Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Detailing Guide
Detailing Guide
Detailing Guide
Detailing Guide
Font Usage
Bold 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.
Italic bold New terms are in italic bold when they appear in the current context
for the first time.
Monospace 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.
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.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 3
Contents
1 Getting Started........................................................................................... 9
1.1 Basics of components............................................................................................................................. 9
Component concepts ....................................................................................................................... 10
Component dialog box ..................................................................................................................... 11
Selection order ................................................................................................................................. 13
Up direction ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Automatic and default properties ..................................................................................................... 14
General tab ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Design and Design type tabs ........................................................................................................... 16
1.2 Component catalog............................................................................................................................... 17
Using the component catalog........................................................................................................... 18
Symbols ..................................................................................................................................... 19
Pop-up menus ........................................................................................................................... 20
Thumbnail images............................................................................................................................ 21
Descriptions and keywords .............................................................................................................. 21
Grouping components...................................................................................................................... 22
Copying components to another folder ............................................................................................ 22
Customizing and saving components .............................................................................................. 22
1.3 Using components ................................................................................................................................ 23
Creating components ....................................................................................................................... 24
Example: Adding an end plate ......................................................................................................... 24
Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods .............................................................................. 25
Example: Adding a beam to column connection .............................................................................. 26
Viewing components ........................................................................................................................ 27
Modifying components ..................................................................................................................... 27
Conceptual components .................................................................................................................. 27
Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component .................................................. 28
Tips on working with components .................................................................................................... 29
1.4 Defining parts and plates ...................................................................................................................... 29
Using the dialog box......................................................................................................................... 29
Dimensioning parts .......................................................................................................................... 30
Plates ........................................................................................................................................ 30
Beams ....................................................................................................................................... 30
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 4
Part position number ................................................................................................................. 31
Using the Components tab ........................................................................................................ 31
Defining materials ............................................................................................................................ 32
Using the Components tab ........................................................................................................ 33
1.5 Defining bolts and welds....................................................................................................................... 33
Using the Bolts tab ........................................................................................................................... 33
Defining bolts ................................................................................................................................... 35
Increasing bolt length ................................................................................................................ 35
Creating holes.................................................................................................................................. 35
Number of bolts and spacing ........................................................................................................... 36
Bolt group orientation ....................................................................................................................... 36
Bolt group pattern............................................................................................................................. 37
Edge distance .................................................................................................................................. 37
Bolt position...................................................................................................................................... 37
Vertical bolt position .................................................................................................................. 38
Horizontal bolt position .............................................................................................................. 38
Defining slotted holes....................................................................................................................... 39
Deleting bolts ................................................................................................................................... 40
Defining bolt assemblies .................................................................................................................. 41
Welds ............................................................................................................................................... 41
1.6 AutoConnection .................................................................................................................................... 42
Using AutoConnection ..................................................................................................................... 42
1.7 AutoDefaults ......................................................................................................................................... 45
Using AutoDefaults .......................................................................................................................... 45
How to use AutoDefaults effectively................................................................................................. 46
Checking AutoDefaults properties.................................................................................................... 46
Checking AutoDefaults rules............................................................................................................ 46
1.8 Using the joints.def file.......................................................................................................................... 46
About joints.def ................................................................................................................................ 47
How joints.def works ................................................................................................................. 47
How to read joints.def ................................................................................................................ 47
Entering values .......................................................................................................................... 48
Connections that use joints.def ........................................................................................................ 48
Defining general defaults ................................................................................................................. 48
Defining bolt diameter and number of rows ..................................................................................... 50
Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections ................................................................... 50
Gusset connections ................................................................................................................... 50
Diagonal connections ................................................................................................................ 51
Defining other bolt and part properties............................................................................................. 51
Gusset connection properties .................................................................................................... 52
Diagonal connection properties ................................................................................................. 55
Profile type-dependent bolt dimensions .................................................................................... 56
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 5
How Tekla Structures uses joints.def ............................................................................................... 57
1.9 Using Excel in connection design ......................................................................................................... 58
Setting up Excel files ........................................................................................................................ 59
Sample implementation.................................................................................................................... 59
Indicating component status............................................................................................................. 62
6 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom component dialog box....................................................................................................... 105
Customizing the dialog box ............................................................................................................ 107
Changing the order of fields .................................................................................................... 108
Changing the location of fields ................................................................................................ 108
Renaming tabs ........................................................................................................................ 109
Adding more tabs .................................................................................................................... 109
Adding pictures ........................................................................................................................ 110
Preventing modifications ......................................................................................................... 110
Using a custom component............................................................................................................ 111
Managing custom components ...................................................................................................... 111
Exporting and importing .......................................................................................................... 112
Protecting custom components with passwords ............................................................................ 113
Performing actions on custom components ................................................................................... 113
Using Excel with custom components............................................................................................ 114
Using ASCII files with custom component ..................................................................................... 114
Tips on working with custom components ..................................................................................... 115
2.7 Custom components reference........................................................................................................... 116
Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... ................................................................ 117
Position type................................................................................................................................... 119
Display variables ............................................................................................................................ 120
Browser .......................................................................................................................................... 124
Plane types .................................................................................................................................... 125
Construction plane ........................................................................................................................ 126
Custom component settings........................................................................................................... 127
Create distance ............................................................................................................................. 128
Create reference distance ............................................................................................................. 129
Automatic distances ...................................................................................................................... 130
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 7
Using reinforcement handles ................................................................................................... 142
Using adaptivity ....................................................................................................................... 143
Ungrouping a reinforcement .................................................................................................... 145
Grouping reinforcements ......................................................................................................... 147
Adding points to a reinforcement ............................................................................................. 148
Removing points from a reinforcement .................................................................................... 149
Splitting reinforcing bar groups ................................................................................................ 150
Splitting reinforcing bars in a group ......................................................................................... 150
Combining two reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups into one ......................................... 150
Exploding reinforcement .......................................................................................................... 150
Reinforcement geometry validity .................................................................................................... 151
Conceptual reinforcements ............................................................................................................ 151
Converting conceptual reinforcements to detailed reinforcements .......................................... 151
Customizing reinforcement meshes ............................................................................................... 151
Defining custom reinforcement components .................................................................................. 153
3.4 Single bars, bar groups, and meshes ................................................................................................. 154
Reinforcing bar ............................................................................................................................... 155
Reinforcing bar group..................................................................................................................... 156
Curved reinforcing bar group.......................................................................................................... 158
Circular reinforcing bar group......................................................................................................... 160
Reinforcement mesh ...................................................................................................................... 161
Reinforcement strand pattern......................................................................................................... 163
Reinforcement splice...................................................................................................................... 166
8 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
1 Getting Started
Introduction Once you have created a frame of parts in your Tekla Structures model, you will need to
connect those parts to complete the model. Tekla Structures contains a wide range of
components that you can use to automate the process of creating a model.
This chapter explains the basics about components - what they are and how to create them
using Tekla Structures. We will begin with the basic concepts, followed by a general
description of components properties. Finally, we will show you how to use components in
practice.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 9
Getting Started
3. When you copy or move objects, Tekla Structures automatically includes all the associated
components.
Component concepts
Components are tools that automate tasks and group objects so that Tekla Structures treats
them as a single unit. Components adapt to changes in the model, so that Tekla Structures
automatically modifies a component if you modify the parts it connects.
This is an example of how to apply a connection:
10 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Componen
t type Description Examples Symbol
Connection Connects two or more parts, and Two-sided clip
creates all the required objects such angle, bolted
as cuts, fittings, parts, bolts, and gusset.
welds. Corbel connection
(14)
Detail Adds a detail or a reinforcement to a Stiffeners, base
main part. A detail is only connected plates, lifting
to one part. When you create a detail, hooks
Tekla Structures prompts you to
Beam
select a part, followed by a point to reinforcement, pad
locate the detail.
footing
reinforcement
Modeling Automatically creates and assembles Stairs, frames,
tool the parts to build a structure, but does towers
not connect the structure to existing
parts. Modeling tools can include
connections and details.
System and Tekla Structures contains hundreds of system components by default. You can also create
custom your own components, custom components. They have following subtypes:
components
connection
detail
part
seam
All components are stored in the Component catalog (p. 17). To open the component catalog,
use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F.
Upper part Use the upper section of the dialog box to save and load predefined settings. For more
information, see Save, Load, Save as buttons. For some components the upper section also
contains buttons for accessing the bolt, weld and DSTV dialog boxes.
For information on handling the saved properties, see Connection properties files.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 11
Getting Started
Tabs
Lower part The lower section of the dialog box is divided into tabs. This is where you define the properties
of the parts and bolts that the component creates. The most common tabs that appear here are:
Picture illustrates the component. It shows just one example, but you can usually use one
component in many situations.
Parts is where you define the properties of the parts the component creates
Parameters is where you set parameters to control the component (for example, for
stiffeners, end plates, chamfers, etc.)
Bolts is where you define the number of bolts and their edge distances
General is where you define the direction of the connection or detail and AutoDefaults
rules
12 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
See also Defining parts and plates (p. 29)
Defining bolts and welds (p. 33)
Selection order
To create a connection you need to select or pick existing parts or points. The default selection
order for a connection is:
1. Main part
2. Secondary part(s)
3. If there is more than one secondary part, click the middle mouse button to finish selecting
parts and create the connection.
Some connection dialog boxes illustrate the selection order for parts using numbers, as shown
below. Select the parts in the order shown in the picture:
Modeling tools The default picking order for a modeling tool is:
1. Pick one to three point(s) to show the location of the objects the modeling tool creates.
Up direction
The up direction of a connection or a detail indicates how the connection is rotated around the
secondary part, relative to the current work plane. If there are no secondary parts, Tekla
Structures rotates the connection around the main part. The options are: +x, -x, +y, -y, +z, -z.
The Picture tab in the dialog box shows the up direction Tekla Structures will use. Tekla
Structures also indicates the up direction in the connection symbol:
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 13
Getting Started
Manually defining To manually define the up direction:
up direction
1. Double-click the connection symbol to open the connection dialog box.
2. On the General tab, change the x, y, or z direction. Try positive directions first.
3. Click Modify to use the new values.
System default If you leave fields in connection dialog boxes blank, Tekla Structures uses the system default
properties properties. Manual entries, default, automatic and properties in the joints.def file, all
override these system defaults. You cannot change system default properties.
14 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Default and
automatic
properties Icon Description More information
To have Tekla Structures use a default Using AutoDefaults
property in a connection, select the (p. 45)
option marked with this symbol.
If you use AutoDefaults for the
connection, Tekla Structures uses the
property defined in the AutoDefaults
rules. If you are not using AutoDefaults,
Tekla Structures creates the connection
using the system default property.
If AutoDefaults have been used, the
actual picture in the default option does
not necessairly match the outcome.
To have Tekla Structures automatically
determine which option to use for a
property, select the option marked with
this symbol.
Example, Boomerang bracing
connection (60):
General tab
Connections and details have the same General tab. It contains the following properties:
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 15
Getting Started
Field Description More information
Up direction Rotates the connection around Up direction (p. 13)
the secondary part or detail
around the main part.
The fields next to the image
define rotation angle around
the x- and y-axis of the
secondary. The upper one is
for y- and the lower one for x.
Position in Available only for details.
relation to Select a checkbox next to the
primary part images to indicate the
position of the definition
point of the detail, relative to
the main part.
Use the Horizontal offset and
Vertical offset fields to define
the horizontal and vertical
alignment of the detail,
relative to the main part.
Locked Prevents modifications. Locking objects
Class A number given to all parts Color settings for
the connection creates. You parts
can use class to define the
color of parts in the model.
Connection Identifies the connection.
code Tekla Structures can display
this connection code in
connection marks in
drawings.
AutoDefaults Automatically sets connection Using AutoDefaults (p.
Rule Group properties according to the 45)
selected rule group. To switch
AutoDefaults off, select the
rule group None.
AutoConnectio Automatically switches the
n Rule Group connection to another
according to the selected rule
group.
16 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Use information in an Excel spreadsheet to check connection design and automatically
update component properties to bear the UDL. This is useful when you want to check
connection design according to other design codes. See Using Excel in connection design
(p. 58).
Design tab To check the design of a component that has a Design tab page:
1. Go to the Design tab and select Yes in the Use UDL listbox.
2. To use information in an Excel spreadsheet in the UDL calculation, select Excel in the
External design listbox.
3. Enter the information you want to use in the calculation in the remaining fields.
4. Select a connection in the model and click Modify. To view the results of the check, right-
click the component symbol and select Inquire from the pop-up menu.The inquire object
window opens, which contains a summary of the design checks and related information.
See also Using Excel in connection design (p. 58).
