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Modeling Manual
2009 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved. This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referenced Software. Use of the Software, and use of this Software Manual are governed by a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement sets certain warranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, defines permitted uses of the Software, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software. All information set forth in this manual is provided with the warranty set forth in the License Agreement. Please refer to the License Agreement for important obligations and applicable limitations and restrictions on your rights. Tekla does not guarantee that the text is free of technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Tekla reserves the right to make changes and additions to this manual due to changes in the software or otherwise. In addition, this Software Manual is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. Unauthorized reproduction, display, modification, or distribution of this Manual, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the full extent permitted by law. Tekla, Tekla Structures, Xcity, Xengineer, Xpipe, Xroad, Xpower, Xsteel, and Xstreet are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Tekla Corporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. By referring to a third-party product or brand, Tekla 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. Portions of this software: D-Cubed 2D DCM 2008 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software III (GB) Ltd. All rights reserved. EPM toolkit 1995-2004 EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rights reserved. XML parser 1999 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights reserved. Project Data Control Library 2006 - 2007 DlhSoft. All rights reserved. DWGdirect, DGNdirect and OpenDWG Toolkit/Viewkit libraries 1998-2005 Open Design Alliance. All rights reserved. FLEXnet Copyright 2006 Acresso Software Inc. All Rights Reserved. This product contains proprietary and confidential technology provided by and owned by Acresso Software Inc. Of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Any use, copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission of such technology in whole or in part in any form or by any means without the prior express written permission of Acresso Software Inc. is strictly prohibited. Except where expressly provided by Acresso Software Inc. in writing, possession of this technology shall not be construed to confer any license or rights under any of Acresso Softwares intellectual property rights, whether by estoppel, implication, or otherwise. The software is protected by U.S. Patent 7,302,368. Also elements of the software described in this Manual may be the subject of pending patent applications in the European Union and/or other countries including U.S. patent applications 2004031231, 2004267695, 2005285881, 2006000484 and 200613639.
Contents
Preface .............................................................................................................17
Audience ........................................................................................................................................................... 17 Additional help resources .................................................................................................................................. 17 Conventions used in this guide ......................................................................................................................... 18 Related guides .................................................................................................................................................. 19
Interface overview................................................................................................................................. 24
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Running a command ........................................................................................................................ 34 Repeating a command ..................................................................................................................... 34 Ending a command .......................................................................................................................... 35 1.4 Creating and modifying objects............................................................................................................. 35 Setting object properties................................................................................................................... Creating an object ............................................................................................................................ Modifying an object .......................................................................................................................... Deleting an object............................................................................................................................. 1.5 Switching rollover highlight on or off................................................................................................. Selection switches............................................................................................................................ Model Editor selection switches ................................................................................................. Drawing Editor selection switches ............................................................................................. Selecting single objects.................................................................................................................... Selecting multiple objects................................................................................................................. Selecting handles ............................................................................................................................. Selecting assemblies and cast units ................................................................................................ Selecting nested assemblies and components ................................................................................ Modifying the selection..................................................................................................................... Interrupting object selection ............................................................................................................. 1.6 Duplicate objects .............................................................................................................................. Copying an object............................................................................................................................. Copying an object using coordinates ......................................................................................... Copying an object linearly to a new position .............................................................................. Copying an object using drag-and-drop ..................................................................................... Copying an object to another plane ........................................................................................... Copying an object to another object .......................................................................................... Copying objects from another model ......................................................................................... Moving an object .............................................................................................................................. Moving an object using coordinates .......................................................................................... Moving an object linearly to a new position ............................................................................... Moving an object using drag-and-drop ...................................................................................... Moving an object to another plane ............................................................................................. Moving an object to another object ............................................................................................ Rotating objects................................................................................................................................ Rotating an object on the work plane ........................................................................................ Rotating an object in the z direction ........................................................................................... Mirroring an object............................................................................................................................ 1.7 35 35 36 36 37 37 38 38 38 38 39 40 40 42 42 43 43 44 45 45 45 46 46 46 47 48 48 48 49 49 49 49 50
Selecting objects................................................................................................................................... 36
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Snap switches.................................................................................................................................. Main snap switches ................................................................................................................... Other snap switches .................................................................................................................. Overriding the current snap switch ............................................................................................ Switching Xsnap on or off .......................................................................................................... Snapping in orthogonal directions.................................................................................................... Snapping to part extension lines ...................................................................................................... Creating a temporary reference point .............................................................................................. Locking a coordinate ........................................................................................................................ Snapping to a position using coordinates ........................................................................................ Tracking ..................................................................................................................................... Coordinate input options ........................................................................................................... Defining a snap grid .........................................................................................................................
51 51 52 53 53 53 54 55 55 56 56 57 58
Screen layout........................................................................................................................................ 65 Changing the background color ....................................................................................................... 66 Background color examples............................................................................................................. 66
2.3
Work area ............................................................................................................................................. 68 Defining the work area ..................................................................................................................... 69 Hiding the work area ........................................................................................................................ 69
2.4
Work plane............................................................................................................................................ 70 Shifting the work plane..................................................................................................................... 70 Restoring the default work plane...................................................................................................... 71 Changing the color of the work plane grid........................................................................................ 71
2.5 2.6
Coordinate system................................................................................................................................ 71 Grids ..................................................................................................................................................... 72 Grid coordinates............................................................................................................................... Grid labels ........................................................................................................................................ Creating a grid.................................................................................................................................. Modifying a grid................................................................................................................................ Deleting a grid .................................................................................................................................. 73 73 73 74 74
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Changing the grid color .................................................................................................................... Grid lines .......................................................................................................................................... Creating a single grid line .......................................................................................................... Modifying a single grid line ........................................................................................................ Deleting a single grid line ........................................................................................................... 2.7 View type.......................................................................................................................................... Representation options in rendered views ....................................................................................... View planes ...................................................................................................................................... Moving a view plane .................................................................................................................. Creating a view................................................................................................................................. About naming views ................................................................................................................... Creating grid views .................................................................................................................... Opening a view................................................................................................................................. Modifying a view............................................................................................................................... Deleting a view ................................................................................................................................. Switching between open views ........................................................................................................ Switching between 3D and plane view............................................................................................. Refreshing views .............................................................................................................................. Arranging views................................................................................................................................ 2.8
74 74 75 75 75 77 77 79 80 81 81 81 82 82 82 83 83 83 83
Views..................................................................................................................................................... 76
Construction objects.............................................................................................................................. 84 Creating a construction plane........................................................................................................... 84 Creating a construction line.............................................................................................................. 85 Creating a construction circle ........................................................................................................... 85
2.9
Points .................................................................................................................................................... 85 Point properties ................................................................................................................................ 86 Creating a point ................................................................................................................................ 86 Importing points................................................................................................................................ 86
2.10 Reference models................................................................................................................................. 87 Inserting a reference model.............................................................................................................. Modifying reference model properties .............................................................................................. Selecting a reference model............................................................................................................. Hiding a reference model ................................................................................................................. Highlighting a reference model......................................................................................................... Updating reference models .............................................................................................................. Detecting changes in a reference model.......................................................................................... Splitting a reference model into reference model objects ................................................................ Reference model objects ........................................................................................................... Selecting a reference model object ........................................................................................... Supported DGN objects ................................................................................................................... 87 88 88 88 89 89 89 90 91 92 92
3
6
3.1
Parts ..................................................................................................................................................... 95 Part types......................................................................................................................................... 96 Profiles ............................................................................................................................................. 96 Standard profiles ....................................................................................................................... 97 Parametric profiles .................................................................................................................... 97 User-defined profiles ................................................................................................................. 97 Changing the profile of a part .................................................................................................... 97 Materials........................................................................................................................................... 98 Changing the material of a part ................................................................................................. 98 Colors............................................................................................................................................... 99 User-defined attributes..................................................................................................................... 99 Part labels ...................................................................................................................................... 100 Showing part labels in a view .................................................................................................. 101
3.2
Part position........................................................................................................................................ 101 Moving a part using handles .......................................................................................................... Showing part reference lines in model views ................................................................................. Modifying the position of a part ...................................................................................................... Position on the work plane ...................................................................................................... Rotation ................................................................................................................................... Position depth .......................................................................................................................... Vertical position ....................................................................................................................... Horizontal position ................................................................................................................... End offsets .............................................................................................................................. Levels ...................................................................................................................................... Bending ................................................................................................................................... 101 102 102 102 103 104 105 105 106 107 108 109 110 110 111 111 112 112 113 113 114 115 115 116 116 116
3.3
Steel parts........................................................................................................................................... 109 Creating a steel beam .................................................................................................................... Creating an orthogonal beam......................................................................................................... Creating a curved beam................................................................................................................. Creating a steel polybeam ............................................................................................................. Creating a steel column ................................................................................................................. Creating a twin profile .................................................................................................................... Creating a contour plate................................................................................................................. Creating a round contour plate.......................................................................................................
3.4
Assemblies ......................................................................................................................................... 113 Assembly examples ....................................................................................................................... Assembly hierarchy........................................................................................................................ Creating an assembly .................................................................................................................... Creating a sub-assembly ............................................................................................................... Adding objects to assemblies......................................................................................................... Adding parts to an assembly ................................................................................................... Creating a nested assembly ....................................................................................................
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Joining assemblies .................................................................................................................. Highlighting objects in an assembly ............................................................................................... Removing objects from an assembly ............................................................................................. Exploding an assembly .................................................................................................................. Changing the assembly main part.................................................................................................. Changing the main assembly ......................................................................................................... 3.5 Creating a pad footing .................................................................................................................... Creating a strip footing ................................................................................................................... Creating a concrete column ........................................................................................................... Creating a concrete beam .............................................................................................................. Creating a concrete polybeam ....................................................................................................... Creating a concrete slab ................................................................................................................ Creating a round slab ..................................................................................................................... Creating a concrete panel .............................................................................................................. 3.6 Creating a cast unit ........................................................................................................................ Adding concrete objects to a cast unit............................................................................................ Adding non-concrete objects to a cast unit .................................................................................... Removing objects from a cast unit ................................................................................................. Highlighting objects in a cast unit ................................................................................................... Exploding a cast unit ...................................................................................................................... Copying a cast unit......................................................................................................................... Defining the cast unit type .............................................................................................................. Casting direction............................................................................................................................. Defining the casting direction of a part .................................................................................... Showing the top-in-form face ................................................................................................... Changing the cast unit main part....................................................................................................
116 117 117 117 118 118 118 119 119 120 120 120 121 121 122 122 122 123 123 123 123 124 124 124 124 125
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4.2
Holes................................................................................................................................................... 133 Creating round holes...................................................................................................................... 134 Creating slotted holes .................................................................................................................... 134 Creating oversized holes................................................................................................................ 135
4.3
Welds.................................................................................................................................................. 135 Weld position.................................................................................................................................. Weld size prefixes .......................................................................................................................... Creating a weld between parts....................................................................................................... Creating a polygon weld................................................................................................................. Creating a weld to a part................................................................................................................ Weld preparation............................................................................................................................ Preparing parts for welding ..................................................................................................... Using welds to create assemblies.................................................................................................. Welding sub-assemblies to an existing assembly ................................................................... 136 137 138 138 139 139 140 140 140 141 142 142 142 142 143 143 144 145 145 146 146 149 149 150 150 151 152 153 153 154 154 154 155 155 156
4.4
Surface treatment ............................................................................................................................... 141 Modifying surface treatment properties.......................................................................................... Adding surface treatment to a selected area ................................................................................. Adding surface treatment to a part face ......................................................................................... Adding surface treatment to all faces of a part............................................................................... Adding surface treatment to cut faces............................................................................................ Surface treatment on chamfered parts........................................................................................... Surface treatment on parts with openings and recesses ............................................................... Creating new surface treatment options ........................................................................................ Tiled surface treatment .................................................................................................................. Tile pattern definitions ............................................................................................................. Tile pattern elements ............................................................................................................... Example pattern definition ....................................................................................................... Creating new tile patterns ........................................................................................................
