Modeling Guide 170 Enu

Tekla Structures
Modeling Guide
Product version 17.0 December 2010

2010 Tekla Corporation
2010 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved. This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referenced Software. Use of the Software, and use of this Software Manual are governed by a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement sets certain warranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, defines permitted uses of the Software, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software. All information set forth in this manual is provided with the warranty set forth in the License Agreement. Please refer to the License Agreement for important obligations and applicable limitations and restrictions on your rights. Tekla does not guarantee that the text is free of technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Tekla reserves the right to make changes and additions to this manual due to changes in the software or otherwise. In addition, this Software Manual is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. Unauthorized reproduction, display, modification, or distribution of this Manual, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the full extent permitted by law. Tekla, Tekla Structures, Xcity, Xengineer, Xpipe, Xroad, Xpower, Xsteel, and Xstreet are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Tekla Corporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. By referring to a third-party product or brand, Tekla does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or endorsement by such third party and disclaims any such affiliation or endorsement, except where otherwise expressly stated. Portions of this software: D-Cubed 2D DCM 2008 Siemens Industry Software Limited. All rights reserved. EPM toolkit 1995-2004 EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rights reserved. XML parser 1999 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights reserved. Project Data Control Library 2006 - 2007 DlhSoft. All rights reserved. DWGdirect, DGNdirect and OpenDWG Toolkit/Viewkit libraries 1998-2005 Open Design Alliance. All rights reserved. FlexNet Copyright 2010 Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. All Rights Reserved. This product contains proprietary and confidential technology, information and creative works owned by Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. and their respective licensors, if any. Any use, copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission of such technology in whole or in part in any form or by any means without the prior express written permission of Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. is strictly prohibited. Except where expressly provided by Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. in writing, possession of this technology shall not be construed to confer any license or rights under any Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. intellectual property rights, whether by estoppel, implication, or otherwise. The software is protected by U.S. Patent Nos. 7,302,368 and 7,617,076. Also elements of the software described in this Manual may be the subject of pending patent applications in the European Union and/or other countries including U.S. patent applications 2004267695, 2005285881, 20060004841, 20060136398, 20080189084, and 20090189887.
Conventions used in this guide

Typographical conventions
The following typographical conventions are used in this guide:
Font
Bold
Usage Any text that you see in the user interface appears in bold. This font is used, for example, for window and dialog box titles, box and button names, and list items. New terms are in italic bold when they appear in the current context for the first time. Extracts of program code, HTML, or other material that you would normally edit in a text editor, appear in monospaced font. This font is also used for file names and folder paths, and for any text that you should type yourself.
Italic bold Monospace
Noteboxes
The following types of noteboxes are used in this guide:
A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of doing things.
A note draws attention to details that you might easily overlook. It can also point you to other information in this guide that you might find useful.
You should always read very important notes and warnings, like this one. They will help you avoid making serious mistakes, or wasting your time.
This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical information that is usually of interest only to advanced or technically-oriented readers.
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Contents
Conventions used in this guide ........................................................................................................................... 3
Creating 3D models................................................................................. 15
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 What is a 3D model .............................................................................................................................. 15 Creating a new model........................................................................................................................... 16 Opening a model .................................................................................................................................. 17 Saving a model ..................................................................................................................................... 17 Saving a model with a different name or location ............................................................................ 18 Model templates ................................................................................................................................... 18 Creating a model template ............................................................................................................... 19
Setting up the workspace ....................................................................... 21

2.1 Screen layout........................................................................................................................................ 21 Changing the background color ....................................................................................................... 23 Background color examples............................................................................................................. 23 2.2 Work area ............................................................................................................................................. 25 Defining the work area ..................................................................................................................... 26 Hiding the work area ........................................................................................................................ 26 2.3 Work plane............................................................................................................................................ 27 Shifting the work plane..................................................................................................................... 27 Restoring the default work plane...................................................................................................... 28 Changing the color of the work plane grid........................................................................................ 28 2.4 2.5 Coordinate system................................................................................................................................ 28 Grids ..................................................................................................................................................... 29 Creating a grid.................................................................................................................................. Grid coordinates ........................................................................................................................ Grid labels ................................................................................................................................. Modifying a grid................................................................................................................................ Deleting a grid .................................................................................................................................. Changing the grid color.................................................................................................................... Grid lines.......................................................................................................................................... Creating a single grid line .......................................................................................................... Modifying a single grid line ........................................................................................................ Deleting a single grid line .......................................................................................................... 30 30 31 31 31 32 32 33 33 33
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2.6
Views .................................................................................................................................................... 33 Should I model in a 3D or plane view?............................................................................................. Creating a view ................................................................................................................................ About naming views .................................................................................................................. View types ................................................................................................................................. View planes ............................................................................................................................... Moving a view plane .................................................................................................................. Creating grid views .................................................................................................................... Creating a surface view ............................................................................................................. Opening a view ................................................................................................................................ Modifying a view............................................................................................................................... Deleting a view................................................................................................................................. Switching between open views ........................................................................................................ Switching between 3D and plane view............................................................................................. Refreshing views.............................................................................................................................. Arranging views................................................................................................................................ 34 35 35 36 36 37 38 38 40 40 40 41 41 41 41
2.7
Construction objects ............................................................................................................................. 42 Creating a construction plane .......................................................................................................... 42 Creating a construction line.............................................................................................................. 43 Creating a construction circle........................................................................................................... 43
2.8
Points.................................................................................................................................................... 44 Creating a point................................................................................................................................ 44 Importing points................................................................................................................................ 44
2.9
Reference models................................................................................................................................. 45 Inserting a reference model ............................................................................................................. Modifying reference model properties.............................................................................................. Hiding a reference model ................................................................................................................. Highlighting a reference model ........................................................................................................ Updating reference models .............................................................................................................. Detecting changes in a reference model.......................................................................................... Viewing reference model layers ....................................................................................................... Reference model objects ................................................................................................................. Splitting a reference model into reference model objects .......................................................... Supported DGN objects ................................................................................................................... 46 47 47 47 48 48 49 50 51 51
Creating and modifying structures........................................................ 53

3.1 About parts ........................................................................................................................................... 53 Part handles..................................................................................................................................... 53 Part labels ........................................................................................................................................ 54 Showing part labels in a view .................................................................................................... 55 3.2 Creating and modifying parts ............................................................................................................... 55
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Modifying the position of a part ........................................................................................................ Modifying the length of a part ........................................................................................................... Changing the profile of a part ........................................................................................................... Standard profiles ........................................................................................................................ Parametric profiles ..................................................................................................................... User-defined profiles .................................................................................................................. Changing the material of a part ........................................................................................................ Changing the color of a part ............................................................................................................. 3.3 Creating a steel column.................................................................................................................... Creating a steel beam ...................................................................................................................... Creating a steel polybeam................................................................................................................ Creating a curved beam ................................................................................................................... Creating a contour plate ................................................................................................................... Creating a round contour plate .................................................................................................. Creating an orthogonal beam........................................................................................................... Creating a twin profile....................................................................................................................... 3.4 Creating an assembly....................................................................................................................... Creating a sub-assembly ........................................................................................................... Using bolts to create assemblies ............................................................................................... Bolting sub-assemblies to an existing assembly ....................................................................... Using welds to create assemblies ............................................................................................. Welding sub-assemblies to an existing assembly ..................................................................... Adding objects to assemblies........................................................................................................... Assembly hierarchy ................................................................................................................... Adding parts to an assembly ..................................................................................................... Creating a nested assembly ...................................................................................................... Joining assemblies .................................................................................................................... Changing the assembly main part ............................................................................................. Changing the main assembly .................................................................................................... Removing objects from an assembly ............................................................................................... Highlighting objects in an assembly ................................................................................................. Exploding an assembly .................................................................................................................... Assembly examples ......................................................................................................................... 3.5 Creating a pad footing ...................................................................................................................... Creating a strip footing ..................................................................................................................... Creating a concrete column ............................................................................................................. Creating a concrete beam ................................................................................................................ Creating a concrete polybeam ......................................................................................................... Creating a concrete slab ..................................................................................................................
56 57 57 58 58 58 58 59 60 60 61 61 61 62 62 63 64 64 64 65 65 65 66 66 67 67 68 68 68 68 68 69 69 71 71 71 72 72 73
Steel parts............................................................................................................................................. 59
Assemblies............................................................................................................................................ 63
Concrete parts....................................................................................................................................... 70
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Creating a round slab ................................................................................................................ 73 Creating a concrete panel ................................................................................................................ 74 3.6 Cast units.............................................................................................................................................. 74 Creating a cast unit .......................................................................................................................... Adding objects to cast units ............................................................................................................. Adding concrete objects to a cast unit ....................................................................................... Adding non-concrete objects to a cast unit ............................................................................... Changing the cast unit main part ............................................................................................... Removing objects from a cast unit ................................................................................................... Highlighting objects in a cast unit..................................................................................................... Exploding a cast unit ........................................................................................................................ Defining the cast unit type................................................................................................................ Casting direction .............................................................................................................................. Defining the casting direction of a part ...................................................................................... Showing the top-in-form face .................................................................................................... 75 75 75 75 76 76 76 76 77 77 78 78
Detailing structures................................................................................. 81
4.1 Bolts...................................................................................................................................................... 81 Creating a bolt group........................................................................................................................ Bolt group shape ....................................................................................................................... Bolt group position ..................................................................................................................... Bolt offsets ................................................................................................................................. Creating a single bolt ....................................................................................................................... Changing or adding bolted parts ...................................................................................................... 4.2 82 82 83 84 84 84
Holes..................................................................................................................................................... 85 Creating round holes........................................................................................................................ 85 Creating slotted holes ...................................................................................................................... 86 Creating oversized holes.................................................................................................................. 86
4.3
Welds.................................................................................................................................................... 87 Creating a weld between parts......................................................................................................... Weld position ............................................................................................................................. Weld size prefixes ..................................................................................................................... Creating a polygon weld................................................................................................................... Creating a weld to a part.................................................................................................................. Weld preparation.............................................................................................................................. Manually preparing a part for welding ....................................................................................... 87 88 89 89 90 90 90 92 92 93 93 93
4.4
Surface treatment ................................................................................................................................. 91 Modifying surface treatment properties............................................................................................ Adding surface treatment to parts .................................................................................................... Adding surface treatment to a selected area ............................................................................. Adding surface treatment to a part face .................................................................................... Adding surface treatment to all faces of a part ..........................................................................
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Adding surface treatment to cut faces ....................................................................................... 93 Surface treatment on chamfered parts ...................................................................................... 94 Surface treatment on parts with openings and recesses ........................................................... 94 Creating new surface treatment options........................................................................................... 95 Tiled surface treatment..................................................................................................................... 96 Creating new tile patterns .......................................................................................................... 96 Example pattern definition ......................................................................................................... 97 Tile pattern definitions ................................................................................................................ 99 Tile pattern elements ............................................................................................................... 100 4.5 Fine-tuning part shape ........................................................................................................................ 100 Chamfers........................................................................................................................................ Chamfering part corners .......................................................................................................... Corner chamfer types and dimensions .................................................................................... Polybeam chamfers ................................................................................................................. Chamfering part edges ............................................................................................................ Fittings............................................................................................................................................ Creating a fitting ....................................................................................................................... Cuts ................................................................................................................................................ Line cuts .................................................................................................................................. Polygon cuts ............................................................................................................................ Part cuts ................................................................................................................................... Cutting parts with a line ........................................................................................................... Cutting parts with a polygon .................................................................................................... Cutting parts with another part ................................................................................................. Modifying the shape of a polygon................................................................................................... Warping concrete parts .................................................................................................................. Warping a concrete beam using deformation angles .............................................................. Warping a concrete slab by moving chamfers ......................................................................... Warping a Floor Bay (66) slab ................................................................................................. Cambering parts............................................................................................................................. Cambering a part ..................................................................................................................... 4.6 100 101 101 102 103 104 104 105 105 105 106 107 107 108 108 109 109 109 110 111 111
Combining parts.................................................................................................................................. 111 Combining two parts into one......................................................................................................... 112 Attaching a part to another part...................................................................................................... 112
4.7
Splitting parts ...................................................................................................................................... 113 Splitting a straight or curved part.................................................................................................... 113 Splitting a plate or slab ................................................................................................................... 113
Examining the model ............................................................................ 115

5.1 Viewing the model............................................................................................................................... 115 Zooming the model......................................................................................................................... 115 Modifying the zoom settings .................................................................................................... 116
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Zooming with keyboard shortcuts ............................................................................................ Rotating the model ......................................................................................................................... Moving the model........................................................................................................................... Flying through the model................................................................................................................ Creating a clip plane ...................................................................................................................... Creating a screenshot.................................................................................................................... Creating a screenshot in Windows Vista ................................................................................. Saving a screenshot in bitmap format ..................................................................................... Printing a screenshot ............................................................................................................... 5.2 Defining which objects are displayed ............................................................................................. Representation options .................................................................................................................. Hiding selected parts...................................................................................................................... Hiding unselected parts.................................................................................................................. Showing parts with exact lines ....................................................................................................... Showing parts with high accuracy.................................................................................................. Showing and hiding assemblies..................................................................................................... Showing and hiding components ................................................................................................... Object groups................................................................................................................................. Creating an object group ......................................................................................................... Copying an object group to another model ............................................................................. Deleting an object group ......................................................................................................... Object representation settings ....................................................................................................... Creating object representation settings ................................................................................... Copying object representation settings to another model ....................................................... Deleting object representation settings ................................................................................... 5.3 Creating a visualization .................................................................................................................. Copying visualization settings to another model ............................................................................ Deleting visualization settings ........................................................................................................ Example: Visualizing the erection schedule of a project ................................................................ Example: Defining an erection schedule ................................................................................. Example: Creating object groups ............................................................................................ Example: Creating object representation settings ................................................................... Example: Creating visualization settings ................................................................................. Example: Visualizing the erection schedule ............................................................................
116 116 117 118 119 119 120 120 120 121 121 123 124 125 125 126 127 127 127 128 128 128 129 131 131 132 132 133 133 133 134 134 135 135
Showing and hiding objects ................................................................................................................ 121
Visualizing project status .................................................................................................................... 132
Checking the model .............................................................................. 139

6.1 Inquiring the model ............................................................................................................................. 139 Inquiring object properties.............................................................................................................. 139 Object property report templates ............................................................................................. 140 Using the Custom Inquiry tool ........................................................................................................ 140
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Modifying the contents of Custom Inquiry tool ......................................................................... 140 Adding attributes to Custom Inquiry tool .................................................................................. 141 6.2 Measuring objects............................................................................................................................... 141 Measuring distances ...................................................................................................................... Measuring angles ........................................................................................................................... Measuring arcs............................................................................................................................... Measuring bolt spacing .................................................................................................................. 6.3 Clash Check Manager.................................................................................................................... Finding clashes using Clash Check Manager .......................................................................... Grouping clashes ..................................................................................................................... Viewing the details of a clash .................................................................................................. Searching for clashes .............................................................................................................. Printing a list of clashes ........................................................................................................... Opening and saving clash check sessions .............................................................................. Defining a clash check clearance area for bolts............................................................................. Reverting to the old clash checking functionality............................................................................ 6.4 6.5 142 142 142 143 144 145 147 148 149 150 151 152 153
Detecting clashes................................................................................................................................ 144
Comparing parts or assemblies .......................................................................................................... 153 Finding distant objects ........................................................................................................................ 153
Numbering the model ........................................................................... 155

7.1 7.2 What is numbering .............................................................................................................................. 155 What affects numbering ...................................................................................................................... 156 Identical parts ................................................................................................................................. 156 Identical reinforcements ................................................................................................................. 157 User-defined attributes in numbering ............................................................................................. 157 7.3 Defining numbering series .................................................................................................................. 158 Planning your numbering series..................................................................................................... Assigning a numbering series to a part .......................................................................................... Assigning a numbering series to an assembly ............................................................................... Family numbers.............................................................................................................................. Assigning family numbers ........................................................................................................ Changing the family number of an object ................................................................................ Overlapping numbering series ....................................................................................................... 7.4 Numbering assemblies and cast units............................................................................................ Assembly position numbers ..................................................................................................... Numbering reinforcements ............................................................................................................. Saving preliminary numbers........................................................................................................... Control numbers............................................................................................................................. Assigning control numbers to parts ......................................................................................... 158 159 159 159 160 160 161 161 162 162 162 163 163
Numbering objects .............................................................................................................................. 161
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Displaying control numbers in the model ................................................................................. Removing control numbers ..................................................................................................... Locking and unlocking control numbers .................................................................................. Example: Using control numbers to indicate the erection order ............................................. Changing numbers......................................................................................................................... Clearing numbers........................................................................................................................... Creating a standard-part model ..................................................................................................... 7.5 7.6 7.7
164 165 166 166 168 169 169
Viewing the numbering history............................................................................................................ 170 Repairing numbering errors ................................................................................................................ 170 Numbering examples.......................................................................................................................... 171 Example: Numbering identical beams............................................................................................ Example: Using family numbers..................................................................................................... Example: Numbering selected part types ...................................................................................... Example: Numbering parts in selected phases.............................................................................. Example: Numbering settings during a project .............................................................................. 171 171 172 173 174
Advanced modeling .............................................................................. 177

8.1 Organizing the model.......................................................................................................................... 177 Creating logical areas .................................................................................................................... Creating object type categories...................................................................................................... Modifying logical areas and object type categories........................................................................ Modifying the object pane .............................................................................................................. Viewing logical areas and object type categories .......................................................................... Deleting logical areas and object type categories.......................................................................... 8.2 179 179 179 180 181 181
Phases................................................................................................................................................ 182 Dividing the model into phases ...................................................................................................... 182 Custom phase properties ............................................................................................................... 182
8.3
Sequences.......................................................................................................................................... 183 Creating a sequence ...................................................................................................................... Adding parts to a sequence ........................................................................................................... Checking the sequence of a part ................................................................................................... Modifying the sequence number of a part...................................................................................... Deleting a sequence ...................................................................................................................... 183 183 184 184 184 185 185 186 186
8.4
Lotting ................................................................................................................................................. 185 Creating a lot.................................................................................................................................. Adding parts to a lot ....................................................................................................................... Removing parts from a lot .............................................................................................................. Deleting a lot ..................................................................................................................................
8.5 8.6
Parametric modeling........................................................................................................................... 186 Parametric profiles available in Tekla Structures ........................................................................... 187 Sketched cross sections ..................................................................................................................... 192
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Opening the cross section sketch editor ........................................................................................ Sketch Browser ........................................................................................................................ Variables .................................................................................................................................. Sketching the outline of a cross section ......................................................................................... Sketching a polyline ................................................................................................................. Sketching an arc ...................................................................................................................... Sketching a circle ..................................................................................................................... Refining the shape of a sketched cross section ............................................................................. Adding a parallel constraint ..................................................................................................... Adding a perpendicular constraint ........................................................................................... Adding a coincident constraint ................................................................................................. Adding a fixed constraint ......................................................................................................... Adding a horizontal constraint ................................................................................................. Adding a vertical constraint ...................................................................................................... Deleting a constraint ................................................................................................................ Adding dimensions to a sketched cross section............................................................................. Adding a radial dimension to a sketch ..................................................................................... Adding an angle dimension to a sketch ................................................................................... Adding a dimension between two points in a sketch ............................................................... Adding a horizontal dimension to a sketch .............................................................................. Adding a vertical dimension to a sketch .................................................................................. Deleting a dimension from a sketch ......................................................................................... Defining positioning planes for a sketched cross section............................................................... Part positioning planes ............................................................................................................ Connection positioning planes ................................................................................................. Showing and hiding positioning planes .................................................................................... Moving positioning planes ....................................................................................................... Moving positioning plane handles ............................................................................................ Reverting to default positioning planes .................................................................................... Checking a sketched cross section ................................................................................................ Saving a sketched cross section .................................................................................................... Modifying a sketched cross section................................................................................................ Modifying chamfers in a sketch ............................................................................................... Setting the sketch thickness .................................................................................................... Cross section extrusion types .................................................................................................. Using sketched cross sections in a model ..................................................................................... Creating an image of a sketched cross section ....................................................................... Importing and exporting sketched cross sections .......................................................................... Importing sketched cross sections ........................................................................................... Exporting sketched cross sections .......................................................................................... Example: Creating a symmetric C-shaped cross section............................................................... Example: Sketching a C-shaped cross section ....................................................................... Example: Adding dimensions to the cross section ..................................................................
192 193 194 195 195 196 196 197 197 198 198 199 199 200 200 201 201 202 202 203 203 204 204 204 205 206 206 207 208 208 209 209 210 210 211 212 213 213 214 214 215 215 216
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Example: Setting the cross section thickness ......................................................................... 217 Example: Modifying the chamfers of the cross section ........................................................... 218 Example: Using the cross section in a model .......................................................................... 219
Modeling settings .................................................................................. 221

9.1 General settings.................................................................................................................................. 221 Grid properties ............................................................................................................................... Grid line properties......................................................................................................................... Point properties .............................................................................................................................. Rotation settings ............................................................................................................................ Screenshot settings........................................................................................................................ 9.2 View properties .............................................................................................................................. Default part, component, assembly and cast unit view properties .......................................... Grid view properties ....................................................................................................................... Display settings .............................................................................................................................. Color settings for parts ................................................................................................................... Color settings for object groups ..................................................................................................... Transparency settings for object groups ........................................................................................ 9.3 Steel column properties ................................................................................................................. Steel beam properties .................................................................................................................... Contour plate properties................................................................................................................. Orthogonal beam properties .......................................................................................................... Twin profile properties.................................................................................................................... Pad footing properties.................................................................................................................... Strip footing properties ................................................................................................................... Concrete column properties ........................................................................................................... Concrete beam properties.............................................................................................................. Concrete slab properties ................................................................................................................ Concrete panel properties.............................................................................................................. User-defined attributes................................................................................................................... 9.4 Position on the work plane ............................................................................................................. Rotation.......................................................................................................................................... Position depth ................................................................................................................................ Vertical position.............................................................................................................................. Horizontal position.......................................................................................................................... End offsets ..................................................................................................................................... 9.5 221 222 222 223 223 224 225 226 226 228 228 229 230 230 231 232 232 233 234 235 235 236 237 238 238 240 240 242 244 246
View and representation settings........................................................................................................ 224
Part properties .................................................................................................................................... 229
Part position settings .......................................................................................................................... 238
Detail properties.................................................................................................................................. 247 Bolt properties................................................................................................................................ 248 Weld properties .............................................................................................................................. 249
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Weld types...................................................................................................................................... 251 Corner chamfer properties ............................................................................................................. 252 Edge chamfer properties ................................................................................................................ 253 9.6 Numbering settings ............................................................................................................................. 253 General numbering settings ........................................................................................................... 254 Weld numbering settings................................................................................................................ 255 Control number settings ................................................................................................................. 255
10 Modeling tips ......................................................................................... 257

10.1 General modeling tips ......................................................................................................................... 257 Right-hand rule............................................................................................................................... Activating an overlapping view ....................................................................................................... Hiding cut lines in a view ................................................................................................................ Cutting efficiently ............................................................................................................................ Creating a radial grid ...................................................................................................................... Finding RGB values for colors........................................................................................................ Showing part reference lines in model views ................................................................................. Defining default part properties ...................................................................................................... Creating curved parts ..................................................................................................................... Creating horizontal parts ................................................................................................................ Creating beams close to each other............................................................................................... Alternative way of creating a round plate or slab ........................................................................... Positioning columns, pad footings, and orthogonal beams ............................................................ Positioning objects in a radial or circular pattern............................................................................ Optional ways of placing objects in a model .................................................................................. Displaying objects connected to a part........................................................................................... Modeling identical areas................................................................................................................. 257 258 258 258 259 260 260 261 262 263 263 263 264 265 265 265 266
10.2 Tips for creating and positioning parts ................................................................................................ 261
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Creating 3D models
This section explains how to open, create, and save models in Tekla Structures.
Contents
What is a 3D model (p. 15) Creating a new model (p. 16) Opening a model (p. 17) Saving a model (p. 17) Model templates (p. 18)
1.1 What is a 3D model

Using Tekla Structures, you can create a real-life model of any structure. The 3D model contains all the information that is needed to manufacture and construct the structure, including:
Geometry and dimensions Profiles and cross sections Connection types Materials
The 3D model is the single source of information for drawings and other outputs, such as reports and NC data files. This ensures that the information in drawings and reports is always up to date, as they react to modifications in the model.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Creating 3D models
15
See also
Creating and modifying structures (p. 53)
1.2 Creating a new model

You need to create a model for each Tekla Structures project. This model contains all the information about the project. Each model is stored in its own folder in the TeklaStructuresModels folder. To create a new model: 1. Click File > New... or . You can only have one model open at a time. If you already have a model open, Tekla Structures prompts you to save that model.
2.

3. 4.
Define where to save the new model. To select a folder, click Browse. To save the model in a recently used model folder, use the Save in list box. To define the location manually, type the path in the Save in field, followed by the \ character. Do not enter the model name in this field.
Type a unique name in the Model name field. Do not use special characters (/ \ ; : | ). Optional: In the Model template list box, select the template you want to use.
16
5.
In the Model type list box, define whether the model may be used by one person or shared by many. Single-user: model will be used by one person.
6.
Multi-user: model is stored on a server and may be used by several people. Also enter the name of the server in the Server field.
Click OK. Tekla Structures creates the model and opens the default model view.
See also
Model templates (p. 18) Multi-user mode
1.3 Opening a model

To open a Tekla Structures model: 1. . Click File > Open... or You can only have one model open at a time. If you already have a model open, Tekla Structures prompts you to save that model. In the Open dialog box, select the model. To open a recently used model, use the Model name list box.
2.

3.
To open a recently used model folder, use the Look in list box. To search for models in another folder, click Browse...
Click OK to open the model. If no views are visible after you have opened a model, Tekla Structures prompts you to select one.
You can sort models by clicking the column titles. When the models are sorted alphabetically by their names, you can use the keyboard to select models. For example, when you type N, Tekla Structures selects the first model starting with an N.
See also
Creating a new model (p. 16)
1.4 Saving a model

You should save your model regularly to avoid losing any work. Tekla Structures also automatically saves your work at regular intervals. To save a model, do one of the following: Click . Click File > Save.
17
The Autosave tool automatically saves your model and drawings at set intervals. To set the autosave interval, click Tools > Options > Options... > General.
See also
Saving a model with a different name or location (p. 18) Saving in multi-user mode Autosave
Saving a model with a different name or location

To save a copy of a model under a different name or in a different location: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click File > Save As... In the Save as dialog box, browse to the folder where you want to save the model. In the Model name field, type a new name. Click OK. Tekla Structures creates a new copy with a different name, but the original version of the model remains intact.
See also
Saving a model (p. 17)
1.5 Model templates

This section is for advanced users.
You can save the desired settings in a model and use that model as a template when you create new models. The location of model templates is defined by the advanced option XS_MODEL_TEMPLATE_DIRECTORY. For example, you can set this advanced option to point to the same location as XS_FIRM. By default, the advanced option points to the folder ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\default\model_templates\. Any model under the defined folder will be available as a model template if the file TeklaStructuresModel.xml in the model folder contains the setting <IsTemplate>TRUE</IsTemplate>. The default value is FALSE. You can create only single-user models with model templates. If you wish to create a multi-user model using a model template, create the model in single-user mode and then switch to multiuser mode.
See also
Creating a model template (p. 19) Switching between single-user and multi-user modes
18
Creating a model template

When you create a model template, always start by creating a new empty model. This is because old models cannot be completely cleaned and they might contain quite a lot of information even if you delete all objects from the model. To create a model template: 1. 2. 3. 4. Create a new model and give it a unique name. For example, Steel framework. Add the desired profiles, custom components, and so on, in the model. Save and close the model. Move the whole model folder in the location pointed by the advanced option XS_MODEL_TEMPLATE_DIRECTORY. By default, the advanced option points to the folder ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\default\model_templates\. In the new template model folder, open the TeklaStructuresModel.xml file using any standard text editor. Do not edit the TeklaStructuresModels.xml file that is located in the TeklaStructuresModels folder or in the place pointed by the advanced option XS_RUNPATH.
5.
6. 7.
See also
Set the IsTemplate element to TRUE. Save the file.
Model templates (p. 18)
19
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Setting up the workspace
This section explains how to set up the workspace so that you can start modeling. It also presents some basic Tekla Structures vocabulary and concepts that are needed when working with 3D models.
Contents
Screen layout (p. 21) Work area (p. 25) Work plane (p. 27) Coordinate system (p. 28) Grids (p. 29) Views (p. 33) Construction objects (p. 42) Points (p. 44) Reference models (p. 45)
2.1 Screen layout

When you start Tekla Structures, a new window appears on the screen. Initially, most of the menu options and all the icons are gray indicating that they are inactive. When you open or create a model, the icons and available menu options will become active.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Setting up the workspace
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The following illustration identifies the various areas of the Tekla Structures modeling interface:
Pull-down menus contain all the commands Toolbars can be either docked or floating Selection switches determine the selectable objects Snap settings control which points you can snap to and pick Status bar displays instructions, and the status of some settings
See also
Changing the background color (p. 23)
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Changing the background color

You can define the background color of model views using RGB values. You can control the color of each corner of the background separately. To change the background color in rendered views: 1. 2. Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View. Modify the background color using the following advanced options: XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR1
XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR2 XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR3 XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR4
To use a single-colored background, set the same value for all four corners of the background. To use the default background color, leave the advanced option fields empty. 3.
See also
Close and reopen the view for the change to take effect.
Finding RGB values for colors (p. 260) Background color examples (p. 23)
Background color examples

Below are some examples of possible background colors that you can define. The first RGB value refers to the advanced option XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR1, the second value to the advanced option XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR2, and so on.
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RGB values
1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Result
0.0 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
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RGB values
0.3 0.0 0.6 0.3 0.0 0.6 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Result
0.0 0.2 0.7 0.0 0.8 0.7 0.0 0.2 0.7 0.0 0.8 0.7
See also
Changing the background color (p. 23) Finding RGB values for colors (p. 260)
2.2 Work area

Tekla Structures indicates the work area of a view using green, dashed lines.
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You can define the work area to suit particular situations, for example, to concentrate on a particular area of the model. Defining the work area makes it faster and easier to work with the model. Objects outside the work area still exist, but they are not visible.
See also
Defining the work area (p. 26) Hiding the work area (p. 26)
Defining the work area

You can shrink and expand the work area by picking the corner points of the new work area, or size the work area to include selected parts, or all model objects. You can define the work area in a selected view, or in all visible views. To define the work area: 1. 2.
See also
Select a command from View > Fit Work Area. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. Define the work area by following the instructions on the status bar.
Work area (p. 25)
Hiding the work area

If you want, you can hide the green work area box. This can be useful, for example, when creating screenshots for presentations. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View. Set the XS_HIDE_WORKAREA advanced option to TRUE. Click OK or Apply. Click View > Redraw All. Tekla Structures hides the work area. To make the work area visible again, set the advanced option to FALSE. Alternatively, hold down the Ctrl and Shift keys when clicking View > Redraw All to hide the green work area box. To make the box visible again, click View > Redraw All again.
See also
Work area (p. 25)
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2.3 Work plane

The red coordinate arrow symbol indicates the work plane, which is the local coordinate system of the model. The work plane also has its own grid, which can be used for positioning parts. Tekla Structures displays the work plane grid in dark red color. To display the work plane grid, select Work plane from the second list box on the Snapping toolbar.
The red arrow symbol shows the xy plane. The z direction follows the right-hand rule. Most of the commands that are dependent on the coordinate system use work plane coordinates. For example creating points, part positioning, and copying always comply with the work plane coordinate system. The current work plane is model-specific, so it is the same in all views.
See also
Shifting the work plane (p. 27) Restoring the default work plane (p. 28) Changing the color of the work plane grid (p. 28) Right-hand rule (p. 257)
Shifting the work plane

You can shift the work plane to any position by picking points, parallel to one of the global basic planes, or on a part or view plane. When modeling sloped parts, shifting the work plane helps you to place parts accurately. For example, to model horizontal bracing and purlins in a sloped roof, you need to shift the work plane to the slope of the roof. To shift the work plane: 1. 2. 3. Click View > Set Work Plane and select one of the commands. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. Shift the work plane by following the instructions on the status bar. Optional: In the second list box on the Snapping toolbar, select Work plane to display the work plane grid.
27
See also
Work plane (p. 27)
Restoring the default work plane

Remember to change back to the default work plane when you have finished modeling sloped structures. To restore the default work plane: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Click View > Set Work Plane > Parallel to XY(Z) Plane... Set Plane to XY. Set Depth coordinate to 0. Click Change.
Work plane (p. 27)
Changing the color of the work plane grid

To change the color of the work plane grid: 1. 2. Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View. Modify the advanced option XS_GRID_COLOR_FOR_WORK_PLANE. Define the color using RGB values on a scale of 0 to 1. For example, to change the color to red, set the value to 1.0 0.0 0.0. Click OK. Close and reopen the view for the change to take effect.
3. 4.
See also
Work plane (p. 27) Finding RGB values for colors (p. 260)
2.4 Coordinate system

The symbol with three axes (x, y, and z) represents the local coordinate system and indicates the direction of the model. It is located in the lower right corner of the model view. The coordinate symbol follows the work plane.
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The green cube symbol represents the global coordinate system and lies at the global point of origin.
See also
Work plane (p. 27) View types (p. 36)
2.5 Grids
Grids are used as an aid in locating objects in a Tekla Structures model. A grid represents a three-dimensional complex of horizontal and vertical planes. The grid is shown on the view plane using dash-and-dot lines.
29
Grid origin is the point where the zero points of each coordinate axis intersect Grid line extensions define how far the grid lines extend in each direction Grid labels are the names of the grid lines shown in views You can make grids and grid lines act magnetically so that the objects on the grid lines follow if you move the grid line. You can have more than one grid in a model. So that you can easily locate objects in your model, we strongly advise that you create a modular grid. You can create a large-scale grid for the entire structure, and smaller grids for some detailed sections. You can also create single grid lines and attach them to an existing grid.
See also
Creating a grid (p. 30) Modifying a grid (p. 31) Deleting a grid (p. 31) Changing the grid color (p. 32) Grid lines (p. 32)
Creating a grid
When you create a new model, Tekla Structures automatically creates a grid and a view according to the saved standard properties. You can also create grids manually. To manually create a grid: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Modeling > Create Grid... Modify the grid properties. Optional: To bind objects to the grid lines, select the Magnetic grid plane check box. Optional: When prompted, pick a point to indicate the origin of the grid. The coordinates of the picked point appear in the Grid dialog box as X0, Y0, and Z0. If you do not pick a point, Tekla Structures positions the origin according to the values you entered for X0, Y0, and Z0. 5.
See also
Click Create.
Grids (p. 29) Grid coordinates (p. 30) Grid labels (p. 31) Grid properties (p. 221)
Grid coordinates
The x and y coordinates of a grid are relative. This means that the entries for x and y are always relative to the previous entry. The z coordinates are absolute, which means that entries for z are absolute distances from the work plane origin. There are two ways to enter the x or y coordinates of grid lines:
Define the coordinates individually. For example, 0 4000 4000. Define several grid lines with equal spacing. For example, 0 2*4000.
Both methods create three lines with the spacing of 4000.
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Use a zero at the start to represent a grid on the 0,0 coordinate and spaces as separators for coordinates. You can have a maximum of 1024 characters in the coordinates field.
See also
Creating a grid (p. 30) Coordinate system (p. 28)
Grid labels
Labels are the names of the grid lines shown in views. The names in the X field are associated with the grid lines parallel to the y axis and vice versa. The Z field is for the names of levels parallel to the work plane. If you wish, you can leave the label fields empty.
When working with very large grids, always having the grid labels visible might slow down Tekla Structures. To hide the grid labels when you zoom in, use the advanced option XS_ADJUST_GRID_LABELS.
See also
Grids (p. 29) Creating a grid (p. 30)
Modifying a grid
To modify a grid: 1. 2. 3. is selected. Ensure that the Select grid selection switch Double-click a grid line. The Grid dialog box appears. Modify the grid properties. If you have attached additional grid lines to the grid and you want to preserve them, clear the check boxes next to the coordinate fields in the Grid dialog box. If the coordinate check boxes are selected, Tekla Structures deletes all single grid lines attached to the grid. 4.
See also
Click Modify to save the changes.
Grids (p. 29) Grid properties (p. 221)
Deleting a grid
To delete a grid: 1. 2. 3. is selected. Ensure that the Select grid selection switch Select a grid line. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu.
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When you delete a grid, ensure that you do not have any other objects selected. If you have also other objects selected, Tekla Structures only deletes the objects, not the grid.
See also
Grids (p. 29)
Changing the grid color

To change the color of the grid in rendered views: 1. 2. Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View. Modify the advanced option XS_GRID_COLOR. Define the color using RGB values on a scale of 0 to 1. For example, to change the color to red, set the value to 1.0 0.0 0.0. Click OK. Close and reopen the view for the change to take effect.
3. 4.
See also
Grids (p. 29) Finding RGB values for colors (p. 260)
Grid lines
You can attach single grid lines to an existing grid. Single grid lines have handles. When you select a grid line, the handles appear in magenta. You can use handles to move the grid lines.
If you want to move the grid lines using the handles to make a skewed grid, you can do this only on the local XY plane of the grid.
See also
Grids (p. 29)
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Creating a single grid line (p. 33) Modifying a single grid line (p. 33) Deleting a single grid line (p. 33)
Creating a single grid line

To create a single grid line: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Click Modeling > Add Grid Line. Select an existing grid to attach the grid line to. Pick the starting point of the grid line. Pick the end point of the grid line.
Grid lines (p. 32)
Modifying a single grid line

To modify a single grid line: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
is selected. Ensure that the Select grid line selection switch Double-click a grid line. The Grid Line Properties dialog box appears. Modify the grid line properties. Click Modify to save the changes.
Grid lines (p. 32) Grid line properties (p. 222)
Deleting a single grid line

To delete a single grid line: 1. 2. 3. Ensure that the Select grid line selection switch Select the grid line you want to delete. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu. is selected.
When you delete a grid line, ensure that you do not have any other objects selected. If you also have other objects selected, Tekla Structures only deletes the objects, not the grid line.
See also
Grid lines (p. 32)
2.6 Views
A view is a representation of a model from a specific location. Each view is displayed in its own window inside the Tekla Structures window. There are several ways to create views in Tekla Structures. For example, you can create views:
of the entire structure of selected parts and components of selected cast units and assemblies along the grid lines
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When you need to see a specific part clearly, create a 3D view of the part. This places the part in the center of the view.
See also
Creating a view (p. 35) Opening a view (p. 40) Modifying a view (p. 40) Deleting a view (p. 40) Switching between open views (p. 41) Switching between 3D and plane view (p. 41) Refreshing views (p. 41) Arranging views (p. 41)
Should I model in a 3D or plane view?