Design type tab To check the design of a component that has a Design type tab page:
1. Open the component properties dialog box.
2. Go to the Design type tab and select Yes in the Check connection list box. Tekla
Structures will check the connection each time it is used or changed in a model.
3. Enter the information you want to use in the calculation in the remaining fields.
4. Select a connection in the model and click Modify.
5. Tekla Structures checks the component. A green component symbol indicates that the
connection will bear the UDL, red indicates it will not.
6. To view the results of the check, right-click the component symbol and select Inquire from
the pop-up menu.The inquire object window opens, which contains a summary of the
design checks and related information, for example:
The first row shows the part checked, the name of the check and a reference to the AISC
specification.
The second row shows the applied and allowed force and how much capacity has been
used.
The third row shows the results and possible solutions. In this example the primary angle
plate was not thick enough. Tekla Structures has indicated the minimum thickness required
to bear the UDL.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 17
Getting Started
Grouping components (p. 22)
Customizing and saving components (p. 22)
Component This example shows the search results for the search term "Part":
catalog example
Search
View folders
View details
View thumbnails
18 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Create a component using the component tool you used last with its
current properties.
Double-click the name to set the properties and create the component.
Component description
Creating new By default, components are grouped in folders based on their type and framing condition. You
folders can add and remove components, and create folders and subfolders.
To create new folders in the Folders tree view, right-click a level in the tree and select an
option from the pop-up menu:
Create New Folder to create folder at the same level
Create New Sub-folder to create a folder one level below
Information on the folders you create is stored in the
ComponentCatalogTreeView.txt file that is located in the
..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>\attributes\ folder.
For more information, see Copying components to another folder (p. 22).
Modifying The default view settings for the Search view are stored in the
Search and
Folders views ComponentCatalog.txt file that is located in the ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder.
If you modify the file, the Search view and the Search results branch in the Folders view
change.
The default tree settings for the Folders view are stored in the
ComponentCatalogTreeView.txt file that is located in the ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder.
If you modify the file, the Folders view changes.
Symbols
The first column in the catalog indicates the component types with following symbols:
Symbo
l Component type
System connections
System detail
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 19
Getting Started
Symbo
l Component type
Custom details
Custom parts
Pop-up menus
System Right-click a system component in the Search view list to open a pop-up menu containing the
components following commands:
Properties...
Edit Keywords...
Add to Favorites
Add to Search Result...
Remove from Search Result
Change picture...
AutoDefaults...
Import...
Custom Right-click a custom component in the Search view list to open a pop-up menu containing the
components following commands:
Properties...
Edit keywords...
Add to Favorites
Add to Search Result...
Remove from Search result
Change Picture...
Export...
Import...
Edit Custom Component
Delete Custom Component
Sketched cross Right-click a sketch in the Search view list to open a pop-up menu containing the following
sections commands:
Properties...
Edit Keywords...
Add to Favorites
Add to Search Result...
Remove from Search Result
Export...
Import...
Change Picture...
Delete
20 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Grouping components (p. 22)
Managing custom components (p. 111)
Sketched cross sections
Thumbnail images
Most system components have a default thumbnail image in the component catalog, which
shows you a typical situation where the component can be used. For example, this is what the
thumbnail image for Bolted gusset (11) connection looks like:
To create the image, you can use Create View > Default Views of
Component and Screenshot commands, for example.
Keywords To add or edit keywords, right-click a component in the component catalog, and select Edit
keywords...
Keywords you add or edit are saved in ComponentCatalog.txt file in the current model
folder.
You can combine ComponentCatalog.txt files and move them to the system
folder:..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 21
Getting Started
Grouping components
To create a new folder based on the results of a search:
1. In the Component catalog, enter your search criteria and click Search.
2. To group the search results in a new folder, click Store.
3. In the Store search result dialog box, enter a name for the folder and click OK.
4. The new folder appears in the tree.
Removing To remove components from a group, right-click the component and select:
components from
groups Remove, if it is a default group.
or
Remove from search result if the folder was created from a search.
If the copying does not succeed for some reason, store the component
temporarily to a new folder.
1. Click the Search icon and search for the component to be copied.
2. Select the component and click Store to create a new folder for the
component.
3. In the Folders view, go to the new folder and copy the component
from there to the desired folder.
22 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
1. To save a copy of the component, well right-click the component symbol in the model,
and select Publish in catalog.... The Publish in catalog dialog box appears.
2. We can add the component to a specific group. By default, the component is added to the
All group.
3. By default the component uses the same thumbnail image as the original component. To
change the thumbnail, see Thumbnail images (p. 21).
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 23
Getting Started
Creating components
You create different types of component in different ways. For example, you select existing
parts to indicate which members a connection or a detail is attached to. You need to pick
points to indicate the location or length of a detail or a modeling tool. See also Selection order
(p. 13).
When you create connections, Tekla Structures prompts you to select the main part (the part
secondary parts connect to), then the secondary part(s). For an example of using a connection,
see Example: Adding an end plate (p. 24).
Status Tekla Structures uses different-colored component symbols to show the status of connections
and details:
Green
Component created, but Often occurs when bolts or
has problems. holes have an edge distance
less than the default value for
that component.
Yellow
Component failed. A common reason is that the
up direction is not
appropriate. See Up
direction (p. 13).
Red
When applying a component that you are unfamiliar with, accept the
default properties and apply the component. Then look to see what needs
to be modified. This is quicker than trying to set the values for the
component before seeing what the component actually creates.
24 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
5. Select the next main part or interrupt the command.
If you need to change the number of bolts or plate dimensions, for example, you need to modify
the component. For more information, see Modifying components (p. 27).
If you use incorrect properties, Tekla Structures may fail to create the component. For more
information, see Creating components (p. 24).
4. To view pictures of the components in the search results, click the Thumbnails icon .
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 25
Getting Started
5. Click Base plate (1004). This component creates a base plate with anchor bolts.
6. The prompt Pick part appears on the status bar. Select the column.
7. The prompt Pick position appears on the status bar. Pick the point at the base of the
column to indicate where to create the base plate.
8. Tekla Structures creates the base plate.
9. Examine the component to see if you need to make any changes.
10. Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection was
created successfully.
11. Change the dimensions of the anchor rods.
15. Click Modify. Tekla Structures changes the dimensions of the anchor rods.
16. Click OK to close the dialog box.
17. Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to end the command.
18. Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection was
created successfully.
26 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
2. Select Beam to column connections in the list. The list of beam to column connections
appears in the main pane.
3. Select Column with stiffeners (186).
4. The prompt Pick main part appears on the status bar. Select the column.
5. The prompt Pick secondary part appears on the status bar. Select the beam.
6. Tekla Structures creates the connection.
7. Click OK to close the dialog box.
8. Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to end the command.
9. Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection was
created successfully.
10. Examine the component to see if you need to make any changes.
Viewing components
You can create several views of a component to view it from different viewpoints.
To create views of a component:
1. Click the component symbol to select the component.
2. To create views, right-click and select Create View > Default Views of Component
from the pop-up menu.
Tekla Structures creates four views: front, end, top, and perspective.
Modifying components
To modify a component, double-click the component symbol in the model. The component
dialog box appears. This is where you modify the component properties.
You can also indicate which connections and details are affected by the modifications:
Modify connection type: If you have selected several connections details, clicking the
Modify button modifies all the selected connections and details irrespective of their type. If
the connection type is not the same as in the dialog box, Tekla Structures changes the
connection type.
Ignore other types: Tekla Structures only modifies connections and details of the type
shown in dialog box.
Conceptual components
Conceptual components are meant to be used as reference information for further fabrication
detailing. Conceptual components look similar to detailed components but do not include the
option to change part numbering or assembly numbering settings.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 27
Getting Started
Conceptual components can be created only with Engineering and Reinforced Concrete
Detailing configurations. However, you can edit conceptual components in Full, Steel
Detailing, or Precast Concrete Detailing configurations.
Conceptual components can be converted to detailed components that include all the
information needed for fabrication, such as assemblies, cast units, and reinforcing bars. The
conversion to detailed components can be done in Full, Steel Detailing, or Precast Concrete
Detailing configurations.
Modifying part properties, such as the size of the component main part, does not automatically
convert a detailed component to a conceptual one, or vice versa. For example, if you use the
Engineering configuration and modify the model, detailed components do not convert back to
conceptual components.
Round
28 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Tips on working with components
No component If you have difficulty applying a component, check the status bar for prompts. For example,
created you may need to click the middle mouse button to stop selecting parts, before Tekla Structures
creates the component.
Many parts found If you are applying a connection that only allows for one secondary part, you may see the
message Many parts found on the status bar. This means that Tekla Structures cannot
determine which parts to connect. You may have several parts in the same location, or the view
may be set too deep.
Switch parts on/ If the component does not create the parts you need by default (for example, stiffener plates),
off look for a switch to turn them on. If there is no switch, try entering a value in the thickness field
for that part (for example, on the Stiffeners tab).
If the component creates parts you do not need, look for the switch to turn them off. If there is
no switch, enter a zero (0) in the thickness field for that part.
Entering valid You need to specify profiles for some components. If a component fails, try entering a valid
profiles profile.
One Parts tab Where there is one tab, the label is usually Parts or Plates.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 29
Getting Started
Several Parts Parts can also appear on separate tabs. For example, in connection 56, Corner tube gusset, the
tabs parts appear on both the Gusset and Brace conn tabs.
Dimensioning parts
Use the Parts tabs to dimension specific part types in components.
Plates
Enter the following dimensions for plates:
Dimension Description
t Plate thickness
b Plate width
h Plate height
You do not have to enter these dimensions for every component type, as Tekla Structures
determines the plate shape differently for different components. For example, in end plate
connections, Tekla Structures calculates width and height using the number of bolts and bolt
edge distances. Click Help in a component dialog box to check which dimensions you need to
enter.
Beams
To specify a library or parametric profile to use for beams:
30 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Enter the profile name.
Prefix
Start number
Some component dialog boxes have a second row of Pos_no fields for you to enter the
assembly position number.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 31
Getting Started
Prefix
Part number
Defining materials
To define the materials for the parts that components create, click against the
Material field. Tekla Structures opens the Select Material dialog box. Click a material type,
then click the material to use for the part.
32 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Using the Components tab
To set the default part material for the parts that components create, click Tools > Options >
Options... > Components tab, and use the Part material field. Tekla Structures uses this
default if you leave the Material field blank in the component dialog box when you apply the
component.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 33
Getting Started
Slotted hole dimensions
Number of bolts
34 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Enter bolt order number of bolt to delete.
Edge distance
Number of bolts
Horizontal
Vertical
Defining bolts
Use the following fields on the Bolts tab to specify the type of bolts to use in individual
components:
Dialog box
text Description
Bolt size Must be defined in the bolt assembly catalog. See also The
bolt and bolt assembly catalogs.
Bolt standard The bolt standard to use inside the component. Must be
defined in the bolt assembly catalog.
Tolerance Gap between bolt and hole.
Thread in mat Indicate if the thread can be inside bolted parts when using
bolts with a shaft. Has no effect if using full-threaded
bolts.
Site/Workshop Location where bolts should be attached.
Tekla Structures uses this value in bolt length calculation. See Bolt length calculation.
Creating holes
To only create a hole, deselect all the components in the illustration on the Bolts tab.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 35
Getting Started
Number of bolts and spacing
Use the Bolts tab to specify the number of bolts and bolt spacing, both horizontally and
vertically.
Enter the number of bolts in the shorter field, and the spacing between bolts in the longer field,
as shown below. Use a space to separate bolt spacing values. Enter a value for each space
between bolts.
Number of bolts
Bolt spacing
Option Description
Square.
36 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Bolt group pattern
For some components you can select different bolt group patterns. You have the following
options:
Option
Edge distance
Edge distance is the distance from the center of a bolt to the edge of the part. Enter top, bottom,
left, and right edge distances on the Bolts tab. A dimension line on the illustration shows each
dimension. See also Using the joints.def file (p. 46).
Bolt position
In the list box on the Bolts tab, select an option to indicate how to measure dimensions for
vertical and horizontal bolt position.
Then enter the dimension in the fields indicated below. If you leave this field blank, Tekla
Structures uses a system default value.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 37
Getting Started
Enter dimensions
38 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Option Dimension from Illustration
Left Left edge of secondary part to far
left bolt.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 39
Getting Started
Slotted hole length = x or y dimension + Bolt size + Tolerance
For some components you can specify which parts have slotted holes
using the Bolts tab. For example, Clip angle (141), Shear plate simple
(146).
You can also use the Bolt command to modify bolt groups after creating components. For more
information, see Holes.
Deleting bolts
To delete bolts from a bolt group:
1. Double click the component symbol to open the component dialog box.
2. Go to the Bolts tab.
3. Check Delete.
4. Enter the bolt number(s) of the bolt(s) to delete, separated by a space. Bolt numbers run
left to right and top down.
