Tedds Developer Tutorials

Tekla Tedds
Professional Developer Tools
Training Manual
Disclaimer iii (130)
Disclaimer
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Training Manual Tekla Tedds

© Trimble Solutions Corporation | May 12, 2017 Professional Developer Tools
Table of Contents iv (130)
Table of Contents
Typographical conventions .................................................................................................................... 11
Note boxes ............................................................................................................................................. 11
1 Tedds Developer Training ................................................................................................... 15
1.1 Quick Overview of the Development Process ........................................................................................... 15
2 Glossary of Terms: ............................................................................................................. 16
3 Tedds Calc Designer - Overview .......................................................................................... 19
3.1 How to Use the Tedds Calc Designer ......................................................................................................... 19
3.2 Screen Layout ............................................................................................................................................ 20
3.3 Main Commands........................................................................................................................................ 21
3.4 Calc Objects ............................................................................................................................................... 21

3.4.1 Types of Calc Object ................................................................................................................................. 21
Terminators ............................................................................................................................................ 21
Decisions ................................................................................................................................................ 22
Processes ................................................................................................................................................ 22
Connectors ............................................................................................................................................. 24
External Process ..................................................................................................................................... 24
3.4.2 Placing Calc Objects: ................................................................................................................................ 24
3.5 Specifying Calc Objects Properties: ........................................................................................................... 25
3.6 Placing "Evaluate Lib Item" Objects .......................................................................................................... 26
3.7 Linking Calc Objects: .................................................................................................................................. 26
3.8 Building the Calc Module........................................................................................................................... 27

3.8.1 Properties ................................................................................................................................................. 27
3.8.2 Building..................................................................................................................................................... 27
3.9 Saving the Flowchart ................................................................................................................................. 28
3.10 Testing the Calc Module ............................................................................................................................ 28
4 Tedds Interface Designer - Overview .................................................................................. 31
4.1 How to Use the Tedds Interface Designer ................................................................................................. 31
4.2 Screen Layout ............................................................................................................................................ 31
4.3 Basics ......................................................................................................................................................... 32

4.3.1 Controls .................................................................................................................................................... 32
4.3.2 Groups ...................................................................................................................................................... 34
4.3.3 Pages ........................................................................................................................................................ 34

Table of Contents v (130)
4.3.4 Page Groups ............................................................................................................................................. 34
4.4 General ...................................................................................................................................................... 34
4.5 Sample Interface + Interface Designer Wizard .......................................................................................... 35
4.6 Building an Interface.................................................................................................................................. 35
4.7 Saving an Interface .................................................................................................................................... 35
5 Lessons - Components ........................................................................................................ 39
5.1 Installation ................................................................................................................................................. 40

5.1.1 Files .......................................................................................................................................................... 40
5.1.2 Completed Modules ................................................................................................................................. 40
6 Lesson 1 - Creating the Calc Module ................................................................................... 43
6.1 Set up the Calc Designer ............................................................................................................................ 43
6.2 Create the Flowchart ................................................................................................................................. 44
6.3 Build the Calc Module................................................................................................................................ 47
6.4 Test the Calc Module ................................................................................................................................. 47
6.5 What have you learnt? .............................................................................................................................. 48
6.6 What next? ................................................................................................................................................ 48
7 Lesson 2 - Creating the Calculation Logic............................................................................. 51
7.1 Lesson 2 - Control Variables ...................................................................................................................... 52
7.3 Create the Flowchart ................................................................................................................................. 53

7.3.1 Placing Calc Objects Directly From the LAS. ............................................................................................. 55
7.3.2 Copying and Editing Calc Objects ............................................................................................................. 57
7.7 What next? ................................................................................................................................................ 61
8 Lesson 3 - Creating the User Interface................................................................................. 67
8.1 Interface Designer Plan ............................................................................................................................. 67

8.1.1 Interface Designer Components .............................................................................................................. 69
8.2 Set up the Interface Designer .................................................................................................................... 69

Table of Contents vi (130)
8.3 Page Group – One...................................................................................................................................... 70
8.4 Page - One.................................................................................................................................................. 71
8.5 Group – for page one................................................................................................................................. 72
8.6 Controls ..................................................................................................................................................... 73

8.6.1 Drop List Control – Loading Type ............................................................................................................. 73
8.6.2 Checkbox Control – Include Sketch? ........................................................................................................ 74
8.7 Build the Interface ..................................................................................................................................... 74
8.8 Test the Interface ...................................................................................................................................... 74
8.9 Page Group - Two ...................................................................................................................................... 77
8.10 Page - Two ................................................................................................................................................. 77
8.11 Groups ....................................................................................................................................................... 79

8.11.1 Fully Loaded Beam Span Details .............................................................................................................. 79
8.11.2 Partially Loaded Beam Span Details ......................................................................................................... 79
8.11.3 Beam Loading Details ............................................................................................................................... 79
8.12 Controls ..................................................................................................................................................... 80

8.12.1 Edit Control - Beam Span ......................................................................................................................... 80
8.12.2 Edit Control - Beam Span ......................................................................................................................... 81
8.12.3 Edit Control – Length to Load................................................................................................................... 81
8.12.4 Edit Control – Loaded Length ................................................................................................................... 81
8.12.5 Edit Control – Loading .............................................................................................................................. 81
8.13 Test the Interface ...................................................................................................................................... 82
8.14 Build the Interface ..................................................................................................................................... 83
8.16 What next? ................................................................................................................................................ 83
9 Lesson 4 - Linking Interfaces & Calc Modules ...................................................................... 87
9.2 Adding an Interface to a Calc Designer Flowchart .................................................................................... 87
9.5 Create the AutoCalc ................................................................................................................................... 88
9.7 What next? ................................................................................................................................................ 90

Table of Contents vii (130)
10 Lesson 5 - Advanced Example ............................................................................................. 93
10.2 Changing an Interface in a Calc Designer Flowchart ................................................................................. 93
10.3 Calc Designer Pages ................................................................................................................................... 93

10.3.1 Adding Pages ............................................................................................................................................ 93
10.4 Sub Modules .............................................................................................................................................. 93

10.4.1 Adding Sub Modules ................................................................................................................................ 94
10.4.2 Main page: ............................................................................................................................................... 96
10.4.3 Deflection pages:...................................................................................................................................... 96
10.8 Interface Designer Plan ............................................................................................................................. 98
10.9 Set up the Interface Designer .................................................................................................................... 98
10.10 Controls ..................................................................................................................................................... 99

10.10.1 Checkbox Control - Calculate Deflection? ................................................................................................ 99
10.11 Groups ....................................................................................................................................................... 99
10.12 Controls ................................................................................................................................................... 100

10.12.1 Drop List Control - Design Code ............................................................................................................. 100
10.12.2 SetVar Control – Young’s Modulus ........................................................................................................ 100
10.12.3 SetVar Control – Steel Section Data List ................................................................................................ 101
10.12.4 Button Control – Select Section from Data List...................................................................................... 102
10.12.5 Label Control – Current Section ............................................................................................................. 103
10.13 Build the Interface ................................................................................................................................... 103
10.14 Checking the Autocalc ............................................................................................................................. 103
10.15 Test the Calc Module ............................................................................................................................... 103
10.16 Create the AutoCalc ................................................................................................................................. 104
10.17 What have you learnt? ............................................................................................................................ 104
10.18 What Next? .............................................................................................................................................. 104
11 Lesson 6 - Controlling Output ........................................................................................... 107
11.1 Set up the Calc Designer .......................................................................................................................... 107

11.1.1 Append and Discard ............................................................................................................................... 107
11.2 ‘Replacing’ Properties .............................................................................................................................. 107

Table of Contents viii (130)
11.3 Pages and Sub Module ............................................................................................................................ 108

11.3.1 Build the Calc Module ............................................................................................................................ 109
11.5 Interface Designer ................................................................................................................................... 109
11.6 Set up the Interface Designer .................................................................................................................. 109
11.7 Group ....................................................................................................................................................... 110
11.8 Control ..................................................................................................................................................... 110

11.8.1 Drop List Control – Output Level............................................................................................................ 110
11.13 What next? .............................................................................................................................................. 111
12 Lesson 7 - Adding User Input Validation ........................................................................... 115
12.2 Validation................................................................................................................................................. 115

12.2.1 Minimum Value ...................................................................................................................................... 115
12.2.2 Validation Properties ............................................................................................................................. 116
12.2.3 Validation Message (and tool tip) .......................................................................................................... 116
12.2.4 Positive Value ......................................................................................................................................... 116
12.2.5 Calculated Value..................................................................................................................................... 116
12.2.6 Data List Selection .................................................................................................................................. 116
12.5 Build the Calc Module.............................................................................................................................. 117
12.9 What next? .............................................................................................................................................. 117
13 Lesson 8 - Including a Preview .......................................................................................... 121
13.1 Calc Designer ........................................................................................................................................... 121

Table of Contents ix (130)
13.3 Modify the Flowchart .............................................................................................................................. 121
13.4 Preview_Results....................................................................................................................................... 122
13.5 Output Properties .................................................................................................................................... 124
13.8 Existing Page Group ................................................................................................................................. 125
13.9 New Page Group ...................................................................................................................................... 125
13.10 New Page ................................................................................................................................................. 125
13.12 Create the Autocalc Module.................................................................................................................... 127
13.14 Create the Flowchart ............................................................................................................................... 127

13.14.1 Set Variable Value One........................................................................................................................... 128
13.14.2 Evaluate Lib Item .................................................................................................................................... 128
13.14.3 Set Variable Value Two .......................................................................................................................... 128
13.14.4 Calc Module............................................................................................................................................ 128
13.19 What next? .............................................................................................................................................. 130

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Conventions used in this guide

Typographical conventions
The following typographical conventions are used in this guide:
Header Usage
Bold Any text that you see in the user interface appears in bold. This
font is used, for example, for window and dialog box titles, box
and button names, and list items.
Italic bold New terms are in italic bold when they appear in the current
context for the first time.
Monospace Extracts of program code, HTML, or other material that you
would normally edit in a text editor, appear in monospaced
font. This font is also used for file names and folder paths, and
for any text that you should type yourself.
Note boxes
The following types of note boxes are used in this guide:
A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of doing

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

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

that is usually of interest only to advanced or technically-oriented
reader

13 (130)
Tedds
Developer
Training

1 Tedds Developer Training 15 (130)
1 Tedds Developer Training

Tedds includes applications that allow you to enhance your existing calculations into user friendly and intelligent
‘automated’ calculations. This is achieved by breaking down your designs into simpler components, creating a
flowchart to link these components in a logical way and then designing a user interface to prompt the user for the
required specific design case information.
The best way to become familiar with these applications is to run through the various Lessons in this document.
The steps shown in the lessons are the same as those used by the Tedds Development Team to create the Tedds
Engineering Library. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with some of the library calculations to see
examples of what can be achieved.
1.1 Quick Overview of the Development Process
The Developer Tools allow you to build on your existing Tedds for Word calculation writing skills to create more
professional calculations. A good understanding of how to write Tedds calculations is essential before you start
using the Developer tools.
First Steps:
1. Plan and specify the scope and requirements for your calculation. Planning the calculation before you
start developing is extremely important. Try to break down the overall design solution into smaller,
simpler components that are easier to design and implement. If you plan your solution well you will save
time throughout the development of your calculation.
Using Tedds for Word:
2. Write the calculation components that perform the required calculations that you specified in your design
plan, save these components as Calc Items to a Calculation Library.
Using the Tedds Calc Designer:
3. Create a Flowchart to link the Calc Items using the required logic to determine which components are
calculated.
Using the Tedds Interface Designer:
4. Create a User Interface to prompt the end user for the required calculation data.