3D, plane, and elevation views provide different types of information, which is useful for different tasks. One common technique is to open several views:
A 3D view to see a real-life version of the model A plane view, where you can add and connect parts An elevation view to check the level
Selecting a part in a view highlights the part in all open views.
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If you are working with two screens, maximize your work area by putting the elevation and 3D views on one screen and the plane view on the other.
See also
Views (p. 33) Switching between 3D and plane view (p. 41)
Creating a view
To create a new view: 1. 2. 3. Select a view command from the View menu. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. Create the view by following the instructions on the status bar. Optional: Save the view. a Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. b Type a unique name in the Name field. Temporary views have a default name in parentheses. Do not use parentheses when naming a view, or the view will not be saved for later use.
c
See also
Click Modify.
Views (p. 33) View and representation settings (p. 224) Default part, component, assembly and cast unit view properties (p. 225) About naming views (p. 35) View types (p. 36) View planes (p. 36) Creating grid views (p. 38) Creating a surface view (p. 38)
About naming views

Tekla Structures numbers views in order of creation, so you do not have to give each view a specific name. You should give each view a unique name if you need to open it in later sessions. When you exit the model, Tekla Structures only saves the named views. Temporary views, which have a default name in parentheses, disappear when you close them.
In multi-user mode, it is very important to give views unique names. If several users have different views with the same name, the view settings of one user may randomly override the settings of another user.
See also
Creating a view (p. 35)
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View types
The view type defines the appearance of the view. It also affects which methods you can use to rotate the model. Model views are by default rendered. In rendered views, objects look more realistic because they are non-transparent and their surfaces are displayed. You can rotate the model with the mouse in a rendered view.
You can change the view type to wire frame by setting the advanced option XS_ENABLE_WIRE_FRAME to TRUE through Tools > Options > Advanced Options > Model View, and selecting Wireframe as the view type in the View Properties dialog box.
See also
Creating a view (p. 35) Representation options (p. 121) XS_ENABLE_WIRE_FRAME
View planes
Each view has a view plane on which the grids are visible and points are represented as yellow crosses. Points that are located outside the view plane are red.
Basic views
Basic views are those parallel to the global basic planes (xy, xz, and zy). In basic views, two axes always define the view plane and the axes appear in the plane name. The third axis is perpendicular to the view plane. It does not appear in the plane name. In the basic plane view, the model is shown from the direction of the third axis. The view plane options for basic views are:
Plane: XY
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Plane: XZ
Plane: ZY
For basic views, you also define the distance the view plane is from the global origin in the direction of the third axis. The view plane coordinate equals this distance.
Other views
For view types other than basic views, you either define the view plane and coordinate by picking points, or the points are defined automatically, depending on the creation method. Moving a view plane (p. 37) Creating a view (p. 35)
See also
Moving a view plane

You can change the view plane by moving it like any other object. When you move a view plane, Tekla Structures only uses the vector that is perpendicular to the view plane. To move the view plane: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Click the view. Right-click and select Move Special > Linear... from the pop-up menu. Pick the starting point of the translation vector, or enter its coordinates. Pick the end point of the translation vector, or enter its coordinates. Click Move. If the Move - Linear dialog box is open but the command is not active anymore, click the Pick button to re-activate the command.
See also
View planes (p. 36)
37
Creating grid views

Grid views are views along the grid lines. You can define how many views Tekla Structures will create, how it will name the views, and which view properties it will use. Before you start, create a view that contains a grid. To create grid views: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Select the grid. Click View > Create View of Model > Along Grid Lines... Modify the grid properties. Click Create. The Views dialog box appears. Click the arrow buttons to show or hide the grid views. The grid views will not be visible until you move them to the visible views in the Views dialog box.
See also
Creating a view (p. 35) Grid view properties (p. 226)
Creating a surface view

With the surface view creation tools you can pick the surface of any part. Tekla Structures automatically creates a new aligned temporary view looking directly at the surface, fits the work area of the model to the selected part, and aligns the work plane to that surface or a userselected edge of the surface. Using the surface view creation tools makes it easier to model in bolt groups, stiffener plates, and hole penetrations on complex geometry. While you model in the newly created temporary view, you can see your modeling work being done in the original 3D view. You can easily create views along the surface of concrete panels, slabs, columns, or beams, and place embeds, formwork, or wall penetrations. The commands are available in the Macros dialog box (Tools > Macros), and you can also add them on a toolbar (Tools > Customize).
To create a surface view using the toolbar: 1. Click one of the view creation commands: To create a surface view from the part surface, click CreateSurfaceView and select the surface of the part. If creating the surface view from only selecting the surface does not align or orientate the view along the edge, click CreateSurfaceView_wEdge and select the surface, and then pick the edge in which you want to align the view to (this means the edge that will form the X axis of the view). Ensure that you have Snap to geometry lines /points pick along an edge to define the direction. on. This allows you to
Tekla Structures creates a new temporary view. The view plane is at the selected surface and the work plane is changed along typically the longest edge of that face unless you chose the CreateSurfaceView_wEdge command. 2. 3. Once the view is created, press Esc or right-click and select Interrupt to interrupt. Use the WorkPlaneGlobal command to return the work plane in the model back to the origin, aligned with the global X,Y, and Z planes of the model.
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Example
Below is an example of a view that has been created with the CreateSurfaceView command.
Below is an example of using the CreateSurfaceView_wEdge command. The first image shows the snap to lines arrow. The head of the arrow represents the positive direction the x axis will be set to on the work plane. The view will be rotated to this direction to form the flat horizontal edge of the view. The origin of the view and work plane will be at the start of the arrow snap line. Once you have hovered over the edge and in the correct direction, click your mouse and the new view will be created and aligned to that edge.
39
See also
Creating a view (p. 35)
Opening a view
To view and open an existing view: 1. Click View > View List.... The Views dialog box appears. Tekla Structures lists all invisible named views on the left, and all visible views on the right. Select a view and use the arrows between the lists, or double-click a view to open it. You can have up to nine views on the screen at the same time. If you try to open more than nine views, Tekla Structures displays a warning. If the view does not appear, check how many views you have open.
2.
To open multiple views, use the Shift and Ctrl keys when you select views from the list.
See also
Views (p. 33)
Modifying a view
To modify an existing view: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. Modify the view properties. Click Modify.
Views (p. 33) View and representation settings (p. 224)
Deleting a view
To delete a named view: 1. Click View > View List....
40
The Views dialog box appears. Tekla Structures lists all invisible named views on the left, and all visible views on the right. 2. 3. Select the view you want to delete. Click Delete. To delete multiple views, use the Shift and Ctrl keys when you select views from the list.
See also
Views (p. 33)
Switching between open views

To switch between open views, do one of the following:
See also
Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Tab. On the Window menu, select a view from the list.
Views (p. 33) Switching between 3D and plane view (p. 41)
Switching between 3D and plane view

To switch between the 3D and the plane view, do one of the following:
See also
Press Ctrl+P. Click View > Switch to 3D / Plane. In the View Properties dialog box, select an option from the Angle list box, and then click Modify.
Views (p. 33) Switching between open views (p. 41)
Refreshing views
To refresh the screen display, do any of the following:
To Redraw the contents of the active view Redraw the contents of all the views
See also
Do this Right-click the view and select Redraw View from the pop-up menu. Click View > Redraw All.
Views (p. 33)
Arranging views
You can arrange views manually by dragging and dropping each view within the Tekla Structures window, or have Tekla Structures automatically arrange views. To arrange the views, do any of the following:
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To Arrange all open views in a stack Arrange all open views horizontally Arrange all open views vertically Close all the views
Do this Click Windows > Cascade. Click Windows > Tile Horizontally. Click Windows > Tile Vertically. Click View > Close All.
You cannot use the Cascade, Tile Horizontally, and Tile Vertically commands for views that you can move outside the Tekla Structures window. For more information on how to move part and component basic views and zoom windows across the entire Windows desktop, see XS_MDIVIEWPARENT, XS_MDIZOOMPARENT, and XS_MDIBASICVIEWPARENT.
See also
Views (p. 33)
2.7 Construction objects

Construction planes, lines, and circles help you place other objects. For example, you can easily pick the points at intersections of construction lines and circles. The snap priority of construction objects is the same as with the other lines. Construction objects remain in the model when you update or redraw views and windows. They do not appear in drawings. You can also create magnetic construction lines or planes to bind and move groups of objects. For example, rather than binding lots of handles and chamfers to faces, simply create a construction plane that goes through all the handles and chamfers. Then make this plane magnetic and bind the plane to the appropriate face. When you move the plane, the attached handles and chamfers move with it.
See also
Creating a construction plane (p. 42) Creating a construction line (p. 43) Creating a construction circle (p. 43)
Creating a construction plane

To create a construction plane: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Click Modeling > Add Construction Plane. Pick four points. Click the middle mouse button. Tekla Structures draws the plane. Double-click the plane in the model. The Construction Plane Properties dialog box appears. Type a name for the plane. Optional: To make the construction plane magnetic, select the Magnetic check box. Click Modify.
42
See also
Construction objects (p. 42)
Creating a construction line

To create a construction line: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Modeling > Add Construction Line. Pick the starting point of the construction line. Pick the end point of the construction line. Optional: Make the construction line magnetic. a Double-click the line in the model. b Select the Magnetic check box. c Click Modify.
See also
Creating a construction circle

To create a construction circle: 1. 2. Select a command from Modeling > Add Construction Circle. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. Create the construction circle by following the instructions on the status bar.
See also
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2.8 Points
You can create points to make it easier to place objects at positions where no lines or objects intersect. There are many ways to create points in Tekla Structures. Which method is the most convenient at each time depends on what you have already created in the model and which locations you can easily pick. When you create points, Tekla Structures always places them according to the work plane coordinate system. Points located on the view plane are yellow and points outside the view plane are red.
See also
Creating a point (p. 44) Importing points (p. 44) Point properties (p. 222)
Creating a point
To create a point: 1. 2.
See also
Use the icons on the Points toolbar, or select a command from Modeling > Add Points. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. Create the point by following the instructions on the status bar.
Points (p. 44)
Importing points
You can import points to specific locations in an open Tekla Structures model using the point creation import macro. You need to specify the point coordinates in a text file. In some cases this file is generated by another software package. To import points from a file: 1. Create a point import file.
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Create a text file that consists of single lines for each point. Use commas or tabs as delimiters for the three point coordinates on a line. For example:
100,500,1000 300,700,1500
2. 3. 4. 5.
b Save the file. Press Ctrl + F to open the Component Catalog. Type point in the Search field and click Search. Double-click Point Creation Import (8). Type the ASCII file name. Include the full path and the file extension. If you do not specify the path, Tekla Structures looks for the file in the current model folder. Define the origin of the imported points by entering the coordinates. Click Create. During the import process, Tekla Structures ignores all lines in the import file which do not consist of valid values delimited by tabs or commas.
6. 7.
See also
Points (p. 44)
2.9 Reference models

A reference model is a file which helps you to build a Tekla Structures model. A reference model is created in Tekla Structures or another software or modeling tool and imported to Tekla Structures. For example, an architectural model, a plant design model, or a heating, ventilating and airconditioning (HVAC) model can be used as a reference model. Reference models can also be simple 2D drawings that are imported and then used as a layout to directly build the model on. The following file types are supported:
AutoCAD (*.dxf) AutoCAD (*.dwg) MicroStation (*.dgn, *.prp) Cadmatic models (*.3dd) IFC files (*.IFC) IGES files (*.igs, *.iges) STEP files (*.stp, *.STEP) Tekla WebViewer XML files (*.xml)
You can snap to reference model geometry. Tekla Structures loads the reference model from the file each time you open your model. It does not save the reference model when you save the current model. The filename extension of a saved reference model properties file is *.rop.
See also
Inserting a reference model (p. 46) Modifying reference model properties (p. 47) Selecting a reference model Hiding a reference model (p. 47)
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Highlighting a reference model (p. 47) Updating reference models (p. 48) Detecting changes in a reference model (p. 48) Viewing reference model layers (p. 49) Reference model objects (p. 50) Supported DGN objects (p. 51)
Inserting a reference model

To insert a reference model in a Tekla Structures model: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Open a Tekla Structures model. Check the work plane position, as it determines the rotation of the reference model in the Tekla Structures model. Click File > Insert Reference Model... Click the Browse... button to browse for the reference model file. Set the scale of the reference model, if it is different from the one in the Tekla Structures model (for example, if it uses different measurement units). Set the scale for a DWG or a DXF file already in AutoCAD. When you define the measurement unit for a DWG or a DXF file and save the file in AutoCAD, the unit is recognized in Tekla Structures and the reference model is scaled correctly. 6. 7. Click Apply. Pick a position to place the reference model in the Tekla Structures model. The point you pick defines the reference model origin. The origin is displayed as a handle.
If the inserted reference model is not visible in the model view, do any of the following:
Right-click the view and select Fit Work Area to Entire Model from the pop-up menu. Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box, and then click Display... Ensure that the Reference objects check box is selected, and then click Modify.
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If you do not define a reference model file to use, the file does not exist, or you forget to click Apply, Tekla Structures displays a default reference model. The default reference model is a white cross:
See also
Reference models (p. 45)
Modifying reference model properties

To modify the properties of a reference model: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click File > Reference Model List... Double-click the reference model to open the Reference Model Properties dialog box. Click User-defined attributes. Modify the properties and then click Modify. You can define user-defined attributes in the objects.inp file. For more information on user-defined attributes, see Adding properties.
See also
Hiding a reference model

To hide a reference model: 1. 2.
See also
Click File > Reference Model List... Select Hidden from the Visibility list box.
Highlighting a reference model

To check which reference models are included in the model, you can highlight them. To highlight a reference model: 1. 2. Click File > Reference Model List... Select a reference model from the list. The reference model is highlighted in the Tekla Structures model.
See also
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Updating reference models

You can update the reference models in your Tekla Structures model in case there have been changes in the original reference models after you have brought them into Tekla Structures. To update a reference model: 1. 2. 3. 4. Double-click a reference model. In the Reference Model Properties dialog box, browse for the modified file by clicking the Browse... button next to the File name field. In the Import dialog box, select the updated file and click OK. Click Modify.
You can also update all the reference models in one go. To update all reference models: 1. 2. Click File > Reference Model List... to open the Reference Models dialog box. Click Reload All. Tekla Structures goes through all the reference models and regenerates the reference models that have a newer modified date than the one already in the cache. However, this is not the recommended way to update reference models since it is time-consuming and affects the system performance.
See also
Detecting changes in a reference model

Reference models are often updated, but the changes are rarely documented. You can see the changes between an old and a new reference model in Tekla Structures by using the commands in the Reference Model Properties dialog box. You can detect changes in reference models that are of the following file formats:

1.
IFC (.ifc) Cadmatic (.3dd) WebViewer (.xml) 3D DWG (.dwg) Double-click the reference model.
To view changes in a reference model:
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2. 3. 4.
In the Reference Model Properties dialog box, browse for the name of the old file by clicking the Browse... button next to the Old file name field. Select an option in the Show list box in the Change detection section. For example, select Inserted to see the added objects. Click Display. Tekla Structures highlights the inserted reference model objects.
See also
Viewing reference model layers

You can view different layers of a reference model. This is useful if you want to for example examine only certain parts of the model. To view reference model layers: 1. Double-click the reference model.
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2. 3. 4. 5.
In the Reference Model Properties dialog box, click Select layers... Select the layers you want to view. Depending on your reference model, you could for example select a layer that contains only windows. Click OK. Click Modify in the Reference Model Properties dialog box. Tekla Structures highlights the layer with windows.
See also
Reference model objects

You can split reference models into separate reference model objects. Reference model objects can have separate user-defined attributes that can be used for reports and the view and selection filters. The reference model objects are read-only.
Limitations
The use of this functionality depends on the file format and file structure. You can use it for example for IFC and for DWG files that include any of the following objects:
block table polyface mesh polygon mesh proxy object (for example, ADT) ACIS objects (3DSolid, Body, Region)
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You cannot use this functionality for DGN, STEP, or IGES files.
See also
Reference models (p. 45) Selecting a reference model object Splitting a reference model into reference model objects (p. 51)
Splitting a reference model into reference model objects

You can quickly split reference models into reference model objects. After you have split the reference model into reference model objects, you can use the ID number and attributes of the reference model objects for example in filtering and reports. To split a reference model into reference model objects: 1. 2. Select the reference model and double-click it to display the Reference Model Properties dialog box. Click Subdivide. The advanced option XS_USE_EXACT_EXTREMA_FOR_REFERENCE_MODELS is not compatible with this feature.
When you have split the reference model into reference model objects, the ID numbers of all the reference model objects are visible in the model database, even if you remove the reference model object and update the reference model.
See also
Reference model objects (p. 50) Filtering reference model object properties
Supported DGN objects

Tekla Structures can display the following DGN objects in reference models:
Line Elements (Type 3) Line String (Type 4) Shape (Type 6) Text Nodes (Type 7) Curve (Type 11) Complex Chains (Type 12) Complex Shapes (Type 14) Elliptic Elements (Type 15) Arc Elements (Type 16) Text Elements (Type 17) Surfaces (Type 18) Solids (Type 19)
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Point String Elements (Type 22) Cone Elements (Type 23) B-spline Surfaces (Type 24) B-spline Curves (Type 27) Shared Cells (Type 34, 35) Mesh Elements (Type 105), subtype "Indexed Face Loops"
The following DGN objects are not supported:
Dimension Elements (Type 33) Multiline Elements (Type 36) Mesh Elements (Type 105), other subtypes than "Indexed Face Loops"
SmartSolid elements are supported as WireFrame only.

See also
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Creating and modifying structures
This section explains how to create and modify parts using different materials and profiles. It also includes a general description of part properties and step-by-step instructions for all the part commands.
Contents
About parts (p. 53) Creating and modifying parts (p. 55) Steel parts (p. 59) Assemblies (p. 63) Concrete parts (p. 70) Cast units (p. 74)
3.1 About parts

In Tekla Structures, the term part refers to the basic building objects that can be modeled and detailed further. These are the building blocks of the physical model. Every part has properties that define it, such as material, profile, and location. You can use part properties in view and selection filters. For example, you can select, modify, and hide parts based on their properties. You can also include part properties and user-defined attributes in drawing and report templates.
See also
Part properties (p. 229) User-defined attributes (p. 238)
Part handles
Tekla Structures indicates the direction of a part with handles. When you select a part, Tekla Structures highlights the handles. The handle of the first end point is yellow, the rest are magenta.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Creating and modifying structures
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See also
Showing part reference lines in model views (p. 260)
Part labels
You can display selected part properties, user-defined attributes, and template attributes in a model view by using part labels. Part labels are textual descriptions that are displayed next to the part they represent. You can define what information to display in the labels, such as the name, profile, and position number of the part.
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Example
See also
Showing part labels in a view (p. 55)
Showing part labels in a view

To show part labels in a view: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. Click Display... In the Display dialog box, go to the Advanced tab. Select the Part label check box. Define which part properties to display in part labels. a Select a property in the Properties list. b Click Add to add the property to the Part label list. Optional: Define which user-defined attribute or template attribute to display in part labels. a Select User-defined attribute in the Properties list. b Click Add. The Part label dialog box appears. c Enter the attribute name and click OK. Click Modify.
6.
7.
See also
Part labels (p. 54) XS_VIEW_PART_LABEL_COLOR
3.2 Creating and modifying parts

Parts are created the same way as any other objects in Tekla Structures. You initiate a part command, and then you pick points to place the part in the model. For additional guidance, see the corresponding tooltips and follow the instructions on the status bar. To modify the part properties, double-click the part or use the Mini Toolbar.
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See also
Modifying the position of a part (p. 56) Modifying the length of a part (p. 57) Changing the profile of a part (p. 57) Changing the material of a part (p. 58) Changing the color of a part (p. 59) Tips for creating and positioning parts (p. 261) Mini Toolbar Status bar
Modifying the position of a part

To modify the position of a part, do one of the following:
To Modify part position in the part properties dialog box
Do this 1. 2. Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. On the Position tab, modify the desired position settings. For example, you can define the part to be positioned 200 units above its handles. Click Modify. Click in the Mini Toolbar. Modify the settings. The object moves in the model accordingly.
3. Modify part position using the Mini Toolbar 1. 2.
To change the overall position of the part, use the round selection dial. Click and drag to select a position. To change the rotation angle, click and drag the green rotation angle knob. To change the Angle, Plane offset, or Depth offset, enter a value in the corresponding box.
The rotation angle knob snaps to every 45 degrees. Hold down Shift to override this.
See also
Part position settings (p. 238) Mini Toolbar Tips for creating and positioning parts (p. 261)
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Modifying the length of a part

To modify the length of a part: 1. 2. 3. Select the part. Tekla Structures highlights the handles of the part. Click one of the handles to select it. Move the handle like any other object in Tekla Structures. Do not use cuts or fittings to change the length of a part, for the following reasons:

See also
Cuts may cause shop errors, because cuts do not always affect part length when you export information to NC files. Fittings may cause problems with connections and details.
Part handles (p. 53) Moving an object
Changing the profile of a part

When you create or modify a part, you can select the profile from a list that contains all the profiles available in the profile catalog. To change the profile of a part: 1. 2. Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. Open the Select Profile dialog box. For steel parts, click the Select... button next to the Profile field.
3.
For concrete parts, click the
button next to the Shape field.
By default, only the profile types that are relevant to the material of the part are shown. Optional: Define what profile information you want to see. To display all the profiles of the profile catalog in the list, select the Show all profiles check box. To see all the properties of profiles, select the Show details check box. Select a profile from the list. If the profile is parametric, define its dimensions on the General tab.
4. 5.
Click the Value box and replace the existing value with a new one. 6. 7. Click OK to close the Select Profile dialog box. Click Modify.
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Alternatively, if you know the name of the profile, you can enter it directly in the appropriate field in the part properties dialog box.
See also
The profile catalog
Standard profiles
When you first start Tekla Structures, the profile catalog contains standard, environmentspecific profiles. The properties of these library profiles conform to industry standards, so you should not edit them. You can add profiles to the profile catalog. Standard profiles have the symbol
See also
in the profile catalog.
Changing the profile of a part (p. 57) The profile catalog
Parametric profiles
You can use parametric profiles to model profiles that are standard in a specific environment, but do not exist in the Tekla Structures profile catalog. Parametric profiles are partly userdefinable and they have a predefined shape, but you determine their size by giving one or more parameters. Parametric profile names have specific prefixes and they include dimension values. Dimension values in parametric profile names are separated by the standard separators -, X, /, and *. You can define alternative prefixes for parametric profiles. You can also define additional separators using the variables XS_PARAMETRIC_PROFILE_SEPARATOR and XS_USER_DEFINED_PARAMETRIC_PROFILE_SEPARATORS . Parametric profiles have the symbol
See also
in the profile catalog.
Changing the profile of a part (p. 57) The profile catalog
User-defined profiles
You can create your own profiles and save them in the profile catalog. For example, you could create a pitched user-defined profile, with different cross sections at the beginning and end of the profile.
See also
Changing the profile of a part (p. 57) The profile catalog Sketched cross sections (p. 192) Adding a standard (fixed) user-defined profile
Changing the material of a part

When you create or modify a part, you can select the material and grade from a list that contains all the materials available in the material catalog. To change the material of a part: 1. 2. Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. Click Select... next to the Material field.
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The Select Material dialog box appears. 3. Optional: Define what material information you want to see. To include aliases for material grades in the list, select the Show aliases check box.
4. 5. 6.
To see all the properties of materials, select the Show details check box.
Select a material from the list. Click OK to close the Select Material dialog box. Click Modify. Alternatively, if you know the name of the material, you can enter it directly in the Material field in the part properties dialog box.
See also
The material catalog
Changing the color of a part

You can change the color of individual model objects by modifying their class in the part properties dialog box. Alternatively, you can use the object representation settings to specify colors for entire object groups. To change the color of a part: 1. 2. 3. Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. In the Class box, enter a new value. The possible values range between 0 and 14. Click Modify. You can also use the Mini Toolbar for changing the color.
See also
Color settings for parts (p. 228) Color settings for object groups (p. 228) Object representation settings (p. 128)
3.3 Steel parts

This section explains how to create steel parts.
See also
Creating a steel column (p. 60) Creating a steel beam (p. 60) Creating a steel polybeam (p. 61) Creating a curved beam (p. 61) Creating a contour plate (p. 61) Creating an orthogonal beam (p. 62) Creating a twin profile (p. 63)
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Creating a steel column

To create a steel column: 1. 2. 3. Optional: Modify the steel column properties. Click the Create column icon. Pick the position of the column. Tekla Structures creates the column at the level that you defined in the Column Properties dialog box.
Use the Orthogonal Beam Properties dialog box to correct the position of a column, if the upper and lower levels were switched when the column was copied and mirrored. Remember to change the part name to COLUMN.
See also
Steel column properties (p. 230) Positioning columns, pad footings, and orthogonal beams (p. 264)
Creating a steel beam

To create a steel beam: 1. 2. 3. 4. Optional: Modify the steel beam properties. Click the Create beam icon. Pick the starting point. Pick the end point.
See also
Steel beam properties (p. 230)
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Creating a steel polybeam

A polybeam can contain straight and curved segments. You can also create bent plates with this command. To create a steel polybeam: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Optional: Modify the steel beam properties. Click the Create polybeam icon. Pick the points you want the beam to go through. Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking. Optional: To create curved segments, chamfer the corners of the polybeam.
See also
Polybeam chamfers (p. 102) Steel beam properties (p. 230) Polybeam length calculation
Creating a curved beam

To create a curved steel beam: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Optional: Modify the steel beam properties. Click the Create curved beam icon. Pick the starting point (1). Pick a point on the arc (2). Pick the end point (3).
See also
Steel beam properties (p. 230) Creating curved parts (p. 262)
Creating a contour plate

When you create a contour plate, the profile you use defines the thickness of the plate and the picked points define the shape. The corners of the contour plate can be chamfered. To create a contour plate: 1. 2. 3. Optional: Modify the contour plate properties. Click the Create contour plate icon. Pick the start point.
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4. 5.
Pick the corner points of the contour plate. Pick the start point again, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
See also
Creating a round contour plate (p. 62) Contour plate properties (p. 231)
Creating a round contour plate

To create a round contour plate: 1. 2. 3. Create a square contour plate with four equal sides. Select the plate. Select the handles of the plate. To select all the handles at once, hold down the Alt key and drag the mouse from left to right, covering all the handles.
4. 5. 6. 7.
Press Alt + Enter to display the Chamfer Properties dialog box. Select the round chamfer symbol from the list box. Enter the chamfer radius in the x box. The radius must be equal to half of the side of the square. Click Modify.
See also
Alternative way of creating a round plate or slab (p. 263) Creating a contour plate (p. 61) Contour plate properties (p. 231) Chamfers (p. 100)
Creating an orthogonal beam

To create a steel beam that is orthogonal to the work plane: 1. Optional: Modify the orthogonal beam properties.
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2. 3.
Click Modeling > Steel Parts > Orthogonal Beam... Pick the position of the beam.
See also
Orthogonal beam properties (p. 232)
Creating a twin profile

A twin profile consists of two identical beams. You define the positions of both beams by selecting the twin profile type and setting the clearance between the beams in two directions. To create a twin steel profile: 1. 2. 3. 4. Optional: Modify the twin profile properties. Click Modeling > Create Steel Part > Twin Profile. Pick the starting point. Pick the end point.
See also
Twin profile properties (p. 232)
3.4 Assemblies
Tekla Structures creates basic assemblies of steel parts when you use a workshop weld or bolt to join parts together. Assemblies and their main parts are automatically defined when you:
Create single workshop welds or bolts. Apply automatic connections which create workshop welds or bolts.
You can also create nested assemblies by adding sub-assemblies to existing assemblies, or by joining assemblies together. The main part in a steel assembly has other parts welded or bolted to it. By default, the main part is not welded or bolted to any other parts. You can change the main part in an assembly.
See also
Creating an assembly (p. 64) Adding objects to assemblies (p. 66)
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Removing objects from an assembly (p. 68) Highlighting objects in an assembly (p. 68) Exploding an assembly (p. 69) Assembly examples (p. 69) Selecting assemblies and cast units
Creating an assembly
To create an assembly: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active. Select the parts and/or assemblies that you want to join together. Right-click and select Make into Assembly from the pop-up menu.
Assemblies (p. 63) Creating a sub-assembly (p. 64) Using bolts to create assemblies (p. 64) Using welds to create assemblies (p. 65)
Creating a sub-assembly
To create a sub-assembly of parts that are already in an assembly: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Ensure that the Select objects in assemblies selection switch is active. Select the parts you want to include in the sub-assembly. Right-click and select Make into Sub-Assembly from the pop-up menu.
Creating an assembly (p. 64)
Using bolts to create assemblies

You can use bolts to create and connect assemblies. You can create nested assemblies by connecting sub-assemblies to an existing assembly, or you can just connect more parts to assemblies using bolts. To control how Tekla Structures creates assemblies, use the Connect part/assembly and Bolt type list boxes in the Bolt Properties dialog box. The order in which you select parts when creating the connection determines the main and secondary parts of the assembly or the assembly hierarchy.
Connect part/ assembly

As sub-assembly
Bolt type
Workshop or Site
Result Nested assembly with the assembly you are bolting as a sub-assembly. The first part you pick determines the assembly to which you are bolting.
As secondary part
Workshop
Basic assembly with the part you are bolting as a secondary part. The first part you pick usually becomes the main part in the assembly.
As secondary part See also
Site
No assembly created.
Assemblies (p. 63) Bolting sub-assemblies to an existing assembly (p. 65)
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Bolting sub-assemblies to an existing assembly

To bolt sub-assemblies to an existing assembly: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
See also
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box. In the Connect part/assembly list box, select As sub-assembly. Click Apply or OK. Select a part in the assembly to bolt to. Select a part in the sub-assembly to be bolted. Pick the bolt group origin. Pick a point to indicate the bolt group x direction.
Using bolts to create assemblies (p. 64)
Using welds to create assemblies

Tekla Structures forms assemblies based on where the weld should be made. You can create workshop welds and site welds. The order in which you select parts when creating the connection determines the main and secondary parts of the assembly or the assembly hierarchy. The first part you select becomes the main part of the assembly. Tekla Structures dimensions secondary parts relative to the main part in assembly drawings. The largest main part in the weld becomes the main part of the assembly. When you connect assemblies, the first part you select determines the assembly to which you weld sub-assemblies. To control how Tekla Structures creates assemblies, use the Connect part/assembly and Workshop/Site list boxes in the Weld Properties dialog box.
Connect part/ assembly

As sub-assembly
Workshop/Site
Workshop or Site
Result Nested assembly with the assembly you are welding as a sub-assembly. The first part you pick determines the assembly to which you are welding.
As secondary part
Workshop
Basic assembly with the part you are welding as a secondary part. The first part you pick usually becomes the main part in the assembly.
As secondary part See also
Site
No assembly created.
Assemblies (p. 63) Welding sub-assemblies to an existing assembly (p. 65)
Welding sub-assemblies to an existing assembly

To weld sub-assemblies to an existing assembly: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
See also
Double-click the Create weld between parts icon to open the Weld Properties dialog box. In the Connect part/assembly list box, select As sub-assembly. Click Apply or OK. Select a part in the assembly to weld to. Select a part in the sub-assembly to be welded. Optional: Create a drawing to check that the weld marks look correct.
Using welds to create assemblies (p. 65)
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Adding objects to assemblies