5. Click Modify to change the selected component.
6. Click OK to exit the component dialog box.
40 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Defining bolt assemblies
On the illustration on the Bolts tab, check the pieces to use in the bolt assembly (bolt, washers,
and nuts).
Welds
To define the properties of the welds Tekla Structures uses in a component, click the Welds
button in the component properties dialog box. Tekla Structures displays the appropriate weld
dialog box.
The illustration identifies each weld using a number. For each weld, use row 1 to define the
arrow side of the weld, and row 2 for the other side.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 41
Getting Started
See also Welds
1.6 AutoConnection
Introduction Use AutoConnection to automatically select and apply connections with predefined properties
to selected parts. Use AutoConnection to have Tekla Structures automatically create similar
connections for similar framing conditions.
Using AutoConnection
Use AutoConnection to have Tekla Structures automatically create connections using a
predefined set of rules, or rule group.
42 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Rule group for AutoConnection
Additional Use the options on the Advanced tab to indicate which rule groups you want to use for each
options Framing condition (beam to beam web, beam to beam flange, etc.). You also have the option
not to apply a rule group, or to apply a specific connection.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 43
Getting Started
Example You can use a rule group for all framing types other than beam to column flange, and indicate a
particular connection to use for that framing type.
Options Use Connection selection to indicate your preferences for each framing condition. You have
the following options:
Option Result
None Tekla Structures does not create a connection.
AutoConnection Tekla Structures applies the connection defined in
the rule group you have indicated in the first list
box on the Rule groups tab.
A named connection Click Select to pick from a list of available
connections. Click a connection, then OK.
Tekla Structures creates the connection you specify
using the default properties. See Automatic and
default properties (p. 14).
Use Parameters selection to indicate which connection properties you want to use. The
options are:
Option Result
AutoDefaults Tekla Structures applies the properties of the rule
group you have indicated in the first list box on
Rule groups tab.
No AutoDefaults Tekla Structures applies the default connection
properties. See Automatic and default properties
(p. 14).
44 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
1.7 AutoDefaults
Introduction Use AutoDefaults to automatically apply connections. When you use AutoDefaults, Tekla
Structures automatically creates connections with predefined properties.
For example, you can use AutoDefaults to automatically adjust the thickness of each base plate
you create, according to the main part profile. If the main part profile changes, Tekla Structures
will also automatically adjust the thickness of the base plate.
Using AutoDefaults
With AutoDefaults you can have Tekla Structures apply connection properties using a
predefined set of rules. You can use AutoDefaults together with AutoConnection to define
connection properties, or separately to define the properties of a single connection.
To use AutoDefaults for a single connection:
1. Open the connection dialog box.
2. On the General tab, select a rule group (the rule group cannot be None).
3. On all the tabs, set the fields that you want AutoDefaults to override to Default by
selecting the options marked with the arrow symbol.
4. Click Apply to create the connection using AutoDefaults.
To quickly set all the fields in a dialog box to Default, load <Defaults>
in the connection dialog box.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 45
Getting Started
How to use AutoDefaults effectively
Use default values when you create a connection, then use AutoDefaults to modify the
properties.
If you manually modify connection properties after using AutoDefaults, Tekla Structures will
not automatically update the connection properties, even if AutoDefaults is active.
AutoDefaults does not change connection properties that have been modified. It only modifies
connection properties in fields containing the default properties.
For example, you have manually set a base plate thickness of 20 mm in the Base plate dialog
box of a connection. AutoDefaults is active and sets plate thickness according to the main part
profile. If you modify the main part profile, Tekla Structures does not update the base plate
thickness. It remains at 20 mm.
If you are new to using joints.def, we suggest you read each of the
topics in this section thoroughly before making any changes.
46 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
About joints.def
Changing the joints.def file changes the default values for different connection types. You
can open the joints.def file in any standard text editor.
Tekla Structures only uses the values in joints.def for blank fields.
AutoDefaults and manual entries override joints.def.
If you use joints.def, you can still use some system default properties. To force Tekla
Structures to use the system default for a particular property, give it the value -2147483648 in
joints.def.
By default, Tekla Structures includes the joints.def file in the system folder.
Tekla Structures searches for joints.def in the standard search order.
2. Tekla Structures uses bolt diameter to assign other bolt and part properties.
To have Tekla Structures use the default values in joints.def, set the following line to 1.
Set it to 0 to have Tekla Structures use the system defaults.
Properties for each connection type appear in individual sections, as shown below. Each section
begins with a header row containing the column labels. Do not add columns to the file.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 47
Getting Started
Entering values
When you edit joints.def:
Enter absolute values or names
Do not use feet and inch symbols
Ensure that profiles exist in the profile catalog
Ensure bolts exist in the bolt catalog.
Connections Connections
Two sided angle cleat (25) Boomerang bracing cross (60)
Beam with stiffener (129) Corner bolted gusset (57)
Column with shear plate (131) Boomerang tube diagonal (59)
Bolted moment connection (134) Corner tube gusset (56)
Clip angle (141) Boomerang wrapped diagonal (58)
Two sided end plate (142) Corner wrapped gusset (63)
Two sided clip angle (143) Bolted gusset (11)
End plate (144) Bracing cross (19)
Shear plate simple (146) Tube gusset (20)
Welded to top flange (147) Tube crossing (22)
Welded to top flange S (149) Gusset wrapped cross (62)
Moment connection (181) Wrapped cross (61)
Column with stiffeners W (182) Welded gusset (10)
Full depth (184)
Full depth S (185)
Column with stiffeners (186)
Column with stiffeners S (187)
Column with stiffeners (188)
Bent plate (190)
Shear plate tube column (189)
Example In clip angles, Tekla Structures uses the default bolt diameter in the General section if the
secondary beam height is larger than the highest value in the Clip angle section of
joints.def.
The properties in the General section of joints.def are:
48 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Properties Description
boltdia Bolt diameter.
pitch Distance from the center of one bolt to the center of
the next.
clipweld Weld size.
angle-cc-inc Tekla Structures adds bolt to bolt distance and web
thickness, then rounds the result up by this value.
Complies with US AISC standard.
lprofgapinc Tekla Structures rounds the angle profile gap up by
this value. Complies with US AISC standard.
lsize Size of the angle profile.
copedepth Determines notch size.
copelength Determines notch size.
boltedge Edge distance.
webplatelen Haunch plate height (h).
webplatewid Haunch plate width (b).
beamedge Distance from the upper edge of the angle profile to
the top of the secondary beam.
knifeclr No longer used.
clipedge Edge distance for bolts (clip angles only).
gap No longer used.
shearplatethk Shear plate thickness.
endplatethk End plate thickness.
shearweld Size of weld.
cliplsize Size of angle profile (clip angles only).
flangecutclear Flange cut clearance.
slotsize Size of slotted hole.
clipslots Which part gets slotted holes:
1 for beam
2 for angle profiles
3 for both
Refers to the Slots in list box options on the Bolts
tab. See individual connection help for details.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 49
Getting Started
Properties Description
clipattach How the clip angle is attached to the secondary and
main parts:
1 is Both bolted
2 is Main bolted / Secondary welded
3 is Main not welded
4 is Main welded / Secondary bolted
5 is Both welded
6 is Main not bolted
7 is Secondary not welded
8 is Secondary not bolted
9 is Both bolted / welded
Refers to the attachment type list box options on the
Bolts tab. See individual connection help for details.
copedepthinc Tekla Structures rounds cope depth up using this
value.
copelengthinc Tekla Structures rounds cope length using this value.
Property Description
name Use the name BOLTHEIGHT
part Use the part name ANGLECLIP
sec.beam.height Maximum height of secondary beam for a certain
number of bolts
diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in the bolt catalog.
number_of_bolts Number of bolts vertically
Gusset connections
Tekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of bolt rows horizontally
according to the length of the angle profile. You can enter the following properties:
50 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Property Description
name Use the name BOLTHEIGHT
part Use the part name GUSSET
lproflength Length of angle profile
or
angleproflength
diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in bolt catalog
number_of_bolts Number of bolts horizontally
Diagonal connections
Tekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of bolt rows horizontally
according to the profile height. You can enter the following properties:
Property Description
name Use the name BOLTHEIGHT
part Use the part name DIAGONAL
conn.pl.height Profile height
or
profileheight
diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in bolt catalog.
number_of_bolts Number of bolts horizontally
Example Enter the default properties for bolts and parts in clip angle connections in the rows beginning
ANGLECLBOLTPART in the CLIP ANGLE section of joints.def.
Properties lookup The table below lists the properties you assign for bolts and parts for each connection type.
table
Gusset and diagonal connections have additional properties. See Gusset connection
properties (p. 52) and Diagonal connection properties (p. 55).
Key to lookup
table
Connection type Full name
C Clip angle
S Shear plate
E End plate
G Gusset
D Diagonal
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 51
Getting Started
Connection Type
Property Description C S E G D
name Identifies the connection * * * * *
type.
Example GUSSETBOLTPART
for gusset connections.
bolt diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in * * * * *
the bolt catalog.
See also Profile type-
dependent bolt dimensions
(p. 56)
shear plate Thickness of shear plate *
thickness
end plate Thickness of end plate *
thickness
gusset thickness Thickness of the gusset *
conn. plate Thickness of the connection *
thickness plate
angle profile Name of the angle profile to * * *
use:
or L profile
Must exist in the profile
catalog
Enter the exact name
Example:
L100*100*10
number Number of bolts in each row: * * * * *
vertically
horizontally
pitch Distance between bolts from * * * * *
the center of each bolt. For
vertical and horizontal bolts
edge distance Distance from the center of a * * * *
bolt to the edge of the part.
For vertical and horizontal
bolts
vert.bolt Position of the first vertical * * *
firsthole row of bolts
52 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Affects
plate
Option Description shape
name GUSSETDEFDIM
boltdia_def Bolt diameter for all bolt groups. Leave the Bolt
size field blank in the dialog box to have Tekla
Structures use the value in joints.def.
tol_prim See illustration.
tol_sec See illustration.
dist_diag_prim Clearance between the first secondary part
selected and the main part.
dist_diag_sec Perpendicular distance from last secondary part
selected to the nearest secondary.
angle_first_corner See illustration. Yes
angle_sec_corner See illustration. Yes
dist_between_diag Clearance between braces.
first_bolt_from_lin Bolt edge distance for the bolt groups on the
e Gusset tab.
corner_dx See illustration.
corner_dy See illustration.
movey On the Gusset tab:
movey
movez
dist1 The length of the edge of the gusset plate that is Yes
perpendicular to the lowest brace.
dist2 The length of the edges of the gusset plate Yes
perpendicular to the braces.
dist3 The length of the edge of the gusset plate Yes
perpendicular to the uppermost brace.
tol_lprof See illustration.
tol_stiffener Tolerance of stiffener.
chamfer_dx Dimensions of stiffener chamfer on the Gusset
tab:
chamfer_dy
chamfer_corner_dx chamfer_corner_dx
chamfer_corner_dy
chamfer-corner_dy
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 53
Getting Started
Affects
plate
Option Description shape
side_length
diafit_length Fit length in Bracing cross (19) connection.
Leave this field empty on the Parameters tab to
have Tekla Structures use the value in
joints.def.
The illustration below shows the properties on the Picture tab of the Boomerang wrapped
diagonal (58) connection dialog box.
tol_lprof
corner_dy
corner_dx
dist_diag_sec
tol_sec
angle_sec_corner
54 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
dist3
dist_between_diag
dist2
dist1
dist_diag_prim
tol_prim
Property Description
name DIAGDEFDIM
boltdia_def Bolt diameter for all bolt groups. Leave the Bolt
size field blank in the dialog box to have Tekla
Structures use the value in joints.def.
dist_gus_diag Gap between the gusset plate and the brace. If
tube profiles are closed with end plates, the gap
between the gusset plate and the end plate.
dist_in Depth of the cut in the brace. Enter a negative
value to prevent the connection plate from being
inside the tube brace.
dist_dv Distance from the edge of the brace to the edge of
the connection plate. This dimension changes the
width of the connection plate.
sec_cut_tol On the Brace conn tab:
slot_length_tol
sec_cut_tol
slot_length_tol
tube_cut_tol On the Brace conn tab:
tube_cut_tol
conn_cut_dx
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 55
Getting Started
Property Description
round_plate_tol On the Brace conn tab:
end_plate_thk
dist_flanges_cut
dist_skew_cut
end_plate_thk End plate field t in the Tube diag tab.
This illustration shows the properties that appear on the Picture tab of the Tube crossing (22)
connection:
dist_dv
dist_in
dist_gus_diag
56 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
The options are:
Option Description
width Width of the profile
one bolt firsthole For single bolts, distance from the heel of the
profile angle to the first hole.
two bolts firsthole For two bolts, distance from the heel of the
profile angle to the first hole.
pitch Distance between bolts from the center of
each bolt. For vertical and horizontal bolts.