2 Glossary of Terms: 16 (130)
2 Glossary of Terms:
AutoCalc A complete calculation solution.
Calc Library A file containing Calc Items (has . lbr file extension).
Calc Item A calculation component: calculations, notes, sketches etc
Calc Item Field Tedds ‘Field’ that runs an AutoCalc when calculated.
Calc Designer Application for creating Calc Modules
AutoCalc Module A Flowchart that controls the use of Calc Modules
Calc Module A Flowchart that has been saved in a Calc Library as a Calc Item
Flowchart A diagrammatic representation of an AutoCalc
Calc Object An element of a Flowchart

Link A line that connects Calc Objects
.cdd file The file used for saving Calc Designer Flowcharts
Interface Designer Application for designing user interfaces

Interface User Interface
.tid file The file used for saving Interface Designer information

17 (130)
Tedds
Calc
Designer

3 Tedds Calc Designer - Overview 19 (130)
3 Tedds Calc Designer - Overview

The Tedds Calc Designer is an application which is used to create Calc Modules that connect calculation
components and uses logical expressions to determine which components are calculated. It has a simple graphical
user interface which allows you to create ‘flowcharts’ for your calculation routines. The calculation components
must be written in Tedds for Word and saved in a Calc Library, as Calc Items, before using them with the Calc
Designer. If you are reading this chapter for the first time do not worry if you haven’t understood all the ideas and
technical terms covered so far. The lesson chapters that follow will guide you through all that you need to know
step by step.
3.1 How to Use the Tedds Calc Designer
An outline of the procedure that you will use in the Calc Designer is as follows:
 Place Calc Objects on the Flowchart Window
 Define the Properties of these Calc Objects
 Link the Calc Objects according to the logic of the calculation
 Build the completed Calc Module to a Calc Library.

3.2 Screen Layout
Standard Toolbar
Diagram Toolbar Calc Objects

Window
Flowchart
Window
Zoom Toolbar
Properties
Window
Data Preview Window

3.3 Main Commands
Icon Command Toolbar Operation
Selects Calc Objects and other elements of the

Select Diagram
Flowchart.
Draw Link Diagram Draws Links between Calc Objects.
Library Access
Standard Launch the Library Access System
System
Build Module Standard Converts the Flowchart into a Calc Module.
Save Standard Saves the Flowchart as a .cdd file.
3.4 Calc Objects
Calc Objects represent the various elements of the Calc Module and can be divided into five types:
3.4.1 Types of Calc Object
Terminators
The start and end(s) of the Flowchart or sub modules.
Defines the start of the Flowchart.

Start Module All Flowcharts begin with a Start Module Object.
Only one Start Module per Flowchart.
Specifies the end of the Flowchart.

End Module All Flowcharts finish with an End Module Object
and multiple End Module Objects are allowed.
Defines the start of a Sub Module.

Start Sub Module All Sub Modules begin with a Start Sub Module
Object.
Specifies the end of a Sub Module.

All Sub Modules must finish with an End Sub
End Sub Module
Module Object and only one End Sub Module
Objects is allowed per Sub Module.

Decisions
Change the route through the Flowchart

depending upon the result of an expression.
Expression Expression
True = branch out right
False = continue below

depending upon the result of a question.
Message (Yes/No) Message (Yes/No) Yes = branch out right
No = continue below
More likely to be controlled by the Interface

depending upon a whether a variable exists.
Exists ? Variable Exists?
True = branch out right
False = continue below
Processes
Perform an operation
Display a message on screen.

Message Message
More likely to be dealt with in the calculation.
Replaces text in an item then calculates the item.

Replace and
Replace & Evaluate Lib Item Generally used for more advanced calculations
Evaluate Lib Item
that require complex iteration.
Sets a Variable value

= Set Variable More likely to be dealt with in the calculation.
Used for iterative Flowcharts.
Run a Sub Module – sub-Flowchart.

Sub Module Used to divide your flowcharts in to smaller
manageable parts.

Specify a Library Item to be calculated at this

Evaluate Lib Item Evaluate Lib Item
stage of the Calc Module.
Run a Tedds expression.

Expression Expression More likely to be dealt with in the calculation.
Used for iterative Flowcharts.

Connectors
Allow the Flowchart to be laid out in a more logical and presentable way.
Go to another part of the Flowchart, often

another page.
Goto Goto
The other part of the Flowchart will start with a
Continue Calc Object instead of a Start Module.
Continue from another part of the Flowchart,

often another page.
Continue Continue
The other part of the Flowchart will end with a
Goto Calc Object instead of an End Module.
External Process
Run another Calc Module as part of the current

Calc Module.
Calc Module Calc Module
Allows the Flowchart to be separated into more
manageable components.
3.4.2 Placing Calc Objects:
To place a Calc Object, click on the required Calc Object in the Calc Objects Window and then click on the
Flowchart window. To reposition any Calc Object click the Select button on the Diagram Toolbar and then click
and drag the Calc Object. Use Edit > Select All or click and drag the mouse to select multiple Calc Objects within a
rectangle, click on an empty space on the Flowchart window to clear the current selection.

3.5 Specifying Calc Objects Properties:
Double-click on each Calc Object and enter the required properties. The properties can also be entered using the
Properties Window.
PROPERTY FUNCTION
Library file Identify library where item is located
Item name Exact name of item to be called

Specifies whether the contents of the item should be

Output sent to the output (Append) or simply calculated and
discarded (Discard)
3.6 Placing "Evaluate Lib Item" Objects
There is an alternative way to place Evaluate Lib Item Calc Objects, which also defines the Object Properties in
the same operation. Launch the Library Access System using the icon on the Standard toolbar and check that you
have drag and drop enabled, via Tools > Options > General. Open the Set that contains the required Calc Item,
then simply drag and drop it onto the Flowchart window.
3.7 Linking Calc Objects:
Click on the Link command on the Diagram toolbar, click on the ‘node’ at the beginning of the Link and then the
‘node’ at the end of the link. To draw a Link with multiple nodes simply click on grid points between the start and
end nodes. To add a node press the Ctrl key and click on the Link, click and drag to move a node. To delete a
node, press the Ctrl key and click on the node to delete.

3.8 Building the Calc Module
3.8.1 Properties
The Calc Module must be stored in a Calc Library as a Calc Item and it is the Calc Item that can be Executed from
the Library Access System to actually run and evaluate the full calculation. Select File > Properties and specify the
Library File and Item Name for saving the Calc Module. You can use the dialog buttons to select an existing Calc
Library or type the new details into the dialog.
3.8.2 Building
Click on the Build Module command on the Standard toolbar to convert the Flowchart into a Calc Module. The
Calc Module will be saved in the specified library as the Calc Item specified in the calc module properties above.

3.9 Saving the Flowchart
You can also save the Flowchart itself so that you can modify and enhance your design at a later time. Click the
Save command and enter a new file name (<filename>.cdd).
3.10 Testing the Calc Module
In Tedds for Word, select Tedds > Insert > Tedds Field and select the Calc Item tab. Using the dialog buttons select
the relevant Calc Library and Calc Item then confirm your selection by clicking OK. Now calculate the document.

29 (130)
Tedds
Interface
Designer

4 Tedds Interface Designer - Overview 31 (130)
4 Tedds Interface Designer - Overview

The Tedds Interface Designer is used to create the user interface which is displayed when an AutoCalc is
calculated. The overall layout of each user interface can be ‘designed’ and the specific information – default
values, notes, associated sketches, etc - for each element of the user Interface can be defined. You may have
created the Calc Module using the Calc Designer before using the Interface Designer.
4.1 How to Use the Tedds Interface Designer
An outline of the procedure that you will use in the Interface Designer is as follows:
• Choose a page layout.
• Define information that will appear on each page
• Build the completed Interface to a Calc Library
4.2 Screen Layout
Main Toolbar
Toolbox Properties window
Preview window
Tree view

4.3 Basics
There are four main components that can be created within the Interface Designer:
4.3.1 Controls
Controls are the basic parts of an interface which allow the user to enter information:
CONTROL FUNCTION
Blank Blank line used for spacing out controls
Button Button to perform operation, such as run a Data List.
Checks a box to perform an operation, such as include

Checkbox
a sketch with the output.
Custom Windows ActiveX (COM) control.
Displays information from a static or calculated Calc

Data View
Item.
Drop down list of standard values that only allows the

Drop List
engineer to select values from the initial list.
Edit Input box for user to type a value.
Drop down list of standard values that also allows the

Edit Drop List
engineer to enter values not in the initial list.
Input box for user to type a value with up and down

Edit Up Down
buttons to adjust the value by a preset amount.
Expression Runs an expression, normally based on recent values
Initialise Variable Initialises a variable value
Label Displays a line of text.
Displays a list of standard values that shows all

List Box
possible selections.
List View Displays a list of information in rows and columns
Set Variable Set a variable value
Validate an expression before allowing the user to

Validation
continue to the next page of the interface.
LAYOUT CONTROLS
Span Spans controls over a number of lanes/columns
Split Splits controls into a number of columns


4.3.2 Groups
Groups allow Controls to be ‘grouped’ together. This provides two main benefits 1) the Controls are displayed
together in a visible area in the interface, with a title and 2) logic as to whether the Controls are enabled or not
can be set at the Group level.
4.3.3 Pages
Pages represent actual pages of the interface. A Page can contain multiple Groups and controls. Logic can be used
to define whether a Page is enabled or not.
4.3.4 Page Groups
Page Groups are the highest level component that can be created in the Interface Designer. A Page Group may
contain one or more Pages and is used to set the layout and other properties of these Pages. For example, if an
interface should have a sketch on the first and second page, and none on the third and fourth, then two different
Page Groups would be used to set these different properties. Logic can be used to define whether a page group is
enabled. Notes and sketches items are also controlled at the Page Group level.
4.4 General
The following capabilities are available across the different types of components.
• Condition as to whether the component is included in the interface.
• Condition as to whether the component is enabled in the interface.
• Validation for the data entry with messages displayed if the validation is not met.
• For Pages and Controls only – Additional information to be displayed at the top of the interface.

