying, or selecting (1) only the desired information in a Tekla Structures
model or in a Tekla Structures drawing
For example, part properties can be used as criteria in filters. The user can select (1), modify, or
hide parts based on their properties.
328
view filter
filter used for defining which objects (1) are displayed in a model view or drawing view
View filter chooses objects (1) according to object properties. The user can filter objects (1)
according to their profile (1) or material, for example.
329
selection filter
not: select filter
filter used for defining which object types can be selected (1)
Selection filter chooses model objects according to object properties.
Selection filters can be standard or user-defined.
For example, selection filters can be used to select (1) parts for Tekla Structures drawings or
analysis.
83
330
clash check
tool that finds and highlights parts that collide on a selected (1) area
Compare clash check manager.
331
clip plane
tool that cuts away a portion of the Tekla Structures model along a plane that the user has determined
332
project status visualization
tool used in the modeling mode for visualizing the properties of model objects
The project status visualization tool can be used, for example, to show model objects related to
different phases of a project in different colors. A typical example of using the project status
visualization tool is creating an erection schedule.
333
custom component dialog editor
tool used for modifying the custom component dialog box in custom component editor
The custom component dialog editor is used to adding and arranging the dialog box items, such
as images, tabs, and lists.
334
object browser
tool used to inquire, view, and report the properties of selected (1) building objects
Users can create their own property templates.
84
2.8 Numbering
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
numbering series
set of identifiers defined by
the user, based on which
e!la "tructures compares
parts, assemblies, or cast
units with each other during
the numbering and gives
position numbers
prefix
start number
first number of a
numbering series
+ualifier
family2based number
component that
refers to a group of
similar cast units or
assemblies within a
family
position number
identifier that is
assigned to all similar
parts, assemblies, or
cast units
part position
position number
that is assigned
to a part
assembly
position
position number
that is assigned to
an assembly or a
cast unit
preliminary number
user2defined attribute of a
part that defines the part's
part position before the
structure is detailed
family-based number
identifier that e!la
"tructures assigns to cast
units or assemblies based
on a family
standard position number
numbering series prefix that
e!la "tructures ta!es from an
identical standard part in the
standard2part model after
comparing the parts in the
wor!ing model with the standard
parts
family
group of cast units or
assemblies within the
same numbering series
created based on the
criteria selected (2) by
the user
running
number
separator
standard-part model
e!la "tructures model that
contains parts that will be
used as standard parts with
specific part prefixes in
another e!la "tructures
model
family number
family2based
number component
that refers to a
numbering series
numbering
process of assigning
position numbers to
parts, cast units, or
assemblies
family numbering
process of assigning
family2based numbers to
cast units or assemblies
standard part
part that wor!ing model
parts are compared with
in the numbering process
in order to give them
specific part prefixes
Concept diagram 34. Numbering.
335
numbering
process of assigning position numbers to parts, cast units, or assemblies
In Tekla Structures, the position numbers assigned in the numbering are shown in part marks.
85
336
position number
identifier that is assigned to all similar parts, assemblies, or cast units
Position number consists of a prefix, separator, and running number. The prefix is part of the
position number, identifying a numbering series. The running number is part of the position
number, and is the assigned number in the numbering series, based on the start number. The
separator is an optional character, such as a slash, that separates the prefix and the running
number.
In Tekla Structures, the position numbers assigned in the numbering are shown in part marks.
In the US, the term piece mark or ship mark is used to refer to a position number.
337
part position; part position number
position number that is assigned to a part
338
preliminary number
not: preliminary mark
user-defined attribute of a part that defines the parts part position before the structure is detailed
339
assembly position; assembly position number
position number that is assigned to an assembly or a cast unit
340
numbering series
set of identifiers defined by the user, based on which Tekla Structures compares parts, assemblies, or
cast units with each other during the numbering and gives position numbers
Numbering series is defined by a prefix and a start number.
The user can, for example, allocate separate numbering series to different phases or part types.
341
start number; starting number
first number of a numbering series
342
standard position number
numbering series prefix that Tekla Structures takes from an identical standard part in the standard-part
model after comparing the parts in the working model with the standard parts
343
standard-part model
rather than: standard part model
Tekla Structures model that contains parts that will be used as standard parts with specific part prefixes
in another Tekla Structures model
86
344
standard part
part that working model parts are compared with in the numbering process in order to give them
specific part prefixes
345
family numbering
process of assigning family-based numbers to cast units or assemblies
346
family
group of cast units or assemblies within the same numbering series created based on the criteria
selected (2) by the user
347
family-based number; family position number
identifier that Tekla Structures assigns to cast units or assemblies based on a family
Family-based number consists of a family number and a qualifier.
348
family number
family-based number component that refers to a numbering series
Family number is used to describe which parts can be cast in the same mold, for example.
349
qualifier
family-based number component that refers to a group of similar cast units or assemblies within a
family
Qualifier is a running number. It is used to describe cast units that contain, for example, the same
embeds.
87
3 DRAWING
3.1 Drawing Types
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
single-part drawing
that shows fabrication
information for one part
and that is generally used
at the wor!shop
assembly drawing
that shows fabrication
information for a basic or
a nested assembly,
including
bolts (#) and welds, and
that is generally used at
the wor!shop
cast unit drawing
e!la "tructures
drawing that displays
information on
concrete parts,
including
reinforcement, cast2in
embeds, edge
chamfers, and
insulation, in a cast
unit
general arrangement drawing
e!la "tructures drawing that is
created from one or more model
views and that shows information
needed at the construction site
multidrawing
that gathers together
several e!la "tructures
drawings on one sheet
drawing (#) that includes the
output of the selected information
in a e!la "tructures model or a
part of the model and other
information related to the model
and the project
that is generally used at
the wor!shop
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g
to
h
o
w
m
a
n
y
d
r
a
w
in
g
s
a
r
e
s
h
o
w
n
o
n
o
n
e
s
h
e
e
t
other
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

w
h
a
t

!
i
n
d

o
f
i
n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

t
h
e

d
r
a
w
i
n
g

s
h
o
w
s
anchor bolt plan
general arrangement
drawing that displays
the anchor bolt layout
reference drawing
drawing (#) that is created in
e!la "tructures or another
software or modeling tool and
imported in e!la "tructures
to be used as an aid in editing
a e!la "tructures drawing or
drawing (1)
building contract document that shows, in
graphic or pictorial form, the design, location,
and dimension of the elements of a project
other
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

f
r
o
m

w
h
a
t
t
h
e

d
r
a
w
i
n
g

i
s

c
r
e
a
t
e
d
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
h
o
w

t
h
e

d
r
a
w
i
n
g

i
s

u
s
e
d
other
multinumber
identifier of a part or
assembly in a
multidrawing
other
drawing snapshot
image of a e!la
"tructures drawing that
shows the drawing as it
was at a certain point in
time
Concept diagram 35. Drawing Types.
88
350
general arrangement drawing; GA drawing
Tekla Structures drawing that is created from one or more model views and that shows information
needed at the construction site
General arrangement drawings show how assemblies, cast units, or parts are located in a building.
General arrangement drawings usually include the entire model view or a part of it.
351
anchor bolt plan
general arrangement drawing that displays the anchor bolt layout
352
single-part drawing
Tekla Structures drawing that shows fabrication information for one part and that is generally used at
the workshop
353
assembly drawing
Tekla Structures drawing that shows fabrication information for a basic or a nested assembly, including
bolts (1) and welds, and that is generally used at the workshop
Assembly drawings show how parts are located in an assembly. They contain the parts of the
assembly presented in one or more views.
354
cast unit drawing
rather than: cast-unit drawing
Tekla Structures drawing that displays information on concrete parts, including reinforcement, cast-in
embeds, edge chamfers, and insulation, in a cast unit
Cast unit drawings are generally used either at the element factory or at the construction site.
355
multidrawing
not: multi drawing; multi-drawing
Tekla Structures drawing that gathers together several Tekla Structures drawings on one sheet
The individual drawings in a multidrawing may be of any drawing type.
356
multinumber
not: multi-number; multi-drawing number; multi-position number
identifier of a part or assembly in a multidrawing
Multinumbers can include, for example, the multidrawing number and an identifier that indicates
the order of parts or assemblies in the multidrawing.
357
reference drawing
drawing (1) that is created in Tekla Structures or another software or modeling tool and imported in
Tekla Structures to be used as an aid in editing a Tekla Structures drawing or Tekla Structures model
89
358
drawing snapshot
image of a Tekla Structures drawing that shows the drawing as it was at a certain point in time
Drawing snapshots make it possible to have a quick look at any Tekla Structures drawing without
opening the drawing. Snapshots are used, for example, for finding a certain drawing edition.
Snapshots can be viewed in Tekla Structures but they cannot be edited.
90
3.2 Drawing Layout and Views
drawing view
view that includes the selected
parts of a e!la "tructures
model and that is represented
in a e!la "tructures drawing
view
representation of a e!la "tructures
model or part of it, which is
displayed inside the e!la
"tructures window
model view
view that is
represented in
the modeling
mode
detail view
drawing view that is created
from an existing drawing
view and that shows a
selected area of that view in
the same viewing direction
key plan
small2scale view in a e!la
"tructures drawing that indicates
the location of an assembly, a
cast unit, or a part in the e!la
"tructures model
single-part view
drawing view that is in an
assembly drawing and that
shows an individual part in
the assembly
drawing layout
plan of a e!la "tructures drawing
that includes the table layout and
definitions of the sheet size
table (1)
element in a e!la "tructures drawing
that may include information on the
building objects in the drawing, and
information on the project
table layout
plan that defines the
selection, placing, and
scale of tables (#) in a
revision
table
title
bloc!
list
general
note
other
sheet size
definition
section view
drawing view that
shows a selected area
as a cross section
other curved section view
section view that is created
based on a curved view
plane
Tekla Structrures drawing
and the project
main view
drawing view that shows all
parts in an assembly, cast unit,
or single2part drawing from the
selected viewing direction
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

