Manual Tekla 18 PDF

Tekla Structures
Detailing Guide
Product version 18.1

August 2012
© 2012 Tekla Corporation

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Conventions used in this guide
Typographical The following typographical conventions are used in this guide:
conventions
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.
Noteboxes The following types of noteboxes are used in this guide:
A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of

doing things.
A note draws attention to details that you might easily overlook. It

can also point you to other information in this guide that you might
find useful.
You should always read very important notes and warnings, like
this one. They will help you avoid making serious mistakes, or
wasting your time.
This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical information

that is usually of interest only to advanced or technically-oriented
readers.
3
Contents
Conventions used in this guide ..............................................................................................................3
1 Getting Started .............................................................................................. 7

1.1 Basics of components ........................................................................................................... 7
Component concepts.................................................................................................................................... 8
Component dialog box ................................................................................................................................. 9
Selection order ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Up direction................................................................................................................................................... 11
Automatic and default properties........................................................................................................... 12
General tab .................................................................................................................................................... 12
Design and Design type tabs .................................................................................................................... 13
1.2 Component catalog............................................................................................................. 14
Using the component catalog.................................................................................................................. 14
Symbols ................................................................................................................................................... 16
Pop-up menus ....................................................................................................................................... 17
Thumbnail images........................................................................................................................................ 18
Descriptions and keywords ....................................................................................................................... 18
Grouping components ................................................................................................................................ 18
Copying components to another folder ................................................................................................ 19
Customizing and saving components .................................................................................................... 19
1.3 Using components............................................................................................................... 20
Creating components ................................................................................................................................. 20
Example: Adding an end plate ................................................................................................................. 21
Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods.................................................................................. 22
Example: Adding a beam to column connection................................................................................ 23
Viewing components .................................................................................................................................. 23
Modifying components .............................................................................................................................. 24
Conceptual components ............................................................................................................................ 24
Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component ............................................. 25
Automating the detailing process........................................................................................................... 25
Tips on working with components.......................................................................................................... 26
1.4 Defining parts and plates................................................................................................... 27
Using the dialog box................................................................................................................................... 27
Dimensioning parts ..................................................................................................................................... 27
Plates ....................................................................................................................................................... 28
Beams ...................................................................................................................................................... 28
Part position number .......................................................................................................................... 28
Using the Components tab ................................................................................................................ 29
Defining materials ....................................................................................................................................... 29
Using the Components tab ................................................................................................................ 30
1.5 Defining bolts and welds.................................................................................................... 30
Using the Bolts tab...................................................................................................................................... 30
4
Defining bolts ............................................................................................................................................... 32
Increasing bolt length ......................................................................................................................... 32
Creating holes............................................................................................................................................... 32
Number of bolts and spacing ................................................................................................................... 33
Bolt group orientation................................................................................................................................ 33
Bolt group pattern....................................................................................................................................... 33
Edge distance................................................................................................................................................ 34
Bolt position.................................................................................................................................................. 34
Vertical bolt position ........................................................................................................................... 35
Horizontal bolt position ..................................................................................................................... 35
Defining slotted holes ................................................................................................................................ 36
Deleting bolts................................................................................................................................................ 37
Defining bolt assemblies............................................................................................................................ 38
Welds............................................................................................................................................................... 38
1.6 Modeling tools .................................................................................................................... 39
1.7 AutoConnection .................................................................................................................. 39
AutoConnection setup................................................................................................................................ 40
AutoConnection rule groups ............................................................................................................. 41
AutoConnection rule sets .................................................................................................................. 42
Rules.zxt ................................................................................................................................................ 43
Changing a connection ...................................................................................................................... 43
Using AutoConnection ............................................................................................................................... 43
1.8 AutoDefaults ....................................................................................................................... 44
AutoDefaults setup...................................................................................................................................... 45
Connection properties files ............................................................................................................... 46
Saving connection properties ........................................................................................................... 46
Access to properties files ................................................................................................................... 46
Defaults.zxt ............................................................................................................................................ 47
Priority of rule sets .............................................................................................................................. 47
Editing connection properties .......................................................................................................... 47
Using AutoDefaults ..................................................................................................................................... 48
How to use AutoDefaults effectively ..................................................................................................... 48
Checking AutoDefaults properties .......................................................................................................... 48
Checking AutoDefaults rules .................................................................................................................... 48
AutoConnection and AutoDefaults rules .............................................................................................. 48
Combining and iterating properties ................................................................................................ 50
Limitations ............................................................................................................................................. 51
Combining properties .......................................................................................................................... 52
Iteration with connection check ...................................................................................................... 52
Reaction forces and UDL .................................................................................................................... 54
1.9 Using the joints.def file...................................................................................................... 54
About joints.def............................................................................................................................................ 55
How joints.def works ........................................................................................................................... 55
How to read joints.def ........................................................................................................................ 55
Entering values ..................................................................................................................................... 56
Connections that use joints.def............................................................................................................... 56
Defining general defaults .......................................................................................................................... 56
Defining bolt diameter and number of rows ....................................................................................... 58
Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections ................................................................... 58
Gusset connections .............................................................................................................................. 58
Diagonal connections ......................................................................................................................... 59
Defining other bolt and part properties ................................................................................................ 59
Gusset connection properties ........................................................................................................... 60
Diagonal connection properties ....................................................................................................... 63
5
Profile type-dependent bolt dimensions ....................................................................................... 65
How Tekla Structures uses joints.def ..................................................................................................... 65
1.10 Using Excel in connection design...................................................................................... 66
Setting up Excel files .................................................................................................................................. 67
Sample implementation............................................................................................................................. 67
Indicating component status ................................................................................................................... 70
2 Reinforcement .............................................................................................. 73
2.1 Getting started with reinforcement.................................................................................. 73
2.2 Basic reinforcement properties ......................................................................................... 74
Hooks............................................................................................................................................................... 75
Concrete cover.............................................................................................................................................. 76
Spacing reinforcing bars............................................................................................................................ 78
Omitting reinforcing bars.......................................................................................................................... 78
User-defined attributes of reinforcement ............................................................................................ 79
Meshes............................................................................................................................................................ 79
2.3 Single bars, bar groups, and meshes ................................................................................. 80
Creating reinforcement using the Reinforcing Bar Shape Catalog............................................... 81
Reinforcing bar............................................................................................................................................. 83
Reinforcing bar group................................................................................................................................. 84
Curved reinforcing bar group ................................................................................................................... 87
Circular reinforcing bar group ................................................................................................................. 88
Reinforcement mesh................................................................................................................................... 89
Reinforcement strand pattern.................................................................................................................. 92
Reinforcement splice .................................................................................................................................. 94
2.4 Working with reinforcement ............................................................................................. 95
Attaching reinforcement to parts ........................................................................................................... 95
Using reinforcement handles ................................................................................................................... 96
Using adaptivity ........................................................................................................................................... 97
Reinforcement geometry validity............................................................................................................ 99
2.5 Modifying reinforcement ................................................................................................... 99
Ungrouping a reinforcement ................................................................................................................. 100
Grouping reinforcements........................................................................................................................ 101
Adding points to a reinforcement........................................................................................................ 102
Removing points from a reinforcement ............................................................................................. 103
Splitting reinforcing bar groups ........................................................................................................... 104
Splitting reinforcing bars in a group................................................................................................... 104
Combining two reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups into one......................................... 105
Customizing reinforcement meshes .................................................................................................... 105
Exploding reinforcement ........................................................................................................................ 107
Defining custom reinforcement components ................................................................................... 107
2.6 Reinforcing bar bending shapes in the Rebar Shape Manager .................................... 108
Reinforcing bar bending shapes in the RebarShapeRules.xml file ............................................. 108
Defining reinforcing bar bending shapes in the Rebar Shape Manager................................... 108
Adding new bending shape rules manually ...................................................................................... 110
Bending shape rule settings ........................................................................................................... 110
Bending schedule fields in the Rebar Shape Manager .................................................................. 114
2.7 Reinforcing bar bending types......................................................................................... 116
Reinforcement in templates .................................................................................................................. 137
6
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.
Contents This chapter is divided into the following topics:

• Basics of components (7)
• Component catalog (14)
• Using components (20)
• Defining parts and plates (27)
• Defining bolts and welds (30)
• AutoConnection (39)
• AutoDefaults (44)
• Using the joints.def file (54)
• Using Excel in connection design (66)
1.1 Basics of components

Introduction Components are tools that you can use to automatically create the parts, welds, and bolts required
to connect parts. They are linked to main parts, so, when you modify a main part, the associated
component also changes.
Benefits The main benefits of working with components are:

1. You can save the properties of a component using an easily-identifiable name and keep it for
future use. For example, you could save the properties of a W12x65 column base plate
connection as W12x65.j*, and use it for several projects.
2. When you modify the size of a profile, Tekla Structures automatically modifies the relevant
components.
3. When you copy or move objects, Tekla Structures automatically includes all the associated
components.
Topics Component concepts (8)

Component catalog (14)
Getting Started 7 Basics of components

Component dialog box (9)
Selection order (11)
Up direction (11)
Automatic and default properties (12)
General tab (12)
Design and Design type tabs (13)
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, which means that Tekla Structures
automatically modifies a component if you modify the parts it connects.
This is an example of how to apply a connection:
Select the main part.
Select the secondary part.
To see information about the connection, click the connection symbol.
The connection automatically creates the required parts, fittings, bolts, etc.
Component types Components have the following subtypes:
Component
type Description Examples Symbol
Connection Connects two or more parts, and creates Two-sided clip angle,
all the required objects such as cuts, bolted gusset
fittings, parts, bolts, and welds. Corbel connection (14)

Component
type Description Examples Symbol
Detail Adds a detail or a reinforcement to a Stiffeners, base plates,
main part. A detail is only connected to lifting hooks
one part. When you create a detail, Tekla Beam reinforcement,
Structures prompts you to select a part, pad footing
followed by a point to place the detail. reinforcement
Modeling Automatically creates and assembles the Stairs, frames, towers
tool parts to build a structure, but does 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 your own
custom components, custom components. They have following subtypes:
components
• connection
• detail
• part
• seam
All components are stored in the Component catalog (14). To open the component catalog, use the
keyboard shortcut Ctrl+F.
See also What is a custom component

Creating custom components
Component dialog box

The component dialog box is in two sections.
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 (46).
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.

Tabs
Tekla Structures uses the automatic property value.
The parts the component creates appear in yellow.
The green symbol indicates the correct direction for the

connection or detail.
The parts you select appear in blue.
Tekla Structures uses the default property value.
See also Defining parts and plates (27)

Defining bolts and welds (30)

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:
Details The default selection order for a detail is:

1. Main part.
2. A point in the main part to show the location of the detail.
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:

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.
Automatic and default properties

Some connection dialog boxes contain list boxes that show property options as graphics. You can
select system defaults, AutoDefaults, or have Tekla Structures automatically set the properties.
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.
Default and
automatic
properties More
Icon Description information
To have Tekla Structures use a default property in a connection, Using
select the option marked with this symbol. AutoDefaults
If you use AutoDefaults for the connection, Tekla Structures uses (48)
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 necessarily match the outcome.
To have Tekla Structures automatically determine which option
to use for a property, select the option marked with this symbol.
For example, when you use this option for the stiffener in End
plate (144), the connection automatically adds the stiffener to a
beam-to-column connection, but does not add it to a beam-to-
beam connection.
See also Using the joints.def file (54)
General tab
Connections and details have the same General tab. It contains the following properties:

Field Description More information
Up direction Rotates the connection around the secondary part Up direction (11)
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 relation to Available only for details. Select a checkbox next to

primary part the 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 the connection creates. Color settings
You can use class to define the color of parts in the for parts
model.
Connection code Identifies the connection. Tekla Structures can
display this connection code in connection marks in
drawings.
AutoDefaults Rule Automatically sets connection properties according Using
Group to the selected rule group. To switch AutoDefaults AutoDefaults
off, select the rule group None. (48)
AutoConnection Rule Automatically switches the connection to another
Group according to the selected rule group.
Design and Design type tabs

Some component dialog boxes include a Design tab, others include a Design type tab. Use the options
on these pages to check if the component will bear the UDL (uniform distributed load). This design
check is intended for use with imperial units.
The Design tab also contains options to:
• Use AutoDefaults rule groups to automatically modify component properties to take the
calculated load. To define which AutoDefaults rule group to use, go to the General tab and
select the rule in the AutoDefaults rule group list box.
For more information, see Reaction forces and UDL (54).
• 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 (66).
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 (66).
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 check.
The summary of the design check shows the part checked, the name of the check, the applied
and allowed force and how much capacity has been used, the results and possible solutions.
1.2 Component catalog

Tekla Structures contains a component catalog, where all components and sketched cross sections
are stored. See also Sketched cross sections.
To open the component catalog, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F, or click the Search component
icon on the component toolbar (see Component catalog (14)).
Topics Using the component catalog (14)

Thumbnail images (18)
Descriptions and keywords (18)
Grouping components (18)
Customizing and saving components (19)
Using the component catalog

To open the component catalog, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+F, or click the Search component
icon on the component toolbar.