You can add objects to assemblies in the following ways:
To Create a basic assembly
Do this Do one of the following:

Create a nested assembly
Add parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts. Bolt or weld parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts. Add parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts. Bolt or weld assemblies to an existing assembly as sub-assemblies. Add assemblies to an existing assembly as subassemblies. Join existing assemblies together without adding any loose parts.
Do one of the following:
Sub-assemblies in a nested assembly retain their own assembly information and main part. You can also define properties separately for the sub-assemblies and the nested assembly by using the part properties dialog box.
See also
Assemblies (p. 63) Assembly hierarchy (p. 66) Adding parts to an assembly (p. 67) Creating a nested assembly (p. 67) Joining assemblies (p. 68) Changing the assembly main part (p. 68) Changing the main assembly (p. 68)
Assembly hierarchy
You can work on any level of a nested assembly, from single parts and bolts, through the basic and sub-assemblies, up to the highest level of the nested assembly. To work with nested assemblies, you need to know how to use the Shift key and mouse scrolling to select objects on different levels in assembly hierarchy.
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Assembly hierarchy in nested assemblies affects drawings and reports. You can create separate drawings and reports of the sub-assemblies and the nested assembly, and still produce dimensions, marks, fabrication information, etc. for all assembly levels.
See also
Adding objects to assemblies (p. 66) Selecting nested assemblies and components
Adding parts to an assembly

To add secondary parts to a basic assembly or to any level of a nested assembly: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Ensure that the Select objects in assemblies selection switch is active. Select the part you want to add. Right-click and select Assembly > Add to Assembly from the pop-up menu. Select the assembly to add to.
Adding objects to assemblies (p. 66)
Creating a nested assembly

To create a nested assembly: 1. 2. 3. 4. Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active. Select the assemblies you want to add to another assembly. They will become subassemblies in the nested assembly. Right-click and select Assembly > Add as sub-assembly from the pop-up menu. Select the assembly to add to.
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See also
Joining assemblies
To join existing assemblies without adding any loose parts: 1. 2. 3. Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active. Select the assemblies you want to join. Right-click and select Assembly > Make into Assembly from the pop-up menu. The assembly with the largest volume becomes the main assembly.
See also
Changing the main assembly (p. 68) Adding objects to assemblies (p. 66)
Changing the assembly main part

To change the main part in an assembly: 1. Check what is currently the main part of the assembly. a Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active. b Click Tools > Inquire > Assembly Objects. c Select the assembly. Tekla Structures highlights the main and secondary parts in different colors. Ensure that the Select objects in assemblies selection switch is active. Click Modeling > Assembly > Set as New Main Object of Assembly. Select the new main part. Tekla Structures changes the main part.
2. 3. 4.
See also
Adding objects to assemblies (p. 66) Highlighting objects in an assembly (p. 68)
Changing the main assembly

When you join two or more assemblies together, the assembly with the largest volume becomes the main assembly. You can change the main assembly at any time. To change the main assembly in a nested assembly: 1. 2.
See also
Select the new main assembly. Right-click and select Assembly > Set as New Main Sub-Assembly from the pop-up menu.
Removing objects from an assembly

To remove objects from an assembly: 1. 2.
See also
Select the part or sub-assembly you want to remove. Right-click and select Assembly > Remove from Assembly from the pop-up menu.
Assemblies (p. 63)
Highlighting objects in an assembly

Use the Inquire tool to check which objects belong to a particular assembly. To highlight objects in an assembly: 1. Click Tools > Inquire > Assembly Objects.
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2.
Select a part that belongs to an assembly. Tekla Structures highlights the other parts that belong to the same assembly. The following colors are used:
Object type Concrete - main part Concrete - secondary part Reinforcement Steel part - main part Steel part - secondary part
See also
Highlight color magenta cyan blue orange yellow
Assemblies (p. 63)
Exploding an assembly
When you explode a nested assembly, Tekla Structures breaks the assembly hierarchy level by level, always starting from the highest level. You need to use the Explode command several times to break a nested assembly back to single parts. You can also explode sub-assemblies to single parts without breaking the entire assembly hierarchy. To explode an assembly: 1. 2. Select the assembly or sub-assembly you want to explode. Do one of the following: To explode the entire assembly, right-click and select Assembly > Explode from the pop-up menu. To only explode the sub-assembly, right-click and select Assembly > Explode SubAssembly from the pop-up menu.
See also
Assemblies (p. 63)
Assembly examples
Column corbel
A column corbel is fabricated in one workshop, and then attached to the column in another workshop. Model the corbel as a sub-assembly of the column. Then create an assembly drawing for each workshop: one assembly drawing showing how the corbel is welded together, another assembly drawing showing how the corbel and the other part are welded to the column.
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Drawing 2, Workshop 2 Drawing 1, Workshop 1

Complex truss
Model the halves of a complex truss as assemblies. Create assembly drawings for the workshop to fabricate the truss halves. Then create another assembly drawing showing how the halves should be joined on site. In a frame of built-up columns and beams, each built-up profile can be a sub-assembly. You can create an assembly drawing showing the entire frame, and separate drawings showing how the columns and beams are constructed. Assemblies (p. 63) Assembly drawings
Built-up profile
See also
3.5 Concrete parts

This section explains how to create concrete parts.
See also
Creating a pad footing (p. 71) Creating a strip footing (p. 71) Creating a concrete column (p. 71) Creating a concrete beam (p. 72) Creating a concrete polybeam (p. 72)
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Creating a concrete slab (p. 73) Creating a concrete panel (p. 74)
Creating a pad footing

To create a pad footing: 1. 2. 3. Optional: Modify the pad footing properties. Click the Create pad footing icon. Pick the pad footing position.
See also
Pad footing properties (p. 233)
Creating a strip footing

To create a strip footing: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Optional: Modify the strip footing properties. Click the Create strip footing icon. Pick the points you want the footing to go through. Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking. Optional: To create curved segments, chamfer the corners of the footing.
See also
Strip footing properties (p. 234)
Creating a concrete column

To create a concrete column: 1. 2. 3. Optional: Modify the concrete column properties. Click the Create concrete column icon. Pick the position of the column. Tekla Structures creates the column at the level that you defined in the Concrete Column Properties dialog box.
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See also
Concrete column properties (p. 235)
Creating a concrete beam

To create a concrete beam: 1. 2. 3. 4. Optional: Modify the concrete beam properties. Click the Create concrete beam icon. Pick the starting point. Pick the end point.
See also
Concrete beam properties (p. 235)
Creating a concrete polybeam

A polybeam can contain straight and curved segments. You can also create concrete bent plates with this command. To create a concrete polybeam: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Optional: Modify the concrete beam properties. Click the Create concrete polybeam icon. Pick the points you want the beam to go through. Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking. Optional: To create curved segments, chamfer the corners of the polybeam.
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See also
Polybeam chamfers (p. 102) Concrete beam properties (p. 235) Polybeam length calculation
Creating a concrete slab

When you create a concrete slab, the profile you use defines the thickness of the slab and the picked points define the shape. The corners of the slab can be chamfered. To create a concrete slab: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Optional: Modify the concrete slab properties. Click the Create concrete slab icon. Pick the starting point. Pick the corner points of the slab. Pick the starting point again, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
See also
Creating a round slab (p. 73) Concrete slab properties (p. 236)
Creating a round slab

To create a round slab: 1. 2. 3. Create a square slab with four equal sides. Select the slab. Select the handles of the slab. To select all the handles at once, hold down the Alt key and drag the mouse from left to right, covering all the handles.
4. 5. 6.
Press Alt + Enter to display the Chamfer Properties dialog box. Select the round chamfer symbol from the list box. Enter the chamfer radius in the x box. The radius must be equal to half of the side of the square.
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7.
Click Modify.
See also
Alternative way of creating a round plate or slab (p. 263) Creating a concrete slab (p. 73) Concrete slab properties (p. 236) Chamfers (p. 100)
Creating a concrete panel

To create a concrete panel: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Optional: Modify the concrete panel properties. Click the Create concrete panel icon. Pick the points you want the panel to go through. Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking. Optional: To create curved segments, chamfer the corners of the panel.
See also
Concrete panel properties (p. 237) Chamfers (p. 100)
3.6 Cast units

The concrete structures in Tekla Structures are modeled as single parts. By default, each part is considered a separate cast unit. For construction purposes you may need to merge several concrete parts into one cast unit. For example, a single cast unit could consist of a column with corbels. You need to specify which parts form the cast unit. Cast units can include reinforcement, as well as concrete parts. The main part in a concrete cast unit is the one with the largest volume of concrete. You can change the main part in a cast unit. There are two cast unit types:
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Cast unit type Precast
Description Cast units that are built at another location and transported to their final location for placement in the full structure. Cast units that are constructed fully in their final location.
Cast-in-place
See also
Creating a cast unit (p. 75) Adding objects to cast units (p. 75) Removing objects from a cast unit (p. 76) Highlighting objects in a cast unit (p. 76) Exploding a cast unit (p. 76) Defining the cast unit type (p. 77) Casting direction (p. 77)
Creating a cast unit

To create a cast unit: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Create. Select the objects you want to include in the cast unit. Click the middle mouse button to create the cast unit.
Cast units (p. 74)
Adding objects to cast units

This section explains how to add objects to a cast unit.
See also
Cast units (p. 74) Adding concrete objects to a cast unit (p. 75) Adding non-concrete objects to a cast unit (p. 75) Changing the cast unit main part (p. 76)
Adding concrete objects to a cast unit

To add concrete objects to a cast unit: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Add to. Select the objects you want to add. Select an object in the cast unit.
Adding objects to cast units (p. 75)
Adding non-concrete objects to a cast unit

Use the Add as Sub-Assembly command when adding non-concrete objects to a cast unit. This applies to anything that is not concrete, such as steel parts and insulation. To add a non-concrete part to a cast unit: 1. 2. 3. Ensure that the Select components selection switch is active. Click Modeling > Assembly > Add as Sub-Assembly. Select the non-concrete part you want to add.
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4.
See also
Select the cast unit to which you want to add the part.
Adding objects to cast units (p. 75)
Changing the cast unit main part

To change the main part in a cast unit: 1. Check what is currently the main part of the cast unit. a Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active. b Click Tools > Inquire > Assembly Objects. c Select the cast unit. Tekla Structures highlights the main and secondary parts in different colors. Ensure that the Select objects in assemblies selection switch is active. Select the new main part. Right-click and select Set as New Main Part of Assembly from the pop-up menu.
2. 3. 4.
See also
Adding objects to cast units (p. 75) Highlighting objects in a cast unit (p. 76)
Removing objects from a cast unit

To remove objects from a cast unit: 1. 2.
See also
Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Remove From. Select the objects you want to remove.
Cast units (p. 74)
Highlighting objects in a cast unit

Use the Inquire tool to check which objects belong to a particular cast unit. To highlight objects in a cast unit: 1. 2. Click Tools > Inquire > Assembly Objects. Select a part that belongs to a cast unit. Tekla Structures highlights the other parts that belong to the same cast unit. The following colors are used:
Object type Concrete - main part Concrete - secondary part Reinforcement Steel part - main part Steel part - secondary part
See also
Highlight color magenta cyan blue orange yellow
Cast units (p. 74)
Exploding a cast unit

To explode a cast unit: 1. Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Explode.
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2.
See also
Select an object in the cast unit you want to explode.
Cast units (p. 74)
Defining the cast unit type

Tekla Structures checks the cast unit type of the main part each time you create or modify a cast unit. Tekla Structures does not mix precast and cast-in-place parts within a cast unit. To define whether a concrete part is precast or cast in place: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Double-click a concrete part to open the concrete part properties dialog box. Go to the Cast unit tab. In the Cast unit type list box, select Precast or Cast in place. Click Modify to save the changes.
Cast units (p. 74)
Casting direction
To indicate the casting direction of a concrete part, you can define which part face you want to have on top of the casting form. The top-in-form face is displayed in the front view of a drawing. The casting direction affects the numbering of concrete parts. If you define the casting direction for parts that differ only by their modeling direction, they get different position numbers. This is because the modeling direction affects the top-in-form face of the parts. By default, the casting direction of the parts is undefined, which means the modeling direction does not affect numbering.
In drawings, use the Fixed coordinate system to show the top-in-form face in the front view.
Example
In the following example, each cast unit gets a different position number, because the top-inform setting and the orientation of the panels is different. The red arrow indicates the modeling direction.
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In the following example, the cast units get the same position number, because their top-inform setting has not been defined. The red arrow indicates the modeling direction.
See also
Cast units (p. 74) Defining the casting direction of a part (p. 78) Numbering the model (p. 155)
Defining the casting direction of a part

To define the casting direction of a concrete part: 1. Set the representation of parts to Rendered by doing one of the following: Click View > Representation > Parts > Rendered.
2. 3. 4.
See also
Press Ctrl + 4.
Select a concrete part. Right-click and select Cast Unit > Set Top in Form Face. Select the part face that will face upwards in the form.
Casting direction (p. 77)
Showing the top-in-form face

To display the top-in-form face of a concrete part: 1. 2. Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Show Top in Form Face. Click the concrete part whose top-in-form face you want to show. Tekla Structures highlights the top-in-form face in red:
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To hide the top-in-form face again, right-click the view and select Update Window from the pop-up menu.
See also
Casting direction (p. 77)
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Detailing structures
This section explains how to create details using Tekla Structures. It also gives you some techniques for fine-tuning part shapes.
Contents
Bolts (p. 81) Holes (p. 85) Welds (p. 87) Surface treatment (p. 91) Fine-tuning part shape (p. 100) Combining parts (p. 111) Splitting parts (p. 113)
4.1 Bolts
To create bolts, you can either create a single bolt group or apply a component that automatically creates bolt groups.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Detailing structures
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For more information on using components to automatically create bolt groups, see Defining bolts and welds in the Detailing Guide. You can create different part marks for holes and bolts in drawings. You cannot use bolt elements (such as screws, washers, and nuts) while creating holes, as Tekla Structures uses the same command for creating bolts and holes.
See also
Creating a bolt group (p. 82) Creating a single bolt (p. 84) Changing or adding bolted parts (p. 84) The bolt and bolt assembly catalogs
Creating a bolt group

To create a bolt group: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Optional: Modify the bolt properties. Click Detailing > Bolts > Create Bolts. Select the main part, to which the secondary parts will be bolted. Select the secondary parts. Click the middle mouse button to finish selecting parts. Pick a point, which is the bolt group origin. Pick a second point to indicate the bolt group x direction. You can also create a new bolt group by modifying an existing one. In most cases it is easier to create bolt groups by applying a component that includes bolt groups. To create new bolts by modifying an existing bolt group: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Apply a component. Explode the component. Modify the bolt group.
Bolts (p. 81) Bolt properties (p. 248) Bolt group shape (p. 82) Bolt group position (p. 83) Bolt offsets (p. 84)
Bolt group shape

You have the following options for bolt group shape:
Array for rectangular Circle for circular xy list for any shape
Tekla Structures uses the values of the Bolt dist X and Bolt dist Y fields to determine how many bolts the bolt group contains, as shown in the table below:
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Shape
Array Circle xy list
Bolt dist X Spacing between bolts, in the x direction of the bolt group. Number of bolts. x coordinate of each bolt, from the bolt group point of origin.
Bolt dist Y Spacing between bolts, in the y direction of the bolt group. Diameter of the bolt group. y coordinate of each bolt, from the bolt group point of origin.
Examples
Bolt group shape

Array
Dimensions
Bolt dist X: 150 Bolt dist Y: 100
Picture
Circle
Number of bolts: 6 Diameter: 100
xy list
Bolt dist X: 75 175 250 Bolt dist Y: 75 -50 0
See also
Creating a bolt group (p. 82)
Bolt group position

Tekla Structures determines the location of the bolt group using the following values:
Bolt group x axis Work plane
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Dimensions are relative to the bolt group origin, which is the first point you pick when creating a bolt group. Tekla Structures sets the x direction of a bolt group using the second point picked. It is important that the points you pick to create the bolt group are close enough to the parts you want to connect.
See also
Bolt offsets
You can use offsets to change the position of the bolt group. Offsets move the bolt group by moving the x axis of the bolt group. The starting point values Dx, Dy and Dz move the first end of the bolt group, relative to the bolt group x axis. The end point values move the second end of the bolt group.

Example
A positive Dx value moves the starting point towards the end point.
Dy moves the end point perpendicular to the bolt group x axis on the current work plane. Dz moves the end point perpendicular to the current work plane.
An example bolt group with the Dx starting point set to 75:
See also
Creating a single bolt

To create a single bolt: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
See also
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box. Under Bolt group, select Array from the Shape list box. In the Bolt dist X and Bolt dist Y fields, type 0. Click Apply to save the changes. Create the bolt the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on the status bar.
Bolts (p. 81) Bolt properties (p. 248) Creating a bolt group (p. 82)
Changing or adding bolted parts

To change the parts a bolt group connects to:
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1. 2.
Click Detailing > Bolts > Edit Bolted Parts. When prompted, reselect the main and secondary parts. Tekla Structures automatically updates bolt length to suit these changes.
See also
Bolts (p. 81)
4.2 Holes
Tekla Structures uses the same command for creating bolts and holes. Before creating holes, you need to change some of the properties in the Bolt Properties dialog box. If you want to create only holes without any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check boxes:
You can create the following types of holes:

See also
Round Oversized Slotted Tapped
Creating round holes (p. 85) Creating oversized holes (p. 86) Creating slotted holes (p. 86)
Creating round holes

Tekla Structures calculates the diameter of a round hole as the sum of Bolt size and Tolerance. To create round holes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
See also
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box. Optional: Modify the hole properties. If you do not want to create any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check boxes. Click Apply to save the changes. Create the holes the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on the status bar.
Holes (p. 85) Creating a bolt group (p. 82)
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Creating slotted holes

To create slotted holes: 1. 2. Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box. To indicate which parts should be slotted, select the desired Parts with slotted holes check boxes. Tekla Structures counts the pieces of steel from the head of the bolt down. For example, if you select the second check box from the head of the bolt, Tekla Structures slots the second piece of steel from the head of the bolt. If you do not want to create any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check boxes. In the Hole type list box, select Slotted. Enter the allowance for the slotted hole in the x and y directions of the hole group using the Slotted hole X or Slotted hole Y fields.
3. 4. 5.
Tolerance Slotted hole X or Y Bolt size 6. Optional: In the Rotate slots list box, select Even or Odd to rotate alternate holes by 90 degrees.
Crossing slotted holes to odd or even parts Parallel slotted holes 7. 8.

See also
Click Apply to save the changes. Create the holes the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on the status bar.
Creating oversized holes

To create oversized holes:
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
See also
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box. Select the desired Parts with slotted holes check boxes to indicate which plies of the connection get oversized holes. If you do not want to create any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check boxes. In the Hole type list box, select Oversized. In the Oversize field, enter the allowance for the oversized hole. You can also use a negative value to create smaller (tapped) holes. Click Apply to save the changes. Create the holes the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on the status bar.
4.3 Welds
You can either create a weld manually, or use a component that automatically creates welds. The following types of welds can be created manually:
Weld between parts Tekla Structures welds two parts together using the weld position defined in the Weld Properties dialog box. The length of the weld depends on the length of the connection between the welded parts. Polygon weld You define the exact position of the weld by picking the points you want the weld to traverse. Single-part weld Tekla Structures creates a weld to a single part, without connecting any other parts.
See also
Creating a weld between parts (p. 87) Creating a polygon weld (p. 89) Creating a weld to a part (p. 90) Weld preparation (p. 90)
Creating a weld between parts

To weld parts together: 1. 2. 3. 4. Optional: Modify the weld properties. Click Detailing > Weld > Create Weld between Parts. Select the part to weld to. If you are creating a workshop weld, this is the main part of the assembly. Select the part to be welded. If you are creating a workshop weld, this is the secondary part of the assembly.
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Main part Secondary part

See also
Welds (p. 87) Weld properties (p. 249) Weld position (p. 88) Weld size prefixes (p. 89) Using welds to create assemblies (p. 65)
Weld position
You define the position of a weld relative to the work plane. The type and position of the parts to be welded affect the position of the weld. The options for weld position are:
x y z
These can all be in a positive or negative direction. Tekla Structures creates the weld on the face or side of the part that faces in the selected direction (x, y, or z).
Example
The following image shows welds in different positions. If there are no faces that touch in the specified direction, Tekla Structures places the weld relative to the center point of the secondary part.
See also
Creating a weld between parts (p. 87)
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Weld size prefixes

The weld size prefix is shown in drawings, but only if the Size checkbox is also selected. The following table describes the standard ISO 2553 prefixes:
Prefix a s z
Description Design throat thickness Penetration throat thickness Leg length
See also
Creating a weld between parts (p. 87)
Creating a polygon weld

To weld parts together using a polygon: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Click Detailing > Weld > Create Polygon Weld. Select the part to weld to. If you are creating a workshop weld, this is the main part of the assembly. Select the part to be welded. If you are creating a workshop weld, this is the secondary part of the assembly. Pick the starting and end point, or alternatively, pick the points you want the weld to go through. Click the middle mouse button to create the weld.
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See also
Welds (p. 87) Using welds to create assemblies (p. 65)
Creating a weld to a part

To create a weld to a part, without connecting any other parts: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Example
Click Detailing > Weld > Create Weld to Part. Select the part that you want to weld. Pick the starting and end point, or alternatively, pick the points you want the weld to go through. Click the middle mouse button to create the weld.
Use the Create Weld to Part command to weld seams in tubular sections:
To model tubular sections with visible seams, use the SPD profile.
See also
Welds (p. 87)
Weld preparation
When parts are prepared for welding, their edges can be beveled to produce a groove for the weld. You can define the angle of bevels and grooves. You can either prepare a part for welding manually, or apply a component that does it automatically.
To prevent automatic weld preparation, set the variable XS_DISABLE_WELD_PREP_SOLID to TRUE in your environment initialization file.
See also
Welds (p. 87) Manually preparing a part for welding (p. 90) Welded connections
Manually preparing a part for welding

Before you start, create a cutting part and position it through the part you want to cut. To manually prepare a part to be welded: 1. 2. Click Detailing > Weld > Prepare Part for Welding. Select the part that you want to cut.
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3.
Select the cutting part.
The part to be cut The cutting part Cuts are displayed using dash-and-dot lines
See also
Weld preparation (p. 90)
4.4 Surface treatment

Use the surface treatment tools to add surface treatment to parts. Surface treatment for concrete parts include flat finishes, surface mixes, and tiles. Surface treatment for steel parts include fire-proofing and unpainted areas, for example. Surface treatments are visible only in rendered views. When you redefine the properties of a part (e.g. you change the size of a part), Tekla Structures automatically modifies the surface treatment to fit the part.
When you create overlapping surface treatments, the smaller surface treatment overrides the larger one. The overlapping area is recognized in reports: only the topmost (visible) surface treatment is calculated.
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See also
Modifying surface treatment properties (p. 92) Adding surface treatment to parts (p. 92) Creating new surface treatment options (p. 95) Tiled surface treatment (p. 96)
Modifying surface treatment properties

To define the properties of a surface treatment: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Click Detailing > Properties > Surface Treatment... to open the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box. In the Type list box, select the type of surface treatment to use. In the Surface treatment name list box, select the specific surface treatment. Click the Select... to select a material from the catalog. Enter the Thickness of the surface treatment. Set the Color to use to display the surface treatment in rendered views. In the At depth list box, select the location of the surface treatment. The options are Middle, Front, and Behind. Optional: To define the properties of a tiled surface treatment: a On the Attributes tab, select Tile surface from the Type list box. b On the Pattern tab, select the pattern from the Pattern type list box. c The Definition table lists the properties of the pattern type. Click Apply or OK to save the surface treatment properties.
9.
See also
Surface treatment (p. 91)
Adding surface treatment to parts

This section explains how to add surface treatment to a part.
See also
Surface treatment (p. 91) Adding surface treatment to a selected area (p. 93) Adding surface treatment to a part face (p. 93) Adding surface treatment to all faces of a part (p. 93) Adding surface treatment to cut faces (p. 93) Surface treatment on chamfered parts (p. 94) Surface treatment on parts with openings and recesses (p. 94)
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Adding surface treatment to a selected area

To add surface treatment to a selected area on the face of a part: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment > To Selected Area on Part Face. Pick the origin of the surface treatment. Pick a point to indicate the direction of the surface treatment. Select an area of the part face to apply the surface treatment to. a Move the mouse cursor over a part. The faces that you can select appear in blue. b Select the part face. c Pick three or more points on the part face to define a polygonal area.
See also
Adding surface treatment to parts (p. 92) Modifying surface treatment properties (p. 92)
Adding surface treatment to a part face

To add surface treatment to the entire face of a part: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment > To Part Face. Pick the origin of the surface treatment. Pick a point to indicate the direction of the surface treatment. Select the part to apply the surface treatment to. a Move the mouse cursor over a part. The faces that you can select appear in blue. b Select the part face.
See also
Adding surface treatment to all faces of a part

To add surface treatment to all faces of a part: 1. 2.
See also
Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment > To All Faces of Part. Select the part to apply the surface treatment to.
Adding surface treatment to cut faces

To add surface treatment to cut faces: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment, and then select either To Part Face or To Selected Area on Part Face. Pick the origin of the surface treatment. Pick the direction. Select the cut face to apply the surface treatment to:
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5.
See also
If you are using the To Selected Area on Part Face command, pick the points to define the area of the surface treatment.
Surface treatment on chamfered parts

Take these things into account when adding surface treatment to chamfered parts:
Surface treatment does not work on sketched profiles with chamfers. Add surface treatment before chamfering the part. If surface treatment is applied to a chamfered part, the surface treatment chamfer cannot be modified later on. The chamfers for the main part and surface treatment are separate. Modifying the main part chamfer does not affect the surface treatment chamfer. The orientation of unsymmetric chamfers depends on the face where it was created (such as top, bottom, left, or right). To change the orientation of an unsymmetric chamfer, you must swap the chamfer's x and y values.
See also
Adding surface treatment to parts (p. 92)
Surface treatment on parts with openings and recesses

To force Tekla Structures to consider openings and recesses in parts when adding surface treatment, select the Cut by father part cuts checkbox in the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box.
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The green surface treatment has the Cut by father part cuts check box selected The tiled surface treatment is not cut by the cut in the part: Cut by father part cuts is not selected.
If you use the To All Faces of Part command and select the Cut by father part cuts checkbox, Tekla Structures automatically adds surface treatment also to the cut faces.
See also
Creating new surface treatment options

You can add new options to the Surface treatment name list box in the Surface Treatment
Properties dialog box.
To create new surface treatment options: 1. Open the product_finishes.dat file using any text editor. The file is located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder. The first section of the file defines the available types of surface treatment. Do not edit this section:
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// Product finishes // ------------------------// // Type : Type of surfacing // 1 = concrete finish // 2 = special mix // 3 = tile surface // 4 = steel finishes
2.
// // // // // 1 1 1
Go to the sections that define the options for each type of surface treatment:
========================================= *** Concrete Finish ========================================= WET FINISH ---------MF "Magnesium Float" SMF "Smooth Magnesium Float" WT "Wet Trowel"
3.
4.
See also
Add rows to define new options. a Define the surface treatment type. For example, 1 for concrete finish. b Define a code for the surface treatment option. For example, MF for Magnesium Float. c Define the full name of the surface treatment option. For example, Magnesium Float. Remember to enclose the name in double quotes " ". Save the file.
Surface treatment (p. 91)
Tiled surface treatment

Tekla Structures includes complex tile and brick surface treatment options, such as basketweave and herringbone patterns. Tiled surface treatment options are based on repeating tile patterns that are stored in XML format.
See also
Surface treatment (p. 91) Creating new tile patterns (p. 96) Example pattern definition (p. 97)
Creating new tile patterns

To create new tile patterns: 1. Open the TilePatternCatalog.xml file using any text editor. The file is located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder. Add a new <TilePattern> element to the file.
2.
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The <TilePattern> element must have <HOffset> and <VOffset> elements and at least one <Tile> element. Other elements are optional.
You may find it easier to copy one of the existing elements, and then modify it to suit your needs.
3. 4.
See also
Repeat adding <TilePattern> elements for all the patterns you want to define. Save the TilePatternCatalog.xml file.
Tiled surface treatment (p. 96) Example pattern definition (p. 97) Tile pattern definitions (p. 99) Tile pattern elements (p. 100)
Example pattern definition

This example explains how the Basketweave tile pattern is defined in the TilePatternCatalog.xml file. The Basketweave pattern block is made up of eight tiles:
Tile width Mortar width VOffset HOffset Red marks indicate TileOrigin. Angle value for vertical tiles is 90
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Tile height Mortar height The pattern is repeated in the x and y direction of the surface treatment, starting from the origin of the surface treatment. You can run the pattern in different x directions:
In the TilePatternCatalog.xml file, the pattern is defined as follows:
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The name of the pattern The size of the pattern block in the x direction, after which the pattern repeats The size of the pattern block in the y direction, after which the pattern repeats The definition file uses the same symbols as the pattern definition table in the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box:
See also
Creating new tile patterns (p. 96) Tile pattern definitions (p. 99) Tile pattern elements (p. 100)
Tile pattern definitions

The predefined tile patterns that are available in the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box are stored in the following files:
File TilePatternCatalog.xml
Description
Contains the tile pattern definitions. Located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments \<environment>\system folder. Document Type Declaration (DTD) file that defines the elements allowed in the TilePatternCatalog.xml file. Located in the same folder as the TilePatternCatalog.xml file. The images that appear in the Picture field in the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box. Located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\nt\bitmaps folder. Filenames identify the pattern types. For example, herringbone.bmp illustrates the herringbone pattern type.
TilePatternCatalog.dtd
Thumbnail images
See also
Tiled surface treatment (p. 96)
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Tile pattern elements

The TilePatternCatalog.xml file can contain the following elements:
Element
TilePatternCatalog TilePattern HOffset VOffset Tile Color Parameter Label TileOrigin
Description The container for tile patterns. Required. Tile pattern element. Required. This element can contain the following elements listed in this table. Horizontal offset of the tile pattern. Required. Vertical offset of the tile pattern. Required. The individual tiles used in a tile pattern. At least one required. Color of the tile or mortar, defined by the RGB values (0 255). Optional. Creates an attribute for any element in the TilePattern. Optional. The label that identifies a parameter in the dialog box. Optional. The origin of an individual tile, defined from the origin of the pattern. Optional.
See also
Tiled surface treatment (p. 96)
4.5 Fine-tuning part shape

This section describes the various tools you can use to fine-tune the shape of a part.
See also
Chamfers (p. 100) Fittings (p. 104) Cuts (p. 105) Modifying the shape of a polygon (p. 108) Warping concrete parts (p. 109) Cambering parts (p. 111) Combining parts (p. 111) Splitting parts (p. 113) Shortening and lengthening parts
Chamfers
Chamfers are modeling details that can be used to refine the shape of parts for aesthetic, practical, and manufacturing reasons. In Tekla Structures, you can chamfer part corners and part edges.
Limitations
Only the following parts have corner chamfers: contour plates, concrete slabs, and parts that you create by picking more than two points (strip footings, steel and concrete polybeams, and concrete panels). The end points of a part do not have corner chamfers. The handles that you select must be at corner points or between two segments of a part.
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See also
Fine-tuning part shape (p. 100) Chamfering part corners (p. 101) Chamfering part edges (p. 103)
Chamfering part corners

When Tekla Structures creates a part, by default it has a rectangular chamfer at each corner, which does not change the geometry of the part. You can modify the default chamfers.
To modify a corner chamfer: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

See also
Select the part. Double-click the handle of any part corner. The Chamfer Properties dialog box is displayed. Modify the chamfer properties. Select the handles of the part corners you want to modify. Click Modify.
Chamfers (p. 100) Corner chamfer properties (p. 252) Corner chamfer types and dimensions (p. 101) Polybeam chamfers (p. 102)
Corner chamfer types and dimensions

Straight chamfers can have different dimensions in two directions. Tekla Structures only uses one dimension for curved chamfers. The coordinates follow the parts local coordinate system. The table below describes the chamfer types and dimensions used with the Create Chamfer > For Part Corner command.
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Type
None
Icon
Dimensions x: not used y: not used x:the distance in the x coordinate direction from the corner y: the distance in the y coordinate direction from the corner
Line
Rounding
x: the radius y: not used x: the radius y: not used x: not used y: not used The chamfer is perpendicular to the edges. x: the distance in the x coordinate direction from the corner y: the distance in the y coordinate direction from the corner
Arc
Arc point
Square
Square parallel
The chamfer is parallel to the opposite edge. x: the distance in the x coordinate direction from the corner y: the distance in the y coordinate direction from the corner
Line and arc
x (if smaller than y): the arc radius x (if bigger than y): the distance in the x coordinate direction from the corner y (if smaller than x): the arc radius y (if bigger than x): the distance in the y coordinate direction from the corner
See also
Chamfering part corners (p. 101)
Polybeam chamfers
By default, Tekla Structures places a rectangular corner chamfer between each polybeam segment. You can modify the default chamfers. Tekla Structures shows the status of polybeam chamfers using the following colors:
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Color Magenta
Description Correct chamfer
Example
Yellow
Correct chamfer that cannot be unfolded
Red
Incorrect chamfer
To see the chamfer lines of polybeams, set the advanced option XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLES to CHAMFERS.
See also
Chamfering part edges

To chamfer the edge of a part: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Click Detailing > Create Chamfer > For Part Edge. Select the part you want to chamfer. Pick a point where you want the chamfer to start on the part edge. Pick a second point where you want the chamfer to end on the part edge. Tekla Structures displays the chamfer in light blue color. Optional: Modify the chamfer. a Double-click the chamfer to open the Edge Chamfer Properties dialog box. b Modify the chamfer properties.
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6.
c Click OK. Right-click the view and select Redraw View. Tekla Structures removes the chamfered edge.
See also
Edge chamfer properties (p. 253) Chamfers (p. 100)
Fittings
You can fit the end of a part to a plane by creating a straight cutting line between two points you pick. You can use fittings to extend or shorten parts inside a component, which makes it easier to create connections, details, and so on. Do not use fittings to otherwise change the length of a part in the model. A fitting adjusts the end of a beam on a plane, perpendicular to the view plane, which passes through the cutting line you pick. Fittings cannot be used on contour plates.
Fitting symbol
See also
Fine-tuning part shape (p. 100) Creating a fitting (p. 104)
Creating a fitting
To create a fitting: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Detailing > Fit Part End. Select the part you want to cut with a fitting. Pick the first point of the cutting line. Pick the second point of the cutting line.
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Do not apply a second fitting on the same part end, because then Tekla Structures will ignore the first fitting. This happens if you use the Fit Part End command for cutting and try to make two cuts on the same part end. In situations like this, use the Cut Part commands instead.
See also
Fittings (p. 104)
Cuts
You can use cuts to shape a part. Do not use cuts for cutting the entire part end.
See also
Cutting parts with a line (p. 107) Cutting parts with a polygon (p. 107) Cutting parts with another part (p. 108) Hiding cut lines in a view (p. 258) Cutting efficiently (p. 258)
Line cuts
A line cut cuts the end of a beam on a plane that passes through the line you pick. Tekla Structures displays the cut line using dash-and-dot lines.
Cuts are displayed using dash-and-dot lines Cut lines are hidden By default, line cuts do not affect beam length in NC files. For more information on how to change this, see Fittings affect NC data.
See also
Cutting parts with a line (p. 107)
Polygon cuts
A polygon cut cuts a part using a polygonal shape. Tekla Structures displays the cut using dashand-dot lines. You must create cuts in a plane view.
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Polygon-shaped cut Cut lines are hidden
You should always define the polygon so that there is some tolerance between the edges. If the edge of a cutting polygon is in exactly the same position as the edge of the part to be cut, it can be unclear whether the edge should be cut away.
See also
Cutting parts with a polygon (p. 107)
Part cuts
You can cut a part using another part. Tekla Structures displays the cut using dash-and-dot lines. You can cut parts that already have cuts. This can be useful, for example, when you want to create more sophisticated cut shapes.
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Cuts are displayed using dash-and-dot lines Cut lines are hidden
Do not create cuts with the same planes or vertices. This makes it unclear what should be cut away.
See also
Cutting parts with another part (p. 108)
Cutting parts with a line