w
h
e
n

t
h
e
d
r
a
w
i
n
g

v
i
e
w

i
s

c
r
e
a
t
e
d
front view
view on part plane
created of the part's
front plane
top view
view on part plane
top plane
back view
view on part plane
created of the
part's bac! plane
bottom view
view on part plane
bottom plane
bill of
material
end view
section view that shows a
selected area of an end
of a part in a drawing (#)
additional drawing view
drawing view that the user adds
into an open e!la "tructures
drawing
automatic drawing view
drawing view that e!la
"tructures creates when it
creates a e!la "tructures
drawing
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

w
h
a
t

t
h
e
d
r
a
w
i
n
g

v
i
e
w

s
h
o
w
s
drawing view that
shows a selected area
drawing view that shows several parts
or an individual part
other
table ())
table (#) created with the
template editor
other
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
Concept diagram 36. Drawing Layout and Views.
91
359
drawing layout
plan of a Tekla Structures drawing that includes the table layout and definitions of the sheet size
Tekla Structures includes several predefined drawing layouts, which are drawing-type specific. The
user can also create new drawing layouts.
360
table layout
plan that defines the selection, placing, and scale of tables (1) in a Tekla Structures drawing
361
table (1)
element in a Tekla Structures drawing that may include information on the building objects in the
drawing, and information on the project
In Tekla Structures, the term table (1) is used to refer to various elements of a Tekla Structures
drawing, such as revision tables, title blocks, bills of material, lists, general notes, key plans, and
DWG and DXF files.
When the user makes changes to a Tekla Structures model, Tekla Structures updates the Tekla
Structures drawing and the contents of the affected tables (1). This means that not only Tekla
Structures drawings are associative but also the tables (1).
362
table (2)
rather than: template (2)
table (1) created with the template editor
In template editor tables (2) are called templates (2).
363
<Tekla Structures>
key plan
small-scale view in a Tekla Structures drawing that indicates the location of an assembly, a cast unit, or
a part in the Tekla Structures model
A key plan contains the model grid and the assembly, cast unit, or part shown in the included
drawing view.
364
automatic drawing view
drawing view that Tekla Structures creates when it creates a Tekla Structures drawing
365
additional drawing view
drawing view that the user adds into an open Tekla Structures drawing
It is possible to create additional drawing views in the open Tekla Structures drawing of a model
view or to add section views or detail views.
92
366
detail view
drawing view that is created from an existing drawing view and that shows a selected area of that view
in the same viewing direction
Detail view is usually in a larger scale than the source view.
The view plane of the detail view is the same as the view plane of the source view.
367
section view
drawing view that shows a selected area as a cross section
A section view can be created of the parts in a drawing view. A section view can be created
manually or automatically.
368
curved section view
section view that is created based on a curved view plane
369
end view
section view that shows a selected area of an end of a part in a drawing (1)
An end view can be created manually or automatically. Automatic end views represent the part
from one end of the part or also from the other end of the part, depending on the settings.
370
main view
drawing view that shows all parts in an assembly, cast unit, or single-part drawing from the selected
viewing direction
Main view can be front view, top view, back view, or bottom view. The user can create several main
views.
371
single-part view
drawing view that is in an assembly drawing and that shows an individual part in the assembly
93
3.3 Creating and Modifying Tekla Structures Drawings
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
automatic cloning
process of creating a e!la
"tructures drawing that e!la
"tructures carries out for a
part or assembly when its
position number changes and
the original drawing is no
longer valid for that part or
assembly
drawing list
list of e!la "tructures drawings
that provides information about
the drawings in a particular
e!la "tructures model and that
is used for searching and
managing the drawings
clone
(performed by e!la
"tructures) to create a
new e!la "tructures
drawing by using a
cloning template
free-e
to prevent e!la "tructures
from updating annotation
objects and certain drawing
view properties in a e!la
"tructures drawing when it
updates the drawing as the
changes
and the project
lock
to prevent e!la "tructures
drawings from being opened,
updated, cloned, deleted, or
modified, even if the e!la
"tructures model changes
master drawing
collection of properties
and drawing settings that
are used for creating a
new e!la "tructures
drawing
master drawing
catalog
catalog that is used for
creating e!la "tructures
drawings by using
master drawings
cloning template
master drawing where an
existing e!la "tructures
drawing is used to copy the
drawing settings for a new
drawing
rule set
master drawing that
contains model selection
filters and where the
properties and drawing
settings vary based on the
selected model objects
drawing wi-ard file
rule set that is saved in a file
drawing settings
settingsthataredefinedby
givingvaluestothe
propertiesassociatedwitha
TeklaStructuresdrawing
object level settings
drawing settings that affect
the representation of
selected drawing objects
(#)
saved settings
master drawing where the
drawing settings are
saved in a drawing
properties file and used
when creating a new
of a specific drawing type
properties
collection of
characteristics of an
item in a software
application
other
drawing level settings
drawing settings that affect
the properties of all building
objects, mar!s, and
dimensions in all drawing
views
view level settings
drawing settings that
affect the properties of
all building objects,
mar!s, and dimensions
in a selected view
Concept diagram 37. Drawing Settings and Properties.
94
372
drawing settings pl
settings that are defined by giving values to the properties associated with a Tekla Structures drawing
Drawing settings can be defined in the modeling mode when creating a Tekla Structures drawing,
and they can be modified in the drawing mode.
The range of the objects (1) and elements that drawing settings affect may vary.
373
object level settings pl
drawing settings that affect the representation of selected drawing objects (1)
Object level settings can be defined when creating a new Tekla Structures drawing or when
modifying an open drawing.
Object level settings can be taken into use in a Tekla Structures drawing or in a drawing view in
order to change the representation of the chosen drawing objects (1).
374
view level settings
drawing settings that affect the properties of all building objects, marks, and dimensions in a selected
view
375
drawing level settings
drawing settings that affect the properties of all building objects, marks, and dimensions in all drawing
views
Drawing level settings are defined in the drawing properties dialog box or its subdialog boxes.
376
master drawing catalog
catalog that is used for creating Tekla Structures drawings by using master drawings
Master drawing catalog can be used for searching for master drawings usually in the current
Tekla Structures model and saving the search results.
377
master drawing
collection of properties and drawing settings that are used for creating a new Tekla Structures drawing
378
saved settings pl
master drawing where the drawing settings are saved in a drawing properties file and used when
creating a new Tekla Structures drawing of a specific drawing type
379
rule set
master drawing that contains model selection filters and where the properties and drawing settings vary
based on the selected model objects
95
380
drawing wizard file; wizard file
rule set that is saved in a file
381
cloning template
not: drawing template (2); template drawing
master drawing where an existing Tekla Structures drawing is used to copy the drawing settings for a
new drawing
The new drawing has the same drawing settings as the original drawing.
The user creates a cloning template of a Tekla Structures drawing typically after extensive manual
modifications have been made in the drawing, in order to achieve the same appearance and
contents in new Tekla Structures drawings.
In the master drawing catalog, it is possible to create single-part, assembly, and cast unit
drawings using cloning templates. It is also possible to add new cloning templates to the master
drawing catalog from the drawing list.
382
verb
clone
(performed by Tekla Structures) to create a new Tekla Structures drawing by using a cloning template
Cloning aims at using the drawing properties, view properties, and object properties from the
cloning template in a new drawing.
Tekla Structures drawings can be cloned from the current or another Tekla Structures model.
Cloned drawings need some manual checking.
383
automatic cloning
process of creating a Tekla Structures drawing that Tekla Structures carries out for a part or assembly
when its position number changes and the original drawing is no longer valid for that part or assembly
In automatic cloning, Tekla Structures creates a new drawing using the original drawing as a
cloning template, and the original drawing is saved for other, similar parts or assemblies.
384
drawing list
list of Tekla Structures drawings that provides information about the drawings in a particular Tekla
Structures model and that is used for searching and managing the drawings
In the drawing list, the user can, for example, search, open, update, freeze, lock, and delete Tekla
Structures drawings. The drawing list can also be used to display the associations between the
drawings and the parts in the model.
96
385
verb
freeze
to prevent Tekla Structures from updating annotation objects and certain drawing view properties in a
Tekla Structures drawing when it updates the drawing as the Tekla Structures model changes
When a Tekla Structures drawing is frozen, only part geometry is updated when the model
changes.
386
verb
lock
to prevent Tekla Structures drawings from being opened, updated, cloned, deleted, or modified, even if
the Tekla Structures model changes
97
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
dimension
associative
annotation object
that represents
building object
measurements
mark
associative
annotation object that
is used for the
identification of an
individual building
object and that
displays a set of
property elements
that the user has
selected (2)
annotation object
represents information that
is only relevant in a e!la
"tructures drawing
additional mark
mar! that the user adds
in an open e!la
"tructures drawing
automatic mark
mar! that e!la
based on the mar!
properties of a building
object
annotation object that is not lin!ed to
leader line
line that connects an
annotation object to the
related object (#) or point (#)
part mark
mar! that includes a
set of selected
elements related to a
part
other
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

!
i
n
d

o
f
i
n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

t
h
e

m
a
r
!

d
i
s
p
l
a
y
s
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

h
o
w
t
h
e

m
a
r
!

