Basic Training Manaul PDF

Tekla Structures
Basic Training
Modeling & Drawing

Copyright © 2006 by Tekla Corporation
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or
by any means without the written permission of Tekla Corporation.
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applied by adequately qualified operators (or developers as the case may be), or where appropriate,
qualified civil/structural engineers, result in the software performing substantially as described in the
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Lessons Included
Lesson 1 Introduction
Lesson 2 Basic Modeling
Lesson 3 Creating Interactive Connections
Lesson 4 Numbering and Reports
Lesson 5 Example Model
Lesson 6 Principles of Drawings
Lesson 7 GA Drawings
Lesson 8 Assembly and Single Part Drawings
Lesson 9 Layouts and Revision
Tekla Structures Modeling&Drawing
Contents
Lesson 1 – Introduction
1.1 General Information 1/5

1.2 3D Model 1/5
1.3 Up-to-date Drawings 1/5
1.4 Sharing Models 1/5
1.5 Main Features 1/5
1.6 Easy to use 2/5
1.7 Global but Localized 2/5
1.8 Languages 2/5
1.9 Environments 3/5
1.10 Single and Multi-user 3/5
1.11 Tekla Structures Editors 4/5
1.12 Screen Layout 5/5
Lesson 2 – Basic Modelling
2.1 Starting Tekla Structures 2/37

2.2 Start New Model 3/37
2.3 Modifying Grids 4/37
2.4 Create Plan Views 6/37
2.5 Create Elevation Views 7/37
2.6 General Info 9/37
2.7 Snapping Tools 10/37
2.8 Numeric Input 12/37
2.9 Create Colums 14/37
2.10 Create Beams 16/37
2.11 Point Creation 18/37
2.12 Copying 20/37
2.13 Object in View Setup 22/37
2.14 Check Clashing 24/37
2.15 System Connections 25/37
2.16 Adding Connections 27/37
Lesson 3 – Creating Connections Interactively
3.1 Start a New Model and Modify the Default Grid 2/17
3.2 Create Grid views 2/17
3.3 Creating Base Plate Detail Interactively 2/17
Steel Detailing I
3.4 Creating an End Plate Connection From Scratch 4/17

3.5 Creating End Plate Custom Component 10/17
3.6 Input Members 14/17
3.7 Creating Fitting 14/17
3.8 Line Cut 15/17
3.9 Polygon Cut 15/17
3.10 Part Cut 17/17
Lesson 4 – Numbering
4.1 Numbering Basics 1/16

4.2 Number the Model 6/16
4.3 Check Numbering and Create Reports 7/16
4.4 Example: Change Numbering Settings 10/16
4.5 Start Numbering from Scratch 14/16
4.6 Create the Reports 16/16
Lesson 5 – Example Model
5.1 Phase Manager 2/16

5.2 Adding New Phases 2/16
5.3 Editing Phase Information 2/16
5.4 Tie members to Phaese 3/16
5.5 Phases by Objects 4/16
5.6 Objects by Phase 5/16
5.7 Construction Necessary Points 6/16
5.8 Adding Connections for portal frame 8/16
5.9 Add wall bracing along grid A 9/16
5.10 Setting Work Plane to Slope 10/16
5.11 Clash check 15/16
Lesson 6 – Principles Of Drawings
6.1 Integration between Drawings and the Model 1/6

6.2 Drawing Types 2/6
6.3 Drawing Outlook 3/6
6.4 Drawing List 4/6
6.5 Drawing Levels 6/6
Lesson 7 – GA Drawing
7.1 Creating GA Drawings 1/19

7.2 Editing GA Drawings 15/19
Steel Detailing II
Lesson 8 – Assembly And Single Part Drawings
8.1 Integration between Drawings and the Model 1/62

8.2 Create Drawings Manually 2/62
8.3 Edit Drawings Manually 3/62
8.4 Edit Drawing Properties 5/62
8.5 Create Drawings Using Wizard 41/62
8.6 Create New drawing Wizard 48/62
8.7 Updating Assembly and Single-part Drawings 54/62
8.8 Drawing Status Drawing 59/62
8.9 Cloning Drawings 60/62
Lesson 9 – Layouts and Revision
9.1 Drawing Layouts 1/13

9.2 Drawing Revisions 6/13
9.3 Plotting Drawings 11/13
9.4 Locking Drawings 13/13
Steel Detailing III

Tekla Structures Introduction
Introduction
1.1 General information
Tekla Structures is a tool for structural engineers, detailers, and fabricators. It is an

integrated model-based 3D solution for managing multi-material databases (steel,
concrete, timber, etc.). Tekla Structures features interactive modeling, structural analysis
and design, and automatic drawing creation.
1.2 3D model
Using Tekla Structures, you can create a real-life model of any structure, including
information necessary for manufacture and construction. The 3D product model includes
the structure's geometry and dimensions, and all the information about profiles and cross
sections, connection types, materials, structural analysis, etc.
1.3 Up-to-date drawings
You can automatically produce drawings and reports from the 3D model, at any time.
Drawings and reports react to modifications in the model, and are always up to date.
Tekla Structures includes a wide range of standard drawing and report templates. You
can also create your own templates using the Template Editor.
1.4 Sharing models
Tekla Structures supports multiple users working on the same project. You and your
partners can work together on the same model, at the same time, even in different
locations. This increases accuracy and quality, because you always use the most up-to-
date information.
1.5 Main features
Tekla Structures includes:
• Useful modeling tools, such as 3D grids, adjustable work area, and clash
checking.
• Catalogs of available material grades, profiles, and bolts.
• Macros to create complex structures, such as staircases and trusses.
Steel Detailing 1/5

• Intelligent connections, such as end plates and clip angles, to automatically

connect main members.
• A custom component editor that you can use to create your own parametric
connections, details, and parts.
• Links to transfer data between Tekla Structures and other software, such as
AutoCAD, STAAD, and MicroStation.
• Drawing wizards to create several drawings with one click.
• Data output for CNC machines.
1.6 Easy to use
If you need assistance when working with Tekla Structures, use the F1 key to quickly
access the context-sensitive online help. The online help is a comprehensive source of
information, with full-text search and easy navigation.
Tekla Structures also supports undo and redo, so you can test solutions, and revert to the
original, if needed.
1.7 Global but localized
Tekla Structures is used worldwide. It is available in a wide range of languages, and

adapted to local requirements.
1.8 3D model Languages
When you install Tekla Structures, you can choose the language(s) and the
environment(s) you want to use.
Tekla Structures software and manuals are available in the following languages:
• Chinese - simplified (chs) • German (deu)

• Dutch (nld) • Japanese (jpn)
• English (enu) • Portuguese - Brazilian (ptb)
• French (fra) • Spanish (esp)
Some language-dependent file and folder names include the abbreviations listed above.
Steel Detailing 2/5

1.9 3D model Environment
The environment means region-specific settings and information. It defines which

profiles, material names, default values, connections, wizards, variables, reports, and
templates you use. The environments available in Tekla Structures are:
• Australasia • Netherlands
• Brazil • Portugal
• China • South Africa
• Europe • Spain
• France • Switzerland (French)
• Germany • Switzerland (German)
• India • United Kingdom
• Japan • United States (Imperial)
• Korea • United States (Metric)
1.10 Single and Multi-user
Tekla Structures can be used in either single-user or multi-user mode. During the
installation you are asked whether you want to install the multi-user facility.
Single-user mode
When one user needs to work on a model and the model is not large, Tekla Structures
should be run in single-user mode. In single-user mode, only one user can work with each
model at any time.
Multi-user mode
If several users will work with a model simultaneously, you can choose to run Tekla
Structures in multi-user mode. We recommend that you only run Tekla Structures in
multi-user mode if the users will make use of the additional features of multi-user mode.
To run Tekla Structures in multi-user mode, one machine in the network has to be set up
as a server running the Tekla Structures server program.
Steel Detailing 3/5

1.11 3D model Tekla Structures editors
Tekla Structures includes the following editors: Modeling, Drawing, Symbol, Template,
Custom Component and Sketching editor.
Ø Model Editor
The Model Editor is the main and starting mode of Tekla Structures. You create
and analyze models, and initiate drawing and report creation using the Model
Editor.
Ø Drawing Editor
In the Drawing Editor, you work with drawings. Tekla Structures opens the
Drawing Editor when you open any drawing.
Ø Symbol Editor
In the Symbol Editor (SymEd), you can create and modify symbols for use in
drawings, reports, and templates. To open the Symbol Editor, click
Tools > Symbols... in the Model or Drawing Editor.
Ø Template Editor
Use the Template Editor (TplEd) to create and modify templates used in drawings
and reports. To open the Template Editor, click Tools > Templates... in the Model
or Drawing Editor.
Ø Custom Component Editor
In the Custom Component Editor, you can create your own connections, details,
and parts, and define their properties. You can build in dependencies between
objects to make custom components parametric and have them adapt to changes
in the model.
Ø Sketch Editor
Tekla Structures includes a cross section sketch editor, which you can use to
create your own profile cross sections. Sketched cross sections are parametric, so
you can change their dimensions each time you use them in a model.
Steel Detailing 4/5

1.12 Screen layout
When you start Tekla Structures, a new window appears on the screen. The following
illustration identifies the various areas of the Tekla Structures Model Editor window:
Initially, most of the menu options and all the icons are gray indicating that they are
inactive. When you open or create a model, the icons and available menu options will
become active.
Steel Detailing 5/5

Tekla Structures Basic Modeling
Steel Detailing 1/37

2.1 Starting Tekla Structures

Starting Tekla Structures
To start Tekla Structures, click the Windows Start button. Navigate through Programs
> Tekla Structures 12.0 > Tekla Structures enu Europe. This will start Tekla
Structures in European environment using English language.
Valid password not found

If your dongle is not connected properly or the password file is missing or out of date,
you will get the following error message.
If you receive this

message, be sure that
your dongle is securely
plugged into your
computer. If you continue
to get the warning
message, you will need to check the password file. To
check the password:
• Open Windows Explorer and go to:

C:\TeklaStructures\12.0\nt\bin
• In the bin file you will find a xswrk.dat file
• Right-click the xswrk.dat file and select Edit
• In the password file check the expiration date to see if it is current

• If the password is correct and you still cannot start Tekla Structures contact your local
technical support.
2.2 Start New Model

To start a new model, you first need to create an empty model with a unique name. In this
lesson use the name Model1.
Start a new model

Select File > New… from the pull-down menu or click the New model icon in the
Standard toolbar to open the New model dialog box.
Click at Model name and replace the New Model name by Train1.
Click the OK button to create the new model.

The menus and icons become activated and the model name appears in the title bar of the
Tekla Structures window (Top left corner, shown below):
Every model must have a unique name. Tekla Structures does not allow
duplicate model names. Do not use special marks ( / \ ; : | ) in model names.
You can only have one model open at a time. If you already have a model
open, Tekla Structures prompts you to save that model.
Remember to save your model every now and then and always when
opening another model or exiting Tekla Structures.

3d view is created automatically with default grid.
Dotted green box around the

grid is the work area. Local
coordinates are shown above.
2.3 Modifying
Grids
Double Click the gird.
Grid coordinates
Complete the Grid dialogue
box as shown below by
completing the X, Y & Z
coordinates for the grid lines
and then the text for the grid
lines.
The x and y coordinates of a

grid are relative. This means
that the entries for x and y are
always relative to the previous
entry. The z coordinates are
absolute meaning that entries for z are absolute distances from the work plane origin.

There are two ways to enter the x or y coordinates of grid lines:
• Individually, e.g. "0 6000 6000 6000", or

• Several grid lines with equal spacing, e.g. "0 3*6000".
Both create three lines with the spacing of 6000.
Labels
Labels are the names of the grid lines shown in views. The names in the X field are
associated with the grid lines parallel to the y axis and vice versa. The Z field is for the
names of levels parallel to the work plane. If you wish, you can leave the label fields
empty.
A zero is used at the start to represent a grid on the 0,0 coordinate and spaces
are used as grid separators. You can have a maximum of 1024 grid
characters in the co-ordinates field.
Press the Modify button once and the grid will be modified.
Press OK to close the Grid dialogue box.
You will notice

that the grid has
been modified
according to your
input values.
To fit the work

area according to
the modified grid:
Single click the
view.
Right-click and
select Fit work
area from the
pop-up menu.
The view should

now look like
this.

2.4 Create Plans views

Create the Plan views by double clicking on the Create Basic View icon. Complete the
View Properties dialogue box as shown and press the Apply button. In the Create Basic
View dialogue box ensure the coordinate is 0.0 and press Create to create the view.
A view as shown below

will be created:

The Up and Down view depth has been changed to 500. This will limit the
view depth by only showing objects that are within 500mm above and below
the Nominated view plane coordinate.
Now create the plan view at PLAN +3.2m, by typing in the Name of the view in the
View Properties dialogue box, Applying this, typing the View Plane coordinate of 3200
in the Create Basic View dialogue box and press Create.
Repeat this for the Plan view at PLAN +6.5m
2.5 Create Elevation Views
Now create the

Elevation views on
each grid line by first
double clicking on the
Create View by two
points icon.
Complete the View
Properties dialogue
box as shown and
Apply this. There is
no need to press OK,
Apply is sufficient.
Now pick two points
along Grid 1 as
shown below:
A pair of arrows will appear. These

represent the direction in which the
view will be taken. Modify the View
Properties dialogue box for Grid 2,
Apply this and pick two points on
Grid 2. Repeat this for the remaining
grids.

View List
To display or hide views:
Click the Open named
view list icon to display
or hide different Views
(which is shown below).
Select the view(s) you
want to display or hide.
Use the arrows to move
view(s) from left to right
(visible) or vice versa
(invisible). You can also
delete views using the
button available. Select
the view and click delete.
Do not keep too many views open at the same time. Nine is the
maximum number of open views. You can open or close named views
by clicking the Open named view list icon. Delete unnecessary views
from the view list.
To switch between views, press Ctrl+Tab.

2.6 General Info

Rotate the You can rotate the model in a 3D view with rendered view type.
model Press the key V.
In the view, pick a center of rotation.

Hold down the Ctrl key, and click and drag with the middle mouse button. Same can be
achieved using Ctrl+R.
Change With the shortcut Ctrl+P you can change the view angle between 3D
between 3D / and Plane, which is very useful as demonstrated below.
Plane
Handles
Tekla Structures indicates the direction of a part with handles.

When you select a part, the handle at the first end is yellow, and
the handle at the second end is magenta.
You can use handles to move the part end:
1. Select the part to display the handles.
2. Click the handle you want to move. Tekla Structures

highlights the handle.
3. Move the handle(s) like any other object. See Move in

help. If you have Drag and drop on, just drag the handle
to a new position. See Drag and drop in help.
Move, copy, Drag and Drop will be discussed in more

detail in the next chapter.

Creating points for placement of beams

We will be creating points to be used for
placing the beams that occur off of the grid
lines. To do this we have several point creation
tools available, but before that you should know
that there are two colors for points. They will be
either yellow or red depending on their location
in a view. Points which are on the gird view will
be yellow and those above or below the gird
will be red (shown in the image).Any point
viewed in a window that appears red was
created on a different plane.
Colors
You can specify the color of some model
objects by defining their class with a number.
2.7 Snapping Tools

Snap switches
Snap switches specify exact locations on
objects, for example, end points, midpoints, and
intersections. Snap switches help you to pick
points to position objects precisely without
having to know the coordinates or create
additional lines or points. You can use snap
switches any time Tekla Structures prompts you
to specify a point, for example, if you are
creating a beam.
Main snap switches
The two main snap switches illustrated in the following table define whether you can pick
reference points or any other points on objects, e.g. part corners. These switches have the
highest priority. If both these switches are off, you cannot pick any positions, even if all
the other switches are on.