Example To find the bolt dimensions to be used with an L6X6X1/2 profile in a clip angle connection:
1. Tekla Structures searches the rows beginning PROFILEBOLTDIM for L6X6X1/2 in the
PROFILE TYPE-DEPENDENT BOLT DIMENSIONS section of joints.def.
2. If there is no match, Tekla Structures searches the rows beginning ANGLECLBOLTPART in
the CLIP ANGLE section of joints.def.
Tekla Structures assigns the bolt and part properties according to the bolt diameter. It
searches the DIAGBOLTPART rows for a bolt diameter of 0.75.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 57
Getting Started
Result
Property Value
Bolt diameter 0.75
Number of bolts horizontally 2
Edge distance horizontally 1.5
Edge distance vertically 1.5
Distance between bolts horizontally 2.5
Distance between bolts vertically system default
Tekla Structures does not use the connection plate thickness or angle profile properties in this
connection.
You can use Excel in connection design for all steel components that
have the Design tab in their properties dialog box.
Tekla Structures includes sample spreadsheet for connection design and a template spreadsheet
you should use to create your own spreadsheet applications to use with Tekla Structures
components.
Before you start:
Create the connections and parts.
Create the Excel spreadsheet for connection type, or use a predefined file. See more in
Setting up Excel files (p. 59).
To use the Excel spreadsheet for connection design:
1. Double-click the connection to open the connection properties dialog box.
2. Go to the Design (or Design type) tab and select Excel in the External design list box.
3. Click Modify.
4. The connection properties are transferred from Tekla Structures to a connection type
specific Excel spreadsheet, where the properties are calculated.
5. The calculated properties are saved to an output file.
6. The modified properties are transferred back to Tekla Structures and the connection is
modified according to the changes.
58 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Setting up Excel files
The following list describes what kind of files are needed for performing connection design
with Excel:
Visual Basic script file linking Tekla Structures with external software.
Excel spreadsheet containing calculations.
Component type specific spreadsheet, which contains predefined calculations.
When you run the connection design, the connection properties and information of the
main and secondary parts are transferred to the Input and Component sheets of the
spreadsheet.
Connection specific result file, which displays the modified connection properties is
stored to model folder.
This file is created automatically from the Calculation sheet of the spreadsheet.
The file is updated each time you modify the connection.
Calculation results can be stored as Excel spreadsheet, HTML or PDF format,
depending on how calculation spreadsheet is configured.
Sample implementation
Below is descibed the contents of an Excel spreadsheet which is used for End plate (144)
connection:
When user clicks Modify in the End plate (144) properties dialog box, Excel.vb file calls
Excel spreadsheet named component_144.xls.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 59
Getting Started
Component
Tekla Structures transfers the component geometry and information on the main and
secondary parts (for example, part profiles) into this sheet. The component attributes in the
spreadsheet are the same as in the corresponding .inp file. See more about .inp files in
Input files.
This sheet includes calculations (the calculations can be as Visual Basic macros in the
sheet).
60 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Calculation
Summary of calculation is collected to the Calculation sheet. This page or full Excel
spreadsheet can be stored as a report of the calculation.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 61
Getting Started
Outputs
Excel adds the modified values to the Output sheet. These values are tranferred back to the
connection and connection in the model is modified accordingly.
62 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Value Color Status
1 Green Bolt edge distances are sufficient.
Passes the connection design check using the UK
and US design codes embedded in the system.
2 Yellow Bolt edge distances are insufficient according to
the value in Tools > Options > Options... >
Components.
3 Red Tekla Structures cannot calculate the component
properties. Possible reasons include:
Incorrect connection direction
Incorrect workplane
Inappropriate connection selected
The connection design check was carried
out using the embedded UK and US design
codes and the connection cannot support the
loading defined by the user.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 63
Getting Started
64 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
2 Custom Components
Introduction Tekla Structures contains a set of tools for defining intelligent connections, parts, seams, and
details, called custom components. You can create your own components, similar to Tekla
Structures system components. Tekla Structures creates a dialog box for the custom
component, which you can easily customize, if required.
You can then use custom components in the same way as any Tekla Structures system
component.
You can also edit custom components to create parametric custom components that
automatically adjust to changes in the model.
Audience This chapter is aimed at people who know how to use Tekla Structures components.
Contents This chapter includes the following topics, which are the steps you follow to create custom
components:
Defining custom components (p. 66)
Editing custom components (p. 73)
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 65
Custom Components
Defining variables (p. 78)
Functions to use in formulas (p. 87)
Defining custom component properties (p. 95)
Managing and using custom components (p. 105)
Custom components reference (p. 116)
Go to Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component to define the properties of a new
custom component.
To browse a list of custom components,
1. Press Ctrl + F to open the Component catalog.
2. Select Search results > Custom.
Exploding components
Explode Component is a very useful command to use when defining custom components. It
ungroups the objects in an existing component, you can then remove and modify parts and
other objects in the component.
To explode a component:
1. Click Detailing > Component > Explode component.
2. Select the component to explode.
3. Tekla Structures ungroups the objects in the component.
66 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
To quickly create a custom component, explode a similar existing
component, then change it to suit your needs. See Exploding
components (p. 66).
Use the Custom Component Wizard on the Detailing menu to define the properties of a new
custom component. See the following example.
Follow the steps in the custom component wizard. Some steps are
different for different types of custom component.
Example In the following example we will create a custom component based on an existing end plate
component that we have exploded.
1. Click Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... to open the Custom
Component Wizard dialog box.
2. On the Type/Notes tab, set Type to Connection. Enter a Name for the custom component.
3. On the Position and Advanced tabs, set the Position type and other properties for the
custom component. For more information on other properties, see
Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... (p. 117).
4. Click Next.
5. Select the objects to use in the custom component and click Next.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 67
Custom Components
You can use area select to select the objects to include. Tekla Structures
ignores the main part, secondary parts, grids and component symbols
when you are selecting objects to include in the custom component.
68 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
7. Select the secondary part(s). To select several secondary part(s), hold down the Shift key
while you select the parts. The maximum number of secondary parts in a custom
component is 30.
Pay attention to the order in which you select secondary parts. The
custom component will use the same selection order when you use it in a
model.
8. Click Finish.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 69
Custom Components
9. Tekla Structures displays a component symbol for the new component.
You have now defined a simple custom component, which you can use in similar locations to
where it was originally created. This component is not parametric and Tekla Structures does not
adjust dimensions to suit any changes in the model. To create a parametric custom component,
see Editing custom components (p. 73).
70 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
Type Description Example
Connectio Creates connection
n objects and
connects secondary
part(s) to a main
part.
Component symbol
is green.
Main part
Secondary part
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 71
Custom Components
Custom component basic properties
Tekla Structures automatically creates each custom component with a set of basic properties,
which we describe in this section. To view the properties of a custom component:
1. Press Ctrl + F to open the Component catalog.
2. In the Search result listbox, select Custom. A list of custom components appears in the
lower pane.
3. Double-click a custom component on the list to open its properties dialog box.
Basic properties Custom connections, seams, and details have the following basic properties:
of custom
connections,
seams, and
details Field Description More information
Up direction Rotates the component. Up direction (p. 13)
Position in relation to The creation point of the General tab (p. 15)
secondary part component relative to the main part.
Available for details by default.
To use this property in connections
and seams, select the Allow
multiple instances of connection
between same parts checkbox on
the Advanced tab when you create
the component.
Class The class of the parts that the About parts
custom component creates.
Connection code Identifies the connection. Tekla Mark elements
Structures can display this
connection code in connection
marks in drawings.
AutoDefaults rule The rule group used for setting the Using AutoDefaults (p.
group connection properties. 45)
AutoConnection rule The rule group Tekla Structures uses Using AutoConnection
group to select the connection. (p. 42)
72 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
Field Description More information
At depth Changes part location perpendicular Position depth
to work plane.
Show third handle Sets the third handle of a nested Part handles
custom part to be visible in the
desired direction.
You can bind the third handle in the
desired direction and thus force the
part to follow the rotation of another
part. You have the following
options:
Above: the handle is shown
above the first handle in custom
part local coordinate system.
On the left: the handle is shown
on the left-hand side of the first
handle in custom part local
coordinate system.
No: the third handle is not
shown.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 73
Custom Components
Construction plane (p. 126)
Custom The toolbar contains the following icons and list boxes:
component
toolbar
Plane types Displays plane types you can use when defining
distance variables.
For more information, see Plane types (p. 125).
Position types Define the position (or origin) of the custom
component, relative to the main part.
For more information, see Position type (p. 119).
Allows you to edit the type or the position of a custom
component or add notes after you have created the
component.
Shows all created variables.
74 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
Icon/ List box Description
Saves the custom component with another name.
For more information on these tools, see Custom components reference (p. 116).
Editing You can add and edit many custom component properties:
properties
Library Use the custom component editor to modify custom component. You can open a custom
component vs. component in the editor even if you have already used it in a model.
model
component When you have edited the custom component, you can choose to apply the changes to all
copies of the custom component, or to save the component with a new name.
To apply your changes to the library and to all copies of the custom component in the
model, use the Copy component to library command.
To save the edited custom component with a new name, use the Copy component to
library with new name command and enter a new name for the custom component.Tekla
Structures does not apply the changes to the other copies of the custom component in the
model.
If you click Yes, Tekla Structures will overwrite the copies of the custom
component in the library and the model.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 75
Custom Components
Creating When you modify a custom component, Tekla Structures automatically creates a backup file of
automatic backup the custom component. The backup files have the extension .inp_bak, and they are located
files
in the model folder. Tekla Structures displays a notification when the backup file is created.
See also Custom component browser (p. 76)
You can create links between custom component parameter variables and component object
properties. For example, variable "m" defines the material grade for all plates in your
component. It appears as "Material = m" in the Custom component browser (see above
illustration). "m" is also a field in the custom component dialog box. When a user enters a value
in the "m" field in the dialog box for plates, Tekla Structures saves the value to the part
properties in the model.
76 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
Popup menu You can also use the popup menu in the Custom component browser to copy names, values,
and references from main and secondary parts in the component. Then use them in the
Variables dialog box to define the properties of custom components.
For example, to report how many secondary parts to pick when applying a component, you can
use a variable called Number of secondaries. You can then use the variable in formulas,
and copy the name, value and reference to other custom components.
Using custom If you have created a custom part in to your model, you can access the object properties of the
part properties custom part when the custom part is used an input part. You can access the name, profile,
material and class of the input custom part, and use the properties of the input part in the
component objects. This is useful in cases where the material for a new part needs to be taken
from the inner or outer layer of an existing part.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 77
Custom Components
2.3 Defining variables
Variables are the properties of a custom component. Some of them appear in the custom
component dialog box, others are hidden and are only used in calculations.
There are two types of variable:
Viewing variables To see all distance and parameter variables in a component, in the custom component editor,
The Component parameters category lists all distances and parameters that belong to the
current custom component.
The Model parameters category lists all distances and parameters in the current model.
When you select a distance variable from a list, Tekla Structures highlights it in the model.
78 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
To delete the selected distance or parameter, click Delete.
To add a new parameter variable, click Add.
For more information, see Display variables (p. 120).
How In this example we will create a distance variable that binds the upper edge of the end plate to
the upper flange of the secondary part. Whenever you create this custom component in the
model, the end plate will follow the upper flange, regardless of the profile or size the secondary
part.
Before you start, ensure that the part representation is set to rendered. Part surfaces and
available planes can be selected only in rendered views.
To create the distance variable:
1. Select the object from which to measure the distance. This object will follow the plane to
which you bind it. In this example, select the plates topmost reference point (magenta or
yellow)
2. Click the Create distance icon or right-click the reference point and select Bind to
Plane from the pop-up menu.
3. Move the mouse cursor over a view to see the available planes.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 79
Custom Components
Highlighted boundary plane
You can also use the Hide Part command if the plane is not accessible.
4. To create the distance, click when the plane you want to use is highlighted. Tekla
Structures draws a distance symbol in the views of the custom component editor. Tekla
Structures displays a distance symbol in the custom component editor views. You can bind
one object to a maximum of three planes.
Distance object
80 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
7. Enter a descriptive Name for the distance.
To test the distance variable, enter different values and click Modify to
see the changes in the model.
8. Click Cancel.
9. To hide or show the distance variable in the dialog box and to set the other properties, click
to open the Variables dialog box. For more information, see Display variables (p.