i
s

c
r
e
a
t
e
d
weld mark
mar! that
includes a set of
selected elements
related to a weld
connection mark
mar! that includes a set
of selected elements
related to a connection
reinforcement mark
mar! that includes a set
of selected elements
related to a reinforcement
bolt mark
mar! that includes a
set of selected
elements related to
a bolt or bolt group
view label
associative
annotation object
that is displayed in
an individual
drawing view and
that includes
information about
the view
other associative note
associative
annotation object
that can include any
additional
information about
the building object it
is attached to
level mark
associative
annotation object
that represents
the elevation of a
point (#)
Concept diagram 38. Associative Annotation Objects.
98
387
neighboring part; neighbor part
part that is close to a part that the drawing is made for but that is not in the same assembly or cast
unit
The representation of neighboring parts is usually different from that of the part.
Neighboring parts can be used for dimensioning.
388
leader line
line that connects an annotation object to the related object (1) or point (1)
389
annotation object that is updated according to the changes made to the related model object
An associative annotation object can be automatic or additional. Tekla Structures creates the
automatic associative annotation objects based on the drawings properties when it creates the
drawing. The user adds the additional associative annotation objects in a Tekla Structures
drawing.
390
level mark
associative annotation object that represents the elevation of a point (1)
391
part mark; piece mark /US/
not: part number; mark number
mark that includes a set of selected elements related to a part
Part marks are made use of, for example, when identifying constructions, when giving information
about welding, when giving information about assemblies to a workshop, when giving information
about how parts should be connected to each other, and when creating bills of quantities.
In the US, the term piece mark is used to refer to position number.
392
bolt mark
mark that includes a set of selected elements related to a bolt (1) or bolt group
393
connection mark
mark that includes a set of selected elements related to a connection
394
reinforcement mark
mark that includes a set of selected elements related to a reinforcement
395
pull-out; pull-out picture
small graphic in a reinforcement mark, table (1), or report template that shows the shape and
dimensions of a reinforcing bar
99
396
weld mark
mark that includes a set of selected elements related to a weld
397
view label
associative annotation object that is displayed in an individual drawing view and that includes
information about the view
398
associative note
associative annotation object that can include any additional information about the building object it is
attached to
One building object can have several associative notes.
100
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
annotation object
drawing object (#) that represents
text text file
annotation object that is not lin!ed to
other
plate side mark
user2created symbol (#)
that indicates whether a
dimension point is to the
face or center of a part
revision mark
user2created symbol (#)
that indicates a change in
or in the e!la "tructures
drawing, and in which
information about the
change is enclosed
detail mark
user2created symbol (#) that
includes a set of mar! elements,
identifies the point of creation of
the detail view, and is displayed in
the source view
section mark
includes a set of mar!
elements, identifies a section,
and is displayed in the source
view
symbol ())
independent
annotation object in
graphical format
includes a set of mar!
elements, identifies the point
of creation of the detail view
or a section, and is displayed
in the source view
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

o
b
j
e
c
t
'
s

r
o
l
e

i
n

t
h
e

d
r
a
w
i
n
g a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g

t
o

t
h
e
o
b
j
e
c
t
's

f
o
r
m
a
t
symbol (1)
independent annotation
object that the user has
added in a drawing view and
that is related to a certain
point (#) in the drawing view
additional drawing object
that is used to emphasize
information existing in a e!la
"tructures drawing
other
a
c
c
o
rd
in
g
to
w
h
a
t t
h
e
o
b
je
c
t
is
u
s
e
d
fo
r
orientation mark
symbol (#) that
indicates the
construction direction of
an assembly
Concept diagram 39. Independent Annotation Objects.
399
annotation object that is not linked to the Tekla Structures model
Independent annotation objects are added to Tekla Structures drawings by the user.
Types of independent annotation objects that can be added to Tekla Structures drawings include
text, text files, symbols (2), links, hyperlinks, DWG and DXF files, and reference models.
101
400
additional drawing object
rather than: drawing object (2)
independent annotation object that is used to emphasize information existing in a Tekla Structures
drawing
Examples of additional drawing objects include shapes, such as lines and circles.
401
symbol (1)
independent annotation object that the user has added in a drawing view and that is related to a certain
point (1) in the drawing view
402
orientation mark; north mark
symbol (1) that indicates the construction direction of an assembly
403
revision mark
user-created symbol (1) that indicates a change in the Tekla Structures model or in the Tekla Structures
drawing, and in which information about the change is enclosed
Information enclosed in a revision mark is shown in a revision table.
404
plate side mark
user-created symbol (1) that indicates whether a dimension point is to the face or center of a part
Plate side mark can be found on the dimension extension line.
405
detail mark
user-created symbol (1) that includes a set of mark elements, identifies the point of creation of the
detail view, and is displayed in the source view
406
section mark
user-created symbol (1) that includes a set of mark elements, identifies a section, and is displayed in the
source view
407
symbol (2)
independent annotation object in graphical format
Symbols (2) are saved in symbol files. The symbol files browser allows the user to change the
symbol file in use. It also provides access to symbol editor, where it is possible to create new
symbol files, and create and modify symbols (2).
102
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
graphic that e!la "tructures
creates in a e!la "tructures
drawing to show information
related to associative objects
change symbol
graphic that e!la
and that indicates that an
associative annotation
object has been changed
associativity symbol
graphic that e!la
and that indicates that an
associativity point of a
drawing object is
associative
associative object
drawing object (#) that is
updated according to the
changes made to a model
object in the modeling mode
Concept diagram 40. Indicators.
408
change symbol
graphic that Tekla Structures creates in a Tekla Structures drawing and that indicates that an associative
annotation object has been changed
Change symbols are created for dimensions, marks, and associative notes, for example.
Examples of change symbols include mark change symbols and dimension change symbols.
409
associativity symbol
graphic that Tekla Structures creates in a Tekla Structures drawing and that indicates that an
associativity point of a drawing object (1) is associative
The associativity symbol changes if the associativity point is not associative.
103
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
dimension
that represents building
object measurements
automatic dimension
dimension that e!la
based on the
dimensioning properties of
the drawing
dimension that the user
adds in an open e!la
"tructures drawing
check dimension
dimension used for
chec!ing detailing
other
work point
dimension point that is
based on reference points
or reference lines
point (1)
determined place in
a coordinate system
dimension point
point (#) that e!la
"tructures or the user
has used for
dimensioning
point ())
modeling aid that represents a
determined place in a coordinate system
other
dimension line
line that visualizes the
distance (#) between the
defined dimension points
dimension mark
part of a dimension that displays
the basic information about the
building object measurements
e$tension line
line that is perpendicular to
a dimension line and that
connects the dimension line
to the building object
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
w
h
o

c
r
e
a
t
e
s

t
h
e

d
i
m
e
n
s
i
o
n
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
w
h
a
t

t
h
e

d
i
m
e
n
s
i
o
n

i
s

u
s
e
d

f
o
r
dimension point
that is on a part
dimension tag
part of a dimension that displays
additional information about the
building object
Concept diagram 41. Dimensions.
410
dimension line
line that visualizes the distance (1) between the defined dimension points
Separate dimensions can be combined into a longer dimension line.
411
extension line
line that is perpendicular to a dimension line and that connects the dimension line to the building object
104
412
dimension mark
not: dimension text
part of a dimension that displays the basic information about the building object measurements
A dimension mark can consist of a prefix, numerical value, and postfix.
413
dimension tag
part of a dimension that displays additional information about the building object
414
check dimension
dimension used for checking detailing
Tekla Structures uses work points to create check dimensions.
415
dimension point
point (1) that Tekla Structures or the user has used for dimensioning
416
work point
not: working point
dimension point that is based on reference points or reference lines
A work point can be either a part reference point, or an intersection of reference lines of two
points.
In bracings, for example, the work point is where the brace reference line intersects the main
beam or column reference line. For example, the location of bolts (1) is then dimensioned from
this work point.
105
4 TEMPLATES AND REPORTS
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
template editor
e!la tool used for creating and
modifying templates to be used in
e!la "tructures drawings and reports
template (1)
file that gathers information to be
output in a defined format in a e!la
"tructures drawing or report
report template
template that is
used for creating a
report
template component
building bloc! of a template
that is used for displaying
data in a defined format
template object
entity in a template
component that is used
to add either graphical
or textual data
template attribute
attribute in a template object that
e!la "tructures uses to calculate
and display information from a
model database
symbol editor
e!la tool used for creating and modifying
symbols (2) to be used in e!la "tructures
drawings, reports, and templates (#)
e!la tool
graphical template
template (#) that may
contain text and
graphics
te$tual template
template (#) that
may contain only
text
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

t
y
p
e

o
f
i
n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

t
h
e

t
e
m
p
l
a
t
e

m
a
y

c
o
n
t
a
i
n
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

o
u
t
p
u
t
f
o
r

w
h
i
c
h

t
h
e

t
e
m
p
l
a
t
e

i
s

u
s
e
d
table ())
table (#) created with the
template editor
report
model output that is represented as a list
of information for the entire e!la
"tructures model, selected objects (#), or
selected e!la "tructures drawings
content type
determination of which
template attributes can
be used in the template
object value fields for a
template component row
-ther
Concept diagram 42. Editors and Templates.
417
symbol editor; SymEd
Tekla tool used for creating and modifying symbols (2) to be used in Tekla Structures drawings, reports,
and templates (1)
106
418
template editor; TplEd
Tekla tool used for creating and modifying templates (1) to be used in Tekla Structures drawings and
reports
419
template (1)
file that gathers information to be output in a defined format in a Tekla Structures drawing or report
Templates can be viewed and printed.
The properties of template components, template objects, and the template itself determine the
final appearance of the template output.
420
textual template
template (1) that may contain only text
Textual templates are primarily used for creating reports or listings of objects (1), for example,
material lists of assemblies.
421
graphical template
template (1) that may contain text and graphics
Graphical templates display project and company information, for example. In addition to text,
they can contain graphics, such as table (1) outlines, bitmaps or symbols (2).
422
report template
template (1) that is used for creating a report
423
template component
building block of a template (1) that is used for displaying data in a defined format
Template components define the template layout.
Templates can contain the following components: header, page header, row, page footer, and
footer. Not all of the template components need to be present in a template.
424
template object
entity in a template component that is used to add either graphical or textual data
The template (1) type determines what kinds of template objects can appear inside its template
components. Template objects can be basic geometric shapes, text objects, symbols (2), bitmaps,
imported files, or field objects.
Template objects are represented as rows in the template components.
107
425
content type
determination of which template attributes can be used in the template object value fields for a
template component row
Content types are mainly based on object types.
426
template attribute
attribute in a template object that Tekla Structures uses to calculate and display information from a
model database
Template attributes represent object properties.
108
5 SYSTEM
427
Tekla Structures server
computer in a multi-user system set up as a server running the Tekla Structures server program
428
Tekla Structures server program
program that enables using Tekla Structures in multi-user mode
The Tekla Structures server program is xs_server.exe.
The Tekla Structures server programs main tasks are to distribute ID numbers for new objects (1),
to lock the Tekla Structures model when somebody saves or numbers the model, and to identify
client computers.
429
migration wizard
tool used when taking into use an updated version of Tekla Structures for copying settings defined by
the user in the earlier version
The migration wizard can be used to copy settings included in initialization files.
109
5.1 Files and Folders
data file
file that contains
options for object
properties in a certain
component (#)
standard file
properties file that
e!la "tructures
uses by default
file
catalog
user interface
for displaying
or modifying
information
on items
catalog file
file that defines catalog
information used by
e!la "tructures
te$t file
file that contains
only characters
and end2of2line
mar!s, without any
other formatting
model database
file that contains a
e!la "tructures
model
binary file
file that contains
bits or bytes that
do not necessarily
represent
printable text
other
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g