Use line cuts to shape the end of a beam or column. To cut a part with a line: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
See also
Click Detailing > Cut Part > With Line. Select the part you want to cut. Pick the first point of the cutting line. Pick the second point of the cutting line. Pick the side you want to remove.
Cuts (p. 105) Line cuts (p. 105)
Cutting parts with a polygon

To cut a part using a polygonal shape: 1. Ensure that the work plane is on the plane you are cutting on. For example, if you are creating a polygonal cut on the yz plane, you should temporarily set your work plane to the yz plane as well. Click Detailing > Cut Part > With Polygon. Select the part you want to cut. Pick positions to outline the polygon to be used for cutting. To close the polygon, click the middle mouse button or click Edit > Finish Polygon Input.
2. 3. 4. 5.
See also
Cuts (p. 105) Polygon cuts (p. 105)
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Cutting parts with another part

Before you start, create a cutting part and position it through the part you want to cut. To cut a part with another part: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Detailing > Cut Part > With Another Part. Select the part you want to cut. Select the cutting part. Tekla Structures cuts the selected main part. The part cut does not affect other parts. Delete the cutting part. a Ensure that the Select cuts and fittings selection switch is off. b Select the cutting part and press Delete.
See also
Cuts (p. 105) Part cuts (p. 106)
Modifying the shape of a polygon

You can modify the shape of the following polygonal parts: steel and concrete polybeams, contour plates, concrete slabs, concrete panels, and strip footings. To modify the shape of a polygonal part: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Select the part you want to modify. Click Detailing > Modify Polygon Shape. Pick an existing corner (1). Pick new corners for the polygon (2, 3). Pick another existing corner (4). Pick the corner to remove (5).
Alternatively, move the handles using drag-and-drop or the Move command.
See also
Moving an object Moving an object using drag-and-drop Part handles (p. 53)
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Warping concrete parts

Use the following methods to warp concrete parts:
To Warp a concrete beam Warp a concrete slab
Do this Use the deforming options in the part properties dialog box. Move the chamfers.
The warping functionality is available only in the Full, Precast Concrete Detailing, and Steel Detailing configurations.
See also
Fine-tuning part shape (p. 100) Warping a concrete beam using deformation angles (p. 109) Warping a concrete slab by moving chamfers (p. 109) Warping a Floor Bay (66) slab (p. 110)
Warping a concrete beam using deformation angles

To warp a concrete beam: 1. 2. 3. 4. Double-click a concrete beam to open the Concrete Beam Properties dialog box. Go to the Deforming tab. In the Start field, enter the angle of the beam at its start point, relative to the part handles. In the End field, enter the angle of the beam at its end point, relative to the part handles. For example, to warp the beam 45 degrees at the end point, type 0 in the Start angle field and 45 in the End angle field. Click Modify to warp the beam. Click OK to close the dialog box.
5. 6.
See also
Warping concrete parts (p. 109)
Warping a concrete slab by moving chamfers

Before you start, create a concrete slab by using the Create concrete slab command. To warp a concrete slab by moving the chamfers:
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1. 2.
Double-click a chamfer to open the Chamfer Properties dialog box. Modify the chamfer properties. To move the upper corner of the chamfer, use the dz1 field.
3. 4.
To move the lower corner of the chamfer, use the dz2 field.
Click Modify to warp the slab. Click OK to close the dialog box.
See also
Warping a Floor Bay (66) slab

Before you start, create a concrete slab by using the Modeling of floor bay (66) component. To warp a Floor Bay (66) slab by moving chamfers: 1. 2. Ensure that the Select components selection switch is on. Select the chamfer you want to move. For example, select the corner point of a slab component to warp that end of the slab:
3. 4. 5.
Right-click and select Move Special > Linear from the pop-up menu. In the Move - Linear dialog box, type a value in the appropriate direction field. For example, type 100 in the dZ field to lift that corner up 100 mm. Click Move. Tekla Structures moves the point in the direction you selected, which warps the slabs.
6.
Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to finish.
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7. 8.
Ensure that the Select objects in components selection switch is on. To see the warping angle of a single slab, double-click a slab to open the Beam properties dialog box, and go to the Deforming tab. The Start field shows the warping angle at the start point of the part.
See also
The End field shows the warping angle at the end point of the part.
Cambering parts
You can use cambering to pre-camber parts, in other words, to curve long heavy sections that will settle on site and become flat. Use cambering to show the natural camber of a prestressed part in a model. Cambering affects the position of cuts, skews, and embeds in the model. Tekla Structures cambers parts in the local z direction.
The cambering functionality is available only in the Full and Precast Concrete Detailing configurations.
See also
Fine-tuning part shape (p. 100) Cambering a part (p. 111)
Cambering a part
To camber a part: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. Go to the Deforming tab. In the Cambering field, define the degree of camber. Click Modify.
Cambering parts (p. 111)
4.6 Combining parts

You can combine existing parts in Tekla Structures. This can be useful when you want to model complex parts (such as folded plates) that are otherwise difficult to model, or when you want to model prefabricated parts that are delivered to the workshop already attached to profiles. When you select the parts you want to combine, the part properties of the part that is selected first are used for the combined part.
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You can add the new combined part to another combined part. Cuts and fittings can also be applied to combined parts.
See also
Combining two parts into one (p. 112) Attaching a part to another part (p. 112)
Combining two parts into one

To combine two parts into one: 1. Click Edit > Combine. 2. Select the first part. 3. Select the second part. If the centerlines of the part are not in line with each other, the centerlines are combined by taking the largest distance between the start and end points from both parts.
Combining does not work for contour plates or polybeams.
When you combine parts, Tekla Structures retains the attached objects and connections. Tekla Structures does not recreate connections in the part that was selected first.
See also
Combining parts (p. 111)
Attaching a part to another part

To attach a part to another part: 1. 2. 3.
Limitations
Click Detailing > Attach Part. Select the part to attach to. Select the part you want to attach.
The attachment process cannot be reversed. Once the part has been attached to another part, it cannot be detached from it.
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See also
Combining parts (p. 111)
4.7 Splitting parts

You can split a part into two parts in Tekla Structures. You can use splitting with straight parts, curved beams without offsets, or normal and tapered reinforcing bar groups. You can also split plates and slabs by using a polygon. You cannot split polybeams.
See also
Splitting a straight or curved part (p. 113) Splitting a plate or slab (p. 113)
Splitting a straight or curved part

To split a straight or curved part: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Click Edit > Split. Select the part you want to split. Pick a point for the dividing line.
Splitting parts (p. 113)
Splitting a plate or slab

To split a plate or slab by using a polygon: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Edit > Split. Select the part you want to split. Pick positions to outline the polygon to be used for splitting. Click the middle mouse button to close the polygon and to split the part. When you pick the corner points of the polygon to be used for splitting, make sure the starting and end points are:
outside of the part, and on the same side of the part.
If you split contour plates that have bolts, welds or surface treatments, check the result after splitting.
See also
Splitting parts (p. 113)
113
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Examining the model
This section describes a variety of tools you can use to view the model and control the visibility of objects in the model.
Contents
Viewing the model (p. 115) Showing and hiding objects (p. 121) Visualizing project status (p. 132)
5.1 Viewing the model

To see your Tekla Structures model from virtually any angle, you can move and rotate the model.
See also
Zooming the model (p. 115) Rotating the model (p. 116) Moving the model (p. 117) Flying through the model (p. 118) Creating a clip plane (p. 119) Creating a screenshot (p. 119)
Zooming the model

The commands on the View > Zoom menu allow you to focus in on a particular area, or pull out for a wider view. You can use a mouse, keyboard shortcuts, or a combination of both. To zoom in or out in a model:
Scroll with the mouse wheel. Scroll forward to zoom in, and backward to zoom out.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Examining the model
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If you do not have a wheel mouse, use the commands on the View > Zoom menu to zoom in or out in the model. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
See also
Viewing the model (p. 115) Modifying the zoom settings (p. 116) Zooming with keyboard shortcuts (p. 116)
Modifying the zoom settings

To modify zoom settings, do any of the following:
To Keep the center point of the view in the middle of the view window Define the zoom ratio when using a 3-button mouse Define the zoom ratio when scrolling
Do this Click Tools > Options > Centered Zooms. If this option is off, the mouse pointer position determines the center point of zooming. Use the advanced option XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO. Use the advanced option XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO_IN_MOUSEWHEE L_MODE. Use the advanced option XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO_IN_SCROLL_MO DE.
Define the zoom ratio when scrolling and holding down the wheel
See also
Zooming the model (p. 115)
Zooming with keyboard shortcuts

To zoom by using keyboard shortcuts: 1. 2. Place the mouse pointer over the model. Do one of the following: To zoom in, press Page Up.
See also
To zoom out, press Page Down.
Zooming the model (p. 115)
Rotating the model

You can use the mouse, keyboard shortcuts, menu commands, or a combination of these techniques to rotate the model in rendered views. To rotate the model, use any of the following methods:
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To Rotate using the middle mouse button
Do this 1. 2. Hold down the Ctrl key and click and drag with the middle mouse button to rotate the model. To relocate the center of rotation, press v, and then pick a position in the view. Tekla Structures rotates the model around this view point.
Rotate using the left mouse button
1. 2.
Press Ctrl + R. Pick a position in the view. Tekla Structures rotates the model around this view point. Click and drag with the left mouse button to rotate the model. Click View > Rotate and select one of the commands. The center of rotation is fixed in the center of the work area. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
3. Rotate using menu commands or keyboard shortcuts
Automatically set the rotation center
1. 2.
Click Tools > Options > Automatic Rotation Center to switch on automatic rotation centering. Hold down the Ctrl key and click and drag with the middle mouse button to rotate the model. The rotation center is automatically set at the location you clicked. Tip: When Automatic Rotation Center is switched off, you can temporarily activate it by holding down Ctrl + Shift while you click and drag with the middle mouse button.
Define a specific rotation angle
1. 2. 3.
Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. Type a rotation angle in the Rotation around Z or Rotation around X field. Click Modify.
See also
Rotation settings (p. 223) Viewing the model (p. 115)
Moving the model

To move the entire model, use any of the following methods:
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To Move the model using the middle mouse button
Do this 1. To activate the middle button pan, click Tools > Options > Middle Button Pan, or Shift+M. A checkmark appears next to the menu option if the middle button pan is already active. Hold down the middle mouse button and drag the model anywhere within the view window. Press P or click View > Move > Pan to activate dynamic panning, The mouse pointer changes to a hand. Hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse anywhere within the view window. To stop panning, press Esc. Use the up, down, left and right arrows on the keyboard. Click View > Move and then select one of the commands.
2. Move the model using the Pan command 1.
2. 3. Move the model using keyboard shortcuts or menu commands
See also
Viewing the model (p. 115)
Flying through the model

Using the Fly command, you can travel through a model, changing direction and varying the speed as you go. You can also adjust the field of view setting, which can be useful when flying in a tight space. To fly through a model: 1. Set view projection to Perspective. a Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. b In the Projection list box, select Perspective. c Click Modify. Optional: Adjust the field of view setting. a Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View. b Modify the advanced option XS_RENDERED_FIELD_OF_VIEW. c Click OK. Click View > Fly. Select a view. The mouse pointer changes into an arrow and a cross. The arrow indicates the current flying direction.
2.
3. 4.
5.
Drag the mouse to move around in the model. To fly forward, move the mouse forward.
To change the flying direction, drag the mouse in the desired direction. The flying speed grows exponentially when you are approaching the model from a distance. To move up or down, hold down Ctrl and drag the mouse forward or backward.
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6.
See also
To change the camera angle, scroll with the mouse wheel. To fly in the in the direction of the camera angle, hold down Shift and scroll forward or backward.
To stop flying, press Esc.
XS_RENDERED_FIELD_OF_VIEW Viewing the model (p. 115)
Creating a clip plane

Clip planes enable you to focus in on the required detail in the model. You can create up to six clip planes in any rendered model view. To create a clip plane: 1. 2. Click View > Create Clip Plane. Select a plane. The clip plane symbol appears in the model:
3. 4. 5.
Repeat step 2 to create as many clip planes as needed. To finish creating clip planes, press Esc. To move a clip plane, click the clip plane symbol and drag it to a new location.
6.
See also
To delete a clip plane, click the clip plane symbol and press Delete.
Viewing the model (p. 115)
Creating a screenshot
A screenshot is a picture of a dialog box, view, or the entire Tekla Structures window. You can use screenshots in posters, brochures, or other material to show projects carried out using Tekla Structures. To create a high resolution screenshot of a rendered view: 1. Ensure that the view type is set to Rendered.
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2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
See also
Click Tools > Screenshot > Custom... To define which view to create the screenshot from, click Pick view and select a view. Under Capture, select Rendered view. Click Options... The Screenshot Options dialog box appears. Set the desired properties and click OK. Click Capture.
Creating a screenshot in Windows Vista (p. 120) Screenshot settings (p. 223)
Creating a screenshot in Windows Vista

Due to a performance problem in Windows Vista, the screenshot commands might not always work properly. Use any of the following workarounds to solve this problem:
See also
Use the command Tools > Screenshot > Custom... Adjust the visual effects for best performance in the Performance Options dialog box in Windows Vista. Use the built-in Snipping Tool in Windows Vista to capture screenshots.
Creating a screenshot (p. 119)
Saving a screenshot in bitmap format

By default, screenshots are created as Portable Network Graphics (.png) files. You can also save a screenshot in bitmap (.bmp) format to use it, for example, as a custom component thumbnail. To save a screenshot in bitmap format: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Tools > Screenshot > Custom... Select Place on clipboard. Click Capture. Paste the screenshot in your graphics editor and save it in .bmp format. The software that you use to open the screenshot may have a limit for the number of pixels.
See also
Printing a screenshot
You can have Tekla Structures automatically print out a screenshot using the default printer. To print a screenshot: 1. 2. Click Tools > Screenshot > Print Screenshot to activate automatic printing. Click Tools > Screenshot and select one of the commands: To capture the entire Tekla Structures window, select Main Frame.

See also
To capture the last dialog box displayed, select Dialog. To capture the active view, select View. To capture the active view without borders, select View without Borders.
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5.2 Showing and hiding objects

The visibility of objects in a view depends on the following settings:
work area view depth view settings view filter object representation settings
Work area and view depth are like two virtual boxes. Objects that have their handles partially or totally inside both boxes are visible. Newly created objects are also visible outside the view depth but never outside the work area. When you redraw a view, only the objects inside the view depth are displayed.
See also
Defining which objects are displayed (p. 121) Representation options (p. 121) Hiding selected parts (p. 123) Hiding unselected parts (p. 124) Showing parts with exact lines (p. 125) Showing parts with high accuracy (p. 125) Showing and hiding assemblies (p. 126) Showing and hiding components (p. 127) Object groups (p. 127) Object representation settings (p. 128)
Defining which objects are displayed

To define which objects are visible and how they are displayed in a view: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. Click Display... to open the Display dialog box. Select or clear check boxes to specify which objects are visible in the view.
Showing and hiding objects (p. 121) Display settings (p. 226)
Representation options
In rendered views, you can define separately how Tekla Structures displays parts and component objects. The following options are available:
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Option
Wireframe
Description Part outlines are displayed, surfaces are not, i.e. parts are transparent.
Example
In this example, component objects are displayed as Rendered.

Shaded Wireframe
Part outlines are displayed. Parts are transparent, and their surfaces are shaded.
In this example, component objects are displayed as Rendered.

Hidden Lines
Parts are not transparent, i.e. underlying parts are not visible.
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Option
Rendered
Description Part surfaces are displayed, i.e. parts are not transparent.
Example
Show Only Selected
Selected parts are displayed. Other parts are almost completely transparent. This option is useful, for example, when viewing clash check results in a large model.
Use the shortcuts Ctrl+1...5 and Shift+1...5 to set the desired representation for parts in the model and components.
See also
Showing and hiding objects (p. 121)
Hiding selected parts

You can quickly hide selected parts in a view. This can be useful, for example, when you want to temporarily hide parts in order to see the parts behind them. To hide selected parts: 1. 2. Click View > Hide Part. Select the parts you want to hide.
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The selected parts become invisible.
3.
To make the parts visible again, do one of the following: Click View > Redraw All.
See also
Right-click and select Redraw view.
Showing and hiding objects (p. 121) Hiding unselected parts (p. 124)
Hiding unselected parts

To hide all unselected parts in a view: 1. Select the parts that you want to keep visible.
2.
Right-click and select Show Only Selected. The unselected parts become almost transparent.
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To completely hide the unselected parts, hold down the Shift key when selecting the command. To show the unselected parts as sticks, hold down the Ctrl key when selecting the command. 3. To make the parts visible again, do one of the following: Click View > Redraw All.
See also
Right-click and select Redraw View.
Showing and hiding objects (p. 121) Hiding selected parts (p. 123)
Showing parts with exact lines

Use the Show Part with Exact Lines command to temporarily display a part with exact lines even if you are using the Fast representation option for parts. To display a part with exact lines: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Select the part. Click View > Representation > Show Part with Exact Lines. Click the view in which you want to display exact lines. To clear the exact lines effect, click View > Redraw All.
Showing parts with high accuracy

You can temporarily display parts with the highest possible level of accuracy. This can be useful, for example, when checking a large model, because the entire model can still be displayed in the Fast or Exact representation mode but the individual part can be shown in more detail. To display selected parts with high accuracy: 1. 2. Select the parts. Right-click, and then hold down the Shift key while selecting Show with Exact Lines from the pop-up menu. Tekla Structures displays the selected parts with the highest possible level of accuracy. To clear the high accuracy effect, right-click and select Show with Exact Lines from the pop-up menu.
3.
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Normal display mode High accuracy mode

See also
Showing and hiding objects (p. 121) Display settings (p. 226)
Showing and hiding assemblies

Do any of the following:
To Display the contents of an assembly
Do this
Right-click the assembly and select Assembly > Show Assembly from the pop-up menu. Tekla Structures displays all parts, bolts, welds, cuts, fittings, and other details belonging to the assembly, even if you had defined them as hidden in the view properties.
Hide an assembly
1. 2.
Select the assembly you want to hide. Right-click and select Assembly > Hide from the pop-up menu. Right-click and select Redraw View. Click View > Redraw All.
Make a hidden assembly visible again
See also
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Refreshing views (p. 41)
Showing and hiding components

Do any of the following:
To Display the contents of a component
Do this
Click View > Representation > Show Component Content and select a component. Tekla Structures displays all bolts, welds, and other details belonging to the component, even if you had defined them as hidden in the view properties.
Hide a component Make a hidden component visible again
1. 2.
Select the component you want to hide. Right-click and select Hide from the pop-up menu. Right-click and select Redraw View. Click View > Redraw All.
See also
Showing and hiding objects (p. 121) Refreshing views (p. 41)
Object groups
Object groups are sets of rules that can be used to group objects based on selected properties and conditions. Use object groups to control the transparency and coloring of model objects. Object groups are also used in project status visualizations.
See also
Showing and hiding objects (p. 121) Creating an object group (p. 127) Copying an object group to another model (p. 128) Deleting an object group (p. 128) Visualizing project status (p. 132)
Creating an object group

To create an object group: 1. 2. 3. Click View > Representation > Object Representation... to open the Object Representation dialog box. Click Object group... to open the Object Group - Representation dialog box. Modify the object group settings. a Click Add row. b Select options from the Category, Property, and Condition list boxes. c In the Value list box, type a value or select one from the model. d Add more rows, and use the And/Or options or parentheses to create more complex rules. Select the check boxes next to all object group rules that you want to enable. The check boxes define which rules are enabled and effective. Type a unique name in the field next to the Save as button. Click Save as to save the object group.
4. 5. 6.
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See also
Object groups (p. 127) Selecting values from the model
Copying an object group to another model

To copy an object group to another model: 1. Select the object group you want to copy. The object groups you have created are located in the models attributes folder, and they have the file name extension *.PObjGrp. Select where you want to copy the object group. To make an object group available in another model, copy the file to the attributes folder of the destination model. To make an object group available in all models, copy the file to the system folder.
2.
3.
See also
Restart Tekla Structures.
Object groups (p. 127)
Deleting an object group

To delete an object group: 1. 2.
See also
Delete the object group file located in the models attributes folder. Object groups have the file name extension *.PObjGrp. Restart Tekla Structures.
Object groups (p. 127)
Object representation settings

Use object representation settings to modify the color and transparency of objects in the model view, and to create customized presentations of defined objects. For example, the following images show the same model with different object representation settings:
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Standard object representation Only parts whose profile name starts with IPE* or HEA* are visible Objects whose user-defined attribute Planned erection date is set to 01/05/2009 are displayed in blue, while all other parts are 90% transparent
See also
Showing and hiding objects (p. 121) Creating object representation settings (p. 129) Copying object representation settings to another model (p. 131) Deleting object representation settings (p. 131)
Creating object representation settings

Create object representation settings to define the color and transparency of objects in a model. To create object representation settings: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Click View > Representation > Object Representation... Click Add row. Select a predefined object group from the Object group list box. Use the Color list box to define the color of the objects in the object group. Use the Transparency list box to define the transparency of the objects in the object group. Repeat steps 35 for each row you add. Use the Move up and Move down buttons to change the order of the rows. If an object belongs to several object groups, the coloring and visibility of the objects defined on the top row is applied to that object. Type a unique name in the field next to the Save as button Click Save as to save the set of object representation settings.
8. 9.
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If your object representation setting does not contain the group All, Tekla Structures adds that row to the bottom of the list when you click Modify, Apply, or OK.
See also
Object representation settings (p. 128) Color settings for object groups (p. 228) Transparency settings for object groups (p. 229) Defining your own colors to model object groups (p. 130)
Defining your own colors to model object groups

You can customize the color of model objects by selecting a specific color for each object group. You can use an unlimited number of colors. This option gives you more freedom in visualizing the different types of objects in the model. To define colors for object groups: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Click View > Representation > Object Representation. The Object Representation dialog box is displayed. Load the object representation settings that you want to change. Click Add row to add a new object group or select an existing object group from the Object Group list. Click the Color list arrow and then click Choose color.... Do one of the following: Click a color in the Basic colors palette or in the color window.
Click Define Custom Colors and create a color of your own: a Click a color in the color window and then click the desired color depth on the color bar on the right, or enter RGB values.
b c
Click Add to Custom Colors. Click the color in the Custom colors palette to select it.
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6. Click OK. 7. Select the desired Transparency option. 8. Click Save to save the changes. 9. Click Modify to change the representation of the objects. When you open the Object Representation dialog box the next time, the Color list shows a maximum10 colors that you last defined above the dashed line.
Information about the colors that you define for the object groups is stored in the used_custom_colors.clr file, which is located in the attributes folder under the model folder. Information about the colors that you add in the Custom colors palette is stored in the xs_user.xxx file in the model folder (xxx is your user name).
See also
Creating object representation settings (p. 129)
Copying object representation settings to another model

To copy object representation settings to another model: 1. Select the object representation settings you want to copy. The settings you have created are located in the models attributes folder, and they have the file name extension *.rep. Select where you want to copy the settings. To make the settings available in another model, copy them to the attributes folder of the destination model. To make the settings available in all models, copy them to the system folder. Restart Tekla Structures.
2.
3.
See also
Object representation settings (p. 128)
Deleting object representation settings

To delete object representation settings: 1. 2. Delete the object representation file located in the models attributes folder. Object representation settings have the file name extension *.rep. Restart Tekla Structures.
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See also
5.3 Visualizing project status

Use the Project Status Visualization tool to review the status of modeling objects in a specific time frame. For example, use this tool to:
display the erection schedule for groups of parts using different colors identify the parts that are scheduled to be fabricated during a specific time period.
To create project status visualizations, you need to have predefined object representation settings that include object groups based on date rules.
See also
Creating a visualization (p. 132) Copying visualization settings to another model (p. 132) Deleting visualization settings (p. 133) Example: Visualizing the erection schedule of a project (p. 133)
Creating a visualization
To create a project status visualization: 1. 2. Click Tools > Project Status Visualization... to open the Project Status Visualization dialog box. Modify the visualization settings. a In the Object representation list box, select one of the predefined object representation settings. b Define a start and end date for the time scale slider. c Define the length of the time step. Select the Refresh view automatically check box. Type a unique name in the field next to the Save as button. Click Save as to save the visualization settings. To view the visualization in the model, click the step buttons.
3. 4. 5. 6.
See also
Visualizing project status (p. 132) Example: Visualizing the erection schedule of a project (p. 133)
Copying visualization settings to another model

To copy project status visualization settings to another model: 1. Select the visualization settings you want to copy. The settings you have created are located in the models attributes folder, and they have the file name extension *.4d. Select where you want to copy the settings. To make the settings available in another model, copy them to the attributes folder of the destination model. To make the settings available in all models, copy them to the system folder. Include a copy of the object representation settings file (*.rep) and object group files (*.PObjGrp) in the attributes and system folders to ensure that all the files will work correctly. Restart Tekla Structures.
2.
3.
4.
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See also
Visualizing project status (p. 132)
Deleting visualization settings

To delete project status visualization settings: 1. 2.
See also
Delete the visualization file located in the models attributes folder. Project status visualization settings have the file name extension *.4d. Restart Tekla Structures.
Example: Visualizing the erection schedule of a project

This section explains how to visualize erection schedules using the project status visualization tool available in Tekla Structures. In the following example, you will first define an erection schedule for parts using a specific user-defined attribute. After that, you will create object groups to define which objects are shown in the model, and object representation settings to define how the objects are shown in the model. Finally, you will visualize the erection schedule using the project status visualization tool.
See also
Visualizing project status (p. 132) Example: Defining an erection schedule (p. 133) Example: Creating object groups (p. 134) Creating object representation settings (p. 129) Example: Creating visualization settings (p. 135) Example: Visualizing the erection schedule (p. 135)
Example: Defining an erection schedule

In this example, you will define an erection schedule for parts using the user-defined attribute Erection Scheduled. To define an erection schedule: 1. 2. 3. Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. Click User-defined attributes... On the Status tab, modify the value of the user-defined attribute Erection Scheduled.
4. 5. 6.
Ensure that all the check boxes are cleared. Select the Erection Scheduled check box. Select all the parts for which you want to use the same erection date. To make it easier to select parts, create a separate selection filter for each group of parts.
7. 8.
Click Modify. Repeat steps 17 for each group of parts in your model.
133
See also
Example: Creating object groups

In this example, you will create an object group to define which objects are shown in the model. To create the object group: 1. 2. 3. Click View > Representation > Object representation... to open the Object Representation dialog box. Click Object group... to open the Object Group - Representation dialog box. Create an object group that includes all objects whose user-defined attribute Erection Scheduled is earlier than or equal to the review date. a In the Category list box, select Object. b In the Property list box, select INSTALL_PLAN. c In the Condition list box, select Earlier than or equal. d In the Value list box, select Select date... The Select Date dialog box appears. e Select Review date and click OK. In the box next to the Save as button, enter a name for the group. For example, plan_same_or_before_review_date. Click Save as.
4. 5.
See also
Object groups (p. 127) Visualizing project status (p. 132)
Example: Creating object representation settings

In this example, you will create object representation settings to define how the objects are shown in the model. To create object representation settings: 1. 2. Click View > Representation > Object Representation... to open the Object Representation dialog box. Define the color and transparency settings for the object group that you created in Example: Creating object groups (p. 134). a Click Add row. b In the Object group list box, select the object group you just created. c In the Color list box, select Color by class. d In the Transparency list box, select Visible. Define the color and transparency settings for the object group All. a Click Add row. b In the Object group list box, select the object group All. c In the Color list box, select Color by class. d In the Transparency list box, select Hidden. In the box next to the Save as button, enter a name for the object representation settings. For example, scheduled_erection_date. Click Save as.
3.
4. 5.
134
See also
Object representation settings (p. 128) Visualizing project status (p. 132)
Example: Creating visualization settings

In this example, you will create project status visualization settings. To create visualization settings: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Click Tools > Project Status Visualization... to open the Project Status Visualization dialog box. Define the length of the time step. Define a start and end date for the time scale slider. In the Object representation list box, select the object representation setting you created in Example: Creating object representation settings (p. 134). Select the Refresh view automatically check box. In the box next to the Save as button, enter a name for the visualization. Click Save as to save the visualization settings.
See also
Example: Visualizing the erection schedule

In this example, you will visualize the erection schedule using the Project Status
Visualization tool.
To visualize the erection schedule: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Tools > Project Status Visualization... to open the Project Status Visualization dialog box. In the list box next to the Load button, select the visualization setting you created in Example: Creating visualization settings (p. 135). Click Load. To view the visualization in the model, click the step buttons. The images below show how the objects are shown when you change the review date:
135
Review date November 02
Visualization
November 05
November 08
136
Visualization
November 14
137
Visualization
November 20
See also
138
Checking the model
This section describes a variety of tools you can use to ensure the model does not contain errors.
See also
Inquiring the model (p. 139) Measuring objects (p. 141) Detecting clashes (p. 144) Comparing parts or assemblies (p. 153) Finding distant objects (p. 153)
6.1 Inquiring the model

Use the commands on the Tools > Inquire menu to display information about model objects and model size.
See also
Inquiring object properties (p. 139) Using the Custom Inquiry tool (p. 140)
Inquiring object properties

Use the Inquire object command to display the properties of a particular object, or a group of objects, within the model. To inquire object properties: 1. 2. Click Tools > Inquire > Object. Select an object. Tekla Structures displays the object properties in a separate window.
See also
Inquiring the model (p. 139) Object property report templates (p. 140)
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Checking the model
139
Object property report templates

When you view object properties using the Inquire object command, Tekla Structures uses the following report templates:
Part type Parts Assemblies Cast units Welds Reference models Reinforcement
Template TS_Report_Inquire_Part.rpt TS_Report_Inquire_Assembly.rpt TS_Report_Inquire_Cast_Unit.rpt TS_Report_Inquire_Welding.rpt TS_Report_Inquire_Reference.rpt TS_Report_Inquire_Reinforcement.rpt
You can modify these templates according to your needs. For more information on how to use templates, see the Template Editor user documentation.
See also
Inquiring object properties (p. 139)
Using the Custom Inquiry tool

Use the Custom Inquiry tool to display information of the selected model object in a separate window that you can drag and drop to any position on the screen. By default, the tool shows the total area, weight, and length of the selected model object. To display object properties using the Custom Inquiry tool: 1. 2. Click Tools > Inquire > Custom Inquiry.... The Custom Inquiry dialog box appears. Select a part. Tekla Structures displays the part properties in the tool window.
See also
Inquiring the model (p. 139) Modifying the contents of Custom Inquiry tool (p. 140) Adding attributes to Custom Inquiry tool (p. 141)
Modifying the contents of Custom Inquiry tool

You can define what information is displayed in the Custom Inquiry dialog box. To modify the contents of the tool window: 1. 2. Click Tools > Inquire > Custom Inquiry.... The Custom Inquiry dialog box appears. Click Manage contents... The Manage Contents dialog box appears. The Attributes list contains all of the available attributes. The Contents of Custom Inquiry list contains the attributes that are displayed in the tool window. Optional: Define which attributes are shown in the Attributes list. To modify the default attributes, edit the InquiryTool.config file in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\common\macros\modelin g\InquiryToolAttributes folder. To create new calculated attributes, click Add. You can use standard mathematical symbols (+, -, *, and /) to form equations. To modify the calculated attributes, click Edit....
3.
140
4.
Define which attributes are shown in the tool window. To add more attributes to the tool window, click an item in the Attributes list and then click the right arrow button. To remove attributes from the tool window, click an item in the Contents of Custom Inquiry list and then click the left arrow button. To change the order of the attributes, use the Up and Down buttons.
See also
To change the formula of an attribute, click the down arrow and select a different formula (SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, or MIN) from the list box.
Using the Custom Inquiry tool (p. 140) Adding attributes to Custom Inquiry tool (p. 141)
Adding attributes to Custom Inquiry tool

Use the InquiryTool.config file to control which attributes are shown as default attributes in the Manage Contents dialog box in the Custom Inquiry tool. By default, the file contains 65 attributes. The attributes refer to the contentattributes_global.lst file located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\nt\TplEd\settings folder. To add new attributes to the InquiryTool.config file: 1. Open the InquiryTool.config file in any standard text editor. The file is located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\common\macros\modeling\I nquiryToolAttributes folder. Copy the entire contents of [ATTR_CONTENT_??] to the end of the file. Change the position number of the new attribute. For example, change [ATTR_CONTENT_??] to [ATTR_CONTENT_66]. Modify the NAME, DISPLAY_NAME, DATATYPE, UNIT, and DECIMAL values of the new attribute. Use the attribute names and definitions that are included in the contentattributes_global.lst file. Change the TOTAL_ATTR_CONTENT value to reflect the total number of attributes in the file. For example, change TOTAL_ATTR_CONTENT=65 to TOTAL_ATTR_CONTENT=66. Save the file.
2. 3. 4.
5.
6.
See also
Using the Custom Inquiry tool (p. 140)
6.2 Measuring objects

Use the Measure tool to measure angles, arcs, the distance between two points and between bolts. All measurements are temporary. The measurements appear in the rendered view window until you update or redraw the window.
See also
Measuring distances (p. 142) Measuring angles (p. 142)
141
Measuring arcs (p. 142) Measuring bolt spacing (p. 143)
Measuring distances
To measure horizontal, vertical and user-defined distances: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
See also
Press Ctrl+P to switch to the plane view. Click Tools > Measure and select a command that measures distances. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. Pick the starting point. Pick the end point. Pick a point to indicate on which side of the dimension line you want the number to appear.
Measuring objects (p. 141)
Measuring angles
To measure angles: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Click or Tools > Measure > Angle. Pick the center point. Pick the starting point. Pick the end point.
Measuring arcs
To measure the radius and length of an arc: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click or Tools > Measure > Arc. Pick the starting point. Pick the middle point. This can be any point along the arc between the starting and end points. Pick the end point.
142
Starting point Middle point End point Arc radius Arc length
See also
Measuring bolt spacing