You can do the following with components and sketched cross sections:
• search using name, number, or keywords
• start creating
• view properties
• collect your own favorites
• define keywords
• edit or add descriptions
• import/export
Component You can browse for the components, or search by using search terms and keywords.
catalog
Getting Started 14 Component catalog

Search
View folders
View details
View thumbnails
Show/hide descriptions
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
System components have blue symbols.
Custom components have yellow symbols.

To sort a column, click the header cell.
You can create a list of favorite components. To add a component

to your list, right-click the component name in the component
catalog, and then select Add to Favorites in the pop-up menu.
Creating new By default, components are grouped in folders based on their type and framing condition. You can
folders 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 (19).
Modifying Search • The default view settings for the Search view are stored in the ComponentCatalog.txt file
and Folders views 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
If you modify the file, the Folders view changes.
Symbols
The first column in the catalog indicates the component types with following symbols:
Symbol Component type

System connections
System detail
System modeling tool
Custom connections and seams
Custom details
Custom parts
Sketched cross sections

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...
• 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...
• Remove from Search Result
• Export...
• Import...
• Change Picture...
• Delete
See also Thumbnail images (18)

Descriptions and keywords (18)
Grouping components (18)
Managing custom components
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 edit a thumbnail image for a component:

1. Create an image and save it in bmp format in ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\nt\bitmaps folder.
To create the image, you can use Create View > Default Views of
Component and Screenshot commands, for example.
2. Press Ctrl + F to open the component catalog.

3. Right-click the component and select Change picture...
4. Locate the thumbnail and select it.
5. Click OK.
6. Tekla Structures links the thumbnail to the component.
Descriptions and keywords
Descriptions To view a component description, select the component in the Component catalog.
Use the button to show or hide descriptions.

You can create new descriptions and edit existing ones:
• The default component descriptions are stored in the xslib.db1 file, located in the model
folder.
• To add or edit a description, type text in the description field. When you select another
component in the component catalog, Tekla Structures prompts you to save the description you
added or edited. After you have saved the description, save the model also.
• Edited component descriptions are model-specific.
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.
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.
Copying components to another folder

To copy components from one folder to another:
1. In the component catalog, click the Folders icon to open the Folders view.
2. Go to the folder where the component to be copied is located.
3. Select the component, right-click and select Copy.
4. Go to the folder where you want to copy the component.
5. Right-click and select Paste.
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.
Customizing and saving components

Many components are suitable for use in different situations. You can define the properties of a
component to use in a specific situation, then save a copy in the component catalog to use in
similar situations.
For example, we’ll use the Bolted gusset (11) component to connect a single brace at the base plate
of column.
1. To save a copy of the component, we’ll 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 (18).
1.3 Using components

Introduction This section explains how to use components. It also includes examples.
Topics Creating components (20)

Example: Adding an end plate (21)
Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods (22)
Example: Adding a beam to column connection (23)
Viewing components (23)
Modifying components (24)
Tips on working with components (26)
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 (11).
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 (21).
Status Tekla Structures uses different-colored component symbols to show the status of connections and
details:
Getting Started 20 Using components

Color Status Tip
Component created successfully.
Green
Component created, but has Often occurs when bolts or holes have an
problems. 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 (11).
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.
Example: Adding an end plate

This example shows how to create an end plate connection. The End plate (144) connection
connects two beams, or a beam to a column, using a bolted end plate.
To create the end plate connection:
1. In the component catalog, enter 144 and click Search.
2. Double-click the End plate (144) component. Tekla Structures displays the component dialog
box and starts the End plate (144) command.
3. Click Apply to create the component using the default properties.
4. Tekla Structures prompts you to select the main part (column) and then the secondary part
(beam). Tekla Structures creates the connection.
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 (24).

If you use incorrect properties, Tekla Structures may fail to create the component. For more
information, see Creating components (20).
Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods

Component catalog contains several base plate details. This example shows how to create a base
plate and anchor rods.
Before you start:
• create a column
• create an elevation view
To add a base plate to a column:
1. Open an elevation view.
2. Open the component catalog.
3. Enter base plate in the Search field and click Search.
4. To view pictures of the components in the search results, click the Thumbnails icon .
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.
To make it easier to select components, click the Select component icon .

12. Double-click the component to open the Tekla Structures Base plate (1004) dialog box.
13. Go to the Anchor rods tab. Change the dimensions of the anchor rods.
14. To change only this base plate, select Ignore other types in the list in the top section of the
dialog box:
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.
successfully.
Example: Adding a beam to column connection

Component catalog contains several beam to column connections. This example shows how to
create a beam to column connection.
Before you start:
• create a beam and a column
• create an elevation view
To create a beam to column connection:
1. Open the component catalog.
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.
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.
To check dimensions, such as bolt locations and edge distances,

work in the Component front view and use the Measure tool.

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.
If you have Select component switched on , you do not have to

pick component symbol, but you can just pick any object belonging
to a component. This is the only method for selecting custom parts,
because they do not have any symbol.
You can also indicate which connections and details are affected by the modifications:
• Modify connection type: If you have selected several connections and 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
Depending on the Tekla Structures configuration you are using, you can create either detailed or
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.
Conceptual components can be created only with Engineering and Cast in Place 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 to conceptual
components.
Component Symbol Configuration Description

Conceptual Engineering Conceptual component does not
Cast in Place create assemblies or cast units.
The dialog box is the same as in
detailed component, but does
not contain fields for part and
assembly positions.
Rectangular

Component Symbol Configuration Description
Detailed Full Detailed component contains
Steel Detailing part and assembly numbering
fields, and creates needed
Precast Concrete assemblies and cast units.
Detailing
Round
Detailed components can be converted to conceptual components

in Engineering and Cast in Place configurations.
See also Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component (25)
Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component

An individual conceptual component that has been created with Engineering or Reinforced Concrete
Detailing configuration can be converted to a detailed component in Full, Steel Detailing, and
Precast Concrete Detailing configurations.
To convert a conceptual component to a detailed component:
1. Select the component symbol.
2. Click Detailing > Component > Convert to Detailing Component.
If you want to convert a detailed component to a conceptual

component in Engineering or Reinforced Concrete Detailing
configuration, right-click and select Convert to Conceptual
Component.
See also Conceptual components (24)
Automating the detailing process

If you have a standard way of configuring connections, save time by saving the connection
properties once. Store them in firm or project folders for future use. See Firm and project folders.
Tekla Structures includes AutoConnection and AutoDefaults tools to automate the modeling process.
So you can customize Tekla Structures to suit a particular project and the way you work. See
AutoConnection (39)and AutoDefaults (44).
There are three levels of automation that you can help you work faster and more accurately.

Tips on working with components
No component If you have difficulty applying a component, check the status bar for prompts. For example, you may
created 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), look
off 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.
Default: Tekla Structures creates stiffeners or uses value retrieved

from AutoDefaults.
Automatic: Tekla Structures creates or omits stiffeners depending

on the situation in the model.
Tekla Structures does not create stiffeners

Tekla Structures creates stiffeners.
Entering valid You need to specify profiles for some components. If a component fails, try entering a valid profile.
profiles
1.4 Defining parts and plates

Use the Parts tab to define the parts that Tekla Structures creates when you use a component.
Topics Using the dialog box (27)

Dimensioning parts (27)
Defining materials (29)
Using the dialog box

Some components list all parts on one tab, others list parts on separate tabs as shown in the
following examples.
One Parts tab Where there is one tab, the label is usually Parts or Plates.
Several Parts tabs Parts can also appear on separate tabs. For example, in connection 56, Corner tube gusset, the parts
appear on both the Gusset and Brace conn tabs.
Dimensioning parts
Use the Parts tabs to dimension specific part types in components.
Getting Started 27 Defining parts and plates

To delete a part, enter zero (0) in the t (thickness) field.
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:
• Enter the profile name.
• Or click , and select a profile from the profile catalog.
The profile must exist in the profile catalog.
Part position number

Use the Pos_no field to enter the part position number for each part the component creates. This
overrides the settings on the Tools > Options > Options... > Components tab. Specify a prefix and a
start number, as shown below.
Prefix
Start number
Some component dialog boxes have a second row of Pos_no fields for you to enter the assembly
position number.

Using the Components tab
To set the default prefix and start number for all the parts that components create, click Tools >
Options > Options... > Components. You define different prefixes and start numbers according to the
part’s relationship to other parts in the component. Separate the prefix and part number using the \
character (for example, p\1).
Prefix
Part number
Defining materials
To define the materials for the parts that components create, click next to the Material field.
Tekla Structures opens the Select Material dialog box. Click a material type, then click the material
to use for the part.

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.
1.5 Defining bolts and welds

Use the Bolts or Welds tabs to define which bolts, assemblies, and welds to use in specific
components.
Topics Using the Bolts tab (30)

Defining bolts (32)
Creating holes (32)
Number of bolts and spacing (33)
Bolt group orientation (33)
Bolt group pattern (33)
Edge distance (34)
Bolt position (34)
Defining slotted holes (36)
Deleting bolts (37)
Defining bolt assemblies (38)
Welds (38)
Using the Bolts tab

This illustration shows the properties you can set on the Bolts tab of component dialog boxes:
Getting Started 30 Defining bolts and welds

Slotted hole dimensions
Slotted to create slotted hole in part
Check bolt components to include (bolt, washer, screw).
Shank length protruding from the nut
Bolt spacing - vertical
Number of bolts
Enter bolt order number of bolt to delete.

Edge distance
Bolt spacing (horizontal)
Number of bolts
Bolt group pattern
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.
Increasing bolt length

To allow for additional material thickness, increase the length of the bolt on the Bolts tab. For
example, you could use this for painted parts.
Enter extra bolt length
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.

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.
Example For example, if there are 3 bolts, enter 2 values.
Number of bolts
Bolt spacing
The settings above result in this bolt group layout:
Bolt group orientation

Some connections include the following options on the Bolts tab to orientate bolt groups:
Option Description
Square.
Staggered in the direction of the secondary part.
Sloped in the direction of the secondary part.
Bolt group pattern

For some components you can select different bolt group patterns. You have the following options:
Option

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 (54).
Edge distance dimension line
Enter edge distances here
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.

Enter dimensions
Measure dimension from....
Vertical bolt position

Use these options to indicate how Tekla Structures measures vertical dimensions:
Option Dimension from Illustration

Top Upper edge of secondary part to
uppermost bolt.
Middle Centerline of bolts to centerline of

secondary part.
Bottom Lower edge of secondary part to lowest

bolt.
Horizontal bolt position

Use these options to indicate how Tekla Structures measures horizontal dimensions:

Option Dimension from Illustration
Left Left edge of secondary part to far left bolt.
Middle Centerline of bolts.
Right Right edge of secondary part to far right bolt.
Defining slotted holes

To define slotted holes in components:
1. Open the component properties dialog box and click on the Bolts tab. Different bolt groups may
appear on different tabs in different dialog boxes.
2. Set Hole type to Slotted.
3. Select which parts have slotted holes from the Slots in list box. Select No to create round holes.
4. To shape slotted holes, enter the x or y dimensions of the hole. To produce a round hole, enter
zero (0) for both dimensions.

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.
Example You start with this bolt group:
You enter the following bolt numbers:
The bolt group now looks like this:

Defining bolt assemblies
On the illustration on the Bolts tab, check the pieces to use in the bolt assembly (bolt, washers, and
nuts).
To change the bolt assemblies in the current component:

1. Click the component symbol to select it.
2. Check the pieces to use.
3. Check Effect in modify.
4. Click the Modify button.
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.

See also Welds
1.6 Modeling tools

Customize the properties of modeling tools you use to create objects, rather than changing the
properties manually each time.
Example You know you will use the same type of stairs in several projects. Set up and save the stair modeling
tool properties once.
When you next need to use that particular stair modeling tool you can just load the pre-defined
properties, as shown below. When you apply the modeling tool, Tekla Structures creates exactly the
same stairs.
Predefined properties
See also Getting Started (7).
Getting Started 39 Modeling tools

1.7 AutoConnection
Introduction Use AutoConnection to automatically select and apply connections with predefined properties to
selected parts in a model. With AutoConnection, Tekla Structures automatically creates similar
connections for similar framing conditions.
You can use AutoConnection to quickly add connections individually, in phases, or project-wide. This
is a useful technique when you are working on a large project using many connections, modifying a
model, or importing modified profiles.
AutoDefaults allows you to modify standard connection properties and save them for use in specific
circumstances. You can define rule groups and rule sets for both AutoConnection and AutoDefaults
to use for different conditions within the model.
You can use AutoDefaults together with AutoConnection to define connection properties. You can
also use AutoDefaults to define connection properties and apply them to a single connection.
Test model Before using AutoConnections and AutoDefaults in a working model, we recommend that you
create a test model, and create all the connection conditions in it that you need for a particular
project. You can then use this test model to check the rules and properties of various connection
types. It also acts as a quick reference for connection information.
See also AutoConnection setup (40)

AutoConnection rule groups (41)
AutoConnection rule sets (42)
Rules.zxt (43)
Changing a connection (43)
Using AutoConnection (43)
AutoDefaults (44)
AutoConnection and AutoDefaults rules (48)
AutoConnection setup
With AutoConnection you can define groups of rules which Tekla Structures automatically applies
when you use AutoConnection to create connections in a model.
For example, you can create separate rules for different standards, projects, manufacturers, and
even individual models. By using a rule group to select connections and connection properties, you
can create connections automatically, without having to select each connection and define its
properties individually.
Tree structure To access the AutoConnection Setup dialog box, click Detailing > AutoConnection > AutoConnection
Settings.... The connection types used in various cases are shown in a tree structure:
Getting Started 40 AutoConnection

Icon Type Description
Rule group The 1st level in the tree shows the rule groups. These are
user-definable. They help you to group the rules
according to different standards, projects,
manufacturers, and models.
Framing condition The 2nd level shows the different predefined framing
conditions (connection types). Tekla Structures creates
them automatically and you cannot change them.
The framing conditions include the following: beam to
beam web, beam to beam flange, beam to column web,
beam to column flange, beam splice, and column splice.
Rule set Under each framing condition you can create rule sets to
specify which connection to use for specific conditions
within the model.
Connection The connection to apply if the rule set criteria are met.
To apply a particular connection, the conditions within the model have to match all the rules in the
branch containing the connection. If you do not want to apply a connection for certain rules sets,
right-click the connection name and then select No connection from the pop-up menu.