t
o

w
h
a
t

!
i
n
d

o
f

c
h
a
r
a
c
t
e
r
s

t
h
e

f
i
l
e

c
o
n
t
a
i
n
s
other
file that contains
information related to
e!la "tructures
models
drawing file
file that contains
a e!la
"tructures
drawing
initiali-ation file
text file that
contains user
interface definitions,
start2up
parameters, default
settings, or
advanced options
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g

t
o

th
e

t
y
p
e

o
f
in
f
o
r
m
a
t
io
n
in

t
h
e

f
ile
properties file that the
user can choose to be
used instead of the
standard file
properties file
file that contains
properties or
settings in one
dialog box and its
subdialog boxes
file that is related
to a specific e!la
"tructures model
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e

r
e
l
a
t
i
o
n
s
h
i
p
w
i
t
h

t
h
e
e
!
l
a

"
t
r
u
c
t
u
r
e
s

m
o
d
e
l
s
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
t
h
e

u
s
e

o
f

t
h
e

f
i
l
e
file that is related
to all e!la
"tructures
models
other
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
e$ported catalog file
catalog file that is used for
copying a catalog to
another e!la "tructures
model
other
settings
collection of choices defined by a
software user or predefined in the
software in order to control
options database
database file that
contains the settings of
model2specific general
settings and advanced
options
file that contains
information related to
settings
model options
database
options database that
contains settings specific
to a model
drawing options
database
options database that
contains settings specific
to drawings belonging to a
model
other
environment
database
database file
that contains
the definitions
of user2defined
attributes used
in a model
9.0 file
profile
catalog
file
material
catalog
file
Concept diagram 43. Files.
430
text file
file that contains only characters and end-of-line marks, without any other formatting
Text file has no way of indicating the style, size, or color of the characters or any other special
effects. For example, initialization files like options.ini and user.ini are text files.
110
431
binary file
file that contains bits or bytes that do not necessarily represent printable text
Binary files are usually in a form readable only by a program, often compressed or structured in a
way that is easy for a particular program to read. For example, the profile catalog file profdb.bin
and the material catalog file matdb.bin are binary files.
432
model database
file that contains a Tekla Structures model
Model database file has the extension db1. In addition, other files, such as the corresponding db2,
are needed in order to obtain the functionality of the model database.
433
drawing file
file that contains a Tekla Structures drawing
Drawing files have the extension dg.
Drawing files cannot be used without a Tekla Structures model.
434
properties file
not: attributes file
file that contains properties or settings in one dialog box and its subdialog boxes
Properties files are saved in the current model folder. The user can copy properties files to the
project or firm folders for future use.
Properties files can contain user-defined attributes.
435
standard file
properties file that Tekla Structures uses by default
Standard files are used, for example, for loading frequently used values into a dialog box.
Standard file name is standard.* where the symbol * is the file name extension. For example,
standard.clm file is used for column properties.
436
data file
file that contains options for object properties in a certain component (1)
Data files have the extension dat.
437
catalog file
file that defines catalog information used by Tekla Structures
Catalog files have the extension bin or db.
111
438
exported catalog file
catalog file that is used for copying a catalog to another Tekla Structures model
Exported catalog files have the extension lis.
439
initialization file
text file that contains user interface definitions, start-up parameters, default settings, or advanced
options
Initialization files are used when starting Tekla Structures and they can contain system-specific
and user-specific advanced options that are used to configure Tekla Structures for different
standards and the users individual style of working.
Initialization files have the extension ini.
440
options database
database file that contains the settings of model-specific general settings and advanced options
There are two options databases, the model options database (options_model.db) and the drawing
options database (options_drawing.db).
441
environment database
database file that contains the definitions of user-defined attributes used in a model
The file name of the environment database is environment.db.
442
model options database
options database that contains settings specific to a model
The file name of the model options database is options_model.db.
443
drawing options database
options database that contains settings specific to drawings (1) belonging to a model
The file name of the drawing options database is options_drawing.db.
444
input file
Input files are used for different purposes, for example, for defining the content and structure of a
dialog box and for defining certain reinforcement-related settings.
Input files have the extension inp, for example rebar_config.inp.
445
component database
not: component library
database that includes custom component definitions and parametric user-defined profile definitions
that are created with the sketch editor
Component database file name is xslib.db1.
112
firm folder
folder used for storing
e!la "tructures2related
files customized for a
particular organization
project folder
folder that is used for storing e!la
"tructures2related files customized
for a particular project
model folder
folder that is used for storing files
associated with a e!la "tructures model
system folder
folder used for storing files
that define default settings
folder
attributes
folder
%nalysis
folder
model database
file that contains a
e!la "tructures
model
environments folder
Tekla Structures
software folder
folder that contains folders
related to e!la "tructures
software
0icense folder
version folder (#)
model:templates
folder
applications
folder
nt2folder
profile folder
japan u!
drawings
folder
TeklaStructures"odels folder
folder that contains folders related to
e!la "tructures models
component:s!etches
folder
template folder
messages folder
message file
Tekla Structures
environments folder
folder that contains folders
related to e!la "tructures
environments
version folder (2)
common default
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
Concept diagram 44. Folders.
446
Tekla Structures software folder; Tekla Structures folder (1)
folder that contains folders related to Tekla Structures software
447
Tekla Structures environments folder; Tekla Structures folder (2)
folder that contains folders related to Tekla Structures environments
448
system folder
folder used for storing files that define default settings
113
449
TeklaStructuresModels folder
folder that contains folders related to Tekla Structures models
450
firm folder
folder used for storing Tekla Structures-related files customized for a particular organization
A Tekla Structures user can, for example, customize a companys cloning templates and save them
in a sub-folder located under the firm folder. After this, the customized cloning templates can be
used in all projects carried out for the company.
451
project folder
folder that is used for storing Tekla Structures-related files customized for a particular project
452
model folder
folder that is used for storing files associated with a Tekla Structures model
Tekla Structures stores all files associated with a Tekla Structures model in a folder it creates with
the same name as the model database (*.db1).
In multi-user mode all users access the same model folder.
114
5.2 Catalogs
catalog
user interface for displaying or
modifying information on items
profile catalog
catalog that
displays profiles (#)
and information on
the profiles (#)
bolt catalog
catalog that displays
predefined objects
(#) that can be used
in a bolt assembly
catalog
material catalog
material grades and
information on them
bolt assembly
catalog
tools that create bolt
assemblies
reinforcing bar catalog
reinforcing bar types with a
predefined bending radius and
hoo! dimensions
component catalog
catalog that displays lin!s to all
components (#) and parametric
user2defined profiles that are
created with the s!etch editor
master drawing catalog
catalog that is used for
creating e!la "tructures
drawings by using master
drawings
predefined object
properties
predefined objects (#)
or groups of objects
other
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
catalog file
file that defines catalog
information used by
e!la "tructures
mesh catalog
standard reinforcement
mesh properties
reinforcing bar
shape catalog
catalog that displays a list
of predefined reinforcing
bar shapes
part shape
catalog
a list of predefined
part shapes
Concept diagram 45. Catalogs.
453
catalog
user interface for displaying or modifying information on items
Catalogs include information in categorized lists.
454
profile catalog
catalog that displays profiles (1) and information on the profiles (1)
In addition to the available profiles (1) in the respective Tekla Structures environment, the user
can add fixed or parametric user-defined profiles to the profile catalog. It is also possible to
import profiles (1) to the profile catalog.
115
455
material catalog
catalog that displays material grades and information on them
By default, the material catalog contains standard, environment-specific materials. The user can
add, modify, and delete materials and material grades.
456
reinforcing bar catalog; rebar catalog
catalog that displays reinforcing bar types with a predefined bending radius and hook dimensions
457
reinforcing bar shape catalog; rebar shape catalog
catalog that displays a list of predefined reinforcing bar shapes
458
bolt assembly catalog
catalog that displays tools that create bolt assemblies
459
bolt catalog
catalog that displays predefined objects (1) that can be used in a bolt assembly catalog
Predefined objects (1) in the bolt catalog are, for example, bolts (2) of different sizes and lengths,
washers, and nuts.
460
part shape catalog
catalog that displays a list of predefined part shapes
The part shapes are modeled using software other than Tekla Structures, for example SketchUp.
461
component catalog
catalog that displays links to all components (1) and parametric user-defined profiles that are created
with the sketch editor
462
mesh catalog
catalog that displays standard reinforcement mesh properties
116
5.3 Import and Export
pop mark
information written in an +, file
that sets the +, machine to drill
a small hole in the surface of the
material, which is used to weld or
bolt assembly secondary parts to
the right location on an assembly
main part
model output
representation of information
included in a e!la "tructures
model exported into the
desired format
hard stamp
information written in
an +, file that sets
the +, machine to
create a text mar!,
containing
information on the
part or assembly, in a
part
computer
numerical control
operation of a machine
tool with a computer
controlling the
manufacturing process
*ST.
file format defined
by the *erman
"teel ,onstruction
%ssociation and
used in +, files
web viewer
tool that enables the user to
publish a e!la "tructures
model or parts of it in a
certain web page format
/( file
file that contains
information gathered
from e!la
"tuructures model
and exported to
computer numerical
controlled fabrication
machinery
Tekla Structures
drawing
drawing (#) that includes
the output of the selected
information in a e!la
"tructures model or a part
of the model and other
information related to the
model and the project
report
model output that is
represented as a list of
information for the entire
e!la "tructures model,
selected objects (#), or
selected e!la
"tructures drawings
model as
web page
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
model dump
model output in
%",'' format to
be used in
problematic
situations
layout manager
tool used to import and
export layout data between
e!la "tructures and field
layout devices
Tekla !"sight
model
building
information model
that is used for
project
collaboration in
e!la 8'.sight
Tekla !"sight
software for
model2based project
communication
model output that
creates a file to be
used elsewhere
other
Concept diagram 46. Model Output.
463
model output
representation of information included in a Tekla Structures model exported into the desired format
In Tekla Structures, for example, Tekla Structures drawings, reports, lists, and NC files are model
output.
Some common output formats of Tekla Structures are, for example, IFC, DWG, DGN, CIS/2, and
SDNF.
117
464
IFC; Industry Foundation Classes
file format commonly used in building information modeling that facilitates software interoperability
IFC is an open specification developed by the IAI (International Alliance for Interoperability).