4.5 Sample Interface + Interface Designer Wizard
4.6 Building an Interface
Click on the Build command on the toolbar to build the Interface. The Interface will be saved in the specified
library using the interface name specified in the interface properties.
4.7 Saving an Interface
You can also save the Interface file itself so that you can modify and enhance your interface ata later time. Click
the Save command and enter a new file name (<filename>.tid).

37 (130)
Lessons

5 Lessons - Components 39 (130)
5 Lessons - Components
These lessons use some simple pre-written calculations that can be used to calculate the moment, shear and
deflection of a simply supported beam with either full or partial udl loading.
SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM WITH FULL UDLS
wu k N /m
A B
L s
SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM WITH PARTIAL UDLS
w u k N /m
A B
L a L b L c
L s
L x 1

5 Lessons - Components 40 (130)
The calculation has been divided up into its basic ‘components’ and stored as Calc Items in a Calc Library. In the
lesson examples we will show you how to use the Tedds Calc Designer to link these components together and the
Tedds Interface Designer to create the prompts for information.
All calc items can be previewed using the Tedds library access syetm
via File/Open > Tedds Developer. las and then using the preview
button
5.1 Installation
Before you start you need to make sure that you have all the necessary training files available.
5.1.1 Files
If you have not already installed the developer training files open Tedds for Word, on the Ribbon select the Tedds
Tab, in the Tools group select Help and then select Install Developer Tutorial Files. Unless you have changed the
Tedds default locations for your user sets and libraries the training files will be installed to the following
directories
<My Documents\Tedds\Calc Libraries>
Tedds Developer. lbr
Tedds Developer Completed. lbr
<My Documents\Tedds\Calc Sets\>
TeddsDeveloper. las
Tedds Developer Completed. las
5.1.2 Completed Modules
The ‘Completed’ Calc Set, Calc Library, Calc Designer and Interface Designer files are included so that you can
compare your implementation with the completed versions. Each of the Lessons builds on the work carried out in
the previous exercise and if you want to use the completed files instead of continuing with your own then you can
select the appropriate file from:
<My Documents\Tedds\AutoCalcs\Developer Training\Completed>
Calc Designer:
Lesson 1.cdd
Lesson 2.cdd
Lesson 4.cdd
Lesson 5.cdd
Lesson 6.cdd
Lesson 7.cdd
Lesson 8 Calc Module.cdd
Lesson 8. AutoCalc Module.cdd
Interface Designer:
Lesson 3.tid
Lesson 5.tid
Lesson 6.tid
Lesson 7.tid
Lesson 8.tid

41 (130)
Lesson 1

6 Lesson 1 - Creating the Calc Module 43 (130)
6 Lesson 1 - Creating the Calc Module

In this first lesson you will use the Calc Designer to create a simple Calc Module that will run three Calc Items, one
after the other:
Full UDL Beam Details + Loading Details + Full UDL Design Forces
These Calc Items have already been written and saved in the Tedds Developer Calc Library.
 Allow about 20 minutes to complete this lesson.
6.1 Set up the Calc Designer
Step 1. Open the Tedds Calc Designer.

Step 2. Select File > Properties to display the Edit Properties dialog and then specify which Calc Library and
Calc Item name to use when you build your Flowchart into a Calc Module.
Step 3. To specify the Calc Library, use the dialog button to select the Tedds Developer. lbr.
Step 4. To specify the Calc Item name enter Lesson 1.
Step 5. Save the Flowchart as "Lesson 1.cdd" to <My Documents\Tedds\AutoCalcs\Developer Training\>.

6.2 Create the Flowchart
Step 6. Place a Start Module and an Evaluate Lib Item Calc Object onto the Flowchart - by clicking on the
desired Calc Object in the Calc Object Window and then clicking on the relevant place on the
Flowchart Window. An Evaluate Lib Item Calc Object specifies which of the stored Calc Items will be
run at this stage of the calculation.
Step 7. Double-click on the Evaluate Lib Item Calc Object and use the dialog buttons to select the Full UDL
Beam Details Calc Item from the Tedds Developer. lbr Calc Library.

Step 8. Place two more Evaluate Lib Item Calc Objects and an End Module directly below the first Evaluate
Lib Item.
Step 9. Use the same procedure for each of these new Evaluate Lib Item Calc Objects and set:
Second
Property Value Description
Calc Library Tedds Developer. lbr
Calc Item Loading Details

Third
Calc Item Full UDL Design Forces
Step 10. Draw Links between the Calc Objects - by selecting the Link command and then clicking the
white circle at the bottom of one Calc Object and then the black circle at the top of the next Calc
Object.
You should now have a Flowchart similar to this:

Data Preview – The Data Preview window will display the contents of
the Calc Item associated with the selected Evaluate Lib Item. If the
Data Preview Window is not visible you can select it from the View
menu or by clicking the command on the Standard toolbar.

6.3 Build the Calc Module
Step 11. Click the Build Module command to build the Calc Module and to save it in the Calc Library,
using the Calc Item name Lesson 1
Step 12. Select File > Save to save the completed Flowchart file as "Lesson 1.cdd".
6.4 Test the Calc Module
To check your simple calculation:
Step 13. Start a new document in Tedds for Word.

Step 14. Select Tedds > Insert > Tedds Field.
Step 15. Select the Calc Item tab.
Step 16. Using the dialog buttons select the Calc Library Tedds Developer. lbr and the Calc Item Lesson 1
then confirm your selection by clicking OK.
Step 17. Now calculate the document. Enter some values for the beam span and loading.
You should then have a completed calculation in your document, similar to this:

6.5 What have you learnt?
In this lesson you have learnt how to:

• Specify the Calc Library and Calc Item name for a Calc Module
• Place and link Calc Objects
• Specify which Calc Items to calculate – Evaluate Lib Item Calc Objects
• Build a Flowchart into a Calc Module
• Save a Flowchart file
• Test the Calc Module
6.6 What next?
In the next lesson you will continue using the Calc Designer and this time create a more powerful flowchart that
uses logic to decide which Calc Items to evaluate.

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Lesson 2

7 Lesson 2 - Creating the Calculation Logic 51 (130)
7 Lesson 2 - Creating the Calculation Logic

In this second lesson you will use the Calc Designer to create a Calc Module that uses logic to change the route
through a calculation and hence which Calc Items are calculated. For this example you will be able to choose
between a fully loaded or partially loaded beam.
Full UDL Beam Details + Loading Details + Full UDL Design Forces
OR
Partial UDL Beam Details + Loading Details + Partial UDL Design Forces
These Calc Items have already been written and saved in the Tedds Developer Calc Library.
 Allow about 20 minutes to complete this Lesson.
Below is a preview of the flowchart that you will create in this lesson.

7.1 Lesson 2 - Control Variables
In order to calculate the appropriate Calc Items the Calc Module needs to know which type of load is to be
applied to the beam and whether a sketch is required . To achieve this you will use a Variable "_UDLType" to
control whether the loading is full or partial and a Variable "_ShowSketch" to set whether or not to include a
sketch of the beam in the output.
Control’ Variables – It is a good idea to start all ‘control’ Variables

with an underscore '_' character, which denotes to Tedds that the
Variable is a hidden Variable and is not normally important to the end
user.
Step 1. Open the Tedds Calc Designer, or select File > New if it is already open.
Step 2. Select File > Properties and use the dialog button to select the Tedds Developer. lbr for the Calc
Library and then enter Lesson 2 for the Calc Item.
Step 3. Save the Flowchart as Lesson 2.cdd, in <My Documents\Tedds\AutoCalcs\ Developer Training\>.

Step 4. Place a Start Module and a decision Expression Calc Object on the flowchart.
Step 5. Double-click on the Expression Calc Object and define the following Expression:
_UDLType == "Partial"
If the Variable _UDLType equals "Partial" your Flowchart will branch out to the right, if _UDLType does NOT equal
"Partial" (i. e. "Full") then the Flowchart will continue below.

Expressions – The Calc Designer and the Interface Designer use the
same rules for writing expressions as Tedds for Word so all the
techniques you have learnt to write calculations in Tedds for Word
can be reused.
Variable names are case sensitive and must match the names used
in the Interface Designer and/or the calculation components.
Mismatched Variable names are the most likely cause of errors in
both the Calc Designer and Interface Designer.
The double == is the standard ‘expression text’ equivalent of

equality, a single = is not sufficient when defining conditional (if)
expressions.
The quotes round the value are also important parts of the
expression as they are required when defining text Values.