The order of the rules in the tree is important. Tekla Structures uses
the first rule that matches the conditions within the model, so you
should place the most limiting rule highest in the tree, and the most
generic, lowest.
Restrictions AutoConnection has the following restrictions:

• You can have a maximum of two secondary parts in the connection (for example, you cannot
use complex gussets with several secondaries). AutoConnection uses profile height and ID
number as the criteria for determining 1. secondary and 2. secondary parts.
• AutoDefaults only affects connection parts (clip angles, shear tabs, end plates, …), bolts, and
welds. AutoDefaults cannot change beam profiles or the connection number.
See also For more information on rules, see AutoConnection rule groups (41)and AutoConnection rule sets
(42).
For more information on how to use AutoConnection, see Using AutoConnection (43).
AutoConnection rule groups

Before using AutoConnection, you need to define rule groups, so that you can group the rules
according to different standards, projects, manufacturers, etc. To create a new rule group:
1. Open your test model. Click Detailing > AutoConnection > AutoConnection Settings....
2. Right-click an existing rule group, and select New rule group from the pop-up menu.
3. Double-click the group New and rename it. Give it a distinctive name.
Give the rule group a name that reflects the group of connections
that you want to create. For example, use the fabricator's name, the
project name, or any name that will clearly identify the connection
rules that you want to use for a specific model.
When you create a new rule group, Tekla Structures automatically adds the framing conditions
branches under it (beam to beam web, beam to beam flange etc.).
AutoConnection rule sets

Each framing condition can contain rule sets, which you can use to specify which connection to use
for specific conditions within the model. You only need to create AutoConnection rule sets if you
plan to use different connections to connect similar framing conditions.
For example, you have beam to beam connections, some require clip angles, others need shear tabs.
In this case, you need to set up rule sets to determine where each connection type should be used.
Creating a rule To add a new rule set under a framing condition:

set
1. Right-click the framing condition. A pop-up menu appears.
2. Select New rule set. A New entry appears in the tree.
3. Give the new rule set a descriptive name.
Creating a 1. Right-click an existing rule set. A pop-up menu appears.

subrule set 2. Select Create additional rule sets. A New entry appears in the tree.
3. Give the new subrule set a descriptive name.
Creating a new rule set or subrule set only adds a rule set to the setup tree. You need to define its
contents separately. See AutoConnection (39).

Editing a rule set You can edit the contents of a rule set (for example, change the name or add rules to it):
1. Right-click the rule set. A pop-up menu appears.
2. Select Edit rule set... to open the AutoConnection Rules dialog box.
3. Select a rule from the Available rules list.
4. Click the right arrow button to move the selected rule into the list of rules in the rule set.
5. In the right pane under Rules in rule set, fill in the acceptable values for the rule. You can either
define an exact value, or minimum and maximum values.
6. The name you enter in the Rule set name field is shown in the setup tree.
The order of the rules in the tree is important. Tekla Structures uses
the first rule that matches the conditions within the model, so you
should place the most limiting rule highest in the tree, and the most
generic, lowest.
You can change the priority of a rule set by right-clicking the rule set and selecting Move Up or
Move Down.
For more information on rules, see AutoConnection and AutoDefaults rules (48).
Rules.zxt
When you use AutoConnection, Tekla Structures creates an Attributes subfolder in the current
model folder and saves the AutoConnection information in a zipped text file called rules.zxt.
You can copy this file to the project or firm folders to make it available for other models (see also
Project and firm folders). Each time you modify AutoConnection setup you need to recopy this file
to the firm and/or project folders.
When you copy this file for use in other projects, remember to restart Tekla Structures to use the
new setup.
Changing a connection
To change the connection in a rule set, use the Component catalog dialog box which lists all the
Tekla Structures connections available in the connection toolbars.

To open the Component catalog:
1. Right-click a connection in the AutoConnection Setup tree. A pop-up menu appears.
2. Select Select connection type... to open the Component catalog dialog box.
3. Select a connection and click OK to update the tree.
Deleting an item Use the Delete rule set command in the pop-up menu to delete a rule set from the Setup tree. This
also deletes its subrule sets.
Using AutoConnection
Use AutoConnection to have Tekla Structures automatically create connections using a predefined
set of rules, or rule group.
Creating To create connections using AutoConnection:

connections
1. Pick the parts to connect.
2. Click Detailing > AutoConnection... > Create connections to display the AutoConnection dialog box.
3. Select a rule group in the first list box on the Rule groups tab as shown below.
Rule group for AutoConnection
Rule group for AutoDefaults
4. Click the Create connections button.

When you use AutoConnection, Tekla Structures ignores the properties in the connection dialog
boxes and creates connections using the properties defined in the rule group. Tekla Structures does
not modify existing connections.
You can change the properties of connections you create using AutoConnection.
Additional Use the options on the Advanced tab to indicate which rule groups you want to use for each Framing
options 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.
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 (12).
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 (12).
1.8 AutoDefaults
Introduction Use AutoDefaults to automatically apply the correct properties to existing 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.
See also AutoConnection (39)

AutoDefaults setup (45)
Connection properties files (46)
Saving connection properties (46)
Access to properties files (46)
Defaults.zxt (47)
Priority of rule sets (47)
Editing connection properties (47)
Using AutoDefaults (48)
How to use AutoDefaults effectively (48)
Checking AutoDefaults properties (48)
Checking AutoDefaults rules (48)
AutoConnection and AutoDefaults rules (48)
Getting Started 45 AutoDefaults

AutoDefaults setup
With AutoDefaults you can create rules defining when to use different predefined connection
properties. When you modify connections (for example changing the beam size), Tekla Structures
automatically redefines the connection properties using AutoDefaults setup.
Use AutoDefaults to modify standard connection properties and save the modified properties for use
in specific situations.
Tree structure To open the AutoDefaults setup dialog box, click Detailing > AutoConnection > AutoDefaults
Settings.... The connection types used in various cases are shown in a tree structure:
Icon Type Description

Rule group The 1st level in the tree contains rule groups. The rule
groups are user-definable. They help you to group rules
according to different standards, projects,
manufacturers, and models.
Connection page The next two levels show all the connections available
Connection on the toolbars. They are predefined and you cannot
change them.
Rule set Under each connection you can create rule sets to
specify which connection properties to use when
specific conditions within the model are met.
Connection properties Every branch in the tree ends with connection
file properties file(s) (for example, standard.j144). You
can save connection properties that you want to use
again. See Saving connection properties (46).

Rule sets You define AutoDefaults rule sets in the same way as AutoConnection rule sets. See AutoConnection
rule sets (42).
Tekla Structures saves the AutoDefaults rules in the defaults.zxt file in the current model
folder. You may want to copy defaults.zxt and all the connection properties files associated
with it (for example, sec_0-190.j141) to the firm or project folders to use in other models. See
Defaults.zxt (47).
Connection properties files

By default, each connection has a standard properties file which defines the standard properties for
the connection (for example, standard.j144). You can save connection properties that you want
to use again in separate properties files and give them a distinctive name.
Saving connection properties

To save connection properties for later use in similar conditions within the model, you can save
them in a properties file:
1. Set the properties you want to save (for example, bolt, profile, material properties).
2. In the Save as field, enter a distinctive name for the connection properties. Enter the same name
in the Connection code field and click Save as.
When you save connection properties to use with AutoDefaults, it is

a good idea to enter the same name in the Save as and Connection
code fields on the General tab. This means you can easily check later
which properties Tekla Structures used in specific situations. Tekla
Structures does not automatically show the AutoDefault values in
the connection properties fields.
Tekla Structures creates the properties file in an Attributes subfolder in the current model folder.
The filename consists of the name you entered in Save as and the extension .jXXX, where XXX is
the connection number (for example, sec_0-190.j141).
Access to properties files

To view the list of properties files for a certain connection:
1. In the AutoDefaults Setup tree, select a properties file (for example, standard.j144).
2. Right-click the selected properties file. A pop-up menu appears.
3. Click Select connection parameters.... Tekla Structures displays the Attribute File List dialog box,
containing the existing properties files for the connection.
Defaults.zxt
When you use AutoDefaults, Tekla Structures creates an Attributes sub-folder in the current
model folder and saves the AutoDefaults setup in a zipped text file, defaults.zxt.
You can copy this file to the project or firm folders to make it available in other models. See also
Project and firm folders. Each time you modify the AutoDefaults setup, you need to recopy this file
to the firm, or project folders.
When you copy this file for use in other projects, remember to restart Tekla Structures to use the
new setup.

We do not recommend that you edit the defaults.zxt file using
a text editor, but if you do so, check that you use the right syntax.
The easiest way to unpack the .zxt file is to change the file
extension zxt to txt.gz and unpack the file using WinZip.
Change the extension back to zxt when you have finished. You do
not need to repack the file after editing it, Tekla Structures can also
read the unpacked file.
Priority of rule sets

Tekla Structures processes AutoDefaults rule sets in the order in which they appear in the tree, so
you can control the selection of properties. Usually, one framing condition, profile type, and
orientation can have several property combinations, for example, a different profile height.
Example For example, if you have properties files and rules for maximum profile heights of 150, 160, 170 and
190 mm, and AutoDefaults is selecting properties for a height of 158 mm, three properties files are
valid. AutoDefaults selects the first one to match (in this case, 160 mm). Where there is no match,
you will need a default rule and properties file.You should set the default rule so that it does not
define the profile height and is the last item in the branch. In this way the default rule will always
be the last one to match and any properties file that matches the profile height will override it.
Editing connection properties

To edit connection properties in the AutoDefaults Setup tree:
1. Right-click a connection standard.j file (for example, standard.j144). A pop-up menu
appears.
2. Select Edit connection parameters to open the connection dialog box.
3. Set the properties as you would when manually creating connections.
4. Type a descriptive name for these properties in the Save as text box and click Save as. Use a
name that distinguishes these as AutoDefaults setup.
5. Click Cancel to close the dialog box and return to the AutoDefaults setup dialog box.
If you click OK to close the dialog box, you need to load the default
properties next time you use this connection. This ensures that
AutoDefaults can modify the properties.
6. Right-click the standard.j again. Click Select connection parameters....

7. The Attribute File List opens. It contains the properties that have been set and saved in the
connection dialog box.
8. You can now apply any of the properties that have been saved in a rule set.
Using AutoDefaults
To use AutoDefaults for a single connection:
1. Open the connection dialog box.
2. On the General tab, select a rule group from the AutoDefaults rule group list.
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.
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.
Checking AutoDefaults properties

To check the properties AutoDefaults has applied to a connection:
1. Double-click the connection symbol to open the connection dialog box.
2. In the list box in the upper left corner of the dialog box, select <AutoDefaults>.
3. Click Load. Tekla Structures shows the applied properties in the fields. You can also see all the
combined properties used for that connection.
Checking AutoDefaults rules

You can check which rules AutoDefaults has used for a particular connection.
1. Select the connection symbol and right-click.
2. Select Inquire.
Tekla Structures shows the rule group and rule sets that the connection passed. You can also see all
the properties files used for that connection.
AutoConnection and AutoDefaults rules
Introduction You can use the rules listed in the sections below to accurately select connections and connection
properties when using AutoConnection and AutoDefaults. Using these rules you can create your
own standards to apply project or company defaults.
General The general rules are:

• Profile name: the name in the Name field in the Profile catalog dialog box.
• Profile type: use the following table to find the correct number:
Profile type Number

I 1

Profile type Number
L 2
Z 3
U 4
Plate 5
Round bar 6
Pipe 7
Square pipe 8
C 9
T 10
ZZ 15
CC 16
CW 17
Polygon plate 51
• Number of secondaries.
• Number of primaries.
• Material name.
Orientation Depending on the relative angle a beam, the connections can be classified as:
• Sloped angle (relative to main part cross section)
The longitudinal axis of the secondary part follows the slope of the longitudinal axis of the main
part.
• Skewed angle (relative to main part longitudinal axis)

The longitudinal axis of the secondary part is skewed according to the main part cross section.
The angle is the smaller of the angles between the longitudinal axis of the secondary part and
the main part Z or Y axis.
• Cant angle
For rotated secondary parts.