Tekla Structures model can be exported into an IFC file.
465
NC file
file that contains information gathered from a Tekla Structures model and exported to computer
numerical controlled fabrication machinery
Tekla Structures produces NC files in several formats, for example, DSTV.
466
computer numerical control; CNC
operation of a machine tool with a computer controlling the manufacturing process
During the computer numerical control manufacturing process, a machine tool or machining
center drills, cuts, or shapes the piece of material.
The terms numerical control and NC refer to the method used prior to computer numerical
control. However, the abbreviation NC is often used in the term NC file.
467
hard stamp
information written in an NC file that sets the NC machine to create a text mark, containing
information on the part or assembly, in a part
Hard stamp can contain, for example, a project and lot number, phase, or part and assembly
position.
468
pop mark
not: popmark
information written in an NC file that sets the NC machine to drill a small hole in the surface of the
material, which is used to weld or bolt assembly secondary parts to the right location on an assembly
main part
469
DSTV
file format defined by the German Steel Construction Association and used in NC files
470
model dump
model output in ASCII format to be used in problematic situations
Model dump is used as a way of saving the Tekla Structures model when, for example, the user
cannot save the model.
118
471
web viewer
not: WebViewer
tool that enables the user to publish a Tekla Structures model or parts of it in a certain web page format
Tekla Structures models published with web viewer can be viewed via the Internet using a web
browser (for example, Internet Explorer).
472
layout manager
tool used to import and export layout data between Tekla Structures and field layout devices
Layout manager enables the use of accurate model point (1) and line data on the construction
site.
119
6 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
task
item in the tas!
manager which
represents a piece of
wor! that needs to be
carried out in order to
complete a project
task manager
tool that enables the
lin!ing of temporal data to
a e!la "tructures model
task type
tas! information that reflects the
category into which tas!s can be
classified in order to apply the
same settings to all of them
production rate
tas! information that
reflects the quantity
produced in a given
amount of time
task dependency
tas! information which
expresses that starting or
finishing a tas! requires that
a certain other tas! has
been started or finished
scenario
view in the tas! manager which
includes the tas!s chosen and the
tas! information defined by the user
for a certain purpose
erection
schedule
wee!ly
scenario
task information
data related to a tas!
task list
list that displays tas!
information belonging to a
certain scenario
model organi-er
tool for classifying and
managing model objects
0antt chart
diagram that displays the
schedule related to a
scenario in a graphic form
other
clash check manager
tool for finding parts that
collide on a selected (#)
area and managing data
related to the collisions
tool related to
construction management
logical area
category into which
model objects can be
classified on the grounds
of their location
object type
category
category into
which individual
objects can be
classified
according to the
object type they
belong to in
order to manage
them as a whole
object type
collection of data that describes an
object (#) that represents the common
characteristics shared by a number of
individual objects
other
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
Concept diagram 47. Construction Management.
473
task manager
tool that enables the linking of temporal data to a Tekla Structures model
The task manager can be used to create, save, and manage scheduled tasks.
In the task manager, it is possible to make use of the model organizer. With the model organizer,
it is possible to select (1) only the model objects that pertain to a certain category, and in the task
manager, these objects can be linked to a task.
474
task
item in the task manager which represents a piece of work that needs to be carried out in order to
complete a project
120
475
task information
data related to a task
Task information includes properties related to a task, such as task name, task type, planned and
actual start and end dates, and task completeness.
476
task type
task information that reflects the category into which tasks can be classified in order to apply the same
settings to all of them
Examples of task types in the task manager include formwork, reinforcement, pour, and cast-in-
place.
477
production rate
task information that reflects the quantity produced in a given amount of time
The task manager is able to count the production rate automatically on the basis of the values
given to quantity and duration, or the user may define the rate.
478
task dependency
task information which expresses that starting or finishing a task requires that a certain other task has
been started or finished
Task dependency types in Tekla Structures are start-to-start, start-to-finish, finish-to-start, and
finish-to-finish.
Changes made to a tasks schedule may cause automatic changes to the schedules of the tasks
that depend on it.
Task dependency is represented as a symbol in the Gantt chart.
479
task list
list that displays task information belonging to a certain scenario
480
Gantt chart
diagram that displays the schedule related to a scenario in a graphic form
481
scenario
view in the task manager which includes the tasks chosen and the task information defined by the user
for a certain purpose
A scenario may include the tasks belonging to an entire project or a certain project phase, such as
design, fabrication, or erection. In addition, a scenario may be related to certain deliverables, such
as footings, a frame, or an HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) system.
121
482
model organizer
tool for classifying and managing model objects
The model organizer allows the user to create categories (logical areas and object type categories),
and group model objects into them.
Classifying model objects with the model organizer makes it possible to view, modify or select (1)
only those model objects that pertain to a certain category. Tekla Structures also allows creating
reports or schedules related only to the model objects that pertain to a category.
483
logical area
category into which model objects can be classified on the grounds of their location
Logical area types in Tekla Structures are sections and stories. A section can consist of a wing of a
building, for example.
Logical areas can be created by using the model organizer.
In the model organizer, the term story is used to refer to a floor.
484
object type category
category into which individual objects can be classified according to the object type they belong to in
order to manage them as a whole
Examples of object type categories include footings and windows. An individual object may be
assigned to one or more object type categories. The model objects that have been assigned to an
object type category can be, for example, viewed or modified as a whole.
Object type categories may have been predefined for a specific Tekla Structures model, or the user
may create categories by using the model organizer.
485
clash check manager
tool for finding parts that collide on a selected (1) area and managing data related to the collisions
Clash check manager is an improved version of the clash check tool. In addition to finding and
highlighting clashes, it classifies them according to their type, and allows the user, for example, to
sort the detected clashes and save clash check sessions.
122
7 ANALYSIS
7.1 Loads
load
model object that
represents a force or
system of forces carried
by a structure or a part of
a structure
floating load
load that is attached
to a location
load that is
attached to a part
load group
set of loads and loadings
that are caused by the same
action and to which the user
wants to refer collectively
load combination ())
process in which some
simultaneously acting load
groups are multiplied by their
partial safety factors and
combined with each other
according to specific rules
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
compatibility
property of a load group that
indicates that load groups having the
same compatibility indicator can act
together and need to be considered
in the load combination (2)
incompatibility
property of a load group that
indicates that load groups having the
same incompatibility indicator
always exclude each other in the
load combination (2)
set of load groups
multiplied by their partial
safety factors that is
created in the load
combination (2) process
loading
part property that
represents a force or
system of forces
carried by a structure
load type
collection of data
describing a load that
represents the common
characteristics shared by a
number of individual loads
load group type
load group property that
indicates the action that
causes a load and that
is used as a basis for a
load group
load modeling
code
information about the
building or design code,
and about the load
group types, safety
factors, and load
combination (#) factors
used in the load
combination (2)
building code design code
Concept diagram 48. Loads.
486
load modeling code
information about the building or design code, and about the load group types, safety factors, and load
combination (1) factors used in the load combination (2)
487
load
model object that represents a force or system of forces carried by a structure or part of a structure
123
488
floating load
load that is attached to a location
Floating load is not attached to a part.
489
load type
collection of data describing a load that represents the common characteristics shared by a number of
individual loads, see also object type
The basic load types are point load, line load, area load, uniform load, and temperature load.
490
loading
part property that represents a force or system of forces carried by a structure
Forces can be self-weight or area loads.
491
load group
set of loads and loadings that are caused by the same action and to which the user wants to refer
collectively
Loads belonging to the same load group are treated alike during load combination (2).
492
load group type
load group property that indicates the action that causes a load and that is used as a basis for a load
group
Load group types are, for example, wind loads, thermal loads, snow loads, traffic loads, dead loads,
and live loads.
493
compatibility; load group compatibility
property of a load group that indicates that load groups having the same compatibility indicator can act
together and need to be considered in the load combination (2)
The compatible load groups act together with or separately from other load groups.
494
incompatibility; load group incompatibility
property of a load group that indicates that load groups having the same incompatibility indicator
always exclude each other in the load combination (2)
Only one incompatible load group can exist in a given load combination (1).
495
set of load groups multiplied by their partial safety factors that is created in the load combination (2)
process
Each load combination (1) represents a loading situation to be checked according to the design
code.
124
496
load combination (2); load combination process
process in which some simultaneously acting load groups are multiplied by their partial safety factors
and combined with each other according to specific rules
Load combination rules are specific to a design process and are defined in design codes.
125
7.2 Analysis and Design
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
analysis model object
model object that e!la "tructures
creates from a physical model object
or on the basis of analysis part
connectivity into an analysis model
physical model object
model object in a physical
model
structural model
model that represents
a structure to be
constructed
analysis model
structural model that is created from a physical
model and used on the one hand for analyzing
structural behavior and load bearing, and on
the other hand for design
physical model
structural model with
a direct or indirect
counterpart in the
structure to be built
physical part
part in a physical
model
model object
object (#) that is
"tructures model
other
analysis member
creates between two
nodes of an analysis
bar
analysis element
that the analysis
application creates
between three or more
nodes in an analysis
area
node
creates at a defined
point (#) of an
analysis model
based on analysis
part connectivity
analysis
connection
rigid link
analysis model
object that
connects two
nodes so that
they do not
move in relation
to each other
rigid diaphragm
analysis model
object that connects
more than two
nodes that move
with exactly the
same rotation and
translation
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o