4.5
Fine-tuning part shape........................................................................................................................ 149 Chamfers........................................................................................................................................ Chamfering part corners .......................................................................................................... Corner chamfer types and dimensions .................................................................................... Chamfering part edges ............................................................................................................ Polybeam chamfers ................................................................................................................. Fittings............................................................................................................................................ Creating a fitting ...................................................................................................................... Cuts................................................................................................................................................ Line cuts .................................................................................................................................. Cutting parts with a line ........................................................................................................... Polygon cuts ............................................................................................................................ Cutting parts with a polygon .................................................................................................... Part cuts ..................................................................................................................................
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Cutting parts with another part ................................................................................................. Modifying the shape of a polygon................................................................................................... Combining parts ............................................................................................................................. Combining two parts into one .................................................................................................. Attaching a part to another part ............................................................................................... Splitting parts.................................................................................................................................. Splitting a straight or curved part ............................................................................................. Splitting a plate or slab ............................................................................................................ Warping concrete parts .................................................................................................................. Warping a beam using deformation angles ............................................................................. Warping a concrete slab by moving chamfers ......................................................................... Warping a Floor Bay (66) slab ................................................................................................. Cambering parts............................................................................................................................. Cambering a part ..................................................................................................................... Shortening parts in drawings.......................................................................................................... Shortening a part ..................................................................................................................... Lengthening a part ...................................................................................................................
156 157 157 158 158 158 159 159 159 159 160 160 161 162 162 162 163
Filtering objects................................................................................................................................... 173 Filtering objects using a view filter.................................................................................................. 174 Filtering objects using a selection filter........................................................................................... 174 Creating a view filter....................................................................................................................... 174
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Creating a selection filter................................................................................................................ Filtering examples .......................................................................................................................... Filtering beams and columns .................................................................................................. Filtering parts in specific phases ............................................................................................. Filtering out parts that have a certain profile ........................................................................... Filtering out reference models ................................................................................................. Wildcards ....................................................................................................................................... Possible values in filtering.............................................................................................................. Template attributes in filtering ........................................................................................................ Assembly types in filtering.............................................................................................................. Bolts and welds in filtering.............................................................................................................. Copying a filter to another model ................................................................................................... Deleting a filter ............................................................................................................................... 5.4 Defining which objects are displayed ............................................................................................. Hiding parts.................................................................................................................................... Hiding selected parts ............................................................................................................... Hiding unselected parts ........................................................................................................... Showing parts with exact lines ................................................................................................ Showing and hiding assemblies .............................................................................................. Showing and hiding components ............................................................................................ Object groups................................................................................................................................. Creating an object group ......................................................................................................... Copying an object group to another model ............................................................................. Deleting an object group ......................................................................................................... Object representation settings ....................................................................................................... Creating object representation settings ................................................................................... Copying object representation settings to another model ....................................................... Deleting object representation settings ................................................................................... 5.5 Creating a visualization .................................................................................................................. Copying visualization settings to another model ............................................................................ Deleting visualization settings ........................................................................................................ Project status visualization example .............................................................................................. Example: Defining an erection schedule ................................................................................. Example: Creating object groups ............................................................................................ Example: Creating object representation settings ................................................................... Example: Creating visualization settings ................................................................................. Example: Visualizing the erection schedule ............................................................................ 5.6
175 175 175 175 176 176 176 177 177 178 178 178 179 179 179 180 180 180 180 181 181 181 182 182 182 183 184 184 184 185 185 185 185 186 186 187 187
Checking the model ............................................................................................................................ 190 Measuring objects .......................................................................................................................... 190 Measuring distances ............................................................................................................... 191
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Measuring angles .................................................................................................................... Measuring bolt spacing ............................................................................................................ Detecting clashes ........................................................................................................................... Finding clashes in a model ...................................................................................................... Defining a clash check clearance area for bolts ...................................................................... Reference model clash checking ............................................................................................. Reverting to the old clash checking functionality ..................................................................... Comparing parts or assemblies...................................................................................................... Finding distant objects....................................................................................................................
Changing numbers.............................................................................................................................. 204 Clearing numbers................................................................................................................................ 204 Viewing the numbering history............................................................................................................ 204 Creating a standard part model........................................................................................................... 205
12
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Creating object type categories...................................................................................................... Modifying logical areas and object type categories........................................................................ Viewing logical areas and object type categories .......................................................................... Deleting logical areas and object type categories.......................................................................... 7.2
Phases................................................................................................................................................ 211 Dividing the model into phases ...................................................................................................... 211 Custom phase properties ............................................................................................................... 211
7.3
Sequences.......................................................................................................................................... 211 Creating a sequence ...................................................................................................................... Adding parts to a sequence ........................................................................................................... Checking the sequence of a part ................................................................................................... Modifying the sequence number of a part...................................................................................... Deleting a sequence ...................................................................................................................... 212 212 213 213 213 214 214 215 215 215 216 216 216 216 217 217 217 217 218 218 218 219 219 220 220 220 221 221 221 222 222 222
13
7.4
Lotting ................................................................................................................................................. 214 Creating a lot.................................................................................................................................. Adding parts to a lot ....................................................................................................................... Removing parts from a lot .............................................................................................................. Deleting a lot ..................................................................................................................................
7.5
Sketched cross sections ..................................................................................................................... 215 Cross section sketch editor ............................................................................................................ Opening the cross section sketch editor ................................................................................. Creating sketches .......................................................................................................................... Sketching a polyline ................................................................................................................ Sketching an arc ...................................................................................................................... Sketching a circle .................................................................................................................... Adding constraints to a sketch ....................................................................................................... Adding a parallel constraint ..................................................................................................... Adding a perpendicular constraint ........................................................................................... Adding a coincident constraint ................................................................................................ Adding a fixed constraint ......................................................................................................... Adding a horizontal constraint ................................................................................................. Adding a vertical constraint ..................................................................................................... Deleting a constraint from a sketch................................................................................................ Adding dimensions to a sketch ...................................................................................................... Adding a radial dimension ....................................................................................................... Adding an angle dimension ..................................................................................................... Adding a dimension between two points in a sketch ............................................................... Adding a horizontal dimension to a sketch .............................................................................. Adding a vertical dimension to a sketch .................................................................................. Defining positioning planes of sketched cross sections ................................................................. Part positioning planes ............................................................................................................ Connection positioning planes ................................................................................................
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Showing and hiding part positioning planes ............................................................................ Showing and hiding connection positioning planes ................................................................. Moving positioning planes ....................................................................................................... Reverting to the default part positioning planes ....................................................................... Reverting to the default connection positioning planes ........................................................... Modifying sketched cross sections................................................................................................. Modifying chamfers in a sketch ............................................................................................... Sketch Browser ........................................................................................................................ Setting the sketch thickness .................................................................................................... Cross section extrusion types .................................................................................................. Using variables to define cross section properties ......................................................................... Example: Creating a symmetric C-shaped cross section ........................................................ Saving a sketched cross section .................................................................................................... Testing a sketched cross section ................................................................................................... Using sketched cross sections in a model ..................................................................................... Creating a picture of a sketched cross section............................................................................... Importing and exporting sketched cross sections .......................................................................... Exporting sketched cross sections .......................................................................................... Importing sketched cross sections ........................................................................................... 7.6
223 223 224 224 225 225 226 226 226 227 228 229 230 231 231 232 232 232 233
Parametric modeling ........................................................................................................................... 233 Creating dependencies .................................................................................................................. 234 Creating variables .......................................................................................................................... 234 Parametric profiles available in Tekla Structures ........................................................................... 235
View settings....................................................................................................................................... 244 View properties............................................................................................................................... 244 Grid view properties ....................................................................................................................... 245 Display settings .............................................................................................................................. 245
8.3
Part properties..................................................................................................................................... 247 Steel column properties.................................................................................................................. Steel beam properties .................................................................................................................... Contour plate properties................................................................................................................. Orthogonal beam properties........................................................................................................... 247 247 248 249
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Twin profile properties.................................................................................................................... Pad footing properties.................................................................................................................... Strip footing properties ................................................................................................................... Concrete column properties ........................................................................................................... Concrete beam properties.............................................................................................................. Concrete slab properties ................................................................................................................ Concrete panel properties.............................................................................................................. 8.4 Bolt properties................................................................................................................................ Weld properties .............................................................................................................................. Weld types ..................................................................................................................................... Corner chamfer properties ............................................................................................................. Edge chamfer properties................................................................................................................ 8.5
250 250 251 252 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259
Numbering settings............................................................................................................................. 259 General numbering settings ........................................................................................................... 259 Weld numbering settings................................................................................................................ 260 Control number settings ................................................................................................................. 261
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15
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Preface
Tekla Structures includes complete documentation in an accessible help system. Our online help is a detailed guide to Tekla Structures concepts, tools, commands, and features, with plenty of examples. The documentation is also available in PDF format. Topics in the Preface are:
Audience (p. 17) Additional help resources (p. 17) Conventions used in this guide (p. 18) Related guides (p. 19)
Audience
This guide is aimed at structural engineers, detailers and designers who model, analyze, and design concrete and steel structures. We assume that you are familiar with the processes of structural engineering.
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17
Area office France Germany India Japan Malaysia Middle East Sweden UK US
E-mail address TeklaStructures.Support.FR@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.GER@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.IN@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.JPN@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.MY@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.ME@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.SWE@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.UK@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.US@Tekla.com
If you believe you have discovered a problem with this software, please report it to your Tekla Structures Reseller using the maintenance request form provided at Help > Tekla on the Web > Maintenance request.... Please send any comments or suggestions about Tekla Structures documentation to BetC_Documentation@tekla.com.
Tekla Extranet
Anyone with a current maintenance contract can use Tekla Extranet. Register now to get free access to our online discussion forums, hints & tips, software downloads, tutorials, and more. To register, go to https://extranet.tekla.com. You can also access Tekla Extranet from Tekla Structures by clicking Help > Online Support > Tekla Extranet.
We use different typefaces for different items in this guide. In most cases the meaning is obvious from the context. If you are not sure what a certain typeface represents, you can check it here.
Convention Bold
Usage Bold indicates the names of keyboard keys. Bold is also used for general emphasis in text.
Arial bold
Any text that you see in the user interface appears in Arial bold. Items such as window and dialog box titles, field and button names, combo box options, and list box items are displayed in this typeface. New terms are in italic bold when they appear in the current context for the first time. Extracts of Tekla Structuress program code, HTML, or other material that you would normally edit in a text editor, appears in monospaced font. Filenames and folder paths appear in monospace. Also all the text you enter yourself appears in monospaced font.
Noteboxes
We use several types of noteboxes, marked by different icons. Their functions are shown below:
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TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of doing things. A tip never contains information that is absolutely necessary.
A note draws attention to details that you might easily overlook. It can also point you to other information in this guide that you might find useful.
You should always read very important notes and warnings, like this one. They will help you avoid making serious mistakes, or wasting your time.
This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical information that is usually of interest only to advanced or technically-oriented readers. You are never required to understand this kind of information.
Related guides
Tekla Structures includes a comprehensive help system in a series of online books. You will also receive a printed installation guide with your Tekla Structures installation DVD.
Modeling Manual How to create a physical model. Analysis Manual How to create loads and run structural analysis. Detailing Manual How to create reinforcement, connections, and details. Drawing Manual How to create and edit drawings. System Manual Covers advanced features and how to maintain the Tekla Structures environment. Task Manager User Guide How to create, store, and manage scheduled tasks, and link the tasks to their corresponding model objects. This guide is available in English on the Tekla Extranet.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
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SymEd Users Guide How to use the SymEd graphical interface to manipulate symbols. Installation Troubleshooting Guide Printed booklet explaining how to install Tekla Structures.
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This section provides an overview of the Tekla Structures user interface and its basic features. It also explains how to use common commands.