Other snap switches
The following table lists the remaining snap switches. You can have Tekla Structures
display the snap symbols in the model when you move the mouse pointer over objects.
The snap symbol is green for objects inside components, and yellow for model objects.
Snapping to Objects
The normal Tekla Structures select objects/objects in connections filter applies to

snapping. This is controlled with the usual toolbar icons –

Snap Override
The current set of snaps can be temporarily overridden for
the next location input only. One snap can be selected from
the override toolbar or from the right mouse click drop down
menu. The right-click menu is probably the better option to
use rather than shifting the cursor up to the toolbar for every
override. The override is cleared after one pick.
Stepping through snaps

When a tentative snap is offered it is possible to step through all possible snaps on the
entities within the snap box. Rather than moving the cursor around the snaps can be
stepped by using the <tab> key. Each press of <tab> moves the snap on to the next
nearest possible snap. <shift> <tab> reverses the order of stepping.
2.8 Numeric Input

When a location is prompted for, directly typed numeric input activates a numeric input
dialog. Absolute and relative, Cartesian and polar coordinates can be input and also
vector distances (see tracking below). Absolute coordinates can be typed directly. To start
an input as a negative the numeric pad ‘-‘ must be typed.

Absolute Cartesian x,y,z 1000,500,200

Relative Cartesian rx,y,z @1000,500,200
Omitting the z implies a value of 0

Absolute Cartesian x,y 1000,500
Relative Cartesian rx,y @1000,500
Absolute Polar d<a<a 1000<90<45

Relative Polar rd<a<a @1000<90<45
Omitting the second angle implies 0

Absolute Polar d<a 1000<90
Relative Polar rd<a @1000<90
Tracking
Orthogonal Snap Tracking
Orthogonal tracking can be switched on
using the Ortho switch on the Setup Drop
down menu, or hitting the ‘o’ key on the
keyboard.
Turns the ortho snapping on or off within

the range
The ortho snap works with preset angles of

0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, 315 and 360.
As the cursor moves within the angle

range of one of these angles it snaps
on to the orthogonal line and a dashed
white line is shown. While the cursor
remains within the angle range it will
be locked onto the orthogonal and can
be tracked along it. A distance along
the line for the snap location can be
input by entering a single number into
the numeric input dialog.
Snap point tracking
When the cursor locks onto a snap

point it is possible to track along the
tentative line, again using the numeric

input to specify the vector distance along the line.
Temporary Reference Snap
It is possible to temporarily snap to another position which can then be used as the origin
for tracking or relative coordinates.
Pick a location while pressing the Control key. The green cross (signifying the current
relative origin) moves to this location. This location becomes the new temporary origin
for relative coordinates and for tracking using polar or location snaps.
For example –
Second point picked with Control (Ctrl) pressed
Tracking now relative to this temporary point input the coordinates as shown.
2.9 Create Columns

Double-click the Create column icon.
Complete the Column properties dialog box as shown below, and then click
Apply and ok.

In the 3d view, pick the intersection of Grids A-1 to input the column.
Now input the other HEA300 columns on grid intersections B-1, A-2 and B-2.
Adjust the Column Properties dialogue box for a HEA240, Apply and input these
columns.
You will notice that the column on grid B-3 needs to be rotated. This can be done by
double clicking on the Column to retrieve the properties of this column, adjusting the
rotation from “Front” to “Top”, and then pressing Modify.
The column on grid B-4 needs offsetting from the Grid Line. This can be done by
adjusting the Vertical Position value in the Column Properties dialogue box.

2.10 Create Beams

We will first create the beams at the +3200 level and then copy them (using the select
filter) to the upper level.
Open the PLAN +3.2m view.
Double-click the Create beam icon.
Complete the Beam properties dialog box as shown and Apply.
Beams, Braces, Rafters, Purlins etc.. can be inputted using this command.

In the PLAN +3.2m view pick intersection of gridlines A-1 and then B-1.
Continue at grid lines 2, 3, and 4.
When inputting horizontal members always pick from left to right and for
vertical members from bottom to top for consistency purposes.
Now input the other IPE300 grid beam.

Adjust the Beam Properties dialogue box for IPE240, Apply and input these grid beams.
Repeat this for the remaining grid beams.
The beam between B-3 and B-4 needs offsetting from the Grid Line. This can be done by
adjusting the Position in Plane value in the Beam Properties dialogue box.
Level +3.2m Beams

Next we will create other beams at +3.2m level.
Create grid By using the same beam properties that we applied earlier, create the
beams missing beams at the grid intersections shown in the figure below.

2.11 Point Creation

Next we will create beams in locations where no grid lines intersect. Snapping, point
creation and numeric input tools will help you pick points to position objects precisely
without having to know the coordinates.
The Point Tools allow you to accurately position the objects that you model.

After you have created all the internal beams the model will look like shown below:

2.12 Copying
Filter beams
Choose the select filter option beam_filter from the drop down list.
Help: Modeling > Settings and tools > Filter > Select filter
By dragging the mouse, select an area through the model.
Copy beams
In the Grid 1 or 2 view right-click and select Copy > Translate… from the pop-up
menu.
Pick the grid line intersection B and +3.2m and then B and +6.5m. Check the values in
the dialog box.
Click Copy.
Copy beams by repeating the
above steps, whenever required.
Change the select filter option
back to standard to enable also

the selection of other objects but beams.

2.13 Objects in View Setup

Display
How objects are
represented in the
model affects the
system
performance. The
more complex the
representation is the
more memory is
required to display
objects in the
model.
• Double click in
the background
of one of the
views to open
the View
properties
dialog box.
• Click the Display

button.
• On the Settings
tab page you
will find the
display options.
Select or clear the checkboxes to specify which objects are visible in the view.
View Filter
A view filter allows you to filter objects completely out of a view. There are several
different ways you can specify how a part is identified for filtering. View filter
• Double-click anywhere in a view background to open a view properties dialog box

• Click the Filter… button

• Each tab page has options for identifying and filtering objects in the model
• Click the Parts tab
• On the Parts tab enter HEA3* for Profile
• Check the Filter by and Not checkboxes and click Modify
Only Profiles starting with HEA3* are visible in the view

Everything else is visible except members with name “BEAM”, this is because of the Not
option in the filter.
2.14 Check Clashing

To complete the model we will need to connect the parts. Before creating the connections
usually all of the members in the model collide with other members.
By using the Clash check command we can check which parts in the model collide. We
will run a clash check now and then again after the connections have been applied.
Help: Modeling > Settings and tools > Querying objects > Clash check
Check clashing Select all of the parts of the model by dragging an area select around
the whole model.
Right-click and select Clash check.
Tekla Structures highlights the colliding parts in yellow and displays the clash check log
in the List dialog box. You can see that all of the parts in the model collide.
Select any clashing parts from the list and Tekla Structures highlights them in the model.

2.15 System Components

You can model connections quickly with the Tekla Structures system components.
The greatest benefits of using system components are:
• The connection properties can be saved with a particular name so that they can be
used later. These properties can then be used for all projects.
• When you modify a main objects profile in the model all of the connections to the
object are automatically modified at the same time.
• If you select options such as edit, copy, or mirror, all connections are automatically
included. The connections that are copied or mirrored are exactly the same as the
originals. The same applies to plates and bolts.
• With AutoDefaults you can create rules defining when to use different connection
properties.
All available system components are located in the component catalog, which can be
opened using Ctrl+F or by clicking the binocular icon on the component toolbar.

When applying a connection that you are unfamiliar with, accept the default properties
and create the connection. Then look to see what needs to be modified. This is usually
quicker than trying to set the values for the connection before seeing what the connection
actually creates.
Macros reside on the right of the Tekla Structures screen. By clicking on the user can
switch between the various sides. Tekla Structures has a macro for most connections.
The macros are divided into 2 large groups:
Connections that connect two or more beams and details that include only one beam.
With the first group the macro asks the user for selection of 2 sections - sequence of
clicking of sections (first the main part and then the secondary part). In the case of
macros that work with more than two beams, you can conclude the selection of a beam
with the middle mouse key.
Details in Tekla Structures asks the user for a section (e.g. a column) and for a point for
the detail (e.g. a sole plate). This point is the point that lies on the under side of the
column.
• Change the up direction back to auto and click the Modify button
• Finish creating the beam-to-beam connections on lines 4 and 1
When applying a connection that you are unfamiliar with, accept the default properties
and create the connection. Then look to see what needs to be modified. This is usually
quicker than trying to set the values for the connection before seeing what the connection
actually creates.
Help: Detailing > Getting started > Using components > Creating components
Help: Detailing > Getting started > Basics > Component concepts
Help: Detailing > Getting started > Basics > Picking order

Help: Detailing > Getting started > Basics > Up direction
2.16 Adding Connections

Column Base Plates
The first system connections that we will add are the column base plate details.
First we will create a base plate using the default values. We will then modify the
properties of the base plate and finally create the rest of the base plates with the new
properties.
Open the component catalog by clicking on the binocular icon or by
Create base typing Ctrl+F.
plate to one
column
To see pictures of the connection, check that the Thumbnails icon is active, see below.
Type "base plate" into the upper field and click on the Search button. In the Component
catalog, double-click on the Base plate (1004) icon.
The following dialog appears:

Click OK to accept the default values.

Pick any column.
When prompted, pick the bottom endpoint of the column as the position and the base
plate will be created.
The command line will prompt you to pick the part and then pick the point.
Always follow the command line information carefully.

Use the shortcut Ctrl+2 to set the

parts displayed in shaded wire
frame.
.
Create base plates to rest of the

columns
Press the Enter key to start the base plate command again.
To repeat the last command, do one of the following:

• Click Edit -> Repeat last command
• Press Enter
Create the rest of the base plates by picking each column and then the position for the
base plate.
Beam to Beam Web

Shear plates
We will use the Shear plate simple (146) connection to make the beam to beam web
connections. The shear plate will be welded to the primary beam web and bolted to the
secondary beam web. We will use the connection both when the secondary beam is
perpendicular to the main member or at a skewed angle to the main member.
Create one Open the component dialog (Ctrl+F or binocular icon), find the
shear plate Shear plate simple (146) connection, and double-click on its icon.
connection

The following dialog appears:

Pick the beam on grid line 1 as the main part of the connection.
Pick the beam perpendicular to the main part to be the secondary part and the connection
will be created.
Check the Connection

Pick one of the green component symbols of one of the components you just created.
Right-click and select Create view > Component basic view. A view of the component
and the immediate general area will be created rotating around the component. When the
rotation stops, you can hold down the Ctrl key and the middle mouse button and rotate
the view manually by dragging the cursor in the view.
To make it easier to check the connection you created you can create views from
different sides of a selected connection. In the view the work area is closely fitted around
the connection.
Create connection basic views

To create component basic views:
Select the connection symbol.
Right-click and select Create view > Component basic views, four basic views (front,
top end and perspective) appear.

Keep the component front view open and close the other component basic views.
Check bolt We will now check the bolt location distances and bolt edge distances
dimensions between bolts and the shear plate.
Help: Modeling > Settings and tools > Querying objects > Measure
Click Tools > Measure > Bolt measure.
Pick the bolt group.
Pick the shear plate and the temporary dimensions are shown in the view.

Now we will accept the created connection’s with the default properties.
Create the rest With the connection’s applied properties, create shear plate
of the shear connections to all of the rest of the beam to beam conditions.
plates

Beam to Column Web

We will use the End plate (144) connection to make the beam to column web connections.
For the double sided beam to column web connections we will use the Two sided end
plate (142) connection. That connection uses only one bolt group to go through all three
parts.
We will then make the wall brace to column connections with Tube gusset (20). The
connection uses a gusset plate to connect the beam to the column. Connection plates
welded to the end of the braces will be bolted to the gusset plate.
End plate
We will now use the End plate (144) connection to make all beam to column web
connections using the default connection properties. We will modify the properties later
with AutoDefaults.
Create end In the component catalog, find the End plate (144) connection.
plates
Make an end plate connection at every beam to column web condition

where there is only one secondary beam coming to the column web.
The column is the main part in the connection, so when prompted,
pick the column as the main part.
The macro icon shows a Beam to Column connection but this macro can be
used for either Beam to Beam or Beam to Column connections

Two Sided End Plate

Create the two sided end plate connection to all double sided beam to column web
conditions to connect beams to both sides of the column web:
Create two- Find the Two sided end plate (142) connection, located on the page 1
sided end connection toolbar.
plates
When prompted, pick the column as the main part.

Pick each beam as a secondary part.
Click the middle mouse button to complete the connection.
When there are multiple secondaries you need to click the middle mouse
button to complete the selection.
Help: Modeling > Detailing > Getting started > Basics > Picking order
For the double-sided End Plate connections you must use the Two Sided
End plate (142) macro from page 1 instead.
Add wall bracings along grids 1 and 4
Bracing –Tube Gusset

Working in the Elevation on grid 1 view input the vertical bracing
members using the Beam Properties dialogue box. Remember to put
“middle” value to position fields.

First you have to create all the required points for placing the bracings. Using Axis
intersection command from the points menu, locate the two intersection points 1 and 2
as shown below. Point 3 can be created using divide line command. Finally place the
bracing using beam command.
Use Tube Gusset (20) macro on page 4 to connect the braces to the column. You need
to pick the main member (column) then the secondary member(s) then pick the middle
button of the mouse to confirm you have completed selecting all the secondary members
(braces).
We will connect all the wall braces to columns using Tube gusset (20) connections and
after that modify their properties all at once.
From the page 4 connection toolbar, double click the Tube gusset
Create tube
gusset to (20) icon.
intersection of Pick the column on the grid intersection A-1 as the main part.
braces
Pick one side braces as secondary.
Click middle mouse button to create the connection.
Now we can see that the connection created has only one gusset plate, which is welded to
the column.

Create the rest

While still in the command, create the connections to the other ends of
of the tube the braces by doing the following:
gussets Pick the column.
Pick the brace.
Click middle mouse button to create the connection.
Finally it should look like this:

Tekla Structures Interactive Connections

3.1 Start a New Model and modify the default Grids

Start a new model. Double click the default grid in the 3D view created and modify the grid
values to correspond the drawing.
3.2 Create Grid views

To do this, select the grid line, right click and start command Create view > Grid views
from the popup menu. Click Create button in the dialog. The views will be named according
to the grid labels and given prefixes.
The created views are listed in the Named views dialog box, which appears after the grid
has been selected and Create button clicked. The created views will be visible once you
move them to the visible views in the Named views dialog box.
3.3 Creating Base Plate Detail Interactively

Plate
Using a plan view created at RL -0.200, create a point +300mm in the Y direction from grid
A-2 and then a point -300mm in the Y direction from grid A-2. This is the start and end point
for the baseplate.
Using the Beam Properties dialogue box input the profile of the baseplate - “PLT25*300"
(or “PL25*300”), change the Name to “PLATE”. Use e.g. S235JR as a material. Press
Apply and pick the start then end point of the baseplate.
You will now need to rotate the plate 90 degrees by changing its Rotation from “Top” to
“Front”. Then change it’s Position in Depth from “Behind” to “Front” to make the
underside of the baseplate be at RL -0.200.
The column now needs to be trimmed to the top of the baseplate. Cut the bottom of column
short using the fitting command on the left side menu.
After starting the command, pick the column, then two points along the top edge of the
baseplate.