You can measure distances between bolts in a bolt group. Tekla Structures also gives you the edge distances between the bolts and a selected part. To measure bolt spacing: 1. 2. 3. Click or Tools > Measure > Bolt Spacing. Select a bolt group. Select a part.
See also
143
6.3 Detecting clashes

Use the Clash Check Manager tool to find parts, bolts, or reference model objects that collide. Clashes of objects that only touch one another are not included in the clash check results. The following reference model file types are supported in clash checking:
IFC DWG DGN
If you want to use another Tekla Structures model as a reference model, you must export it in IFC format to be able to use it in clash checking.
If you are checking reference model objects for clashes, you need to use the Select objects in components selection switch.
If you are checking the reference model for clashes, you need to use the Select
components selection switch. See also
Clash Check Manager (p. 144) Defining a clash check clearance area for bolts (p. 152) Selecting a reference model Selecting a reference model object
Clash Check Manager

Use Clash Check Manager to detect and manage clashes in a model. Use the sections and storys created in the Model Organizer to run a controlled clash check.
144
In the Full and Construction Management configurations, you can use all Clash Check Manager functions. In other Tekla Structures configurations, you can use the basic clash detection functions, such as run, re-run, and save.
See also
Finding clashes using Clash Check Manager (p. 145) Grouping clashes (p. 147) Viewing the details of a clash (p. 148) Searching for clashes (p. 149) Printing a list of clashes (p. 150) Opening and saving clash check sessions (p. 151)
Finding clashes using Clash Check Manager

To find clashes in a model: 1. 2. Click Tools > Clash Check Manager. In the model, select the objects you want to include in the clash check. Alternatively, if you are using Model Organizer, select the sections and storys for which you want to run the clash check. Right-click and select Select in the Model.
Do not run the clash check for the entire model. For best results, run the clash check only for appropriate sections and storys.
3.
Click
to check the objects.
145
You can continue working during the clash check. When the clash check is complete, the status bar message changes from Clash checking in progress to Ready. 4. To highlight a clash in the model, select a row in the list of clashes. The related model objects are selected.
If you cannot find the clashes in the model, change the representation of objects to Show Only Selected (Ctrl+5) for better visibility.
5. 6.
To zoom the active view so that the selected objects are shown in the center of the view, double-click a row. If you want to include more objects in the clash check, select the desired model objects and re-run clash check. New clashes are appended to the end of the list.
After removing or modifying objects, you can re-run clash check to see if the clash still exists. To do this, select the desired rows in the list of clashes and re-run clash check.
See also
Symbols used in clash checking (p. 146) Managing the list of clashes (p. 147) Changing the status of clashes (p. 147) Changing the priority of clashes (p. 147)
Symbols used in clash checking

Clash Check Manager uses the following flags to indicate the state of clashes:
Flag (none)
State Active New Modified
Description The default state. The clash is not new, modified, resolved, or missing. All clashes are marked as new when they are found for the first time. If the object has been modified (for example, if the profile has changed), the state changes to modified when you re-run clash check. Only certain object properties affect this flag. To see which properties have an effect, right-click one of the column headings. Both visible and hidden properties affect the flag.
Resolved Missing
If the objects no longer clash, the state changes to resolved when you re-run clash check. If one or both of the clashing objects have been removed from the model, the state changes to missing when you re-run clash check.
See also
Finding clashes using Clash Check Manager (p. 145)
146
Managing the list of clashes

To manage the list of clashes in Clash Check Manager:
To Change the sort order of clash results Select multiple rows in the list of clashes Show or hide a column
Do this Click the heading of the desired column to alternate between the ascending and descending sort order. Hold down Ctrl or Shift while selecting rows. 1. 2. Right-click one of the colum headings to open a pop-up menu. Click any of the list items to show or hide them. A check mark it is visible. in front of the item indicates that
See also
Finding clashes using Clash Check Manager (p. 145)
Changing the status of clashes

To change the status of clashes: 1. 2. 3. In Clash Check Manager, select the clashes whose status you want to change. Right-click one of the selected rows to open a pop-up menu. Select Status and then one of the status options: Assign

Limitations
Fix Approve Ignore Reopen
You can change the status of clashes only in the Full and Construction Management configurations. Finding clashes using Clash Check Manager (p. 145)
See also
Changing the priority of clashes

To change the priority of clashes: 1. 2. 3. In Clash Check Manager, select the clashes whose priority you want to change. Right-click one of the selected rows to open a pop-up menu. Select Priority and then one of the status options: High

Limitations
Medium Low
You can change the priority of clashes only in the Full and Construction Management configurations. Finding clashes using Clash Check Manager (p. 145)
See also
Grouping clashes
You can combine several clashes into a group so that the clashes are treated as a single unit. To group clashes:
147
1. 2. 3.
In Clash Check Manager, select the clashes you want to group. Right-click and select Group > Group from the pop-up menu. If you want to add clashes to an already existing group, select the clashes and the group, and then repeat step 2.
You cannot create nested groups of clashes.
Limitations See also
You can group clashes only in the Full and Construction Management configurations. Ungrouping clashes (p. 148)
Ungrouping clashes
To ungroup clashes: 1. 2.
See also
In Clash Check Manager, select the clash group you want to ungroup. Right-click and select Group > Ungroup from the pop-up menu.
Grouping clashes (p. 147)
Viewing the details of a clash

Use the Clash Information dialog box to view more detailed information about a clash. For example, you can view the profile, material and class of the objects that collide. This can be useful especially when you view clash groups that contain more than two objects. To view the details of a clash: 1. 2. Select the clash or clash group whose details you want to view. Right-click and select Clash Information from the pop-up menu.
If more than one clash or clash group is being selected at the same time, the Clash Information option appears dimmed in the pop-up menu.
See also
Adding comments to a clash (p. 148) Viewing the history of a clash (p. 149)
Adding comments to a clash

You can add comments to clashes and clash groups. For example, you might use comments as reminders to yourself and other users. To add a comment: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Select the clash or clash group you want to comment on. Right-click and select Clash Information from the pop-up menu. Go to the Comments tab. Click to open the Add comment dialog box. Enter your comment in the Comment box. Optional: Modify the author name and the date if needed. Click OK.
148
Limitations
You can add, modify and remove comments only in the Full and Construction Management configurations. Modifying a clash comment (p. 149) Removing a clash comment (p. 149)
See also
Modifying a clash comment

To modify a comment: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
See also
Select the clash or clash group whose comment you want to modify. Right-click and select Clash Information from the pop-up menu. Go to the Comments tab. Select the comment you want to modify. Click to open the Edit comment dialog box. Modify the comment. Click OK.
Adding comments to a clash (p. 148) Removing a clash comment (p. 149)
Removing a clash comment

To remove a comment from a clash: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
See also
Select the clash or clash group whose comment you want to remove. Right-click and select Clash Information from the pop-up menu. Go to the Comments tab. Select the comment you want to remove. Click .
Adding comments to a clash (p. 148) Modifying a clash comment (p. 149)
Viewing the history of a clash

You can view the history of a particular clash. For example, you can see when and by whom the clash was detected. To view the history of a clash: 1. 2. 3. Select a clash or a clash group. Right-click and select Clash Information from the pop-up menu. Go to the History tab. The history information of the clash is displayed.
See also
Viewing the details of a clash (p. 148)
Searching for clashes

Use the Search box to find clashes based on search terms. The more search terms you enter, the more refined your search will be. For example, if you enter column 8112, only the clashes that match both of these terms are displayed. To search for clashes: 1. 2. 3. Open the clash check session you want to find clashes from. In the Search box, enter the words to search for. The search results are displayed as you type. To narrow your search, enter more characters.
149
4.
See also
To display all the clashes again, click
next to the Search box.
Clash Check Manager (p. 144)
Printing a list of clashes

You can print lists of clashes. You can control the print settings the same way as in any standard Windows application. To print a list of clashes: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Open the clash check session you want to print. Click Print... Optional: Modify the print settings if needed. Click Print.
Previewing a list of clashes before printing (p. 150) Setting the paper size, margins and page orientation (p. 150)
Previewing a list of clashes before printing

Use the options in the Print preview dialog box to see what a list of clashes will look like when it is printed. To preview a list of clashes:
To Open the Print preview dialog box
Do this In Clash Check Manager, click the arrow button next to the icon and select Print preview... from the pop-up menu.
Select how many pages to view at a time
Click one of the Page Layout buttons:
If the list of clashes is very long, it might be spread out on several pages. Zoom the page in or out Click the arrow button next to the select an option from the pop-up menu. Click Click . . button and
Print the current page Close the Print preview dialog box.
See also
Printing a list of clashes (p. 150) Setting the paper size, margins and page orientation (p. 150)
Setting the paper size, margins and page orientation

Before printing a list of clashes, you can set the paper size, margins, and page orientation in the Page Setup dialog box.
150
The options for paper size and paper source are printer-dependent. To use different paper options, select another printer in the Print dialog box and click Apply.
To set up the page for printing: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click the arrow button next to the icon and select Page setup... from the popup menu. In the Size box, select the paper size you want to use. In the Source box, select the correct paper source. Under Orientation, select one of the page orientation options. Portrait: vertical page orientation
5. 6.
See also
Landscape: horizontal page orientation
Under Margins, enter values for the Left, Right, Top, and Bottom margins. Click OK to save the changes.
Printing a list of clashes (p. 150) Previewing a list of clashes before printing (p. 150)
Opening and saving clash check sessions

To open or save sessions in Clash Check Manager, do any of the following:
To Open a session
Do this 1. 2. 3. Click . In the Open dialog box, select a session. Click OK. .
Start a new session
Click
Clash Check Manager clears the list of clashes without running clash check.
Save the current session Click Save the current session under a different name or in a different location 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Save only selected clashes 1. 2. 3. . icon.
Click the arrow button next to the A pop-up menu appears.
Click Save as. In the Save As dialog box, browse to the folder where you want to save the session. In the File name box, enter a new name. Click Save. In the list of clashes, select the clashes you want to save. Click the arrow button next to the A pop-up menu appears. Click
Save selected.
icon.
151
By default, clash check sessions are stored as XML files in the ..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>\Clashes folder. Tekla Structures creates the folder automatically when you open Clash Check Manager for the first time.
See also
Clash Check Manager (p. 144)
Defining a clash check clearance area for bolts

To check if bolts collide with profiles and if there is enough space to fix the bolt, you can define a clash check clearance area for bolts. To define a clearance area for bolts: 1. 2. 3. Click Tools > Options > Options... In the Options dialog box, go to the Clash check page. Modify the bolt clearance values. If the fields are empty, Tekla Structures uses the default value 1.00.
d is the larger value of the bolt head or nut diameters Clash check clearance area 4. 5. Ensure that you have selected the check box in front of each field. If you clear the check boxes, the clearance will be zero. Click Apply or OK. If Tekla Structures cannot find the bolt head or nut diameter in the bolt catalog, it uses the shank diameter instead.
See also
Detecting clashes (p. 144)
152
Reverting to the old clash checking functionality

If you are working on a large model, running the clash check may sometimes be slow. In that case you can use the old clash checking functionality, which does not recognize clashes with reference models. For more information on the old clash checking functionality, see XS_USE_NEW_CLASH_CHECK and XS_CLASH_CHECK_BETWEEN_REFERENCES.
See also
Detecting clashes (p. 144)
6.4 Comparing parts or assemblies

To compare two parts or assemblies: 1. Select the objects you want to compare. To compare parts, select two parts in the model.
2.
To compare assemblies, select a part in each assembly.
Click Tools > Compare, and then select either Parts or Assemblies. Tekla Structures displays the results on the status bar.
See also
Checking the model (p. 139)
6.5 Finding distant objects

When the work area is huge, the model may contain some distant objects that are not easy to find. Use the Find Distant Objects command to find these objects. To find distant objects: 1. Click Tools > Diagnose & Repair Model > Find Distant Objects. Tekla Structures displays a list of object IDs. At the end of the list, Tekla Structures displays additional six objects that have the biggest and smallest x, y, or z coordinates.
2. 3.
Select an object in the list. Right-click and select a command from the pop-up menu. You can, for example, inquire or delete the object.
153
See also
XS_DISTANT_OBJECT_FINDER_TOLERANCE Checking the model (p. 139)
154
Numbering the model
This section explains how to change numbering settings and apply numbering in Tekla Structures.
Contents
What is numbering (p. 155) What affects numbering (p. 156) Numbering objects (p. 161) Defining numbering series (p. 158) Viewing the numbering history (p. 170)
7.1 What is numbering

Tekla Structures assigns a mark to each part and assembly in a model. The mark includes part or assembly prefix and position number, and other elements (such as profile or material grade). This process is called numbering. Part numbers are vital in the fabrication, shipping, and erection stages of construction. Tekla Structures also uses numbers to identify parts, cast units, and assemblies when producing drawings and reports, and exporting models. You must have Tekla Structures number the model before you can create single-part, assembly, cast unit, and multi-drawings, or export files from a model. Tekla Structures uses part numbers in many tasks, for example to:
connect a drawing with the right part, cast unit, or assembly report the properties of identical parts, cast units, and assemblies identify part information when exporting parts to another software.
If the numbering of a part or assembly is not up to date, a question mark (?) is displayed in the part label and in the Inquire Object dialog box. For example:
See also
Numbering objects (p. 161)
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Numbering the model
155
What affects numbering (p. 156) Inquiring object properties (p. 139)
7.2 What affects numbering

Tekla Structures treats objects as different, and therefore numbers them differently, if the following properties differ:
Beam orientation Column orientation Reinforcement Cast-in embeds Surface treatment (affects only assemblies) Pop marks Contour marking information Shortening User-defined attributes
To define which properties affect numbering in your model, modify the settings in the
Numbering Setup dialog box. For example, if two otherwise identical concrete parts have different names and you select the Part name check box, Tekla Structures gives the parts
different numbers. By default, a part retains its number, as long as only one part has that particular number, regardless of the settings in the Numbering Setup dialog box.
Always carry out full numbering on the model after you have changed the numbering settings. If the Renumber all option is selected in the Numbering Setup dialog box, Tekla Structures will always carry out full renumbering.
See also
Numbering objects (p. 161) Numbering settings (p. 253) Identical parts (p. 156) Identical reinforcements (p. 157) User-defined attributes in numbering (p. 157)
Identical parts
Tekla Structures gives parts the same number if the parts are identical in the fabrication or casting. If a part is deformed after fabrication or casting (for example if the part is cambered, shortened, or warped), the final geometry on site and in the model may be different. Tekla Structures treats parts as identical and gives them the same number if the following basic part properties are the same:

156
Part geometry Casting direction Numbering series Profile Material
Finish
You can set the degree of tolerance for part geometry in the Numbering Setup dialog box. If the geometry of parts differs within this degree of tolerance, Tekla Structures treats the parts as identical for numbering purposes. Class and phase do not affect numbering. Tekla Structures gives the same number to identical parts that belong to different classes or phases.
See also
Part properties (p. 229) Phases (p. 182) Casting direction (p. 77) What affects numbering (p. 156)
Identical reinforcements
Tekla Structures treats reinforcing bars as identical, and gives them the same number, if the following properties are the same:
Bar geometry Numbering series Size Grade Bending radius
Tekla Structures uses the values of the rebar_config.inp file located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system\ folder to round bar dimensions up or down. For example, if you set the rounding accuracy for bar dimensions to 5 and the rounding direction to up, Tekla Structures rounds all bar dimensions up to the nearest 5 mm. In that case, two bars with dimensions of 131 mm and 133 mm would both round up to 135 mm. This gives them identical bar geometry. Class does not affect numbering. Tekla Structures gives the same number to identical reinforcing bars that belong to different classes.
See also
Reinforcement Reinforcement settings for drawings
User-defined attributes in numbering

Tekla Structures treats parts and reinforcing bars as different, and therefore numbers them differently, if the values of a user-defined attribute differ.
Parts
If a user-defined attribute has the variable special_flag set to yes, Tekla Structures takes this user-defined attribute into account when numbering parts. If a user-defined attribute has the variable consider_in_numbering set to yes, Tekla Structures takes this user-defined attribute into account when numbering reinforcements. What affects numbering (p. 156) User-defined attributes (p. 238)
Reinforcements
See also
157
7.3 Defining numbering series

You can use a numbering series to divide steel parts, cast units, and assemblies into groups. For example, you can allocate a separate numbering series to different phases or part types. The name of a numbering series consists of a prefix and a start number. You do not have to define a part prefix (for example, you may want to omit the part prefix for minor parts). When you run numbering, Tekla Structures compares parts that belong to the same series with each other. All identical parts in the same numbering series are given the same part number.
Concrete parts are numbered according to the cast unit numbering settings. For example, if the cast unit prefix is C and the start number is 1, concrete parts will get the part prefix Concrete_C-1. This applies also to concrete components whose part position prefix is Concrete and start number is 1.
Example
For example, if you define a numbering series with the prefix P and start number 1001, Tekla Structures numbers that series P1001, P1002, P1003, ... Planning your numbering series (p. 158) Assigning a numbering series to a part (p. 159) Assigning a numbering series to an assembly (p. 159) Family numbers (p. 159) Overlapping numbering series (p. 161)
See also
Planning your numbering series

Before you start modeling, it is good idea to plan the numbering prefixes and start numbers you will use for the entire project. Careful planning prevents numbering conflicts. To save time, include the numbering series in the default part properties for each type of part before you start modeling. You may want to omit the part prefix for minor parts, such as plates. If you do this, ensure that you assign a Start number for that numbering series so that it will not overlap other parts.
Example
One way to plan the numbering series is to create a table:
Part Part Part type Beam Vertical brace Horizontal brace Rafter Purlin Column Plate
See also
Prefix PB PVB PHB PR PP PC
Start number 1 1 1 1 1 1 1001
Assembl y Prefix AB AVB AHB AR AP AC A
Assembly Start number 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Defining numbering series (p. 158) Overlapping numbering series (p. 161)
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Assigning a numbering series to a part

To assign a numbering series to a part: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. If you are modifying the properties of a concrete part, go to the Cast unit tab. Under Numbering series, define a part prefix and a start number. Click Modify.
Assigning a numbering series to an assembly (p. 159) Defining numbering series (p. 158)
Assigning a numbering series to an assembly

To assign a numbering series to an assembly: 1. 2. 3. 4. is active. Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch Double-click an assembly to open the assembly properties dialog box. On the Assembly tab, define an assembly prefix and a start number. Click Modify. Once you modify the assembly prefix, start number, or name through the assembly properties dialog box, all future modifications to the assembly numbering series must be done in the same way.
If the assembly prefix, start number and name values are enclosed in square brackets (for example, [C] for the prefix), you can still modify them through the part properties dialog box. If the values are not enclosed in square brackets, the numbering settings in the part properties dialog boxes have no effect on assemblies. Use the assembly properties dialog box to modify the values.
See also
Assigning a numbering series to a part (p. 159) Defining numbering series (p. 158)
Family numbers
With family numbering you can group objects within the same numbering series into different families. This can be used, for example, to find similar cast units that can be cast in the same bed. When you use family numbering, the cast unit position numbers consist of a family number and a qualifier. For example:
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Family number Qualifier Assemblies and cast units that match the comparison criteria you define in the Numbering Setup dialog box get the same family number. However, if they have the same family number but different part geometry or materials, they get unique qualifier numbers.
See also
Defining numbering series (p. 158) Assigning family numbers (p. 160) Changing the family number of an object (p. 160) Example: Using family numbers (p. 171)
Assigning family numbers

To assign family numbers to numbering series: 1. 2. 3. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to open the Numbering Setup dialog box. Go to the Family numbering tab. Define which numbering series to assign family numbers to. a Click Add series to open the Add series dialog box. Tekla Structures displays all the assembly and cast unit numbering series in the model. b Select a numbering series from the list, and then click Add. The numbering series appears in the family numbering list.
4.
Under Compare, select the properties that need to be identical for the members of the same family. Define comparison criteria for each numbering series separately. Select at least one check box, but not all of them. If you select all the check boxes, the family number will be the same as the normal assembly position, and the qualifier number will be 1 for all. If you do not select any check boxes, only one family number per series is assigned.
5.
Click Apply. Tekla Structures stores the settings in the numbering database file (<model_name>.db2) in the current model folder the next time you save the model. If you are assigning family numbers to parts that have already been numbered, clear the existing numbers. Update numbering in the model. Tekla Structures assigns a family number to all objects in the numbering series.
6. 7.
See also
Family numbers (p. 159) Clearing numbers (p. 169)
Changing the family number of an object

To change the family number and/or family qualifier of an object: 1. 2. 3. 4. Select the objects whose family numbers you want to change. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Change Number > Family Number... In the Assign Family Number dialog box, type the desired values in the Family number and Family qualifier fields. Click Assign.
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See also
Family numbers (p. 159)
Overlapping numbering series

When you plan numbering, ensure that you reserve enough numbers for each series. If a series overlaps another, Tekla Structures might allocate the same number to different parts. Tekla Structures warns you about series overlaps. View the numbering history log to check which numbers overlap.
See also
Defining numbering series (p. 158) Viewing the numbering history (p. 170)
7.4 Numbering objects

To number objects in a model: 1. Optional: Modify the numbering settings. a Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to open the Numbering Setup dialog box. b Modify the settings. c Click Apply or OK. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering and select one of the following commands:
2.
For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
See also
Numbering settings (p. 253) Numbering assemblies and cast units (p. 161) Numbering reinforcements (p. 162) Saving preliminary numbers (p. 162) Control numbers (p. 163) Changing numbers (p. 168) Clearing numbers (p. 169) Creating a standard-part model (p. 169) Example: Numbering identical beams (p. 171)
Numbering assemblies and cast units

Part numbering does not affect cast unit and assembly numbering. However, Tekla Structures numbers assemblies and cast units in the same way as it does parts. The default start number is 1. The prefix varies based on the part type. Surface treatments affect the numbering of assemblies, if you select the Surface treatment check box in the Numbering Setup dialog box.
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Assembly and cast unit numbering may affect part numbering, if the advanced option XS_USE_ASSEMBLY_NUMBER_FOR is set.
See also
Numbering objects (p. 161) Assembly position numbers (p. 162)
Assembly position numbers

Use the options in the Numbering Setup dialog box to sort the order in which assemblies are given their position numbers. Sorting by user-defined attributes or by location does not affect the part position. The sort order can be based on the following criteria:
The x, y or z coordinates of the main part of the assembly The sorting is based on the center of gravity of the reference axis. The user-defined attribute of an assembly or the main part If your sorting is based on user-defined attributes, Tekla Structures displays a list box that includes all the available user-defined attributes.
If you add new parts, objects that have already been numbered are not renumbered to suit the sorting order by, for example, the x coordinate. In this case you should renumber the parts.
See also
Numbering assemblies and cast units (p. 161)
Numbering reinforcements
Tekla Structures numbers reinforcements in the same way as it does parts. Reinforcements may affect the numbering of parts and cast units. To force Tekla Structures to give otherwise identical concrete parts and cast units different numbers if they have different reinforcements, select the Reinforcing bars check box in the Numbering Setup dialog box. Part numbering and cast unit numbering do not affect the numbering of reinforcements.
See also
Identical reinforcements (p. 157) Reinforcement
Saving preliminary numbers

A preliminary mark is a user-defined attribute that defines the part position number. You can save the current part position numbers as preliminary marks for selected parts. The previous preliminary numbers are overriden. To save part position numbers for preliminary marks: 1. 2.
See also
Select the parts. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Save Preliminary Numbers.
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Control numbers
Control numbers are additional numbers that can be used to identify parts in a model. Use control numbers if you need to give additional, unique numbers to assemblies or cast units, regardless of their position numbers. Control numbers can be useful, for example, when delivering a large number of similar wall elements to the site. To successfully pack and unpack the load, you need to plan the order of the wall elements already when the order is shipped. Although all of the wall elements may have the same cast unit position number, you can assign a unique control number to each individual wall element.
Contents
Assigning control numbers to parts (p. 163) Displaying control numbers in the model (p. 164) Removing control numbers (p. 165) Locking and unlocking control numbers (p. 166) Example: Using control numbers to indicate the erection order (p. 166) Control number settings (p. 255)
Assigning control numbers to parts

To assign control numbers to parts: 1. 2. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Assign Control Numbers... to open the Create control numbers dialog box. Indicate which parts to assign control numbers to. To number the entire model, do not select any parts.
3.
To only number specific parts, select the parts you want to number.
4.
If you want to assign control numbers only to parts in a specific numbering series: a In the Numbering list, select By numbering serie. b Enter the prefix and start number in the corresponding boxes. Define the control numbers to be used. a In the Start number of control numbers box, enter the first control number to be used. b In the Step value box, define the control number interval. For example, to assign the control numbers 2, 5, 8, 11, and so on, enter 2 in the Start number of control numbers box and 3 in the Step value box. Use the Renumber list to specify how to treat parts that already have control numbers. Select No to keep the existing control numbers.
5.
6. 7. 8.
See also
Select Yes to replace the existing control numbers with new ones.
Use the First direction, Second direction, and Third direction lists to define the order of control numbers. Click Apply to save the changes. Click Create to number the parts.
Control number order (p. 163) Control number settings (p. 255)
Control number order

When you assign control numbers, you must define in what order to assign them. The order is based on the location of each part on the global coordinate system. The options are:
None X
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Y Z -X -Y -Z
With positive directions (X, Y, and Z), the parts with the lowest coordinate value are numbered first. With negative directions (-X, -Y, and -Z), the parts with the highest coordinate value are numbered first. For example, if the first direction is X, the second direction is Y, and the third direction is Z, numbering starts from the parts that have the lowest x coordinate value. If multiple parts have the same x coordinate, also their y coordinates are compared. If multiple parts have the same x and y coordinates, also their z coordinates are compared.
Example
In the following example, the first direction is X and the second direction is Y. The numbers 1 8 indicate the control numbers.
See also
Assigning control numbers to parts (p. 163)
Displaying control numbers in the model

If the control numbers are not displayed in the model, you can set them visible using the display settings. To display control numbers in the model: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. Click Display and go to the Advanced tab. Select the Part label check box. In the Properties list, select User-defined attributes, and then click Add. The Part label dialog box is displayed. Enter ACN and click OK. The property is moved to the Part label list. Click Modify.
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The control numbers are displayed in the model, right after the part position numbers.
Example
In the following example, the numbers 18 indicate the control numbers.
See also
Control numbers (p. 163)
Removing control numbers

If needed, you can remove existing control numbers from all or some of the parts. Do not remove control numbers unless you are absolutely sure that they are no longer needed.
Removing of control numbers is different than reassigning of control numbers. If you only want to reassign new control numbers to parts that already have control numbers, use the Renumber option in the Create control numbers dialog box. To remove existing control numbers: 1. 2. Double-click the part to open the part properties dialog box. Click User-defined attributes... The current control number of the part is displayed on the Parameters tab, next to the Control Number box. For example:
3. 4.
See also
Remove the existing control number from the box. Click Modify to apply the change.
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Locking and unlocking control numbers

To prevent other users from changing the control numbers of some or all of the parts in the model, use the Lock/Unlock Control Numbers command. Later on, if the control numbers need to be changed, you can use the same command for unlocking the numbers. To lock or unlock control numbers: 1. 2. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Lock/Unlock Control Numbers to open the Lock/Unlock control numbers dialog box. Define which parts control numbers to lock or unlock. To lock or unlock the control numbers of all parts, do not select any parts in the model. To lock or unlock the control numbers of specific parts only, select the parts in the model.
3. 4. 5.
See also
In the Status list, select Lock or Unlock. Click Apply to save the changes. Click Create to lock or unlock the numbers.
Example: Using control numbers to indicate the erection order

This example shows how to assign control numbers to six concrete walls. As four of these walls have the same cast unit position, you cannot make a clear distinction between the cast units based on their position number. That is why each wall will get a unique identifier that indicates their erection order at the site. The erection order also affects the order of shipping. For example, the wall number 1 needs to be shipped on top of the delivery, because it will be erected first on the site; the wall number 2 should be the second on the bundle, because it will be erected next; and so on. The following image represents the desired end result.
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Erected as 1st Erected as 2nd Erected as 3rd Erected as 4th Erected as 5th Erected as 6th To assign control numbers to the concrete walls: 1. 2. 3. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Assign Control Numbers... to open the Create control numbers dialog box. Select the six concrete walls. Define that you want to assign control numbers only to parts in the numbering series S with the start number 1. a In the Numbering list, select By numbering serie. b In the Prefix box, enter S. c In the Start number box, enter 1. Define that you want to use the numbers 16 as the control numbers for these concrete walls. a In the Start number of control numbers box, enter 1. b In the Step value box, enter 1. Define that you want to first number the walls with identical z coordinates in the order they appear in the positive x axis. a In the First direction list, select Z. b In the Second direction list, select X. Click Apply to save the changes. Click Create to number the concrete walls. Each concrete wall gets a unique control number, as shown in the following image.
4.
5.
6. 7.
If you cannot see the control numbers in the model, modfy the display settings. For more information on the required settings, see Displaying control numbers in the model (p. 164).
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Changing numbers
Use the Change Number command to change part, assembly, multi-position, or family numbers after you run numbering. All objects with the same number will be given the number you specified. This command does not change the numbering series. To change the position numbers: 1. 2. Select an object. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Change Number and select one of the commands.
For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. 3. Set the desired properties. The options you have vary depending on your selection in step 2. If the number you specified is already in use, Tekla Structures displays a warning and does not change the number.Tekla Structures also displays a warning if the position number is higher than the highest current number. This is for information only and the number is still changed. Click Assign.
4.
See also
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Clearing numbers
Use the Clear Numbers command to permanently delete the assigned position numbers of objects. Next time you run numbering, Tekla Structures assigns new numbers to the objects, irrespective of what their previous numbers were. To clear the position numbers: 1. 2. Select the objects whose numbers you want to clear. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Clear Numbers and select one of the commands.
See also
Creating a standard-part model

A standard-part model contains only standard parts with specific part prefixes. You can have Tekla Structures use these prefixes when numbering parts in another model.
This functionality only applies to steel parts.
To create a standard-part model: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Create a new model and give it a descriptive name. For example, StandardParts. Create the objects you want to have as standard parts. Explode all components. Delete all unnecessary items. Give the objects prefixes that are not used elsewhere (for example, STD1, STD2, and so on). Ensure that the standard-part model does not contain duplicate prefixes. Save the standard-part model. Open another model. Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Numbering. Check that the advanced option XS_STD_PART_MODEL is set, and that it points to the correct standard-part model. For example:
XS_STD_PART_MODEL=C:\TeklaStructuresModels\StandardParts
6. 7. 8. 9.
10. 11. 12. 13.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to display the Numbering Setup dialog box. If you have selected the Part name check box, ensure that the project model has the same part names as the standard-part model. Click Check for standard parts and Apply. Number the model.
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As Tekla Structures carries out the numbering, it compares all of the parts in the model to the standard-part model. The numbering applies any part position numbers (only the part prefix) found in the standard-part model to all identical parts found in the project model.
See also
7.5 Viewing the numbering history

To view the numbering history:
Click Tools > Display Log File > Numbering History.... Tekla Structures displays the numbering log file.
For information on how to interpret the log file, see Numbering history log.
See also
7.6 Repairing numbering errors

We recommend that you check and repair numbering in the model every now and then, especially before producing drawings or reports. To check and repair numbering in a model: 1. 2. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to open the Numbering Setup dialog box. Ensure that one of the following options is being used:

3. 4. 5.
Compare to old Keep number if possible
Click OK to save the changes. Unless you want to repair the entire model, select the objects whose numbering you want to repair. Click Tools > Diagnose & Repair Model and select one of the following commands:
Diagnose & Repair Numbering: All Diagnose & Repair Numbering: Series of Selected Objects
Tekla Structures assigns the position number of the oldest part or assembly to all identical parts, even if a newer part or assembly has a smaller position number.
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To force a certain position number on a part or assembly, use the Change Number command after repairing numbering in the model.
See also
Numbering objects (p. 161) Changing numbers (p. 168)
7.7 Numbering examples

This section gives some examples of numbering the model.
Contents
Example: Numbering identical beams (p. 171) Example: Using family numbers (p. 171) Example: Numbering selected part types (p. 172) Example: Numbering parts in selected phases (p. 173) Example: Numbering settings during a project (p. 174)
Example: Numbering identical beams

This example explains how different numbering settings result in different part numbers when you modify a part. To number identical beams: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Create three identical beams with the numbering series prefix P and start number 1. Number the model. All the beams have the part position number P1. Modify one of the beams. Number the model. You should now have two beams P1 and one P2. Change beam P2 to be identical to the others. Number the model. Depending on the numbering settings in the Numbering Setup dialog box, Tekla Structures assigns one of the following part position numbers to the modified part:

See also
Compare to old: P1 Keep number if possible: P2 Take new number: P3
Example: Using family numbers

In this example, the following four beams have the numbering series prefix B and the start number 1. The parts have the same main profile, and each pair has the same length, but the holes are different.
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Assembly position: B/1 Assembly position: B/2 Assembly position: B/3 Assembly position: B/4 We use the following family numbering settings:
Numbering series: B/1 Compare: Main part profile and Overall length
With the given family numbering criteria, Tekla Structures divides the beams into two families. All beams have the same profile, but each pair has a different length. Within both families the beams get different qualifiers because they have different holes.