Contents
About Tekla Structures (p. 21) Interface overview (p. 24) Using commands (p. 34) Creating and modifying objects (p. 35) Selecting objects (p. 36) Copying and moving objects (p. 43) Snapping to positions (p. 50)
Main features
Tekla Structures includes the following features:
21
Easy modeling of basic structures, such as beams, columns, and slabs. Useful modeling aids, such as 3D grids and an adjustable work area. Catalogs of available material grades, profiles, and bolts. Modeling tools to create complex structures, such as staircases and trusses. Intelligent connections, such as end plates and clip angles, to automatically connect main members. A custom component editor that you can use to create your own parametric connections, details, and parts. Links to transfer data between Tekla Structures and other software, such as AutoCAD, STAAD, and MicroStation. Drawing tools to create several drawings with one click. Data output for CNC machines. Capability to undo and redo changes you have made, so that you can test solutions, and revert to the original if needed. Tekla Structures is available in a wide range of languages, and adapted to local standards and requirements.
Configurations
Tekla Structures is available in different configurations to suit the various players in the construction industry:
When you log in to Tekla Structures, select the configuration you want to use.
See also
For details of what each configuration contains, see Tekla Structures configurations
Roles
In some environments, when you start Tekla Structures 15.0, you can select a role you want to use. The user interface has been customized for each role. The list of roles may be different in each environment, but typically the following roles are available:
All Contractor Engineer Multimaterial Detailer Precast Concrete Detailer Steel Detailer
22
All is a combination of all roles. Multimaterial Detailer combines the roles of Precast Concrete Detailer and Steel Detailer. See also
Languages
When you install Tekla Structures, you can choose the languages you want to use. The default language for the user interface is the language in which in which you installed Tekla Structures. Tekla Structures 15.0 software is available in the following languages:
See also
Chinese simplified (chs) Chinese traditional (cht) Czech (csy) Dutch (nld) English (enu) French (fra) German (deu) Hungarian (hun) Italian (ita) Japanese (jpn) Polish (plk) Portuguese (ptg) Portuguese Brazilian (ptb) Russian (rus) Spanish (esp)
Some language-dependent file and folder names include the abbreviations listed above. Changing the language of the user interface (p. 25)
Environments
The environment means region-specific settings and information. It defines which profiles, material grades, default values, connections, wizards, variables, reports, and templates you use. When you install Tekla Structures, you can choose the environments you want to use. The environments available in Tekla Structures 15.0 are:
Default environment Australasia Austria Brazil China Czech Finland France Germany Greece Hungary
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India Italy Japan Korea Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Russia South Africa South America South-East Asia Spain Sweden Switzerland (French) Switzerland (German) Switzerland (Italian) Taiwan United Kingdom United States (Imperial) United States (Metric)
Multi-user mode
Tekla Structures editors (p. 25) Toolbars (p. 26) Mini Toolbar (p. 27) Dialog boxes (p. 28) Tooltips (p. 32)
24
Click Tools > Change Language... Select a language from the Language list box. Click OK. Restart Tekla Structures for the change to take effect.
Model Editor The Model Editor is the main and starting mode of Tekla Structures. You create and analyze models, and initiate drawing and report creation using the Model Editor.
Drawing Editor In the Drawing Editor, you work with drawings. Tekla Structures opens the Drawing Editor when you open any drawing.
25
In the Custom Component Editor, you can create your own connections, details, and parts, and define their properties. You can build in dependencies between objects to make custom components parametric and have them adapt to changes in the model. To open the Custom Component Editor, select a component and click Detailing > Edit custom component.
Symbol Editor In the Symbol Editor (SymEd), you can create and modify symbols used in drawings, reports, and templates. To open the Symbol Editor, click Tools > Symbols... in the Model or Drawing Editor.
Template Editor Use the Template Editor (TplEd) to create and modify templates used in drawings and reports. To open the Template Editor, click Tools > Templates... in the Model or Drawing Editor.
Toolbars
The toolbars contain buttons that give easy access to some of the most frequently-used commands. For example, the General toolbar contains basic commands for creating, opening and saving a model, printing, creating reports, creating views, copying and moving objects, and so on.
To show or hide a toolbar, click Tools > Toolbars and click the toolbar name. Visible toolbars have a check mark beside their name.
See also
Moving a toolbar
Toolbars can either be floating or docked, i.e. located at the edge of the program window. To move a toolbar, do any of the following:
26
To Move a toolbar
Do this Click the handle on the left or upper edge of a docked toolbar (or the title bar of a floating toolbar), and drag the toolbar to a new location. Hold down the Ctrl key while dragging the toolbar. The toolbar remains floating. Hold the mouse pointer over an edge of the toolbar until the pointer changes into a double-ended arrow, and then drag the edge of the toolbar.
See also
Mini Toolbar
The Mini Toolbar appears next to the mouse pointer when you select an object in a model. The Mini Toolbar contains commands for modifying the most common object properties. You can customize the toolbar by hiding commands, and adding macros and user-defined attributes.
To show or hide the Mini Toolbar, click Tools > Options > Mini Toolbar.
See also
Select the elements you wish to show or hide. The Preview field shows what the toolbar will look like.
4.
Include macros and user-defined attributes in the Mini Toolbar. a Select a macro or user-defined attribute in the list of macros and user-defined attributes. b Click Add to Mini Toolbar after each selected macro and user-defined attribute. The added macros and user-defined attributes are shown in the list of visible elements. c To remove macros and user-defined attributes from the Mini Toolbar, unselect them in the list of visible elements.
5.
See also
Click OK.
27
Dialog boxes
You can use dialog boxes to modify object properties. If you click any command or a button that has three dots in its name, for example Select..., Tekla Structures displays the appropriate dialog box. The following image illustrates the most common elements in dialog boxes:
List box for saved properties Tabs Modify filter check boxes Retains the properties and closes the dialog box Retains the properties without closing the dialog box
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Modifies the selected objects without retaining the properties Fills the dialog box with the properties of the selected object Toggles all the modify filter check boxes on and off Closes the dialog box without retaining the properties or modifying the objects Buttons Fields
Example
Description Click the button to run a command immediately. Use to display, enter, and modify information. Click the field to activate it. An I-shaped blinking cursor appears at the beginning of the field and marks your typing position. Related settings that allow only one selection at a time. To select an option, click the appropriate button. A collection of options in a list. To select an option, point to the list you want to display, click, drag the pointer to highlight the desired option, and then single-click. Settings that can be set in any combination are usually displayed as small square buttons.
Radio button
List box
Check box
The check boxes located in front of the dialog box fields indicate the properties that are modified when you click the Modify button. When a check box is selected, Tekla Structures changes only the corresponding value of the selected objects.
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Element Filter
Example
Description Use to filter object names. Enter characters from the name of the object you are looking for, and then click the Filter button to find the matching names. A list of options. The list can have both horizontal and vertical scrollbars for scrolling the visible portion of the list items. When you select a list item, it is highlighted. There are two ways to select an item on the list:
Point to the item you want to select and click. Use the Down and Up arrow keys to move the highlight to the item you want to select, and press Enter.
Common buttons
Most of the Tekla Structures dialog boxes contain common buttons. These buttons mean the same thing in all dialog boxes. The common buttons are:
Button
Description Retains the properties in the dialog box without closing the dialog box. Tekla Structures uses these properties the next time you create an object of this type. Closes the dialog box without retaining the properties in the dialog box or modifying objects. Creates a new object using the properties in the dialog box. Fills the dialog box with the properties of the selected object. When you select several objects, Tekla Structures takes the properties at random from one of the selected objects. Displays the help topics for the dialog box. Modifies the selected objects using the properties in the dialog box, but does not retain the properties in the dialog box. Retains the properties in the dialog box and closes the dialog box. Tekla Structures uses these properties the next time you create an object of this type. Toggles all the modify filter check boxes in the dialog box on and off.
See also
Tabs
Information in some Tekla Structures dialog boxes has been divided up on several tabs. This makes the dialog boxes easier to use. Moving from tab to tab does not affect the information they contain.
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The common buttons located at the top and bottom of a dialog box affect all the tabs in the dialog box. For example, when you click Save before closing the dialog box, Tekla Structures saves all information on all tabs to the designated file.
See also
Button
Save as
Description Stores the dialog box properties with the name given in the field. The Save as button also updates the Load list box. This is important if you add or delete files manually. Tekla Structures stores the properties files in the model folder. The files also include the properties in subdialog boxes. The file extensions are different for different dialog boxes. For more information, see File extensions.
Load
Loads all previously stored properties to the dialog box. Tekla Structures also loads the properties of subdialog boxes, even if they are not open. You can select the name of the file you want to use from the list box. Stores the modifications of properties. Tekla Structures saves the properties in the file shown in the list box.
Save
See also
Saving dialog box properties (p. 31) Loading dialog box properties (p. 32)
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To overwrite an existing set of properties, click Save. Tekla Structures saves the properties in the file shown in the list box.
See also
Loading dialog box properties (p. 32) Save, Load, Save as (p. 31)
In the list box next to the Load button, select the set of properties you want to load. Click Load.
Saving dialog box properties (p. 31) Save, Load, Save as (p. 31)
Tooltips
When you move the mouse pointer over an icon, a tooltip appears. Tekla Structures contains three types of tooltips:
Basic tooltips
Basic tooltips only display the name of the command. If the enhanced tooltips are switched on, the basic tooltips are not displayed.
Enhanced tooltips
Enhanced tooltips give more information about the command and how it can be executed. They also give examples, hints and tips. The enhanced tooltips are switched on by default. On the basis of the information in the enhanced tooltip you are able to decide whether the command is the one that you need for your current task. You can also open the related online help topic by clicking the More... button. To show or hide the enhanced tooltips, click Tools > Options > Enhanced Tooltips.
Menu tooltips
Menu tooltips provide the same functionality as the enhanced tooltips, but for menu commands. The menu tooltips are displayed in a separate window, which you can drag and drop to any position on the screen. To display the corresponding menu tooltip, move the mouse pointer over a menu command.
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To show or hide the menu tooltips window, click Tools > Options > Menu Tooltips.
Status bar
Tekla Structures displays instructions and messages on the status bar located at the bottom of the Tekla Structures window. Follow the instructions on the status bar when you use commands. For example, when you are creating a beam, always check the status bar as Tekla Structures will prompt you on how to continue.
The status of Xsnap (T), SmartSelect (S), and Drag and drop (D) The level in assembly or component hierarchy (09) The middle mouse button mode (Pan or Scroll) The current phase The number of selected objects and handles Error messages
To view the status bar message history, click Tools > Toolbars > Message Panel. A message panel appears at the bottom of the Tekla Structures window.
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Warning messages
Tekla Structures displays warning messages when necessary, for example when you are about to copy or move objects outside the work area.
To prevent Tekla Structures from displaying the warning messages again, select the Do not show this message again check box. To re-display the warning messages, press Shift when the warning message should appear, for example when you are copying or moving objects outside the work area, and Tekla Structures displays the warning message again.
Running a command
To run a command in Tekla Structures, do one of the following: Click the toolbar button of the command you want to run. For example, click to create bolts.
Click a menu title and then select the command. For example, click Detailing > Bolts > Create Bolts.
Click the right mouse button to open a pop-up menu, and then select a command. When you select an object, the commands on the pop-up menu relate to that object.
Repeating a command
To repeat the last command, do one of the following:
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TEKLA STRUCTURES 15 Basics of Tekla Structures
See also
Ending a command
To cancel or end a command, do one of the following:
See also
Click Edit > Interrupt. Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu. Press Esc.
To display the properties of an existing object, double-click the object or use the Mini Toolbar. To display the current properties of the object type, double-click a toolbar button, or hold down Shift and select a menu command. For example, to display the beam properties, double-click Shift and click Modeling > Create Steel Part > Beam. , or hold down
2. 3.