Sloped, skewed, and cant angle value can be between - 90 and 90
degrees.
Dimensions • Profile depth

• Web depth
For profiles with an upper and lower flange, web depth is:
h - t1 - t2 - 2*r1
Or, if t2 is zero:
h - 2*t - 2*r1
For profiles with one flange, web depth is h - t - r1 - r2.
• Web thickness
• Flange thickness
Forces and • Shear force

strengths
• Axial force
• Bending moment
Combining and iterating properties

AutoDefaults includes these features:
Feature Description
Combining You can save connection properties files covering different groups of
properties, then use these files to define many rules. For example you can
have one file for bolt properties and another for profile properties. Tekla
Structures combines the files when it runs AutoDefaults.
Iterating Tekla Structures tests properties until the connection symbol is yellow or
green. Iteration changes connection properties automatically if connection
fails, even if the rules would match. If Connection Check is set on, the
iteration results in connection properties that have passed the check.
Using these To use either of these features for a rule set:

features
1. Click Detailing > AutoConnection > AutoDefault Settings...

2. Browse the tree and right-click a rules set.
3. Select Edit rule set...
4. Set Parameters files selection to one of the following options:
Option Description
Use combination of first Tekla Structures uses the properties files it finds in the first
parameters matching sub-rule set and does not check other rule sets.
Iterate until the connection Tekla Structures checks sub rule sets until it finds matching
symbol is green properties that leave the connection symbol green.
Iterate until the connection Tekla Structures checks sub rule sets until it finds matching
symbol is yellow properties that leave the connection symbol yellow.
Use combination of all Tekla Structures checks all rule sets and uses properties files in
parameters all matching rule sets. The order of properties files is
important, since the last overrides.
The order of files in the tree is important. When Tekla Structures

combines the properties files, the most recent files (the lowest in
the tree) override previous ones. If you leave properties blank, Tekla
Structures does not override previous properties with blank
properties.
Limitations
Tekla Structures cannot iterate properties files directly. Use a single iteration rule set with sub rule
sets.
You cannot have many parallel iteration rule sets. Use a single iteration rule set and place it just
before the default rule set.
Place the combination rule sets above the iteration rule set in the tree.
Combination rule sets can only be one level deep.
Tekla Structures disregards empty rule sets, so include at least one rule in each rule set.
See also Combining properties (52)

Iteration with connection check (52)
Combining properties
The AutoDefaults combine feature combines separate properties files into one file. This means you
define fewer files, because you use one file for several rules. If files contain different values for the
same property, Tekla Structures uses the last property it finds. See the image below.

See also Combining and iterating properties (50)
Iteration with connection check

This example shows how you can use the iteration feature of AutoDefaults. In this example iteration
sets the number of bolts according to the result of the connection check.
When using this rule group for a connection in the model, AutoDefaults sets the number of bolts
until the connection symbol is green.

The iteration rule forces Tekla Structures to tests sub rules until the connection symbol is
green in the model.
Creating iteration First, create connection properties files for each number of bolts. See Editing connection properties
rules (47).
1. Click Detailing > AutoConnection > AutoDefaults Settings...
2. Right-click the tree and select New rule group. Click the rule group and rename it to "Iteration
example".
3. Browse the tree and find connection 144. Right-click it and select Create additional rule sets....
4. Right-click the rule set and select Edit rule set..., to open the AutoDefault rules dialog box.
5. Change the Rule set name to "ITERATION".
6. Set Parameters file selection to Iterate until the connection symbol is green.
7. Click OK.
8. To create a rule set "2 bolts", right-click the first rule set and select Create additional rule sets....
9. Right-click the new rule set and select Edit rule set.... AutoDefault rules dialog box appears.
10. Select rule Secondary 1 depth and set the minimum and maximum depth values for two bolts.
11. Set Parameters file selection to Use combination of first parameters.
12. Click OK.
13. Right-click the connection properties file standard.j144, and click Select connection
parameters.. to open the Attribute File List dialog box. Select the properties file for two bolts and
click OK.
14. Repeat steps 8 to 13 for other rule sets.
Using rules and You can use the connection check result when applying AutoDefaults with iteration. If a rule
check together matches, but connection do not pass the check and symbol remains red, AutoDefaults continues
testing other rules and properties until the connection symbol is green.
To apply a rule group and connection check for a connection:
1. Open the connection properties dialog box.
2. Load the <Defaults> properties.
3. Click General tab and set AutoDefaults Rule Group to the "Iteration example" you created.
4. Click Design type tab and set Connection check to Yes.

5. Enter the load from secondary members in the fields Shear, Tension, Moment.
6. Click OK to create the connection.
Checking To see which rules AutoDefaults used, right-click the connection symbol, and select Inquire.
To see which values AutoDefaults set, double-click the connection symbol to open the connection
dialog box, select <AutoDefaults>, then click Load.
Reaction forces and UDL

You can save reaction forces:
• In the user-defined attributes of a part (for AutoConnection and AutoDefaults).
• On the Design tab in the connection dialog box (for AutoDefaults).
Using reaction When you use reaction forces in a rule and AutoDefaults is activate, Tekla Structures first searches
forces for reaction forces in the corresponding connection’s properties. If they do not contain reaction
forces, Tekla Structures searches the user-defined attributes of the secondary part of the
connection. If Tekla Structures finds no forces there, you cannot use reaction force rules.
Shear force Shear force calculation is the exception. If you have not given any reaction force values, shear force
calculation is calculated using the UDL shear force routine. The UDL calculation is mainly intended for use with
imperial units. It uses the yield stress value, profile dimensions, and UDL percentage to calculate the
maximum allowable shear force. Tekla Structures compares the result with the Shear force rule in
AutoDefaults.
• Yield stress is defined in the material catalog.
• Profile dimensions come from the profile catalog.
• UDL percentage is taken either from the connection dialog box or from an advanced option.
UDL for To switch on UDL calculation for AutoConnection:

AutoConnection
1. On the Design tab in the connection dialog box, set the field Use UDL to Yes.
2. Enter the UDL percentage in the UDL % field. If this field is blank, Tekla Structures uses a default
percentage (set using the advanced option XS_AUTODEFAULT_UDL_PERCENT).
UDL for To switch on UDL calculation for AutoDefaults:

AutoDefaults
• Set the advanced option XS_AUTOCONNECTION_USE_UDL to TRUE.
• Use the advanced option XS_AUTODEFAULT_UDL_PERCENT to set the UDL percentage.
1.9 Using the joints.def file

This section explains how to use the joints.def text file to set the default properties for
different connection types. Not all connections use joints.def.
If you are new to using joints.def, we suggest you read each of

the topics in this section thoroughly before making any changes.
Topics About joints.def (55)

Defining general defaults (56)
Defining bolt diameter and number of rows (58)
Getting Started 55 Using the joints.def file

Defining other bolt and part properties (59)
How Tekla Structures uses joints.def (65)
Connections that use joints.def (56)
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.
How joints.def works

For each connection type, Tekla Structures follows these steps to assign bolt and part properties.
1. Tekla Structures determines bolt diameter and number of bolts according to the following
criteria:
Connection type According to

Clip angle Secondary beam height
Shear plate Secondary beam height
End plate Secondary beam height
Gusset Length of angle profile
Diagonal Profile height
2. Tekla Structures uses bolt diameter to assign other bolt and part properties.
How to read joints.def

Lines beginning with // are comment lines. They are there to help you read the file, Tekla Structures
does not use the information in comment lines.
The first few lines contain some general settings:
Set the following line to the unit of measure appropriate to the version you are using (for example,
inches in the Imperial version).
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.
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 that use joints.def

Only the following connections use the joints.def file:
Connections Connections
Welded gusset (10) Clip angle (141)
Bolted gusset (11) Two sided end plate (142)
Bracing cross (19) Two sided clip angle (143)
Tube gusset (20) End plate (144)
Tube crossing (22) Shear plate simple (146)
Two sided angle cleat (25) Welded to top flange (147)
Corner tube gusset (56) Welded to top flange S (149)
Corner bolted gusset (57) Moment connection (181)
Wraparound gusset (58) Column with stiffeners W (182)
Hollow brace wraparound gusset (59) Full depth (184)
Wraparound gusset cross (60) Full depth S (185)
Wrapped cross (61) Column with stiffeners (186)
Gusseted cross (62) Column with stiffeners S (187)
Corner wrapped gusset (63) Column with stiffeners (188)
Beam with stiffener (129) Shear plate tube column (189)
Column with shear plate (131) Bent plate (190)
Bolted moment connection (134)
Defining general defaults

If Tekla Structures cannot find a property for a connection in the connection-specific sections of
joints.def, it looks for the default property in the General section.
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:
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.

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.
Defining bolt diameter and number of rows

Before you start, read How joints.def works (55). Use the rows beginning with BOLTHEIGHT in each
connection-specific section of joints.def to define the default bolt diameter and default
number of bolt rows for the following connection types:
• Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections (58)
• Gusset connections (58)
• Diagonal connections (59)
Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections

Tekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of rows vertically according to the
height of the secondary beam. You can enter the following properties:
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:

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:
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
Defining other bolt and part properties

Before you start, read How joints.def works (55). Once Tekla Structures has used joints.def to
calculate bolt diameter, it uses the result to assign other properties to bolts and parts, according to
connection type.
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
(60)and Diagonal connection properties (63).
Key to lookup
table
Connection type Full name
C Clip angle
S Shear plate
E End plate
G Gusset
D Diagonal

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
(65)
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 plate *
thickness
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 row of bolts * * *
firsthole
Gusset connection properties

Enter these additional default properties in the row beginning GUSSETDEFDIM. Not all gusset
connections use all these properties:
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.

Affects plate
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 Gusset
e tab.
corner_dx See illustration.
corner_dy See illustration.
movey On the Gusset tab:
movey
movez On the Gusset tab:
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
side_length

Affects plate
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
dist3
dist_between_diag
dist2
dist1
dist_diag_prim
tol_prim
Diagonal connection properties

Enter these additional default properties for bolts and parts in the rows beginning DIAGDEFDIM. Not
all diagonal connections use all these properties:
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 On the Brace conn tab:
conn_cut_dy
conn_cut_dy
conn_cut_dx
round_plate_tol On the Brace conn tab:
end_plate_thk
flanges_cut_angle On the Brace conn tab:

flanges_cut_angle
dist_flanges_cut
dist_skew_cut
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

Profile type-dependent bolt dimensions
For some connections, such as Clip angle (141) and Two sided clip angle (143), Tekla Structures
calculates the bolt size according to the profile size.
In this type of connections, Tekla Structures takes the bolt size from the PROFILE TYPE-DEPENDENT
BOLT DIMENSIONS section of joints.def file if you leave the corresponding fields blank on the
Bolts tab:
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.
How Tekla Structures uses joints.def

This example explains how Tekla Structures calculates bolt diameter and other properties using
joints.def. We are using a Bolted gusset (11) connection. The height of the diagonal profile is
10".
• Tekla Structures calculates bolt size and number of bolts according to profile height. It searches
the BOLTHEIGHT rows for a profile height of 10".
• The profile height is greater than 8.0 but less than 12.0, so Tekla Structures uses the row with
the profile height 8.0. This sets the bolt diameter to 0.75.

• 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.
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.
1.10 Using Excel in connection design

You can link system components and Excel spreadsheets, so when a component is applied or
modified, an associated Excel spreadsheet application can be run. The configuration information is
passed from the component to the spreadsheet, calculation run within the spreadsheet and
component properties passed back to the 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 (67).
Getting Started 67 Using Excel in connection design

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.
Topics Setting up Excel files (67)

Sample implementation (67)
Indicating component status (70)
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.
File names and Excel.vb file (located in the ..\Tekla

locations Structures\<version>\environments\common\exceldesign folder) defines the Excel
spreadsheet file names and the locations. Excel searches for the spreadsheet in the following order
and with following name:
1. File named component_ + number or name + .xls, from the current model folder:
..\<model>\exceldesign
For example, ..\test_model\exceldesign\component_144.xls
2. File name and path defined with advanced option XS_EXTERNAL_EXCEL_DESIGN_PATH:
XS_EXTERNAL_EXCEL_DESIGN_PATH
(=%XS_DIR%\environments\common\exceldesign\) + "component_" + number
+ ".xls"
By default, the result file is stored in the model folder and named with component ID. For example,
component_9502_res.xls.
Sample implementation
Below is described 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.
Contents The sample spreadsheet includes the following sheets:

Inputs (user inputs on connection dialog).
• Tekla Structures transfers the component properties from the component properties dialog box
to this sheet.
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).

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.

Outputs
• Excel adds the modified values to the Output sheet. These values are transferred back to the
connection and connection in the model is modified accordingly.
Indicating component status

When you use Excel in connection design, you can have Tekla Structures use different colored
component symbols to indicate the status of a component in the model.
To do this, include the error attribute on the Output page of the Excel spreadsheet for the
component. The possible values are:

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 work plane
• 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.