Now, you will complete the design of the "Full UDL" calculation, the first step is to include the option to show the
sketch:
Step 6. Place another Decision Expression Calc Object directly below the existing Calc Objects, right-click
over it and select Properties. Define the following expression, remembering to use case sensitive
Variable names and double ==:
_ShowSketch == "yes"
If _ShowSketch equals "yes" your Flowchart will branch out to the right but if _ShowSketch does NOT equal "yes"
(i. e. "no") then the Flowchart will continue below.
7.3.1 Placing Calc Objects Directly From the LAS.
You will use an alternative method to place the three Evaluate Lib Item Calc Objects required for the Full Loading
calculation.
Step 7. Open the Library Access System using the icon on the Standard toolbar and check via Tools >
Options > General that you have drag and drop enabled.
Step 8. Open the Tedds Developer. las Set, select the "Full UDL Beam Details" Calc Item and drag and drop
it directly below the existing Calc Objects.
Step 9. Repeat this procedure for "Loading Details" and "Full UDL Design Forces".
Step 10. Place an End Module below the last Calc Object.

Step 11. Place another Evaluate Lib item Calc Object by dragging the "Full UDL Sketch" Calc Item from the
Tedds Developer Library and dropping alongside the _ShowSketch == "yes" Expression Calc Object.

Step 12. Draw Links to connect the Calc Objects as shown below:
Links - A Link must start and finish at a Calc Object – not simply at
another Link. To make your Flowcharts easier to follow you can draw
Links that overlap.
7.3.2 Copying and Editing Calc Objects
You now want to include the design elements of the "Partial UDL" calculation. You can either repeat these steps
and place a new set of Calc Objects to suit partial loading or alternatively you can copy and edit the existing Calc
Objects. As the two routes through the calculation are similar copying and editing is probably the quickest
solution.
Step 13. Click the Select command and then drag a window that encompasses all but the Start Module and
first Expression Calc Objects. You should find that all the other Calc Objects and the Links will now
be ‘selected’.
Step 14. Select Edit > Copy from the main menu, click into the space to the right of the selected Objects and
then select Edit > Paste. A duplicate set of Calc Objects should now exist and whilst they are all still
selected you can click & drag them into a more suitable position.
Step 15. Double-click or right click on each of the new Calc Objects to change them to:
First Calc Item Partial UDL Beam Details

Second no change
Third Calc Item Partial UDL Design Forces
Fourth Calc Item Partial UDL Sketch
Step 16. Draw a Link from the first Expression Calc Object (_UDLType=="Partial") to the new
_ShowSketch=="yes" Expression.

You should now have a Flowchart similar to this:
Step 17. Click the Build Module command to build the Calc Module and to save it to the Calc Library, using
the Calc Item name Lesson 2
Step 18. Save the completed Flowchart file as Lesson 2.cdd.
To check your simple calculation:
Step 19. Create a new document in Tedds for Word.

Step 20. At the top of the new document you will set up the ‘control’ Variables for loading type and the
inclusion of a sketch. Type the following lines – remember Variables and text values are case
sensitive:
_ShowSketch ="yes"
_UDLType ="Partial"

Word Options– When you type variables names that start with an ‘_’
character you may find that the underscore characters suddenly
disappear and your text is formatted in italic. This is a feature of Word
that is not desirable when writing Tedds calculations, if you type an
underscore character then some text and then another underscore
character Word automatically formats the text you have typed in
italics.
We would recommend that you disable this Word feature. Select File
> Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Select the tab
AutoFormat. Make sure that the option *Bold* and _italic_ with real
formatting is not checked and confirm you settings by clicking OK.
Step 21. Insert a call to the Calc Module using a Tedds Calc Item Field in the same way as you did for Lesson
1 except this time select the Calc Item Lesson 2.
Step 22. Calculate the document and you should have the Partial loading calculation with a sketch.

Step 23. Change the ‘control’ Variables to "Full" and "no" and re-calculate. You should now have the Full
loading calculation without a sketch.

• Define ‘control’ Variables
• Change the route of the calculation using Decision Expression Calc Objects
• Copy, paste and amend Calc Objects
7.7 What next?
In the next lesson you will create an Interface for this Calc Module that will prompt you for the analysis data as
well as allowing you to select the loading type and whether or not to include the sketch.


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Lesson 3

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8 Lesson 3 - Creating the User Interface

In this lesson you will use the Interface Designer to create an Interface for the Calc Module that you created in
Lesson 2.
in the following lessons you will be using the various options and
properties available in the Interface Designer. In each subsequent
step we have only described the data that you need to change or
have not seen before. If a property is not described then it should
be left as the default value or blank.
8.1 Interface Designer Plan
You need to enter the following information in order to complete your simple beam analysis:
Analysis Options – the loading type and whether or not to include a sketch
Full UDL Loading – the beam span and full udls, or
Partial UDL Loading – the beam span, partial udl position and values
To achieve this you will design three interface pages, the selection made on the analysis options page will
determine which of the two loading pages will be displayed:

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8.1.1 Interface Designer Components
Here’s a reminder of the different components that make up an Interface:
 Page Groups – define the overall layout and properties of Pages
 Pages – define the actual pages of the interface
 Groups – group together related controls
 Controls – define an item in the interface which does one or more of accepting input from the user,
executing expressions or showing output to the user.
Variables - When referencing Variables in the Interface Designer

remember that both the Variable name and any text values are case
sensitive and must match the Variables used in the calculation and/or
Calc Designer. Mismatched Variable names are the most likely cause
of errors in both the Calc Designer and Interface Designer.
8.2 Set up the Interface Designer
Step 1. Launch the Tedds Interface Designer.

Step 2. Select File > Properties and specify the Calc Library and Calc Item name to be used when you build
your Interface and store it in the Calc Library:
Interface Name Simple Beam Analysis text for the Interface title bar.
Library Tedds Developer. lbr select using the dialog button
Item Lesson 3 Interface name for the Calc Item
Step 3. Select File > Save and save the Interface Designer file as Lesson 3.tid, in <My
Documents\Tedds\AutoCalcs\Developer Training\>.

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8.3 Page Group – One
Page Groups are used to define the overall layout and properties of the interface. First you will choose the page
‘style’ and specify the notes and sketches to display with the interface:
Step 4. Double-click on , within Containers, to add a Page Group and specify:
Name Simple Beam 1 Text shown at design time in the tree
Include If Leave blank Page group will always be included
Notes Library Item Notes shown when icon clicked
$(UserLbrDir)Tedds
File Name
Developer. lbr
Item Name Simple Beam Notes
Sketch Library Item Sketch shown when icon clicked
$(UserLbrDir)Tedds
File Name
Developer. lbr
Item Name Simple Beam Sketches
Size Medium Page size
Custom False Use standard template
Layout 0 Page with no sketch window
Show Control
True
Descriptions
Show Control Names False Hide control names on the interface
Comment Leave blank Design time notes for you the developer
Label Leave blank Design time label which overrides Name
Include If – enter an expression to control whether a Group is

displayed or not. If the expression is true (equals 1) the Group will be
included in the interface, if the expression is false (equals 0) then the
Group will not be included. Include If can also be used for Page
Groups, Pages or individual Controls.

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8.4 Page - One
Now you will define the details of the first Page within this Page Group. Pages represent actual pages of the
interface.
Step 5. Double-click on , within Containers, to add a Page and specify:
Name Leave blank Text shown at design time in the tree
Include If Leave blank Page will be included
Text shown at run time in the user

Title Analysis Options
interfaces title bar
Buttons Back Next Cancel
If user clicks cancel all changes will be

Undo on cancel True
undone
Calculating message Leave blank Text shown whilst calculating
Page Library Items Leave blank No library items are required
Events Leave blank Feature not covered here
Scope: Calculation of
maximum moment, shear
force and reactions for a Additional information which is helpful to
Information
simple beam under full or the end user
partial uniformly distributed
loads.

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8.5 Group – for page one
You can now add a Group to the first Page that will contain your analysis options – load type and sketch. Groups
allow Controls to be ‘grouped’ together.
Step 6. Double-click on , within Containers, to add a Group and specify
Name Leave Blank Text shown at design time in the tree
Title Beam Analysis Options Text shown at run time on the interface
Always Update Leave blank Feature not covered here
Enable If Leave blank Group will always be enabled
Include If Leave blank Group will always be included
True = start Group on new page if

Single Page False insufficient space on current page for
whole group
Type Visual Group Visible group
Enable If – similar to Include If but if the expression is False (0) the

Group will be disabled rather than not appearing. Enable If can only
be used for Groups or Controls.
Hide if disabled – set to False (0) to hide a disabled Group or Control.
Similar to Include If except that the blank space for the control will
exist on the interface. Use in preference to Include If if you want to
keep the location of other Groups fixed.
Preview – You can preview the user interface at design time by

opening the Preview window which is available from the Window
menu. You can keep this window open as you are editing your user
interface to see the result of any changes. You can alos edit some of
the properties of the groups and controls in-place by clicking and
editing directly on the preview window.
Note: If you use Include If properties then a preview of the interface
cannot be shown.

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8.6 Controls
Controls are the basic parts of an interface that allow the user to enter information. The first Control will decide
which type of loading is to be applied to your beam:
8.6.1 Drop List Control – Loading Type
Step 7. Double-click on , within Controls, and specify the following:
Name of the variable used to store the

Name _UDLType
selected value
Description Load Type Text shown at run time on the interface
Enable If Leave blank Group will always be enabled
Include If Leave blank Page group will always be included
Info width Auto Width of Information icon column
Description width Resize Width of Description column
Name width Auto Width of Name column
Let value column extend into the units

Value width 7 Columns
column space
Unit width Hide Hide the unit column
Type Drop List Use a drop down list control
Force control to make a selection if

Always select False
current value is not in list
Values for the drop list, click on the dialog

Choices Full="Full",Partial="Partial"
button to access the Choices Editor
Default Value "Full"
Disabled Value Leave blank
Units Leave blank Units of value when aplpicable
Value type String Optimizes control based on values type
Text in Drop Down Lists – By adding the choice as Full="Full" the drop
down list on the interface will show the text without quotes but
Tedds will store the value as a string.

