Table of Contents

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................. 3
Unit(s) of Measure (UM) .............................................................................................................................. 3
Transferable Elements/Objects ................................................................................................................... 4
OS and Releases Compatibility .................................................................................................................. 4
Install/Uninstall Procedures ......................................................................................................................... 5
INSTALL ............................................................................................................................................... 5
UNINSTALL .......................................................................................................................................... 6
How to Generate an Analysis & Design (A&D) Model ................................................................................ 7
Generate the A&D model in Tekla ........................................................................................................ 7
Import the A&D model to midas, complete the FEM model, and perform analysis and design ......... 11
Using GET RESULTS in Tekla to update the section properties modified in midas .......................... 13
Add new elements in Tekla and update the midas model (MERGE option) ...................................... 13
Beta Angle for 1D Elements ...................................................................................................................... 14
Tekla Element Types .......................................................................................................................... 14
Beta Angle for 1D Twin Profiles elements ................................................................................................ 14
Tekla Element Position ....................................................................................................................... 14
Material Data Management ....................................................................................................................... 15
Section Properties Management ............................................................................................................... 15
Twin Profiles Management ........................................................................................................................ 16
Variable Settings of Twin Profiles Management ....................................................................................... 18
1D/2D Elements ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Recommendation for Use of Tekla-midas Link ......................................................................................... 20
Introduction

The Tekla-midas link is the unification between Tekla Structures CAD software and midas Gen or Civil FEM
software. Functional procedures have been developed to offer powerful analysis and design features from
midas, while allowing structural modelling with Tekla. This software environment creates an efficient and
productive solution for modelling, analysis and design.

The procedures require the generation of an ASCII (.MXT) file to be imported to midas Gen or Civil. This
import procedure does not require a currently running midas application. The file can be read at any time
from any PC.

This software link allows both importing and exporting, between Tekla and midas:

- a Tekla model is exported to Midas Gen/Civil

- after analysis and design, any modification with sections can be exported to Tekla for an automatic
sections update (GET RESULTS option)
- modifications with the position of elements, section properties, etc., performed in Tekla can be
exported back to midas without the deletion of the loads already defined with midas (MERGE option)

Unit(s) of Measure (UM)

Tekla offers the possibility to use a UM for redrawing and a UM for analysis data transfer, which the user is
able to differentiate.

The following describes how this procedure is performed:

a) Merge option is not activated

Tekla exports the analysis data, considering the UM chosen by the user, using the OPTION
command. Coordinates of the nodes are updated in accordance with these UM.

a) Merge option is activated

The latest UM update is used; for example, Tekla exports the data using the OPTION command
considering the UM chosen by the user. It will check the UM in the .MXT file that was created and
imported from midas. If one is different from the other, the UM defined using the OPTION command
are used. The check is performed to prevent error in load data values.
Transferable Elements/Objects

- UM in Tekla using OPTION command

- Coordinates of nodes
- Constraints of nodes
- Beam elements data
o nodes
o section properties for single profiles
o section properties for twin-section profiles (see Twin Profiles Management section)
o beam end releases
- Slabs/panels, only if the number of vertices is 3 or 4

Information not completely transferable:

- All types of loads

- Analysis options (seismic data, output, design, etc)
- load combinations

OS and Releases Compatibility

Tekla-midas link compatible with the following versions:

- Tekla Structures v13.1

- Tekla Structures v14.0
- midas Gen v7.x
- midas Civil v7.x

Windows XP/Vista is required. Tekla-midas link is incompatible with Windows 2000.

Install/Uninstall Procedures

INSTALL

1) Copy the TS_MIDAS in the TEMP folder.

2) Launch the .EXE file.

2) Select Next.

4) Select the Directory (it is recommended to leave as the default option).

Note The procedure performs the following basic operations:

- Copies and registers a MIDAS_TS_LINK.DLL file in the Windows/system32 directory

- Creates a PRFEXP_MIDAS.CNV file in the C:\TeklaStructures\13.1\environments\italy\profil
directory
- Creates a MATEXP_MIDAS.CNV file in the C:\TeklaStructures\13.1\environments\italy\profil
directory

UNINSTALL

1) Start > Control Panel

2) Applications Install
3) Select Tekla-midas and uninstall.
How to Generate an Analysis & Design (A&D) Model

This procedure requires four steps:

1) Generate the A&D model in Tekla.