2 Reinforcement
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.
Audience This chapter is aimed at concrete detailers and designers.
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.
See also Numbering reinforcements
2.1 Getting started with reinforcement

In Tekla Structures, you can use different methods to create reinforcement. You can create:
• Single reinforcing bars
• Reinforcing bar groups
• Reinforcement meshes
• Reinforcement components.
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.
Reinforcement Every reinforcement object has properties which define it (for example, grade, diameter or size,
properties minimum bending radius). Use the reinforcement properties dialog boxes to view or modify the
properties of reinforcement. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement to open reinforcement
properties dialog boxes, or double-click an existing reinforcement object in the model.
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.
Reinforcement 73 Getting started with reinforcement

In reports and You can include reinforcement properties and user-defined attributes in drawing and report
drawings templates.
See also Basic reinforcement properties (74)

Getting Started (7) with Detailing
2.2 Basic reinforcement properties

This section explains properties that are common to most types of reinforcement in Tekla Structures.
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 (116).
Reinforcement Grade–size–radius combinations are predefined in the reinforcement catalog. You can select which
catalog 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.
Reinforcement 74 Basic reinforcement properties

You can also enter the grade, size, and bending radius of individual
reinforcing bars using the appropriate fields in the Reinforcing bar
properties dialog box.
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 (78))
• Tapering (see Tapered bar group (85))
See also Hooks (75)

Concrete cover (76)
Spacing reinforcing bars (78)
Omitting reinforcing bars (78)
User-defined attributes of reinforcement (79)
Meshes (79)
Numbering reinforcements
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:

The options for the hook at the beginning and end of the bar are:
Option Description
No hook
Standard 90-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
bar have different radiuses, Tekla Structures
does not recognize the shape of the reinforcing
bar. Angle
Length Length of the straight part of the hook.
Radius
If the length is set to zero, no hooks are
created.
Length
Concrete cover
Reinforcing bars need a concrete cover, to protect them against harmful elements, such as the
weather and fire. When you create single bars, Tekla Structures uses the thickness of concrete cover
to determine the position of the bar. You pick points to define the shape and plane of the bar.
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 beam’s 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.
Concrete cover Description

Concrete cover on the plane
For example, the distances from a beam’s bottom, top, and side surfaces
to a stirrup.
To specify different concrete covers on the different legs of a reinforcing
bar, enter a thickness value for each leg in the On plane field, in the order
you pick points to create the bar. If you enter less values than there are
bar legs, Tekla Structures uses the last value for remaining legs.
Concrete cover from the plane

For example, the distance from a beam’s end surface to the closest
stirrup, perpendicular to the stirrup 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:

Spacing reinforcing bars
Bar groups There are several ways to distribute bars in a reinforcing bar group.
To create a bar group, open the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box. On the Group tab, select an
option from the Creation method list box. The options are:
Option Description
By exact spacing value with Creates fixed, equal spaces between the bars. The first space
flexible first space adjusts to even out bar distribution. 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 value with Same as the first option, but the last space adjusts to even out
flexible last space bar distribution.
By exact spacing value with Same as the first option, but the middle space adjusts to even
flexible middle space out bar distribution. If there are an odd number of bars (two
middle spaces), the other middle space adjusts to even out bar
distribution.
By exact spacing value with Same as the first option, but both the first and last spaces
flexible first and last space adjust to even out bar distribution.
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 number of Tekla Structures determines the spacing value based on the
reinforcing bars fixed number of bars. Enter the number in the Number of
reinforcing bars field.
Equal distribution by target Tekla Structures aims the spacing value as close as possible to
spacing value the value in the Target spacing value field and determines the
number of bars compatibly.
See also Omitting reinforcing bars (78)
Omitting reinforcing bars

You may occasionally need to omit specific reinforcing bars. For example, when several reinforced
areas intersect, causing reinforcing bars to overlap, or when you want to start bar distribution at a
specific distance from the end of a part.
To indicate which bars to omit, select an option from the Reinforcing bar(s) not to be created to the
group list box:
• None (all reinforcing bars included)
• First
• Last
• First and last
See also Spacing reinforcing bars (78)

User-defined attributes of reinforcement
Create user-defined attributes to add information about reinforcing bars, bar groups, or
reinforcement meshes. Attributes can consist of numbers, text, or lists.
To create user-defined attributes, click the User-defined attributes button in the reinforcement
properties dialog box. Use the User field 1...4 fields to define the attributes you need.
You can also change the name of these fields, and add new ones, by editing the objects.inp file.
For more information, see Adding properties.
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.
Mesh shape Reinforcement meshes can be:

• Rectangular
• Polygonal

• Bent
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.
For more information, see Customizing reinforcement meshes (105).
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.
See also Reinforcement mesh (89)
2.3 Single bars, bar groups, and meshes

Tekla Structures includes the following tools to create single reinforcing bars, bar groups, and
reinforcement meshes.
In addition, you can use several system components for creating reinforcement. For more
information, see Reinforcements.
Command Icon Description

Creating reinforcement using the Creates a single reinforcing bar or a reinforcing
Reinforcing Bar Shape Catalog (81) bar group based on predefined reinforcement
shapes.
Reinforcing bar (83) Creates a single reinforcing bar.
Reinforcing bar group (84) Creates a reinforcing bar group.
Curved reinforcing bar group (87) Creates a curved reinforcing bar group.
Circular reinforcing bar group (88) Creates a circular reinforcing bar group.
Reinforcement 80 Single bars, bar groups, and meshes

Command Icon Description
Reinforcement mesh (89) Creates a reinforcement mesh.
Reinforcement strand pattern (92) Creates prestressed strands.
Reinforcement splice (94) Joins reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups

together with reinforcement splices.
Creating reinforcement using the Reinforcing Bar Shape Catalog

Create a reinforcement by selecting a reinforcement shape from a list of predefined shapes. The
predefined shapes are based on the shapes that have been defined in the Rebar Shape Manager and
saved in the RebarShapeRules.xml file.
To create a reinforcement:
1. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Shape Catalog.
2. Select one of the predefined shapes from the tree view on the left.
You can add frequently used shapes to the tree view, or delete the shapes that you do not need.
To add more shapes or categories to the tree view:
1. Click Organize catalog....
2. Create new category folders.
3. Drag and drop the selected shapes to the folders.
4. Change the names of the folders, if needed.
5. Click OK.
6. Modify the leg lengths, general reinforcement properties, hook properties, or the reinforcing bar
group properties, if needed.
The leg length value can be entered with or without parenthesis.
• With parenthesis: the leg length is calculated automatically according to the object
dimensions.
• Without parenthesis: the exact value of the leg length is used.
If you select an existing reinforcement in the model and click the

Get button, the properties of that reinforcement are displayed in
the Reinforcing Bar Shape Catalog dialog box.
The hook properties are visible only if you have set the advanced
option XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION to FALSE.
7. Change the reference point of the reinforcement by double-clicking the different legs or hooks
in the preview of the shape, if needed.
The reference point defines the insertion point of the first reinforcing bar leg.
8. Click OK to close the Reinforcing Bar Shape Catalog dialog box.

9. In the model, place the mouse pointer over a part face or edge.
A preview showing the placing and dimensions of the reinforcement is displayed.
10. Based on the preview, select a location for the reinforcement and click the left mouse button.
The reinforcement with handles is created.
11. If you need to adjust the reinforcement:
• move or drag the start and end handles
• use Mini Toolbar to modify the properties
• use Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box to modify the properties.

Reinforcement created with Reinforcing Bar Shape Catalog behave in the same way as
reinforcement created with the other reinforcement commands. You can modify, copy, or delete
the reinforcement, and the reinforcement adapt to the changes made to the part they are
placed in.
Limitations Reinforcing Bar Shape Catalog does not work with tapered reinforcing bar groups.
Reinforcing Bar Shape Catalog works mainly with flat, 2D shapes.
See also Reinforcing bar group (84)

Working with reinforcement (95)
Modifying reinforcement (99)
Reinforcing bar bending shapes in the Rebar Shape Manager (108)
Reinforcing bar
Synopsis This command creates a reinforcing bar.
Preconditions Create the part to reinforce.

Calculate the required area of reinforcement.
Usage 1. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcing Bar....
2. Enter or modify the bar properties.
3. Click Apply or OK to save the properties.
4. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcing Bar.
5. Select the part to reinforce.
Tekla Structures attaches the bar to the part.
6. Pick the start point of the bar.
7. Pick the other bar reference points.
8. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
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.

Series and Start The mark series of the bar. Numbering
no reinforcements
Name The user-definable name of the bar. Basic reinforcement
properties (74)
Size The diameter of the bar or a mark defining it.
Grade The steel grade of the bar.
Bending radius The internal radius of the bends in the bar.
You can enter a separate value for each bar bend.
Separate the values with spaces.
Class Used to group reinforcement.

Shape The shape of the hook. Hooks (75)
Angle The angle of the custom hook.
Radius The internal bending radius of the standard or custom
hook.
Length The length of the straight part of the standard or
custom hook.
Cover thickness The distances from the part surfaces to the bar on the Concrete cover (76)
on plane same plane as the bar.
Cover thickness The distance from the part surface to the bar, or bar
from plane end, perpendicular to the bar plane.
Start The concrete cover thickness or leg length at the first
end of the bar.
End The concrete cover thickness or leg length at the
second end of the bar.
User-defined User-defined reinforcement properties. User-defined
attributes... attributes of
reinforcement (79)
See also Reinforcing bar group (84)

Reinforcing bar group
Synopsis This command creates a reinforcing bar group.

Usage 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.
1. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcing Bar Group....
2. Enter or modify the bar group properties.
4. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcing Bar Group.
Tekla Structures attaches the bar group to the part.
6. Pick the bar start point.
7. Pick the other bar reference points.
The first set of points defines the plane of the first bar and the shape of a single bar in the
group.
9. Pick the start point of the bar group.

10. Pick the end point of the bar group.
The second set of points to indicates the distribution direction and length of the bars.
Tapered bar group To create a tapered bar group:

3. On the Group tab, select an option from the Bar group type list:
Option Description
Normal Not tapered.
Tapered One bar dimension changes linearly in the group.
Tapered ridge One bar dimension changes linearly. The dimension is

longest in the middle of the group.
Tapered curved One bar dimension changes along a curve. The
dimension is longest in the middle of the group.
Tapered N One bar dimension changes linearly between N ridges.
Enter the number of ridges in the Number of cross
sections field.
Spiral The reinforcing bars rise in a polygonal or circular
shape along the longitudinal axis of the part.
4. Click Apply or OK.

7. Pick points to define the shape of the bar at the first cross section. Click the middle mouse
button to finish picking.
8. For the second and subsequent cross sections, pick points to define the shape of the bar. Click
the middle mouse button to finish picking.
If you select the Normal option, you only need to define bar shape and bar distribution length.
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.
Spiral bar group To create a spiral bar group:

3. On the Group tab, select Spiral from the Bar group type list.

7. Pick points to define the shape of the bar at the first cross section. Click the middle mouse
button to finish picking.
8. For the second and subsequent cross sections, pick points to define the shape of the bar. Click
the middle mouse button to finish picking.
Description 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.

Series and Start no The mark series of the bar. Numbering reinforcements
properties (74)
Size The diameter of the bar or a mark defining
it.
Bending radius The internal radius of the bar bends.
You can enter a separate value for each
bar bend. Separate the values with spaces.
Shape The shape of the hook. Hooks (75)
Angle The angle of the custom hook.
Radius The internal bending radius of the
standard or custom hook.
Length The length of the straight part of the
standard or custom hook.
Cover thickness on The distances from the part surfaces to Concrete cover (76)
plane the bar on the same plane as the bar.
Cover thickness from The distance from the part surface to the
plane bar, or bar end, perpendicular to the bar
plane.
Start The concrete cover thickness or leg length
at the first end of the bar.
End The concrete cover thickness or leg length
at the second end of the bar.
User-defined User-defined reinforcement properties. User-defined attributes of
attributes... reinforcement (79)
Creation method etc. How to create the bar group. Spacing reinforcing bars
(78)
Additional actions Omitting reinforcing bars
(78)
Tapered bar group (85)

Curved reinforcing bar group (87)
Circular reinforcing bar group (88)
Curved reinforcing bar group
Synopsis Creates a group of curved reinforcing bars.

Usage To create a curved bar group:

1. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Curved Reinforcing Bar Group...
2. Enter or modify the reinforcing bar group properties.
4. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Curved Reinforcing Bar Group.
6. Pick three points on an arc to define the curve.

7. Pick two points to indicate the distribution direction of the bars.
Description Tekla Structures creates the curved reinforcing bar group using the properties in the Reinforcing Bar
Properties dialog box. See Reinforcing bar group (84)for more information on the common properties
in this dialog box.
See also Working with reinforcement (95)

Reinforcing bar group (84)
Circular reinforcing bar group (88)
Circular reinforcing bar group
Synopsis Creates a group of circular reinforcing bars.