Stiffeners
Construct one stiffener by first setting out the

points required for this stiffener in the
elevation on grid 2.
Using the Contour Plate macro, create the
stiffener by tracing each of these points in
order.
Adding Weld
Weld the stiffener to the column using the

Weld macro.
Then weld the baseplate to the column.
In order to obtain a correct drawing it is important to enter the welding order

correctly: Pick first main part, then secondary part.
To avoid creating the stiffener a second time we will now mirror the stiffener to the other
side of the column.
Working in the elevation of grid 2, move the workplane to this viewplane by picking the Set
Workplane to View Plane icon at the top of the screen and then picking the elevation on
grid 2 view.
Highlight the stiffener and pick the Copy - Mirror icon at the top of the screen.
Now pick two points vertically on the centreline of the column and pick the Copy button on
the Copy/Mirror dialogue box.
Mirror command mirrors parts through a plane perpendicular to the work plane
and passing through the defined line. Another way to mirror the stiffener would
have been picking E.g. points A-1 and A-3 in 3D view without having to set the
work plane to plan view plane.

The weld is copied automatically with the stiffener
Adding holes
Finally we need to put holes into the baseplate.
Move the workplane back to the 3d view using the Set Workplane to View Plane icon
at the top of the screen and then picking the 3d view.
Create two points in the plan view at RL -0.200 along grid 2 where the first and last bolt are
to go. I.e. 50 mm in from the edge of the baseplate.
Using the Bolt macro complete the dialogue box as shown.
Apply these settings, pick

the baseplate, then the
middle button of the
mouse.
Now pick one of these
points just created then the
other.

3.4 Creating an End Plate Connection

Sometimes you may need to create all of the objects for a connection interactively from
scratch. As an example we will now create plates, polygon cut, fitting, bolt group and welds
interactively in order to create the connection shown below.
Create Plate and Fitting for the Beam

At the top location of grid intersection B-1 between Column and Beam:
Create connection Select the existing end plate connection, right-click and select
basic views and Create view > Component basic views.
delete the Delete the existing connection.
connection, if any
Create end plate for

the beam
We will now use the beam
command to create the end
plate for the beam.
Start the beam command and
Apply the properties for the
end plate shown in the dialog
box below.
It is possible to create plates by using

either the beam or the contour plate
command.
In the Component front view:

Hold down the Ctrl key and pick the intersection of the
beam lower flange and the column flange (1) to set the
“From” location coordinates.
Then use the cursor to snap (Do not pick!) the top right
corner of the column (2) to set the correct direction.
Type 10 for the numeric location (the Enter a numeric

location dialog box will open automatically) and press
Enter.
The cursor picks to the desired start position (which equals 10 mm

from point 1 in the direction of point 2).
To pick the end position hold down the Ctrl key and pick position
(2). Then use the cursor to snap to position (1). Type 10 for the
numeric location and press Enter (which equals 10 mm from point
2 to direction of point 1).
The plate then appears.

Fit the end of a beam
We will use the Fitting command to

trim the end of the beam at the end plate.
The Fitting tool will trim the end of the
beam on a plane perpendicular to the
view plane, which is defined by picking
2 points on a line.

Help: Modeling > Detailing > Fine tuning part shape > Fitting
Click the Create fitting icon.
Select the beam as the part to be fitted.

Pick the points on the end plate corners to set the cut line for the fitting.
Tekla Structures displays the fitting in the model using a

blue fitting symbol.
Create Welds
Next we will weld the end plate to the beam and the column connection plate to the column.
This will also add the plates to the beam and column assemblies.
Help: Modeling > Detailing > Detailing commands > Weld
Weld column plate to the beam

Double-click the Create weld icon.
Edit the Weld properties dialog as shown below and click OK.
Select the Beam as the part to weld to (the primary part for workshop welds).
Select the plate as the part to be welded (the secondary part for workshop welds).
It is very important to enter the welding order correctly. Tekla Structures uses
the welding order to determine the primary and secondary parts of the
assembly. This effects the position of the parts in the drawings.
Inquire You can check assemblies using command Inquire Assembly.

assembly Pick the column (or any part of the assembly).
Right-click and select Inquire > Assembly.
The main part of the assembly will appear red and other parts will appear yellow.

To select the entire assembly: press the Alt key while clicking a part in the
assembly.
In case welds are not automatically placed to desired places, you can manually
affect on weld location by setting the desired position for weld in the Weld
properties dialog box.
Create Bolt Group
Next we will create a bolt group to connect the beam to the column. We will use the bolts to
bolt the beam’s end plate to the column’s Flange.
For information on bolt group dimensions see:
Help: Modeling > Detailing > Bolts > Creating a bolt group
Double click the Create bolts icon.
Define bolt group properties as shown in picture below and Apply.

Pick column’s Flange as the part to bolt to.

Pick Beam’s end plate as the part to be bolted.
Click the middle mouse button to finish selecting parts.
Pick the end plate top point as the first point (this will be the bolt group origin).
Pick the end plate bottom point as the second point (this will indicate the bolt group x
direction).
The bolt group has now been created and the final connection looks like the figures below.

3.5 Creating End Plate Custom Component

You can build custom components either by exploding and modifying an existing
component, or by creating the component objects individually as we just did.
You then define a custom component by picking the

objects to include in the custom component, and
specifying the information the user needs to input, for
example, main part, secondary parts, or points they
need to pick. You can then apply the custom
component to similar framing conditions in the
model.
We will now create a Custom component from the
column-beam connection, which was interactively
created a while ago. By changing the connection to a
Custom component you can use it in other parts of the
model and in different models as well.
Zoom in close to the component, which was interactively created between a column and a
beam in Lesson 3. Make sure that all of the object types are visible in the view (welds, cuts,
fittings, bolts, etc).
Define Custom Component
Select Detailing > Define custom component… to open the Custom component
wizard dialog box.
On the Type/Notes tab, set Type to Connection, enter a name and description (description
is not mandatory) for the custom component as shown.
The Custom component types available:

• Component: A Component is 2 or
more items connected together and is
defined as having a main part and 1
or more secondary parts
• Detail: A Detail connects one or
more items at the end of, or along the
length of, a main part
• Part: A Part is a component in the
model such as a ladder or cell form
beam

On the Position tab set the Position type to Box plane and click Next>.
Help: Detailing > Custom components > Custom components reference > Position type
The Auto option is set as the default direction for every connection and detail. It
automatically recognizes the orientation of primary (and secondary in case of
connection) part and is able to switch the up-direction accordingly
Use area select to select all the objects belonging to the component, click Next> on the
wizard page 2/4.
Be careful that you do not select objects (e.g. parts, bolts, welds or cuts) not
belonging to this component. Otherwise when you use the custom component
those objects will also be created.
Tekla Structures ignores the main part, secondary parts, grids and component
symbols when you are selecting objects to include in the Custom component.
Select the column as the main part and click Next> on wizard page 3/4.
Select the beam as the secondary part
and click Finish on wizard page 4/4.
Tekla Structures displays a connection
symbol for the new Custom component.
The new custom component that you

have defined is added to Custom
components dialog box list.
We will now use the Custom component
that you just defined, to create a
connection at the other end of the beam.
Now you can apply it from Component

list (Ctrl+F). select the component and
start applying.
Help: Detailing > Custom components > Defining Custom components > Custom
components basic properties
Pick the column as the main part and the beam as the secondary part.

Once the custom component is created it has no intelligence or input values. In

practice you can apply the custom component only in similar framing conditions
to that which it was originally created.
You can either create separate custom components for each different case
needed in the model or you can parameterize the custom component (see the
next section).
Explode End plate connection for Changes

Inside of the system connection we are not able to reshape the end plate the way it is done in
system components.
In situations where the connection parameters do not contain a particular option, we must
edit the parts outside of the connection.
In order to modify connection objects outside the connection, we need to explode the
connection. Exploding ungroups the objects in a connection. Modifications when done
outside of the connection dialog without first exploding the connection will result in the
changes being overwritten if the connection were to get updated.
Before exploding the connection you should take advantage of the connection to
get as close to the desired result as possible since editing connection macros is
faster and easier than editing objects outside the connection.
To explode the connection:

Select end plate’s connection symbol, right-click and select Explode component.
All connection objects (even if they are set to "not visible" in the view properties) will
become visible. Now all of these objects have lost intelligence and association to the
connection dialog.
After exploding the connection, the objects that were in the connection
are no longer connection objects.
They will be presented in the model as objects (main parts) both in wire
frame and in shaded wire frame. You can only select the objects by using
the select objects select switch.

3.6 Input Members

Input the columns as shown on the Train 2 drawing (set the Bottom level to –200 and Top
level to 5100).
Create beam to grid line B by picking first top point of the column at gridline B-1 and then
top point of the column at gridline B-3. To create the beam to grid line 2, pick intersections
A-5500 and then B-5500 in the elevation view of grid 2.
Another possibility is to place both beams at a T.O.S. level of +5.500 and then put a value of
400 in the “Position in Depth” field of the beam on grid B to drop it down.
The overhang in the beam on grid 2 is controlled by adjusting the “Move End 1" and “Move
End 2" values in the Beam Properties dialogue box of the member.
3.7 Creating Fitting

Use the Fitting command to fit the part end to a picked plane. You can use fitting to make
part shorter, for example.
This command adjusts the end of a beam on a plane, perpendicular to the view plane, which
passes through the cutting line you pick. Tekla Structures displays the fitting in the model
using a blue fitting symbol.
Note: - Command has no effect on contour plates.

3.8 Line Cut

A line cut shapes end of the beam or column.
Line cut cuts the end of a beam on a plane, perpendicular to the view plane, which passes
through the cutting line you pick. Tekla Structures displays the cut in the model using a blue
cut symbol.
3.9 Polygon cut

To notch out the bottom left corner of the beam we will use the Polygoncut command.
Zoom in on the cantilevered end of the beam (Near Gridline A2).
First, construct points as shown.

The points have been moved outside of the steelwork. If the points were
constructed on the edge of the steel a small amount of steel may be left behind
along the two edges as Tekla Structures may think we wish to cut a hole in the
beam instead of notching the corner out completely
Click the Polygoncut icon, pick the beam and then select the points created above.
Next, move to the approximate middle of the beam to construct a rectangular polygoncut.
Repeat the procedure above to create the cut in the web of the beam. (See the Grid 2
elevation view.)
You will need to change the view properties display to “Exact” for parts in
the 3d and elevation view so that it is possible to see the effects of the polygon
cut.
Examples

3.10 Part cut

To create the round penetration in the beam we will use the Partcut command.
Firstly create a point representing the center of the D200 profile in the elevation on grid 2.
Copy this point 200mm in the negative X direction then 200mm in the positive X direction.
Using the Beam Properties dialogue box input the profile as a D200 and ensure that the
Position in Plane and Position in Depth are both set to “Middle”.
Input this member picking the two points just created either side of grid 2. This will put the
member through the beam web.
To cut around this member pick the Create partcut icon, pick the beam then pick the D200
profile.
Now delete the D200 profile leaving behind the blue part cut.
Repeat this procedure for the other square part cut but use a PLT200*200 profile that is
rotated through 45 degrees. This rotation can be achieved by typing 45 in the rotation field of
the member in the Beam Properties dialogue box.
Examples

Tekla Structures Numbering
Numbering
In this This lesson introduces the principles of numbering the model in Tekla
lesson Structures.
You will learn:
• The options available for numbering your model
• How the marks are assigned in numbering
• How to check part marks
• To use report templates
4.1 Numbering Basics

Defining Numbers to Be Used for Parts
You use numbering series to divide part, assembly and cast unit numbers into groups.
For example, you can allocate separate numbering series to different part types (BEAM,
COLUMN, BRACING, etc…) or according the floor the part is located in (1 st floor, 2nd
floor, etc.).
You can name the numbering series to which a part, assembly or cast unit belongs, using
the part properties dialog box. The numbering series name consists of a prefix and a
starting number.
Prefix and start number
All single parts will get part position numbers according the numbering series defined for
them. (Part prefixes and start numbers)
In addition to this each assembly (* will get an assembly position number according the
numbering series defined for the main part of the assembly. (Assembly prefix and start
numbers)
Each single part will have information on its own part position number and the assembly
position number to which the part belongs.
It is also possible to use the assembly position number as the part position
number for the main part. To do this set the environment variable
XS_USE_ASSEMBLY_NUMBER_FOR=MAIN_PART in your batch file

Places to define numbering series
Numbering series for parts that are modelled manually are defined in member input
dialogs; Beam Properties, Column Properties, Contour Plate Properties, etc.
Prior to adding any members to the model you should setup the numbering series
information in the member input dialog boxes.
It is also possible to modify the desired numbering series afterwards. To

do this filter the desired parts and modify them by using the beam
properties dialog with only numbering series check boxes ticked
Go through each of the member input dialogue boxes, Beam Properties, Column
Properties, Contour Plate, etc., and set them up with the information shown in the table
below. (See also the example dialog boxes below). Save the settings with correct part
name.
Parts Assembly Assembly Part Mark Part Mark Part Names Class
Mark Mark Start prefixes Start
Prefixes: numbers: numbers
Beams B 1 M 1 BEAM 2
Columns C 1 M 1 COLUMN 1
Braces BR 1 M 1 BRACING 3
Rafters R 1 M 1 RAFTER 5
Trusses T 1 M 1 TRUSS 4
Purlins P 1 M 1 PURLIN 7
Plates* A 1 PL 1 PLATE 99
* It is possible to create plates both by using beam or contour plate command

Defining the desired numbering series for joint parts prior to adding any
connections is important since changing them afterwards is not as easy as
changing numbering series for main shafts
When adding members to the model, double-check that each dialog box
has been completed correctly. For example see that the Part num.,
Assembly numb. start nos., Name and Class match what you want as
defaults.
Numbering series for connection parts (parts created by the joints) are defined in the
Options dialog from Setup pull-down menu.
See the fig. Below:
It is also possible to define numbering series of connection parts in Joint dialog boxes.
Series defined in joint dialogs will override the preferences dialog. You can use these
fields when you want to define a specified numbering series (different from what is
defined in Preferences dialog) for connection parts of a particular joint.
(* An assembly consist of single parts that are either welded or bolted together with
workshop welds or workshop bolts.
Part Position and Assembly Position numbers are material specific and
apply only to steel by default. Concrete members have part prefix
"Concrete", and the starting number is 1 and they have Cast Unit
Position number instead of Assembly Position number. See more in
Help: Modeling > Parts > Numbering parts > Defining numbers to
be used for parts.