t
h
e
a
n
a
l
y
s
i
s

o
b
j
e
c
t
'
s

c
o
m
p
o
s
i
t
i
o
n
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g

t
o
t
h
e

a
n
a
l
y
s
i
s

o
b
j
e
c
t
'
s

r
o
l
e
other
analysis part
analysis model object that
is a representation of a
physical part in an analysis
model
a
c
c
o
r
d
in
g

t
o
w
h
a
t

t
h
e

a
n
a
l
y
s
is

o
b
je
c
t

r
e
p
r
e
s
e
n
t
s
analysis model
object that is
created only in
an analysis
model
analysis bar
analysis part that e!la
"tructures creates from a
beam, a column, or a
brace, or from a segment
of these parts
analysis model
object that is
created
between nodes
analysis object that
connects nodes
analysis area
analysis part that is a
representation of a plate,
a slab, or a panel
Concept diagram 49. Analysis Objects.
126
497
physical model object; physical object
model object in a physical model
For example, physical parts are physical model objects in Tekla Structures.
498
physical part
part in a physical model
499
analysis model object; analysis object
model object that Tekla Structures creates from a physical model object or on the basis of analysis part
connectivity into an analysis model
500
analysis part
analysis model object that is a representation of a physical part in an analysis model
In different analysis models, a physical part is represented by different analysis parts.
501
analysis area
analysis part that is a representation of a plate (2), a slab, or a panel
Analysis area consists of one or more analysis elements.
502
analysis bar
analysis part that Tekla Structures creates from a beam, a column, or a brace, or from a segment of
these parts
Tekla Structures creates more than one analysis bar from a physical part if the part is a polybeam
or if the part cross section changes non-linearly. An analysis bar consists of one or more analysis
members.
Some analysis applications use analysis members whereas others use analysis bars.
503
node; analysis node
analysis model object that Tekla Structures creates at a defined point (1) of an analysis model based on
analysis part connectivity
Tekla Structures creates nodes at ends and intersection points of analysis parts, and the corners of
analysis areas.
127
504
analysis member
not: analytical member
analysis model object that Tekla Structures creates between two nodes of an analysis bar
Every physical part that the user selects (1) for inclusion in the analysis model produces one or
more analysis members. A single physical part produces several analysis members if the physical
part intersects with other physical parts. Tekla Structures splits the physical part at the
intersection points of the member axes. For example, a physical model beam that supports two
other beams is split into three analysis members between nodes.
Some analysis applications use analysis members whereas others use analysis bars.
505
analysis element
analysis model object that the analysis application creates between three or more nodes in an analysis
area
506
analysis connection
See node, rigid link, and rigid diaphragm.
507
rigid link
analysis model object that connects two nodes so that they do not move in relation to each other
508
rigid diaphragm
analysis model object that connects more than two nodes that move with exactly the same rotation and
translation
128
$%&''() *)+)&', %""-,'%'() ./0'1'.)+"'-+%0
analysis model
structural model that is created from
a physical model and used on the
one hand for analyzing structural
behavior and load bearing, and on
the other hand for design
analysis part connectivity
analysis part properties that define
the analysis part's relationship to
other analysis parts
other
analysis part properties
object properties associated
with an analysis part
physical part
part in a physical model
design properties
properties that concern
physical part design
analysis model settings
settings that are defined by giving
values to the properties
associated with an analysis model
analysis results
results that concern forces and stresses
and that an analysis application
generates after it has run a structural
analysis on an analysis model
design results
results that concern physical part design
and that an analysis application generates
after it has run a structural analysis and
design on an analysis model
design group
group of physical parts that e!la
"tructures uses when it searches for
optimal profiles (#) for steel parts and
optimal reinforcement for concrete parts
start releases
analysis part
properties that
define the support
conditions and
describe the
degrees of freedom
at the start of the
part
support condition
analysis part
properties that
describe if the analysis
part is supported or not
end releases
analysis part
properties that define
the support conditions
and describe the
degrees of freedom at
the end of the part
design check
option that chec!s if
criteria of the selected
design code are fulfilled
for the analysis part
analysis part
analysis model object that
is a representation of a
physical part in an analysis
model
Concept diagram 50. Analysis Settings.
509
analysis part properties pl
object properties associated with an analysis part
Analysis part properties can be defined in the physical model or in the analysis model.
510
analysis part connectivity; connectivity
analysis part properties that define the analysis parts relationship to other analysis parts
For example, an analysis part automatically snaps or connects with rigid links to other parts based
on the part connectivity.
129
511
analysis model settings pl; analysis model properties pl
settings that are defined by giving values to the properties associated with an analysis model
Analysis model settings can be defined in the physical model or in the analysis model.
512
design properties pl
properties that concern physical part design
Design properties vary depending on the analysis application that is used.
Design properties may be applied to the entire Tekla Structures model or to individual objects (1).
For example, buckling length is a design property.
513
design group
group of physical parts that Tekla Structures uses when it searches for optimal profiles (1) for steel parts
and optimal reinforcement for concrete parts
514
design check; check design
option that checks if criteria of the selected design code are fulfilled for the analysis part
The design check is activated in the analysis part properties or in the analysis model properties.
Design check might check whether cross sections are adequate, for example.
515
support condition
analysis part properties that describe if the analysis part is supported or not
If an analysis part end is supported, the physical part end is the ultimate support for a
superstructure (for example, the foot of a column in a frame), and some of the part ends degrees
of freedom result in zero translation and/or rotation.
516
start releases pl
analysis part properties that define the support conditions and describe the degrees of freedom at the
start of the part
517
end releases pl
analysis part properties that define the support conditions and describe the degrees of freedom at the
end of the part
518
analysis results pl
results that concern forces and stresses and that an analysis application generates after it has run a
structural analysis on an analysis model
Analysis results are stored in Tekla Structures in an analysis results database.
130
519
design results pl
rather than: optimization results pl
results that concern physical part design and that an analysis application generates after it has run a
structural analysis and design on an analysis model
131
English index
INDEX
Numbers in the index refer to the term record numbers.
.NET application ....................................................................17
.NET plugin .............................................................................17
2D view .................................................................................177
3D view .................................................................................179
ACN ...........................................................................................90
active settings .....................................................................136
adaptivity .............................................................................150
additional beam .................................................................322
additional component object .........................................302
additional component object;
see end-plate stiffener................................................318
additional component object; see finger shim..........315
additional component object; see flange plate........321
additional component object; see shear key.............322
additional component object; see shim plate...........314
additional component object; see spacer plate........320
additional component object; see stiffener...............317
additional component object; see strip shim.............316
see web doubler plate.................................................319
see weld backing bar...................................................313
additional dimension ........................................................107
additional drawing object ...............................................400
additional drawing object property;
see object property......................................................140
additional drawing view ..................................................365
additional mark ...................................................................110
advanced options ...............................................................131
analysis & design model ..................................................234
analysis and design model ..............................................234
analysis area ........................................................................501
analysis bar ..........................................................................502
analysis connection ...........................................................506
analysis connection; see node........................................503
analysis connection; see rigid diaphragm...................508
analysis connection; see rigid link.................................507
analysis element ................................................................505
analysis member ................................................................504
analysis model ....................................................................234
analysis model object .......................................................499
analysis model properties ................................................511
analysis model settings ....................................................511
analysis node .......................................................................503
analysis object ....................................................................499
analysis part ........................................................................500
analysis part connectivity ...............................................510
analysis part properties ...................................................509
analysis results ...................................................................518
analytical member .............................................................504
anchor bolt plan .................................................................351
angle cleat ............................................................................310
angle seat .............................................................................308
annotation object .................................................................33
API macro ................................................................................17
applied values .....................................................................136
architectural model; see model...........................................4
assembly ..................................................................................53
assembly control number ..................................................90
assembly drawing ..............................................................353
assembly hierarchy ..............................................................85
assembly level .......................................................................86
assembly main part .............................................................45
assembly position ..............................................................339
assembly position code ......................................................91
assembly position number ..............................................339
assembly secondary part ....................................................46
associative annotation object .......................................389
associative note .................................................................398
associative object .................................................................32
associativity .........................................................................149
associativity point .............................................................206
associativity symbol ..........................................................409
attach ....................................................................................153
attributes ..............................................................................138
attributes file ......................................................................434
AutoConnection ..................................................................117
AutoDefaults ........................................................................118
automatic cloning .............................................................383
automatic dimension ........................................................106
automatic drawing view .................................................364
automatic mark ..................................................................109
back view ..............................................................................184
backing bar ..........................................................................313
base plate .............................................................................305
basic assembly .......................................................................80
basic component object ...................................................301
basic component object; see base plate.....................305
basic component object; see bent plate......................311
basic component object; see clip angle.......................310
basic component object; see end plate.......................306
basic component object; see gusset.............................303
basic component object; see haunch...........................312
basic component object; see seat..................................307
basic component object; see seat angle.....................308
basic component object; see seat plate......................309
basic component object; see shear tab.......................304
basic view .............................................................................166
basic view plane .................................................................162
beam ......................................................................................239
bent plate ..............................................................................311
bill of material; see table (2)...........................................362
132
English index
BIM ..............................................................................................2
binary file .............................................................................431
bind ........................................................................................154
binding ..................................................................................155
bolt (1) .....................................................................................48
bolt (2) ...................................................................................275
bolt assembly ......................................................................274
bolt assembly catalog ......................................................458
bolt catalog .........................................................................459
bolt mark ..............................................................................392
bond length ............................................................................57
bottom view ........................................................................185
boundary plane ...................................................................195
bounding box ......................................................................196
building code; see load modeling code........................486
building information model ...........................................236
building information modeling ..........................................2
building information modelling .........................................2
building object ......................................................................34
cambering .............................................................................270
cast unit ..................................................................................54
cast unit drawing ...............................................................354
cast unit main part ..............................................................45
cast unit secondary part ....................................................46
cast unit type ........................................................................55
cast-in-place concrete ........................................................71
cast-in-place concrete part; see pour object...............74
cast-in-situ concrete ...........................................................71
cast-unit drawing ..............................................................354
catalog ..................................................................................453
catalog file ...........................................................................437
center plane .........................................................................199
chamfer .................................................................................288
change symbol ....................................................................408
check design ........................................................................514
check dimension .................................................................414
CIP ..............................................................................................71
clash check ...........................................................................330
clash check manager ........................................................485
class ........................................................................................271
clearance ..............................................................................295
clip angle ..............................................................................310
clip plane ..............................................................................331
clone .......................................................................................382
cloning template ................................................................381
CNC ........................................................................................466
color settings; see settings..............................................129
column ...................................................................................241
comb .......................................................................................315
common; see Tekla Structures environment................14
comp flange .........................................................................318
comp. flange pl ...................................................................318
compatibility .......................................................................493
compatibility indicator; see compatibility..................493
compensating flange plate .............................................318
component (1) .......................................................................18
component (2) ....................................................................122
component basic view .....................................................172
component catalog ...........................................................461
component database ........................................................445
component hierarchy .......................................................126
component level .................................................................127
component library .............................................................445
component main part .......................................................291
component object ................................................................38
component plane ...............................................................194
component secondary part .............................................292
component symbol ............................................................128
composite construction ......................................................47
computer numerical control ..........................................466
concrete part; see cast unit...............................................54
configuration .........................................................................13
connecting building object; see bolt (1)........................48
connecting building object;
see reinforcement splice...............................................50
connecting building object; see weld.............................49
connection ............................................................................116
connection mark ................................................................393
connection positioning plane ........................................193
connectivity .........................................................................510
constraint .............................................................................104
construction circle .............................................................102
construction line ................................................................100
construction object ..............................................................99
construction plane .............................................................101
content type ........................................................................425
contour plate .......................................................................252
control number .....................................................................90
coordinate system; see global coordinate system...187
coordinate system; see local coordinate system......188
cope ........................................................................................298
corbel .....................................................................................238
cross section ........................................................................257
cross section sketch editor .............................................212
crossing bar; see reinforcement mesh............................67
current model ......................................................................229
current properties ..............................................................136
curved section view ..........................................................368
custom component ............................................................113
custom component dialog editor .................................333
custom component editor ...............................................211
custom part ..........................................................................114
cut ...........................................................................................277
cut length ...............................................................................51
cut plane ...............................................................................198
cutting line ..........................................................................279
cutting part ............................................................................52
data ...........................................................................................26
data file .................................................................................436
default view .........................................................................172
133
English index
deforming .............................................................................267
dependency ..........................................................................147