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8.6.2 Checkbox Control – Include Sketch?
The second control will decide whether or not a sketch is included with the calculation:
Step 8. Double-click the to add another Control and specify:

Name _ShowSketch
selected value
Description Include Sketch Text to show at run time on the interface
Type Checkbox Use a check box
Checked value "yes" Value assigned when checked
Unchecked value "no" Value assigned when unchecked
Default Value "yes"
8.7 Build the Interface
Although the Interface is not yet complete you can make sure that everything that you have specified so far is
working correctly and you can do this without actually linking it to the Calc Designer or any calculations!
8.8 Test the Interface
Step 10. Click the Export command to send the Interface Designer information to the Tedds
document. You can view the information by clicking Show Field Codes
Step 11. Calculate the document and you should see the following interface:

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Step 12. Click the Notes and Sketch commands in the interface toolbar to check that the correct notes and
sketches are displayed.
Step 13. Select a Load Type, select whether to include a Sketch and then click Next. The interface will close
but no calculations will be displayed as you have yet to add the Interface Calc Item to the Calc
Module.
Step 14. In Tedds for Word, click the Variables command to see if the ‘control’ Variables have been defined
correctly:

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Although there are no further pages and the calculation has not run, your first Interface is working well. You will
now create the interface Pages for the two loading conditions
Step 15. Return to the Interface Designer.

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8.9 Page Group - Two
Now you will choose the page ‘style’ to suit both loading types:
Step 16. Click on the first page Group "Simple Beam 1" and then double-click the Page Group command to
add a second Page Group and specify the following:
Notes Library Item Notes shown when icon clicked
$(UserLbrDir)Tedds
File Name
Developer. lbr
Item Name Simple Beam Notes
Sketch Library Item Sketch shown when icon clicked
$(UserLbrDir)Tedds
File Name
Developer. lbr
Item Name Simple Beam Sketches
Layout 26 Wide sketch window with 8 controls
8.10 Page - Two
Now you will define the details of the first Page within this Page Group and use the horizontal sketch window to
display a picture of the beam. The choice of Calc Item for the sketch is not fixed but depends upon the Variable
_UDLType so you will use an "expression" to select the correct sketch:
Step 17. Double-click the Page command to add a new Page and specify the following:
Text shown at run time in the user interfaces title

Description Analysis Data
bar
Buttons Back Finish Cancel Last page of the interface so show Finish button
Page Library Item 1 Sketch to show in sketch window
Display Output Show the library item exactly as it is stored
$(UserLibDir)Tedds
Library
Developer. lbr
The sketch shown will be based on an expression,

= if(_UDLType=="Full",
note the expression starts with an equals symbol
Library Item "Full UDL Sketch",
which automatically enables the 'Calculate as
"Partial UDL Sketch")
expression' sub property

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Expression which can be used to control when the

Update If Leave blank
sketch is updated
Calculate as expression - Some properties have a sub property

named 'Calculate as expression', if this is set to True then the value of
the property will be calculated at run time. You can automatically set
the Calculate as expression property to True by typing an equals
symbol '=' at the start of the property value.

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8.11 Groups
You will create different Groups for the full and partially loaded beam span details and then use the Include If
setting to control which Group (and associated Controls) is displayed. Note: the Controls required for the dead
and live loads are the same for both load types.
8.11.1 Fully Loaded Beam Span Details
Step 18. Double-click the Group command to add new Group and specify the following:
Name Fully Loaded Span Text shown at design time in the tree
Title Beam Span Text shown at run time on the interface
Include If _UDLType=="Full" Controls if the Group is included
8.11.2 Partially Loaded Beam Span Details
Step 19. Double-click the Group command to add another Group and specify the following:
Name Partially Loaded Span Text shown at design time in the tree
Title Beam Span Text shown at run time on the interface
Include If _UDLType=="Partial" Controls if the Group is included
8.11.3 Beam Loading Details
Step 20. Double-click the Group command to add a third Group and specify the following:
Title Loading Text shown at run time on the interface

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8.12 Controls
8.12.1 Edit Control - Beam Span
Step 21. Select the Fully Loaded Span Group

Step 22. Double-click the Edit command and specify the following:

Name L_{s}
selected value
Description Beam Span Text shown at run time on the interface
Type Edit Use an edit box
Units mm Units to be assigned to the value
Simply supported single Additional information which is helpful to

Information
span beam the end user

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8.12.2 Edit Control - Beam Span
As the overall beam span Control will be the same regardless of whether the beam is fully or partially loaded you
can copy the previous Control into the Partially Loaded Span Group. Note: You can copy and paste Controls,
Groups, Pages and Page Groups.
Step 23. Right-click over the L_{s} Edit Control within the Fully Loaded Span Group and select Copy.
Step 24. Right-click on the Partially Loaded Span Group and select Paste.
Now you can add more Controls to the Partially Loaded Span Group that define the length and position of the
loading. You can either copy and amend the first Control or add new Controls.
8.12.3 Edit Control – Length to Load
Step 25. Click the Edit Control command to add a new Control and specify the following:

Name L_{a}
selected value
Description Length to start of UDL Text shown at run time on the interface
Type Edit Use an edit box
Units mm Units to be assigned to the value
8.12.4 Edit Control – Loaded Length
Step 26. Copy and Paste the L_{a} Control and amend it to the following:

Name L_{b}
selected value
Description Length of UDL Text shown at run time on the interface
8.12.5 Edit Control – Loading
Step 27. Click on the Loading Group

Step 28. Double-click the Edit Control command and specify the following:

Name w_{D}
selected value
Description Dead Load Text shown at run time on the interface
Type Edit USe an edit box

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Units kN/m Units to be assigned to the value
Step 29. Copy and Paste the w_{D} Control and amend it to the following

Name w_{L}
selected value
Description Imposed Load Text shown at run time on the interface
8.13 Test the Interface
Make sure that everything that you have specified so far is working correctly before you actually link it to the Calc
Designer or any calculations:
Step 30. Export the Interface Designer information to a Tedds for Word document.
Step 31. Calculate the document and select a Load Type, select whether to include a sketch and then click
Next.
Step 32. Depending on your choices you should see an Interface similar to this:

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Step 33. Enter some values and check all the routes through the calculation, view the Variables that are
defined in each case. Note when you choose a partially loaded beam the associated Controls do no
all fit on one interface so Tedds automatically displays an additional page.
When you are happy that everything is working correctly:
Step 34. Click the Build Interface command to create the Interface and save it in the library.
Step 35. Save the Interface Designer file as Lesson 3.tid file.
In this lesson you have covered how to:

• specify the Calc Library and Calc Item name for an Interface
• add and define the properties of Page Groups, Pages, Group and Controls
• build an Interface, which stores it in a Calc Library
• save an Interface Designer file
• test an Interface
More specifically you have:
• specified the Notes and Sketches that will be accessed via the interface toolbar
• used an expression to display one of two sketches
• created Drop List, Checkbox, Edit and Label Controls
• used the Include If option to hide or display Controls
• used the Finish interface if option to change the final ‘Next’ button to ‘Finish’
8.16 What next?
In the next lesson you will combine the Interface and Calc Module from Lessons 2 and 3 to create an AutoCalc.

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Lesson 4

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9 Lesson 4 - Linking Interfaces & Calc Modules

You have now successfully created a Calc Module using the Calc Designer and a User Interface using the Interface
Designer. Both of these are stored as Calc Items in the Tedds Developer Calc Library and now you need to link
them together to create your AutoCalc.
Each of the lessons builds on the work carried out in the previous exercise. In order to allow you to go back over
previous lessons you will rename the Calc Designer and Interface Designer files rather than overwriting them. You
will also use different Calc Item names for the Calc Modules and Interfaces for the same reason. If you wish to use
our CDD and/or TID files instead of continuing with your own then you can select the appropriate file from <My
Documents\Tedds\AutoCalcs\Developer Training\Completed\".
Step 1. Launch the Tedds Calc Designer and Open your Lesson 2.cdd file.
Step 2. Select File > Properties and change the Calc Item to Lesson 4
Step 3. Select File > Save As and save the file as Lesson 4.cdd.
9.2 Adding an Interface to a Calc Designer Flowchart
Step 4. Delete the Link between the Start Module and the first Expression Calc Object, and then move the
Start Module Object up or the rest of the Objects down so that there is room for another Calc
Object.
Interface Calc Items - Because user Interfaces are saved as Calc Items
you add them to a Flowchart in exactly the same way as you do for
any other Calc Item.
Step 5. Place an Evaluate Lib Item Calc Object in the gap and use the dialog buttons to set the Properties as

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Property Value
Calc Item Lesson 3 Interface
Step 6. Draw the Links to link the new Evaluate Lib Item Calc Object to the Calc Designer Flowchart.
Step 7. Click the Build Module command to build the Calc Module and to save it in the library.
Step 8. Save the completed Flowchart file, Lesson 4.cdd.
You now have a Calc Item called Lesson 4, that will run the Logic Example Interface, calculate the appropriate
components as laid in the Flowchart and then display the completed calculation. To check your combined
calculation:
Step 9. In Tedds for Word, add a call to the Calc Item Lesson 4 using a Tedds Calc Item Field in the same
way as you did for Lesson 1.
Step 10. Check all the various routes through the beam analysis.
9.5 Create the AutoCalc
The final step is to save the Call Item Field in the Calc Library as an AutoCalc.
Step 11. Close any open Tedds for Word documents.
Step 12. Insert a call to the Calc Item Lesson 4 using a Tedds Calc Item Field, but do not calculate it.
Step 13. Highlight the Calc Item Field that you have just inserted into the document

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Step 14. Open the Library Access System.

Step 15. Open the Tedds Developer Set and select the "Beam Analysis" Group.
Step 16. Select the New Item command and fill out the New Item Properties to suit the AutoCalc:
Step 17. Save the modified Set.

Step 19. Select the new AutoCalc Item in the Library Access System and use the Execute command to return
the item to the document. Calculate the document to make sure you have saved the calculation
correctly.
In this lesson you have covered how to:

• Add an Interface Calc Item to a Calc Designer Flowchart
• Save an AutoCalc Calc Item

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9.7 What next?
In the next lesson you will learn more Calc Designer features such as Sub Modules and more Interface Designer
features such as SetVar and Button Controls. You will use these to add a deflection check to your beam analysis.