Numbering series and Numbering

In numbering parts with the same Part prefix and starting number will be compared with
each other. All identical parts within such a group will be given the same number. The
prefix and start number together define what numbers the part will be given; e.g. if prefix
is P and starting number 1001, the numbering result will be P1001, P1002, P1003 etc.
The assemblies are numbered by the same principle. Assembly numbering is not
dependent on part numbering.
Reserve enough free numbers for each numbering series.
For example you have 101 different parts in a series P\100 (prefix P and
start number 100.)
The numbering result for them will be: P100, P101, …,P200, P201.
Then you have parts in another series P\200

The numbering result for them will be: P200, P201, P202,…),
Numbers P200 and P201 will now cause a conflict. Tekla Structures gives
a warning when this kind of overlap is found: Overlapping part/assembly
series. The overlapping series are also written in the numbering history
log
In this case you should use e.g. series P\1000 and P\2000 instead
Part properties and numbering series

You use a numbering series (numbering prefixes and start numbers) to divide parts,
assemblies (steel detailing) and cast units (concrete detailing) into groups. For example,
you can allocate separate numbering series to different phases or part types.
You can name the numbering series to which a part, assembly or cast unit belongs, by
using the part properties dialog box. The numbering series name consists of a prefix and a
starting number.
If you already know in the beginning of the project how the members should be
numbered it is a good idea to create the parts right from the start with the correct
numbering series.
Help: Modeling > Parts > Numbering parts > Defining numbers to be used for parts

Running the Numbering

When you initiate the numbering process, Tekla Structures assigns marks to parts,
assemblies and cast units.
You run the numbering by clicking Tools > Numbering > Modified or Tools >
Numbering > Full. The Full option will check all parts in the model even if they
have not been modified. The Modified option only checks the new and modified
parts and is much faster.
There are few cases in which Full numbering should be run instead of Modified
numbering:
• When performing the first numbering after the numbering settings have been
changed.
• When Standard part option is used
• When Pop marks are used in DSTV files
It is recommended that you normally use the Modified numbering option.
In previous chapters we defined the numbering series for our model members. So
the members already have the numbering series information but not the actual
marks. If we try to create a report or a drawing there will be a warning that the
numbering is not up to date.
Help: Modeling > Settings and tools > Settings and tools reference > Tools >
Numbering > Modified
Help: Modeling > Settings and tools > Settings and tools reference > Tools >
Numbering > Full
How the Marks Are Assigned in Numbering

In numbering, parts with the same Part prefix and Start number will be compared
with each other. All identical parts within such a group will be given the same
number. The prefix and start number together define what numbers the part will be
given; E.g. if prefix is PC and starting number 1 (steel columns in our model), the
numbering result will be PC1, PC2, PC3, etc.
Help: Modeling > Parts > Numbering parts > What affects numbering

Numbering Settings
Numbering is carried out according to the settings in the Numbering setup dialog
box. In the Numbering setup dialog you can define how new or modified parts
are handled in numbering, does a profile name affect the part number, what is the
degree of tolerance in comparing the parts in numbering, etc.
Help: Modeling > Settings and tools > Numbering > Numbering settings
4.2 Number the Model

We will use Inquire object to see the current state of numbering of parts and then
we will number the model.
Inquire a Select Inquire > Object…

part Select any steel column.
The Inquire object dialog box opens. The Part position and Assembly
position marks are shown as PC/0 and AC/0 so the numbers shown are 1 less than
the starting numbers defined for the column (PC/1 and AC/1). This indicates that the
part and assembly have not been numbered yet.
Tekla Structures uses numbers to identify parts, assemblies and

cast units when producing drawings and reports. You must have
Tekla Structures number the model parts before you can create
drawings or reports.

Run Select Tools > Numbering > Full from the pull-down menu.
numbering
full Now all the parts, assemblies and cast units in our model have up
to date position numbers.
4.3 Check Numbering and Create Reports

We will now check the marks assigned to parts, assemblies and cast units.
Inquire
part
Select Inquire > Object…

Select any column
The Inquire object dialog box opens. Now the steel columns have Part position and
Assembly position numbers and concrete columns cast unit numbers (the position
numbers may differ in your model).
The numbering is now up to date and we can create reports. We will next create
assembly part list and cast unit list of the whole model.
Help: Drawing > Printing > Printing reports > Producing reports on entire
model
You can create reports from the early stage of the project to check
the model and get pre-bill of material lists at quotation stage, cut
lists, bolt lists, weld lists etc.

Create Click the Report icon to

assembly display the Report
part list dialog box.
and cast
unit list
Select Assembly_part_list report

template from the list.
Click Create from all to run a report on

the entire model.
The report is now automatically displayed in
a dialog. Also the text file is created in the
model folder.
Check the numbering range of the assemblies and parts.

Repeat the procedure above to create a cast unit list of the entire model

We will next create a cast unit list of all the concrete columns in our model. We will
name the report with a specific name in order to keep the information on the stage of
the project.
To keep the report files you have created give them a specific name. If
you try to create a report with the existing name, Tekla Structures asks
before it overwrites the existing report.
The report is now displayed in a dialog box.

Select Tools > Open model folder to check that the actual text file appears in the
model folder.
Tekla Structures stores a full numbering history in the file: numbering.history.
The file contains the following model numbering details:
• User who carried out the numbering and the date
• Numbering Full / Modified
• Numbering settings used
• A list of defined numbering series
• Information on the parts and assemblies numbered
Help: System > Files and folders > Log files > Numbering history log
Study the From the menu select: Tools > Display log file > Numbering
numbering history log…
history log This displays the numbering history in a dialog box.
For addition information on the log file refer to the Tekla Structures Online help.

When you select a list entry that contains the ID numbers of the parts or
assembly, Tekla Structures highlights them in the model.
4.4 Change Numbering Settings

You may come across a situation in the middle of the project when you may need to
change the numbering settings. For example, if some parts have already been
ordered from the workshop you may need to have different part marks for additional
parts even if they are the same as existing ones.
We will now choose the numbering setup option Take new number for new parts.
As an example, we create some new parts to demonstrate the new numbering setup.
Changing the numbering settings in the middle of the project can

be dangerous. In the case where you absolutely need to change the
settings in the middle of the project make sure you understand how
the changes will affect the part marks.
Copy Select the Model 1 beams and columns on grid line 7.

beams
and Copy them two times 6000 mm in the X direction
columns

From the menu select: Setup > Numbering…

In the New: field choose the option, Take new
number, click Apply
Number From the menu select: Tools >

the Numbering > Full.
model
Change
numbering
settings
Always carry out a full numbering on the model after you have changed
the numbering settings.
Inquire the result
Use the Inquire object command to compare the marks of corresponding old and
new parts.
Study the changes in the numbering history log (the position numbers in your model
may differ from the example below).
Change Numbering Series
By defining the numbering series (numbering prefixes and start numbers) we can
group the parts, assemblies and cast units the way we want. This way we can
allocate parts in an area of a building to a particular numbering series.

We will now change the numbering series of the

outermost frame that we copied by changing the
start numbers from 1 to 1000. We will then
change the numbering series of the end plates in
the frame to 2001, by using the connection dialog
box (which will overwrite the position number
defined in the preferences dialog box).
Change the
numbering
Select the columns on the
series
outermost frame.
Modify the numbering series (only numbering
series) of the columns as shown.
Select the beams on the outermost frame.

Modify the numbering series of the beams as
shown
When planning numbering, ensure that you reserve enough numbers

for each series. If one series overflows into another, Tekla Structures
might allocate the same number to different parts. Tekla Structures
will warn you about series overlaps. View the numbering history log
to check which numbers overlap.
Change Open the End plate 144 dialog box.

numbering On the Plates tab edit the End plate position number to 2001.
series of the
connection Modify all the end plate connections of the frame with only the
members Pos. No field checked.

Number From the menu select Tools > Numbering > Full.
the
model
Always carry out full numbering on the model after you have
changed numbering series.
Inquire
Use the Inquire object command to compare the marks of
the
corresponding old and new parts
numbers
Study the changes in the numbering history log

Delete
the We will now delete the parts created in this lesson.
frames Delete the two frames created in this lesson.

4.5 Start Numbering from Scratch

When should the numbering be started from the scratch?
In the beginning of the project when keeping the present part and assembly position
numbers is not yet critically important. As long as you have not have edited drawings or
sent them to a workshop it is reasonable to start the numbering from scratch.
After numbering with modified numbering series defined for parts and assemblies or with
changed numbering settings there is a possibility that some earlier unwanted position
numbers will remain. There is also a default setting in Tekla Structures that as long as
there is only one part with a particular number, that number will be kept regardless of the
settings in the Numbering setup dialog box.
Because of the above it is a good idea to start the numbering from the scratch once
you have determined the numbering series for parts and assemblies in your project.
This method will ensure that each part in the model will really get the position
numbers according the updated numbering series defined for them and no previous,
unwanted numbers will be left.
After trying different numbering options (changing numbering settings and
numbering series) there is a possibility that some earlier unwanted position numbers
will remain. There may also be gaps in position numbers.
Before you start creating drawings to issue it is reasonable to start the numbering
from scratch.
Clear This method will ensure that each part in the model will really get
Numbers the position numbers according the updated numbering series
of all defined for them and no previous, unwanted numbers will be left.
parts Select all the parts in the models
From the menu select: Tools > Numbering > Clear selected.
Renumber all Check mark the option Renumber all in the Numbering
setup dialog box.

Select: Tools > Numbering > Full.
By using the Un-number selected command or Renumber all

setting you will loose all information about previous numbers.
These settings can be safely used only at the beginning of a project.
Set the Finally set the numbering setup the way you want numbering to
numbering be carried out in the project.
settings for
the project
Click OK.
From the menu select: Setup > Save defaults.
You must save the Numbering setup for the model with command
Setup > Save Defaults to restore the options by default when
you open the model.
Use Setup > Load Defaults command to see the saved Numbering
Setup options.
It is recommended that you normally use Modified numbering.
Here are a few cases in which Full numbering should be run instead of
Modified numbering:
• When performing the first numbering after the numbering
settings have been changed.
• When Standard part option is used
• When Pop marks are used in DSTV files

4.6 Create the Reports
Tekla Structures can produce many

different reports from the information
contained in the model. Study the
available reports. You can also print the
report with the Print option.
Check the Reports

Create the following reports and check
the model:
• Part_list - Check the plate
thicknesses for abnormalities
• Part_list - Check the numbering
range
• Part_list - Check zero lengths of
material
• Part_list - Check the steel grades
• Assembly_list - Check the numbering range for steel assemblies
• Assembly_part_list - Check the main item profile (plates or flats may indicate
incorrect welding)
• Cast_Sequence_list - Check the numbering range
• Cast_list - Check the main item profile
• Material_list – Check the grades used are correct
• Rebar_schedule_FIN - Check the number and types of rebars

Tekla Structures Example Model

5.1 Phase Manager

Open the phase manager dialog box from the menu by selecting Properties > Phase
number. There are now more options for the management of phases than before:
• Current, The @ mark will show the current phase

• Number, phase number can have numeric values
• Name, both letters and numbers can be used
You can add more fields to the phase manager in the objects.inp file.
5.2 Add new phases
Add new phases to the phase manager by pressing the Add button six times.
5.3 Edit phase information

Edit the phases to match the information in the dialog box below.
To edit the information in the fields; just click the field and type.

5.4 Tie Members to Phases

We will "Tie" lower columns in the model to the phase named: Columns 0-6500
First, select only the lower level columns in the model.
Choose the select filter: Column_filter.
Select an area with area select.

Select Columns 0-6500 row in the phase manager dialog box.
Click the Modify phase button.
By following the same method tie the other members to the correct phases.
5.5 Phases by objects

To find out to which phase the green beam in the model belongs to:
Select the beam

Click Phases by objects button in the phase manager
The corresponding phase is selected in the phase manager

5.6 Objects by Phases
To find out which members in the model have the stage 1 attribute:
• Select all stage 1 phases in the phase manager.

• Click the Objects by phases button.
All of the members belonging to stage 1 become highlighted in the model.

5.7 Constructing Necessary Points

After inputting the two columns and the rafter, you will need to layout points to model
the purlins, vertical and horizontal braces.
Open Grid 1.
You need to create two set of points; one at the center of the rafter (for bracing) and one
at the top of the rafter (for purlin). To create points at the center of the rafter first choose
command "create axis intersection point" and pick the column and then rafter, this
will create the intersection of two members. Repeat the command for the other side. In
the below figure you can see the two points at the center of the rafter and columns.

Now you can use line extension command and create two points at 500 from the
intersection points in the direction of rafter as shown below:
Now divide these two points with the command "create divided line points" . Divide
these two points into 3 points as shown below:

Purlins
Repeat the same procedure for purlin placing.
Using the Create extension point command type in -350 and pick the end point of the
rafter at Gridline A and pick the other end of the rafter at Gridline B.
Using the Create divided line points command type in 4 (4 points) and pick each of the
points that you created with the Create extension point tool. This will divide these two
points in five equal segments.
5.8 Adding Connections for Portal Frame
Now add the haunch connections using the Haunch (40) macro on the seventh page of
macros. Pick the main member (column) first, then the secondary member (rafter).
To get the end plate to top of column and to shape the column top according the sloped
rafter select the options in the parameters tab shown in the dialog below and modify.

Finish the portal frame by adding the baseplate (1004) connections on page 5 to the
columns.
Copy portal frame and points
To copy the completed portal frame, bracing and purlin work points, select all the items
by windowing the portal frame.
Pick the Copy-Translate icon at the top of the screen and pick the intersection of grids A-
1 then the intersection of grids A-2. This will complete the distance and direction in the
Copy dialogue box.
Type in the number of copies you wish (4) and press the Copy button.
5.9 Add Wall Bracing along Grid A
Working in the Elevation on grid A view input the vertical bracing members using the
Beam Properties dialogue box.

Using Tube Gusset (20) macro on page 4 connect the braces to the column. You need to
pick the main member (column) then the secondary member(s) then pick the middle
button of the mouse to confirm you have completed selecting all the secondary members
(braces).
You may sometimes get an unwanted up direction for the macro when
using auto Up direction on General tab. Basically try then the positive
directions first i.e. +X, +Y & +Z.
5.10 Setting Work Plane to Slope

Set sloping work plane for purlins
Work plane
To set the work plane to the roof slope pick the Set Work plane by 3 Points icon
at the top of the screen.
Then follow the prompts on the command line, picking the points as shown below.

True plan view
To make it easier to add the roof bracing make a true plan view on the roof bracing by
creating a view perpendicular to the work plane.
From the Properties pull-down menu pick View. Complete the View Properties dialogue
box naming it "TRUE PLAN - ROOF BRACING", setting the up and down depth to 500
each and switching the Angle to Plane.
Now go to the View pull-down menu and pick Create View - To Work plane. This will
create the true plan on the roof bracing.
Add horizontal Bracing
Using the True Plan View on the Roof Bracing add the bracing members
Look at these bracings in the 3d view and Elevation View on Grid 1 to ensure they are
positioned correctly.
Make the connections to bracings by using Tube Gusset (20) macro on page 4.
Once you have modelled and connected the braces, use the Copy, Mirror command and
two points on Gridline 3 to create the horizontal braces between Gridlines 4 and 5.
It is always more accurate to work in a true plane for modelling objects.

When all of the points that you are to snap to are in the same plane as
what you are modelling it enhances the accuracy. The points in the work
plane are shown as yellow crosses and they have priority over those,
which appear red.

Set sloping work plane for purlins

True plan view
Before moving the work plane create a true plan view on the purlins.
Create a True plan view for the purlins by using the Create view by three points
command. Double click the icon at the top left side of the screen, complete the View
Properties dialogue box naming it to "TRUE PLAN - PURLINS, setting the up and down
depth to 500 each and switching the Angle to Plane. Click OK and pick the points shown
below
Work plane
Now move the work plane to the top of the rafter by picking the Set work plane to view
plane icon at the top of the screen and picking anywhere in the new true plan view on the
purlins.