design check ........................................................................514
design code; see load modeling code...........................486
design group ........................................................................513
design properties ................................................................512
design results ......................................................................519
detail ......................................................................................120
detail mark ...........................................................................405
detail view ............................................................................366
detail; see cut.......................................................................277
detail; see fitting.................................................................287
Developer Kit ..........................................................................21
developer kit ...........................................................................21
Developer-Kit .........................................................................21
developer-kit ..........................................................................21
development length ............................................................57
dimension .............................................................................105
dimension change symbol; see change symbol........408
dimension line .....................................................................410
dimension mark ..................................................................412
dimension point ..................................................................415
dimension tag .....................................................................413
dimension text ....................................................................412
display settings; see settings..........................................129
distance (1) ..........................................................................293
distance (2) ..........................................................................145
distance variable ................................................................145
doubler plate .......................................................................319
drawing (1) ...............................................................................9
drawing (2) .............................................................................10
drawing editor .....................................................................210
drawing file ..........................................................................433
drawing layout ....................................................................359
drawing level settings ......................................................375
drawing list ..........................................................................384
drawing mode .....................................................................210
drawing object (1) ................................................................31
drawing object (2) .............................................................400
drawing object property; see object property...........140
drawing options database ..............................................443
drawing settings ................................................................372
drawing snapshot ..............................................................358
drawing template (2) ........................................................381
drawing view .......................................................................169
drawing view boundary ....................................................171
drawing view frame ..........................................................170
drawing wizard file ...........................................................380
DSTV .......................................................................................469
embed .......................................................................................56
embedded object ..................................................................56
end offset .............................................................................266
end plate ...............................................................................306
end releases .........................................................................517
end view ................................................................................369
end-plate stiffener ............................................................318
environment database ......................................................441
equation ................................................................................156
erection schedule; see scenario......................................481
explode ....................................................................................24
exported catalog file ........................................................438
extension .................................................................................17
extension line ......................................................................411
external application ............................................................17
face bar ....................................................................................66
family .....................................................................................346
family number .....................................................................348
family numbering ..............................................................345
family position number ....................................................347
family-based number .......................................................347
feature .....................................................................................16
fill plate .................................................................................314
filler plate .............................................................................314
filter ........................................................................................327
fin plate .................................................................................304
finger shim ...........................................................................315
finish ......................................................................................265
firm folder ............................................................................450
fitting .....................................................................................287
fitting plate ..........................................................................314
fixed profile .........................................................................258
fixed user-defined profile ...............................................259
flange plate ..........................................................................321
floatie ....................................................................................225
floating load ........................................................................488
folded plate ..........................................................................311
footing ...................................................................................242
formula ..................................................................................157
free attribute .......................................................................141
freeze .....................................................................................385
front view .............................................................................182
function ...................................................................................16
GA drawing ..........................................................................350
Gantt chart ..........................................................................480
gap ..........................................................................................296
general arrangement drawing .......................................350
general settings ..................................................................130
geometry line ......................................................................203
geometry point ...................................................................202
global coordinate system ................................................187
graphical template ............................................................421
grid ............................................................................................92
grid label .................................................................................95
grid label frame ....................................................................96
grid line ...................................................................................94
grid line label .........................................................................95
grid plane ................................................................................93
grid point ................................................................................98
grid view ...............................................................................180
gridline .....................................................................................94
134
English index
gridplane .................................................................................93
grouting ...................................................................................59
gusset ....................................................................................303
handle ....................................................................................273
hard stamp ...........................................................................467
haunch ...................................................................................312
highlight ................................................................................215
hole .........................................................................................283
hollow ....................................................................................282
horizontal stiffener ............................................................318
IFC ...........................................................................................464
incompatibility ....................................................................494
incompatibility indicator; see incompatibility...........494
independent analysis object;
see analysis member....................................................504
independent analysis object; see node........................503
independent annotation object ....................................399
individual object ...................................................................29
Industry Foundation Classes ..........................................464
information ............................................................................25
initialization file .................................................................439
input file ...............................................................................444
input object (1) ...................................................................289
input object (2) ...................................................................290
input part .............................................................................290
input point ...........................................................................289
intelligence ..........................................................................148
interrupt ................................................................................218
joint .........................................................................................116
key plan .................................................................................363
key profile .............................................................................322
lacer bar ..................................................................................66
layout manager ..................................................................472
Ld .............................................................................................57
leader line .............................................................................388
level mark .............................................................................390
library profile .......................................................................258
line cut ..................................................................................278
list; see table (2)..................................................................362
load .........................................................................................487
load combination (1) ........................................................495
load combination (2) ........................................................496
load combination process ...............................................496
load group ............................................................................491
load group compatibility .................................................493
load group incompatibility .............................................494
load group type ..................................................................492
load modeling code ...........................................................486
load type ...............................................................................489
loading ...................................................................................490
local coordinate system ...................................................188
location .................................................................................201
lock .........................................................................................386
logical area ..........................................................................483
loose fill .................................................................................314
lot ..............................................................................................88
lot number ..............................................................................89
lotting ......................................................................................87
macro (1) .................................................................................19
macro (2) ...............................................................................112
magnetism ...........................................................................152
main bar; see reinforcement mesh..................................67
main part (1) ..........................................................................45
main part (2) .......................................................................291
main view .............................................................................370
maintenance model ..........................................................235
mark .......................................................................................108
mark change symbol; see change symbol...................408
mark number .......................................................................391
master drawing ..................................................................377
master drawing catalog ...................................................376
master model ......................................................................230
material catalog .................................................................455
material catalog file; see binary file.............................431
measure .................................................................................103
mesh .........................................................................................67
mesh catalog .......................................................................462
migration wizard ................................................................429
mini toolbar .........................................................................225
model ..........................................................................................4
model database ..................................................................432
model dump .........................................................................470
model editor ........................................................................209
model folder ........................................................................452
model object ..........................................................................30
model object property; see object property...............140
model options database ..................................................442
model organizer .................................................................482
model output .......................................................................463
model template ..................................................................228
model view ...........................................................................165
model-specific advanced options .................................134
modeling ....................................................................................3
modeling aid ..........................................................................35
modeling mode ...................................................................209
modeling settings ..............................................................137
modeling tool ......................................................................112
modelling ...................................................................................3
multi drawing ......................................................................355
multi-assembly ......................................................................81
multi-drawing .....................................................................355
multi-drawing number .....................................................356
multi-level assembly ...........................................................81
multi-number ......................................................................356
multi-position number .....................................................356
multi-user mode ................................................................208
multi-user model ...............................................................227
multidrawing .......................................................................355
multinumber ........................................................................356
NC file ....................................................................................465
135
English index
neighbor part ......................................................................387
neighboring part ................................................................387
nested assembly ....................................................................81
nested component .............................................................123
node .......................................................................................503
north mark ...........................................................................402
notch ......................................................................................298
numbering ............................................................................335
numbering series ................................................................340
numbering settings; see settings...................................129
nut; see bolt assembly.......................................................274
object (1) .................................................................................27
object (2) .................................................................................30
object browser ....................................................................334
object group ...........................................................................40
object level settings ..........................................................373
object properties ................................................................139
object property ...................................................................140
object representation .......................................................159
object type ..............................................................................28
object type category .........................................................484
opening .................................................................................284
optimization results ..........................................................519
options ...................................................................................130
options database ................................................................440
orientation mark ................................................................402
ortho tool .............................................................................326
orthogonal ............................................................................168
orthogonal beam ................................................................240
outline plane .......................................................................197
packing plate .......................................................................314
pad footing ..........................................................................243
panel ......................................................................................250
parameter .............................................................................146
parameter variable ............................................................146
parametric modeling .........................................................151
parametric profile ..............................................................261
parametric property ..........................................................142
parametric user-defined profile ....................................262
parent assembly ....................................................................82
parent component .............................................................124
part ...........................................................................................44
part basic view ...................................................................172
part cut ..................................................................................281
part label ..............................................................................264
part mark ..............................................................................391
part number .........................................................................391
part position ........................................................................337
part position number ........................................................337
part positioning plane ......................................................192
part property; see class.....................................................271
part property; see deforming..........................................267
part property; see end offset...........................................266
part property; see finish...................................................265
part property; see sequence name................................272
part shape catalog .............................................................460
perspective ...........................................................................167
phase ........................................................................................41
phase name ............................................................................42
phase number ........................................................................43
physical model ....................................................................233
physical model object .......................................................497
physical object ....................................................................497
physical part ........................................................................498
pick .........................................................................................219
piece .........................................................................................44
piece mark ............................................................................391
pile ..........................................................................................246
pile cap ..................................................................................245
plan model ...........................................................................231