2) Import the A&D model in midas, complete the FEM model, and perform analysis and design. Change
any section properties which are not yet verified.
3) Select the GET RESULTS command in Tekla to update the section properties modified in midas.
4) Add any new elements in Tekla and update the FEM model in midas.

Generate the A&D model in Tekla

1) Using Tekla/Analysis, select the drop-down menu called New Model and an A&D dialog box is
displayed.

2) Select the Analysis model tab. The figure below shows all the basic settings. Other tabs (Analysis,
Job, Output, etc.) are not required for this procedure.

Select/Input for the following fields:

Analysis engine: Select MIDAS

Analysis model name: Input the name of the .MXT file to export to midas
Model merging: Select Yes if the user requires this option after the first data transfer
Creation method: Select one of the following option shown in the figure below
 Member axis location: Select one of the following option shown in the figure below

Note It is recommended to select the Neutral axis option

Node definition: Select one of the following option shown in the figure below

Note It is recommended to select the Force to centric connection option

3) Select OK. The following dialog box is displayed:

4) Select the generated A&D model.

5) Select Create model command.

6) A dialog box will ask prompt the user to select one of the following options shown in the figure below.
Select NO.

7) The following message will be displayed:

Select OK.

8) Check warnings/errors from data transfer. For some cases, the following message will be displayed:

Select Open log file to view the history of the A&D model generation (a file called ANALYSIS_LOG
is saved in the C:/TEKLASTRUCTURESMODELS). Details of the log file (shown in the figure below)
are described in the following:

Disclaimer:
You need to be a suitably qualified engineer to perform analysis and design and experienced in this
type of work. Please check the analysis model to ensure that it is in accordance with your physical
model requirements. Never ignore errors or warnings that occur during the calculation of the analysis
results. These should be resolved before the results are adopted for whatever purpose.

Model file name:

Model name: C:\TeklaStructuresModels\Piperack DoppiaColonna_small
A&D model name:
Analysis model name: To_Midas

Details about the A&D model:

Note: Cross section values for L100*10 are not checked.
680 members, 0 rigid links, 32 supports
0 loads, 0 load cases, 0 combination load cases

Warning message:
WARNING: There are no loads in the analysis model.

Details regarding Link options:

MIDAS_TS_LINK: Model merging is enabled
MIDAS_TS_LINK: Updating existing MIDAS_TS_LINK model
Import the A&D model to midas, complete the FEM model, and perform analysis and design

1) Open midas Gen/Civil.

2) Select File > Import > midas Gen MGT File (see figure below).

3) In the next window select All File(*.*)

4) Select the .MXT file generated by the Tekla-midas procedure.

5) Complete the midas model (input loads, analysis options, etc.).

6) Perform analysis and design

7) Change the section properties that not satisfy design checks.

8) Select File > Export > Gen MGT File(see figure below).

9) Overwrite the .MXT file.

Note The name of the model file must be the same as the original imported model file. The file
must also have the extension .MXT.
Using GET RESULTS in Tekla to update the section properties modified in midas

1) Open the A&D model dialog box, shown in the figure below.

2) Select the GET RESULTS command.

3) The dialog box, shown below in the figure below, is displayed. Check the section properties reported
by Tekla. Each row represents a modified cross section.

4) Select ACCEPT ALL, ACCEPT SELECTED, or ACCEPT SELECTED FOR SELECTED OBJECTS
ONLY to modify the section properties of the selected objects.

Add new elements in Tekla and update the midas model (MERGE option)

1) Add a new element in Tekla, for example a new 1D element.

2) Open the A&D dialog box.

3) Select the REFRESH command

4) Verify that the NUMBER OF PARTS data field (refer to the figure below) is updated.
 4) Export the .MXT file by overwriting the old .MXT file.

5) Original options and loads are kept, and the new element (1D element) is added.

Beta Angle for 1D Elements

The following table outlines how the beta angle of the element types is imported into midas:

Tekla Element Types midas Beta Angle

Column Tekla angle - 90
Beam twin profile Tekla angle
Beam single profiles Tekla angle + 180

Beta Angle for 1D Twin Profiles elements

The following table outlines how the element position in Tekla is imported into midas:

Tekla Element Position midas Beta Angle

Front -180
Top -90
Back 0
Below 90
Material Data Management

The MATEXP_MIDAS.CNV file is used to transfer material data. This file can be opened and modified by the
user. The following list gives the corresponding names of the materials in Tekla and midas:

Tekla midas Tekla midas

AISI304 Fe360 C16/20 Rck20
AISI316 Fe360 C20/25 Rck20
S235J0 Fe360 C25/30 Rck30
S235J2G3 Fe360 C30/37 Rck35
S235J2G4 Fe360 C35/45 Rck45
S235JR Fe360 C40/50 Rck50
S235JRG1 Fe360 C50/60 Rck50
S235JRG2 Fe360 Grout Rck50
S275J0 Fe430 K25-1 Rck30
S275J2G3 Fe430 K25-2 Rck30
S275J2G4 Fe430 K30-1 Rck30
S275JR Fe430 K30-2 Rck30
S355J0 Fe510 K35-1 Rck30
S355J2G3 Fe510 K35-2 Rck30
S355J2G4 Fe510 K40-1 Rck30
S355J2H Fe510 K40-2 Rck30
S355JR Fe510 K50-1 Rck30
S355K2G3 Fe510 K60-1 Rck30
S355K2G4 Fe510 K80-1 Rck30
C12/15 Rck20 K100-1 Rck30

Section Properties Management

The MATEXP_MIDAS.CNV file is used to transfer section data. This file can be opened and modified by the
user. The following list gives the corresponding names of the materials in Tekla and midas:

Tekla midas
HEA140 HEA140
HEA160 HEA160
HEA180 HEA180
HEA180 HEA180
HEA200 HEA200
HEA240 HEA240
HEA260 HEA260
HEA280 HEA280
HEA300 HEA300
There are two cases in which section properties are transferred:

1) If the Tekla-midas corresponding profile name is detected following the MIDAS MGT/MCT syntax, a
section property type 1 is transferred (section from a database).

2) If the Tekla-midas corresponding profile name is NOT detected following the MIDAS MGT/MCT
syntax, a section property type 2 is transferred (section input from basic data depending on the
shape).

Twin Profiles Management

Tekla provides several different ways to define a twin profile type, as shown in the figure below.
The following figure gives examples of how Tekla defines dimensions for principal twin profiles:

The tables below outline how twin profiles are defined in midas after import:

Twin L Profiles Twin C Profiles

Tekla midas Tekla midas
Imported in midas a general section. Imported in midas a general section.
(area, lyy, etc.) (area, lyy, etc.)

Twin 14 Imported in midas a general section.

Imported in midas as a DB section (area, lyy, etc.)

Twin 13 Twin 15
Imported in midas as a DB section Imported in midas as a DB section

Imported in midas a general section. Imported in midas a general section.

(area, lyy, etc.) (area, lyy, etc.)

Imported in midas a general section. Imported in midas a general section.

(area, lyy, etc.) (area, lyy, etc.)

Twin ?? Imported in midas a general section.

Imported in midas as a DB section (area, lyy, etc.)

Imported in midas a general section. Imported in midas a general section.

(area, lyy, etc.) (area, lyy, etc.)

2L + 2L
Imported to midas as a combined section
Variable Settings of Twin Profiles Management

Advanced variable settings should be verified before using Tekla.

1) Go to Utility > Advanced Options.

2) Select the Analysis & Design variable setting

 3) Set the TWIN_PROFILES value to TRUE (default value is FALSE).

Note In order to apply this setting for all Tekla models, modification of this variable using the USER.BAT
external file is required.

1D/2D Elements

After creating a 1D/2D element in Tekla, the setting of the analysis behaviour of the element is required.

Combinations are possible; however, certain settings may be unnecessary, depending on the preferred
element. Some settings should not be used depending on the element type. Tekla does not check or notify
the user if an inappropriate setting is selected. The following tables outline correct and incorrect settings of
elements:
 Correct 1D Element Settings

Truss Truss
Tekla analysis member properties Beam Ignore Truss
tens. only comp. only
Not Truss Truss
midas element types Beam Truss
transferred tens. only comp. only

Incorrect 1D Element Settings

Shell Rigid diaphragm Shear wall Membrane Mat foundation

Correct 2D Element Settings

Tekla
analysis Rigid Mat
Default Shell Ignore Shear wall Plate Membrane
member diaphragm foundation
properties
midas
Not Not
element Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate
transferred transferred
types

Incorrect 2D Element Settings

Beam Truss tens. only Truss comp. only Truss

Recommendation for Use of Tekla-midas Link

It is recommended when transferring an A&D model, select only the objects that the user requires. It is not
recommended to transfer data related to Macro or Detailing Operations.