Purlins
Parametric Profiles
Before modelling the purlins you need to select a profile to use. For this exercise use a
rolled formed shape. Even though the rolled formed shapes are not in the library profiles
(the standard profiles in the Catalog) you can still use them.
In case you remember the syntax for the parametric profile in question you can just
describe the parametric profile directly in to the Profile text field of the Beam properties
dialog
Other way is to click the Select… button on the beam properties dialog, select Parametric
profile from the Profile Category option and then choose ZZ Profiles, profile subtype and
other values as shown in the dialog
The format for inputting the parametric profile is to type in the capitalized letters and
substitute the necessary data for the lower case letters and numbers.

Adding a profile to profile database:

In case you need to often use certain parametric profiles It is a good idea to add the
required shape to the library profiles.
Select File > Catalog > Profiles > Modify…
In the Type drop-down menu select the Z style shown in the fig below and fill in the
sectional properties as shown.
Note: Be sure that the input in the csnr box equals 1 (csnr = Cross Section Number)
and that the cstype is set to Default.
Click the Add button under the profile name.
Click OK, and then select the Save Database, To Working Directory option and click
OK.

Add purlins
Double click the Beam icon.
Fill in the Profile field on the beam properties dialog as ZZ200-2-26*74-26*66. (In case
you added the required shape to the profile database, use Select… button to get the Z
profile from the database to the beam properties dialog) Click OK and start modelling the
purlins.
Input one purlin at the top of the building (closest to Grid B) between Grids 1 & 2. Look
at this purlin in the Elevation View on Grid 1 to ensure it is orientated and positioned
correctly.
Now complete the top row of purlins only (Grids 2 to 3, 3 to 4 & 4 to 5).
If you want to create an overlap connection (Cold Rolled Overlap (1)) you need to
change the rotation of every second purlin to "below". To do this pick the second purlin
(Grid 2 to 3) and modify its rotation to "below". And the same for the last purlin (Grid 4
to 5).
Add the remaining connections then copy this row of purlins down the building 5 times.
5.11 Clash check

Finally, by using Clash check command ensure that there are no colliding parts or bolts in
the model. The Clash check command checks the collision between parts and/or bolts and
shows the collisions by highlighting the colliding parts in yellow. Clash check is also
available on the pop-up menu when more than one object is selected.
1. Select the objects you want to check.

2. Select the command Clash check from the Tools menu (or from pop-up).

Thank You
& Welcome to ever growing Tekla Structures User group…..
Please send your support request emails to only
Support.Me@tekla.com
Or Call +971-4-391 5640
Or Send fax request to +971-4-391 6799.

Tekla Structures Principles of Drawings
Principles of Drawings
In this lesson
This chapter introduces the principles of working with drawings in Tekla Structures. We
will first explain the integration between drawings and the model.
We will also:
• Introduce other drawing types available in Tekla Structures
• Introduce the drawing list
• Introduce the various levels of editing the drawings
• Study the drawing objects and layout
6.1 Integration between Drawings and the Model

Tekla Structures stores all the important project information in one place, i.e. the model.
Drawings and other printouts such as reports, nc data files etc. are output produced
directly from the model.
Tekla Structures Model

The model contains all the important
project information:
• Part's geometrical and structural
information
• Part marking
• Bolts
• Bolt marking
• etc.
All the modifications must be done directly in the model. The Tekla Structures Model
Editor is used for modifying the model.
Steel Detailing 1/6

Drawings
The drawings are current views of the members contained in the model with added
definitions for:
• The sheet size to be used
• How titles and tables are placed on the sheets
• What is dimensioned and how
• Which marks are displayed
• etc.
You can create drawings at any stage of the project.
Some of the drawing commands are located in the Model Editor and some are in the
Drawing Editor. You will find all the commands for creating and managing drawings in
the Model Editor. To view and edit drawings, you will use the Drawing Editor.
Help: Drawing > Introduction to Drawings
Changes in the model Members

Changes in the model members can result in the drawings no longer being up-to-date.
The following are examples of changes that affect the drawings:
• A part's profile or geometry changes
• Parts have been added or deleted
• The number of identical parts has changed
Tekla Structures updates the related drawings the next time you number the model.
Numbering does not have to be up-to-date to create or open general arrangement
drawings.
6.2 Drawing Types

General Arrangement drawings The Tekla Structures can be used to create
general arrangement (GA) drawings. GA drawings can contain several views,
which can include the whole model or any part of it. With the GA drawings you
can create erection, foundation and other plans, as well as details from views in the
model.
Single-part drawings are workshop drawings of individual steel parts. Drawings
can be produced for any steel part in the model. The single-part drawings can
contain holes but welded parts cannot be included. This drawing type is available in
Steel Detailing module.
Steel Detailing 2/6

Assembly drawings are typically workshop drawings where details of an

assembly consisting of steel parts are presented for fabrication. In most cases, an
assembly consists of single steel parts that are either bolted or welded to the main
steel part. This drawing type is available in Steel Detailing module.
6.3 Drawing Outlook

You have the following basic options for background and line colors in drawings:
Steel Detailing 3/6

6.4 Drawing list

All of your existing drawings are shown in the drawing list. The example below shows
the header line information that is available in the drawing list.
See also Help: Drawings > Getting started with drawings > Drawing list.
The table below explains the header line items of the drawing list that affect GA
drawings.
You can sort the order of the drawings by clicking the desired header
line button in the drawing list.
You can adjust the column widths of the drawing list and Tekla
Structures will keep the changes.
Note: Flags will be discussed in Assembly and Single Part Drawings Chapter.
Steel Detailing 4/6

Opening and Closing Drawings

You can only have one drawing open at a time. If you already have a drawing open, Tekla Structures
prompts you to save that drawing before opening the next one.
Open drawing To open the drawing list and a drawing in Tekla Structures:
list and a GA Select Drawing > List… from the menu or click the Open drawing
drawing list icon on the Standard toolbar.
In the drawing list select the previously created G [1] drawing.

Click Open, or double click the drawing to open it in the Drawing Editor.
See also Help: Drawing > Getting started with drawings > Opening drawings.
When selecting GA drawings in the drawing list, the activated buttons at the bottom of the Drawings
dialog box are Open, Update marks, Delete and Cancel. The table below describes their functionality.
Button Description
Open Opens the selected drawing in the Drawing Editor. You can only select and
open one drawing from the list at a time. If the Open button is grayed, you have
selected more than one drawing for opening.
You can also double click a drawing in the list to open it.
Update Updates the marks in selected general arrangement drawings.

marks
Delete Deletes the selected drawings. Note that you cannot delete locked drawings.
Cancel Closes the dialog box.
Steel Detailing 5/6

Drawing Levels
You can edit drawings in the Drawing Editor on three levels:
Drawing properties
View properties
Object properties
For more information about the drawing properties and different drawing levels,
see the following links:
Help: Drawing > Introduction to drawings > Three levels of editing drawings
Help: Drawing > Drawing properties
Steel Detailing 6/6

Tekla Structures GA Drawings
GA Drawing
In this lesson
We will look more closely at the features of general arrangement (GA) drawings in Tekla
Structures. We will create GA drawings, modify and update them. We will also introduce
tools for adding details and section views to the drawings.
7.1 Creating GA Drawings

We will now create general arrangement drawings from the following Basic model 1-2
views:
• 3D view
• Elevation views from grids A, F, 1, 4, 7
• Foundation plan
• And add a few details to the GA drawing
General Arrangement (GA) Drawings

The Tekla Structures can be used to create general arrangement (GA) drawings.
GA drawings can contain several views, which can include the whole model or any
part of it. With the GA drawings you can create erection, foundation and other
plans, as well as details from views in the model.
You can create general arrangement drawings from one or several named model
view(s) with the following options:
• Create one drawing for each selected view
• Add all selected views to one drawing
• Create an empty drawing
You can create an empty drawing and add named model views to the drawing in
the Drawing Editor. The views must exist but they do not necessarily have to be
open.
You cannot modify the appearance, such as the viewing angle, of model
views in the Drawing Editor. Therefore, check and modify the
appearance of model views in the Model Editor before creating GA
drawings. For example, check that the plan views are really 2D views,

and rotate the rendered 3D views the way you want them to be shown in
the drawing.
See Lesson 7 for more information about creating GA drawings.

In the example below, we will create a general arrangement drawing from Basic Model 1
by including several named model views in the drawing.
You do not need to number the model, or update numbering to create

or open general arrangement drawings.
Start GA
drawing
creation
To create a GA drawing that contains selected
views, e.g. 3D, GRID 3 and GRID A, from
Basic Model 1:
Open Basic Model 1.
Select Drawing > General arrangement
drawing... from the menu.
Select the 3D, GRID 3 and GRID A views in
the Create general arrangement
drawing dialog box. Then select the option
All selected views to one drawing.
You can select multiple views (or toggle the selection) in the
dialog box above by holding down the Ctrl key and picking each
view separately.
GA drawing views are automatically labeled with the current
view name.
With the One drawing per view option you can select all the plan
views in the dialog box, and create separate drawings with
predefined drawing properties all at once.

To define the properties of the GA drawing:

Define Click the Drawing properties... button to open the General
drawing arrangement drawing properties dialog box.
properties
Select A1-BLANK settings from the option menu and click
Load.
Give the drawing a distinctive name in the Name field, e.g. STEEL FRAME.
Click the View... button to open the General - view properties dialog box.
On the Attributes tab,

change the drawing scale
to 100 and click OK to
apply the scale and close
the dialog box.

Click the Weld… button to open the General - welding properties dialog box.
On the Content tab, set the Visibility of site and workshop welds to None and click Ok.
In the General arrangement drawing properties dialog box, save the selected
drawing properties with a unique file name, e.g. steelframe, by typing the file name and
then clicking the Save as button.
Click OK to apply the selected GA drawing settings and to close the General
arrangement drawing properties dialog box.
For more information on drawing properties,
see Help: Drawing > Drawing properties.
Create and To create and open the GA drawing:

open the Select the Open drawing checkbox in the Create
GA drawing general arrangement drawing dialog box to have Tekla
Structures automatically open the drawing.
Click Create.
Check that the created GA drawing is as shown
below.
All of the views in the GA drawing will be created according to the

same GA drawing properties you applied. If some views need different
properties, you have to modify the view properties afterwards in the
Drawing Editor.

You can first define the GA drawing properties by selecting Properties >
General arrangement drawing... from the menu, and then load and apply the
desired properties. After that open the Create general arrangement drawing
dialog box to create the GA drawing with the selected views.
To close the drawing in the Drawing Editor:

Close a Select File > Close drawing from the menu or click the cross in the
drawing upper right corner of the drawing window.
Tekla Structures asks: Do you want to save the current drawing?
Select Save or Save and Freeze to keep the
changes that you have made to the drawing, or
close the drawing without saving by clicking
No.
Setup GA Drawing Properties

Create
connection
basic views
Before we can start creating GA drawings we
need to setup the drawing properties. See the
online help files for more details.
Help: Drawing > Getting started with

Drawings > Drawing reference > General
arrangement drawing...
Select Drawing > General arrangement
drawing…
In the Create general arrangement

drawing dialog box click Drawing
properties…

Change the following attributes for

the 3D GA drawing:
• Change name to 3D (Name
field)
• View scale to 1:100
(View… button)
• Turn off grid lines (Grid…
button)
• Turn off center lines
(Part… button)
• Turn off welds (Weld…
button)
Click OK in each child dialog box to lock the settings. And then click OK to in the main
GA drawing properties dialog to lock all the settings.

Create GA Drawing from One Model View

We will create a general arrangement drawing from the 3D model view using the drawing
properties set in a previous chapter.
Create Select 3d view from the Create general arrangement drawing
drawing out dialog.
of 3D view
Check mark Open Drawing.

Click Create.
In few moments Tekla Structures opens a drawing created from the 3D view.

Create GA Drawing Using More Than One Model View
Now we will create another GA drawing using more than one model view and
automatically bring those views into the GA drawing.
Click the Drawing properties… button in the Create general arrangement
Adjust drawing dialog, and change the following:
drawing • Change the name to Elevation @ Grid 4 (Name field)
properties
• Change drawing size to 830*287 (Layout… dialog)
Click on OK for each of the dialogs to lock

the settings.
Create To create GA drawing

drawing out using more than one model
of Grid view view:
and detail Highlight views GRID 4
and Connection A/4 @ Roof level.
Select All selected views to one

drawing.
Check mark Open drawing.
Click Create.
In few moments Tekla Structures opens the GA drawing with the selected model views.

Double click the blue border of the main view. In the View properties dialog box,
change the following:
• Turn on the grid lines (Grid… button)
• Set the part marks visibility to distributed (Part mark… > General)
• Turn off the part marks out of the view plane (Part mark… -> General)
Double click the blue border of the detail and change the following:
• Change the scale to 1:20 (Scale field)
• Change the bolt mark visibility to distributed (Bolt part… -> General)
Close the drawing.
If part or bolt mark visibility properties are set to something other than
None and another view is added to drawing, all the deleted part marks
will reappear.
Add another Model View to Existing GA Drawing

We will now create another detail for the Grid 4 drawing using the same view properties
as the existing detail.

Link another Open a model view at the connection at B/4 @ Roof level.
model view to Open GA drawing Elevation @ Grid 4.
GA drawing
Double click the Create view from model view icon to open the view properties.
Click Interrupt (right mouse click > Interrupt).

Highlight the border of existing detail.
Click Get on View properties dialog.
Click OK.
Activate the Create view from model view command again by clicking the icon.
Minimize the drawing.
Pick the Connection B/4 @ Roof level view.
Maximize the drawing and the detail will have appeared at the bottom left hand corner of
the drawing.
Move the view from bottom left hand corner to a better location.
Create Multiple GA Drawings Automatically

Now we will create multiple general arrangement drawings automatically using grid
views A, F, 1 and 4.
Change Click the Drawing properties… button in the Create general

drawing arrangement drawing dialog and change the following:
properties • Change the name to Elevation @ Grid (Name field)
• Turn on grid lines (Grid… button)
Click OK for each of the dialogs to lock the settings.

Create GA To create multiple GA drawings out of multiple model views:

drawings out Highlight views GRID A, GRID F, GRID 1 and GRID 7.
of Grid views
From the list box, select One drawing per view.
Click Create.
You will get 4 GA drawings.
We still need to modify the GA drawing names.

Open the first drawing on the list.

Check the view title to see which grid line it represents.

Double click the background of the drawing to open drawing properties.
Change the name to e.g. Elevation @ Grid F.
Click Modify and the name changes on the list.

Repeat for the rest of the drawings.

Create Empty GA Drawing and Add Model Views Interactively

In certain situations (multi-user for example) it is necessary to first create empty GA
drawings and later link the model views interactively. By using this method each user can
have GA drawings reserved for their use.
Change Click the Drawing properties… button on Create general
drawing arrangement drawing dialog, and change the following:
properties
• Change the name to Foundation (Name field)

• Change the drawing size to 830*584 (Layout… dialog)
• Set the part marks visibility to none (Part mark… -> General)
• Set the part marks out of view plane not visible(Part mark… -> General)
Click the OK button for each of the dialogs to lock the settings.
Create empty
GA drawing
To create an empty GA drawing and add the
model view interactively:
Open the model view, Plan +0.
Open the GA drawing creation dialog, Drawing

> Create general arrangement drawing.
Select Empty drawing from the drop down
menu.
Check mark Open drawing.
Click Create.

Link model Open the drawing.

view to Minimize the
drawing drawing.
Double click the Create view from
model view icon.
Change the scale to 1/100.