120).
active.
switch is active.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 81
Custom Components
Example In this example we will define several variables: distances, reference distances, and parameters,
and use them in a custom component that creates a ladder with rungs spaced at set intervals, for
any length of ladder. Here is how the variables appear in the Variables dialog box:
1. Create a ladder frame with one rung 285 mm from the bottom of the frame.
2. To make the ladder a custom component, select Detailing > Define custom component...
and follow the steps in the Custom component wizard.
3. Right-click the ladder and select Edit custom component... from the popup menu.
4. In the Custom component editor, use the Array of objects (29) component to create the
rest of the rungs.
Use the Create distance tool to bind the bottom rung to the bottom of the ladder frame
(D1 and D2 in the in the Variables dialog box).
See Create distance (p. 128) for step-by-step instructions.
82 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
5. Use the Create reference distance tool to create a reference distance from a handle on the
bottom rung to the plane at the top of the ladder.
Select a rung handle
On the Custom component editor toolbar, click the Create reference distance icon
Bind the handle to the horizontal plane at the top of the ladder frame.
This distance appears as D3 in the Variables dialog box.
6. Go to the Variables dialog box.
7. Add a parameter (P1) to define rung spacing. Give it the value 250.
8. Add another parameter (P2) to define the distance from the bottom of the ladder to the first
rung. Give it the value 285.
9. Give the distances D1 and D2 the formula =P2. This forces both distances to be the value
defined by P2. 285 in this case.
10. Add a new parameter (P3) to define the number of rungs. Give it the formula =(D3-P2)/P1.
11. We want the number of rungs to be an integer, so add a new parameter (P4) and give it the
formula =ceil (15.52).This rounds P3 up to the nearest integer.
12. Add a new parameter (P5) to calculate the distance between the rungs. Give it the formula
=(D3-P2)/P4.
This formula subtracts the distance from the bottom of the ladder to the bottom rung from
the reference distance (D3) and divides the result by the number of rungs (P4).
13. Go to the Custom component browser and link the following properties of the Array of
objects (29) component to parameters P4 and P5, as shown below:
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 83
Custom Components
When you use this custom component to create a ladder in a model, Tekla Structures
automatically calculates the correct spacing for the rungs.
84 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
Option 1: Control the stiffeners by using 4 magnetic construction planes
- one in each direction. Then you only bind each magnetic plane with one
distance variable
Option 2: Bind each chamfer separately - a total of 32 bindings
For more information on magnetic construction planes, see Construction plane (p. 126).
By default, the handles of contour plates are not visible. To show them,
set the advanced option XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLES to
HANDLES.
Example In this example we create a parameter variable "Weldsize" that sets all welds in a custom
component to a given size:
1. On the Custom component editor toolbar, click to open the Variables dialog box.
2. Click the Add button.
3. Enter following information:
Name = Weldsize
Formula =
Value = 0.0
Variable type = parameter
Value type = length
Visibility = Show (this makes Weldsize visible in the dialog box)
Label in dialog box = WeldSize
4. Click OK button to close the dialog box.
5. In the Custom component browser, click Component objects > Weld > General
properties and right-click Size above line and select Add equation. Type after the equal
sign "Weldsize". Repeat this step for all welds.
6. Click Save.
7. Click Close icon to exit the Custom component editor.
Your custom component dialog box should now contain the field WeldSize. When anyone
creates the component, all welds are of the size you enter in the WeldSize field.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 85
Custom Components
Creating parameters that use formulae
This example shows how to create a hidden parameter variable that includes a formula to set
weld size to half the thickness of the secondary part flange. This variable will not be visible in
the custom component dialog box. When you create the component, Tekla Structures uses the
thickness of the secondary part flange to calculate the size of the weld(s).
1. In the Custom component browser, click Input objects > Secondary parts > Part >
Profile properties and right-click Flange thickness 1 and then select Copy reference.
Tekla Structures copies the reference to secondary part flange thickness to the Windows
Clipboard.
2. In the Custom component editor toolbar, click to open the Variables dialog box.
3. Click Add button.
4. Set Variable name to w.
5. Click the Formula field, type =, then right-click and select Paste. Tekla Structures pastes
the reference to flange thickness from the Clipboard. Now enter *0.5. Formula should now
read:
=fP(Flange thickness 1.1525)*0.5.
86 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
6. Set other values:
Variable type = Parameter
Value type =Length
Visibility = Hide
7. In the Custom component browser, click Component Objects > Weld > General
properties and right-click Size above line and select Add equation. Type in after the
equal sign "w".
8. Click OK button to close the dialog box.
Arithmetic operators
You can use the following arithmetic operators:
Logical statement
You can use if-then-else statements to test a condition and set the value according to the result:
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 87
Custom Components
|| only one condition must be true
For example to use a value 6:
=if (D1==200 && D2<40) then 6 else 0 endif
D1 must be 200 and D2 must be less than 40.
=if (D1==200 || D2<40) then 6 else 0 endif
D1 must equal 200, or D2 must be less than 40.
Reference function
A reference function refers to the property of another object, such as the plate thickness of a
secondary part. Tekla Structures refers to the object on the system level, so if the object
property changes, so does the reference function value.
fP(propertyname, ObjectId)
To ensure the function includes the correct parameters, cut and paste it from the Custom
component browser:
1. Right-click the property in the Custom component browser and select Copy reference.
2. Right-click the Formula cell in the Variables dialog box and select Paste.
Note that template attribute and user-defined attribute names must be written inside double
quotation marks:
Mathematical functions
The mathematical functions are:
88 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
Name Description Example
log(parameter) Returns the logarithm of log(D1) returns 2
the specified parameter
if D1=100
(base number 10).
sqrt(parameter) Returns the square root sqrt(D1) returns 4
of the specified
if D1=16
parameter.
mod(dividend, Modulo mod(D1, 5) returns 1
divider)
if D1=16
pow(base number, Returns base number pow(D1, D2) returns 9
power) raised to the specified
if D1=3 D2=2
power.
hypot(side1,side2) hypot(D1, D2) returns 5
if D1=3 D2=4
side1
hypotenuse
side2
n!() Factorial n!(4) returns 24
(=1*2*3*4)
round(parameter, Round off according to round(P1, 0.1) returns
accuracy) given accuracy. 10.600
if P1=10.567
fMarketSize(materi Returns the next fMarketSize("S235JR",
al, thickness, available market size for 10, 0)
extrastep) the material from the
See also Using market
marketsize.dat sizes.
file, based on the
thickness you specify.
Insert the material in the
parentheses.
For extrastep enter a
number to define the
increment to the next size
(default is 0).
Statistical functions
The statistical functions are:
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 89
Custom Components
Example (P1=1.4
Name Description P2=2.3)
ceil() Returns the smallest whole ceil(P1) returns 2
number greater than or equal to
the specified parameter.
floor() Returns the largest whole floor(P1) returns 1
number less than or equal to the
specified parameter.
min() Returns the smallest of specified min(P1, P2) returns 1.4
parameters.
max() Returns the largest of specified max(P1, P2) returns 2.3
parameters.
sum() Sum of specified parameters sum(P1, P2) returns 3.7
sqsum() Sum of squared parameters: sqsum(P1, P2) returns 7.25
(parameter1)2 + (parameter2)2
ave() Average of parameters ave(P1, P2) returns 1.85
sqave() Average of squared parameters. sqave(P1, P2) returns 3.625
Name Description
int() Conversion to integer. This is
useful especially for calculating
profile dimensions:
100.0132222000 -> 100
double() Converts data to a double
string() Converts data to string
90 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
Name Description
imp() Converts imperial units to imp (1,1,1,2) meaning 1 foot
millimeters 1 1/2 inches returns 342.90
mm
imp(1,1,2) meaning 1 1/2
inches returns 38.10 mm
imp(1,2) meaning 1/2 inches
returns 12.70 mm
imp(1) meaning 1 inch
returns 25.40 mm
vwu(value Converts the value to vwu(4.0, "in") returns 101.6
, unit) millimeters. The available units mm
are:
"ft" ("feet", "foot")
"in" ("inch", "inches")
"m"
"cm"
"mm"
"rad"
"deg"
String operations
Include string parameters inside double quotation marks within the argument list of string
operations.
Example
Name Description (P1="PL100*10")
match(parameter1 Returns 1 if parameters match(P1, "PL100*10")
, parameter2) are equal and 0 if returns 1
different.
Accept all profiles
You can also use starting with PFC:
wildcards *, ?, and [ ] match(P4, "PFC*")
with the match function. Accept profiles starting
with PFC, and height
starts with 2,3,4 or 5:
match(P4,
"PFC[2345]*")
Accept profiles starting
with PFC, heights are
200,300,400 or 500 and
width starts with 7:
match(P4,
"PFC[2345]00?7")
length(parameter) Returns the number of length(P1) returns 8
characters in the
parameter.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 91
Custom Components
Example
Name Description (P1="PL100*10")
find(parameter, Returns the order number find(P1, "*") returns 5
string) (starting at zero) of the
specified string and -1 if
the specified string is not
found from the parameter.
getat(parameter, Returns the n:th (starting getat(P1, 1) returns "L"
n) at zero) character from the
parameter.
setat(parameter, n, Sets the n:th (starting at setat(P1, 0, "B") returns
character) zero) character to the "BL100*10"
specified character in the
parameter.
mid(string, n, x) Returns x characters from mid(P1,2,3) returns
the given string starting "100"
from n:th (starting at zero)
character. If you leave out
the last argument (x),
returns the last part of the
string.
reverse(string) Reverses the given string. reverse(P1) returns
"01*001LP"
When you handle strings in formulas, you must use quotation marks. For example, to define
profile size PL100*10 with two variables P2=100 and P3=10 enter the formula as follows:
="PL"+P2+"*"+P3
Trigonometric functions
You can include trigonometric functions in the formulae. Be sure to include the unit using the
following prefixes. If you do not include a prefix, Tekla Structures uses radians as the default
unit:
d is degree. For example sin (d180)
r is radians (Default). For example sin (r3.14) or sin (3.14)
Name Description
sin() Sine
cos() Cosine
tan() Tangent
asin() Inverse function of sin(), return value in radians
acos() Inverse function of cos(), return value in radians
atan() Inverse function of tan(), return value in radians
92 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
Name Description
sinh() Hyperbolical sine
cosh() Hyperbolical cosine
tanh() Hyperbolical tangent
atan2(,) Returns the angle whose tangent is the quotient of
two specified numbers. Return value in radians
Beam to column Note that slope and skew are relative to a beam framing into a column.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 93
Custom Components
Side view
Top view
Slope
Skew
Column
Beam
Beam to beam If you are working with two beams, "slope" is actually the skew of the beam framing into the
other beam, and the vertical slope of the beam relative to the main is actually the "skew" angle.
Side view
Top view
Skew
Slope
Beam
94 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
Limitations These functions do not return positive and negative "slope" and "skew" values. So it is not
possible to determine up or down "slope" and left or right "skew" with these functions.
Maximum skew angle to return is 45 degrees.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 95
Custom Components
6. Save the custom component and exit the custom component editor.
When you open the custom component properties dialog box, you now have the option to
create or not create the part:
1. Click the Variables icon on the Custom Component editor toolbar to open the
Variables dialog box.
2. Click Add twice. Now you have two variables P1 and P2.
3. In the Value Type field, select Bolt size for P1 and Bolt standard for P2. Tekla Structures
automatically adds the extensions "_diameter" and "_screwdin" to the name of the
variables. Do not change these extensions.
4. Change P2_screwdin to P1_screwdin. The prefix must be the same, otherwise the variables
do not work.
5. Modify P1_diameter label to "Bolt size" and P1_screwdin label to"Bolt standard".
96 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
7. Save the custom component and exit the custom component editor.
This option requires a distance that binds the bolt group handle to the secondary beam top
flange and a parameter for inputting the value in the user interface.
1. Double-click bolts in the custom component editor view. The Bolt properties dialog box
appears. Remove any dimensions from the Offset fields, then click Modify. Bolts will
move to the same level with the first handle of the bolt group.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 97
Custom Components
2. Select the bolts, then select the top handle. Right-click and select Bind to plane from the
popup menu.
5. Click Add to add a new parameter P1. In the Formula field, change the distance value. In
the Label in dialog box field, enter a suitable label, for example: "Vertical distance to
bolt".
6. In the Formula field of D1, type in the equation "=-P1".
7. Save the custom component and exit the custom component editor.
Replacing a sub-component
Use the Name property in the Custom component browser to replace a sub-component inside
a custom component with another sub-component.
In this example we have created a custom component that contains a pair of cast-in embeds as
sub-components (castin1 and castin2):
98 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom Components
Castin 1
4. In the Custom component browser, add the equation P1_name for both sub-
components:
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 99
Custom Components
The field Cast-in plate will appear in the dialog box of our custom component.
4. In the Custom component browser, add the equation P1_attrfile for Attribute file.
5. Click the Variables icon on the Custom component editor toolbar to open the
Variables dialog box.