See also
Creating an object
To create an object: 1. Optional: Modify the object properties. If you do not modify the properties, Tekla Structures creates the object using the current properties of the object type. 2. 3. Click a toolbar button or a menu command. Pick points to place the object in the model.
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To create several objects with the same properties, pick multiple points. The command runs until you end it or use another command.
When you create a new model object and pick the starting point for it, Tekla Structures displays the dimensions and dimension lines for the object. The displayed dimensions make it easier to create objects of desired lenght.
See also
Modifying an object
To modify an object: 1. 2. Select the objects you want to modify. Open the object properties dialog box. For example, double-click a part to display the current properties of the object type. 3. Modify the properties.
Use the modify filter check boxes to indicate which properties should be changed.
4.
See also
Click Modify.
Deleting an object
To delete an object: 1. 2. Select the object you want to delete. Do one of the following:
Click Edit > Delete. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu.. Press Delete.
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To show or hide the dimensions, click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View, and set the variable XS_DISPLAY_DIMENSIONS_WHEN_SELECTING_OBJECTS to TRUE or FALSE.
To switch rollover highlight on or off, do one of the following: Press H. Click Tools > Options > Rollover Highlight.
Selection switches
The selection switches are special commands that control the selection of objects. Use the selection switches to define which object types can be selected. For example, if only the Select welds switch is active, Tekla Structures only selects welds, even if you select the entire model area.
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Selection filter settings also affect which objects you can select.
The other selection switches control which object types can be selected. For example, you might decide to select only bolts.
For more information on how to use each switch, see the corresponding enhanced tooltip.
For more information on how to use each switch, see the corresponding enhanced tooltip.
You can select objects with the right mouse button only if you have switched on the following options on the Tools > Options menu:
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Hold down the mouse button and drag the mouse from right to left to select the objects that are completely or partly within that rectangular area.
To define how area selection works, click Tools > Options > Crossing Selection. When the option is off, the dragging direction affects the selection of objects, as described above. By default, the option is off. When the option is on, all objects that fall at least partially inside the rectangular area are selected, regardless of the dragging direction.
Selecting handles
To select only the handles of a part: 1. Drag the mouse from left to right to select the part.
2.
Hold down the Alt key and drag the mouse from left to right to select the part again.
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See also
Hold down the Alt key. Select a part. Tekla Structures selects the entire cast unit or assembly that contains the part.
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Example
If the Select assemblies switch is active, you can select objects in the assembly hierarchy, starting from the assemblies on the highest level, move to their sub-assemblies, and finally select single parts, bolts, and so on.
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If the Select objects in assemblies switch is active, you start selecting from single objects and move to bigger and bigger nested assemblies.
See also
To Add objects to the current selection Toggle the selection of an object on or off
Do this Press the Shift key and select the objects. Press the Ctrl key during the selection. Tekla Structures deselects the objects that were already selected and selects those that were previously not selected.
You can have Tekla Structures interrupt the object selection process if the selection takes over a defined period of time. For example, if you are working on a large model and you accidentally select all or part of the model, you can interrupt the selection if it takes over 5000 milliseconds (5 seconds) to complete. To interrupt object selection: 1. Optional: Define the time after which Tekla Structures asks if you want to interrupt object selection. a Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Modeling Properties. b Modify the variable XS_OBJECT_SELECTION_CONFIRMATION. The default value is 5000 milliseconds. c 2. 3.
See also
Click OK.
Select all or part of the model. When Tekla Structures asks if you want to interrupt object selection, click Cancel.
XS_OBJECT_SELECTION_CONFIRMATION
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Limitations
The reinforcement or surface treatment handles must be in part corners. The parts between which you copy or move must have the same number of cross section corners. Circular parts must have the same cross section dimensions.
Tekla Structures cannot create mirrored copies of connection properties. The Copy Special > Mirror... command does not fully mirror objects if they include connections that contain, for example, asymmetrically positioned parts.
Duplicate objects
When you copy or move objects, Tekla Structures checks for duplicate objects in the location where you are about to copy or move the objects to. Tekla Structures also checks for duplicates if you create new parts in the same location as an existing part. Two objects are considered duplicates if they have the same orientation and the same size of bounding box. If duplicates are found, you can choose whether to keep or delete the duplicate objects. Use the variable XS_DUPLICATE_CHECK_LIMIT_FOR_COPY_AND_MOVE to define the maximum number of objects that can be counted as duplicates while copying or moving objects.
Limitations
Tekla Structures does not check for duplicates when you copy objects using a modeling tool, such as the Array of Objects (29) component.
Copying an object
To copy an object: 1. 2. 3. Select the object you want to copy. Click Edit > Copy, or right-click and select Copy from the pop-up menu. Pick the origin for copying.
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4.
The objects are copied immediately. 5. 6. To undo the latest copy operation, click Edit > Undo. The Copy command still remains active. To stop copying, click Edit > Interrupt.
Tekla Structures copies all the objects that are connected to the object you copy. Tekla Structures also tries to copy connections. The connections must be surrounded by similar parts to be copied successfully.
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3. 4. 5. 6.
Click Edit > Copy. Pick the origin for copying. Move the cursor in the direction you want to copy the objects, but do not pick the point. Type the distance. When you start typing, Tekla Structures displays the Enter a Numeric Location dialog box automatically.
7.
See also
Click OK.
Snapping to a position using coordinates (p. 56) Switching Xsnap on or off (p. 53)
4. 5.
If the dialog box is open but the command is not active anymore, click the Pick button to re-activate the command.
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5. 6.
Pick a point on the first plane in the positive y direction. Repeat steps 35 for all destination planes.
Select the objects you want to copy. Right-click and select Copy Special > To Another Object from the pop-up menu. Select the object to copy from (source object). Select the objects to copy to (target object).
You cannot import drawings with the model. Tekla Structures only copies secondary parts from the model if they belong to the same phase as their main part. This applies to both model and component parts.
See also
Moving an object
To move an object: 1. 2. 3. Select the object you want to move. Click Edit > Move, or right-click and select Move from the pop-up menu. Pick the origin for moving.
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4.
The object is moved immediately. The Move command does not remain active.
Tekla Structures also moves the objects that are connected to the object you move. For example, if you move points, Tekla Structures also moves the parts or assemblies that use those points.
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6.
Type the distance. When you start typing, Tekla Structures displays the Enter a Numeric Location dialog box automatically.
7.
See also
Click OK.
Snapping to a position using coordinates (p. 56) Switching Xsnap on or off (p. 53)
4.
Click Move.
If the dialog box is open but the command is not active anymore, click the Pick button to re-activate the command.
To move the objects, hold down the mouse button and drag the objects to the new position. To move the end of an object, select the handle, hold down the mouse button, and drag the handle to the new position.
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Select the objects you want to move. Right-click and select Move Special > To Another Object from the pop-up menu. Select the object to move from (source object). Select the objects to move to (target object).
Rotating objects
When you copy or move an object, you can rotate it around a given line, either on the work plane, or in the work plane z direction. Positive rotation is according to the right hand rule (clockwise when looking from the starting point of the rotation axis).
See also
Rotating an object on the work plane (p. 49) Rotating an object in the z direction (p. 49)
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
See also
To copy and rotate the objects, click Edit > Copy Special > Rotate... To move and rotate the objects, click Edit > Move Special > Rotate...
Select line in the Around list box. Pick the starting point of the rotation axis, or enter its coordinates. Pick the end point of the rotation axis, or enter its coordinates. Enter the number of copies. Optional: Enter the dZ value, which is the difference in position between the original and copied object in the z direction. Enter the rotation angle. Click Copy or Move.
3. 4.
To copy and rotate the objects, click Edit > Copy Special > Rotate... To move and rotate the objects, click Edit > Move Special > Rotate...
Select Z in the Around list box. Pick a point, or enter the coordinates of the rotation axis.
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5. 6. 7. 8.
See also
Enter the number of copies. Optional: Enter the dZ value, which is the difference in position between the original and copied object in the z direction.. Enter the rotation angle. Click Copy or Move.
Mirroring an object
When you copy or move an object, you can mirror it through a plane that is perpendicular to the work plane and passes through a line you specify. To mirror an object: 1. 2. Select the objects you want to copy or move. Activate the mirroring command.
3. 4. 5.
To copy and mirror the objects, click Edit > Copy Special > Mirror... To move and mirror the objects, click Edit > Move Special > Mirror...
Pick the starting point of the mirroring plane, or enter its coordinates and angle. Pick the end point of the mirroring plane, or enter its coordinates and angle. Click Copy or Move.
See also
XS_DISPLAY_DIMENSIONS_WHEN_CREATING_OBJECTS
Snap zone
Each object has a snap zone. It defines how close you need to pick to hit a position. When you pick within the snap zone of an object, Tekla Structures automatically snaps to the closest pickable point on that object.
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You can set the snap zone using the variable XS_PIXEL_TOLERANCE. Enter the snap zone dimension in pixels.
Snap depth
The first list box on the Snapping toolbar defines the depth of each position you pick. The following options are available:
Plane
You can snap to positions either on the view plane or the work plane, depending on what you have selected in the second list box on the Snapping toolbar.
3D
In perspective views, this option works like the 3D option. In non-perspective views, it works like the Plane option.
See also
Snap switches
Snap switches specify exact locations on objects, for example, end points, midpoints, and intersections. Snap switches help you to pick points to position objects precisely without having to know the coordinates or create additional lines or points. You can use snap switches any time Tekla Structures prompts you to specify a point, for example, if you are creating a beam. Snap switches also define the snap priority of positions. If you pick and hit several positions simultaneously, Tekla Structures snaps to the position with the highest snap priority. To control which positions you can pick, use the snap switches.
If there is more than one point available to snap to, press the Tab key to cycle forward through the snap points, and Shift+Tab to cycle backwards through them. Click the left mouse button to select the appropriate point.
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Button
Description You can snap to object reference points (points that have handles).
Symbol Large
Small
Button
Description Snaps to points and grid line intersections. Snaps to end points of lines, polyline segments, and arcs. Snaps to centers of circles and arcs. Snaps to midpoints of lines, polyline segments, and arcs. Snaps to intersections of lines, polyline segments, arcs, and circles. Snaps to points on objects that form a perpendicular alignment with another object.
Symbol
End points
Centers
Midpoints
Intersections
Perpendicular
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Button
Description Snaps to the nearest points on objects, e.g. any point on part edges or lines. Snaps to the line extensions of nearby objects. Snaps to any position.
Symbol
Line extensions
Free
To show or hide the snap symbols, click Tools > Options > Options... > Mouse settings, and select or clear the Display snap symbol check box.
To show or hide the Snap Override toolbar, click Tools > Toolbars > Snap Override.
Click Tools > Options > Xsnap. The cursor turns into a green cross. When you move the mouse pointer over objects, you can see it snap to positions.
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Initiate a command that requires you to pick positions. For example, create a beam. Tekla Structures displays line extensions in blue color. For example:
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5. 6.
Repeat step 4 to create as many reference points as needed. Release the Ctrl key and pick the end point. Tekla Structures creates the part between the starting point and the end point.
Locking a coordinate
You can lock the x, y, and z coordinates on a line. This is useful when you need to determine a point to pick and the needed point does not exist on the line. When a coordinate is locked, you can snap to points only in that direction. To lock the pointer in the x direction: 1. 2. 3. Initiate a command that requires you to pick positions. For example, create a beam. To lock the x coordinate, press X. You can snap to points only in the x direction. To unlock the coordinate, press X again.
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Click Tools > Enter a Numeric Location and select an option. Start entering the coordinates using the keyboard. When you start typing, Tekla Structures displays the Enter a Numeric Location dialog box automatically.
The negative sign (-) does not cause the dialog box to open.
3.
See also
After entering the coordinates, press Enter or click OK to snap to the position.