Click OK.
Pick the model view.

Maximize the drawing and the model view
has been placed on the drawing.
Right click and select Place views.

7.2 Editing GA Drawings

Next we will do some editing to the GA drawings. Most of the editing is done exactly
like it is done in other types of drawings see: Help: Drawing > Editing Drawings.
Interactive Dimensioning
For more information about the different dimensioning tools, see: Help: Drawing >
Dimensioning > Manual dimensioning.
Automatic Grid Dimensions
Dimension
grids Grids can be dimensioned with just couple of clicks:
Open the Foundation GA drawing.
Go to Create > Dimension > Grid.

Pick the main drawing view.

Grid dimensions will appear.
You can pick and move dimension lines anywhere you want them.
Semi-automatic GA Dimensioning
See the online help file for more information about

setting up dimensioning properties Help: Drawings
> Dimensioning > Dimension reference > Setup >
GA dimensioning.
Dimension From the menu select Setup >
Silos GA dimensioning…
Set the properties as shown below:
Select the silos.

Right click and select Dimension Parts XY.
Dimension lines from the silos to grid lines should appear.
In same fashion we can also dimension the anchor bolts:

Dimension Highlight the parts in anchor bolt detail.
anchor bolt Right click and select Dimension Parts XY.
detail

And in the section view:

Dimension Double click the blue border to open the view properties.
anchor bolt Click the Part… button, check mark Hidden lines: to on and click
cut view Modify.
Highlight just the anchor bolts and the footing.
Right click and select Dimension Parts XY.
Close the drawing.
Creating a Level Mark

Level mark can be inserted at any picked point in the drawings and it will automatically
give you the elevation of that point.

Create level Click the Create level mark icon.

mark
Right click and use the Near snap override pick a point at the top of the foundation.
Free pick another point to set the direction of the level mark.
The level mark will appear at the selected location.

Tekla Structures Assembly And Single Part Drawings
Assembly and Single Part

Drawings
In this lesson
We will introduce the creation of assembly and single-part drawings in Tekla

Structures.
We will first create single-part and assembly drawings by using predefined drawing
wizards (drawing wizards are an automatic way of creating single, assembly and
multi-drawings).
We will then edit the drawing properties and create a new drawing wizard. The
Drawing Wizard will use the edited drawing properties and the select filters that we
defined in an earlier lesson. Then we will show how the same drawings can be
created manually. We will also demonstrate how updating effects the drawings.
Revision control of all drawing types is presented in Lesson 9.
8.1 Integration between Drawings and Model

Assembly and Single-Part Drawings
Single-part drawings are workshop drawings of each of the individual steel parts in
the model. Assembly drawings are workshop drawings, in which details of an
assembly consisting of the steel parts are presented for fabrication.
All of the views in single-part or assembly drawings are current views of the
members as they are in the model.
When the model contains any identical members, the drawing is a view of one of
these members. The drawing, however, contains information about the quantity of all
of the identical members. If the "host" member of the drawing is modified or deleted,
it will get a new position mark at the next numbering. Tekla Structures will then
automatically assign the original drawing to another member with the original
position mark.
Tekla Structures integrates the drawings and reports with the model. This means that,
for example, dimensions and marks in the drawings are always correct. Because the
information in the drawings and reports comes directly from the model, you cannot
delete any of the parts or bolts from the drawings. You are able to filter out parts and
bolts in the drawings, or make them invisible.

You can create drawings and reports at any stage of the project. If you change the
model, Tekla Structures updates the related drawings when you next carry out
numbering.
For more information, see
Help: Drawing > Introduction to drawings > Basics.
8.2 Create Drawings Manually

In Tekla Structures, you can create single-part and assembly drawings by loading and
applying predefined drawing properties for layout, dimensions, marks, etc. for
selected parts. This process is called, the manual creation of drawings, in contrast to
the drawing creation with wizards.
The steps for the manual creation of drawings are basically the same as the steps used
by the drawing wizard:
Select the model objects.
Load the predefined drawing properties.
Click Drawing > Assembly drawing to create assembly drawings or

Drawing > Single-part drawing to create single-part drawings.
Create Assembly Drawings
As example, we will create assembly drawings from the columns.
Delete To manually create assembly drawings from all columns:

column Open the drawing list and delete all assembly drawings with the
assembly title COLUMN.
drawings
Select the column_filter on the Select switches toolbar.
Create Select Properties > Assembly drawing… in the menu to

assembly open the Assembly drawing properties dialog box.
drawings Select column properties in the drop-down box next to the
from columns Load button.

Click Load and OK.

Select Drawing > Assembly drawing in the menu to create the assembly
drawings.
Open the drawing list and check that the correct drawings were created.
You can also use the view filters in the View filter dialog box (opened
from the View properties dialog box) to help selecting members in the
model for drawing creation.
8.3 Edit Drawings Manually

It is possible to manually add and edit additional drawing objects (i.e. dimensions,
lines, text, symbols, graphics and marks) in Tekla Structures drawings.
Whenever possible, you should modify drawings by editing only the

drawing properties. For example, if you use the drawing properties to
modify the drawing, the modifications remain if the drawing must be
recreated due to a model change.
We will now edit a brace_H drawing manually to include same editing that we
defined for vertical brace_V drawing properties (the bolt distance dimensions and the
rectangular part mark frame).

Add bolt Open the first bracing_H drawing in the drawing list.
distance Click Create Y dimension icon.
dimensions
Pick the center points of bolts to be dimensioned.

Move the cursor to where you want the dimension
to appear and click the middle button.
To move the dimension: Select it and drag it to the desired position.
Add the bolt dimension to the other end the same way.
Change Double click one of the part marks to open Part mark
the frame properties dialog box.
of part On General tab change the Frame around mark to
marks rectangular and tick only this check box.
Select all the part marks in the drawing.

Modify.

Now all the part marks in the drawing

have rectangular frames.
Close the drawing , click Save in the
confirmation dialog box.
Edit the other Open the second

bracing_H bracing_H drawing.
drawing Add the bolt distance
dimensions.
Change the frame of part marks to
rectangular.
Close the drawing, click Save and Freeze in the confirmation dialog box
An F appears in the drawing list to show this drawing is frozen.
Now the drawings of the horizontal bracing have the same editing as the vertical
bracing. The difference is that part of the horizontal brace editing was done manually.
8.4 Editing Drawing Properties

We will now define specific drawing properties for both horizontal and vertical
bracing and save the properties to be used later in the drawing wizard.
As an example we will open one vertical brace drawing for editing. Using this
drawing we will save the properties for the horizontal bracing. We will then edit some
more properties and save them for the vertical bracing.
We will edit dimensioning protection and part mark properties. To illustrate the effect
of single fields, we will first remove the existing dimensions from the drawing.
The editing we will do are just examples of using the drawing properties. The final
drawing you get depends on the environment you are using and may not be identical
to this example.
Study the Online help for information on each of the separate fields available in the
drawing properties.
Help: Drawing > Dimensioning Help: Drawing > Drawing Properties

Whenever possible, you should modify drawings by changing the

drawing properties. These modifications remain when the drawing is
recreated due to a model change. You can also use saved drawing
properties in wizards.
1. Layout
Click the Layout button. First we will look at the Drawing size tab page.

Layout dialog
On the Drawing size tab page you can apply a Layout to the drawings. The layout
contains information on the general configuration of the drawing appearance. These
include the title block, bill of material, border and tables and the location of each of
these on the drawing. The drop-down list contains pre-defined layouts that can be
applied to the drawings. You can also create your own layout. For more information
on drawing layouts see:
Drawing > Drawing Layout in the Tekla Structures help file.
Drawing size
Drawing size has options for either letting Tekla Structures decide what size sheet to
use or for you to specify the drawing sheet size. The Size definition mode drop-down is
where you set the selection for Autosize or Specified size.
Autosize has the following options:
When you select Specified size, the Autosize option is grayed out and you have fields
available to enter the drawing size. You also have a drop-down box to select a table
layout for the drawing size you specify.

Scale
The Scale tab page has the options used for Autoscale and Preferred drawing size.
Auto scale
Having Tekla Structures automatically scale drawing views limits the size of the
drawing. When you use Autoscale, Tekla Structures first tries to use the preferred
scale, then the alternative scales. You define these in the drawing properties
dialog box.
Preferred scale
You can define different preferred scales for main and section views. In the
drawing properties dialog box, click View... (or Section
view...) > Attributes > Scale and enter the scale.
Alternative scales
If you are using Autoscale and drawing views do not fit into a drawing using the
preferred scale, Tekla Structures tries the alternative scales.
You can define different scales for main and section views. In the drawing
properties dialog box, click Layout... > Scale > Main views scales (or Section
view scales) and enter the scales.
Scale Change Mode
The Scale change mode drop-down box has the following options:

Preferred Size
Tekla Structures tries to use the preferred size as the maximum drawing size when
automatically scaling the drawing views.
Other
Projection Type
The Other tab has some additional options for the placement of views on the drawing.
The options are First angle and Third

angle.
• First angle (Also referred to as European

projection)
• Third angle (Also referred to as
American projection)
Side Views beside Main

Include Single Parts

The Yes selection includes individual single part drawings of the parts on the
assembly drawing.
Single Part attributes

The single part attributes drop-down contains drawings settings which can control the
single part drawing presentation separate from the assembly drawing settings.
Expand shortened parts to fit

Yes will stretch the drawing view of short assemblies to fill the sheet.

2. Dimension
Dimension types
Tekla Structures includes the following dimension types:

Angle
Angle defines the type of angle measurement Tekla Structures displays.

The options are:
Precision
Select the level of precision for dimensions using the Precision list box. The
format you use also affects dimension precision. For example, if you set the
format to ###.# you get 1/10 precision not 1/1000 precision.
You need to enter values as integers when setting environment variables for
unfolding. See Unfolding dimensions

Advance Tab
Knock off dimension types
These are the options for knock off dimension type:
• Typical dimension style
• Set-back style
3. Part
Part representation
The Part representation list box gives you the following options:
• Outline
Parts appear as solid objects in drawings
• Exact

Parts appear as solid objects, Tekla Structures also draws the chamfers
in profile cross sections
• Workshop form
Tekla Structures draws round tube profiles as wrap-around templates
• Bounding box
Parts appear as boxes which surround the actual profiles
• Base box
Tekla Structures shows parts as boxes and uses the h and b values
from the profile catalog as box dimensions
Hidden lines
Defines the appearance of hidden lines in drawing parts.

• Hidden lines
Shows hidden lines in secondary and neighboring parts
• Own hidden lines
Shows hidden lines in main parts
Orientation symbol
Orientation symbols indicate the erection direction of assemblies. The
default orientation symbol is a triangle inside a circle.

Connecting side marks
You can add a user-defined symbol to mark the side of a part to which a
connecting part is attached. In the assembly drawing properties, click Part... >
Content and select the Connecting side marks checkbox.
4. Part Mark
The options in the Part mark properties dialog box control what information is shown in
the part mark as it appears in the drawing.
Content
The options on the content tab control the information that is presented in the part
mark in the drawing.

The Available elements window above contains all of the different options for including
information in the part mark. You select the element that you want in the mark and
move it to the Elements in mark window with the Add arrow.
The Frame around elements box controls the appearance of the mark. You can apply a
box or balloon around a particular element in the mark. Set the colour and font
properties used in the element.
General
The General tab page controls the presentation of the
entire mark in the drawing.
The Frame around mark option allow you to set

what type, if any, frame appears around a mark and
what color it is. See the picture below for the frame
types that are available.
The Leader line drop-down boxes contain options

for different types of leader lines and whether or not
the line has an arrowhead. The pictures below show
the options for the leader lines and arrowheads.

5. Protection
6. Surfacing Treatment
You can add various surface treatments to steel and concrete parts. To define how
Tekla Structures displays surface treatment in drawings, use the Surface treatment...
button in the drawing properties dialog box.
The options on the Content tab are:
Option Description
Visibility Show or hide surface treatment

Representation The appearance of the surface treatment
Show pattern Select the checkbox to display the surface pattern. For more
information, see Hatch patterns for surface treatment.
Hidden lines Select the checkbox to display hidden lines in secondary and
neighboring parts.
Own hidden Select the checkbox to display hidden lines in main parts.
lines
7. Detail View
Tekla Structures creates the detail view using the current properties in the drawing
View properties dialog box.
Detail view can either be in the same drawing as the existing view or you can move it
to another drawing.
8. View
The view options control which views appear in the drawing.

Views
The Views tab controls which views are switched on in the drawings.
In single-part and assembly drawings, you can set the coordinate

system of each drawing view. The coordinate system defines:
• The direction from which the part or assembly is shown

• How the part or assembly is rotated
• The orientation of dimensions in the drawing view
Attributes
To set the coordinate system, open the drawing properties dialog

box, and click View... > Attributes > Coordinate system and select
one of the options:
• Local
Tekla Structures uses the local coordinate system of the main part.
The part's x-axis is parallel to the drawing's x-axis, and the starting
point (the end point created first) of the part is on the left.

• Model
Tekla Structures uses the global coordinate system. The part has the
same position in the drawing as it has in the model. This is one
option when you want to show columns vertically.
• Oriented
Tekla Structures uses the local coordinate system of the main part,
but the coordinate system is oriented so that the part's x-axis points
to the right even if the part was created from right to left.
For skewed braces, there are two options, which automatically rotate
the front view around the x-axis:
• Horizontal brace
Tekla Structures automatically rotates the drawing views so that the
front view is from the top of the model.
• Vertical brace
Tekla Structures automatically rotates the drawing views so that the
front view is in the same plane as the brace in the model.

See the illustration below:
Part rotation in drawing

views
In addition to setting the
coordinate system, you can also
rotate the part or assembly in the
drawing view around its local
axes.
X-axis
Rotate around the x-axis in steps
of 90 degrees.

Y-axis
Rotate around the y-axis in steps of 180 degrees.
Z-axis
Rotate around the z-axis in specific angles.
Important: Projection type in the layout properties affects the order of the views in the
drawing Dimensioning.
Shortening
If you have a long part in a drawing that does not include many details along its
length, you can shorten the part in the drawing view. The part will still display
accurate dimensions and a representation of the part.
The table below describes the options on the

Shortening tab page.

Lables
9. Dimensioning properties
Tekla Structures creates dimensions in the drawing view using the current
properties in the Dimensioning properties dialog box. To view the properties on
different tabs, click the following links:
q General dimensioning
q Part dimensioning
q Bolt dimensioning
q Position dimensioning
q Sub-Assemblies
q Dimension Grouping

General dimensioning properties
Dimensioning Type
The Standard type is used for almost all dimensioning. The Truss option meets the
specific requirements needed to dimension truss drawings.
Number of views
Can be used to minimize the number of views that are created. Also, the
settings in the View properties dialog have an effect on the number of views
created.
Combining dimensions
You can combine separate dimensions into a longer dimension line.
In the drawing properties dialog box, click
Dimensioning... > General > Combine dimensions and select the level of
combination.


Tekla Structures Chapter 6
4.5 Option
The combine option type 4.5 for dimensions uses combination type 5 for main
part and combination type 4 for secondary parts.
Close dimensions
Distance
The distance within which Tekla Structures combines internal dimensions.
Steel Detailing 6-25/62

Min distance
Another criterion for combining internal dimensions. If the distance between

two details is less than the minimum distance, Tekla Structures combines the
dimensions.
Forward offset
Controls the distance that the program uses to find a point to dimension from. If
nothing is found in the forward offset distance, the program dimensions from
one of the objects edges.