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Lesson 5

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10 Lesson 5 - Advanced Example

In this lesson you will use both the Calc Designer and Interface Designer to specify the steel design code, select a
steel section and then calculate the deflection.
In the second part of this lesson you will add the deflection check Controls to an Interface called Lesson 5
Interface, but first you will set up the Calc Designer Flowchart to run this new interface.
Step 1. Launch the Tedds Calc Designer and open your Lesson 4.cdd file
Step 2. Select File > Properties and change the Calc Item to Lesson 5.
10.2 Changing an Interface in a Calc Designer Flowchart
Step 4. Double click on the "Lesson 3 Interface" Evaluate Lib Item Calc Object and change the Item Name to
"Lesson 5 Interface"
You will now add the deflection checks to new pages in the Flowchart and use a new control Variable
"_CalcDeflection" to determine whether or not a deflection calculation is required. To keep the Flowchart
connected but also use the new pages you will use Sub Module, Start Sub Module and End Sub Module Objects.
10.3 Calc Designer Pages
Although there is still plenty of space on the current Flowchart managing complex calculations is much easier if
you keep the separate parts of the calculation on distinct pages. At the bottom of the Calc Designer are scroll bar
commands that allow you to add, delete and move between pages:
10.3.1 Adding Pages
Step 5. Right click over the text for Page 1, select Rename and call the page Main.
Step 6. Click the + symbol to the right of the scroll bar to add a new page.
Step 7. Rename this page to Deflection Full UDL.
Step 8. Repeat these steps to create a page called Deflection Partial UDL.
10.4 Sub Modules
Sub Modules allow you to divide flowcharts in to smaller more manageable parts. You add a Sub Module Process
Calc Object to the main Flowchart to specify the name of the Sub Module that is to be used and begin the Sub
Module Flowchart with a Start Sub Module Terminator Calc Object with the same name. All branches of a Sub
Module Flowchart must finish at the same End Sub Module Calc Object.

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Start & End Sub Module Calc Objects – All Sub Modules must begin
with a Start Sub Module and all branches of a Sub Module must finish
at the same End Sub Module.
The Sub Module Name is case sensitive and cannot include spaces.
It is good practice to create a new page for each Sub Module and to
give the page and Sub Module the same name.
10.4.1 Adding Sub Modules
Step 9. Use the page navigate buttons to return to the Main page
Step 10. Delete the Link between the "Full UDL Design Forces" and the End Module Calc Objects, and then
move the End Module Calc Object down so that there is room for another Calc Object.
Step 11. Place a Decision Expression Calc Object in the gap and set the Expression property to:
_CalcDeflection == "yes"
Step 12. Place a Sub Module Calc Object alongside this Expression and set the Sub Module Name property
to:
DeflectionFullUDL
Step 13. Draw Links to connect the new Expression and End Module Calc Object to the rest of the Flowchart:

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Step 14. Change to the Deflection Full UDL page and place a Start Sub Module Calc Object at the top of the
Flowchart.
Step 15. Set the Start Sub Module Calc Object Name to:
DeflectionFullUDL
Step 16. Below this Start Sub Module Calc Object, place an Evaluate Lib Item Calc Object for Full UDL
Deflection by either dragging and dropping from the Tedds Developer Set or by browsing to the
correct Calc Library and Calc Item.
Step 17. Below this, place an End Sub Module Calc Object and draw Links to connect all three Objects.

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Step 18. Repeat the above steps for the Partial UDL Loading part of the Flowchart. Set the Sub Module and
Start Sub Module Properties to something suitable, e. g. DeflectionPartialUDL.
Step 19. Check the new Calc Objects and make sure that you have been consistent with the Expressions and
Properties.
You should now have Flowchart pages similar to the following:
10.4.2 Main page:
10.4.3 Deflection pages:

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You cannot test this Calc Module until you have completed the Lesson 5 Interface. So now you will open the
Interface Designer and do just that.
So far in this lesson you have covered how to:

• Add new pages
• Make reviewing the Flowchart easier by using Sub Modules

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10.8 Interface Designer Plan
To include the deflection calculation you will amend the Interface created in Lesson 3 to:
Allow the engineer to include a deflection calculation – Checkbox Control
Give them a choice of steel design codes – Drop List Control
Let them select an appropriate steel section size – Button Control
Display the currently selected section – Label Control
You will add new control Variables (_DesignCode and _SteelDataList) so that once the design code has been
chosen the interface can set the appropriate Data List and value of Young’s Modulus (E), using SetVar Controls.
Here’s what your ‘advanced’ interface will look like when you're finished:
Step 22. Launch the Interface Designer and open your existing Lesson 3.tid file.

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Step 23. Select the Properties command and change the Calc Item to Lesson 5 Interface.
Step 24. Save the file as Lesson 5.tid.
10.10 Controls
You will add a Checkbox Control so that the engineer can specify whether or not a deflection calculation is
required.
10.10.1 Checkbox Control - Calculate Deflection?
Step 25. Expand the Wizard to show the contents of the Analysis Options\Options Group.
Step 26. Copy and Paste the _ShowSketch Control to create a duplicate within the Options Group.
Step 27. Amend the copy to the following:

Name _CalcDeflection
selected value
Description Calculate Deflection Text to show at run time on the interface
Type Checkbox Use a check box:
Checked value "yes" Value assigned when checked
Unchecked value "no" Value assigned when unchecked
Default Value "no"
For partially loaded beams

deflection is calculated
Information assuming that the loaded
length is central on the
beam.
10.11 Groups
You will now create a new Group that will contain all the Controls related to the deflection calculation. You will
use the Enable If property to make this Group, and all its Controls, either ‘enabled’ or to leave them visible but
‘disabled’ depending upon whether the deflection calculation is required or not.
Step 28. Return to the Analysis Options Page, add another Group and specify the following:
Name Deflection Text shown at design time in the tree
Description Section Properties Text shown at run time on the interface
Group will be disabled unless this

Enable If _CalcDeflection=="yes"
condition is True

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10.12 Controls
You will add a Drop List Control to choose a steel design code from: British BS5950, Canadian S16. 1 or American
LRFD.
10.12.1 Drop List Control - Design Code
Step 29. Select the Deflection Group, add a new Control and specify the following:

Name _DesignCode
selected value
Description Select steel design code Text shown at run time on the interface
Type Drop List Use a drop down list
British (BS5950)="BS5950"
Canada (S16. 1)="S161" Values for the drop list, click on the dialog
Choices
USA (LRFD)="LRFD" button to access the Choices Editor
Australia (AS400)="AS4100"
Default Value "BS5950" default Variable value
Value type String Optimizes control based on values type
10.12.2 SetVar Control – Young’s Modulus
Each of these design codes uses a slightly different value of Young’s Modulus and these values all exist as the
following Tedds System Variables: BS5950 = ES5950, S16. 1 = ES161, and LRFD = ESLRFD. You can use the Variable
_DesignCode in an expression to select the appropriate value of Young’s Modulus.
Step 30. Add a new Set Variable Control and specify the following:

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Name E
selected value
Type Set Variable Set a Variable value
Select(_DesignCode,
"BS5950", E_{S5950},
Value "S161", E_{S161}, "LRFD",
E_{SLRFD}, "AS4100",
E_{S4100}, "Not Specified")
Value - Make sure that you include all the commas and quotes and
that you type the case sensitive Variable names correctly e. g.
E_{S5950} not e_{5950}. If you are not familiar with the select
function see the notes below.
Select Function - The select function matches a value to a pre-defined

value and returns an associated result. The structure of the function is
as follows:
select(value, possible value 1, result 1, possible
value 2, result 2,. . ,possible value i, result i, no
match result ) = ?
Example
Colour= "blue"
select(Colour,"red",0,"blue",1,"black",2,3) = 1
The number '3' at the end is a fall through result and is returned if no
match is made. Use this function only if values will match exactly, for
numeric comparisons, where the values will not always be exactly
equal, use nested 'if' statements or the ‘ifelseif’ function.
10.12.3 SetVar Control – Steel Section Data List
You can use _DesignCode in another expression to select the correct Data List. For each design code there is a
different Tedds Data List for the standard steel sections. In these lessons you are using metric (SI) units so the
Data Lists required are: BS5950 = euro. dls, S16. 1 = caciscsi. dls and LRFD = aiscsi. dls.
Step 31. Copy and Paste the E Set Variable Control and amend the copy to the following:

Name _SteelDataList
selected value

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Type Set Variable Set a Variable value
Select(_DesignCode,
"BS5950", "euro. dls",
"S161", "caciscsi. dls",
Value
"LRFD", " aiscusus. dls",
"AS4100", "auall. dls", "Not
selected")
10.12.4 Button Control – Select Section from Data List
A Button Control can be used for a variety of ‘commands’ such as displaying a Data List or Data Table. For this
interface you want to be able to click the button to display the Data List that matches the Variable _SteelDataList,
set by the SetVar Control above.
Step 32. Add a new Button Control and specify the following:
Name Select Section… Button text
Description Select a steel section Text shown at run time on the interface
Type Button Use a button
DListSelectUI( The command which is executed when

Command
_SteelDataList) the button is clicked
Select an I or H shaped
Information
section.
Step 33. For the Command property click the dialog button and select the Data List tab in the Command
Builder
Step 34. Choose the euro. dls Data List. The other options on this dialog can be used to specify which section
is initially selected and other properties of the Data List and returned Variables. You will not be
using these options for these lessons so just click OK.
This would be sufficient if only one Data List was required but you need a different Data List for each design code.
Step 35. Click the dialog button and select the Expression page.
Step 36. Replace "EURO. dls" with _SteelDataList. _SteelDataList is case sensitive and no quotes required.
Now, when the Select Section button on the interface is clicked, the Data List displayed will suit the current
design code. For example, if _DesignCode = "LRFD" then _SteelDataList = "aiscsusus. dls" and the button will run
DListSelectUI( "aiscusus. dls" ) and therefore display the standard US steel sections.