Coordinate input options (p. 57) Copying an object using coordinates (p. 44) Moving an object using coordinates (p. 47)
Tracking
Tracking means that you follow a line and pick a point at a specified distance along the line. You usually use tracking in combination with numeric coordinates and other snapping tools, such as snap switches and orthogonal snapping. When you have snap switches on and you use a command that requires you to pick positions, the mouse pointer locks onto a snap point. Tekla Structures displays a green line between the last point picked and the snap point.
You can track along the line towards a snap point, and use the Enter a Numeric Location dialog box to specify the distance from the last point picked.
Tracking along a line
In the illustration below, we snapped to a grid line midpoint and tracked along the tentative line for 1000 units when creating a beam.
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You can also track beyond the snap point, for example, 4000 units from the last point picked.
Track in the opposite direction by entering a negative value, for example, -1000.
Tekla Structures has two snapping modes, relative and absolute. Use the variable XS_KEYIN_DEFAULT_MODE to indicate the default snapping mode.
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Description A distance to an indicated direction. If you omit the last coordinate (z) or angle, Tekla Structures assumes that the value is 0. In drawings, Tekla Structures ignores the third coordinate.
Special character
Cartesian coordinates
, (comma)
Polar coordinates
A distance, an angle on the xy plane, and an angle from the xy plane separated by angle brackets. For example, 1000<90<45. Angles increase in the counterclockwise direction.
<
Absolute coordinates
Define the character with the variable XS_KEYIN_ABSO LUTE_PREFIX Define the character with the variable XS_KEYIN_RELA TIVE_PREFIX
Relative coordinates
The coordinates relative to the last position picked. For example, @1000,500 or @500<30.
See also
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This section explains how to set up the workspace so that you can start modeling. It also presents some basic Tekla Structures vocabulary and concepts that are needed when working with 3D models.
Contents
Creating 3D models (p. 59) Screen layout (p. 65) Work area (p. 68) Work plane (p. 70) Coordinate system (p. 71) Grids (p. 72) Views (p. 76) Construction objects (p. 84) Points (p. 85) Reference models (p. 87)
Creating a new model (p. 60) Opening a model (p. 62) Saving a model (p. 63)
What is a 3D model
Using Tekla Structures, you can create a real-life model of any structure. The 3D model contains all the information that is needed to manufacture and construct the structure, including:
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The 3D model is the single source of information for drawings and other outputs, such as reports and NC data files. This ensures that the information in drawings and reports is always up to date, as they react to modifications in the model.
You can only have one model open at a time. If you already have a model open, Tekla Structures prompts you to save that model. 2. Define where to save the new model.
3.
To select a folder, click Browse. To save the model in a recently used model folder, use the Save in list box. To define the location manually, type the path in the Save in field, followed by the \ character. Do not enter the model name in this field.
Type a unique name in the Model name field. Do not use special characters (/ \ ; : | ).
4. 5.
Optional: In the Model template list box, select the template you want to use. In the Model type list box, define whether the model may be used by one person or shared by many.
6.
Single-user: model will be used by one person. Multi-user: model is stored on a server and may be used by several people. Also enter the name of the server in the Server field.
Click OK.
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Tekla Structures creates the model and opens the default model view.
The names in the image below refer to template fields, which you can use when designing your own reports and templates.
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PROJECT_NUMBER PROJECT_NAME BUILDER PROJECT_OBJECT ADDRESS DESIGNER START_DATE END_DATE INFO1 INFO2
Opening a model
To open a Tekla Structures model: 1. Click File > Open... or .
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You can only have one model open at a time. If you already have a model open, Tekla Structures prompts you to save that model. 2. In the Open dialog box, select the model.
3.
To open a recently used model, use the Model name list box. To open a recently used model folder, use the Look in list box. To search for models in another folder, click Browse...
Click OK to open the model. If no views are visible after you have opened a model, Tekla Structures prompts you to select one.
You can sort models by clicking the column titles. When the models are sorted alphabetically by their names, you can use the keyboard to select models. For example, when you type N, Tekla Structures selects the first model starting with an N.
Saving a model
To save a model, do one of the following: Click .
Tekla Structures automatically saves the model at set intervals. For more information on setting the interval, see Autosave.
See also
Saving a model with a different name or location (p. 63) Saving in multi-user mode
63
Model templates
This section is for advanced users.
You can save the desired settings in a model and use that model as a template when you create new models. The location of model templates is defined by the variable XS_MODEL_TEMPLATE_DIRECTORY. For example, you can set this variable to point to the same location as the variable XS_FIRM. By default, the variable points to the folder ..\TeklaStructures\<version>\environments\default\model_templat es\. Any model under the defined folder will be available as a model template if the file TeklaStructuresModel.xml in the model folder contains the setting <IsTemplate>TRUE</IsTemplate>. The default value is FALSE.
By default, the variable points to the folder ..\TeklaStructures\<version>\environments\default\model_te mplates\. 5. In the new template model folder, open the TeklaStructuresModel.xml file using any standard text editor.
Do not edit the TeklaStructuresModels.xml file that is located in the TeklaStructuresModels folder or in the place pointed by the variable XS_RUNPATH.
6. 7.
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65
Status bar displays instructions, and the status of some settings Snap settings control which points you can snap to and pick Select switches determine the selectable objects Pull-down menus contain all the commands Steel beams, columns, and plates Concrete footings, beams, and columns Commands for creating views Toolbars can be either docked or floating
To use a single-colored background, set the same value for all four corners of the background. To use the default background color, leave the variable fields empty. 3.
See also
Close and reopen the view for the change to take effect.
Finding RGB values for colors (p. 264) Background color examples (p. 66)
66
RGB values
1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Result
0.0 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
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RGB values
0.3 0.0 0.6 0.3 0.0 0.6 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Result
0.0 0.2 0.7 0.0 0.8 0.7 0.0 0.2 0.7 0.0 0.8 0.7
See also
Changing the background color (p. 66) Finding RGB values for colors (p. 264)
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You can define the work area to suit particular situations, for example, to concentrate on a particular area of the model. Defining the work area makes it faster and easier to work with the model. Objects outside the work area still exist, but they are not visible.
See also
Define the work area by following the instructions on the status bar.
Alternatively, hold down the Ctrl and Shift keys when clicking View > Redraw All to hide the green work area box. To make the box visible again, click View > Redraw All again.
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The red arrow symbol shows the xy plane. The z direction follows the right-hand rule:
Most of the commands that are dependent on the coordinate system use work plane coordinates. For example creating points, part positioning, and copying always comply with the work plane coordinate system. The current work plane is model-specific, so it is the same in all views.
See also
Shifting the work plane (p. 70) Changing the color of the work plane grid (p. 71)
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3.
Optional: In the second list box on the Snapping toolbar, select Work plane to display the work plane grid.
See also
Click OK. Close and reopen the view for the change to take effect.
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In wire frame views, the green cube represents the global coordinate system and lies at the global point of origin.
2.6 Grids
Grids are used as an aid in locating objects in a Tekla Structures model. A grid represents a three-dimensional complex of horizontal and vertical planes. The grid is shown on the view plane using dash-and-dot lines.
Grid origin is the point where the zero points of each coordinate axis intersect Grid line extensions define how far the grid lines extend in each direction Grid labels are the names of the grid lines shown in views You can make grids and grid lines act magnetically so that the objects on the grid lines follow if you move the grid line.
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You can have more than one grid in a model. So that you can easily locate objects in your model, we strongly advise that you create a modular grid. You can create a large-scale grid for the entire structure, and smaller grids for some detailed sections. You can also create single grid lines and attach them to an existing grid.
Grid coordinates
The x and y coordinates of a grid are relative. This means that the entries for x and y are always relative to the previous entry. The z coordinates are absolute , which means that entries for z are absolute distances from the work plane origin. There are two ways to enter the x or y coordinates of grid lines:
Define the coordinates individually. For example, 0 4000 4000. Define several grid lines with equal spacing. For example, 0 2*4000.
Use a zero at the start to represent a grid on the 0,0 coordinate and spaces as separators for coordinates. You can have a maximum of 1024 characters in the coordinates field.
Grid labels
Labels are the names of the grid lines shown in views. The names in the X field are associated with the grid lines parallel to the y axis and vice versa. The Z field is for the names of levels parallel to the work plane. If you wish, you can leave the label fields empty.
When working with very large grids, always having the grid labels visible might slow down Tekla Structures. To hide the grid labels when you zoom in, use the variable XS_ADJUST_GRID_LABELS.
Creating a grid
When you create a new model, Tekla Structures automatically creates a grid and a view according to the saved standard properties. You can also create grids manually. To manually create a grid: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Modeling > Create Grid... Modify the grid properties. Optional: To bind objects to the grid lines, select the Magnetic grid plane check box. Optional: When prompted, pick a point to indicate the origin of the grid. The coordinates of the picked point appear in the Grid dialog box as X0, Y0, and Z0. If you do not pick a point, Tekla Structures positions the origin according to the values you entered for X0, Y0, and Z0. 5.
See also
Click Create.
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Modifying a grid
To modify a grid: 1. 2. 3. Ensure that the Select grid selection switch is selected.
Double-click a grid line. The Grid dialog box appears. Modify the grid properties.
If you have attached additional grid lines to the grid and you want to preserve them, clear the check boxes next to the coordinate fields in the Grid dialog box. If the coordinate check boxes are selected, Tekla Structures deletes all single grid lines attached to the grid. 4.
See also
Deleting a grid
To delete a grid: 1. 2. 3. Ensure that the Select grid selection switch Select a grid line. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu. is selected.
When you delete a grid, ensure that you do not have any other objects selected. If you have also other objects selected, Tekla Structures only deletes the objects, not the grid.
Click OK. Close and reopen the view for the change to take effect.
Grid lines
You can attach single grid lines to an existing grid.
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Single grid lines have handles. When you select a grid line, the handles appear in magenta. You can use handles to move the grid lines.
If you want to move the grid lines using the handles to make a skewed grid, you can do this only on the local XY plane of the grid.
Click Modeling > Add Grid Line. Select an existing grid to attach the grid line to. Pick the starting point of the grid line. Pick the end point of the grid line.
is selected.
Double-click a grid line. The Grid Line Properties dialog box appears. Modify the grid line properties. Click Modify to save the changes.
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2. 3.
Select the grid line you want to delete. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu.
When you delete a grid line, ensure that you do not have any other objects selected. If you also have other objects selected, Tekla Structures only deletes the objects, not the grid line.
2.7 Views
A view is a representation of a model from a specific location. Each view is displayed in its own window inside the Tekla Structures window. There are several ways to create views in Tekla Structures. For example, you can create views:
of the entire structure of selected parts and components of selected cast units and assemblies along the grid lines
Create a basic part view when you need to see a specific part clearly. This places the part in the center of the view.
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Each view has properties that define its appearance. You can change the appearance of a view after you create it. You can open the view properties dialog box for each view to view or modify the properties. You can have up to nine views on the screen at the same time. If you try to open more than nine views, Tekla Structures displays a warning. If the view does not appear, check how many views you have open.
View type
The view type defines the appearance of the view. It also affects what methods you can use to rotate the model. The view type options are:
Wire frame Objects are transparent and their outlines are displayed. You cannot rotate the model with the mouse in wire frame views.
Rendered Objects look more realistic because they are non-transparent and their surfaces are displayed. However, you can also choose the Wireframe or Shaded Wireframe representation option in the rendered views.
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Option
Wireframe
Description Part outlines are displayed, surfaces are not, i.e. parts are transparent.
Example
Part outlines are displayed. Parts are transparent, and their surfaces are shaded.
Parts are not transparent, i.e. underlying parts are not visible.
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Option
Rendered
Description Part surfaces are displayed, i.e. parts are not transparent.
Example
Selected parts are displayed. Other parts are almost completely transparent. This option is useful, for example, when viewing clash check results in a large model.
Use the shortcuts Ctrl+1...5 and Shift+1...5 to set the desired representation for parts in the model and components.
View planes
Each view has a view plane on which the grids are visible and points are represented as yellow crosses. Points that are located outside the view plane are red.