See also
The first beam gets the assembly position number B/1-1 The second beam gets the assembly position number B/1-2 The third beam gets the assembly position number B/2-1 The fourth beam gets the assembly position number B/2-2
Family numbers (p. 159)
Example: Numbering selected part types

This example shows how different numbering settings can be used for different part types. We will use one set of numbering settings for steel anchor rods, and another one for steel columns. To number anchor rods and columns: 1. 2. Create steel columns. Create anchor rods with the numbering series prefix AR and start number 1. Ensure that this numbering series is different to any other parts or assemblies in the model.
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3. 4.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to open the Numbering Setup dialog box. Ensure that the Column orientation check box is not selected, and then click Apply.
5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Select one of the anchor rods in the model. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Series of Selected Objects. All parts with the AR prefix and start number at 1 are numbered. After the anchor rod numbering is complete, click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Series of Selected Objects. Select the Column orientation check box, and then click Apply. Select one of the steel columns in the model. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Series of Selected Objects. All columns belonging to the same numbering series as the selected column are numbered.
Example: Numbering parts in selected phases

This example shows how to number a model that consists of multiple phases, each phase having a different detailing and submittal schedule. This enables you to release drawings for a particular phase at any time. Before you start, divide the model into phases. To number parts in selected phases: 1. Apply a specific numbering series prefix and start number for parts in each phase. For example:
The beams in phase 1 get the numbering series prefix B and start number 1000. The beams in phase 2 get the numbering series prefix B and start number 2000.
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Phase 1: green Phase 2: magenta 2. Ensure that the numbering series are not overlapping. For example, to avoid numbering overlaps with the beams in phase 2, phase 1 should not contain more than 1000 position numbers. Select the parts you want to number. Use selection filters to easily select parts belonging to a certain phase or parts with a specific start number series. You can also use selection filters to ignore specific phases that are already completed or phases that are not ready for numbering. 4. 5. 6. 7. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to open the Numbering Setup dialog box. Modify the numbering settings, and then click Apply. Select one of the parts you want to number. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Series of Selected Objects. All parts belonging to the same numbering series as the selected part are numbered.
3.
See also
Example: Numbering settings during a project (p. 174)
Example: Numbering settings during a project

You can use different numbering settings at different times in a project. For example:
Before releasing a phase of the project for fabrication, you might use the Re-use old
numbers option for numbering the entire model.
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See also
If a phase has already been released for fabrication in a project, you might use the Take
new number option for new and modified parts.
If you are numbering other phases of the project at earlier stages of detailing, you might use the Compare to old option and try to combine as many position numbers as possible.
Example: Numbering parts in selected phases (p. 173) General numbering settings (p. 254)
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Advanced modeling
This section explains some advanced modeling techniques available in Tekla Structures.
Contents
Organizing the model (p. 177) Phases (p. 182) Sequences (p. 183) Lotting (p. 185) Parametric modeling (p. 186) Sketched cross sections (p. 192)
8.1 Organizing the model

Use Model Organizer to manage and view different logical areas and object types in your model. You can classify information according to your needs.
Model Organizer can be used in construction planning and management. You can divide a large model into logical sections and floors to help create building schedules, lots, and erection sequences, and categorize object types, for example, based on purchasing contracts. You can categorize both native Tekla Structures objects and reference objects.
Each part can belong to only one section and one story, but to several object type categories.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Advanced modeling
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You can use all Model Organizer functions in the Full and Construction Management configurations. In other Tekla Structures configurations, you can view the created logical areas and object type categories, and for example show and hide them in your model.
See also
Creating logical areas (p. 179) Creating object type categories (p. 179) Modifying logical areas and object type categories (p. 179) Modifying the object pane (p. 180) Viewing logical areas and object type categories (p. 181) Deleting logical areas and object type categories (p. 181)
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Creating logical areas

Logical areas may already have been defined for the model. You can create new logical areas for your own needs. To create logical areas using Model Organizer: 1. 2. Click Tools > Model Organizer.... Create a path structure. a Right-click Logical Areas. b Click New Building. c Click New Section. d Click New Story. You may create as many sections and storys as you need. Note that sections and storys are both created under buildings. Select a section or story in Model Organizer. In the model, select the area for the section or the story. Each model object can belong to only one section and one story. In Model Organizer, right-click the selected section or story, and select Add Selected to Category. In large projects, you can create sites for your project by right-clicking Logical Areas and selecting Show Site(s). You can hide the sites by selecting Hide Site(s).
3. 4. 5.
See also
Organizing the model (p. 177)
Creating object type categories

Object types may already have been defined for the model. You can create new object type categories for your own needs. To create object type categories using Model Organizer: 1. 2. Click Tools > Model Organizer.... Create object type categories. a Right-click Object Types. b Click New Object Type. You can also create subtypes for object types. In the model, select the objects you want to add to an object type category. In Model Organizer, right-click the object type category and select Add Selected to Category .
3. 4.
See also
Modifying logical areas and object type categories

To modify logical areas or object type categories, do any of the following:
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To Rename logical areas and object type categories Redefine a logical area
Do this Right-click the name in Model Organizer and select Rename. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 3. Select the new area in the model. Right-click the area name in Model Organizer and select Add Selected to Category. Select the object type category in Model Organizer. Drag the category to another location. Select the objects in the model. Right-click the category name in Model Organizer and select Add Selected to Category. Select the object type category in Model Organizer. Hold down the Ctrl key and select the objects you want to move. Drag the objects to another category. Select the object type category in Model Organizer. Hold down the Ctrl key and select the objects you want to remove. Right-click and select Remove from Category.
Move categories Add objects
Move objects
Remove objects
1. 2. 3.
See also
Modifying the object pane

You can define which properties are shown in the object pane. The properties you can add are listed in the ModelOrganizerProperties.xml file located in the model folder. To modify the object pane: 1. 2. 3. Click Tools > Model Organizer.... Click to open the object pane Properties dialog box. Optional: Show or hide properties from the object pane. Select or unselect the properties
Select or unselect more than one property using the Ctrl or Shift key, right-click and select Include selected or Exclude selected. to load a file containing properties. to add a new row and enter the property information.
4. 5. 6.
Optional: Click Optional: Click
Optional: Add reference model properties. a Copy the properties you want to add from the Inquire object dialog box. Remember to copy all the information of a property. b c Right-click in the Properties dialog box in Model Organizer. Select Paste external properties. The property is shown as an external property.
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7.
Click OK.
The properties you define apply to all the object type groups. Organizing the model (p. 177)
Viewing logical areas and object type categories

To view logical areas and object type categories in the model, do any of the following:
To View a logical area or objects belonging to an object type category View more than one logical area or object type category at a time View only the objects belonging the selected category Hide the objects belonging to the selected category
Do this Select the logical area or the object type category. The logical area or objects belonging to the selected object type category are highlighted in the model. Hold down the Ctrl key and select the logical areas and object type categories you want to view. Right-click a logical area or an object type category and select Show Only Selected. To show all objects again, right-click the category and select Redraw View. Right-click a logical area or an object type category and select Hide. To show all objects again, right-click the category and select Redraw View.
View the classification information of an object
Right-click the object in the model and select Model Classification > Show Related Classification or in Model Organizer select an object and click .
See also
Deleting logical areas and object type categories

To delete a logical area or an object type category using Model Organizer: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Click Tools > Model Organizer.... Select a category under Logical Areas or Object Types. Right-click and select Delete. Click OK to confirm.
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8.2 Phases
Use phases to break up a model into sections. Phases are often used to indicate erection sequences. You can create reports and views, hide objects, and copy objects from other models, according to their phase number. For example, you might have a large project which several users work on simultaneously in single-user mode. First create a basic model that includes, for example, the columns. This is phase 1. You then copy this basic model to all users. Each user then works on a separate part of the building. When a part of the model is completed, you can copy it back to the basic model as a separate phase (phase 2, 3, etc.).
See also
Dividing the model into phases (p. 182) Custom phase properties (p. 182)
Dividing the model into phases

To divide a model into phases: 1. 2. 3. Click Tools > Phase Manager.... The Phase Manager dialog box appears. Click Add to create new phases. Click Set current to make the selected phase the current phase. From now on, Tekla Structures assigns all objects you create to the current phase. The @ character in front of the phase number indicates the current phase. Divide the model into phases. a To identify the phase of an object, select an object and click Phases by objects. Tekla Structures selects the phase of the object. b To see which objects belong to a certain phase, select a phase from the list and then click Objects by phases. Tekla Structures highlights the corresponding objects in the model.
4.
c 5.
See also
To change the phase of one or more objects, select the objects, select a phase from the list, and then click Modify phase. Click OK to save your changes.
Phases (p. 182)
Custom phase properties

You can add custom phase properties, which will appear as extra columns in the Phase Manager dialog box. Define the names of phase properties in the objects.inp file. To use phase properties in reports and templates, use the syntax PHASE.ATTRIBUTE_NAME in the phase property field name.
See also
Phases (p. 182)
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8.3 Sequences
Use the Sequencer tool to name sequences and assign incremental numbers to parts. For example, you can define the order in which to erect parts by creating erection sequences. You can define several sequences for different purposes, and a part can belong to several sequences at the same time.
Sequencer works by assigning a sequence number to a user-defined attribute of a part. The sequence name that you enter in the Sequencer Properties dialog box is the name of the userdefined attribute defined in the objects.inp file. Limitations See also
Sequencer does not work for objects that are inside a reference model. Creating a sequence (p. 183) Adding parts to a sequence (p. 183) Checking the sequence of a part (p. 184) Modifying the sequence number of a part (p. 184) Deleting a sequence (p. 184)
Creating a sequence
Use the Sequencer tool to assign sequence numbers to parts. If you want to view and modify the sequence number afterwards, you must first create a user-defined attribute to which you assign sequence numbers. To create a new sequence: 1. Create a user-defined attribute to which you assign sequence numbers. a Open the objects.inp file in any standard text editor. b In the Part attributes section, add a new user-defined attribute. The value_type must be integer, and the field_format must be %d. For example:
attribute("MY_INFO_1", "My Info 1", integer, "%d", no, none, "0.0", "0.0")
2. 3. 4. 5.
c Save the file. d Restart Tekla Structures. Click Tools > Sequencer to display the Sequencer Properties dialog box. Type a name for the sequence. Use exactly the same name as in the objects.inp file. For example, MY_INFO_1. Click Apply. Select the parts you want to include in the sequence. The first part gets the sequence number 1, the second part number 2, and so on. If you select a part that has already been included in the sequence, Tekla Structures asks if you want to override the existing number. If you click Yes, Tekla Structures gives the next available number to the part.
6.
See also
To finish adding parts to the sequence, click Edit > Interrupt or press Esc.
Sequences (p. 183)
Adding parts to a sequence

To add parts to an existing sequence: 1. Click Tools > Sequencer to display the Sequencer Properties dialog box.
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2. 3. 4. 5.
Select a sequence name from the list. Click OK or Apply. Select the parts you want to add to the sequence. To finish adding parts to the sequence, click Edit > Interrupt or press Esc. You cannot add new parts to a sequence, unless the new part is at the end of the sequence. If the sequence changes, you must redefine the whole sequence.
See also
Sequences (p. 183)
Checking the sequence of a part

You can check the sequence name and number of a part by using the Inquire tool. To check the sequence of a part: 1. 2. Click Tools > Inquire > Object. Select a part. Tekla Structures displays the properties of the part. The sequence name and number are displayed under More. For example:
See also
Sequences (p. 183)
Modifying the sequence number of a part

Before you start, assign a sequence number to a user-defined attribute of a part. To modify the sequence number of a part: 1. 2. Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. Click User-defined attributes... The current sequence number is displayed next to the user-defined attribute to which you assigned the sequence number. For example, MY_INFO_1. Modify the sequence number. Click Modify.
3. 4.
See also
Sequences (p. 183)
Deleting a sequence
To delete a sequence: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Click Tools > Sequencer.... Select a sequence name from the list. Click Delete and then click Yes.
Sequences (p. 183)
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8.4 Lotting
With lots you can group assemblies for transporting to site. Lotting means that you evaluate specific model parts with respect to the number of units that can be carried by a transfer vehicle. For example, you can calculate how many concrete truck deliveries are needed to pour the footings or slabs for a specific portion of the model. With this information, it is easier to determine area requirements and create an erection schedule. When you define lots, you must take into account the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle, because a lot cannot exceed the maximum total load capacity. You can calculate truck load sizes based on material weights and model quantities. For most model parts, the weight is based on the size, length, and material of the part.
To view the properties of a part, right-click the part and then select Inquire > Part or Properties...
You can use lotting in conjunction with the Sequencer tool. For example, you can load each part of the model onto a specific truck based on the erection sequence of the part. The basic lotting process is the same for steel and concrete parts. However, if you are using cast-in-place concrete, remember that the concrete is transported in a volumetric container (for example, in a ten-cubic-yard truck). In that case, you must calculate the weight-carrying capacity of the concrete vehicle before defining the number of lots.
See also
Creating a lot (p. 185) Adding parts to a lot (p. 185) Removing parts from a lot (p. 186) Deleting a lot (p. 186) Sequences (p. 183)
Creating a lot
To create a lot: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Click Properties... to display the Lot Properties dialog box. Type a name in the field at the bottom of the dialog box. Type a lot number in the Number field. Type the maximum weight of the lot in the Max weight field. Click Add. Tekla Structures creates an empty lot with the defined properties.
See also
Lotting (p. 185)
Adding parts to a lot

After you have created the needed lots, you must select each part of the model and assign them to a lot until the total load weight of the lot reaches the specified target. To add parts to a lot: 1. 2. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Select an existing lot from the list.
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Tekla Structures highlights the parts included in the lot. The total weight of the lot and the number of assemblies it contains are displayed under Applied values. 3. 4. Hold down Shift and select the parts that you want to add to the lot. Click Apply selected. The weight and number of the added parts is displayed under Current values. Tekla Structures displays a warning message if the weight limit of the lot is exceeded. Click OK to close the dialog box. When you re-open the dialog box, the Applied values include the weight and number of the parts you added.
5.
Always use the Shift key when adding parts to an existing lot. If you simply select parts, you will overwrite the contents of the lot. When you hold down Shift, you cannot select parts that already belong to another lot.
See also
Lotting (p. 185)
Removing parts from a lot

To remove parts from a lot: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
See also
Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Select an existing lot from the list. Tekla Structures highlights the parts included in the lot. Hold down Ctrl and select the parts you want to remove from the lot. Tekla Structures deselects the parts. Click Apply selected. Click OK to close the dialog box.
Lotting (p. 185)
Deleting a lot
To delete a lot: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Click Properties... Select an existing lot from the list. Click Delete.
Lotting (p. 185)
8.5 Parametric modeling

Tekla Structures models are parametric, which means that each model object has parameters that define various properties, including its geometry, location and relationship to other parts. You can use these parameters to:
Create variables that define the properties of the model object, such as a beam or column.
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Variables can define fixed properties, such as the name of a column. They can also include formulas, so that Tekla Structures calculates the property value each time you use the model object.
Create dependencies, or relationships, between model objects, so the properties of one model object adjust if you change the related model object. For example, you might create a dependency that offsets a column a fixed distance from a plane on a wall, so that when you move the wall, the column follows.
See also
Defining variables Creating distance variables Creating reference distances Parametric profiles available in Tekla Structures (p. 187)
Parametric profiles available in Tekla Structures

These are the parametric profiles available in Tekla Structures:
HIh-s-t*b (symmetric) HIh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2
PHIh1-h2-s-t*b (symmetric) PHIh1-h2-s-t1*b1-t2*b2
BLLh*b*t
BLZh*b*t
BLUh*b*t
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PLh*b h=height b=thickness (smaller=b) Dd
ELDd1*r1*d2*r2
PDd*t
EPDd1*r1*d2*r2*t
Ph*t Ph*b*t
Ph1*b-h2*b*t
HKh-s-t*b-c (symmetric) HKh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2-c
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HQh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2 (centered) HQh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2-c
ZZh-t-e-b (symmetric) ZZh-t-e1-b1-e2-b2
CCh-t-e-b (symmetric) CCh-t-e1-b1-e2-b2
CWh-t-e-b-f-h1
CUh-t-h1-b-e (symmetric) CUh-t-h1-b1-h2-b2/e
EBh-t-e-b-a (symmetric) EBh-t-e1-b1-e2-b2-a Reference points:1=right 2=left 3=top
BFh-s-b-h1
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SPDd*t SPDd1-d2*t
ECh-t-e-b-a (symmetric) ECh-t-e1-b1-e1-b1-a
EDh-t-b-e-h1-h2-f1-f2-a
EEh-t-e-b-f1-f3-h1-f2-a
EFh-t-e-b1-b2-f1-f2/h1-a
EZh-t-e-b-f1-f3-h1-f2-a
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EWh-t-e-b-b-f1-f2-h2-h1-a
RCDLs*h-d*t (symmetric) RCDLs*h-d*t1*t2
RCXXs*h-b*t*h1-h2-ex
RCLs*h-b*t
RCDXs*h-b*h2*h1 (symmetric) RCDXs*h-b*h4*h3*h2*h1 RCDXs*h-b*h4*h3*h2*h1-ex
RCXs*h-b*h2*h1
See also
Parametric modeling (p. 186) Parametric profiles (p. 58)
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8.6 Sketched cross sections

This section explains how to create and modify your own cross sections, and how to use them in a model. The cross sections you create using the cross section sketch editor can be parametric or fixed. You can change the dimensions of parametric cross sections each time you use them in a model.
Contents
Opening the cross section sketch editor (p. 192) Sketching the outline of a cross section (p. 195) Refining the shape of a sketched cross section (p. 197) Adding dimensions to a sketched cross section (p. 201) Defining positioning planes for a sketched cross section (p. 204) Checking a sketched cross section (p. 208) Saving a sketched cross section (p. 209) Modifying a sketched cross section (p. 209) Using sketched cross sections in a model (p. 212) Importing and exporting sketched cross sections (p. 213) Example: Creating a symmetric C-shaped cross section (p. 215)
Opening the cross section sketch editor

Use the cross section sketch editor to create and modify your own profile cross sections. To open the cross section sketch editor: 1. 2. Open a Tekla Structures model. Click Modeling > Profiles > Define Cross Section in Sketch Editor.... Tekla Structures opens the cross section sketch editor, the Sketch Browser, and the Variables dialog box.
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See also
Sketch Browser (p. 193) Variables (p. 194)
Sketch Browser
The Sketch Browser shows the objects (lines, arcs, circles, constraints, dimensions, and chamfers) of a cross section sketch in a hierarchical, tree-like structure. The Sketch Browser automatically opens when you open the cross section sketch editor. When you click an object in the cross section sketch editor, Tekla Structures highlights the object in the Sketch Browser, and vice versa.
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The Sketch Browser displays the following information about a cross section:

See also
Extrusion type (0, 1, or 2) and thickness of the sketch. Lines, arcs, and circles Constraints Distances and dimensions and their values Chamfers and their type (0=None, 1=Line ... 7=Line and arc) and dimensions.
Opening the cross section sketch editor (p. 192) Cross section extrusion types (p. 211) Corner chamfer types and dimensions (p. 101)
Variables
Use the Variables dialog box to define the properties of a sketched cross section. Variables can define fixed properties, or they can include formulas, so that Tekla Structures calculates the property value each time you use the profile in a model. The Variables dialog box automatically opens when you open the cross section sketch editor.
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See also
Opening the cross section sketch editor (p. 192) Defining variables Display variables
Sketching the outline of a cross section

When you create a new cross section, start by sketching the outline and the holes of the cross section using lines, arcs, and circles. Ensure that you create a closed shape, unless you are creating a cross section of a consistent thickness, such as a cold rolled section.
The maximum number of points in a sketched cross section is 100.
See also
Sketching a polyline (p. 195) Sketching an arc (p. 196) Sketching a circle (p. 196)
Sketching a polyline
You can create line segments in the cross section sketch editor by picking points. Tekla Structures automatically creates coincident constraints between the line segments and displays a chamfer symbol where line segments meet. To sketch a polyline: 1. 2. Open the cross section sketch editor. Click the Sketch polyline icon:
3. 4.
Pick points to create each line segment. Click the middle mouse button to create the polyline.
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See also
Sketching the outline of a cross section (p. 195)
Sketching an arc
You can create an arc in the cross section sketch editor by picking three points. To sketch an arc: 1. 2. Open the cross section sketch editor. Click the Sketch arc icon:
3.
Pick three points to define the arc.
See also
Sketching a circle
You can create a circle in the cross section sketch editor by picking two points. To sketch a circle: 1. 2. Open the cross section sketch editor. Click the Sketch circle icon:
3. 4.
Pick a point to indicate the center of the circle (1). Pick a point to indicate the radius of the circle (2).
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See also
Refining the shape of a sketched cross section

After you have sketched the outline of a cross section, use constraints to refine your sketch and lock the shape. For example, you can straighten lines, create 90 degree angles, force lines to meet, close the shape, and add chamfers in corners. To straighten the entire profile, use horizontal and vertical constraints in conjunction with other constraints. Although the shape is locked, you can still rotate the profile in the model.
See also
Adding a parallel constraint (p. 197) Adding a perpendicular constraint (p. 198) Adding a coincident constraint (p. 198) Adding a fixed constraint (p. 199) Adding a horizontal constraint (p. 199) Adding a vertical constraint (p. 200) Deleting a constraint (p. 200)
Adding a parallel constraint

You can force two lines in a sketched cross section to be parallel to each other. Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To add a parallel constraint: 1. Click the Parallel constraint icon:
2. 3.
Select a line in the sketch (1). Select another line in the sketch (2).
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See also
Refining the shape of a sketched cross section (p. 197)
Adding a perpendicular constraint

You can force a line in a sketched cross section to be at a 90 degree angle to another line you select. The lines do not have to intersect. Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To add a perpendicular constraint: 1. Click the Perpendicular constraint icon:
2. 3.
Select a line in the sketch (1). Select another line in the sketch (2).
See also
Adding a coincident constraint

You can force two lines in a sketched cross section to start or end at the same point, by extending or shortening one or both lines. The lines do not have to intersect.
Tekla Structures automatically creates coincident constraints:
Where two lines meet. Between line segments when you draw them with the Sketch
polyline tool.
Between the start of the first line segment and the end of the last line segment in a shape, if they are within a certain distance of each other.
Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To add a coincident constraint:
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1. 2.
Ensure that the Snap to end points Click the Coincident constraint icon:
snap switch is active.
3. 4.
Pick the end of the first line (1). Pick the end of the second line. (2)
See also
Adding a fixed constraint

You can lock the position and angle of a line in a sketched cross section so that other constraints do not affect it. Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To add a fixed constraint: 1. Click the Fixed constraint icon:
2.
See also
Select a line in the sketch.
Adding a horizontal constraint

Use horizontal constraints to force a line in a sketched cross section to be parallel to the local x axis. Tekla Structures automatically creates horizontal constraints when you create lines that are nearly horizontal. Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To add a horizontal constraint: 1. Click the Horizontal constraint icon:
2.
Select the lines you want to straighten (1, 2).
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See also
Adding a vertical constraint

Use vertical constraints to force a line in a sketched cross section to be parallel to the local y axis. Tekla Structures automatically creates vertical constraints when you create lines that are nearly vertical. Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To add a vertical constraint: 1. Click the Vertical constraint icon:
2.
Select the lines you want to straighten (1, 2).
See also
Deleting a constraint
To delete a constraint from a sketched cross section: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Click to open the Sketch Browser. Select the constraint you want to delete. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu. Click Refresh.
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Adding dimensions to a sketched cross section

After you have sketched a cross section, use dimensions to make different distances in the cross section parametric. You can use these dimensions to define the size of the profile cross section when you use it in a model. Tekla Structures also adds the dimensions you create to the list of variables that you can use in calculations.
Do not create too many dimensions in a sketch, or the dimensions will not be able to adjust when the values are changed. In the following example, if you create the dimension marked in red, the dimension b1 will no longer work:
See also
Adding a radial dimension to a sketch (p. 201) Adding an angle dimension to a sketch (p. 202) Adding a dimension between two points in a sketch (p. 202) Adding a horizontal dimension to a sketch (p. 203) Adding a vertical dimension to a sketch (p. 203) Deleting a dimension from a sketch (p. 204)
Adding a radial dimension to a sketch

You can create a radial dimension for an arc or a circle in a sketched cross section. Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To add a radial dimension: 1. Click the Sketch radial dimension icon:
2.
Select the arc or circle.
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See also
Adding dimensions to a sketched cross section (p. 201)
Adding an angle dimension to a sketch

You can create an angle dimension between two lines in a sketched cross section. The angle is calculated anti-clockwise from the first line you select. Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To add an angle dimension: 1. Click the Sketch angle dimension icon:
2. 3.
Select the first line (1). Select the second line (2).
If you are unable to see the angle symbol, scroll with the mouse wheel to zoom in.
See also
Adding a dimension between two points in a sketch

You can add a dimension to a sketched cross section, between two points you pick. Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To add a dimension between two points in a sketch: 1. Click the Sketch free dimension icon:
2. 3.
Pick a point to indicate the starting point of the dimension (1). Pick a point to indicate the end point of the dimension (2).
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4.
Pick a point to indicate the location of the dimension lines and text.
See also
Adding a horizontal dimension to a sketch

You can add a horizontal dimension to a sketched cross section, between two points you pick. Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To add a horizontal dimension to a sketch: 1. Click the Sketch horizontal dimension icon:
2. 3. 4.
Pick a point to indicate the starting point of the dimension (1). Pick a point to indicate the end point of the dimension (2). Pick a point to indicate the location of the dimension lines and text.
See also
Adding a vertical dimension to a sketch

You can add a vertical dimension to a sketched cross section, between two points you pick. Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To add a vertical dimension to a sketch: 1. Click the Sketch vertical dimension icon:
2. 3.
Pick a point to indicate the starting point of the dimension (1). Pick a point to indicate the end point of the dimension (2).
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4.
Pick a point to indicate the location of the dimension lines and text.
See also
Deleting a dimension from a sketch

To delete a dimension from a sketched cross section: 1. 2.
See also
Select the dimension you want to delete. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu.
Defining positioning planes for a sketched cross section

When you sketch a cross section, you can define positioning planes for it. With positioning planes you can determine the planes Tekla Structures will use for positioning parts and components.
See also
Part positioning planes (p. 204) Connection positioning planes (p. 205) Showing and hiding positioning planes (p. 206) Moving positioning planes (p. 206) Moving positioning plane handles (p. 207) Reverting to default positioning planes (p. 208)
Part positioning planes

With part positioning planes you can determine how Tekla Structures positions parts that have a sketched profile cross section. These planes are used for the On plane and At depth settings for parts, and also when placing custom components that are bound to boundary planes. The part positioning planes are displayed in blue:
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The On plane options Left and Right are set according to the vertical blue planes, and the Middle option is halfway between them. The same principle applies to the At depth setting: the Front and Behind options are set according to the horizontal blue planes, and the Middle option is halfway between them.
Example
You can define part positioning planes so that an asymmetric cross section will be positioned according to its web only. In the following example, the Middle option is illustrated in gray dotted lines:
Middle option See also
Defining positioning planes for a sketched cross section (p. 204)
Connection positioning planes

With connection positioning planes you can determine how Tekla Structures positions components in relation to the component main part that has a sketched profile cross section.
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The connection positioning planes are displayed in green:
Example
The following image shows the default connection positioning planes of a double tee slab that was created as a sketched cross section. The green line illustrates the default connection positioning planes.
To place connections according to the location of the stems of the double tee, move the connection positioning planes as shown below.
See also
Showing and hiding positioning planes

Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the cross section sketch editor. To show or hide the positioning planes, do one of the following:
To Show or hide the part positioning planes Show or hide the connection positioning planes
See also
Do this Click Click . .
Moving positioning planes

To move positioning planes:
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1. 2. 3.
Display the positioning planes you want to move. Select the positioning planes. Select one of the positioning plane handles. The same handle controls both the vertical and horizontal plane, so you can move them both at the same time.
4. 5.
See also
Right-click and select a Move command from the pop-up menu. Move the planes like any other object in Tekla Structures.
Defining positioning planes for a sketched cross section (p. 204) Showing and hiding positioning planes (p. 206) Moving an object
Moving positioning plane handles

You can move the handles of each positioning plane. If you move the handles away from the outmost corners of the sketched cross section, you must bind them by adding a dimension to each handle. Otherwise the positioning will not function correctly in the model. To move the positioning plane handles: 1. Click the positioning plane to display the handles. The handles are displayed in pink. By default, the handles are at the outmost corners of the sketched cross section. For example:
2. 3.
4.
Example
Click a handle to select it. Move the handle like any other object in Tekla Structures. For example: a Right-click and select Move. b Pick the origin for moving. c Pick a destination point. If the handle is not at the outmost corner of the cross section, add a dimension between the handle and the corner.
In the following examples, the left handle of the positioning plane has been bound by using a horizontal dimension (b1):
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See also
Reverting to default positioning planes

You can revert back to the default positioning planes of a sketched cross section if you have moved the planes. To revert to the default positioning planes, do one of the following:
To Revert to the default part positioning planes
Do this 1. 2. 3. Click to show the part positioning planes. Select the part positioning planes. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu. Click again to check that the planes have reverted back to the default. Click to show the connection positioning planes. Select the connection positioning planes. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu. Click again to check that the planes have reverted back to the default.
4. Revert to the default connection positioning planes
1. 2. 3.
4.
See also
Checking a sketched cross section

To check that the constraints and dimensions in a sketched cross section work correctly: 1. 2. 3. Double-click a dimension line to open the Distance Properties dialog box. Change the Value field. Click Modify. Tekla Structures updates the cross section in the cross section sketch editor.
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4. 5.
See also
Check that the shape of the profile does not change and that the dimensions adjust correctly. Click Cancel to close the Distance Properties dialog box.
Using sketched cross sections in a model (p. 212)
Saving a sketched cross section

Tekla Structures saves the cross section in the current model folder. The sketched cross sections are available in the Others section in the profile catalog.
Note the following limitations when naming cross sections:
You cannot use the name of a standard profile. You cannot include numbers, special characters, or blank spaces in the cross section name. Lower case letters are automatically converted into upper case letters.
To save a sketched cross section, do one of the following:
To Save a new cross section
Do this 1. 2. Click Save sketch . Type a name in the Prefix field, and then click OK. Click Save sketch . Click Yes when prompted to update the existing cross section. Click Save sketch as . Type a new name in the Prefix field, and then click OK.
Update an existing cross section 1. 2. Save a copy of the cross section under a different name
1. 2.
Sketched cross sections are saved in the xslib.db1 file, which is a library file that contains custom components and sketches. Ordinary profiles are saved in the profdb.bin file.
See also
Adding dimensions to a sketched cross section (p. 201) Importing and exporting sketched cross sections (p. 213)
Modifying a sketched cross section

You can modify existing cross section sketches, for example, by modifying chamfers or dimensions. You can also move corners or holes by moving the handles. The chamfers are moved automatically when you move the handles.
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You cannot change dimensions that have been calculated using formulas in the Variables dialog box. Constraints may also prevent you from changing dimensions.
To modify a sketched cross section: 1. 2. Click Modeling > Profiles > Edit Cross Section in Sketch Editor... The Component Catalog dialog box opens. Double-click a cross section to open it in the cross section sketch editor. Sketched cross sections have the symbol 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
See also
next to their name.
Double-click an object to modify its properties. The sketch objects you can modify appear in yellow. Modify the object properties. Click Modify in the object properties dialog box. Close the object properties dialog box. Click the Save sketch as icon to save the changes.
Modifying chamfers in a sketch (p. 210) Setting the sketch thickness (p. 210)
Modifying chamfers in a sketch

You can change the shape and dimensions of chamfers in a sketched cross section. For example, you can create rounded cross section corners. To modify a chamfer: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
See also
Double-click a chamfer symbol in the cross section sketch editor. In the Chamfer Properties dialog box, change the shape and dimensions of the chamfer. Click Modify. Click OK to close the dialog box. Click the Save sketch as icon to save the changes.
Modifying a sketched cross section (p. 209) Corner chamfer types and dimensions (p. 101)
Setting the sketch thickness

If you have sketched an open shape, such as a cold rolled section, you must define the extrusion type and thickness of the sketch in the Sketch Browser. The thickness can be either fixed or parametric.
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To set the thickness of a sketch: 1. 2. In the cross section sketch editor, sketch an open polyline. Do one of the following: To set a fixed thickness: a b In the Sketch Browser, right-click Thickness and select Add Equation from the pop-up menu. Type the value of the thickness after =.
To define a parametric thickness: a b c d In the Variables dialog box, add a new parameter variable for Length (for example, P1). In the Formula column, define the default value for the parameter variable. In the Sketch Browser, right-click Thickness and select Add Equation from the pop-up menu. Type the name of the parameter variable (for example, P1) after =.
3.
To define the extrusion type: a In the Sketch Browser, right-click Extrusion Type and select Add Equation from the pop-up menu. b Type the extrusion type number (0, 1, or 2) after =. Click the Save sketch as icon to save the changes.
4.
See also
Modifying a sketched cross section (p. 209) Cross section extrusion types (p. 211)
Cross section extrusion types

The extrusion type defines how a cross section of a consistent thickness is extruded. When you change the thickness, the profile grows inwards, outwards, or symmetrically in both directions, depending on the extrusion type. You must define the extrusion type for cross sections that consist of an open polyline. The extrusion types are:
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Type 0
Description The sketch is extruded symmetrically to the outside and inside of the polyline. (Default)
Image
The sketch is extruded to the outside of the polyline.
The sketch is extruded to the inside of the polyline.
See also
Setting the sketch thickness (p. 210)
Using sketched cross sections in a model

Once you have created a cross section and saved it in the profile catalog, you are ready to use it in the model. If you have applied constraints correctly, the shape of the profile will be maintained when you change its dimensions. To use a sketched cross section for a new part in a model: 1. Double-click a toolbar button to open the part properties dialog box. For example, to open the beam properties dialog box, double-click 2. .