6. Click Add.
7. In the Value Type field select the Text option.
8. Paste the mesh you copied into the Formula field.
9. In the Custom component browser, add "=P1" after Catalog name in Component >
Component objects > Reinforcement mesh > General properties.
2. Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment and select the command to create the surface
treatment.
switch . This switch is set off in the Custom component editor by default.
For seams you can select whether to place a seam at the point you pick, or let Tekla Structures
automatically place the seam.
Tekla Structures creates an input file with the extension .inp for each dialog box in the model
folder. You can modify the input file. See Customizing the dialog box (p. 107).
If you modify the input file, then edit and save the custom component
dialog box using the custom component editor, you will lose the changes
you made to the input file.
This topic is for advanced users. Take care when modifying an input file.
Errors may cause the dialog box to disappear.
The input file is a text file that you can edit using any text editor, for example Notepad.
You can customize the dialog box by:
Changing the order of fields (p. 108)
Changing the location of fields (p. 108)
Renaming tabs (p. 109)
Adding more tabs (p. 109)
Adding pictures (p. 110)
Preventing modifications (p. 110)
To use the modified custom component dialog box, save the input file,
then close and restart Tekla Structures.
x = 374
y = 25
length = 160
Renaming tabs
To rename a tab, change the tab definition in the input file. You can rename any tab except the
General tab. In the example below, you would change the text Parameters 1 to the new tab
name (for example, Parts):
The fourth tab is reserved for the General properties, so you cannot add
your own parameter to it.
Adding pictures
Add images to make your custom component easier to use. First create the image and save it as
a bitmap file (file extension bmp) in the ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\nt\bitmaps folder. To add the image to the custom
component dialog box, edit the input file as shown below:
x = 50
height = 75
width = 100
The first pixel in the top left corner of a bitmap must be the same color
(gray) as the background of the dialog box.
Preventing modifications
Once the dialog box is ready, you can make the input file read-only to prevent accidental
modifications. If the input file is not read-only, and someone else updates the custom
component in the custom component editor, all your modifications to the input file will be lost.
To make the input file read-only:
1. In Windows Explorer, browse to find the input file.
2. Right-click the file and select Properties... .
3. Select the Read-only checkbox.
When an input file is read-only, and you try to update the custom component, Tekla Structures
displays a warning message saying that the *.inp file is read-only and changes to it will not
be saved. You have the following options:
Click Cancel to return to the custom component editor.
Click Continue to skip updating the *.inp file, but make all the other updates.
To automatically import all *.uel files from a folder when creating a new model, use the
advanced option XS_UEL_IMPORT_FOLDER.
After importing custom components, you can check from the Log file how many
components were succesfully imported. To open the log file, click Tools > Display log file >
Session History...
Usage 1. Select the custom component you wish to protect and right-click.
2. To open the Custom component editor, select Edit Custom Component on the pop-up
menu.
3. In the Custom component editor, click the Display variables icon to display the
Variables dialog box.
4. In the Variables dialog box, add a new parameter by clicking the Add button.
5. In the Name column, enter Password.
6. In the Formula column, enter the desired password.
Result
Example
2. In the custom component editor, click to open the Variables dialog box.
3. Click Add and enter the following information:
4. Save the component and close the custom component editor. The custom component
dialog box now contains the Use external design property.
Spreadsheet The name of the file must be component_*component name*.xls. For example
name component_custom1.xls for a custom component named custom1.
For more information on the required Excel files, file locations and how to perform the
connection check with Excel, see Using Excel in connection design (p. 58).
Example For example, in the custom component editor, add function fVF("Overlap.dat", "MET-
202Z25", 4) in the Variables dialog box.
The function gets the default value for bolt diameter 16.0 for profile MET-202Z25, from the
Overlap.dat file.
Column number
File search order Tekla Structures searches for the files as system files in the following order:
model
..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>\CustomComponentDialogFiles\
project (set with advanced option XS_PROJECT)
firm (set with advanced option XS_FIRM)
system (set with advanced option XS_SYSTEM)
General Use library profiles when possible. So you do not have to copy user-defined profiles when
you copy the component to other locations.
Use short, logical names. Use the description field to describe the component and explain
what it does.
Store custom components together. It makes them easy to find and export. Consider creating
a component model. Use this model to create and test custom components.
Provide essential information. If you distribute your component to other users, remember to
list the profiles it works with.
Remember to copy user-defined profile cross sections with your custom component.
Creating non- Use the simplest part you can. For example, if all you need is a rectangular shape, use a
parametric rectangular plate, not a contour plate. Rectangular plates only have 2 handles, so you only need
components
to create a few bindings or magnetic planes to manipulate them. Contour plates require more
because they have 4 chamfers and handles, when you set the advanced option
XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLES to CHAMFERS or HANDLES.
Rectangular plate
Contour plate
Only model parts as accurately as you need. If the only part information required is a part
mark on the GA drawing and a quantity on the materials list, create a simple bar or plate. If,
later, you need to include it in a detailed view, simply re-model the part more accurately.
Creating Plan to use magnetic planes to bind objects together. This makes intelligent components
intelligent simpler, and easier to use, because it reduces the number of dimensions and parameters the user
(parametric)
components must enter. Model as many parts on the same plane as you can, and then use offsets to position
them accurately.
Preconditions All the necessary objects (parts, cuts, fittings, bolts, etc.) must exist in the model, because you
will need to select different objects, points etc. to define the custom component. See also
Exploding components (p. 66).
Description This command defines a simple custom component, which you can use in similar locations to
where it was originally created. This component is not parametric and Tekla Structures does not
adjust dimensions to suit any changes in the model. To create a parametric custom component,
see Editing custom components (p. 73).
Usage 1. Click Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... to start the Custom
component wizard.
2. Select a Type and enter the other properties, then click Next.
3. Select the objects that the custom component will create.
4. Click Next.
5. The next step differs depending on the Type you select in step 2:
For connections, select the main part, click Next, then select the secondary part(s).
For details, select the main part, and click Next.
To position the detail by the main part, select Main part, and go to step 6.
To position the detail by a reference point, select Reference point, and then pick a
point.
For seams, select the main part, click Next, then select the secondary part, click Next,
then pick two points to indicate the seam location.
For parts, pick one or two points.
6. Click Finish.
Preconditions
Description Determines the location of the objects the custom component creates, relative to main part. The
options are:
Middle
Where the center lines of the
main and secondary parts
intersect.
Box plane
Where the main part box and
the center line of the
secondary part intersect.
Collision plane
Where the main part and the
center line of the secondary
part intersect.
Gusset plane
Where the center lines of the
main part and the first
secondary part intersect. The
x direction is perpendicular
to the center line of the main
part.
Display variables
Synopsis Shows all variables and lets you to add new parameter variables. You can also use it to manage
distance and parameter variables.
Tekla Structures uses variables with the following features:
Custom Components (p. 65)
Sketched cross sections
Feature Preconditions
Custom components define a custom component, see Defining a
custom component (p. 66)
open the Custom component editor, see Custom
component editor (p. 74)
Sketched cross open the Cross section sketch editor, see
sections Sketched cross sections
Feature Usage
Custom components Creating distance variables (p. 79)
Creating reference distances (p. 81)
Creating parameter variables (p. 85)
Sketched cross Variables
sections
Bolt type For defining the bolt type (site/workshop) in the custom component
dialog box. Linked to the Bolt type property of bolts in the Custom
component browser.
Stud size Special data types linked to the bolt catalog. Stud size works with Stud
standard. They have fixed naming: Px_size and Px_standard. Do
Stud standard
not change the fixed name.
To automatically show values for these in the components dialog box, x
must be the same for both, for example, P9_size and
P9_standard.
Distance list For fields with several length values, such as bolt spacings.
Weld types
Chamfer type A special data type for defining the shape of a chamfer.
Welding site A special data type for defining the welding place: workshop or building
site.
Rebar grade Special data types linked to reinforcement catalog. Rebar grade, Rebar
size, and Rebar bending radius work together. They have fixed
Rebar size
naming format: Px_grade, Px_size, and Px_radius where the x
Rebar bending is a number. Do not change the fixed name.
radius
To automatically show values for these in the component's dialog box, x
must be the same for all, for example, P1_grade, P1_size, and
Px_radius.
Browser
Synopsis This command shows the browser for the following features.
Custom component: Custom component browser
Sketched cross section: Display sketch browser
Feature Preconditions
Custom components Define a custom component, see Defining a
custom component (p. 66)
Open the Custom component editor, see
Custom component editor (p. 74)
Sketched cross Open the Cross section sketch editor, see Opening
sections the cross section sketch editor
Description The browser shows the objects, their properties, and hierarchy included in the:
Custom component
Sketched cross section
Plane types
Synopsis This command changes the plane type.
Preconditions Open the Custom component editor. See Custom component editor (p. 74).
Description You need planes to define distance variables. For example, you can bind the reference point of
a plate to the top plane of a beam.
You can change the plane type when the Create distance command is active. See Create
distance (p. 128).
The table below shows an example of each plane type:
Boundary and component planes work for most profile types, so try to
use them whenever you can.
Construction plane
Synopsis This command creates a construction plane. If the plane is magnetic, the objects directly on it
move with the plane.
Description You may occasionally need to define your own planes. For example, when you create special
model parameters for floor height, building width, etc.
Magnetic planes are also useful. You can use them to bind and move groups of objects. Rather
than binding lots of handles and chamfers to faces, simply create a user 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.
The custom component editor contains many default planes, for more information see Plane
types (p. 125).
4. Double-click the plane in the model. The Construction plane properties dialog box
appears.
5. Type a name for the plane.
6. Select Magnetic, if you want Tekla Structures to bind touching objects to the plane. When
you move a magnetic plane, objects directly on that plane automatically move with it.
Tekla Structures only binds objects to the plane whose reference points
are directly on the plane. By default the magnetic distance is 0.05 mm.
To change this use the variable XS_MAGNETIC_PLANE_OFFSET.
7. Click Modify.
Synopsis With this command you can go back and change the settings which you have used for defining
a custom component.
Preconditions To use this command in the Custom component editor, you must:
Define a custom component, see Defining a custom component (p. 66).
Open the Custom component editor, see Custom component editor (p. 74).
Description You can do the following changes after you have created a custom component:
Add notes
Change the position
Allow multiple instances
Create distance
Synopsis Creates a distance variable. You can create a distance variable from any of the following
objects to a plane:
construction plane
reference points of parts (only custom component objects)
reference points of bolt groups
chamfers
part cut handles
line cuts
fittings
Preconditions To use this command in the Custom component editor, you must:
define a custom component, see Defining a custom component (p. 66)
open the Custom component editor, see Custom component editor (p. 74)
To use this command in a model, click Modeling > Add Distance > Fixed.
Description Distances are dependencies that bind two parts together. You can also use distances to define
part dimensions, bolt edge distances, gaps, etc. For example:
Field Description
Name Name of the distance variable.
Shown in the custom component
dialog box.
Value Numeric value of distance.
Preconditions To use this command in the Custom component editor, you must:
define a custom component, see Defining a custom component (p. 66)
open the Custom component editor, see Custom component editor (p. 74)
To use this command in a model, click Modeling > Add Distance > Reference.
Description Use reference distances in calculations, for example, for determining the spacing of rungs in a
ladder.
Automatic distances
The command does not work with custom parts since they do not have a
main part.
Description This command attaches picked objects, or their reference points or handles, to existing planes,
if the objects, or their reference points or handles, are located exactly on the plane. Tekla
Structures creates distance variables from a maximum of three direction to existing planes.
Tekla Structures selects planes in the following order:
Construction plane (p. 126)
Custom Components (p. 65)
Plane types (p. 125)
For reinforcement you may have to remove some distances. If the last
handle is bound to too many planes and the concrete cross-section
enlarges, the other end of the reinforcement might not react to changes.
Introduction Once you have created a model of concrete parts, you will need to reinforce the parts.
This chapter explains how to create reinforcement in Tekla Structures. It also includes a general
description of reinforcement properties and an overview of reinforcement commands.
Assumed Before you start to create reinforcement, you need to have concrete parts in your model, as
background explained in Concrete Detailing.
Running the structural analysis as explained in Analysis and Design gives you the required
area of reinforcement. Read Loads for instructions on how to create loads.
Concepts We recommend that you use reinforcement components to create reinforcement whenever
possible. They are adaptive, attached to a concrete part, and updated automatically if the
dimensions of the reinforced part change, for example. Then create additional reinforcing bars
using other tools.
Reinforcing bar groups consist of several identical, or very similar, bars. Tekla Structures
always treats these bars as a group, modifies them in the same way, deletes them all at the same
time, etc.