Basic views
Basic views are those parallel to the global basic planes (xy, xz, and zy). In basic views, two axes always define the view plane and the axes appear in the plane name. The third axis is perpendicular to the view plane. It does not appear in the plane name. In the basic plane view, the model is shown from the direction of the third axis. The view plane options for basic views are:
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Plane: XY
Plane: XZ
Plane: ZY
For basic views, you also define the distance the view plane is from the global origin in the direction of the third axis. The view plane coordinate equals this distance.
Other views
For view types other than basic views, you either define the view plane and coordinate by picking points, or the points are defined automatically, depending on the creation method.
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4. 5.
Pick the end point of the translation vector, or enter its coordinates. Click Move.
If the Move - Linear dialog box is open but the command is not active anymore, click the Pick button to re-activate the command.
Creating a view
To create a new view: 1. Select a view command from the View menu. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. 2. 3. Create the view by following the instructions on the status bar. Optional: Save the view. a Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. b Type a unique name in the Name field.
Temporary views have a default name in parentheses. Do not use parentheses when naming a view, or the view will not be saved for later use.
c
See also
Click Modify.
In multi-user mode, it is very important to give views unique names. If several users have different views with the same name, the view settings of one user may randomly override the settings of another user.
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2. 3. 4. 5.
Click View > Create View of Model > Along Grid Lines... Modify the grid properties. Click Create. The Views dialog box appears. Click the arrow buttons to show or hide the grid views. The grid views will not be visible until you move them to the visible views in the Views dialog box.
See also
Opening a view
To view and open an existing view: 1. Click View > View List.... The Views dialog box appears. Tekla Structures lists all invisible named views on the left, and all visible views on the right. 2. Select a view and use the arrows between the lists, or double-click a view to open it.
To open multiple views, use the Shift and Ctrl keys when you select views from the list.
Modifying a view
To modify an existing view: 1. 2. 3.
See also
Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. Modify the view properties. Click Modify.
Deleting a view
To delete a named view: 1. Click View > View List.... The Views dialog box appears. Tekla Structures lists all invisible named views on the left, and all visible views on the right. 2. 3. Select the view you want to delete. Click Delete.
To delete multiple views, use the Shift and Ctrl keys when you select views from the list.
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Refreshing views
To refresh the screen display, do any of the following:
To Redraw the contents of the active view Redraw the contents of all the views
Do this Right-click the view and select Redraw View from the pop-up menu. Click View > Redraw All.
Arranging views
Your Tekla Structures workspace can contain many open views. Only one view is active at a time, but Tekla Structures may also produce information in the inactive views. To arrange the views, do any of the following:
To Arrange all open views in a stack Arrange all open views horizontally Arrange all open views vertically Close all the views
Do this Click Windows > Cascade. Click Windows > Tile Horizontally. Click Windows > Tile Vertically. Click View > Close All.
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You cannot use the Cascade, Tile Horizontally, and Tile Vertically commands for views that you can move outside the Tekla Structures window. For more information on how to move part and component basic views and zoom windows across the entire Windows desktop, see XS_MDIVIEWPARENT, XS_MDIZOOMPARENT, and XS_MDIBASICVIEWPARENT.
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2.9 Points
You can create points to make it easier to place objects at positions where no lines or objects intersect. There are many ways to create points in Tekla Structures. Which method is the most convenient at each time depends on what you have already created in the model and which locations you can easily pick. When you create points, Tekla Structures always places them according to the work plane coordinate system. Points located on the view plane are yellow and points outside the view plane are red.
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Point properties
The point information you are most probably interested in is the local (work plane) and global x, y, and z coordinates of a point. Checking them convinces you of the correct location of the point or some other object related to it. Each point also has a phase number, and an ID number that is used in log files. You can filter objects by their phase and ID numbers.
Creating a point
To create a point: 1. Use the icons on the Points toolbar, or select a command from Modeling > Add Points. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. 2. Create the point by following the instructions on the status bar.
Importing points
This section is for advanced users.
You can import points to specific locations in an open Tekla Structures model using the point creation import macro. You need to specify the point coordinates in a text file. In some cases this file is generated by another software package. To import points from a file: 1. Create a point import file. a Create a text file that consists of single lines for each point. Use commas or tabs as delimiters for the three point coordinates on a line. For example:
100,500,1000 300,700,1500
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b 2. 3. 4. 5.
Press Ctrl + F to open the Component Catalog. Type point in the Search field and click Search. Double-click Point Creation Import (8). Type the ASCII file name. Include the full path and the file extension. If you do not specify the path, Tekla Structures looks for the file in the current model folder.
6. 7.
Define the origin of the imported points by entering the coordinates. Click Create.
During the import process, Tekla Structures ignores all lines in the import file which do not consist of valid values delimited by tabs or commas.
AutoCAD (*.dxf) AutoCAD (*.dwg) MicroStation (*.dgn, *.prp) Cadmatic models (*.3dd) IFC files (*.IFC) Tekla WebViewer XML files (*.xml)
You can snap to reference model geometry. Tekla Structures loads the reference model from the file each time you open your model. It does not save the reference model when you save the current model. The filename extension of a saved reference model properties file is *.rop.
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5. 6. 7.
Set the scale of the reference model, if it is different to the one in the Tekla Structures model (for example, if it uses different measurement units). Click Apply or OK to save the current reference model properties. Pick a position to define the reference model origin.
If you do not define a reference model file to use, the file does not exist, or you forget to click Apply, Tekla Structures displays a default reference model. The default reference model is a white cross:
You can define user-defined attributes in the objects.inp file. For more information on user-defined attributes, see Adding properties.
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1.
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2. 3.
In the Reference Model Properties dialog box, browse for the name of the old file by clicking the Browse... button next to the Old file name field. Select an option in the Show list box in the Change detection section. For example, select Inserted to see the added objects.
4.
Click Display. Tekla Structures highlights the inserted reference model objects.
Click Subdivide.
Example
After you have split the reference model into reference model objects, you can use the ID number and attributes of the reference model objects for example in filtering and reports. When doing this, set the Category to Template and use EXTERNAL as the property value prefix in the Object Group - Representation dialog box.
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When you have split the reference model into reference model objects, the ID numbers of all the reference model objects are visible in the model database, even if you remove the reference model object and update the reference model.
See also
The use of this functionality depends on the file format and file structure. You can use it for example for IFC and for DWG files that include any of the following objects:
block table
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polyface mesh polygon mesh proxy object (for example, ADT) ACIS objects (3DSolid, Body, Region)
Line Elements (Type 3) Line String (Type 4) Shape (Type 6) Text Nodes (Type 7) Curve (Type 11) Complex Chains (Type 12) Complex Shapes (Type 14) Elliptic Elements (Type 15) Arc Elements (Type 16) Text Elements (Type 17) Surfaces (Type 18) Solids (Type 19) Point String Elements (Type 22) Cone Elements (Type 23) B-spline Surfaces (Type 24) B-spline Curves (Type 27) Shared Cells (Type 34, 35) Mesh Elements (Type 105), subtype "Indexed Face Loops"
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Dimension Elements (Type 33) Multiline Elements (Type 36) Mesh Elements (Type 105), other subtypes than "Indexed Face Loops"
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This section explains how to create and modify parts using different materials and profiles. It also includes a general description of part properties and step-by-step instructions for all the part commands.
Contents
Parts (p. 95) Part position (p. 101) Steel parts (p. 109) Assemblies (p. 113) Concrete parts (p. 118) Cast units (p. 122)
3.1 Parts
In Tekla Structures, the term part refers to the basic building objects that can be modeled and detailed further. These are the building blocks of the physical model. Every part has properties that define it, such as material, profile, and location. You can use part properties in view and selection filters. For example, you can select, modify, and hide parts based on their properties. You can also include part properties and user-defined attributes in drawing and report templates. Each part has the following properties:
Property
Name
Description The name of the part is user-definable. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type, e.g. beams or columns. See Profiles (p. 96). See Materials (p. 98).
Profile Material
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Property
Finish
Description Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc. Use Class to group parts. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors.
Class
Part types
The main concrete parts are:
The main steel parts are: beam curved beam orthogonal beam polybeam column twin profile contour plate
Profiles
Tekla Structures contains standard, parametric, and user-defined profiles. When you create or modify a part, you can select the profile from a tree that contains all the profiles available in the profile catalog. The profiles are grouped according to rules that you can define and modify. For user-defined profiles Tekla Structures also displays cross section information.
Icon
For more information on how to modify the profile catalog and rules, and how to associate profile types with materials, see The profile catalog and Working with rules.
See also
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Standard profiles
When you first start Tekla Structures, the profile catalog contains standard, environmentspecific profiles. The properties of these library profiles conform to industry standards, so you should not edit them. You can add profiles to the profile catalog.
Parametric profiles
You can use parametric profiles to model profiles that are standard in a specific environment, but do not exist in the Tekla Structures profile catalog. Parametric profiles are partly userdefinable and they have a predefined shape, but you determine their size by giving one or more parameters. Parametric profile names have specific prefixes and they include dimension values. Dimension values in parametric profile names are separated by the standard separators -, X, /, and *. You can define alternative prefixes for parametric profiles. You can also define additional separators using the variables XS_PARAMETRIC_PROFILE_SEPARATOR and XS_USER_DEFINED_PARAMETRIC_PROFILE_SEPARATORS .
User-defined profiles
You can create your own profiles and save them in the profile catalog. For example, you could create a pitched user-defined profile, with different cross sections at the beginning and end of the profile. For more information on creating your own profiles, see Sketched cross sections (p. 215) and Adding a standard (fixed) user-defined profile.
4.
To display all the profiles of the profile catalog in the tree, select the Show all
profiles check box.
To see all the properties of profiles, select the Show details check box. To select a recently used profile, use the Profile name list box. If you select a parametric profile, enter the profile dimensions in the Value column.
5. 6.
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You can also enter a profile name in the Profile field in the part properties dialog box.
Materials
When you create or modify a part, you can select the material and grade from a tree that contains all the materials available in the material catalog. Each material has the following properties:
Property Alias
Description Aliases are alternative names. For example, they can be former names, or names used in different countries or standards. Tekla Structures automatically translates aliases into the standard name when you select a material grade.
Analysis information
The Analysis tab contains information about the properties used in structural analysis, including the modulus of elasticity, Poissons ratio, and thermal dilatation coefficient. The Design tab contains information about design-specific properties, such as strengths, partial safety factors, and so on. Use the User attributes tab to view or modify the userdefined properties of materials. For example, this tab could contain the maximum grain size, porosity, or surface quality class of a concrete material type, or country-specific properties.
For more information on how to modify the material catalog, see The material catalog.
4. 5. 6.
To include aliases for material grades in the tree, select the Show aliases check box. To see all the properties of materials, select the Show details check box.
Select a material from the list. Click Apply or OK. Click Modify.
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You can also enter a material name in the Material field in the part properties dialog box.
Colors
You can change the color of some model objects by modifying their class in the part properties dialog box. You can also use the object representation settings to specify colors for defined object groups.
Class
Color black
1 2 or 0 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
light gray or white red bright green blue cyan yellow magenta gray pink lime aqua lilac orange light blue
User-defined attributes
User-defined attributes provide extra information about a part. Attributes can consist of numbers, text, or lists. The following table gives some examples of what you can use attributes for:
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Attribute
Comment Shorten
Can be used... In part and weld marks in Tekla Structures drawings, or in projects. When drawings of the parts are created, Tekla Structures decreases the true length of the part by this value. This is useful when creating assembly drawings of bracing bars that should always be under tension. In part marks in Tekla Structures drawings. To obtain preliminary marks for parts in reports. To protect objects from being accidentally changed. To save reaction forces for AutoDefaults. You can enter forces separately for each end of a part. User-defined fields. You can change the names of these fields and add new user-defined fields. When importing information on connection types into Tekla Structures. You can then use the connection codes as rules in AutoConnection and AutoDefaults. Each end of a part can have a different connection code.