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10.12.5 Label Control – Current Section
It would be very helpful if the name of the current section were displayed on the interface. This can be achieved
by using a Label Control that includes a string to report the section size. You can use the Enable If and Hide if
disabled features so that the section size is only displayed if the engineer chooses to run a deflection calculation.
Step 37. Select the Deflection Group, add Label Control and specify the following:
Name CurrentSection Text shown at design time in the tree
= StrFormat("Current
section: [1]",
Description Text shown at run time on the interface
GetVar("Name", "Not yet
selected"))
Only enable if deflection option is

Enable If _CalcDeflection=="yes"
checked
Hide if disabled True Hide control if disabled
Type Label Use a text label
StrFormat - The StrFormat function allows you to create a text string

which includes the value of a variable or the result of an expression.
Placeholders denoted by square brackets [] determine which
arguments will be inserted at that location in the string.
GetVar - is a function that returns the value of the named variable or

if that variables does not exist returns the specified default value. It is
useful when you know that in some circumstances the variable may
not yet exist.
Step 38. Click the Build command to create the Lesson 5 Interface Calc Item
Step 39. Save Lesson 5.tid.
10.14 Checking the Autocalc
Because you have already built the Calc Module that includes the Lesson 5 Interface all you need to do now is test
this Calc Module and save the AutoCalc Calc Item. You might prefer to test the Lesson 5 Interface separately
before checking it in combination with the calculations or you might be confident enough to save the AutoCalc
and test everything in one go.

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Step 41. Insert a call to the Calc Module using a Tedds Calc Item Field in the same way as you did for the
previous lessons except this time select the Calc Item Lesson 5.
Step 42. Check all the different routes through the calculations.
Step 43. Follow the same step as you did at the end of Lesson 4, to save the AutoCalc as a Calc Item.
In the Interface Designer part of this lesson you have learnt how to:
• Use the Enable If option to disable a Group and its Controls

• Assign Variable values using the SetVar Control
• Add a button to the dialog using the Button Control
• Use the Disabled interface if option to hide Control that are not enabled
• Add an ‘intelligent’ Label to the interface that will report a current Variable value
10.18 What Next?
In the next lesson you will create an option to choose either summary or full results.

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Lesson 6

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11 Lesson 6 - Controlling Output

Your AutoCalc is working well but you may decide that you just want a summary of the results rather than having
the full calculation printed out each time. In the Interface Designer you will define a Variable named _Results that
will allow you to choose between "Full" and "Summary" output. In the Calc Designer you will add the Summary
output Calc Object and use this Variable to control which components are included in the final output document.
Step 1. Launch the Tedds Calc Designer and open Lesson 5.cdd.
Step 2. Save the file as Lesson 6.cdd.
Step 3. Change the Flowchart Properties Item Name to Lesson 6.
Step 4. Change the interface Evaluate Lib Item Item Name to Lesson 6 Interface.
11.1.1 Append and Discard
Step 5. In the same Edit Properties dialog, change the Output property to Discard.
Append and Discard – The Properties of each Evaluate Lib Item Calc
Object can be set so that the associated calc component is either
calculated and included in the final output document (Append) or
simply calculated and not included (Discard). The choice between
Append and Discard can also be controlled using an expression.
Step 6. Double click on the "Full UDL Beam Details" Evaluate Lib Item Calc Item, which currently has the
default Output Property of Append. Change this property to:
if(_Results=="Full", Append, Discard)
If the Variable _Results does equal "Full" then the component will be evaluated and included in the output
(Append). If _Results does NOT equal "Full" (i. e. "Summary") then the component will simply be evaluated and
NOT included (Discard).
11.2 ‘Replacing’ Properties
You need to make the same change to the Output property of the other Calc Objects. You could either edit each
one separately or use the Replace feature:
Step 7. Select Edit > Replace and specify the following, then click the Replace button:
Find what: Append
Replace with: if(_Results=="Full", Append, Discard)

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Replace – Will search all the properties of all the Calc Objects and
replace any occurrence of the ‘Find what:’ entry with the text in
‘Replace with:’. You can use Replace on all the Calc Objects in one go
by clicking Replace All, however unless you are sure that this is
appropriate we recommend that you make the changes individually
by using the Find Next and Replace buttons.
Step 8. Use a combination of the Find Next and Replace buttons to change the Output property of all the
Evaluate Lib Item Calc Objects except for Lesson 6 Interface and the two Sketches. Don’t forget the
Deflection pages.
Step 9. Check that the Output property has been changed for all eight Calc Objects using the Properties
Window.
Properties Window – The properties of the currently selected Calc

Object can be viewed and edited in the Properties Window. If the
Properties Window is not visible you can select it from the View
menu.
11.3 Pages and Sub Module
You now need to add the component for the Summary output to the Flowchart and set its’ Output property to be
Append only if _Results does NOT equal "Full". You will use the techniques that you learnt in lesson 5 to add a
new page for the output and to link this page to the rest of the Flowchart as a Sub Module. The same Sub Module
can be used for both the Full UDL and Partial UDL routes through the design.
Step 10. Delete both the End Module Calc Objects on the Main page.
Step 11. Add a Sub Module and an End Module at the bottom-middle of the Flowchart.
Step 12. Set the Sub Module name Results.
Step 13. Draw the Links to connect the Sub Module and End Module Calc Objects to the Flowchart.
Step 14. Add a new page using the scroll bar and rename it Results.
Step 15. On the Results page place a Start Sub Module, an Evaluate Lib Item and an End Sub Module Calc
Object and connect them together.
Step 16. Set the Property of the Start Sub Module as Results.
Step 17. Set the Evaluate Lib Item Properties as
Property Value
Library file Tedds Developer.lbr
Item Name Summary Results
Output if(_Results=="Summary", Append, Discard)
You should now have Flowcharts similar to thefollowing:

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11.3.1 Build the Calc Module
You cannot test this Calc Module until you have completed the Lesson 6 Interface. So now you will open the
Interface Designer and do just that.
11.5 Interface Designer
The Calc Module is now complete but you need to use the Interface Designer to define the Variable _Results and
build the Lesson 6 Interface.
Step 20. Launch the Interface Designer and open Lesson 5.tid.

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Step 21. Save the file as Lesson 6 Interface.tid.

Step 22. Select the Properties command and change the Calc Item to Lesson 6 Interface.
11.7 Group
There is plenty of room on the initial Analysis Options Page to add another Group for selecting the output detail
required so:
Step 23. Expand the Wizard to show the Analysis Options Page.
Step 24. Add a new Group and specify the following:
Title Results Text shown at run time on the interface
11.8 Control
11.8.1 Drop List Control – Output Level
Step 25. Add a new Drop List Control and specify the following:

Name _Results
selected value
Description Output detail Text shown at run time on the interface
Type Drop List USe a drop list control
Summary="Summary",Full=
Choices
"Full"
Default Value "Summary"
Step 26. Click the Build Interface command to create the Interface Calc Item.
Step 27. Save Lesson 6 Interface.tid.

Step 29. Insert a call to the Calc Module using a Tedds Calc Item Field for the Calc Item Lesson 6.
Step 30. Select Summary results and you should get results similar to these:

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Step 31. Check all the different routes through the calculations.

• Control which components are pasted to the Tedds document using Append and Discard
• Quickly replace the properties of Calc Objects
• View Calc Object properties in the Calc Objects window
11.13 What next?
In the next lesson you will refine your AutoCalc even further by adding input ‘validation’ to the user Interface to
prevent invalid values being accidentally entered, for example the beam span in metres when the AutoCalc is
expecting it in millimetres.

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Lesson 7

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12 Lesson 7 - Adding User Input Validation

Most numerical data will have some sort of limits on the values which can be eneterd, for example the maximum
and minimum permitted values, input validation enforces these rules. If the value entered is invalid you show a
message describing the rule which has been broken.

Step 3. Select Properties and change the Calc Item to Lesson 7 Interface.
12.2 Validation
12.2.1 Minimum Value
You will enter a validation check so that a message is displayed if the engineer enters a beam span dimension that
is less than 100 mm.
Step 4. Expand the Wizard and in the Fully Loaded Span Group highlight the L_{s} Control.
Step 5. In the Expression field, within the Validation area, specify a minimum value that must be entered to
avoid the validation message being displayed. Make sure you include units:
Min value 100 mm
Step 6. In the Message field type the message that you wish to be displayed if this condition is NOT met:
Beam span, Ls, must be at least 100 mm.
Step 7. Add similar validation for the L_{s} Control, in the Partially Loaded Span Group.
Validation Expressions – The validation condition must be met to

avoid the validation message being displayed. The Expression should
be a full formula but is it often easier to specify a maximum and/or
minimum value. It is essential that you include appropriate units in
the expression.
Validation Messages – The message will also appear if the cursor is

over an Edit box so it needs to be phrased accordingly. For example
"Incorrect length" would not make sense as a tool tip but "Beam
span, Ls, must be at least 100 mm. " would.
If you leave the message field empty Tedds will create a default
message:

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12.2.2 Validation Properties
12.2.3 Validation Message (and tool tip)
If you leave the message field empty Tedds will create a default message
12.2.4 Positive Value
The values for w_{D} and w_{L} should all be positive i. e. minimum value of 0 kN/m.
Step 8. Enter appropriate conditions in the Min value Expression field and add messages to inform the
engineer to only use positive values. Don’t forget to specify units in the expressions.
Min value: 0 kN/m
Step 9. The Variable L_{a} should be positive and less than L_{s}, enter the following Validation Expression
and add an appropriate Validation Message.
Min value: 0 mm
Max value: L_{s}
12.2.5 Calculated Value
The Variable L_{b} should be greater than 0 mm but also no greater than L_{s} – L_{a}, or the load will be located
off the end of the beam.
Step 10. Enter the following Validation Expression and add an appropriate Validation Message.
Min value: 0 mm
Max value: L_{s} – L_{a}
12.2.6 Data List Selection
If the engineer chooses to perform a deflection calculation they must select a steel section from a Data List. In the
current calculation it is possible to proceed through the interfaces without choosing a section size but an error
will occur during the calculations, to prevent this:
Step 11. Highlight the Select Section Control, in the Deflection Group.

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Step 12. Enter the following Validation Expression. A Variable called Name will only exist if a section has
been selected:
VarExists("Name")
Step 13. Add an appropriate Validation Message; such as "Select a steel section".
Step 14. Click the Build Interface command to create the Interface
Step 16. Launch the Tedds Calc Designer and open the Lesson 6.cdd.
Step 18. Change the Flowchart Properties Item Name to Lesson 7
Step 19. Double click over the Output Example Interface Evaluate Lib Item Calc Object and change the Item
Name to Lesson 7 Interface.

Step 23. Insert a call to the Calc Module using the Tedds Calc Item Field for the Calc Item Lesson 7.
Step 24. Enter values that don’t meet the Validation Expressions and check that the associated Validation
Messages are displayed.

