Install Guide Tekla® Structures

Interoperability
Aveva PDMS™

Metsänpojankuja 1, 02130 Espoo, Finland

www.trimble.com

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Table of Contents
Purpose and description ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Limitations............................................................................................................................................................. 3
System requirements............................................................................................................................................. 3
Installing PDMS Addin............................................................................................................................................ 3
Attributes needed for Update model functionality ................................................................................................. 5

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Purpose and description
Tekla Structures – Aveva interoperability has been using SDNF and/or dgn formats. It has limitations and aim has
been to improve interoperability with this development. Trimble has created extended ifc file format (.tcZip) for
the link. Part type objects (also concrete, timber etc.) can be exported from Tekla Structures and imported to
PDMS. From PDMS also pipes, equipment etc. type objects can be exported in addition to parts. User defined
attributes (UDAs) can be transferred in both directions and revision handling is supported.
In Tekla Structures side Export to Aveva application is used when exporting. In PDMS side the PDMS Addin is used
for importing file created by Tekla Structures. The same PDMS addin is used also for exporting from PDMS.
Normal reference model handling is used when importing file to Tekla Structures. Members in PDMS will use
identification numbers which is used in revision handling – e.g. in next export from Tekla Structures members in
PDMS will be updated and so keep related links.
This document is for PDMS addin. See separate document for Export to Aveva application. Both are related to
each other because e.g. you can define in Tekla Structures side hierarchies (SITE, ZONE, STRU, FRMW, SBFR) and
user defined attributes which used in PDMS side.
This document describes the installation of the Tekla Interoperability Addin in Aveva PDMS.
It is recommended to watch a technical video (at Tekla Warehouse). It shows how application and addin are used
in Tekla Structures and in PDMS. <Tekla_Aveva_Interoperability_video (2017, download from Versions tab page)>
There is also Questions & Answers page at Tekla Warehouse where most common questions and answers
collected. <PDMS/E3D and Tekla Structures Interoperability: Questions & Answers>

Limitations
Addin does not transfer
 Bolts, nuts, washers
 Welds
 Reinforcements
 Surface treatments

System requirements
Addin works with:
 Tekla Structures 2017 and later versions. Older versions are also available, but major improvements are
done to TS2017 and later versions.
 AVEVA PDMS 12.1 SP2/SP4, 12.1 SP5 and 12.0 SP6. AVEVA PDMS 12.1 SP4 uses same package as PDMS
12.1 SP2.
In Tekla Structures Export to Aveva application is needed and in PDMS this Addin is needed

Installing PDMS Addin

 Run the installer which can be downloaded from Tekla Warehouse
 Installer installs Imports from Tekla application to C:\TS_PDMS\”version”. Folder path can be defined.
 Edit DesignAddins.xml and set reference to Tekla Interoperability Addin, TS_PDMS.dll.
<string>C:\TS_PDMS\12.1SP2\TS-PDMS_Library\TS_PDMS.dll</string>

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Note: Edited file named in PDMS is related to the module you are running.

Aveva module Addins file

Design DesignAddins.xml
Marine, Outfitting OutfittingAddins.xml
Draft DraftAddins.xml

On a default installation the file is found here:

"C:\AVEVA\Plant\PDMS12.1.SP4\DesignAddins.xml"

The company setup might read files from different locations (e.g. can be read from a server based on company
setup). Contact your Aveva support to get the modifications done correctly.

After the installation, the button is visible in PDMS

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Attributes needed for Update model functionality
The update model functionality uses these user defined attributes (UDA).
 :TEKLA_GUID
 :TEKLA_IFCGUID
 :TEKLA_VERSION
Attributes are used to find, and update deleted and modified parts in PDMS. If these attributes are not present in
PDMS, the items will not be found, and a new instance is created.
Other UDAs are also used
 : TEKLA_PROFILE
 : TEKLA_MATERIAL
 : TEKLA_WARNING

These UDAs must be implemented in a Lexicon database included in the PDMS project.
The datal file C:\TS_PDMS\”version” \TS_INTEROPERABILITY_UDA.datal has all recommended other attributes.
Execute (drag and drop) TS_INTEROPERABILITY_UDA.datal in Lexicon module to create all Tekla UDAs in PDMS.

You should not edit TS_INTEROPERABILITY_UDA.datal file. If you want to add your own UDA’s, add them directly
in LEXICON graphical interface.

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Disclaimer
© 2021 Trimble Solutions Corporation. All rights reserved.

Tekla and Tekla Structures are registered trademarks or trademarks of Trimble Solutions Corporation in the
European Union, the United States, and/or other countries. More about Trimble Solutions
trademarks: http://www.tekla.com/tekla-trademarks. Trimble is a registered trademark or trademark of Trimble
Inc. in the European Union, in the United States and/or other countries. More about Trimble
trademarks: http://www.trimble.com/trademarks.aspx. Other product and company names mentioned in this
Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. AVEVA and the AVEVA logo are a trademark or
registered trademark of AVEVA Group plc in the U.S. and other countries.
By referring to a third-party product or brand, Trimble does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or
endorsement by such third party and disclaims any such affiliation or endorsement, except where otherwise
expressly stated.

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