Reinforcement meshes include bars in two perpendicular directions, i.e. main bars and
crossing bars. Tekla Structures treats mesh bars as one unit but distinguishes the main and
crossing bars.
Filtering by You can use reinforcement properties in filters. For example, you can select, modify, or hide
properties reinforcing bars based on their properties.For more information, see Filtering objects.
In reports and You can include reinforcement properties and user-defined attributes in drawing and report
drawings templates.
Name You can enter names for reinforcing bars. Tekla Structures uses names in reports and drawing
tables.
Grade The strength of the steel used in reinforcing bars. Can also indicate other factors, such as the
weldability or surface deformations of the bar.
Size Depending on the environment, the nominal diameter of the bar, or a mark that defines the
diameter.
Bending radius Complies with the design code you are using. Main bars, stirrups, ties, and hooks usually have
their own minimum internal bending radii, which are proportional to the diameter of the
reinforcing bar. The actual bending radius is normally chosen to suit the size of the mandrels on
the bar-bending machine.
Bending types Tekla Structures reinforcing bar bending types are recognized using internal bending type
definitions. Internal bending types are hard coded to the software. However, these internal
bending types are mapped to area specific reinforcing bar bending type codes in the
rebar_schedule_config.inp file in the ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system\ folder. This
file can be localized to match local requirements.
For more information on internal bending types, see Reinforcing bar bending types (p. 167).
Reinforcement Gradesizeradius combinations are predefined in the reinforcement catalog. You can select
catalog which catalog to use, and add, modify, and delete the information it contains. See The
reinforcing bar catalog.
Select... To define the grade, size, and bending radius of a reinforcing bar, click Select... next to the
Grade, Size, and Bending radius fields in the Reinforcing bar properties dialog box. The
Select reinforcing bar dialog box appears, showing the available bar sizes for the chosen
grade. You can also define whether the bar is a main bar or a stirrup or tie:
Class Use Class to group reinforcement. To display reinforcing bars of different classes in different
colors, click View > Representation > Object Representation... and select Color by class
from the Color list box. For more information, see Color settings for parts.
Bar groups Reinforcing bar groups mainly have the same properties as single reinforcing bars. They can
also have the following extra properties:
Number of bars
Spacing (see Spacing reinforcing bars (p. 138))
Tapering (see Tapered bar group (p. 157))
Hooks
To add hooks to the ends of reinforcing bars for anchoring purposes, use the Hooks section of
the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box, or the Hooks tab in the Reinforcement Mesh
Properties dialog box:
Option Description
No hook
Standard 90-degree hook
Standard 135-degree hook
Standard 180-degree hook
Custom hook
The reinforcement catalog contains predefined dimensions for all standard hooks (minimum
bending radius, minimum hook length). See The reinforcing bar catalog.
Custom hook To manually define the angle, radius, and length of a hook, select the Custom hook option and
enter values to the following fields in the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box:
Field Description
Angle Enter a value between
180 and +180 degrees.
Radius Internal bending radius of
the hook.
Use the same radius for
the hook and for the
reinforcing bar. If the
hook and the reinforcing
Angle
bar have different
radiuses, Tekla Structures
does not recognize the Radius
shape of the reinforcing
bar.
Length
Length Length of the straight part
of the hook.
If the length is set to zero,
no hooks are created.
Cover thickness Use the Cover thickness fields in the reinforcement properties dialog boxes to define concrete
cover.
Example To create a beam stirrup, pick the corner points on the cross-sectional end plane of the beam to
define the bar shape and plane. The cover thickness on the plane is the distance from beams
bottom, top, and side surfaces to the stirrup. The cover thickness from the plane is the distance
from the end surface of the beam to the stirrup, and perpendicular to the bar plane.
Leg length At the start and end point of a reinforcing bar, you can also define the concrete cover in terms
of cover thickness or leg length.
Option Description
Cover thickness Defines the distance from the bar end to
the concrete surface.
Leg length Defines the length of the ultimate leg of
the bar.
To define the length of an ultimate leg of a bar, use the Leg length
option and the Snap to nearest points switch. Then pick anywhere on a
part edge or line to indicate the direction for the bar leg.
Reinforcement When you use reinforcement components, Tekla Structures places the reinforcement using the
components dimensions of the part and the values in the Cover thickness field, or the graphic fields shown
below:
Option Description
By exact spacing Creates fixed, equal spaces between the bars. The
value with flexible first space adjusts to even out bar distribution.
first space Enter the spacing value in the Exact spacing value
field. If the first space is less than 10% of the exact
spacing value, Tekla Structures removes one bar.
By exact spacing Same as the first option, but the last space adjusts
value with flexible to even out bar distribution.
last space
By exact spacing Same as the first option, but the middle space
value with flexible adjusts to even out bar distribution. If there are an
middle space odd number of bars (two middle spaces), the other
middle space adjusts to even out bar distribution.
By exact spacing Same as the first option, but both the first and last
value with flexible spaces adjust to even out bar distribution.
first and last space
By exact spacings Distributes the bars using the information you
specify in the Exact spacing values field, so you
can enter every spacing value manually. Use the
multiplication character to repeat spacings, e.g.
5*200, to create five spaces of 200.
Equal distribution by Tekla Structures determines the spacing value
number of based on the fixed number of bars. Enter the
reinforcing bars number in the Number of reinforcing bars field.
Equal distribution by Tekla Structures aims the spacing value as closely
target spacing value as possible at the value in the Target spacing
value field and determines the number of bars
compatibly.
Meshes
A reinforcement mesh consists of reinforcing bars in two directions. You can define the
following properties.
Diameter 2
Spacing 2
Overhang
Spacing 1
Diameter 1
Length
Overhang
Width
Create mesh Create mesh using the Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcement Mesh command
or a component.
Distribution You can create meshes with unevenly-spaced bars. You can also define a different bar size or
pattern of bars multiple different bar sizes for the longitudinal bars and the crossing bars.
Multiple bar sizes enable pattern creation. For example, if you enter bar diameters 20 2*6 in
the longitudinal direction, Tekla Structures creates a pattern with one size 20 bar and two size 6
bars. This pattern can be repeated in the mesh along the longitudinal direction.
Mesh size The way you define the size of the mesh depends on the shape of the mesh and how it was
created:
Evenly-spaced rectangular meshes - manually define the size
Polygonal and bent meshes - Tekla Structures automatically calculates the width and
length
Unevenly-spaced meshes - Tekla Structures calculates the size of the mesh using the
values in the Distance(s), Left overhang, and Right overhang fields.
Placing reinforcement
To place a reinforcing bar group, pick two sets of points:
1. The first set of points defines the plane of the first bar and the shape of a single bar in the
group. Click the middle mouse button to end picking.
2. Pick a second set of points to indicate the distribution direction and length of the bars.
To place reinforcement components, select the part to reinforce.
See also Using reinforcement handles (p. 142).
Modifying reinforcement
To modify a single reinforcing bar, bar group, or reinforcement mesh, double-click the
reinforcement to open the properties dialog box.
To modify the properties of a reinforcement component, double-click the blue modeling tool
symbol (M).
To update the reinforcing bar, bar group, reinforcement mesh, or component you selected, click
Modify.
Using adaptivity
Reinforcements follow the shape of the part also when their handles are located on the face or
edge of the part.
The following types of adaptivity are available:
Fixed adaptivity: handles retain their absolute distances to the nearest part faces.
Relative adaptivity: handles retain their relative distances to the nearest part faces in
relation to the parts overall size.
To modify the general adaptivity settings, go to Tools > Options > Options... > General.
You can modify the adaptivity settings for each part separately. These modifications override
the general settings.
Relative adaptivity:
Before ungrouping:
After ungrouping:
The reinforcing bar or reinforcing bar group that you copy the properties
from is also added to the group. This means, for example, that you
cannot copy properties from a separate reinforcing bar group which you
do not want to include in your new reinforcing bar group.
Limitations You cannot create circular or curved reinforcing bar groups by grouping.
Example
Before grouping:
The new points are added to the reinforcement, and the shape of the reinforcement is
modified.
The points are removed from the reinforcement, and the shape of the reinforcement is
modified.
Limitations You cannot modify the shape of polygonal or rectangular meshes, or the shape of tapered
reinforcing bar groups by removing points.
Once split, each new reinforcing bar group retains the properties of the
original group. For example, if the bars in the original group had hooks
at both ends, bars in the new groups also have hooks at both ends.
Modify the properties of the new groups if needed.
Exploding reinforcement
Before you can modify or remove single bars in a reinforcement component, you need to use
the Explode Component command to ungroup the bars that the reinforcement contains.
To ungroup reinforcing bars:
1. Click Detailing > Component > Explode Component.
2. Select the blue modeling tool symbol (M) on the reinforcement. Tekla Structures ungroups
the reinforcing bars.
Limitations Reinforcement geometry validity check does not work with circular or curved reinforcing bar
groups.
Conceptual reinforcements
Conceptual reinforcements can be created only with Steel Detailing, Reinforced Concrete
Detailing and Engineering configurations.
Engineers or detailers can model conceptual reinforcements that show the geometry of the
reinforcements. Conceptual reinforcements look similar to detailed reinforcements but do not
include the option to perform numbering. When you create a conceptual reinforcement, Tekla
Structures displays a warning message noting that you cannot number the reinforcement.
You can use the Inquire command to check whether the reinforcement is conceptual or
detailed.
Conceptual reinforcements can be converted to detailed reinforcements. You can convert
individual conceptual reinforcements to detailed reinforcements in Full, Precast Concrete
Detailing and Reinforced Concrete Detailing configurations.
Detailed reinforcements can be converted to conceptual reinforcements in Steel Detailing and
Engineering configurations.
Modifying part properties does not automatically convert a detailed reinforcement to a
conceptual one, or vice versa. For example, if you use the Engineering configuration and
modify the model, detailed reinforcements do not convert back to conceptual reinforcements.
Custom mesh You can define the following properties for the customized reinforcement meshes:
properties
Longitudinal distance
Cross distance
Length
Width
Preconditions Create a concrete part and reinforce it in the way you want the reinforcement to appear in the
custom component. You can create the reinforcement either by exploding and modifying an
existing reinforcement component, or by creating the reinforcing bars individually.
Description Tekla Structures creates the reinforcing bar using the properties in the Reinforcing bar
properties dialog box. The filename extension of a saved bar properties file is rbr.
Description A reinforcing bar group includes several identical, or very similar, reinforcing bars. You first
define the shape of a single bar, then the direction in which Tekla Structures distributes the
bars.
Tekla Structures creates the reinforcing bar group using the properties in the Reinforcing bar
properties dialog box. The filename extension of a saved bar group properties file is rbg.
Option Description
Normal Not tapered.
If you change the type of a tapered bar group, Tekla Structures adjusts
the number of handles. You can then drag handles to modify the group.
Description Tekla Structures creates the curved reinforcing bar group using the properties in the
Reinforcing bar properties dialog box. See Reinforcing bar group (p. 156) for more
information on the common properties in this dialog box.
Description Tekla Structures creates the circular reinforcing bar group using the properties in the
Reinforcing bar properties dialog box. See Reinforcing bar group (p. 156) for more
information on the common properties in this dialog box.
Reinforcement mesh
Usage Rectangular
To create a rectangular mesh:
1. Set the work plane parallel to the plane where you want to create the mesh.
2. Double-click the Create reinforcement mesh icon.
3. In the Mesh type list box, select Rectangle.
4. Enter or modify the mesh dimensions and the other properties.
5. Click Apply or OK to save the properties.
6. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the mesh to the part.
7. Pick the starting point of the mesh.
8. Pick a point to indicate the direction of the longitudinal bars. Tekla Structures creates the
mesh parallel to the work plane, to the left of the points you picked.
Polygonal
To create a polygonal mesh:
1. Double-click the Create reinforcement mesh icon.
2. In the Mesh type list box, select Polygon.
3. Enter or modify the mesh properties.
4. Click Apply or OK to save the properties.
5. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the mesh to the part.
6. Pick the starting point of the mesh.
7. Pick the corner points of the mesh.
8. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
9. Pick two points to indicate the direction of the longitudinal bars.
Bent
To create a bent mesh:
Preconditions
Description Tekla Structures creates straight or deflected strands based on the strand profile you indicate
using the properties in the Reinforcing bar properties dialog box.
Number of
Strand profile patterns
1
10. If you chose to create two or more cross sections, for each cross section, pick points to
indicate the strand positions. Pick the strand positions in the same order as for the first
cross section. After each cross section, click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
Preconditions Create the reinforcing bars or bar groups to join. There can be a gap between them.
Description Tekla Structures creates the reinforcement splice using the current properties in the
Reinforcement Splice Properties dialog box. The filename extension of a saved splice
properties file is rsp.
Usage 1. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcement Splice....