• Add validation messages to user interfaces
12.9 What next?
In the next lesson you will add a Preview to the interfaces that will allow you to see key results before accepting
the data and returning the calculation output to the document.

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Lesson 8

13 Lesson 8 - Including a Preview
Once all the Variable values have been specified it would be useful to see the key results whilst the interface is
still open. If necessary, you would then be able to go back and change some of the values before returning the
calculations to the document. To achieve this you will modify your AutoCalc so that:
1. The full design is run with the interfaces displayed but without generating any output
2. A preview of the results will be displayed in the user interface
3. When the Finish button is clicked, the full design will be repeated without the user interface and the
output will be created.
13.1 Calc Designer
You will create a separate Calc Module that displays the interface, runs your existing Calc Module (whilst the
interface is still open allowing you to see the Preview) and then re-runs the calculation and returns the output to
the document. To begin with you need to amend the existing Calc Module.
Step 1. Launch the Tedds Calc Designer and open Lesson 7.cdd.
Step 2. Change the Flowchart Properties Item Name to Lesson 8 Calc Module.
Step 3. Save the file as Lesson 8 Calc Module.cdd.
13.3 Modify the Flowchart
Step 4. Select the Main page

Step 5. Delete the Lesson 7 Interface Evaluate Lib Item.
Step 6. Link the Start Module directly to the _UDLType=="Partial" Expression.
Copyright © 1992 – 2017 Trimble Solutions Corporation. All rights reserved.

Step 7. Place and Link an Expression Calc Object before the Results Sub Module.
Step 8. In this calculation, a ‘control’ Variable named _Output will be used to specify when items are
appended to the document. Double-click on the Expression Calc Object and define the following
Expression:
_Output == 0
Step 9. Place a new Sub Module alongside the Results Sub Module.
Step 10. Double-click on the new Sub Module and define the following name:
Preview_Results
13.4 Preview_Results
Add new Links to connect the Preview_Results Sub Module to the right of the _Output==0 Expression.

You can check that your Links are correct by temporarily moving the
Calc Objects. You can use Undo to restore objects to their original
location.
Step 11. Change to the Results page

Step 12. View the Properties of the Summary Results Calc Object
Step 13. Change the Output properties to:
and(_Results == "Summary", _Output)
Step 14. Add Calc Objects for a Start Sub Module, two Evaluate Lib items, an Expression and an End Sub
Module and link them together as shown below:
Step 15. Change the name of the Start Sub Module to Preview_Results
Step 16. Double click on the first Evaluate Lib item Calc Object and amend its Properties to:
Property Value
Library file "$(UserLbrDir)Tedds Developer.lbr"
Item name "Preview Forces"
Output _Output == 0
Step 17. Double click on the second Evaluate Lib Item Calc Object and amend its Properties to:
Property Value
Library file "$(UserLbrDir)Tedds Developer. lbr"
Item name "Preview Deflection"
Output _Output==0
Step 18. Double click on the Expression Calc Object and specify the following expression:

_CalcDeflection=="yes"
13.5 Output Properties
Step 19. Select Edit > Replace and specify the following:
Find what: if(_Results=="Full", Append, Discard)
Replace with: and(_Results=="Full", _Output)
Step 20. Click the Replace All button to change the Output properties of all the Evaluate Lib Item Calc
Objects.
Step 22. Save the completed Flowchart file, Lesson 8 Calc Module.cdd.
Append = 1, Discard = 0 – When using If statements to control your

output it is not necessary to include the "if(" or the "Append,Discard)"
parts of the expression. For example:
_Results == "Full"
is equvalent to
if(_Results == "Full", Append, Discard)
If _Results does = "Full" the Output will have a value of 1 and hence
Append.
If _Results does not = "Full" the Output will have a value of 0 and
hence Discard.

Step 25. Select Properties and change the Calc Item to Lesson 8 Interface.
13.8 Existing Page Group
Currently the button on the bottom of the Analysis Options page of the interface is set to be displayed as Finish
but you are going to add another page so will change this back to the default of Back Next Cancel.
Step 26. Select the Analysis Data Page within the Simple Beam 2 Page Group
Step 27. Change the Buttons property from Back Finich Cancel to Back Next Nancel.
13.9 New Page Group
Step 28. Add a new Page Group and specify the following:
Template ID 70 A single sketch which fills the page
13.10 New Page
The Calc Item for the key results can now be run from the interface.
Step 29. Add a new Page and specify the following:
Text shown at run time in the user

Title Analysis Preview
interfaces title bar
Buttons Back Finish Cancel Changes the Next button to Finish
Hide the default 'Please wait' message

Calculating message =" " which isn't necessary for such a quick
calculation.
Page Library Item 1
Display Calculated Library Item
$(UserLibDir)Tedds
Library
Developer. lbr
Library Item Lesson 8 Calc Module

Step 30. Click the Build command to create the Lesson 8 Interface Calc Item

13.12 Create the Autocalc Module
Now you will create the separate Calc Module that will display the interface with the Preview, run the Calc
Module that you have just edited and then return the results to the document.
Step 32. Select File > New to open a new blank Flowchart
Step 33. Set the properties as:
Property Value
Library file $(UserLbrDir)Tedds Developer.lbr"
Item name Lesson 8 AutoCalc Module
Step 34. Save the file as Lesson 8 AutoCalc Module.cdd.
Step 35. Place and Link a Start Module, a Set Variable Value, an Evaluate Lib Item, another Set Variable
Value, a Calc Module and finally an End Module, one directly after another.

Step 36. Set the Calc Object properties as follows
13.14.1 Set Variable Value One
Variable name "_Output"
Discard output, because you don't want

Value 0
the output in the user interface
13.14.2 Evaluate Lib Item
$(UserLbrDir)Tedds
Library file
Developer.lbr"
Item name Lesson 8 Interface Show the user interface
Output Discard
13.14.3 Set Variable Value Two
Variable name "_Output"
Value 1 Append all output items
13.14.4 Calc Module
$(UserLbrDir)Tedds
Library file
Developer. lbr"
Item name Lesson 8 Calc Module Run the lesson 8 Calc Module

Step 38. Save the completed Flowchart file, Lesson 8 AutoCalc Module.cdd.

Step 40. Insert a call to the Calc Item Lesson 8 AutoCalc Module using a Tedds Calc Item Field.
Step 41. Enter values and select Next and check that the Preview is displayed
Step 42. Save the AutoCalc as a Calc Item.
In this Lesson you have learnt how to:

• Add a Preview to your interfaces
• How to link one Calc Module to another
13.19 What next?
You have completed this training course but as you can see there is plenty more to learn and almost unlimited
ways to enhance your calculations.

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Training Manual Tekla Tedds

1 Tedds Developer Training ................................................................................................... 15

1.1 Quick Overview of the Development Process ........................................................................................... 15

2 Glossary of Terms: ............................................................................................................. 16

3 Tedds Calc Designer - Overview .......................................................................................... 19

3.1 How to Use the Tedds Calc Designer ......................................................................................................... 19

3.2 Screen Layout ............................................................................................................................................ 20

3.3 Main Commands........................................................................................................................................ 21

3.4 Calc Objects ............................................................................................................................................... 21

3.5 Specifying Calc Objects Properties: ........................................................................................................... 25

3.6 Placing "Evaluate Lib Item" Objects .......................................................................................................... 26

3.7 Linking Calc Objects: .................................................................................................................................. 26

3.8 Building the Calc Module........................................................................................................................... 27

3.9 Saving the Flowchart ................................................................................................................................. 28

3.10 Testing the Calc Module ............................................................................................................................ 28

4 Tedds Interface Designer - Overview .................................................................................. 31

4.1 How to Use the Tedds Interface Designer ................................................................................................. 31

4.2 Screen Layout ............................................................................................................................................ 31

4.3 Basics ......................................................................................................................................................... 32

Training Manual Tekla Tedds

4.3.4 Page Groups ............................................................................................................................................. 34

4.4 General ...................................................................................................................................................... 34

4.5 Sample Interface + Interface Designer Wizard .......................................................................................... 35

4.6 Building an Interface.................................................................................................................................. 35

4.7 Saving an Interface .................................................................................................................................... 35

5 Lessons - Components ........................................................................................................ 39

5.1 Installation ................................................................................................................................................. 40

6 Lesson 1 - Creating the Calc Module ................................................................................... 43

6.1 Set up the Calc Designer ............................................................................................................................ 43

6.2 Create the Flowchart ................................................................................................................................. 44

6.3 Build the Calc Module................................................................................................................................ 47

6.4 Test the Calc Module ................................................................................................................................. 47

6.5 What have you learnt? .............................................................................................................................. 48

6.6 What next? ................................................................................................................................................ 48

7 Lesson 2 - Creating the Calculation Logic............................................................................. 51

7.1 Lesson 2 - Control Variables ...................................................................................................................... 52

7.2 Set up the Calc Designer ............................................................................................................................ 52

7.3 Create the Flowchart ................................................................................................................................. 53

7.4 Build the Calc Module................................................................................................................................ 59

7.5 Test the Calc Module ................................................................................................................................. 59

7.6 What have you learnt? .............................................................................................................................. 61

7.7 What next? ................................................................................................................................................ 61

8 Lesson 3 - Creating the User Interface................................................................................. 67

8.1 Interface Designer Plan ............................................................................................................................. 67

8.2 Set up the Interface Designer .................................................................................................................... 69

Training Manual Tekla Tedds

8.3 Page Group – One...................................................................................................................................... 70

8.4 Page - One.................................................................................................................................................. 71

8.5 Group – for page one................................................................................................................................. 72

8.6 Controls ..................................................................................................................................................... 73

8.7 Build the Interface ..................................................................................................................................... 74

8.8 Test the Interface ...................................................................................................................................... 74

8.9 Page Group - Two ...................................................................................................................................... 77

8.10 Page - Two ................................................................................................................................................. 77

8.11 Groups ....................................................................................................................................................... 79

8.12 Controls ..................................................................................................................................................... 80

8.13 Test the Interface ...................................................................................................................................... 82

8.14 Build the Interface ..................................................................................................................................... 83

8.15 What have you learnt? .............................................................................................................................. 83

8.16 What next? ................................................................................................................................................ 83