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
See also
Open the Select Profile dialog box. For steel parts, click the Select... button next to the Profile field. For concrete parts, click the button next to the Shape field.
Open the Others branch at the end of the profile tree. Select a profile with the sketched cross section. Optional: If the cross section is parametric, define its dimensions in the Value column on the General tab. Click OK to close the Select Profile dialog box. Click Apply to use the selected profile in the model. Pick points to place the part in the model.
Creating an image of a sketched cross section (p. 213)
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Creating an image of a sketched cross section

To illustrate the shape and dimensions of your profile cross section, you can create an image of the cross section you have sketched. Tekla Structures displays the image when you browse for sketched profiles in the profile catalog. The image must be in Windows bitmap format (*.bmp) and can be created with any bitmap editor, for example Microsoft Paint. You can also take a screenshot of your cross section in the cross section sketch editor and use that image. To create an image of a sketched cross section using a screenshot: 1. 2. 3. Open the cross section sketch editor. Click the sketch to ensure it is the active view. Press F12 on your keyboard to take a screenshot of the sketch without the borders. Tekla Structures saves the screenshot in the ..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>\snapshots folder. Open the screenshot in any graphics editor (for example, Microsoft Paint) and modify the image if necessary. Save the image in bmp format in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\nt\bitmaps folder. Use the cross section name as the filename, for example, mysketch.bmp.
4. 5.
See also
Using sketched cross sections in a model (p. 212) Creating a screenshot (p. 119) Saving a screenshot in bitmap format (p. 120)
Importing and exporting sketched cross sections

To use a sketched cross section in other Tekla Structures models, you have to export the cross section to a file (*.uel), and then import the file into another Tekla Structures model. Use the Component Catalog to import and export sketched cross sections. They have the following symbols and numbers in the Component Catalog:
213
See also
Importing sketched cross sections (p. 214) Exporting sketched cross sections (p. 214)
Importing sketched cross sections

After you have exported sketched cross sections to a file, you can import the cross sections to another Tekla Structures model. To import sketched cross sections: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Open the Tekla Structures model you want to import to. Press Ctrl+F to open the Component Catalog. Optional: To view the sketched cross sections and profiles already available in the current model, select Sketched profiles from the list box. In the component list, right-click and select Import... from the pop-up menu. In the Import Components dialog box, browse for the folder which contains the exported file (*.uel). Select the file to import. Click OK. If you have created a profile using a sketched cross section and want to use the profile in another model, you need to import both the cross section and profile. To use profiles from a model, you can either export and then import the entire profile catalog or a part of it, or copy the profdb.bin file.
To automatically import all *.uel files from a folder when creating a new model, use the advanced option XS_UEL_IMPORT_FOLDER.
See also
Importing and exporting sketched cross sections (p. 213) Exporting the profile catalog Exporting elements from the profile catalog
Exporting sketched cross sections

To export sketched cross sections: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Open the Tekla Structures model you want to export from. Press Ctrl+F to open the Component Catalog. Select Sketched profiles from the list. Tekla Structures lists all the sketched cross sections available in the current model. Select the cross sections you want to export. To export several cross sections, hold down the Ctrl key when selecting. Right-click and select Export... from the pop-up menu. In the Export Components dialog box, enter a name for the export file in the Selection box. Optional: To save the export file to a specific location, browse for the folder. By default, Tekla Structures saves the export file in the current model folder.
214
8.
See also
Click OK.
Importing and exporting sketched cross sections (p. 213)
Example: Creating a symmetric C-shaped cross section

This example shows how to create a cross section using variables. You will create a symmetric C-shaped cross section with the dimensions b1 = b2 and h2 = h3. When you use the profile in the model, you can change the following dimensions:
Width (b1) Total height (h1) Height (h2) Thickness (P1) Chamfers (P2)
In the following example, you will first sketch a C-shaped cross section and add dimensions to it. After that, you will set the cross section thickness and modify the chamfers. Finally, you will use the cross section in a model.
See also
Example: Sketching a C-shaped cross section (p. 215) Example: Adding dimensions to the cross section (p. 216) Example: Setting the cross section thickness (p. 217) Example: Modifying the chamfers of the cross section (p. 218) Example: Using the cross section in a model (p. 219)
Example: Sketching a C-shaped cross section

To sketch the outline of a C-shaped cross section: 1. 2. Open the cross section sketch editor. Use the Sketch polyline command to create a rough C-shaped cross section. At this stage, the cross section does not have to be symmetric or have the right dimensions.
215
3.
Straighten the lines using the Add horizontal constraint

constraint
and Add vertical
commands.
4.
See also
Save the cross section and name it CSHAPE.
Opening the cross section sketch editor (p. 192) Sketching a polyline (p. 195) Adding a horizontal constraint (p. 199) Adding a vertical constraint (p. 200) Saving a sketched cross section (p. 209)
Example: Adding dimensions to the cross section

To add dimensions to the cross section: 1. Use the Sketch horizontal dimension b2. command to create the distances b1 and
216
2.
Use the Sketch vertical dimension h3.
command to create the distances h1, h2, and
3.
In the Variables dialog box, enter the following values for the distances:
4. 5.
See also
Ensure that Visibility is set to Show for the distances b1, h1, and h2. Save the cross section.
Adding a horizontal dimension to a sketch (p. 203) Adding a vertical dimension to a sketch (p. 203) Saving a sketched cross section (p. 209) Variables (p. 194)
Example: Setting the cross section thickness

To set the cross section thickness:
217
1.
In the Variables dialog box, do the following: a Click Add to add a parameter variable P1. b In the Formula box, enter 20.00. c In the Visiblity box, select Show. d In the Label in dialog box box, enter Thickness.
2.
In the Sketch Browser, set the cross section thickness using the parameter variable P1. a Right-click Thickness, select Add equation from the pop-up menu, and then enter =P1. b Right-click ExtrusionType, select Add equation from the pop-up menu, and then enter =2 to get the sketch extruded to the inside of the polyline.
3.
See also
Save the cross section.
Variables (p. 194) Sketch Browser (p. 193) Cross section extrusion types (p. 211) Saving a sketched cross section (p. 209)
Example: Modifying the chamfers of the cross section

To modify the chamfers of the cross section: 1. 2. Double-click one of the cross section chamfers. In the Chamfer Properties dialog box, do the following: . a Change the chamfer type to Line b Click Modify. c Repeat steps ab for all the cross section chamfers. In the Variables dialog box, do the following: a Click Add to add a parameter variable P2. b In the Formula box, enter 10.00. c In the Visiblity box, select Show. d In the Label in dialog box box, enter Chamfer.
3.
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4.
In the Sketch Browser, do the following: a Double-click Chamfer constraint to open the chamfer properties. b Right-click Chamfer X, select Add equation from the pop-up menu, and then enter =P2. c Enter the same value for Chamfer Y. d Repeat steps ad for all the cross section chamfers.
5.
See also
Save the cross section.
Modifying chamfers in a sketch (p. 210) Variables (p. 194) Sketch Browser (p. 193) Saving a sketched cross section (p. 209)
Example: Using the cross section in a model

To use the cross section in a model: 1. 2. Double-click a toolbar button open the part properties dialog box. Open the Select Profile dialog box. For steel parts, click the Select... button next to the Profile field.
3. 4.
For concrete parts, click the
button next to the Shape field.
Open the Others branch at the end of the profile tree, and select the CSHAPE profile. Optional: Modify the dimensions of the cross section profile on the General tab.
5. 6.
Click OK to apply the changes. Pick points to place the part in the model.
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See also
Modifying a sketched cross section (p. 209) Defining positioning planes for a sketched cross section (p. 204)
220
Modeling settings
This section provides more information about the various settings you can modify in Tekla Structures.
Contents
General settings (p. 221) View and representation settings (p. 224) Part properties (p. 229) Detail properties (p. 247) Numbering settings (p. 253)
9.1 General settings

This section provides more information about some general modeling settings.
Contents
Grid properties (p. 221) Grid line properties (p. 222) Point properties (p. 222) Rotation settings (p. 223) Screenshot settings (p. 223)
Grid properties
Use the Grid dialog box to view and modify the grid properties.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Modeling settings
221
Option
Coordinates
Description The coordinates of the grid in the global x, y, and z directions (x and y are relative, z is absolute).

Labels Line extensions Origin Magnetic grid plane User-defined attributes... See also
X - grid lines vertical to the work plane Y - grid lines horizontal to the work plane Z - elevations in the structure
The names of the grid lines. Define how far the grid lines extend in the directions Left/Below and Right/Above. The coordinates of the grid origin in the global x, y, and z directions. Select to bind objects to grid lines. Click to access the user-defined properties of the grid.
Grids (p. 29)
Grid line properties

Use the Grid Line Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of a single grid line.
Option
Label Depth in view plane Extension Left/Below Extension Right/Above Magnetic grid plane User-defined attributes... Visible in drawings Grid line automatic dimensioning See also
Description The name of the grid line. The height of the grid plane perpendicular to the view plane. Define how far the grid lines extend in the directions Left/ Below and Right/Above. Select to bind objects to the grid line. Click to access the user-defined properties of the grid line. Select to make the grid line visible in drawings. Select to use single grid lines in grid dimensioning.
Grid lines (p. 32)
Point properties
Use the Point Information dialog box to view and modify the properties of a point.
Option
Phase
Description The phase number. You can filter objects by their phase numbers.
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Option
Id
Description The ID number, which is used in log files. You can filter objects by their ID numbers. The local (work plane) and global x, y, and z coordinates of a point. Indicates the correct location of the point.
Coordinates
See also
Points (p. 44)
Rotation settings
Use the Copy - Rotate and Move - Rotate dialog boxes to view and modify the settings that are used when you rotate objects in Tekla Structures.
Option
X0 Y0 Origin angle Number of copies dZ Rotation angle Around
Description The x and y coordinates of the starting point of the rotation axis. The angle of the rotation axis when rotating around a line on the work plane. Defines the number of copies created. The difference in position between the original and copied object in the z direction. The rotation angle between the original and new position. Defines whether the rotation axis is a line on the work plane or in the z direction.
See also
Rotating objects
Screenshot settings
Use the Screenshot dialog box to view and modify the screenshot settings.
Option
View name View View without borders Rendered view Place on clipboard Print to file
Description Shows the selected view name. Includes the view content and window borders in the screenshot. Includes only the view content in the screenshot. For high resolution screenshots from rendered views. The Options... button displays the Screenshot Options dialog box. Places the screenshot on the clipboard. Saves the screenshot to a file.
The following screenshot options are only available in rendered views:
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Option
Final width
Description The width of the screenshot. Uses the same unit as other dimensions in modeling. The height of the screenshot. Uses the same unit as other dimensions in modeling. The pixel density (DPI) of the screenshot. There are limitations to pixel density. You can change the DPI using a graphics editor.
Final height
DPI
White background Smooth lines Line width See also
Uses white background. Uses smooth lines to decrease jagged edges. Sets the line width.
9.2 View and representation settings

This section provides more information about specific view and representation settings.
Contents
View properties (p. 224) Grid view properties (p. 226) Display settings (p. 226) Color settings for parts (p. 228) Color settings for object groups (p. 228) Transparency settings for object groups (p. 229)
View properties
Use the View Properties dialog box to view and modify the view properties.
Option
Name Angle Projection
Description The name of the view. Whether the view angle is Plane or 3D. The projection type of rendered views.
Orthogonal: All objects are of equal size (no perspective).
When you zoom, text and point size remains the same. In addition, the zoom remains on part surfaces.
Perspective: Distant objects appear smaller than close ones, as do text and points. You can zoom, rotate the model, or fly through it. Rotation View type
How the view is rotated around the z and x axes. Rotation is view-specific. The appearance of the model in the view.
224
Option
Color and transparency in all views Representation... View depth
Description The color and transparency setting that is used in all views (according to the status of the objects in the model). Opens the Object Representation dialog box for defining color and transparency settings. The thickness of the displayed slice of model. You can define the depth separately upwards and downwards from the view plane. Only objects positioned within the view depth are visible in the model. Opens the Display dialog box for defining which objects are displayed in the view and how. Which object group is displayed in the view. Opens the Object Group - View Filter dialog box for creating and modifying object groups.
Display... Visible object group Object group...
See also
Views (p. 33)
Default part, component, assembly and cast unit view properties

Tekla Structures creates 3D and default part, component, assembly and cast unit model views using the properties in the following files:
3D part view: part_basic_view Part front view: part_front_view Part top view: part_top_view Part end view: part_end_view Part perspective view: part_persp_view 3D component view: joint_basic_view Component front view: joint_front_view Component top view: joint_top_view Component end view: joint_end_view Component perspective view: joint_persp_view 3D assembly or cast unit view: assembly_basic_view Assembly or cast unit front view: assembly_front_view Assembly or cast unit top view: assembly_top_view Assembly or cast unit end view: assembly_end_view Assembly or cast unit back view: assembly_back_view Assembly or cast unit bottom view: assembly_bottom_view Assembly or cast unit perspective view: assebly_persp_view
You can modify the view properties before you create the views: Load the desired view properties in the View Properties dialog box and change the settings as required.
See also
Creating a view (p. 35) View and representation settings (p. 224)
225
Grid view properties

Use the Creation of Views Along Grid Lines dialog box to view and modify the properties of grid views.
Option
View plane Number of views
Description The plane of the view defined by two axes similarly to the default view. Defines which grid lines the views will be created of.
None does not create any views. One (First) only creates the view closest to the grid origin. One (Last) only creates the view furthest from the grid origin. All creates all views in grid planes in the relevant direction.
View name prefix
The prefix to be used with the grid label in the view name. This name overrides the name in the view properties. View names consist of a prefix and a grid label, e.g. PLAN +3000. If the View name prefix field is left empty, no prefix is used. Tekla Structures adds a dash and a running number to the view name if view names are otherwise identical.
View properties
Defines which view properties (applied or saved) will be used. Each view plane has its own view properties. You can load the properties from the current view properties with the option <applied values> or from saved view properties. The Show... button displays the current view properties.
See also
Creating grid views (p. 38)
Display settings
Use the Display dialog box to define which object types Tekla Structures displays and how they appear in the model. Some of these settings may affect system performance.
226
Option
Parts
Description Defines how parts are displayed.

Fast uses a rapid drawing technique that displays internal hidden
edges, but skips cuts. The setting does not automatically affect already modeled parts. When you switch this setting on, the fast representation mode will be applied only to newly created parts and to parts that are displayed with the Show with Exact Lines command.
Exact displays the cuts, but hides the internal hidden lines of
parts.
Reference line shows parts as sticks. This option increases display speed significantly, when viewing the entire model, or large parts of it. Bolts
Defines how bolts are displayed.

Fast displays the axis and a cross to represent the bolt head. This
is the recommended representation mode for bolts, because it increases display speed significantly and consumes less system memory.
Exact shows bolts, washers, and nuts as solids. Holes
Defines how holes are displayed.

Fast only displays the circle in the first plane. When using this
option, Tekla Structures always displays fast holes on the first part (counting from the head of the bolt). If there are slotted holes in any of the parts, a slotted hole is displayed on the first part, even if the hole in that part is not slotted. The new slotted hole has the same size and rotation as the first slotted hole (counting from the head of the bolt). Holes that are outside a part are always displayed as fast holes in rendered views.
Exact shows holes as solids. Exact long holes only displays slotted holes in exact mode and ordinary holes in fast mode. Point size
Defines the size of points in views. You can also change the size of the part handle using this field.
In model increases the point size on the screen when you zoom
in.
In view does not increase the point size. AutoStick
Defines whether the objects are shown as sticks or as objects. This option is only available in wire frame views. To enable the wire frame, set the advanced XS_ENABLE_WIRE_FRAME to TRUE and set Wireframe as the view type in the View Properties dialog box. By dragging the sliders you can adjust the zoom distance where objects should be shown as sticks. This option increases performance significantly when viewing large models. It still lets you zoom in on a small area and display it exactly.
See also
Defining which objects are displayed (p. 121)
227
Color settings for parts

Use the Class value to change the color of a part.
Class 1 2 or 0 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
See also
Color light gray red green blue turquoise yellow magenta gray rose lime aqua pink orange light blue
Changing the color of a part (p. 59)
Color settings for object groups

Use the Object Representation dialog box to define the color of object groups.
Option
As is
Description The current color is used. If the object belongs to one of the object groups defined in the following rows, its color is defined by the settings that the object group in question has on that row.
Colors
Color by class Color by lot Color by phase Color by analysis type
Select color from the list. All parts are colored according to their Class property. Parts belonging to different lots get different colors. Parts belonging to different phases get different colors. Displays parts according to the member analysis type.
228
Option
Color by analysis utility check Color by attribute
Description Displays parts according to the utilization ratio in analysis. Displays parts in different colors according to the values of a user-defined attribute.
See also
Transparency settings for object groups

Use the Object Representation dialog box to define the transparency of object groups.
Option
As is
Description The current visibility. If the object belongs to any object group whose visibility and color settings have been defined, the settings will be read from that object group.
Visible 50% transparent 70% transparent 90% transparent Hidden See also
Object is shown in the views. Object is transparent in rendered views.
Object is not shown in the views.
9.3 Part properties

This section provides more information about the properties of specific steel and concrete parts.
Contents
Steel column properties (p. 230) Steel beam properties (p. 230) Contour plate properties (p. 231) Orthogonal beam properties (p. 232) Twin profile properties (p. 232) Pad footing properties (p. 233) Strip footing properties (p. 234) Concrete column properties (p. 235) Concrete beam properties (p. 235) Concrete slab properties (p. 236) Concrete panel properties (p. 237) User-defined attributes (p. 238)
229
Steel column properties

Use the Column Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of a steel column. The file name extension of a column properties file is *.clm.
Option
Part prefix and start number Assembly prefix and start number Name
Description The part mark series of the column. The assembly mark series of the column. The user-definable name of the column. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
Profile Material Finish
The profile of the column. The material of the column. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group columns. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes Vertical Rotation Horizontal Top Bottom Deforming tab See also
User-defined properties of the column. The position of the column, relative to its handle. How the column is rotated around its axis. The horizontal position of the column, relative to its handle. The position of the second end of the column in the global z direction. The position of the first end of the column in the global z direction. Warping, cambering, and shortening of the column.
Creating a steel column (p. 60)
Steel beam properties

Use the Beam Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of a steel beam, steel polybeam, or curved beam. The file name extension of a beam properties file is *.prt.
Option
Description The part mark series of a beam. The assembly mark series of the beam. The user-definable name of a beam. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
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Option
Description The profile of a beam. The material of a beam. The finish type. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group beams. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Radius Number of segments Deforming tab See also
User-defined properties of a beam. The position of a beam on the work plane. How much a beam is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The position of a beam, in terms of depth perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of beam ends, relative to the beams handles. The plane of curvature and radius of a curved beam. The number of segments Tekla Structures uses when drawing a curved beam. Warping, cambering, and shortening of the beam.
Creating a steel beam (p. 60)
Contour plate properties

Use the Contour Plate Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of a contour plate. The file name extension of a contour plate properties file is *.cpl.
Option
Description The part mark series of the contour plate. The assembly mark series of the contour plate. The user-definable name of the contour plate. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
Profile
The profile of the contour plate. The format is PL+ thickness, for example PL20. The material of the contour plate. The finish type. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Material Finish
Class
Used to group contour plates. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
231
Option
User-defined attributes At depth
Description User-defined properties of the contour plate. The position of the contour plate, in terms of depth, perpendicular to the work plane.
See also
Creating a contour plate (p. 61)
Orthogonal beam properties

Use the Orthogonal Beam Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of an orthogonal steel beam. The file name extension of an orthogonal beam properties file is *.crs.
Option
Description The part mark series of the beam. The assembly mark series of the beam. The user-definable name of the beam. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of the beam. The material of the beam. The finish type. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
User-defined attributes Vertical Rotation Horizontal Top Bottom
User-defined properties of the beam. The position of the beam, relative to its handle. How much the beam is rotated around its axis. The horizontal position of the beam, relative to its handle. The position of the second end of the beam in the z direction of the work plane. The position of the first end of the beam in the z direction of the work plane.
See also
Creating an orthogonal beam (p. 62)
Twin profile properties

Use the Twin Profile Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of a twin steel profile. The file name extension of a twin profile properties file is *.dia.
232
Option
Description The part mark series of the twin profile. The assembly mark series of the twin profile. The user-definable name of the twin profile. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of both the beams in the twin profile. The material of the beams. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group twin profiles. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Twin profile type Horizontal Vertical See also
User-defined properties of the twin profile. The position of the twin profile on the work plane. Defines how the twin profile is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The beam position, in terms of depth, perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of the ends of the beam, relative to the beams handles. Defines how the profiles are combined. The horizontal clearance between the profiles. The vertical clearance between the profiles.
Creating a twin profile (p. 63)
Pad footing properties

Use the Pad Footing Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of a pad footing. The file name extension of a pad footing properties file is *.cpf.
Option
Name
Description The user-definable name of the pad footing. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of the pad footing. The material of the pad footing. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
233
Option
Class
Description Used to group pad footings. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes Vertical Rotation Horizontal Top Bottom Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type See also
User-defined properties of the pad footing. The vertical position of the pad footing, relative to its handle. How much the pad footing is rotated around its axis. The horizontal position of the pad footing, relative to its handle. The position of the top surface of the pad footing in the global z direction. The position of the bottom surface of the pad footing in the global z direction. Define the cast unit series of the pad footing. Indicates whether the footing is precast or cast in place.
Creating a pad footing (p. 71)
Strip footing properties

Use the Strip Footing Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of a strip footing. The file name extension of a strip footing properties file is *.csf.
Option
Name
Description The user-definable name of the strip footing. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
Shape Material Finish
The profile of the strip footing. The material of the strip footing. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group strip footings. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset
User-defined properties of the strip footing. The position of the strip footing on the work plane. How much the strip footing is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The position of the strip footing in terms of depth perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of the ends of the strip footing, relative to its handles.
234
Option
Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type Radius Number of segments See also
Description Define the cast unit series of the strip footing. Indicates whether the footing is precast or cast in place. The plane of curvature and radius of the curved strip footing. The number of segments required to draw a curved strip footing.
Creating a strip footing (p. 71)
Concrete column properties

Use the Concrete Column Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of a concrete column. The file name extension of a concrete column properties file is *.ccl.
Option
Name
Description The user-definable name of the column. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of the column. The material of the column. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group columns. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes Vertical Rotation Horizontal Top Bottom Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type Deforming tab See also
User-defined properties of the column. The vertical position of the column, relative to its handle. How much the column is rotated around its axis. The horizontal position of the column, relative to its handle. The position of the second end of the column in the global z direction. The position of the first end of the column in the global z direction. Define the cast unit series of the column. Indicates whether the column is precast or cast in place. Warping, cambering and shortening of the column.
Creating a concrete column (p. 71)
Concrete beam properties

Use the Concrete Beam Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of a concrete beam or polybeam. The file name extension of a concrete beam properties file is *.cbm.
235
Option
Name
Description The user-definable name of the beam. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of the beam. The material of the beam. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Radius Number of segments Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type Deforming tab See also
User-defined properties of the beam. The beam position on the work plane. How much the beam is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The position of the beam in terms of depth perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of the ends of the beam, relative to its handles. The plane of curvature and radius of the curved beam. The number of segments required to draw a curved beam. Define the cast unit series of the beam. Indicates whether the beam is precast or cast in place. Warping, cambering and shortening of the beam.
Creating a concrete beam (p. 72)
Concrete slab properties

Use the Concrete Slab Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of a concrete slab. The file name extension of a concrete slab properties file is *.csl.
Option
Name
Description The user-definable name of the slab. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
Thickness Material Finish
The thickness of the slab. The material of the slab. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
236
Option
Class
Description Used to group slabs. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes At depth Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type See also
User-defined properties of the slab. The position of the slab, in terms of depth, perpendicular to the work plane. Define the cast unit series of the slab. Indicates whether the slab is precast or cast in place.
Creating a concrete slab (p. 73)
Concrete panel properties

Use the Concrete Panel Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of a concrete panel. The file name extension of a concrete panel properties file is *.cpn.
Option
Name
Description The user-definable name of the panel. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type.
The profile of the panel (thickness height of the wall). The material of the panel. The type of finish. Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc.
Class
Used to group panels. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type Radius Number of segments See also
User-defined properties of the panel. The position of the panel on the work plane. How much the panel is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The position of the panel, in terms of depth perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of the ends of the panel, relative to its handles. Define the cast unit series of the panel. Indicates whether the panel is precast or cast in place. The plane of curvature and radius of the curved panel. The number of segments required to draw a curved panel.
Creating a concrete panel (p. 74)
237
User-defined attributes
User-defined attributes provide extra information about a part. Attributes can consist of numbers, text, or lists. The following table gives some examples of what you can use attributes for:
Attribute
Comment Shorten
Can be used... In part and weld marks in Tekla Structures drawings, or in projects. When drawings of the parts are created, Tekla Structures decreases the true length of the part by this value. This is useful when creating assembly drawings of bracing bars that should always be under tension. In part marks in Tekla Structures drawings. To obtain preliminary marks for parts in reports. To protect objects from being accidentally changed. To save reaction forces for AutoDefaults. You can enter forces separately for each end of a part. User-defined fields. You can change the names of these fields and add new user-defined fields. When importing information on connection types into Tekla Structures. You can then use the connection codes as rules in AutoConnection and AutoDefaults. Each end of a part can have a different connection code. For selecting whether to show moment connection symbols in drawings or not.
Camber Preliminary mark Locked Shear, Tension, and Moment User field 1...4 Connection code
Moment connection
See also
Common elements in marks Part properties (p. 229) Adding properties
9.4 Part position settings

This section provides more information about specific part position settings. These settings can be modified on the Position tab in the part properties dialog box, or by using the Mini Toolbar.
Contents
Position on the work plane (p. 238) Rotation (p. 240) Position depth (p. 240) Vertical position (p. 242) Horizontal position (p. 244) End offsets (p. 246)
Position on the work plane

Use the On plane option in the part properties dialog box to view and change the parts position on the work plane. The position is always relative to the parts handles.
238
Option
Middle
Description The handles are in the middle of the part.
Example
Right
The part is positioned underneath its handles.
Left
The part is positioned above its handles.
Examples
Position
Middle 300
Example
Right 300
Left 300
See also
Modifying the position of a part (p. 56)
239
Rotation
Use the Rotation option in the part properties dialog box to view and change the rotation of a part around its axis on the work plane. You can also define the angle of rotation. Tekla Structures measures positive values clockwise around the local x axis.
Option
Front
Description The work plane is parallel to the front plane of the part.
Example
Top
The work plane is parallel to the top plane of the part.
Back
The work plane is parallel to the back plane of the part.
Below
The work plane is parallel to the bottom plane of the part.
See also
Position depth
Use the At depth option in the part properties dialog box to view and change the position depth of the part. The position is always perpendicular to the work plane.
240
Option
Middle
Description The part is positioned in the middle of the work plane.
Example
Front
The part is positioned above the work plane.
Behind
The part is positioned underneath the work plane.
Examples
Position
Middle 400
Example
241
Position
Front 400
Example
Behind 400
See also
Vertical position
Use the Vertical option in the part properties dialog box to view and change the vertical position of the part. The position is always relative to the parts handles.
242
Option
Middle
Description The handle is in the middle of the part.
Example
Down
The part is positioned underneath its handle.
Up
The part is positioned above its handle.
243
Examples
Position
Middle 200
Example
Down 200
Up 200
See also
Horizontal position
Use the Horizontal option in the part properties dialog box to view and change the horizontal position of the part. The position is always relative to the parts handle.
244
Option
Middle
Description The handle is in the middle of the part.
Example
Left
The part is positioned on the left side of its handle.
Right
The part is positioned on the right side of its handle.
245
Examples
Position
Middle 150
Example
Left 150
Right 150
See also
End offsets
Use the Dx, Dy and Dz options in the part properties dialog box to move the ends of a part, relative to its handles. You can enter positive and negative values.
Option
Dx Dy Dz
Description Changes the length of the part by moving the part end point along the line formed by the part handles. Moves the part end perpendicular to the part handles. Moves the part end in the z direction of the work plane.
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Examples
Position
Dx
Example
End point: 200
Dx
End point: -200
Dy
End point: 300
Dy
End point: -300
Dz
End point: 400
Dz
End point: -400
See also
9.5 Detail properties

This section provides more information about the properties of specific modeling details.
Contents
Bolt properties (p. 248) Weld properties (p. 249) Weld types (p. 251) Corner chamfer properties (p. 252)
247
Edge chamfer properties (p. 253)
Bolt properties
Use the Bolt Properties dialog box to view or modify the properties of a bolt group.
Option
Bolt size Bolt standard Bolt type Connect part/ assembly Thread in material
Description Bolt diameter. Bolt assembly standard/grade. Defines whether the bolts are assembled on-site or in the shop. Indicates whether you are bolting a secondary part or a subassembly. Indicates if the thread of the bolt can be inside the bolted parts. Tekla Structures does not use this value when calculating the length of full-threaded bolts. Indicates which parts the bolt connects. The value defines the area Tekla Structures should search for parts that belong to the bolt group. Using cut length you can determine whether the bolt will go through one flange or two. Tekla Structures searches for parts using half the cut length value, in both directions from the bolt group plane. In the illustration below, A is the cut length and B is the bolt origin. Tekla Structures calculates the search area as A/2 in both directions from point B.
Cut length
Tekla Structures warns you if the cut length is too small (i.e. the bolt group contains no parts) and makes the bolt length 100 mm. If there are large gaps between the connected parts, the gap is added to the length of the bolt. Tekla Structures calculates bolt length using the the total distance between the first and last surfaces. If you want to force a bolt to be a certain length, enter a negative value for cut length (e.g. -150).
Extra length
Additional bolt length. Increases the material thickness that Tekla Structures uses when calculating bolt length. For example, you might need extra bolt length to allow for painting. You can also build additional lengths into bolt assemblies.
248
Option
Shape Bolt dist X Bolt dist Y Tolerance Hole type Slotted hole X Slotted hole Y Rotate Slots
Description Bolt group shape. Bolt spacing, number, or co-ordinate, depending on the bolt group shape. Bolt spacing, group diameter, or coordinate, depending on the bolt group shape. Tolerance = Hole diameter - Bolt diameter Oversized or slotted. Field activates after you select the Parts with slotted holes check boxes. x allowance of a slotted hole. Zero for a round hole. y allowance of a slotted hole. Zero for a round hole. If the bolt connects several parts, you may want to rotate alternate holes by 90 degrees. This allows the bolt to move in different directions. Moves the bolt group perpendicular to the bolt group x axis.
On plane
Rotation
Defines how far the bolt group is rotated around the x axis, relative to the current work plane. For example, you can use this field to indicate on which side of the connected parts you want the bolt head to be.
At depth Dx, Dy, Dz See also
Moves the bolt group perpendicular to the current work plane. Offsets that move the bolt group by moving the bolt group x axis.
Bolts (p. 81)
Weld properties
Use the Weld Properties dialog box to view or modify the properties of a weld.
Some of the properties are only displayed in reports, not in drawings.
Option
Prefix Size
Description See Weld size prefixes (p. 89). The size of the weld. If you enter a zero or negative weld size, Tekla Structures creates the weld, but does not display it drawings.
249
Option
Type Angle
Description See Weld types (p. 251). The angle of weld preparation, bevels, or groove. Tekla Structures displays the angle between the weld type symbol and the fill type contour symbol.
Contour
The fill type contour of a weld can be:

Finish
None Flush Convex Concave
Tekla Structures displays the finish symbol above the weld type symbol in drawings. The options are:

Length
G (Grind) M (Machine) C (Chip)
(Flush finished weld) (Smooth blended weld face)
The length of a regular weld depends on the length of the connection between the welded parts. You can set the exact length of a polygon weld by, for example, defining the start and end points of the weld. The center-to-center spacing of welds for non-continuous welds. Pitch is shown in the weld mark if the value is greater than 0.0. To create a non-continuous weld, define the center-to-center spacing and the pitch of the welds. Tekla Structures calculates the distance between the welds as the pitch minus the length of the weld. Tekla Structures uses the character by default to separate weld length and pitch, for example 50100. To change the separator to @, for example, set the advanced option XS_WELD_LENGTH_CC_SEPARATOR_CHAR to @.
Pitch
Root face
Root face thickness is the height of the narrowest part inside the root opening. The RFT fields in the connection dialog boxes also refer to the root face thickness. Neither root face nor RFT values appear in drawings, but you can use the WELD_ROOT_FACE_THICKNESS field in reports to show the root face dimension in the weld list.
Effective throat Root opening Reference text Stitch weld
The weld size used in weld strength calculation. The space between the welded parts. Additional information to appear in the weld symbol. For example, information about the weld specification or process. Set this option to Yes to create a staggered, intermittent weld. Stitch welds are s are staggered on both sides of the welded part. Tekla Structures shows the weld type symbols as staggered in weld symbols. If you set this option to No, a non- staggered intermittent weld is created. To show the pitch in a weld mark, set Pitch to a value greater than 0.0.
250
Option
Edge/Around
Description Indicates whether only one edge or the entire perimeter of a face should be welded. A circle in the weld symbol in drawings indicates the Around option has been used.
Workshop/Site
Indicates where the weld should be made. This setting affects assemblies and drawings. Tekla Structures indicates site welds in the weld symbol using a flag.
NDT inspection level Connect part/ assembly Position Electrode classification Electrode strength Electrode coefficient Welding process type See also
Defines the non-desctructive testing and inspection level. See Using welds to create assemblies (p. 65). See Weld position (p. 88). Defines the weld electrode classification. Defines the electrode strength. Defines the electrode strength coefficient. Defines the process type.
Welds (p. 87)
Weld types
Use the Weld Properties dialog box to define the weld type. Some weld types also automatically prepare the parts to be welded. The following table shows the available weld types:
Weld type
Name None Fillet weld Bevel-groove (single-V butt weld) Bevel-groove (single-bevel butt weld) Square-groove (square butt weld) Single-V butt weld with broad root face Single-bevel butt weld with broad root face U-groove weld (single-U butt weld) J-groove weld (single-J butt weld)
Number 0 10 3 4 2 5 6 7 8
Preparation No No Both parts Secondary part No Both edges Secondary part Both parts Secondary part
251
Weld type
Name Flare V-groove weld Flare-bevel-groove weld Edge-flange weld Corner-flange weld Plug weld Bevel backing weld Spot weld Seam weld Slot weld Partial penetration weld (single-bevel butt + fillet) Partial penetration weld (square groove + fillet) Melt-through weld Steep-flanked single-V butt weld Steep-flanked single-bevel butt weld Edge weld Surfacing weld Fold joint Inclined joint
Number 16 15 1 17 11 9 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Preparation Both parts Secondary part No No No No No No No Secondary part No No No No No No No No
Corner chamfer properties

Use the Chamfer Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of a corner chamfer.
Option
Type x y
Description The shape of the chamfer. The dimensions of the chamfer. The dimension depends on the chamfer type.
252
Option
dz1 dz2
Description Only used for contour plates and concrete slabs. Moves the top or bottom surface of the part corner in the parts local z direction. Use these fields, for example, to give plates varying thicknesses.
See also
Edge chamfer properties

Use the Edge Chamfer Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of an edge chamfer.
Field
Type Name Cutting distance in X direction Cutting distance in Y direction First end type Second end type
Description The shape of the chamfer. The name of the chamfer. Defines how far away from the chamfered edge the chamfer will end in the x direction. Defines how far away from the chamfered edge the chamfer will end in the y direction. The shape and position of the first end point. The shape and position of the second end point.
More information
The options are:
Full: The end point is
Dimension
positioned at the end of the part (moving along the nearest edge), and the shape is straight. Straight: The end point is positioned at the point you pick, and the shape is straight. Bevelled: The end point is positioned at the point you pick, and the shape is angled.
The distance between the (picked) end point and the bevelled points.
See also
Chamfering part edges (p. 103)
9.6 Numbering settings

This section provides more information about specific numbering settings.
Contents
General numbering settings (p. 254) Weld numbering settings (p. 255)
253
Control number settings (p. 255)
General numbering settings

Use the Numbering Setup dialog box to view and modify some general numbering settings.
Option
Renumber all Re-use old numbers
Description All parts get a new number. All information on previous numbers is lost. Tekla Structures reuses the numbers of parts that have been deleted. These numbers may be used to number new or modified parts. If a separate standard-part model has been set up, Tekla Structures compares the parts in the current model to those in the standard-part model. If the part to be numbered is identical to a part in the standardpart model, Tekla Structures uses the same part number as in the standard-part model.
Check for standard parts
Compare to old Take new number Keep number if possible
The part gets the same number as a previously numbered similar part. The part gets a new number even if a similar numbered part already exists. Modified parts maintain their previous numbers if possible. Even if a part or assembly becomes identical with another part or assembly, the original position number is maintained. For example, you might have two different assemblies, B/1 and B/2, in the model. Later on you modify B/2 so that it becomes identical with B/1. If the Keep number if possible option is used, B/2 will maintain its original position number when you renumber the model.
Synchronize with master model
Use this setting when working in multi-user mode. Tekla Structures locks the master model and performs a save, numbering, and save sequence, so that all other users can continue working during the operation. If the main part of a drawing is modified and therefore gets a new assembly position, the existing drawing is automatically assigned to another part of the position. If the modified part moves to an assembly position that does not have a drawing, the original drawing is automatically cloned to reflect the changes in the modified part.
Automatic cloning
Holes Part name Beam orientation Column orientation Reinforcing bars Embedded objects Surface treatment
The location, size, and number of holes affects numbering. The part name affects numbering. The orientation of beams affects numbering. The orientation of columns affects numbering. The orientation of reinforcing bars affects numbering. The orientation of equal embedded objects affects numbering. Surface treatments affect the numbering of assemblies.
254
Option
Tolerance Assembly position sort order See also
Description Parts get the same number if their dimensions differ less than the value entered in this box. See Assembly position numbers (p. 162).
Numbering objects (p. 161) Creating a standard-part model (p. 169)
Weld numbering settings

Use the Weld Numbering dialog box to view and modify the weld numbering settings. The weld number is displayed in drawings and weld reports.
Option
Start number
Description The number from which the numbering starts. Tekla Structures automatically suggests the following free number as the start number. Defines which objects are affected by the change.
All welds changes the number of all welds in
Apply for
the model.
Selected welds changes the number of the selected welds without affecting others. Renumber also welds that have a number Re-use numbers of deleted welds
Tekla Structures replaces existing weld numbers. If some welds have been removed, Tekla Structures uses their numbers when numbering other welds.
See also
Control number settings

Use the Create control numbers (S9) dialog box to view and modify the control number settings.
Option
Numbering
Description Defines which parts get control numbers.