Usage To create a circular bar group:

1. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Circular Reinforcing Bar Group....
2. Enter or modify the reinforcing bar group properties.
4. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Circular Reinforcing Bar Group.
6. Pick three points to define the circular bars.
7. Pick two points to indicate the distribution direction of the bars.
Description Tekla Structures creates the circular reinforcing bar group using the properties in the Reinforcing Bar
Properties dialog box. See Reinforcing bar group (84)for more information on the common properties
in this dialog box.

Curved reinforcing bar group (87)
Reinforcement mesh
Synopsis This command creates a reinforcement mesh.

Usage You can create the following types of reinforcement meshes:

• Rectangular

• Polygonal
• Bent
Rectangular
To create a rectangular mesh:
1. Set the work plane parallel to the plane where you want to create the mesh.
2. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcement Mesh....
3. In the Mesh type list, select Rectangle.
4. Enter or modify the mesh dimensions and the other properties.
6. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcement Mesh.
Tekla Structures attaches the mesh to the part.
8. Pick the start point of the mesh.
9. 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:
2. In the Mesh type list, select Polygon.
3. Enter or modify the mesh properties.
7. Pick the start point of the mesh.
8. Pick the corner points of the mesh.
10. Pick two points to indicate the direction of the longitudinal bars.
Bent
To create a bent mesh:

2. In the Mesh type list box, select Bent.
3. Enter the bending radius.
4. Enter or modify the other mesh properties.

8. Pick points to indicate the bending shape of the crossing bars.
9. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking points.
10. Pick two points to indicate the length and direction of the longitudinal bars.
Description Tekla Structures creates the reinforcement mesh using the properties in the Reinforcement Mesh
Properties dialog box. The filename extension of a saved mesh properties file is rbm.

Prefix and Start The mark series of the mesh. Numbering
no reinforcements
Name The user-definable name of the mesh. Basic reinforcement
properties (74)
Mesh Select a mesh from the mesh catalog. Meshes (79)
You can also use a customized mesh. Customizing
reinforcement meshes
(105)
Grade The steel grade of the bars in the mesh. Basic reinforcement
properties (74)
Mesh type The shape of the mesh. Select Polygon, Rectangle, Meshes (79)
Width or Bent.
Length For rectangular meshes, enter the width and

length of the mesh.
Bending radius
For bent meshes, enter the bending radius.
Cross bar location Defines whether the crossing bars are located
above or below the longitudinal bars.
Cut by father Defines whether the polygon or part cuts in the Meshes (79)
part cuts part cut also the mesh.
Cover thickness The distance from the part surface to the main Concrete cover (76)
on plane bars on the same plane as the bars.
Cover thickness The distance from the part surface to the bar, or
from plane bar end, perpendicular to the bar plane.
Cover thickness Thickness of concrete cover or leg length from the
start mesh starting point.
Cover thickness Thickness of concrete cover or leg length at the
end end point of the bar. Used for bent meshes.
User-defined User-defined reinforcement properties. User-defined attributes
attributes... of reinforcement (79)
Hooks tab The shape, angle, radius, and length of hooks at Hooks (75)
the start and end of the crossing mesh bars.

The properties of standard meshes are defined in the
mesh_database.inp file, located in the ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\
profil folder.

Reinforcement strand pattern
Synopsis This command creates prestressed strands for concrete parts.
Usage To create prestressed strands for a concrete part:

1. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcement Strand Pattern....
2. Enter or modify the strand properties.
3. In the Number of cross sections field, enter a number based on the strand profile. For example:
Strand profile Number of patterns

1
4. Define the lengths of the debonding zones.

6. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcement Strand Pattern.
7. Pick the part you are creating strands for.
8. Pick points to position the strands (for example, at the end of a part):
The points you pick define the first cross section. Click the middle mouse button to finish
picking.

9. If you chose to create a single cross section, pick two points to define the length of the strands.
Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
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.
Debonding To debond strands:

strands
1. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcement Strand Pattern....
2. On the Debonding tab, enter the debonding properties.
3. Click Add button to create a new row in the table.
4. Enter the strand numbers in the Debonded strands field. The strand number is the picking order
number of the strand:
• To set the same values for all the strands, enter all the strand numbers, separated by a
space (e.g. 1 2 3 4).
• To set separate values for each strand, click Add to add a new row, then enter the strand
number in the Debonded strands field.
5. Define the debonded lengths:
• To set symmetrical lengths, select the End lengths = start lengths checkbox and only enter
values in the From start or Middle to start fields. Debonding lengths:
6. Click Modify and Apply.

Tekla Structures displays the debonded section of the strand in red in rendered views, or as a
broken line in wire frame views.
Debonded strands appear as broken lines in drawings.
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.

Series and Start no The mark series of the bar. Numbering
reinforcements
properties (74)
Size The diameter of the bar or a mark defining it.
Bending radius The internal radius of the bar bends.
Pull per strand The pull per strand (kN).
Number of cross Defines the number of cross sections of the
sections strand pattern.
User-defined User-defined reinforcement properties. User-defined
attributes... attributes of
reinforcement (79)
Debonded strands Enter the strand number in this field. The strand Debonding strands
number is the picking order number of the (93)
strand.
From start Enter the length of the debonding. If you select
Middle to start the Symmetry checkbox, values in fields From
start and From Middle to start are copied to From
Middle to end end and Middle to end fields.
From end
Symmetry Defines if the end and start lengths are
symmetrical.

Reinforcement splice
This command joins reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups together with reinforcement
splices.
Preconditions Create the reinforcing bars or bar groups to join. There can be a gap between them.
Usage 1. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcement Splice....
2. Enter or modify the splice 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:

If needed, you can move the splice along reinforcing bars.
To move the splice:
1. Select the splice symbol.
2. Right-click and select Move.
3. Pick an origin and a destination point for the splice.
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.

Joint type The type of the splice. The options are: Lap left creates the lap to
• Lap right the direction of the first
reinforcing bar or bar group
• Lap left selected, Lap right to the
• Lap both direction of the second.
• Muff joint Lap both centers the lap
• Welded joint between the bars or bar
groups.
Lap length The length of the lap joint.
Offset The offset of the splice center point from
the point where the bars originally met.
Bar positions Defines whether the lapping bars are on
top of each other or parallel to each other.
2.4 Working with 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.
Topics Attaching reinforcement to parts (95)

Using reinforcement handles (96)
Using adaptivity (97)
Reinforcement geometry validity (99)
Attaching reinforcement to parts

Attach reinforcement to a part or cast unit when you want the reinforcing bars to follow the part or
cast unit if it is moved, copied, deleted, etc.
Tekla Structures automatically attaches a reinforcement to the part you pick before you place the
reinforcement. You can also manually attach reinforcement to a part or cast unit.
Reinforcement 95 Working with reinforcement

You must attach reinforcement to a part or cast unit to have Tekla
Structures merge automatic reinforcing bar marks. See Merged
reinforcement marks.
Attaching To manually attach reinforcement to a part or cast unit:

manually
1. Select the reinforcement to attach.
2. Right-click and select Attach to Part from the pop-up menu.
3. Select the part to attach the reinforcement to.
Detaching To detach reinforcement from a part:

1. Select the reinforcement to detach.
2. Right-click and select Detach from Part from the pop-up menu.
Using reinforcement handles

Tekla Structures uses handles to indicate:
• The ends and corners of a reinforcing bar
• The distribution length of a bar group
• The corners and main bar direction of a mesh
When you select a reinforcement, the handles turn magenta.
Examples Here are some ways to use handles to modify reinforcement:

Handles to change group distribution length
Handles to move bar corners
Handles to move mesh corners
Handles to change main bar direction
To use handles to modify reinforcement:

1. Select the reinforcement to display its handles.
2. Click the handle you want to move. Tekla Structures highlights the handle.
3. Move the handle(s) like any other object. If Drag and drop is active, just drag the handle to a new
position.
For more information, see Moving an object, Moving an object using drag-and-drop and Polygon
cuts.
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 part’s 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.
Example • Reinforcing bars in their original positions:

• Fixed adaptivity:
• Relative adaptivity:

Reinforcement geometry validity
Reinforcement creation or modification can result in invalid reinforcement geometry. For example,
too big bending radius can cause invalid reinforcement geometry.
The invalid geometry is visualized in the model. Tekla Structures displays a warning message, and
draws a thin line between the reinforcement handles to show the invalid geometry. You can correct
the reinforcement geometry by selecting the line and modifying the reinforcement properties.
You can check the reinforcement geometry validity by running the command Tools > Diagnose &
Repair Model > Diagnose Model. The report lists the reinforcements with invalid geometry.
If a model contains reinforcements with invalid geometry, the reinforcements are not shown in the
drawings. The reinforcements become visible when the geometry is corrected.
Limitations Reinforcement geometry validity check does not work with circular or curved reinforcing bar groups.
2.5 Modifying reinforcement

To change the shape of the reinforcement, you can:
• Add bar corners
• Remove bar corners
• Move bar and mesh corners
• Add points to reinforcing bars, bar groups, and bent meshes
• Remove points from reinforcing bars, bar groups, and bent meshes
• Change the direction of the longitudinal mesh bars
• Change the distribution length of bar groups
Reinforcement 99 Modifying reinforcement

See also Ungrouping a reinforcement (100)
Grouping reinforcements (101)
Adding points to a reinforcement (102)
Removing points from a reinforcement (103)
Splitting reinforcing bar groups (104)
Splitting reinforcing bars in a group (104)
Combining two reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups into one (105)
Customizing reinforcement meshes (105)
Exploding reinforcement (107)
Defining custom reinforcement components (107)
Ungrouping a reinforcement
You can ungroup reinforcing bar groups and reinforcement meshes. Only reinforcements where each
reinforcing bar is in one plane can be ungrouped.
To ungroup a reinforcement:
1. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Ungroup.
2. Select one of the reinforcing bars in a reinforcing bar group or in a reinforcement mesh.
The reinforcing bar group is replaced with single reinforcing bars. The single bars get the same
properties and offsets as the group.
If you ungroup a reinforcement mesh, the offsets for single bars are zero.
Limitations You cannot ungroup circular or curved reinforcing bar groups.
Example
Before ungrouping:
After ungrouping:

See also Grouping reinforcements (101)
Reinforcing bar (83)
Reinforcement mesh (89)
Grouping reinforcements
You can group single reinforcing bars and reinforcing bar groups. Only reinforcements where each
reinforcing bar is in one plane can be grouped. All groups are created with exact spacings. Single
reinforcing bars need to have the same bending shape.
To group single reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups:
1. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Group.
2. Select all the reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups that you want to group.
3. Click the middle mouse button.
4. Select one reinforcing bar or reinforcing bar group to copy the properties from.
The new group gets the same properties as the selected reinforcing bar.
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:

After grouping:
See also Ungrouping a reinforcement (100)

Reinforcing bar (83)
Adding points to a reinforcement

You can modify the shape of a single reinforcing bar, reinforcing bar group, or a bent mesh by
adding points to the reinforcement.
To add points to a reinforcement:
1. Select a single reinforcing bar, a reinforcing bar group, or a bent mesh.
2. Click Detailing > Modify Polygon Shape.

3. Pick the first existing polygon point (1).
4. Pick new points (2, 3).
5. Pick the second existing polygon point (4).
The new points are added to 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 adding points.
See also Removing points from a reinforcement (103)

Modifying the shape of a polygon
Removing points from a reinforcement

You can modify the shape of a single reinforcing bar, reinforcing bar group, or a bent mesh by
removing points from the reinforcement.
To remove points from a reinforcement:
1. Select a single reinforcing bar, a reinforcing bar group, or a bent mesh.
2. Click Detailing > Modify Polygon Shape.
3. Pick the first existing polygon point (1).
4. Pick the second existing polygon point (2).
5. Pick a point to be removed (3 or 4).
The point to be removed needs to be in between the two previously picked (1) and (2) points.
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.
See also Adding points to a reinforcement (102)

Modifying the shape of a polygon
Splitting reinforcing bar groups

You can split normal and tapered reinforcing bar groups into two groups.
1. Click Edit > Split.
2. Select the reinforcing bar group.
3. Pick two points to indicate where to split the group.
You cannot split reinforcing bar groups diagonally.
See also Splitting reinforcing bars in a group (104)

Splitting reinforcing bars in a group

You can split reinforcing bars in normal and tapered reinforcing bar groups using a split line.
1. Click Edit > Split.
2. Select the reinforcing bar group.
3. Pick two points to indicate where to split the bars.
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.
See also Splitting reinforcing bar groups (104)


Combining two reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups into one
You can combine two single reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups into one. Reinforcing bars can
be combined if their end points are connected, or the bars are parallel and close to each other.
However, in certain cases it is possible to combine reinforcements that are not connected nor
parallel. The combined reinforcement gets the same properties as the first selected bar.
To combine two single reinforcing bars or two reinforcing bar groups into one:
1. Click Edit > Combine.
2. Select the first single bar or bar group to be combined.
3. Select the second single bar or bar group to be combined.
Limitations You cannot combine Tapered N reinforcing bar groups.
See also Splitting reinforcing bar groups (104)

Splitting reinforcing bars in a group (104)
Customizing reinforcement meshes

You can customize reinforcement meshes using the Select Mesh dialog box.
1. In the Reinforcement Mesh Properties dialog box, click the Select button next to the Mesh field to
open the Select Mesh dialog box.
2. In the Select Mesh dialog box, select a standard mesh from the mesh catalog and use it as a
basis for the customized mesh.
3. Modify the mesh properties.
4. Enter a name for the mesh in the Selected mesh field. The default name is CUSTOM_MESH.
5. Click OK to close the Select Mesh dialog box and to save the properties.
6. To save customized mesh properties for later use, enter a name in the Save as field in the
Reinforcement Mesh Properties dialog box and click the Save as button.
To later use saved mesh properties in the Reinforcement Mesh

Properties dialog box, select the name of the mesh properties in the
Load list box and click the Load button.
Custom mesh You can define the following properties for the customized reinforcement meshes:
properties
Longitudinal distance

Cross distance
Longitudinal left overhang
Longitudinal right overhang
Cross left overhang
Cross right overhang
Length
Width
Spacing method Defines how the mesh bars are distributed. The options are:
• Same distance for all: Use to create meshes with evenly-
spaced bars.
Tekla Structures distributes as many bars as possible for
the length of Length or Width, using the Distance(s) and
Left overhang values.
The Right overhang is calculated automatically, and it
cannot be zero.
• Multiple varying distances: Use to create meshes with
unevenly-spaced bars.
Tekla Structures calculates the Width and Length based on
the Distance(s), the Left overhang and the Right overhang
values.
If you do not change any of the values, the spacing method
changes back to Same distance for all.
Distance(s) Spacing values of longitudinal or crossing bars.
If you select the Multiple varying distances spacing method,
enter all spacing values, separated by spaces. You can use
multiplication to repeat spacing values. For example:
2*150 200 3*400 200 2*150
Left overhang Extensions of longitudinal bars over the outermost crossing

bars.
Right overhang
Extensions of crossing bars over the outermost longitudinal
bars.