plane ......................................................................................190
plane view ............................................................................177
plate (1) ................................................................................247
plate (2) ................................................................................249
plate side mark ...................................................................404
plug-in (1) ............................................................................121
plug-in (2) ...............................................................................17
plugin .....................................................................................121
point (1) ................................................................................201
point (2) ...................................................................................97
polybeam ..............................................................................251
polygon cut ..........................................................................280
pop mark ...............................................................................468
popmark ................................................................................468
position number .................................................................336
positioning plane ...............................................................191
pour ...........................................................................................72
pour break ...............................................................................75
pour number ..........................................................................73
pour object .............................................................................74
pour phase ..............................................................................76
pour representation ..........................................................174
pour unit .................................................................................72
pour view ..............................................................................174
poured concrete ....................................................................71
precast concrete ...................................................................70
predefined object property; see object property......140
prefix; see position number.............................................336
preliminary mark ................................................................338
preliminary number ...........................................................338
prestressed concrete ...........................................................77
prestressed strand ................................................................68
prestressing strand ..............................................................68
prestressing tendon .............................................................69
primary part .........................................................................291
product model .....................................................................236
production rate ...................................................................477
profile (1) ..............................................................................256
profile (2) ................................................................................13
profile catalog .....................................................................454
136
English index
profile catalog file; see binary file.................................431
profile tool ............................................................................212
project ......................................................................................12
project folder .......................................................................451
project status visualization ............................................332
properties .............................................................................138
properties file ......................................................................434
pull-out .................................................................................395
pull-out picture ..................................................................395
qualifier .................................................................................349
rathole ...................................................................................299
rebar .........................................................................................62
rebar catalog .......................................................................456
rebar group .............................................................................61
rebar shape catalog ..........................................................457
rebar shape manager ..........................................................63
recess .....................................................................................285
reference distance .............................................................144
reference distance variable ............................................144
reference drawing .............................................................357
reference line ......................................................................205
reference model ......................................................................6
reference model object .......................................................37
reference object ......................................................................6
reference point ...................................................................204
reinforced concrete (1) .......................................................78
reinforced concrete (2) .......................................................71
reinforcement ........................................................................60
reinforcement mark ..........................................................394
reinforcement mesh ............................................................67
reinforcement object ...........................................................60
reinforcement splice ............................................................50
reinforcing bar .......................................................................62
reinforcing bar catalog ....................................................456
reinforcing bar group ..........................................................61
reinforcing bar shape catalog ........................................457
rendered view ......................................................................175
report ........................................................................................11
report template ..................................................................422
representation .....................................................................158
revision mark .......................................................................403
revision table; see table (2).............................................362
rigid diaphragm ..................................................................508
rigid link ................................................................................507
role ............................................................................................15
role-specific advanced options .....................................132
rollover highlight ................................................................216
rule set ..................................................................................379
running number; see position number.........................336
safety factor; see load combination (1)......................495
safety factor; see load combination (2)......................496
saved settings .....................................................................378
scenario .................................................................................481
seam .......................................................................................115
seat .........................................................................................307
seat angle .............................................................................308
seat plate ..............................................................................309
secondary part .......................................................................46
secondary part (2) .............................................................292
section mark ........................................................................406
section view .........................................................................367
section; see logical area...................................................483
select (1) ...............................................................................214
select (2) ...............................................................................217
select filter ...........................................................................329
select switch ........................................................................323
selection filter .....................................................................329
selection switch .................................................................323
separator; see position number......................................336
sequence name ...................................................................272
sequence number ...............................................................254
sequencer .............................................................................255
setback ..................................................................................294
setback distance .................................................................294
settings ..................................................................................129
shear key ...............................................................................322
shear plate ...........................................................................304
shear reinforcement ............................................................79
shear reinforcement; see stirrup......................................64
shear tab ...............................................................................304
shim ........................................................................................314
shim plate .............................................................................314
ship mark; see position number.....................................336
shortening ............................................................................268
show .......................................................................................215
single plate ..........................................................................304
single-part assembly ...........................................................84
single-part drawing ..........................................................352
single-part view ..................................................................371
single-user mode ................................................................207
single-user model ..............................................................226
sketch editor ........................................................................212
sketch profile tool ..............................................................212
SketchUp ....................................................................................8
slab .........................................................................................248
snap ........................................................................................220
snap grid ...............................................................................224
snap override .......................................................................325
snap point .............................................................................221
snap priority ........................................................................223
snap switch ..........................................................................324
snap zone .............................................................................222
solid modeling; see solid object........................................39
solid object .............................................................................39
spacer (1) ..............................................................................320
spacer (2) ..............................................................................314
spacer plate .........................................................................320
standard file ........................................................................435
standard fixed profile .......................................................260
standard parametric profile ...........................................263
137
English index
standard part .......................................................................344
standard part model .........................................................343
standard position number ...............................................342
standard-part model .........................................................343
start number ........................................................................341
start releases .......................................................................516
start-up mode .....................................................................213
starting number ..................................................................341
stiffened notch ...................................................................318
stiffener .................................................................................317
stirrup .......................................................................................64
story; see logical area........................................................483
strand .......................................................................................68
strip footing .........................................................................244
strip shim ..............................................................................316
structural BIM .....................................................................236
structural model .................................................................232
stud .........................................................................................276
sub-assembly .........................................................................83
sub-component ..................................................................125
super assembly ......................................................................82
support condition ...............................................................515
supported part ....................................................................292
supported; see support condition..................................515
supporting part ...................................................................291
surface finish .........................................................................58
surface treatment ................................................................58
surface view ........................................................................178
switch; see selection switch............................................323
switch; see snap switch....................................................324
symbol (1) .............................................................................401
symbol (2) .............................................................................407
symbol editor .......................................................................417
symbol file; see symbol (2)...............................................407
symbol files browser; see symbol (2)............................407
SymEd ....................................................................................417
system component .............................................................111
system folder .......................................................................448
system parametric profile ...............................................263
system profile ......................................................................263
system variables .................................................................135
system-specific advanced options ...............................135
table (1) .................................................................................361
table (2) ................................................................................362
table layout ..........................................................................360
task .........................................................................................474
task dependency ................................................................478
task information .................................................................475
task list ..................................................................................479
task manager .......................................................................473
task type ...............................................................................476
Tekla BIMsight .........................................................................7
Tekla BIMsight model .......................................................237
Tekla Campus .........................................................................23
Tekla Open API ......................................................................20
Tekla Structures .......................................................................1
Tekla Structures .NET API ...................................................20
Tekla Structures configuration ........................................13
Tekla Structures drawing ...................................................10
Tekla Structures environment ..........................................14
Tekla Structures environments folder .........................447
Tekla Structures folder (1) ..............................................446
Tekla Structures folder (2) ..............................................447
Tekla Structures learning edition;
see Tekla Campus............................................................23
Tekla Structures model .........................................................5
Tekla Structures model object ..........................................36
Tekla Structures server .....................................................427
Tekla Structures server program ...................................428
Tekla Structures software folder ...................................446
Tekla Structures student license;
see Tekla Campus............................................................23
Tekla User Assistance ..........................................................22
TeklaStructuresModels folder ........................................449
template (1) .........................................................................419
template (2) .........................................................................362
template attribute .............................................................426
template component ........................................................423
template drawing ..............................................................381
template editor ...................................................................418
template object ..................................................................424
tendon ......................................................................................69
text file ..................................................................................430
textual template ................................................................420
tie ..............................................................................................65
title block; see table (2)....................................................362
tolerance ...............................................................................297
top view ................................................................................183
TplEd .......................................................................................418
twin profile ..........................................................................253
UCS .........................................................................................189
UDA ........................................................................................141
undeformed view ...............................................................173
universal coordinate system ..........................................189
up direction ..........................................................................119
user coordinate system ....................................................189
user variables ......................................................................133
user-defined attribute ......................................................141
user-defined coordinate system ...................................189
user-defined local coordinate system .........................189
user-specific advanced options .....................................133
variable (1) ...........................................................................143
variable (2) ...........................................................................142
variables ................................................................................131
view ........................................................................................160
view along grid line ..........................................................180
view boundary .....................................................................171
view depth ...........................................................................163
view extrema .......................................................................171
view filter .............................................................................328
138
English index
view label .............................................................................397
view level settings .............................................................374
view name ............................................................................186
view on part plane .............................................................181
view plane ............................................................................161
void .........................................................................................286
wall .........................................................................................250
warping .................................................................................269
washer; see bolt assembly...............................................274
web doubler plate ..............................................................319
web reinforcement ...............................................................79
web viewer ...........................................................................471
WebViewer ...........................................................................471
weld .......................................................................................49
weld access hole ................................................................299
weld backing bar ................................................................313
weld mark .............................................................................396
weld prep ..............................................................................300
weld preparation ................................................................300
wire frame view .................................................................176
wireframe view ...................................................................176
wizard file ............................................................................380
work area ..............................................................................164
work plane ...........................................................................200
work point ............................................................................416
working model ....................................................................231
working point ......................................................................416
139

Tekla Structures Glossary

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Tekla Structures Glossary

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Tekla Structures Glossary

You might also like