Recognizable distance
A value entered in this field is used to control the dimensioning of asymmetrical parts
or bolt groups. If the asymmetrical distance is less than the value entered, a dimension
is created. See the example below.
Part mark to dimension line

Adds the part mark to the overall dimension line.
Main dimension side
Defines which side of an object the Assembly overall, Main part work point and Knock-off
dimensions are placed.
Auto –
The main dimensions are treated the same way as other dimensions. Up – The main
dimensions are placed above the part (or to the left for vertical parts) Down – The main
dimensions are placed below the part.
Note also: Up places the skew position dimensions of the main part below the part and
Down places them above the part.
Part dimensioning properties

The options on the Part dimensions tab page control how the main part is dimensioned and
the location of secondary parts on the main part.

Internal dimensions
Overall dimensions
• Main Part
• Assembly

Check dimensions

Shape dimensions
Use shape dimensions to dimension notches and other

cuts in the main part.
In the assembly drawing properties dialog box, click
Dimensioning... > Part dimensions > Main part shape
(On).
In the single-part drawing properties dialog box, click
Dimensioning... > Part dimensions > Shape dimensions
(On).
Radius and bevel dimensions
Bevel angle
To define which side of a bevel to dimension, click Dimensioning... > Part
dimensions > Bevel angle and select an option.

Knock off dimensions
Knock off dimensions display the distance from work points to the end of the
part.
In the drawing properties dialog box:
• To create knock off dimensions, click Dimensioning... > Part dimensions >
Knock-off dimension (On).
• To set the style of knock off dimensions, click Dimension... > Advanced and
select a Knock off dimension type.
Preferred dim side

Bolt dimensioning properties
You can dimension bolt goups in main and secondary parts separately. For skewed
bolt groups you can also indicate whether the dimensions are parallel to the part or
the bolt group.
Main and secondary part bolt internal dimensions
You can select how much of

the internal dimensioning for
bolt groups and holes appears
in main and secondary parts.
In the drawing properties
dialog box, click
Dimensioning... > Bolt
dimensions > Main, or
Secondary part bolt internal
dimensions, and select one of
the options:
• Internal
Creates bolt group internal dimensions (distances between bolts).
• All
Creates edge distance and bolt group internal dimensions.
• None
Creates none of the internal bolt dimensions.
Skewed bolt groups
The following directions are available for dimensions of skewed bolt groups:
• No dimensions
• In part direction
• In bolt group direction
Combine bolt dimensions
You can combine bolt group internal dimensions, 3@60, 3@60=180 or have
single dimensions (60,60,60).
Open the drawing properties dialog box, click Dimensioning... > Bolt
dimensions > Combine bolt dimensions and select a format.

You can change the * character using the environment variable
XS_COMBINED_BOLT_DIM_CHARACTER=@
Position dimensioning properties
Position to
• Work points
Set XS_WORKING_POINTS_VALID_ALSO_OUTSIDE_PART=TRUE
• Both

Secondary part

Skew secondary parts
To create the dimensions in the picture above, select the following options in
the assembly drawing properties dialog box:
1. Secondary part (By bolt)

2. Secondary part dimension direction (Neighbor part)
3. Position from (Work points)
Main part bolt position

Main part skew position
You can create check dimensions to show the skew position of the main part. This
dimensioning type is created specifically for vertical and horizontal braces.
In the assembly or cast-unit drawing properties dialog box, click Dimensioning... >
Position dimensions > Main part skew position (Yes) to create the skew check
dimensions.
Tekla Structures creates horizontal and vertical dimensions between the work points of
the main part. These dimensions are located in the front view. Their location depends on
the Main dimension side option you select on the General tab. When the main dimensions
are above the part, the skew dimensions are below, and vice versa.
Centred part
Defines how Tekla Structures dimensions centered parts. The options are:

Centred bolt
Defines how Tekla Structures dimensions centred bolt groups. Centred bolt overrides the
Secondary part bolt internal option for centred bolts. This only applies to bolts located
centrally on the part. The options are:
Elevation dimensions

Sub-assemblies
The options on the Sub-assemblies tab in the Assembly - dimensioning properties dialog
box are:
Field Description
Dimension parts inside sub- Defines whether to dimension parts inside sub-assemblies.
assemblies
Measure sub-assembly position Defines the position from which the sub-assembly is
from
measured.
Dimension grouping properties
The options on the Dimension grouping tab are:
Field Description More information
Activate dimension Selects the objects for Grouping identical objects to

grouping grouping. the same dimension line
Parts Groups according to parts.
Bolts Groups according to bolts.
Components Groups according to
components.
Cuts/Shapes Groups according to cuts or
shapes.
Automatic tagging Defines how to display
information in dimension line.
Display tags Displays tags.
Include part count in the Includes part count in tag.
tag
Do not display marks for Does not display marks for

the grouped items grouped items.
Available elements Elements available to define
identical conditions.
Add Adds items to Selected
elements list.
Remove Removes items from Selected

elements list.
Move up Moves the element higher in
the list.
Move down Moves the element lower in
the list.
10. Bolt
There are several ways to display bolts in drawings. You can select the
options from the Solid/symbol list box. See the examples below.
11. Bolt Mark
12. Connection mark
13. Surfacing mark
14. User defined attributes
15. Section View

Attributes
The following table describes the options available on the Attributes tab.
Direction
The options on the direction tab control which direction the section cut is taken for
different points along the length of a part.
Shortening
The Shortening tab options are the same as described in the previous section.
Label
The Label tab controls the placement, color and text height of the section mark in the
section view. The text style is controlled in the batch file with the following lines:
set XS_DEFAULT_FONT=Arial
set XS_TEXT_FONT=Arial

set XS_DEFAULT_FONT_SIZE=12
16. Section Symbol

17. Neighbour Part
18. Neighbour Part Mark
19. Weld
20. Grid
8.5 Create Drawings Using Drawing Wizards

Once you have numbered the model, you can create assembly and single-part drawings
from the model. Drawing wizards are the most effective way to create drawings in Tekla
Structures.
Wizards automatically produce different types of drawings of different parts, such as
beams, columns, and braces. You can use wizards to create single-part, assembly, or
multi-drawings using the settings defined in the wizard files.
You can use the predefined wizard files, edit them, or create your own drawing wizards.
The Wizard dialog box lists the available wizard files.
For more information on drawing wizards, see:

Help: Drawing > Getting started with drawings > Using drawing wizards
Help: Drawing > Getting started with drawings > Drawings reference > File >
Wizard…
Drawing wizards cannot be used to create cast unit (CU) drawings of concrete
structures.

Functionality of Drawing Wizards

For each member type in the model, drawing wizards automatically perform the
following steps:
Define the drawing type to be created (single, assembly or multi).
Define the drawing properties to be used.
With the given select filter, select the parts from which to create drawings.
Create drawings.
When you apply a wizard, you can choose whether the wizard creates drawings from all
parts of the model, or just from the selected parts.
By creating wizards that match the select filters and drawing properties in the
project you can automatically create all single and assembly drawings of the
parts using the correct predefined properties.
Preconditions of using a drawing wizard:

1. Numbering of the model must be up to date.
2. The appropriate wizard file must exist.
3. The saved drawing properties listed in the wizard file must exist.
4. The saved select filters listed in the wizard file must exist.
Model members which will be selected by the select filter must exist.
Create Single-Part Drawings of Selected Parts

We will now use a drawing wizard to create single-part drawings of selected steel beams
and plates.
Create single- Open the CombinedModel.

part drawings Select the BEAM_STEEL from the drop down list of available
of steel Select filters.
beams
Select the whole model with an area selection.

To view the creation of the drawings, open the drawing list by clicking the Open
drawing list icon.

Select File > Wizard… from the menu or click the Wizard icon on the Standard
toolbar to open the Wizard dialog box.
Select Single Drawings on the Wizards tab.
Click the Create from selected button.

In the drawing list check that the single-part drawings with the title BEAM were
created.
Open a few single-part drawings for viewing.

Create single- Following the procedure above, now create the single part drawings
part drawings of the plates.
from plates Select the PLATE select filter.
Select the whole model with an area selection.
Select Single Drawings on the Wizards tab in the wizard dialog box.
Click the Create from selected button.
In the drawings list check that the single-part drawings with the title PLATE were
created.
Open a few single-part drawings for viewing.

Using the procedure outlined above, you could create single-part drawings from any
other selected steel parts in the model (columns, braces, angles, etc.).
It is advisable to create all the single and assembly drawings with the wizard,
even for a single part.
Tekla Structures displayes a Cancel dialog box during the creation drawings.
Click OK in the dialog box to stop creating the drawings.
To create single-part drawings from all of the steel parts at once you can use the option
Create from all.
Create Assembly Drawings of All Parts

Next we will create assembly drawings of all of the parts by using another drawing
wizard.
Create To create all of the assembly drawings:

assembly
drawings Click the Wizard icon to open the Wizard dialog box.
Select Assembly Drawings on the Wizards tab.

Click the Create from all button.
Use the Create from all button to create drawings from the whole model at
once. Note that Tekla Structures will not create single-part drawings or
assembly drawings from concrete parts.

In the drawings list check that the assembly drawings were created correctly (sort the
drawing list by Title).
Open a few assembly drawings (which are not named STANDARD) for viewing.
For parts that don't match with the drawing properties or filters listed in the
wizard file, the predefine wizards creates drawings using STANDARD
properties.
Select parts Select drawings with the title STANDARD in the drawing list.
with drawing Click the Filter - Select parts button.
title
STANDARD

The parts associated with the selected drawing are now highlighted in the model. You
will find that E.g. that objects like braces are highlighted in the model (the default wizard
does not have a request for bracing).
Open brace Select one vertical brace on gridline A.
drawing Click the Display - All button to ensure that all drawings are shown in
the list.
Click the Filter - By parts button.
The drawing list shows now only the assembly drawing created from the brace selected in
the model.
Open the drawing
The brace drawing was created with standard properties and not properties defined for
bracing.
A drawing wizard will not create a duplicate drawing for any member already
having, e.g. a single-part or assembly drawing.

Load Right-click on the drawing and select Properties… to open the

properties Assembly drawing properties.
no_dimension Load the predefined properties no_dimensions.
Click Modify.
The drawing now appears without any dimensions and only the main view is visible.
By default, Tekla Structures creates the additional views only if it is necessary in order to
show the dimensions in the drawing.
However, for our purposes, we want to have both the front and top views in the brace
drawings regardless of the dimensions that may be needed.
8.6 Create New Drawing Wizard

We will next create a new drawing wizard that matches the select filters created earlier
and the available drawing properties. We will add two new drawing requests to create
horizontal and vertical braces and use the new properties defined for them. We will also
save the properties for those parts that don't match our wizard to be shown as
INCOMPLETE in the drawing list.
Load standard drawing properties.

Create
properties Edit the Name: field to INCOMPLETE.
INCOMPLETE Save as the properties with name INCOMPLETE.

We will now use an existing wizard as the basis for constructing our own wizard.
To create a new drawing wizard, we will perform the following steps:
Open an existing wizard file.
Save it with another name.
Modify the new file.
Test the functionality of the new wizard.
The following links present more information on customizing the wizard settings and the
contents of a wizard file.
Help: System > Files and folders > Customizing Tekla Structures > Creating wizard
files
Help: System > Files and folders > Log files > Wizard log
Open To create the new wizard file:
existing
wizard file Click the Wizard icon to open the Wizard dialog box.
Select Assembly Drawings on the Wizards tab.

Click Edit to open the wizard file in a text editor.

Select Save as… from the File menu of the text editor to save
Save
wizard file the wizard file with another name.
with Browse to the attributes folder under your model folder, enter
another ASSEMBLY_TR.dproc as the file name and click Save. Note
name that the file extension has to be .dproc.
Check that the ASSEMBLY_TR.dproc file was created in the attributes
subfolder by selecting Open model folder from the Tools menu.
The predefined wizard files are located in the

..\countries\*environment*\system folder. In the system folder the wizard
files are available for use in all models. Modified and saved wizard files
are saved in the same folder, unless you define another destination folder
(such as the model folder).

To have the new wizard file shown in the Wizard dialog box, you need
to close and reopen the model.
Modify Open the Wizard dialog box.

wizard Select ASSEMBLY_TR on the Wizards tab and click Edit.
file
Select an existing drawing request for purlins (shown highlighted
below) and copy it two times under the original request.

Edit the requests that you copied, to match the criteria for vertical and horizontal
bracing shown highlighted in yellow below.
Delete Delete the requests that don't match our select filters:
requests

Trusses & ladders
Next we will change all the requests to use the select filters that we defined earlier, for
this project.
Change Change the select filters defined for steel parts in this project:
the column_filter to COLUMN_STEEL
select
beam_filter to BEAM_STEEL
filters
purlin_filter to PURLIN
etc.
Edit the last request to be as shown:

Request for /* Create rest of assembly drawings */

the rest of the
assembly set_drawing_type(assembly)
drawings set_drawing_attributes(INCOMPLETE)
set_filter(standard)
create_drawings()
Save the Click Save to save the changes and to close the text editor.
wizard file
A wizard file is comprised of several sets of drawing requests. The order

of these requests is important, since Tekla Structures creates only one
drawing for each selected object. The first request that matches the
criteria of select filters is applied.
Now we want to ensure that the new wizard file functions correctly.
Apply Delete all of the assembly drawings in the drawing list.

own Open the Wizard dialog box, select the ASSEMBLY_TR wizard
wizard and click Create from all.
file
Check the drawing list to see that correct drawing properties were used:
The titles of the created assembly drawings
INCOMPLETE
bracing_V, bracing_H

8.7 Updating Assembly and Single-part

Drawings
We will now modify our model by changing the bolt spacing of all of the gusset plate
connections. Changes in the model will result in some of the drawings will no longer be
up-to-date. To be able to open the drawings you will need to run numbering and update
them.
We will study how updating effects the edited drawings.
Updating will:
Regenerate any drawings with a P flag that are unfrozen, the updating deletes all the
manual editing (added dimensions, texts etc.).
Update the quantities on a drawing with an N flag.
Switch the P flag on a frozen drawing to an *. This indicates that the picture (the
parts and bolts) and the marks of the member have been updated but not the
dimensions.
Changes in the Model

Change Select all the connections in the model.
gusset plate From the page 4 connection toolbar, double click the Tube gusset
bolt spacing (20) icon.
Check that the Ignore other types is selected in the connection dialog box.
In the Tubebolts1, Tubebolts2 and Tubebolts3 tab pages edit the vertical bolt
spacing to 80 as shown below.

Click Modify.
Now the model has changed and some of the drawings are no longer up to date. To be
able to open the drawings you need to run numbering and update them.
Run Select Tools > Numbering > Modified.

numbering
Once the numbering is carried out the flags in the Drawings list shows all of the
affected drawings that need to be updated.
Help: Drawing > Getting started with drawings > Drawing status flags
Update The vertical brace drawings were created with only the predefined
vertical brace drawing attributes. They will be complete right after updating, since
drawings they are simply recreated using their own attributes.
To update drawings:
Select the bracing_V drawings from the list.
Click Update.
Open the drawings to see that they are ok.

Update not Since the drawing is not frozen the updating regenerates the drawing
frozen but deletes all the manual editing (in this case the added bolt
horizontal dimensions and part mark frame change).
brace drawing
There is no Undo for the updating the drawings command.
Select the bracing_H drawing that is not frozen.