Camber Preliminary mark Locked Shear, Tension, and Moment User field 1...4 Connection code
Part labels
You can display selected part properties, user-defined attributes, and template attributes in a model view by using part labels.
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Optional: Define which user-defined attribute or template attribute to display in part labels. a Select User-defined attribute in the Properties list. b c Click Add. The Part label dialog box appears. Enter the attribute name and click OK.
7.
Click Modify.
The handles also symbolize the part reference points. The position of a part is always relative to its reference points.
See also
Selecting handles (p. 39) Moving a part using handles (p. 101) Showing part reference lines in model views (p. 102) XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLES
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2. 3.
Click the handle you want to move. Tekla Structures highlights the handle. Move the handle like any other object. If Drag and Drop is switched on, just drag the handle to a new position.
See also
Positioning of parts is easier in the plane view. Press Ctrl+P to switch between the 3D view and the plane view.
You can also define the distance of a part from its original reference line. To do this, type a distance in the field next to the On plane check box.
Examples
Position
Middle
Example
Right
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Position
Left
Example
Middle 200
Right 200
Left 200
Rotation
When you define the rotation of a part around its axis on the work plane, you have the following options:
You can also define the angle of rotation. Tekla Structures measures positive values clockwise around the local x axis.
Examples
Position
Front
Example
Top
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Position
Back
Example
Below
Position depth
When you define the position of a part in terms of its depth, perpendicular to the work plane, you have the following options:
Examples
Position
Middle
Example
Front
Behind
Middle 100
Front 100
Behind 100
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Vertical position
When you define the vertical position of a part, relative to its reference point, you have the following options:
Examples
Middle Down Up
Position
Middle
Example
Down
Up
Middle 100
Down 100
Up 100
Horizontal position
When you define the horizontal position of a part, relative to its reference point, you have the following options:
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Examples
Position
Middle
Example
Left
Right
Middle 100
Left 100
Right 100
End offsets
You can use end offsets to move the ends of a part, relative to its reference line. You can enter positive and negative values. You have the following options:
Field
Dx Dy Dz
Description Changes the length of the part by moving the part end point along the reference line. Moves the part end perpendicular to the reference line. Moves the part end in the z direction of the work plane.
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Examples
Position
Dx
Example
Dx
Dy
Dy
Dz
Dz
Levels
For parts that you create by picking only one point (such as columns), you can enter the positions of the part ends, relative to the picked point, in the global z direction Tekla Structures creates the part at the level that you defined in the part properties dialog box, not at the level you picked. You have the following options:
Option
Bottom Top
Description Use to define the position of the first end. Use to define the position of the second end.
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Example
In this example, the concrete columns form a two-story structure. To position the upper columns correctly, you must modify their bottom level position.
Top level = 1000, Bottom level = 0 Top level = 1700, Bottom level = 1200 Slab thickness = 200
Bending
You can create curved parts by defining a radius and the plane of curvature. When you initiate a command that creates a curved part, for example a curved beam, Tekla Structures prompts you to pick three points to define the radius. Alternatively, you can define the radius in the part properties dialog box. To have Tekla Structures draw a curved part, you need to specify the number of segments. Tekla Structures does not show curved surfaces exactly in views, instead the number of segments determines how realistic the curved part looks: the more segments, the less angular the part appears.
The number of segments affects the speed of many operations, such as numbering and the creation of drawings.
You can also define the plane of curvature, which is relative to the current work plane. The options are:
XZ plane XY plane
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Examples
Number of segments: 2
Number of segments: 5
Number of segments: 15
Creating and modifying objects (p. 35) Part position (p. 101)
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See also
See also
See also
110
See also
Polybeam chamfers (p. 152) Steel beam properties (p. 247) Polybeam length calculation
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Use the Orthogonal Beam Properties dialog box to correct the position of a column, if the upper and lower levels were switched when the column was copied and mirrored. Remember to change the part name to COLUMN.
See also
See also
See also
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See also
Creating a contour plate (p. 112) Contour plate properties (p. 248) Chamfers (p. 149)
3.4 Assemblies
Tekla Structures creates basic assemblies of steel parts when you use a workshop weld or bolt to join parts together. Assemblies and their main parts are automatically defined when you:
Create single workshop welds or bolts. Apply automatic connections which create workshop welds or bolts.
You can also create nested assemblies by adding sub-assemblies to existing assemblies, or by joining assemblies together. The main part in a steel assembly has other parts welded or bolted to it. By default, the main part is not welded or bolted to any other parts. You can change the main part in an assembly.
See also
Assembly examples
Column corbel
A column corbel is fabricated in one workshop, and then attached to the column in another workshop. Model the corbel as a sub-assembly of the column. Then create an assembly drawing for each workshop: one assembly drawing showing how the corbel is welded together, another assembly drawing showing how the corbel and the other part are welded to the column.
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Model the halves of a complex truss as assemblies. Create assembly drawings for the workshop to fabricate the truss halves. Then create another assembly drawing showing how the halves should be joined on site. In a frame of built-up columns and beams, each built-up profile can be a sub-assembly. You can create an assembly drawing showing the entire frame, and separate drawings showing how the columns and beams are constructed.
Built-up profile
Assembly hierarchy
You can work on any level of a nested assembly, from single parts and bolts, through the basic and sub-assemblies, up to the highest level of the nested assembly. To work with nested assemblies, you need to know how to use the Shift key and mouse scrolling to select objects on different levels in assembly hierarchy.
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Assembly hierarchy in nested assemblies affects drawings and reports. You can create separate drawings and reports of the sub-assemblies and the nested assembly, and still produce dimensions, marks, fabrication information, etc. for all assembly levels.
See also
Creating an assembly
To create an assembly: 1. 2. 3. Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active. Select the parts and/or assemblies that you want to join together. Right-click and select Make into Assembly from the pop-up menu.
Creating a sub-assembly
To create a sub-assembly of parts that are already in an assembly: 1. 2. 3. Ensure that the Select objects in assemblies selection switch is active. Select the parts you want to include in the sub-assembly. Right-click and select Make into Sub-Assembly from the pop-up menu.
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Create a nested assembly
Add parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts. Bolt or weld parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts.
Add parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts. Bolt or weld assemblies to an existing assembly as sub-assemblies. Add assemblies to an existing assembly as subassemblies. Join existing assemblies together without adding any loose parts.
Sub-assemblies in a nested assembly retain their own assembly information and main part. You can also define properties separately for the sub-assemblies and the nested assembly by using the part properties dialog box.
Joining assemblies
To join existing assemblies without adding any loose parts: 1. Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active.
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2. 3.
Select the assemblies you want to join. Right-click and select Assembly > Make into Assembly from the pop-up menu. The assembly with the largest volume becomes the main assembly.
Object type Concrete - main part Concrete - secondary part Reinforcement Steel part - main part Steel part - secondary part
Exploding an assembly
When you explode a nested assembly, Tekla Structures breaks the assembly hierarchy level by level, always starting from the highest level. You need to use the Explode command several times to break a nested assembly back to single parts. You can also explode sub-assemblies to single parts without breaking the entire assembly hierarchy. To explode an assembly: 1. 2. Select the assembly or sub-assembly you want to explode. Do one of the following:
To explode the entire assembly, right-click and select Assembly > Explode from the pop-up menu. To only explode the sub-assembly, right-click and select Assembly > Explode
Sub-Assembly from the pop-up menu.
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Creating and modifying objects (p. 35) Part position (p. 101)
See also
118
See also
See also
119
See also
See also
Polybeam chamfers (p. 152) Concrete beam properties (p. 252) Polybeam length calculation
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To create a concrete slab: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Optional: Modify the concrete slab properties. Click the Create concrete slab icon. Pick the starting point. Pick the corner points of the slab. Pick the starting point again, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
See also
See also
Creating a concrete slab (p. 120) Concrete slab properties (p. 253) Chamfers (p. 149)
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3. 4. 5.
Pick the points you want the panel to go through. Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking. Optional: To create curved segments, chamfer the corners of the panel.
See also
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To add a non-concrete part to a cast unit: 1. 2. 3. 4. Ensure that the Select components selection switch is active. Click Modeling > Assembly > Add as Sub-Assembly. Select the non-concrete part you want to add. Select the cast unit to which you want to add the part.
Object type Concrete - main part Concrete - secondary part Reinforcement Steel part - main part Steel part - secondary part
Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active. Copy the cast unit like any other object in Tekla Structures.
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Casting direction
To indicate the casting direction of a concrete part, you can define which part face you want to have on top of the casting form. The top-in-form face is displayed in the front view of a drawing. Tekla Structures highlights the top-in-form face in red:
In drawings, use the Fixed coordinate system to show the top-in-form face in the front view.
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To hide the top-in-form face again, right-click the view and select Update Window from the pop-up menu.
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Detailing Structures
This section explains how to create details using Tekla Structures. It also gives you some techniques for fine-tuning part shapes.
Contents
Bolts (p. 127) Holes (p. 133) Welds (p. 135) Surface treatment (p. 141) Fine-tuning part shape (p. 149)
4.1 Bolts
To create bolts, you can either create a single bolt group or apply a component that automatically creates bolt groups.
For more information on using components to automatically create bolt groups, see Defining bolts and welds in the Detailing Manual.
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You can create different part marks for holes and bolts in drawings. You cannot use bolt elements (such as screws, washers, and nuts) while creating holes, as Tekla Structures uses the same command for creating bolts and holes.
Array for rectangular xy list for any shape Circle for circular
Tekla Structures uses the values of the Bolt dist X and Bolt dist Y fields to determine how many bolts the bolt group contains, as shown in the table below:
Shape
Array xy list Circle
Bolt dist X Spacing between bolts, in the x direction of the bolt group. x coordinate of each bolt, from the bolt group point of origin. Number of bolts.
Bolt dist Y Spacing between bolts, in the y direction of the bolt group. y coordinate of each bolt, from the bolt group point of origin. Diameter of the bolt group.
Dimensions are relative to the bolt group origin, which is the first point you pick when creating a bolt group. Tekla Structures sets the x direction of a bolt group using the second point picked. It is important that the points you pick to create the bolt group are close enough to the parts you want to connect.
Examples
The picked points are shown as crosses in the examples below. The dashed line indicates the x direction.
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Dimensions
Bold dist X: 150 Bold dist Y: 100
Picture
xy list
Bolt length
Tekla Structures calculates bolt length automatically, using the material thicknesses of the connected parts, and other factors. The following settings in the Bolt Properties dialog box affect bolt length calculation:
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Field
Thread in material
Description Indicates if the thread of the bolt can be inside the bolted parts. Tekla Structures does not use this value when calculating the length of full-threaded bolts. Indicates the area Tekla Structures should search for parts that belong to the bolt group. Using cut length you can determine whether the bolt will go through one flange or two. In the illustration below, A is the cut length and B is the bolt origin. Tekla Structures calculates the search area as A/2 in both directions from point B.
Cut length
Tekla Structures warns you if the cut length is too small (i.e. the bolt group contains no parts) and makes the bolt length 100 mm.
Extra length
Increases the material thickness that Tekla Structures uses when calculating bolt length. For example, you might need extra bolt length to allow for painting. You can also build additional lengths into bolt assemblies.
If you want to force a bolt to be a certain length, enter a negative value for cut length (e.g. -150).
If there are large gaps between the connected parts, the gap is added to the length of the bolt. Tekla Structures calculates bolt length using the the total distance between the first and last surfaces.
Bolt offsets
You can use offsets to change the position of the bolt group. Offsets move the bolt group by moving the x axis of the bolt group.
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The starting point values Dx, Dy and Dz move the first end of the bolt group, relative to the bolt group x axis. The end point values move the second end of the bolt group.
Example
A positive Dx value moves the starting point towards the end point.
Dy moves the end point perpendicular to the bolt group x axis on the current work plane. Dz moves the end point perpendicular to the current work plane.