2. Enter or modify the splice properties.
3. Click Apply or OK to save the properties.
4. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcement Splice.
5. Select the first reinforcing bar or bar group.
6. Select the second reinforcing bar or bar group.
Tekla Structures indicates reinforcement splices in the model using blue splice symbols:
Tekla Structures recognizes different reinforcing bar bending shapes and assigns bending type
identifiers to them. The table below lists these reinforcing bar bending types.
If Tekla Structures does not recognize the shape of a reinforcing bar, it assigns the UNKNOWN
bending type to it.
The bending type identifiers in the table below are internal, hard-coded types of Tekla
Structures. The leg dimensions (D1, D2, etc.) and bending angles (A1, A2, etc.) of reinforcing
bars are internal dimensions and angles. You can map internal types, for example, to country-
or project-specific types, and internal dimensions and angles to specific template attributes.
You do this in the rebar_schedule_config.inp file. See Reinforcement in templates
(p. 188).
Reinforcing bar bending dimensions are calculated so that the leg dimensions (D1, D2, etc.)
follow the outer edge, or the edge extension, of the reinforcing bar. The total length is
calculated according to the center line of the reinforcing bar.
The magenta points in the images represent the points you pick in the model when you create
reinforcing bars.
Type Image
1
2_1
3_2
4_2
4_3
4_4
5_1
5_2
6_1
6_2
13
Can also be modeled using hooks at both ends (i.e. model D1 and
D5 using 90 degree hooks).
14
14_4
Recognized when the start point and end point are in the same
location and no hooks are used.
If XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION is set to
FALSE, reinforcing bars with hooks (types 14 and 48) are recognized
as 14_5.
15
16_2
17
18
19
20_1
21
22
23
24
25
26
29_3
29_4
30
33
35
Requires 180 degree hook at one end and 90 degree hook at the
other end.
38_2
39
40
43_2
44
49
50
56
57
58
60
61
Recognized if
XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION is set to
FALSE.
61_3
Requires hook.
Requires hook.
64
Recognized if
XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION is set to
FALSE.
65
Recognized if
XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION is set to
FALSE.
66
67
67_2
68
69_2
70_1
70_2
71
72
73_2
73_3
74
75_1
76
77
78
79_1
80
Reinforcement You can show dimensions, bending angles, and bending types of reinforcing bars in drawings
templates and reports by including reinforcement-specific attributes, such as DIM_A, ANG_S, SHAPE, and
SHAPE_INTERNAL, in template fields. For more information on creating templates, see the
Template Editor (TplEd) online help.
Examples The following example of the rebar_schedule_config.inp file maps the internal
bending type 5_1 to the bending type identifier E, and the leg dimensions and bending angles to
specific template attributes:
rebar_schedule_config.inp (Example 1)
BEND_TYPE_5_1[1]="E"
BEND_TYPE_5_1[2]="DIM_A=D1"
BEND_TYPE_5_1[3]="DIM_B=D5"
BEND_TYPE_5_1[4]="DIM_C=D2"
BEND_TYPE_5_1[5]="DIM_TD=TD"
BEND_TYPE_5_1[6]="ANG_U=A1"
BEND_TYPE_5_1[7]="ANG_V=A2"
With this mapping, the internal bending type 6_2 becomes XY, and the template attributes
DIM_B and DIM_C will show the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the second leg D2, and
DIM_E and DIM_F the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the fourth leg D4:
rebar_schedule_config.inp (Example 2)
BEND_TYPE_6_2[1]="XY"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[2]="DIM_A=D1"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[3]="DIM_B=D2*COS(A2*PI/
180)"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[4]="DIM_C=D2*SIN(A2*PI/
180)"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[5]="DIM_D=D3"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[6]="DIM_E=D4*COS(A1*PI/
180)"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[7]="DIM_F=D4*SIN(A1*PI/
180)"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[8]="DIM_G=D5"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[9]="DIM_TD=TD"
The following example maps the internal bending type 4 to the bending type identifier A if the
dimensions D1 and D3 are the same. Otherwise it maps 4 to B:
rebar_schedule_config.inp (Example 3)
BEND_TYPE_4[1]=if (D1==D3) then ("A")
else ("B") endif
BEND_TYPE_4[2]="DIM_A=D1"
BEND_TYPE_4[3]="DIM_B=D2"
BEND_TYPE_4[4]="DIM_C=D3"
BEND_TYPE_4[5]="DIM_TD=TD"
If Tekla Structures does not recognize a reinforcing bar bending shape, it uses the internal
bending type UNKNOWN for it. In the rebar_schedule_config.inp file you can also
define how unknown bending types appear in drawings and reports. For example, you may just
want to use the bending type identifier ???, and list all leg dimensions and bending angles:
See also DIM_A ... DIM_G, DIM_H1, DIM_H2, DIM_I, DIM_J, DIM_K1, DIM_K2, DIM_O,
DIM_R, DIM_R_ALL, DIM_TD, DIM_X, DIM_Y
ANG_S, ANG_T, ANG_U, ANG_V
SHAPE
SHAPE_INTERNAL
Reinforcing bar bending types (p. 167)
You can define your own custom reinforcing bar bending shapes with the Rebar shape
manager tool, and thus increase the amount of recognised reinforcing bar shapes. Custom
bending shapes are useful when Tekla Structures does not recognize a reinforcing bar bending
shape and assigns it UNKNOWN bending type.
The custom bending shapes can be used in bending schedules and pull-out pictures in the same
way as the predefined, Tekla Structures internal bending shapes.
You can also import and export the custom bending shapes.
When you define your custom shapes, an XML file called RebarShapeRules.xml is
created in the currect model folder.
By default, Tekla Structures installation package already contains an XML file called
RebarShapeRules.xml. The file is located in ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder, and it
contains the most typical reinforcing bar shapes of your environment. These catalog shapes can
be appended with your custom shapes.
Defining your own custom bending shapes is meant for advanced users.
See also Defining your own reinforcing bar bending shapes (p. 191)
Alternatively, you can first open Rebar shape manager and then select
reinforcing bars in the model.
Click Get selected to add the reinforcing bars to the Model rebars list.
The names of the Bending schedule fields (A, B, and so on) are used in
templates and reports. To make sure that also old reports work corrcetly,
we recommend that you use the same DIM_XX fields as used in the
rebar_schedule_config.inp file.
7. When you have finished defining the new shape, click Add to add the bending shape
definition to the RebarShapeRules.xml file.
To enable the Add button you need to change the bending shape rule,
enter a shape code or require the hooks.
Modeling When the reinforcing bar shape is being defined, the start or end of the modeling direction is
direction always sorted based on the bending angles and/or leg lengths. This means that the shape code
will be the same regardless of the modeling direction.
Bending radius is not taken into consideration in the sorting, and therefore it cannot be trusted
that radius 1 is always less than radius 2 or vice versa.
All the rule options are available in the New bending rule dialog box,
even though only certain selections are valid, depending on the type of
the conditions used.
The left and right condition of a rule need to be of the same type.
Option Description
Angle Bending angle between the legs.
Bending angle is always between 0 and +180
degrees. The angle cannot be negative.
Twist angle Angle around the reinforcing bar center axis
before the bar is bent.
For flat bars the twist angle is either 0 or
+180 degrees. For other bars the twist angle
is between -180 and +180 degrees.
Angles
Twist angle
Radiuses
Leg length
Legs
a bending shapes
defining................................................................191
reinforcing bars....................................................191
acos.............................................................................. 93 bending types
adaptivity defining................................................................191
reinforcement ...................................................... 143 reinforcing bars....................................................191
add bent mesh
anchor rod ............................................................. 25 adding points .......................................................148
base plate.............................................................. 25 removing points ...................................................149
beam to column connection .................................. 26 bind to plane .................................................................79
adding points binding using magnetic planes .....................................84
bent mesh ........................................................... 148 bolt assemblies
reinforcement ...................................................... 148 defining in connections..........................................41
reinforcing bar ..................................................... 148 bolts
reinforcing bar group ........................................... 148 bolt group orientation.............................................36
anchor rods bolt group pattern ..................................................37
add ........................................................................ 25 bolt position ...........................................................37
anchoring hooks ......................................................... 135 bolt spacing ...........................................................36
asin............................................................................... 93 defining........................................................... 33, 35
assemblies deleting..................................................................40
defining.................................................................. 33 edge distance ........................................................37
atan .............................................................................. 93 increasing bolt length ............................................35
atan2 ............................................................................ 93 number of ..............................................................36
attaching overview of properties on the bolts tab..................33
reinforcement to parts ......................................... 141 Boundary plane ..........................................................125
AutoConnection box plane ....................................................................119
using...................................................................... 42 browser.......................................................................124
automatic distances.................................................... 130
automatic properties..................................................... 14
ave................................................................................ 90
c
b cast-in-place ............................. 145, 147, 148, 149, 150
cast-in-situ ................................ 145, 147, 148, 149, 150
ceil ................................................................................90
base plate CIP............................................ 145, 147, 148, 149, 150
add ........................................................................ 25 collision plane .............................................................119
beam profiles columns
selecting ................................................................ 30 connect to beam....................................................26
beams combining
connect to column ................................................. 26 reinforcing bar groups .........................................150
bending radius............................................................ 134 reinforcing bars....................................................150
component catalog .......................................................17
component design
checking ................................................................16
i modifying
reinforcement.......................................................141
moving
reinforcement splice.............................................166
In...................................................................................89
indicating component status with Excel design ............62
int..................................................................................91 n
j n! ...................................................................................89
joints.def
about......................................................................47
o
bolt and part properties..........................................51
bolt properties in clip angle connections................50 omitting reinforcing bars..............................................138
bolt properties in diagonal connections .................51 Outline plane...............................................................125
bolt properties in end plate connections ................50
bolt properties in gusset connections ....................50
bolt properties in shear plate connections .............50 p
connections that use joints.def ..............................48
defining bolt diameter and number of rows ...........50 parameters....................................................................85
defining global defaults..........................................48 part position number .....................................................31
entering values ......................................................48 parts
example of how Tekla Structures uses..................57 defining ..................................................................29
how it works...........................................................47 dialog box tabs.......................................................29
interpreting.............................................................47 dimensioning..........................................................30
part position number ..............................................31
l setting default prefix and start number ..................31
passwords
custom component ..............................................113
length ............................................................................91 plane types..................................................................125
log .................................................................................89 plates
defining ..................................................................29
dimensioning..........................................................30
r splitting ................................................................150
reinforcing bars
adding points .......................................................148
rebar ........................................................................... 155 bending types ......................................................167
bending types...................................................... 167 combining ............................................................150
rebar group................................................................. 156 removing points ...................................................149
rebar mesh ................................................................. 161 removing points
reference distances .................................................... 129 bent mesh............................................................149
reference function......................................................... 88 reinforcement ......................................................149
reinforcement reinforcing bar .....................................................149
adaptivity ............................................................. 143 reinforcing bar group ...........................................149
adding points....................................................... 148 reports
basic properties................................................... 134 on reinforcement .................................................188
bending radius..................................................... 134 round ............................................................................89
bending types...................................................... 134 rules
conceptual........................................................... 151 reinforcing bar bending shape.............................193
customizing ......................................................... 153
defining as custom components.......................... 153
detailed................................................................ 151
s
exploding............................................................. 150
geometry ............................................................. 151 seam.............................................................................70
grouping .............................................................. 147 setat..............................................................................91
hooks................................................................... 135 setting up Excel files.....................................................59
in templates......................................................... 188 sin .................................................................................93
invalid geometry .................................................. 151 sinh ...............................................................................93
modifying............................................................. 141 sketch browser ...........................................................124
omitting bars........................................................ 138 slotted holes
prestressed strands............................................. 163 defining..................................................................39
removing points................................................... 149 spacing reinforcing bars .............................................138
spacing................................................................ 138 spiral reinforcing bar groups .......................................156
splice ................................................................... 166 splice ..........................................................................166
strands ................................................................ 163 splitting
ungrouping .......................................................... 145 reinforcing bar groups .........................................150
user-defined attributes ........................................ 139 reinforcing bars in a group...................................150
reinforcement mesh.................................................... 161 sqave ............................................................................90
customizing ......................................................... 151 sqrt................................................................................89
reinforcement splice sqsum ...........................................................................90
moving................................................................. 166 strand pattern
reinforcing bar ............................................................ 155 reinforcement ......................................................163
bending shapes................................................... 191 string.............................................................................91
bending types...................................................... 191 sum...............................................................................90
reinforcing bar bending shape surface treatment
rules .................................................................... 193 in custom components ........................................105
u viewing
components ...........................................................27
ungrouping
mesh....................................................................145
w
reinforcement.......................................................145
reinforcing bar group ...........................................145 welds
up direction ...................................................................13 defining ........................................................... 33, 41