Diameter Diameter or size of longitudinal or crossing bars.
You can define multiple diameters for the bars in both
directions. Enter all the diameter values, separated by spaces.
You can use multiplication to repeat diameter values. For
example, 12 2*6 in longitudinal direction and 6 20 2*12 in
crossing direction.
Width Length of crossing bars.
Length Length of longitudinal bars.
Grade The steel grade of the bars in the mesh.

Meshes (79)
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.
Defining custom reinforcement components

You can create customized reinforcement details and save them in the component catalog for later
use.
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.
Usage 1. Click Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component....

2. On the Type/Notes tab, select Detail in the Type list box, and enter a name for the custom
reinforcement.
3. Click Next.
4. Select the reinforcing bars to use in the custom reinforcement and click Next.
5. Select the main part and click Next.
6. In DETAIL POSITION, select Main part to position the reinforcement by the main part.
7. Click Finish.
Result
You have now defined a simple custom reinforcement component, which you can use in locations
similar to the one 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 About variables.
See also Exploding components

Creating a custom component

Adding a custom component to a model
2.6 Reinforcing bar bending shapes in the Rebar Shape

Manager
You can define your own reinforcing bar bending shapes with the Rebar Shape Manager, and thus
increase the amount of recognized reinforcing bar shapes. User-defined bending shapes are useful
when Tekla Structures does not recognize the bending shape and assigns the UNKNOWN bending type
to the shape.
With the Rebar Shape Manager you can
• customize the existing bending shapes and create new bending shapes
• establish your own rules for defining the bending shapes
• customize your own dimension mappings that are used in templates and reports
• import and export user-defined bending shapes
• use user-defined bending shapes in bending schedules and pull-out pictures
The Rebar Shape Manager is a tool for recognizing reinforcing bar

shapes. You cannot control the reinforcing bar creation properties,
such as cover thickness, reinforcing bar grade, or size, with this tool.
The tool is meant for users who need to customize the bending
shapes based on company or project requirements.
See also Defining reinforcing bar bending shapes in the Rebar Shape Manager (108)
Reinforcing bar bending shapes in the RebarShapeRules.xml file (108)
Reinforcing bar bending shapes in the RebarShapeRules.xml file

When you define your own reinforcing bar bending shapes in the Rebar Shape Manager, an XML file
called RebarShapeRules.xml is created in the current model folder.
In addition, Tekla Structures installation contains by default an XML file called
RebarShapeRules.xml. This file contains the most typical bending shapes of your environment,
and it is located in the ..\Tekla
When you define new shapes, the shapes in the default RebarShapeRules.xml rule file can be
appended to your own shapes. Tekla Structures reads valid RebarShapeRules.xml rule files in
the model, firm, project and system folders, and merges the files. All the found bending shapes are
displayed in the Rebar Shape Manager.
See also Reinforcing bar bending shapes in the Rebar Shape Manager (108)
Defining reinforcing bar bending shapes in the Rebar Shape Manager (108)
Defining reinforcing bar bending shapes in the Rebar Shape Manager

To define your own reinforcing bar bending shapes in the Rebar Shape Manager:
1. Select reinforcing bars in the model.
2. Click Tools > Rebar Shape Manager....
Rebar Shape Manager opens, and lists the selected reinforcing bars in the Model rebars list.
Reinforcement 108 Reinforcing bar bending shapes in the Rebar Shape Manager
Alternatively, you can first open the 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 Model rebars list shows the ID number and the shape code of the selected reinforcing
bars.
• The Shape catalog list shows the shapes that exist in the default RebarShapeRules.xml
rule file. Rebar Shape Manager does not automatically read any rule file but you need to
open the file if you want to view or edit it.
3. Select one unknown shape from the Model rebars list.
4. To define the needed information for a bending shape, do the following:
To define Do this
Shape code Enter a shape code for an unknown shape.
Bending shape rules Add or delete a bending shape rule by clicking the Add and Delete
buttons on the right.
Use the Reset button to restore the original values.
Check hooks Select the check box if you want to define different shape codes or
bending schedule fields for two bars that otherwise have exactly
the same geometry, but one bar has hooks and the other one does
not.
If you select the check box, hooks are considered as hooks. If you
clear the check box, hooks are considered as normal legs.
Note that the Check hooks option works independently from the
advanced option
XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION, and it allows
bars that have different hooks to have different shape code or
schedule fields regardless of the value of the advanced option.
Update Update the existing shape code definition of the selected
reinforcing bar.
You can update the definition if you have modified the shape code,
bending shape rules or the contents of bending schedule fields.
Bending schedule fields Define the content for a bending schedule. Right-click a field to
select a bending shape property or to enter a formula.
The names of the Bending schedule fields (A, B, and so on) are used
in templates and reports. To make sure that old reports also work
correctly, we recommend that you use the same DIM_XX fields as
in the rebar_schedule_config.inp file.
5. 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
select the Check hooks check box.
6. Click Save to save the RebarShapeRules.xml file.
By default, the file is located in the current model folder.
When you create, for example, a bending schedule, Tekla Structures uses the updated bending
shape information, recognizes the added bending shape and assigns a correct shape code to it.
The Rebar Shape Manager is able to recognize bending shapes

regardless of the modeling direction of the bars. This means that
the modeling direction has no effect on the shape definition and
the shape code.
When defining the bending shapes, the start or the end of modeling
direction is always sorted based first on bending angles, then on
twist angles, and finally on leg lengths. However, bending radius is
not taken into account in the sorting. This means that radius 1 may
not always be less than radius 2 or vice versa.
Adding new bending shape rules manually (110)
XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION
Adding new bending shape rules manually

If needed, you can manually add new bending shape rules for reinforcing bars in the Rebar Shape
Manager. In some cases, the bending shape rules that the Rebar Shape Manager defines
automatically are not sufficient to distinguish certain bending shapes.
To manually define a rule for a reinforcing bar bending shape:
1. Click the Add button next to the Bending shape rules list.
The New bending rule dialog box opens.
2. Select the options from the lists to define the new rule.
The content of the lists depends on the shape and the bendings of the reinforcing bar.
3. Click OK to add the new rule to the Bending shape rules list.
The OK button is enabled only when the rule is valid.
See also Bending shape rule settings (110)

Reinforcing bar bending shapes in the Rebar Shape Manager (108)
Bending shape rule settings

Use the New bending rule dialog box in Rebar Shape Manager to manually define rules for reinforcing
bar bending shapes.
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.
The values in the parentheses are the values that were used to
create the bar shape.
Option Description
Angle (A) Bending angle between the legs.
Bending angle is always between 0 and +180 degrees. The angle
cannot be negative.
Twist angle (T) The rotation angle of a plane that has been created by two bars
of consecutive lengths. The plane is rotated around the axis of
the last bar creating the plane.
For bars where all the legs lie in the same plane, the twist angle
is either 0 degrees or +180 degrees.
If the bar twists out of the plane, i.e. the bar is in 3D, the twist
angle is between -180 and +180 degrees.
Leg1
Leg 2
Leg 3
Twist angle direction
Plane created by legs 1 and 2
Option Description
Twist angle example The twist angle between two planes is +90 degrees. The planes
are created by legs 1 and 2, and legs 2 and 3.
Twist angle: +90 degrees

Radius (R), (RX) Radius of the bending.
Radius * means that the same radius is used in all bendings.
Rule Radius * = Radius 1 means that all the radius values
are equal to the first radius.
Straight length (S) Straight length between the start and the end of adjacent
bendings.
The rule is generated only when there is no straight part, for
example, Straight length 2 = 0.
Leg length (L) Length of the leg.
Leg (V) Leg direction as a vector value.
Leg distance from leg (D) Similar to Point/arc distance off from leg (H). The difference is
that Point/arc distance off from leg (H) considers the bending
radius, whereas Leg distance from leg (D) is measured from the
sharp corner.
When the legs are parallel, both Leg distance from leg (D) and
Point/arc distance off from leg (H) give the same result.
Option Description
Point/arc distance along leg Distance parallel to a leg from outer edge to outer edge, or
(K) tangential to the bending
The distances are positive or negative depending on the leg
direction.
Example:
Point/arc distance off from Distance perpendicular to a leg from outer edge to outer edge, or
leg (H) tangential to the bending
The distances are positive or negative depending on the leg
direction.
Example:
Option Description
SHA Start and end hook properties.
SHR Use method A or B for the hook length calculation:
SHS
SHLA
SHLB
EHA
EHR
EHS
EHLA
EHLB
Standard radius (RS) Standard minimum bending radius.

The bending radius depends on the size and the grade of the bar.
Bar diameter (DIA), (DIAX) Diameter of the reinforcing bar.
Center line length (CLL) Leg length according to the center line.
Sum of leg lengths (SLL) Sum of all leg lengths.
Weight per length (WPL) Weight per leg length.
Constant angle Constant value of the angle.
Enter the value in the right most box.
Constant radius Constant value of the radius.
Enter the value in the right most box.
Adding new bending shape rules manually (110)
Bending schedule fields in the Rebar Shape Manager

Use the Bending schedule fields in the Rebar Shape Manager to define content for templates and
reports. Each of the Bending schedule fields can contain a shape property or a formula.
When you right-click in a Bending schedule fields cell, you can:
• Select a shape property from the list. The content of the list depends on the reinforcing bar
geometry.
• Select the (empty) option to clear the content of the current cell.
• Select the (formula) option to enter a formula. The variables in the formula can either be the
shape properties visible in the pop-up menu, or direct references to other non-empty bending
schedule field cells.
You can use the same functions in the formulas as in custom components:
• Mathematical functions.
• Statistical functions.
• String operations.
• Trigonometric functions.
When you map angles and trigonometric functions in the Schedule field formula dialog box,
enter the functions (sin, cos, tan) in small letters, for example sin(A1). Capital letters are
not recognized, and a blank space will appear in reports.
If you have angles in a formula, the formula needs to be in radians. For example, if you want to
subtract 180 degrees from angle A1, enter A1-PI in capital letters. If you enter A1-180 or A1-pi,
the formula does not work.
Bending schedule fields cell shows the result of a valid formula. If the formula is not valid, a question
mark and text describing the error is shown.
Use the fields S, T, U or V to report angles. If you do not use these

fields, you need to override the default unit settings in the Template
Editor.
Example Formula is L1+L3+L5-2*DIA

• L1, L3 and L5 are the leg lengths measured from outer edge to outer edge
• H1 is the total width
• to achieve H1: L1+L3+L5 minus 2*bar diameter
See also Functions in variable formulas
2.7 Reinforcing bar bending types

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 (137).
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
Reinforcement 116 Reinforcing bar bending types

Type Image
2_1
Requires standard bending radius.

2_2
Non-standard bending radius.

3_1
3_2
4_2
4_3

Type Image
4_4
5_1
5_2
5_3
6_1
6_2

Type Image
8
Requires 180 degree hook.

10
11
D1 = Radius from center of circle to the center line of reinforcing bar.

12
13
Can also be modeled using hooks at both ends (i.e. model D1 and D5 using 90
degree hooks).

Type Image
14
Requires 90 degree hooks at both ends.

14_2
14_3
14_4

Type Image
14_5
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
Requires hooks at both ends.