All creates consecutive numbers for all parts. By numbering series creates control
numbers for parts in a specific numbering series.

Assembly/Cast unit numbering series
Defines the prefix and start number of the numbering series for which to create control numbers. Needed only with the By numbering series option.
255
Option
Start number of control numbers Step value Renumber
Description The number from which the numbering starts. Defines the interval between two control numbers. Defines how to treat parts that already have control numbers.
Yes replaces the existing control numbers. No keeps the existing control numbers.
First direction Second direction Third direction See also
Defines in what order to assign control numbers.
256
10
Modeling tips
This section provides useful hints and tips that help you to model structures more quickly and accurately, and avoid potential problems with templates and drawings.
Contents
General modeling tips (p. 257) Tips for creating and positioning parts (p. 261)
10.1 General modeling tips

These tips will help you to use some basic modeling functionalities more efficiently.
Contents
Right-hand rule (p. 257) Activating an overlapping view (p. 258) Hiding cut lines in a view (p. 258) Cutting efficiently (p. 258) Finding RGB values for colors (p. 260) Showing part reference lines in model views (p. 260)
Right-hand rule
Right-hand rule indicates the direction of the coordinate axes. When you hold the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of your right hand so that they form three right angles, then the thumb symbolizes the x axis, the index finger the y axis, and the middle finger the z axis.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Modeling tips
257
Activating an overlapping view

When you want to pick positions from two views that partly overlap, you can use the Xmouse option. With Xmouse active, simply moving the mouse pointer over a view activates the view. To activate a view using Xmouse: 1. 2. Click Tools > Options > Xmouse to switch on Xmouse. A check mark appears next to the menu option if Xmouse is already switched on. To activate a view, do one of the following: Move the mouse pointer over the view.
See also
Use the Page Up, Page Down and arrow keys.
Views (p. 33)
Hiding cut lines in a view

To hide all cut lines in a view: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. Click Display... to open the Display dialog box. Clear the Cuts check box. Click Modify.
Cuts (p. 105)
Cutting efficiently
Follow these guidelines when cutting objects in the model:
Avoid part faces Avoid creating cuts that are exactly on the part planes or go through vertices. Try to position the cut at least 0.3 mm outside of the part planes. Use polygon cuts Whenever possible, use polygon cuts. The Cut part with polygon command automatically extends the cut slightly outside of the part face. Note that after creating the polygon, you may have to adjust the position of the handles manually. Use edge chamfers Whenever possible, use edge chamfers instead of small cuts, especially in components. Tips for flange cuts When cutting a flange, if the cutting part cuts very slightly the web as well (at least 0.3 mm), the cut is more likely to succeed. For example, if you are cutting a beam that has roundings, it may be useful to cut even further onto the web than just the flange thickness.
258
Tips for round tube cuts Use the Round tube (23) component for round tube cuts. The component automatically rotates the cutting part until a successful cut position is found. If the component fails, rotate the cutting part slightly until you find a successful cut position.
If a cut fails, Tekla Structures displays the cutting part using dash-anddot lines. An error notification is printed in the session history log stating which part and which cut caused the failure. To locate the failure in the model, click a row that contains an ID number in the session history log. Tekla Structures selects the corresponding part and cut in the model.
See also
Cuts (p. 105) Viewing log files Useful shortcuts in viewing logs and reports
Creating a radial grid

You can create a radial grid using a modeling tool called Radial Grid (1). You can preview the grid before creating it. To create a radial grid: 1. 2. 3. 4. Press Ctrl+F to open the Component Catalog. Select Plugins from the list. Double-click RadialGrid to open the properties dialog box. Modify the grid properties. In the coordinate properties
X defines the location of the arched grid lines and the distance
between the grid lines. The first value is the radius of the innermost arc.
Y (degrees) defines the location of the straight grid lines and the distance between the grid lines in degrees.
The first value defines how the grid is rotated. The grid is rotated counter-clockwise from the x axis in the current work plane. 5. 6. Click OK. Pick a point to indicate the origin of the grid. The grid is created automatically.
259
You cannot edit the radial grid using the general grid properties dialog box. Grid properties (p. 221)
Finding RGB values for colors

To find RGB values for colors: 1. 2. 3. 4. Log in to the Tekla Extranet. Click Tekla Structures > Self learning > Questions and answers. Open the Background color in model editor document. Download and install the application.
Showing part reference lines in model views

The part reference line is formed between the part handles. By default, the part reference line is invisible in the model. It may be useful to display it when snapping to the middle points of parts, for example. To show the part reference lines in the model: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click View > View Properties... Click Display... to open the Display dialog box. On the Advanced tab, select the Part reference line check box. Click Modify and OK. The part reference lines are displayed.
260
See also
Part handles (p. 53)
10.2 Tips for creating and positioning parts

These tips will help you to efficiently create and position parts in a model view.
Contents
Defining default part properties (p. 261) Creating curved parts (p. 262) Creating horizontal parts (p. 263) Creating beams close to each other (p. 263) Alternative way of creating a round plate or slab (p. 263) Positioning columns, pad footings, and orthogonal beams (p. 264) Positioning objects in a radial or circular pattern (p. 265) Optional ways of placing objects in a model (p. 265) Modeling identical areas (p. 266)
Defining default part properties

Save time by saving a default set of properties for each part you plan to create before you start modeling. To define default sets of part properties for a project: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box. Enter the part properties you want to use as defaults. In the box next to the Save as button, enter a name for the set of properties. For example, enter BEAM. Click Save as to save the set of properties. Click OK to close the part properties dialog box. Continue to save sets of properties for each type of part you intend to create. To make the sets of part properties you have defined the default sets for this project, click Tools > Defaults > Save Defaults.
261
To use a default set of part properties, open the part properties dialog box and select an option from the list next to the Load button. Click Load to load the properties.
Creating curved parts

You can create curved parts by defining a radius and the number of segments for a part. The number of segments determines how realistic the curved part looks: the more segments, the less angular the part appears. To create a curved part: 1. 2. 3. Create a part that can be bent: a beam, panel, or strip footing. Double-click the part to open the part properties dialog box. Go to the Curved beam settings area. These settings can be found either on the Position tab or on the Bending tab, depending on the part type. In the Radius box, enter the radius. In the Number of segments box, enter the number of segments you want to use. Optional: Define the plane of curvature, which is relative to the current work plane. Click Modify to bend the part.
4. 5. 6. 7.
Examples
Number of segments: 2
262
See also
Creating horizontal parts

When creating horizontal parts, such as beams, always pick points in the same direction. For example, pick positions from left to right, and from bottom to top (in positive x, y directions). This ensures that Tekla Structures places and dimensions the parts in the same way in drawings, and that part marks automatically appear at the same part end. To ensure that beam rotation is correct in drawings, set part Rotation to Top in the part properties dialog box.
Creating beams close to each other

When you create beams so that they are located very close to each other Tekla Structures may consider them as a twin profile. To prevent this from happening, use the user attribute MAX_TWIN_SEARCH_DIST in the profile catalog. To create beams close to each other: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
See also
Click Modeling > Profiles > Profile Catalog... to open the profile catalog. Select the desired profile in the profile tree. Go to the User attributes tab and set the property Twin profile detection distance to a larger value than 0, for example to 0.1. Click OK. Create the beams using the profile.
Creating a steel beam (p. 60) Creating a twin profile (p. 63)
Alternative way of creating a round plate or slab

This example shows an alternative method for creating round plates and slabs. To create a round plate or slab:
263
1. 2.
Create a diamond-shaped plate or slab with four equal sides. To round the corners, use the arc point chamfer type .
See also
Creating a round contour plate (p. 62) Creating a round slab (p. 73)
Positioning columns, pad footings, and orthogonal beams

For parts that you create by picking only one point (such as columns), you can define the top and bottom level of the part in the global z direction. The part is created at the defined level, not at the level you picked in the model. This can be useful when creating multi-story structures, as you can define exact levels for each part you create. To define the top and bottom levels of a part: 1. 2. 3. 4. Create a part that requires you to pick only one point. For example, a column. Double-click the part to open the part properties dialog box. Go to the Position tab. Modify the top and bottom levels of the part. Top: Use to define the top level of the part.
5.
Example
Bottom: Use to define the bottom level of the part.
Click Modify.
In this example, the concrete columns form a two-story structure. To position the upper columns correctly, you must modify their bottom level position.
264
Top level = 1000, Bottom level = 0 Top level = 1700, Bottom level = 1200 Slab thickness = 200
See also
Positioning objects in a radial or circular pattern

To position objects in a radial or circular pattern, do one of the following:
See also
Create a grid line and use the Copy Special > Rotate command to copy it. Use construction lines and circles to position the objects.
Creating a single grid line (p. 33) Rotating objects Construction objects (p. 42)
Optional ways of placing objects in a model

When you want to place an object to a position where no lines or objects intersect, you have the following options:

See also
Use the snapping commands. Use construction planes, lines and circles. Create points.
Snapping to positions Construction objects (p. 42) Points (p. 44)
Displaying objects connected to a part

In some cases it is useful to see all the objects that are connected to a part, such as components, welds and fittings. You can then examine, for example, whether parts are welded correctly. To display the objects connected to a part: 1. Select the part.
265
2. 3.
Delete the part. . Click Edit > Undo, or click The part and the accompanying objects are displayed.
See also
Modeling identical areas

Most structures contain identical areas, from simple frames to entire floors. Save time by modeling these areas once, then copying them throughout the model. For example, create a column with a base plate and cap plate, then copy the column to all the locations where it occurs in the model. You can use this technique to create and reproduce any identical area. Depending on the project, you may even be able to add connections before copying the area of the building.
For a project that has several identical floors, try modeling an entire floor, then copying it to several levels.
266
See also
Copying and moving objects
267
Index
#
3D models................................................................... 15 views ..................................................................... 41 3D views property files........................................................ 225 4D tool, see visualizing project status ........................ 132
b
background color changing................................................................23 examples ...............................................................23 beams cambering............................................................111 concrete beams............................................ 72, 235 concrete polybeams ..............................................72 curved beams........................................................61 orthogonal beams..................................................62 steel beams .................................................. 60, 230 steel polybeams ....................................................61 warping................................................................109 bending.......................................................................262 bolts ............................................................... 64, 81, 248 bolt group position .................................................83 bolt group shape....................................................82 bolt offsets .............................................................84 bolt spacing .........................................................143 bolting sub-assemblies..........................................65 clash checking.....................................................152 creating........................................................... 82, 84 modifying ...............................................................84
a
absolute coordinates .................................................... 30 accuracy, see high accuracy ...................................... 125 angle dimensions ....................................................... 202 angles......................................................................... 142 arcs............................................................................. 196 measuring ........................................................... 142 assemblies ................................................................... 63 adding objects .................................................66, 67 changing the main assembly................................. 68 changing the main part.......................................... 68 comparing ........................................................... 153 creating ................................................................. 64 examples............................................................... 69 exploding............................................................... 69 highlighting ............................................................ 68 joining.................................................................... 68 lotting................................................................... 185 nested assemblies ..........................................66, 67 numbering .......................................... 159, 161, 162 removing objects ................................................... 68 showing and hiding ............................................. 126 sub-assemblies ..................................................... 64 using bolts to create assemblies ........................... 64 using welds to create assemblies ......................... 65 attaching parts............................................................ 112
c
cambering parts..........................................................111 cast in place..................................................................77 cast units ......................................................................74 adding non-concrete objects .................................75 adding objects .......................................................75 cast unit type .........................................................77 casting direction ............................................. 77, 78 changing the main part..........................................76 creating..................................................................75 exploding ...............................................................76 highlighting ............................................................76 lotting...................................................................185 numbering ...........................................................161 removing objects ...................................................76 top-in-form face .....................................................78
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
268
chamfering.................................................................. 100 corner chamfer dimensions................................. 101 corner chamfer types .......................................... 101 corner chamfers .................................................. 101 edge chamfers .................................................... 103 in sketches .......................................................... 210 checking sketched cross sections ...................................... 208 checking the model .................................................... 139 circles ......................................................................... 196 Clash Check Manager........................................144, 145 clash checking........................................... 144, 145, 153 bolts..................................................................... 152 changing priority.................................................. 147 changing status ................................................... 147 comments....................................................148, 149 grouping clashes ................................................. 147 history.................................................................. 149 list of clashes....................................................... 147 managing results................................................. 147 previewing before printing ................................... 150 printing lists of clashes ........................................ 150 saving clashes..................................................... 151 searching............................................................. 149 sessions .............................................................. 151 symbols ............................................................... 146 ungrouping clashes ............................................. 148 class .....................................................................59, 228 classifying information ................................................ 177 clip planes .................................................................. 119 coincident contraints................................................... 198 colliding objects .......................................................... 144 colors background color................................................... 23 background color examples .................................. 23 color settings for object groups ........................... 228 color settings for parts......................................... 228 finding RGB values ............................................. 260 for parts ................................................................. 59 grid color .........................................................28, 32 object groups....................................................... 130 columns concrete columns ..........................................71, 235 positioning ........................................................... 264 steel columns ................................................60, 230 combining parts ..................................................111, 112
comments in clash checking ........................................ 148, 149 comparing parts or assemblies...................................153 components showing and hiding..............................................127 concrete parts...............................................................70 beams........................................................... 72, 235 cast units ...............................................................74 casting direction ....................................................78 columns ........................................................ 71, 235 pad footings.................................................. 71, 233 panels........................................................... 74, 237 polybeams .............................................................72 slabs ............................................................. 73, 236 strip footings ................................................. 71, 234 warping................................................................109 constraints ..................................................................197 coincident ............................................................198 deleting................................................................200 fixed.....................................................................199 horizontal.............................................................199 parallel.................................................................197 perpendicular.......................................................198 vertical .................................................................200 construction objects......................................................42 construction circles................................................43 construction lines...................................................43 construction planes ...............................................42 contour plates ................................................ 61, 62, 231 control numbers..........................................................163 assigning to parts ................................................163 directions .............................................................163 displaying in model..............................................164 example...............................................................166 locking .................................................................166 order ....................................................................163 removing..............................................................165 settings ................................................................255 unlocking .............................................................166 coordinates coordinate system .................................................28 copying object groups.......................................................128 object representation settings .............................131 project status visualizations.................................132 corner chamfers......................................... 100, 101, 252 types and dimensions..........................................101
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
269
creating assemblies...................................................... 63, 64 beams close to each other ..................................263 bolts .......................................................................82 cast units ...............................................................75 clip planes............................................................119 concrete beams .....................................................72 concrete columns ..................................................71 concrete panels .....................................................74 concrete polybeams ..............................................72 concrete slabs .......................................................73 construction circles ................................................43 construction lines...................................................43 construction planes................................................42 contour plates ................................................. 61, 62 curved beams ........................................................61 fittings ..................................................................104 grid lines ................................................................33 grid views...............................................................38 grids.......................................................................30 holes ............................................................... 85, 86 logical areas ........................................................179 lots .......................................................................185 models ...................................................................16 nested assemblies.................................................67 object groups .......................................................127 object representation settings..............................129 object type categories..........................................179 orthogonal beams..................................................62 pad footings ...........................................................71 parts.......................................................................55 project status visualizations.................................132 screenshots .........................................................119 sections ...............................................................179 sequences ...........................................................183 single bolts.............................................................84 sketched cross sections ......................................195 slabs ......................................................................73 standard-part models...........................................169 steel beams ...........................................................60 steel columns.........................................................60 steel polybeams.....................................................61 storys ...................................................................179 strip footings ..........................................................71 sub-assemblies......................................................64 tile patterns ............................................................96 twin profiles............................................................63 views......................................................................35 welds ........................................................87, 89, 90
cross sections cross section sketch editor ..................................192 sketching cross sections......................................192 curved parts ......................................................... 61, 262 Custom Inquiry............................................................140 adding attributes ..................................................141 modifying contents...............................................140 cuts .............................................................................105 hints and tips........................................................258 line cuts....................................................... 105, 107 part cuts ...................................................... 106, 108 polygon cuts................................................ 105, 107
d
default views property files ........................................................225 defining object group properties..................................180 deleting logical areas.........................................................181 object types..........................................................181 detail properties ..........................................................247 DGN supported objects ..................................................51 dimensions angle ....................................................................202 between two points ..............................................202 deleting from a sketch..........................................204 horizontal .............................................................203 in sketching..........................................................201 radial ....................................................................201 vertical .................................................................203 display settings ...........................................................226 displaying control numbers ...................................................164 distances measuring ............................................................142 dividing models ...........................................................182
e
edge chamfers ...........................................100, 103, 253 end offsets ..................................................................246 erection schedules ............................................. 133, 135 erection sequences.....................................................182 exact lines ...................................................................125 examining the model...................................................115
270
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
examples assemblies ............................................................ 69 background colors................................................. 23 creating object groups......................................... 134 creating object representation settings ............... 134 creating project status visualization settings ....... 135 creating symmetric C-shaped cross section ....... 215 defining erection schedules................................. 133 numbering ......................... 166, 171, 172, 173, 174 tile pattern definition .............................................. 97 visualizing erection schedules............................. 135 visualizing project status ..................................... 133 exploding assemblies ............................................................ 69 cast units ............................................................... 76 exporting sketched cross sections ...................................... 214 extrusion types ........................................................... 211
grids coordinates............................................................30 creating..................................................................30 deleting..................................................................31 grid color......................................................... 28, 32 labels .............................................................. 29, 31 line extensions.......................................................29 modifying ...............................................................31 origin......................................................................29 properties ............................................................221 work plane grid ......................................................27 grouping clashes ................................................................147
h
handles .........................................................................53 of positioning planes............................................207 hiding assemblies ..........................................................126 components.........................................................127 cut lines ...............................................................258 grid labels ..............................................................31 part labels..............................................................55 positioning planes................................................206 reference lines.....................................................260 reference models...................................................47 selected parts ......................................................123 top-in-form face .....................................................78 unselected parts ..................................................124 work area...............................................................26 high accuracy .............................................................125 highlighting assemblies ............................................................68 cast units ...............................................................76 reference models...................................................47 hints and tips, see tips ................................................257 history of clashes ............................................................149 holes ...................................................................... 85, 86 horizontal constraints..................................................199 horizontal dimensions.................................................203 horizontal position.......................................................244
f
family numbers ...................................................159, 160 example............................................................... 171 modifying............................................................. 160 finding clashes ................................................................ 145 finding distant objects................................................. 153 fittings ......................................................................... 104 fixed constraints ......................................................... 199 flying through model ................................................... 118 footings........................................................ 71, 233, 234
g
global coordinate system.............................................. 28 grid lines ....................................................................... 32 creating ................................................................. 33 deleting.................................................................. 33 modifying............................................................... 33 properties ............................................................ 222 grid views creating ................................................................. 38 properties ............................................................ 226
i
identical areas ...................................................................266 parts ....................................................................156 reinforcements.....................................................157
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
271
importing points .....................................................................44 sketched cross sections ......................................214 inquiring models .................................................................139 object properties ......................................... 139, 140
j
joining assemblies ........................................................68
l
labels part labels ..............................................................54 length modifying part length .............................................57 levels...........................................................................264 line cuts.............................................................. 105, 107 lines exact ....................................................................125 local coordinate system ................................................28 logical areas....................................................... 177, 179 viewing.................................................................181 lotting ..........................................................................185 adding parts.........................................................185 creating................................................................185 deleting ................................................................186 removing..............................................................186
m
main entry subentry...............................................................148 measuring objects.......................................................141 angles ..................................................................142 arcs......................................................................142 bolt spacing .........................................................143 distances .............................................................142
Mini Toolbar modifying part position...........................................56 Model Editor screen layout .........................................................21 model objects colors ...................................................................130 Model Organizer .........................................................177 modeling hints and tips........................................................257 identical areas......................................................266 parametric modeling ............................................186 rendered or plan view? ..........................................34 Modeling of floor bay (66) ...........................................110 modeling views surface views .........................................................38 models about 3D models....................................................15 checking for errors ...............................................139 creating ..................................................................16 dividing into phases .............................................182 examining ............................................................115 flying through model ............................................118 inquiring ...............................................................139 moving .................................................................117 numbering............................................................155 organizing ............................................................177 rotating.................................................................116 saving ....................................................................17 viewing.................................................................115 zooming ...............................................................115 modifying logical areas.........................................................179 object types..........................................................179 parts.......................................................................55 moving models in a view ..................................................117 positioning planes ................................................206 multi-story structures...................................................264
n
nested assemblies ................................................. 66, 67
272
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
numbering ..........................................................155, 161 about numbering ................................................. 155 assemblies ..................................................161, 162 cast units ............................................................. 161 checking and repairing ........................................ 170 clearing................................................................ 169 control numbers .........................163, 164, 165, 166 examples....................................171, 172, 173, 174 family numbers................................... 159, 160, 171 history.................................................................. 170 identical parts ...................................................... 156 modifying............................................................. 168 numbering series................................................. 159 preliminary numbers............................................ 162 reinforcement ..............................................157, 162 sequences........................................................... 183 series...........................................................158, 161 settings........................................................254, 255 standard-part model ............................................ 169 user-defined attributes ........................................ 157 what affects ......................................................... 156 numbering settings ..................................................... 253
o
object groups.............................................................. 127 color settings ....................................................... 228 colors................................................................... 130 copying to another model.................................... 128 creating ............................................................... 127 deleting................................................................ 128 example............................................................... 134 transparency settings .......................................... 229 object properties defining properties............................................... 180 object group properties ....................................... 180 object property report templates................................. 140 object representation settings .................................... 128 copying................................................................ 131 creating ............................................................... 129 deleting................................................................ 131 example............................................................... 134
object types ................................................................177 viewing ................................................................181 objects clash checking.....................................................144 connected to a part..............................................265 defining visibility ..................................................121 finding distant objects..........................................153 inquiring properties..................................... 139, 140 measuring............................................................141 numbering ...........................................................161 placing objects in model ......................................265 positioning ...........................................................265 showing and hiding..............................................121 offsets .........................................................................246 opening models...................................................................17 organizing properties ..................................................180 organizing the model ..................................................177 orthogonal beams.......................................................232 positioning ...........................................................264 overlapping numbering series.................................................161 views ...................................................................258 oversized holes.............................................................86
p
pad footings ......................................................... 71, 233 positioning ...........................................................264 page margins..............................................................150 page orientation..........................................................150 panels ...........................................................................74 panning.......................................................................117 paper size ...................................................................150 parallel constraints......................................................197 parametric modeling ...................................................186 profiles.................................................................187 parametric profiles ........................................................58 part add, see attaching parts ......................................112 part labels .....................................................................54 showing and hiding................................................55 part properties ............................................................229 part reference lines.....................................................260
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
273
parts adding to assembly................................................67 assemblies.............................................................63 bending................................................................262 cambering............................................................111 changing the color .................................................59 changing the material ............................................58 changing the profile ...............................................57 colors ...................................................................228 combining ............................................................111 comparing............................................................153 concrete parts........................................................70 creating..................................................................55 curved parts.........................................................262 cutting with another part ............................. 106, 108 default properties.................................................261 handles ..................................................................53 hiding ...................................................................123 horizontal parts ....................................................263 identical parts ......................................................156 labels .............................................................. 54, 55 lotting ...................................................................185 modifying ...............................................................55 modifying part length .............................................57 numbering................................................... 159, 161 position ........................................................... 53, 56 position settings...................................................238 properties...............................................................53 sequences ...........................................................183 showing only selected parts ................................124 showing with exact lines ......................................125 showing with high accuracy.................................125 splitting ................................................................113 steel parts ..............................................................59 user-defined attributes.........................................238 warping ................................................................109 perpendicular constraints............................................198 phases ........................................................................182 in numbering........................................................173 plane of curvature .......................................................262 plane views ...................................................................41 points ............................................................................44 importing................................................................44 properties.............................................................222 polybeams ............................................................. 61, 72 polygon cuts....................................................... 105, 107 polygon shapes...........................................................108 polygon welds ...............................................................89 polylines......................................................................195
position depth....................................................................240 end offsets ...........................................................246 horizontal .............................................................244 on the work plane ................................................238 part position settings............................................238 rotation.................................................................240 vertical .................................................................242 positioning planes .......................................................204 handles ................................................................207 moving .................................................................206 reverting to default ...............................................208 prefixes profile name prefixes .............................................58 weld size prefix ......................................................89 preliminary numbers ...................................................162 preparing parts for welding ...........................................90 previewing lists of clashes .....................................................150 printing lists of clashes .....................................................150 screenshots .........................................................120 priority in clash checking .................................................147 profiles ..........................................................................57 parametric..................................................... 58, 187 prefixes ..................................................................58 separators..............................................................58 sketched profiles..................................................213 standard.................................................................58 twin profiles............................................................63 user-defined...........................................................58 project status visualizations ........................................132 copying ................................................................132 creating ................................................................132 deleting ................................................................133 example ...................................................... 133, 135 properties default ..................................................................261
r
radial dimensions ........................................................201 Radial Grid (1).............................................................259 radius ..........................................................................262 redrawing views ............................................................41 reference lines ............................................................260 reference model objects................................................50
274
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
reference models.......................................................... 45 clash checking..................................................... 144 hiding..................................................................... 47 highlighting ............................................................ 47 inserting................................................................. 46 modifying properties.............................................. 47 splitting into reference objects............................... 51 supported DGN objects......................................... 51 updating ................................................................ 48 viewing changes.................................................... 48 viewing layers........................................................ 49 refreshing views ........................................................... 41 reinforcement identical ............................................................... 157 numbering ...................................................157, 162 relative coordinates ...................................................... 30 rendered views ............................................................. 36 representation options......................................... 121 repairing numbering errors................................................. 170 report templates for inquiring object properties.............................. 140 representation options................................................ 121 restoring default work plane ......................................... 28 reverting to default positioning planes................................ 208 to old clash checking functionality....................... 153 RGB values ................................................................ 260 right-hand rule ............................................................ 257 rotating models................................................................. 116 parts .................................................................... 240 rotation settings................................................... 223 rotation angle knob....................................................... 56 round holes...................................................................... 85 plates.............................................................62, 263 slabs..............................................................73, 263
s
saving clashes ................................................................ 151 models.............................................................17, 18 sketched cross sections ...................................... 209 screen layout in Model Editor ...................................................... 21
screenshots creating................................................................119 in Windows Vista .................................................120 printing.................................................................120 saving in bitmap format .......................................120 settings ................................................................223 searching clashes ................................................................149 sections ......................................................................179 selection dial.................................................................56 sequences ..................................................................183 adding parts.........................................................183 creating................................................................183 deleting................................................................184 inquiring...............................................................184 modifying .............................................................184 settings bolt properties......................................................248 color settings .......................................................228 concrete beam properties....................................235 concrete column properties .................................235 concrete panel properties....................................237 concrete slab properties ......................................236 contour plate properties.......................................231 corner chamfer properties ...................................252 detail properties...................................................247 display settings....................................................226 edge chamfer properties .....................................253 general modeling settings ...................................221 grid line properties...............................................222 grid properties .....................................................221 grid view properties .............................................226 numbering settings ............................. 253, 254, 255 orthogonal beam properties ................................232 pad footing properties..........................................233 part position settings ...........................................238 part properties .....................................................229 point properties....................................................222 rotation settings ...................................................223 screenshot settings .............................................223 steel beam properties..........................................230 steel column properties .......................................230 strip footing properties.........................................234 transparency settings ..........................................229 twin profile properties ..........................................232 view properties ....................................................224 view settings........................................................224 weld properties ....................................................249 shifting the work plane..................................................27
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
275
showing assemblies...........................................................126 components .........................................................127 cut lines ...............................................................258 parts labels ............................................................55 parts with exact lines ...........................................125 parts with high accuracy ......................................125 positioning planes................................................206 reference lines .....................................................260 top-in-form face .....................................................78 views......................................................................40 work area...............................................................26 single bolts....................................................................84 single grid lines .............................................................32 single-part welds...........................................................90 Sketch Browser...........................................................193 sketch editor ...............................................................192 sketched cross sections..............................................192 adding constraints ...............................................197 adding dimensions...............................................201 arcs......................................................................196 chamfers..............................................................210 checking ..............................................................208 circles ..................................................................196 creating................................................................195 creating images ...................................................213 example ...............................................................215 exporting..................................................... 213, 214 extrusion types ....................................................211 importing..................................................... 213, 214 modifying .............................................................209 polylines...............................................................195 positioning planes...............................204, 205, 207 profiles .................................................................213 refining the shape ................................................197 saving ..................................................................209 sketch thickness ..................................................210 using in models....................................................212 variables ..............................................................194 slabs .............................................................................73 warping ....................................................... 109, 110 slotted holes..................................................................86 snapping to middle points ...................................................260 snapshots, see screenshots .......................................119
splitting parts.....................................................................113 plates and slabs...................................................113 standard profiles ...........................................................58 standard-part models ..................................................169 status in clash checking .................................................147 steel parts .....................................................................59 assemblies.............................................................63 beams ........................................................... 60, 230 columns ........................................................ 60, 230 contour plates .........................................61, 62, 231 curved beams ........................................................61 orthogonal beams ......................................... 62, 232 polybeams .............................................................61 twin profiles................................................... 63, 232 storys ..........................................................................179 creating multi-story structures..............................264 strip footings......................................................... 71, 234 sub-assemblies .............................................................64 bolting to existing assembly...................................65 welding to existing assembly .................................65 surface treatment ..........................................................91 adding ....................................................................92 creating new surface treatments............................95 modifying ...............................................................92 on all faces of part .................................................93 on chamfered parts................................................94 on cut faces ...........................................................93 on part face............................................................93 on parts with openings and recesses ....................94 on selected areas ..................................................93 tiled surface treatment .................................... 92, 96 surface views ................................................................38 switching between views......................................................................41
t
testing sketched cross sections.......................................208 tiled surface treatment ..................................................96 creating new tile patterns.......................................96 pattern definition example......................................97 pattern definitions ..................................................99 pattern elements ..................................................100
276
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
tips activating overlapping views ............................... 258 creating beams close to each other .................... 263 creating curved parts........................................... 262 creating horizontal parts...................................... 263 creating round plates and slabs .......................... 263 cutting efficiently.................................................. 258 defining default part properties............................ 261 displaying objects connected to a part ................ 265 finding RGB values for colors.............................. 260 hiding cut lines .................................................... 258 modeling identical areas ..................................... 266 placing objects in model...................................... 265 positioning columns, pad footings and orthogonal beams .......................................................... 264 positioning objects in radial or circular pattern .... 265 right-hand rule ..................................................... 257 showing part reference lines ............................... 260 top-in-form face ............................................................ 78 transparency settings ................................................. 229 twin profiles ..........................................................63, 232
views.............................................................................33 3D views..............................................................225 arranging ...............................................................41 closing ...................................................................41 creating..................................................................35 default views........................................................225 deleting..................................................................40 modifying ...............................................................40 naming...................................................................35 opening..................................................................40 overlapping..........................................................258 properties ............................................................224 refreshing ..............................................................41 surface views.........................................................38 switching between views .......................................41 temporary ..............................................................35 view planes............................................................36 view types..............................................................36 visibility of objects.......................................................121 visualizing project status.............................................132
u
ungrouping clashes ................................................................ 148 user interface in Model Editor ...................................................... 21 user-defined attributes................................................ 238 in numbering ....................................................... 157 user-defined profiles..................................................... 58
w
warping beams..................................................................109 concrete parts......................................................109 concrete slabs ............................................ 109, 110 weld preparation ...........................................................90 welds ................................................................... 87, 249 between parts........................................................87 creating..................................................... 87, 89, 90 numbering ...........................................................255 polygon welds........................................................89 single-part welds ...................................................90 weld position..........................................................88 weld preparation....................................................90 weld size prefixes ..................................................89 weld types ...........................................................251 welding sub-assemblies ........................................65 wire frame views...........................................................36 work area............................................................. 25, 121 defining..................................................................26 hiding.....................................................................26 work plane ....................................................................27 restoring ................................................................28 shifting ...................................................................27 workspace in Model Editor ......................................................21
v
variables in parametric modeling........................................ 186 in sketching ......................................................... 194 vertical constraints...................................................... 200 vertical dimensions..................................................... 203 vertical position........................................................... 242 view depth .................................................................. 121 view planes................................................................... 36 moving................................................................... 37 view settings............................................................... 224 viewing logical areas ........................................................ 181 models.........................................................115, 119 numbering history................................................ 170 object types ......................................................... 181 sequence numbers.............................................. 184
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
277
zooming with keyboard shortcuts .......................................116 zoom settings.......................................................116 zooming in or out ........................................................115
278
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17

Modeling Guide 170 Enu

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Modeling Guide 170 Enu

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Tekla Structures

Product version 17.0 December 2010

Conventions used in this guide

The following typographical conventions are used in this guide:

Italic bold Monospace

The following types of noteboxes are used in this guide:

A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of doing things.

Setting up the workspace ....................................................................... 21

Creating and modifying structures........................................................ 53

Examining the model ............................................................................ 115

Showing and hiding objects ................................................................................................................ 121

Visualizing project status .................................................................................................................... 132

Checking the model .............................................................................. 139

Detecting clashes................................................................................................................................ 144

Numbering the model ........................................................................... 155

Numbering objects .............................................................................................................................. 161

164 165 166 166 168 169 169

Advanced modeling .............................................................................. 177

Modeling settings .................................................................................. 221

View and representation settings........................................................................................................ 224

Part properties .................................................................................................................................... 229

Part position settings .......................................................................................................................... 238

10 Modeling tips ......................................................................................... 257

10.2 Tips for creating and positioning parts ................................................................................................ 261

1.1 What is a 3D model

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Creating 3D models

Creating and modifying structures (p. 53)

1.2 Creating a new model

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Creating 3D models

Model templates (p. 18) Multi-user mode

1.3 Opening a model

Creating a new model (p. 16)

1.4 Saving a model

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Creating 3D models

Saving a model with a different name or location

Saving a model (p. 17)

1.5 Model templates

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Creating 3D models

Creating a model template

Set the IsTemplate element to TRUE. Save the file.

Model templates (p. 18)

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Creating 3D models

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Creating 3D models

Setting up the workspace

2.1 Screen layout

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Setting up the workspace

Changing the background color (p. 23)

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Setting up the workspace

Changing the background color

XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR2 XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR3 XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR4

Background color examples

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Setting up the workspace

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Setting up the workspace

2.2 Work area

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Setting up the workspace

Defining the work area

Work area (p. 25)

Hiding the work area

Work area (p. 25)

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Setting up the workspace

2.3 Work plane

Shifting the work plane

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 Setting up the workspace