Click Update.
Open the drawing
You can see the manually added dimension has disappeared and the part mark frame is
back to rounded.
Updating a frozen drawing updates the picture of the member and the marks, but not the
dimensions or manual editing. We will need to fix up any dimensions that need updating.
The fact that a lot of time can be spent editing drawings, it is advisable to
always freeze manually edited drawings. If major modifications in the
model create problems with a drawing you can always recreate the
drawing with the automatic settings.
Update frozen To update frozen drawings:

horizontal Select the frozen bracing_H drawing from the list.
braze drawing
Click Update.
The P gets replaced by an *.

Open drawing with an *.
You can see that the bolt dimension still appears but is not correct.
Updating a frozen drawing can lead to a situation of incomplete or

erroneous dimensioning. You must manually complete or edit the
dimensioning.
Select the dimension line and click the Add dimension point icon.
Pick the correct points (the center points of bolts) to dimension.

Click Remove dimension points icon.
Pick the wrong dimension points to remove them.

The dimension is now correct.

Save the drawing and the * flag will be removed.
You can filter up-to-date drawings with Filter > Up to date button. To get
Non up to date drawings listed press Display > Invert button after Filter >
Up to date.
It is not possible to open earlier revisions of the drawings. Due to the
integration between drawings and the model a drawing that is not up-to-date
cannot be opened.
8.8 Drawing Status Flags

The status of drawings is represented by flags, which are shown on the left hand side of
the drawing list.
For more information about drawing status flags see
Help: Drawing > Getting started with drawings > Drawing status flags.
The table below explains the meaning of the drawing flags. Lock and Issue flags can be
manually added to the selected drawings. The M flag appears automatically on issued
drawings that have been modified.
Flag Explanation
L The drawing is locked. Locking prevents the drawings from being opened,
deleted or modified.
I The drawing has been issued. The issue flag can be displayed for selected
drawings that have been sent to the workshop.
M The issued drawing has been edited or otherwise changed.
Tekla Structures uses certain characters, "flags", to indicate the status of the drawings. If
a drawing does not have any flag, it is up-to-date.


8.9 Cloning Drawings

You should consider cloning drawings when:
• There are several similar parts, assemblies, or cast units in the model
• You need to produce single-part, assembly, or cast-unit drawings of similar parts,
assemblies, or cast units
• The drawings need a lot of manual editing
For example, you can create a drawing for one truss, edit the drawing, and then clone it
for similar trusses. Then you only need to modify the cloned drawings where the trusses
differ.
Included single parts
When you clone an assembly drawing that includes single-part drawings, Tekla
Structures does not include the single-part drawings in the cloned assembly drawing.
Checking dimensions and views
After cloning a drawing, you should always check it to ensure the dimensions and view
sizes are correct.
Tekla Structures circles in red the dimensions for which it cannot find a reference point
on a part.
To remove the red circles in cloned drawings, do one of the following:
• In the Drawing Editor, click Edit > Remove dimension point circle > Single
circle and select the circle to remove.
Or to remove all circles, click Edit > Remove dimension point circle > All.
• Create a new dimension point (Edit > Add/Remove dimension point) at the
correct position and delete the existing dimension point (Edit > Remove
dimension point).

• When you delete incorrect dimensions the red circles will also disappear. You can
then recreate the dimensions.
Preconditions
The assemblies that you are cloning drawings for must have the same main part as the
assembly from which the original drawing was created.
Description
You can clone drawings to produce single-part and assembly drawings.
Usage
1. Finalize, save, and close the drawing you want to clone.

2. In the model, select the parts or assemblies to include in the drawing.
3. In the Model Editor, click Drawing > List... to open the drawing list.
4. Select the finalized drawing on the drawing list.
5. Click Clone....
6. In the Drawing cloning dialog box, select the drawing objects in the finalized
drawing that you want to copy into the new drawing.
7. Click Clone selected.
Help: Drawing > Getting started with drawings > Working with drawings > Cloning
drawings

Tekla Structures Layouts and Revisions
Layouts and Revisions
9.1 Drawing Layouts

Now we will have a brief introduction on how the Tekla Structures drawing layouts
function.
A drawing consists of the layout and drawing views, e.g. plans, side views, and section
views. A layout connects a set of table layouts and a set of drawing sizes. Before you
create a drawing, you must select a layout.
The example below illustrates the relationship between the table layout and drawing
views. The drawing views are blue, and the elements of table layout are red.
See the following links for more information about drawing layouts:
Help: Drawing > Drawing layout
View Contents of a Drawing Layout

An example of a GA drawing layout for the A3 drawing sheet size is shown below. The
drawing title and revision table included in this layout are also shown separately and
enlarged.

Revision table:
Drawing title for GA drawings:
To view the contents of the GA drawing table layout in the Model Editor:
Select Properties > Layout…
View GA drawing table layout from the menu to open the Layout
dialog box.
Select ga in the list of Layouts and click the Table layout… button to open the
Table layouts dialog box.

Select ga in the list of Table layouts and click the Tables… button to open the
Tables dialog box.
The content of the ga table layout is presented in the Chosen tables list.

Select the drawing_title_ga and revision table one at a time to view their location in
the table layout. The former, for example, is bound by its lower right corner to the lower
right corner of the drawing frame (that is the reference object).
Click Cancel to close the dialog box.

Placing Views
To move drawing views:

Select the blue view frame of GRID 3.
Hold down the Shift key and drag the view with the mouse to the right side of the 3D
view.
Move the GRID A view correspondingly
Your G [1] drawing should now look like the one shown below.

You can place drawing views more accurately by aligning them

horizontally or vertically. For instructions, see Help: Drawing > Editing
drawings > Working with drawing views > Aligning drawing views.
9.2 Drawing Revisions

Now we will cover the revision handling features of Tekla Structures.
When the model changes:
• You have to update or revise drawings
• Attach revision information to the drawings
Tekla Structures displays the revision

information alongside the revision
number or mark in the drawing list
and in the revision table within the
drawings. The revision table also
shows the revision date. You can
create a list of revisions in a report.
For more information about drawing
revisions and creating reports, see the
following links:
Help: Drawing > Getting started with
drawings > Defining drawing revisions

Create, Modify and Delete Revision Marks

Create To add a revision mark to the G [1] drawing:
revision mark Modify the model by changing the profile of the columns on grid line 1
from HEA300 to HEA320.
Open the drawing list in the Model Editor.
Select the drawing to revise, right-click and select Revision… to open the Revision
handling dialog box.
Enter the revision mark, revision date and description text of the revision in the dialog
box as shown below, and click Create.
Once the revision is created, a revision number is automatically assigned to the drawing.
The revision number is shown in the dialog box.
Check that the revision number is shown in the drawing list.
Open the drawing to check that the drawing title and revision table display the revision
information correctly.

Several drawings can share the same revision mark, date, and
information. To attach the same revision information to several
drawings simultaneously, select multiple drawings from the drawing
list.
You can choose whether Tekla Structures shows the revision numbers
or the revision marks in the drawing list. By default, revision numbers
are shown. For more information, see the following links:
Help: Drawing > Getting started with drawings > Defining drawing revisions
Help: System > Files and folders > Startup batch file.
Modify To modify the revision information of an existing revision mark:

revision
First create a new revision to the G [1] drawing by following steps 2-5
information
presented above:
• Change the model
• Use B as the revision mark
• Type revision date and description
• Click Create
• Leave the Revision handling dialog box open
Select the revision number 2 in the drop-down box next to the Mark field. The
corresponding revision information is shown in the dialog box.
Change the revision mark to C, modify the description text, and click Modify.
Open the drawing to check that the modification is shown correctly in the revision table.
Delete To delete a revision mark:

revision mark Select the revision number 2 in the Revision handling dialog box.
Click Delete.
The updated revision number of the drawing is now 1. Check that the revision number is
shown correctly in the drawing list. Open the drawing to check that the revision table is
also updated.
When you delete a revision, Tekla Structures automatically adjusts the

remaining revision numbers for that drawing.

Create Revision marks in Drawings

We will create revision marks in the drawings to help locate the changes made to the
model.
For more information about creating revision marks in drawings, see Help: Drawing >
Editing drawings > Editing drawings reference > Create > Revision mark.
Define To create a revision mark in the G [1] drawing:

revision mark Select the G [1] drawing in the drawing list and click the Update
appearance marks button to update all marks.
Open the selected drawing and

check that the part mark of the
column on grid line 1 in the
GRID A view has changed.
Select Properties > Revision

mark… from the menu to open
the Revision mark
properties dialog box.
Select the revision number 1 in
the drop-down box next to the
Mark field to obtain the
corresponding revision
information.

On the Appearance tab, select the Arrow type as shown below, change the Frame
color of the revision mark to red and click OK.
Create Select Create > Revision mark > Arrow

revision mark on right from the menu and pick a point to
in GA place the mark. For example, pick close to
drawing the column and its part mark on grid line 1
in the GRID A view.
Double click the revision mark to obtain its properties. Check
that the contents of the revision mark are correct, and its
appearance corresponds to the properties set above.

9.3 Plotting Drawings

Tekla Structures plots drawings both to
selected print devices and to file. Single
drawings can be plotted from the Drawing
Editor, and single or multiple drawings,
which have been selected in the drawing
list, can be plotted from the Model Editor.
Plotting
Plot a single drawing
To plot a single drawing from the
Drawing Editor:
Open the G [1] drawing in the Drawing
Editor.
Select File > Plot current… to open the Plot dialog box, or click the Plot
icon on the Drawings: Standard toolbar.
Select the print device (plotter) to be used and click Print.
Plot multiple For more information about available plot options, see Help: Drawing >
GA drawings Printing > Plot options.
To plot multiple GA drawings from the Model Editor:

Open the drawing list.
Select at least two GA drawings in the drawing list.
Click the Plot icon on the Standard toolbar.
Select the print device to be used and click Print.
If you select several print devices, Tekla

Structures sends each drawing to the
device with the smallest paper size, on
which the drawing will fit.
Color
You can specify the color of objects, frames, and fill (see also Fill type). The colors
define the line weight when you print monocolor drawings.
You have the color options as shown.

Plotting to a File
Plot a To plot the G [1] drawing to a file:
drawing as a Open the drawing list in the Model Editor.
dwg file
Select the G [1] drawing in the list.
Click the Plot icon to open the Plot dialog box.
Select DWG as the plotting format in the Plotter list. Check that the
Plot to file option is marked with a tick.
Click Print to plot the drawing to DWG. Drawing will be created in the model folder.
If you do not enter a file name for the destination plot file, or you have
chosen several drawings, Tekla Structures uses the drawing name(s) as
file name(s). If you do not enter a folder name, Tekla Structures creates
the file(s) in the current model folder.
You can also print a drawing to DWG using the Drawing Editor. Open
the selected drawing and follow the above steps, starting at step 3.
Tekla Structures does not distinguish between upper and lower case
letters. For example, a drawing named A.1 overwrites a drawing named
a.1.
Show Revision Mark in Plot File Names

When you plot drawings to files such as
DWG, DXF or PDF, you can include the
latest revision number or mark in the plot file
name. In the Plot dialog box, select the
checkbox of the Include revision mark to file
name option as shown below.
For more information about plotting to file, see:

Help: Drawing > Printing > Printing drawings > Printing to DWG/DXF
Help: Drawing > Printing > Printing drawings to file
For more information about defining drawing plot file names and plot directories, see:
Help: Drawing > Printing > Printing drawings to file > Switches for naming plotfiles

9.4 Locking Drawings
Use the buttons on the

right hand side of the
drawing list to change the
status of a drawing.
Alternatively, select the
drawing in the list, right-
click to open the pop-up
menu and change the
drawing status.
To lock and unlock a

drawing:
Select the G [1] drawing in the drawing list.
Click the Lock - On button and the L flag will appear.
Try to delete the drawing by clicking Delete.
Try to open the drawing by clicking Open.
Click the Lock - Off button to reset the lock.
Click Open. The drawing opens in the Drawing Editor.
You cannot open or delete a locked drawing without unlocking it.
Issue a To issue a drawing:

drawing Select the G [1] drawing in the drawing list.
Click the Issue - On button and the I flag will appear.
Open the drawing to view the GA drawing title.
Check that the issue date is shown correctly in the drawing title.
Lock all drawings from being accidentially deleted or changed.
All drawings from the Tekla Structures model appear on the list in the Drawings dialog
box. This list displays the following information about each drawing:

Tekla Structures Appendix A
Parametric Profiles
These are the parametric profiles available in Tekla Structures:
Steel Detailing 1/3

Steel Detailing 2/3

Parametric profiles
Parametric profiles are partly user-definable, they have a predefined shape, but you determine their size by giving
one or more parameters. You can use parametric profiles to closely "model" profiles that are standard in specific
environments, but do not exist in the Xsteel profile catalogue. Parametric profile names have specific prefixes and
include dimension values. These are described in Appendix A, Parametric Profiles above.
Steel Detailing 3/3

Tekla Structures Appendix B
How to use Bolts Page in connections
Steel Detailing 1/2

Tekla Structures Appendix B
When using slotting in parts
Steel Detailing 2/2

Tekla Structures System Connections
Toolbar Components 1











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Tekla Structures

Modeling & Drawing

Limitation of warranty and liability

1. Be suitable for use as intended by the customer.

1.1 General Information 1/5

Lesson 2 – Basic Modelling

2.1 Starting Tekla Structures 2/37

Lesson 3 – Creating Connections Interactively

3.4 Creating an End Plate Connection From Scratch 4/17

4.1 Numbering Basics 1/16

Lesson 5 – Example Model

5.1 Phase Manager 2/16

Lesson 6 – Principles Of Drawings

6.1 Integration between Drawings and the Model 1/6

7.1 Creating GA Drawings 1/19

Lesson 8 – Assembly And Single Part Drawings

8.1 Integration between Drawings and the Model 1/62

Lesson 9 – Layouts and Revision

9.1 Drawing Layouts 1/13

Steel Detailing III

Tekla Structures is a tool for structural engineers, detailers, and fabricators. It is an

1.3 Up-to-date drawings

1.4 Sharing models

1.5 Main features

Tekla Structures includes:

Steel Detailing 1/5

• Intelligent connections, such as end plates and clip angles, to automatically

1.6 Easy to use

1.7 Global but localized

Tekla Structures is used worldwide. It is available in a wide range of languages, and

1.8 3D model Languages

• Chinese - simplified (chs) • German (deu)

Steel Detailing 2/5

1.9 3D model Environment

The environment means region-specific settings and information. It defines which

1.10 Single and Multi-user

Steel Detailing 3/5

1.11 3D model Tekla Structures editors

Ø Custom Component Editor

Steel Detailing 4/5

1.12 Screen layout

Steel Detailing 5/5

Steel Detailing 1/37

2.1 Starting Tekla Structures

Valid password not found

If you receive this

• Open Windows Explorer and go to:

• In the bin file you will find a xswrk.dat file

• Right-click the xswrk.dat file and select Edit

• In the password file check the expiration date to see if it is current

Steel Detailing 2/37

2.2 Start New Model

Start a new model

Click the OK button to create the new model.

Steel Detailing 3/37

3d view is created automatically with default grid.

Dotted green box around the

The x and y coordinates of a

Steel Detailing 4/37

There are two ways to enter the x or y coordinates of grid lines:

• Individually, e.g. "0 6000 6000 6000", or

Both create three lines with the spacing of 6000.

You will notice