16_1
16_2
17

Type Image
18
19
20_1
20_2
21
22
23

Type Image
24
25
26

27

28

29

29_2

Type Image
29_3
29_4
29_5
30

31

32

Type Image
32_2
33

34
35

36

36_2
Can also be modeled using hooks at both ends.

Type Image
36_3
Can also be modeled using hooks at both ends.

37

38
Requires 180 degree hook at one end and 90 degree hook at the other end.
38_2
39
40

Type Image
41

42

43
43_2
44

44_2

Type Image
45

45_2
Requires 180 hooks at both ends.

46

47

48

Type Image
48_2

48_3
49
D1 = Reinforcing bar center line diameter.

49_2
50

Type Image
51

52

53

54

55
56

Type Image
57
58
59
60
61

61_2
Recognized if XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION is set to

FALSE.

Type Image
61_3

62
Requires hook.
63
Requires hook.
64

Type Image
64_2

FALSE.
65

65_2

FALSE.
66

Type Image
67
67_2
68
69_1
69_2
70_1

Type Image
70_2
71
72
73_1
73_2
73_3

Type Image
74
75_1
75_2
76
77

Type Image
78
79_1
79_2
80
UNKNOWN For example:
Reinforcement in templates
Audience This topic is aimed at Tekla Structures users who need to localize reinforcing bar bending types or to
create templates for reinforcing bar bending schedules.

Reinforcement You can show dimensions, bending angles, and bending types of reinforcing bars in drawings and
templates 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.
Mapping Use the rebar_schedule_config.inp file in the ..\Tekla

dimensions Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder to map:
• Tekla Structures internal reinforcing bar dimensions and angles with specific template
attributes
• Tekla Structures internal reinforcing bar bending types with specific bending types
These mappings are environment-specific by default. You can modify them to suit your company or
project needs.
You can use equations, functions, and if statements to calculate the dimensions and angles you
need to show.
Use any standard text editor (for example, Notepad) to edit the rebar_schedule_config.inp
file.
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:
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:

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:
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[1]="???"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[2]="DIM_A=D1"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[3]="DIM_B=D2"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[4]="DIM_C=D3"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[5]="DIM_D=D4"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[6]="DIM_E=D5"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[7]="DIM_F=D6"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[8]="ANG_S=A1"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[9]="ANG_T=A2"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[10]="ANG_U=A3"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[11]="ANG_V=A4"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[12]="DIM_TD=TD"
See also DIM_A ... DIM_G, DIM_H1, DIM_H2, DIM_I, DIM_J, DIM_K1, DIM_K2, DIM_L, DIM_O, DIM_R,
DIM_R_ALL, DIM_TD, DIM_WEIGHT, DIM_X, DIM_Y
ANG_S, ANG_T, ANG_U, ANG_V
SHAPE
SHAPE_INTERNAL
Reinforcing bar bending types (116)

Index
a using............................................................................. 48
automatic properties ....................................................... 12
adaptivity automating detailing....................................................... 25
reinforcement ............................................................97
add
anchor rod...................................................................22
base plate....................................................................22
b
beam to column connection..................................23 base plate
adding points add ................................................................................ 22
bent mesh .................................................................102 beam profiles
reinforcement ..........................................................102 selecting ...................................................................... 28
reinforcing bar .........................................................102 beams
reinforcing bar group.............................................102 connect to column ................................................... 23
anchor rods bending radius................................................................... 74
add ................................................................................22 bending shapes
anchoring hooks................................................................75 defining .....................................................................108
assemblies rebar shape manager...................................108, 110
defining........................................................................30 reinforcement ..........................................................108
attaching rules............................................................................110
reinforcement to parts ............................................95 bending types
AutoConnection ........................................................ 39, 44 reinforcement ..........................................................108
changing a connection............................................43 bent mesh
restrictions..................................................................40 adding points ...........................................................102
rule groups..................................................................41 removing points ......................................................103
rule sets .......................................................................42 bolt assemblies
rules ..............................................................................48 defining in connections .......................................... 38
rules.zxt .......................................................................43 bolts
setup.............................................................................40 bolt group orientation............................................. 33
using .............................................................................43 bolt group pattern.................................................... 33
AutoDefaults .............................................................. 39, 44 bolt position ............................................................... 34
accessing connection properties files.................46 bolt spacing................................................................ 33
checking properties ..................................................48 defining ............................................................... 30, 32
checking rules............................................................48 deleting........................................................................ 37
combining ........................................................... 50, 52 edge distance............................................................. 34
connection properties files ....................................46 increasing bolt length ............................................. 32
defaults.zxt ......................................................... 45, 47 number of ................................................................... 33
editing connection properties ...............................47 overview of properties on the bolts tab............. 30
iterating............................................................... 50, 52
limitations...................................................................51
priority of rule sets...................................................47 c
reaction forces...........................................................54 cast-in-place........................... 100, 101, 102, 103, 105
rules ..............................................................................48 cast-in-situ.............................. 100, 101, 102, 103, 105
saving connection properties files .......................46 CIP.............................................. 100, 101, 102, 103, 105
setup.............................................................................45 columns
140
connect to beam .......................................................23 example ....................................................................... 67
combining using for components.............................................. 66
reinforcing bar groups...........................................105 Excel.vb................................................................................ 67
reinforcing bars .......................................................105 exploding
component catalog ..........................................................14 reinforcements ........................................................107
component design exploding reinforcements.............................................107
checking ......................................................................13
components
concepts ........................................................................ 8
conceptual ..................................................................24
f
formulas
copying ........................................................................19 rebar shape manager.............................................114
creating view..............................................................23 framing conditions ........................................................... 40
detailed........................................................................24
dialog box ..................................................................... 9
publish in catalog .....................................................19
symbols ........................................................................16 g
thumbnails..................................................................18 general tab ......................................................................... 12
types ............................................................................... 8 geometry
using Excel..................................................................66 reinforcement ............................................................ 99
viewing ........................................................................23 grouping
conceptual components.......................................... 24, 25 mesh ...........................................................................101
concrete cover ...................................................................76 reinforcement ..........................................................101
connect reinforcing bar group ............................................101
beam to column ........................................................23
connection library, see component catalog ..............14
connections h
beam to column ........................................................23 handles
defining bolt assemblies .........................................38 of reinforcement ....................................................... 96
copying holes
components................................................................19 creating ....................................................................... 32
custom reinforcement meshes....................................105
customizing
connections ................................................................39
modeling tools ...........................................................39
i
indicating component status with Excel design...... 70
reinforcement ............................................... 105, 107
iterating
AutoDefaults .............................................................. 52
d
default properties .............................................................12
default values
j
joints.def
setting with the joints.def file ..............................54
about ............................................................................ 55
defaults.zxt .........................................................................47
bolt and part properties.......................................... 59
Design type tab .................................................................13
bolt properties in clip angle connections .......... 58
detailed components ............................................... 24, 25
bolt properties in diagonal connections ............ 59
detailing
bolt properties in end plate connections........... 58
automating .................................................................25
bolt properties in gusset connections ................ 58
bolt properties in shear plate connections........ 58
connections that use joints.def ............................ 56
e defining bolt diameter and number of
edge distance rows ...................................................................... 58
bolts..............................................................................34 defining global defaults.......................................... 56
editing entering values.......................................................... 56
connection properties..............................................47 example of how Tekla Structures uses ............... 65
Excel .....................................................................................67 how it works .............................................................. 55
141
interpreting.................................................................55 rules............................................................................110
reinforcement
adaptivity .................................................................... 97
m adding points ...........................................................102
basic properties......................................................... 74
materials
defining........................................................................29 bending radius........................................................... 74
mesh .....................................................................................89 bending shapes........................................................108
bent...............................................................................89 bending types .................................................. 74, 108
grouping ....................................................................101 customizing..............................................................107
polygonal.....................................................................89 defining as custom components ........................107
ungrouping ...............................................................100 exploding...................................................................107
modeling tools geometry ..................................................................... 99
when to customize ...................................................39 grouping ....................................................................101
modifying hooks ............................................................................ 75
reinforcement ............................................................95 in templates .............................................................137
moving invalid geometry ....................................................... 99
reinforcement splice ................................................94 modifying.................................................................... 95
omitting bars ............................................................. 78
prestressed strands................................................... 92
rebar shape manager.............................................108
o rebarshaperules.xml ...............................................108
omitting reinforcing bars ...............................................78 reinforcing bar shape catalog ............................... 81
removing points ......................................................103
spacing......................................................................... 78
p splice ............................................................................ 94
part position number .......................................................28 strands ......................................................................... 92
parts ungrouping ...............................................................100
defining........................................................................27 user-defined attributes........................................... 79
dialog box tabs ..........................................................27 reinforcement mesh......................................................... 89
dimensioning..............................................................27 customizing..............................................................105
part position number ...............................................28 reinforcement splice
setting default prefix and start number.............29 moving ......................................................................... 94
plates reinforcing bar group....................................................... 84
defining........................................................................27 adding points ...........................................................102
dimensioning..............................................................28 circular......................................................................... 88
prestressed strands combining .................................................................105
debonding ...................................................................92 curved .......................................................................... 87
properties grouping ....................................................................101
automatic....................................................................12 removing points ......................................................103
default..........................................................................12 splitting .....................................................................104
system default ...........................................................12 ungrouping ...............................................................100
publish in catalog .............................................................19 reinforcing bar groups
reinforcing bar shape catalog ............................... 81
reinforcing bar shape catalog ....................................... 81
r reinforcing bars ................................................................. 83
adding points ...........................................................102
reaction forces...................................................................54
bending types ..........................................................116
rebar .....................................................................................83
combining .................................................................105
bending types...........................................................116
reinforcing bar shape catalog ............................... 81
rebar group .........................................................................84
removing points ......................................................103
rebar mesh ..........................................................................89
removing points
rebar shape manager
bent mesh .................................................................103
bending shapes........................................................108
reinforcement ..........................................................103
formulas ....................................................................114
reinforcing bar.........................................................103
rebarshaperules.xml ...............................................108
reinforcing bar group ............................................103
142
reports
on reinforcement ....................................................137
t
rule groups..........................................................................40 tapered reinforcing bar groups..................................... 84
creating........................................................................41 thumbnail images............................................................. 18
rule sets ...............................................................................40
creating........................................................................42
editing..........................................................................42 u
priority .........................................................................47 UDL ....................................................................................... 54
rules ......................................................................................48 ungrouping
bending shapes........................................................110 mesh ...........................................................................100
rebar shape manager .............................................110 reinforcement ..........................................................100
rules.zxt ...............................................................................43 reinforcing bar group ............................................100
up direction ........................................................................ 11
user-defined reinforcement attributes....................... 79
s
setting up Excel files........................................................67
shape catalog.....................................................................81 v
shear force calculation....................................................54 viewing
slotted holes components................................................................ 23
defining........................................................................36
spacing reinforcing bars .................................................78
spiral reinforcing bar groups .........................................84
splice.....................................................................................94
w
welds
splitting
defining ............................................................... 30, 38
reinforcing bar group.............................................104
reinforcing bars in a group ..................................104
strand pattern
reinforcement ............................................................92 z
system default properties...............................................12 zxt files ........................................................................ 43, 47
143

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Tekla Structures

Product version 18.1

© 2012 Tekla Corporation

Noteboxes The following types of noteboxes are used in this guide:

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

A note draws attention to details that you might easily overlook. It

This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical information

Conventions used in this guide ..............................................................................................................3

1 Getting Started .............................................................................................. 7

Contents This chapter is divided into the following topics:

1.1 Basics of components

Benefits The main benefits of working with components are:

Topics Component concepts (8)

Getting Started 7 Basics of components

Select the main part.

Select the secondary part.

To see information about the connection, click the connection symbol.

Component types Components have the following subtypes:

Getting Started 8 Basics of components

See also What is a custom component

Component dialog box

Getting Started 9 Basics of components

Tekla Structures uses the automatic property value.

The parts the component creates appear in yellow.

The green symbol indicates the correct direction for the

The parts you select appear in blue.

Tekla Structures uses the default property value.

See also Defining parts and plates (27)

Getting Started 10 Basics of components

Details The default selection order for a detail is:

Getting Started 11 Basics of components

Automatic and default properties

See also Using the joints.def file (54)

Getting Started 12 Basics of components

Position in relation to Available only for details. Select a checkbox next to

Design and Design type tabs

Getting Started 13 Basics of components

1.2 Component catalog

Topics Using the component catalog (14)

Using the component catalog

icon on the component toolbar.

Getting Started 14 Component catalog

System components have blue symbols.

Custom components have yellow symbols.

Getting Started 15 Component catalog

You can create a list of favorite components. To add a component

Symbol Component type

System modeling tool

Custom connections and seams

Sketched cross sections

Getting Started 16 Component catalog

See also Thumbnail images (18)

Getting Started 17 Component catalog

To edit a thumbnail image for a component:

2. Press Ctrl + F to open the component catalog.

Descriptions and keywords

Use the button to show or hide descriptions.

Getting Started 18 Component catalog

Copying components to another folder

Customizing and saving components

Getting Started 19 Component catalog

1.3 Using components

Topics Creating components (20)