Shape = Array Bolt dist X = 100 100 Bolt dist Y = 200 Slotted hole X = 28 Bolt size = 20 Tolerance = 2 (overall dimension = 50) Dx Start point = 100.0
Bolt catalog
Tekla Structures treats bolts as pre-defined assemblies made up of individual elements (bolts, washers, nuts, etc.). Tekla Structures stores bolt assemblies in the bolt assembly catalog. The individual elements (bolts of different size and length, nuts, washers, etc.) are contained in the bolt catalog.
Optional: Modify the bolt properties. Click Detailing > Bolts > Create Bolts. Select the primary part, to which the secondary parts will be bolted. Select the secondary parts. Click the middle mouse button to finish selecting parts. Pick a point, which is the bolt group origin. Pick a second point to indicate the bolt group x direction.
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Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box. Under Bolt group, select Array from the Shape list box. In the Bolt dist X and Bolt dist Y fields, type 0. Click Apply to save the changes. Create the bolt the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on the status bar.
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Bolt type
Workshop or Site
Result Nested assembly with the assembly you are bolting as a sub-assembly. The first part you pick determines the assembly to which you are bolting.
As secondary part
Workshop
Basic assembly with the part you are bolting as a secondary part. The first part you pick usually becomes the main part in the assembly.
As secondary part
Site
No assembly created.
4.2 Holes
Tekla Structures uses the same command for creating bolts and holes. Before creating holes, you need to change some of the properties in the Bolt Properties dialog box. If you want to create only holes without any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check boxes:
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Tapped
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box. Optional: Modify the hole properties. If you do not want to create any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check boxes. Click Apply to save the changes. Create the holes the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on the status bar.
Tolerance Slotted hole X or Y Bolt size 6. Optional: In the Rotate slots list box, select Even or Odd to rotate alternate holes by 90 degrees.
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Click Apply to save the changes. Create the holes the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on the status bar.
Click Apply to save the changes. Create the holes the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on the status bar.
4.3 Welds
To create welds in Tekla Structures, you can create single welds, or apply components that automatically create welds. You can create the following types of welds:
Regular welds Tekla Structures welds the two parts together using the weld position in the Weld Properties dialog box. The length of the weld depends on the length of the connection between the welded parts.
Polygon welds You define the exact position of the weld by picking the points you want the weld to traverse.
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If you move welded parts, polygon welds move with the primary part.
Weld position
You define the position of a weld relative to the work plane. The type and position of the parts to be welded affect the position of the weld. The options for weld position are:
x y z
These can all be in a positive or negative direction. Tekla Structures creates the weld on the face or side of the part that faces in the selected direction (x, y, or z).
Examples
The following images show welds in different positions. If there are no faces that touch in the specified direction, Tekla Structures places the weld relative to the center point of the secondary part.
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Secondary part Main part Secondary part Main part Assembly main part Assembly main part Welding order secondary primary
Prefix a s z
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Optional: Create a drawing to check that the weld marks look correct.
If you move the welded parts, the polygon weld moves with the primary part.
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Click Detailing > Weld > Create Weld to Part. Select the part that you want to weld. Pick the points you want the weld to pass through. To finish picking, click the middle mouse button or click Edit > Finish Polygon Input. Optional: Create a drawing to check that the weld marks look correct.
Use the Create Weld to Part command to weld seams in tubular sections:
To model tubular sections with visible seams, use the SPD profile.
Weld preparation
When parts are prepared for welding, their edges can be beveled to produce a groove for the weld. You can define the angle of bevels and grooves. When preparing welds, Tekla Structures bevels the parts to be welded using an anti-material cutting part. Tekla Structures subsequently deletes this cutting part. Tekla Structures displays weld preparations using cyan dash-and-dot lines. Some weld types and connections also automatically prepare the parts to be welded.
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Workshop/Site
Workshop or Site
Result Nested assembly with the assembly you are welding as a sub-assembly. The first part you pick determines the assembly to which you are welding.
As secondary part
Workshop
Basic assembly with the part you are welding as a secondary part. The first part you pick usually becomes the main part in the assembly.
As secondary part
Site
No assembly created.
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5. 6.
Select a part in the sub-assembly to be welded. Optional: Create a drawing to check that the weld marks look correct.
When you create overlapping surface treatments, the smaller surface treatment overrides the larger one. The overlapping area is recognized in reports: only the topmost (visible) surface treatment is calculated.
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6. 7. 8.
Set the Color to use to display the surface treatment in rendered views. In the At depth list box, select the location of the surface treatment. The options are Middle, Front, and Behind. Optional: To define the properties of a tiled surface treatment: a On the Attributes tab, select Tile surface from the Type list box. b c On the Pattern tab, select the pattern from the Pattern type list box. The Definition table lists the properties of the pattern type.
9.
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4.
5.
If you are using the To Selected Area on Part Face command, pick the points to define the area of the surface treatment.
Surface treatment does not work on sketched profiles with chamfers. Add surface treatment before chamfering the part. If surface treatment is applied to a chamfered part, the surface treatment chamfer cannot be modified later on. The chamfers for the main part and surface treatment are separate. Modifying the main part chamfer does not affect the surface treatment chamfer. The orientation of unsymmetric chamfers depends on the face where it was created (such as top, bottom, left, or right). To change the orientation of an unsymmetric chamfer, you must swap the chamfer's x and y values.
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The green surface treatment has the Cut by father part cuts check box selected The tiled surface treatment is not cut by the cut in the part: Cut by father part cuts is not selected.
If you use the To All Faces of Part command and select the Cut by father part cuts checkbox, Tekla Structures automatically adds surface treatment also to the cut faces.
You can add new options to the Surface treatment name list box in the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box. To create new surface treatment options: 1. Open the product_finishes.dat file using any text editor. The file is located in the ..\environments\<your_environment>\system folder. The first section of the file defines the available types of surface treatment. Do not edit this section:
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// Product finishes // ------------------------// // Type : Type of surfacing // 1 = concrete finish // 2 = special mix // 3 = tile surface // 4 = steel finishes
2.
Go to the sections that define the options for each type of surface treatment:
// // // // // 1 1 1
========================================= *** Concrete Finish ========================================= WET FINISH ---------MF "Magnesium Float" SMF "Smooth Magnesium Float" WT "Wet Trowel"
3.
Add rows to define new options. a Define the surface treatment type. For example, 1 for concrete finish. b c Define a code for the surface treatment option. For example, MF for Magnesium Float. Define the full name of the surface treatment option. For example, Magnesium
Float. Remember to enclose the name in double quotes " ".
4.
Tekla Structures includes complex tile and brick surface treatment options, such as basketweave and herringbone patterns. Tiled surface treatment options are based on repeating tile patterns that are stored in XML format.
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File TilePatternCatalog.xml
Description
Contains the tile pattern definitions. Located in the ..\environments\<your_environment >\system folder. Document Type Declaration (DTD) file that defines the elements allowed in the TilePatternCatalog.xml file. Located in the same folder as the TilePatternCatalog.xml file. The images that appear in the Picture field in the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box. Located in the ..\nt\bitmaps folder. Filenames identify the pattern types. For example, herringbone.bmp illustrates the herringbone pattern type.
TilePatternCatalog.dtd
Thumbnail images
Element
TilePatternCatalog TilePattern HOffset VOffset Tile Color Parameter Label TileOrigin
Description The container for tile patterns. Required. Tile pattern element. Required. This element can contain the following elements listed in this table. Horizontal offset of the tile pattern. Required. Vertical offset of the tile pattern. Required. The individual tiles used in a tile pattern. At least one required. Color of the tile or mortar, defined by the RGB values (0 255). Optional. Creates an attribute for any element in the TilePattern. Optional. The label that identifies a parameter in the dialog box. Optional. The origin of an individual tile, defined from the origin of the pattern. Optional.
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Tile width Mortar width VOffset HOffset Red marks indicate TileOrigin. Angle value for vertical tiles is 90 Tile height Mortar height The pattern is repeated in the x and y direction of the surface treatment, starting from the origin of the surface treatment. You can run the pattern in different x directions:
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The name of the pattern The size of the pattern block in the x direction, after which the pattern repeats The size of the pattern block in the y direction, after which the pattern repeats The definition file uses the same symbols as the pattern definition table in the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box:
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You may find it easier to copy one of the existing elements, and then modify it to suit your needs.
3. 4.
Repeat adding <TilePattern> elements for all the patterns you want to define. Save the TilePatternCatalog.xml file.
Chamfers
Chamfers are modeling details that can be used to refine the shape of parts for aesthetic, practical, and manufacturing reasons. In Tekla Structures, you can chamfer part corners and part edges.
Limitations
Only the following parts have corner chamfers: contour plates, concrete slabs, and parts that you create by picking more than two points (strip footings, steel and concrete polybeams, and concrete panels). The end points of a part do not have corner chamfers. The handles that you select must be at corner points or between two segments of a part.
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To modify a corner chamfer: 1. 2. Select the part. Double-click the handle of any part corner. The Chamfer Properties dialog box is displayed. 3. 4. 5.
See also
Modify the chamfer properties. Select the handles of the part corners you want to modify. Click Modify.
Type
None
Icon
Line
x:the distance in the x coordinate direction from the corner y: the distance in the y coordinate direction from the corner
Rounding
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Type
Arc
Icon
Arc point
Square
The chamfer is perpendicular to the edges. x: the distance in the x coordinate direction from the corner y: the distance in the y coordinate direction from the corner
Square parallel
The chamfer is parallel to the opposite edge. x: the distance in the x coordinate direction from the corner y: the distance in the y coordinate direction from the corner
x (if smaller than y): the arc radius x (if bigger than y): the distance in the x coordinate direction from the corner y (if smaller than x): the arc radius y (if bigger than x): the distance in the y coordinate direction from the corner
Right-click the view and select Redraw View. Tekla Structures removes the chamfered edge.
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See also
Polybeam chamfers
By default, Tekla Structures places a rectangular corner chamfer between each polybeam segment. You can modify the default chamfers. Tekla Structures shows the status of polybeam chamfers using the following colors:
Color Magenta
Example
Yellow
Red
Incorrect chamfer
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To see the chamfer lines of polybeams, set the variable XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLES to CHAMFERS.
Fittings
You can fit the end of a part to a plane by creating a straight cutting line between two points you pick. You can use fittings to extend or shorten parts inside a component, which makes it easier to create connections, details, and so on. Do not use fittings to otherwise change the length of a part in the model. A fitting adjusts the end of a beam on a plane, perpendicular to the view plane, which passes through the cutting line you pick. Tekla Structures displays the fitting in the model using a blue fitting symbol. Fittings cannot be used on contour plates.
Fitting symbol
Creating a fitting
To create a fitting: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Detailing > Fit Part End. Select the part you want to cut with a fitting. Pick the first point of the cutting line. Pick the second point of the cutting line.
Do not apply a second fitting on the same part end, because then Tekla Structures will ignore the first fitting. This happens if you use the Fit Part End command for cutting and try to make two cuts on the same part end. In situations like this, use the Cut Part commands instead.
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Cuts
You can use cuts to shape a part. Do not use cuts for cutting the entire part end. You can create the following types of cuts in Tekla Structures:
Line cuts (p. 154) Polygon cuts (p. 155) Part cuts (p. 156)
Line cuts
A line cut cuts the end of a beam on a plane, perpendicular to the view plane, which passes through the cutting line you pick. Tekla Structures displays the cut in the model using a blue cut symbol.
Exact representation (without cut symbol) Fast representation (with cut symbol) By default, line cuts do not affect beam length in NC files. For more information on how to change this, see Fittings affect NC data.
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Polygon cuts
A polygon cut cuts a part using a polygonal shape. Tekla Structures displays the cut using dotdash lines. You must create cuts in a plane view.
You should always define the polygon so that there is some tolerance between the edges. If the edge of a cutting polygon is in exactly the same position as the edge of the part to be cut, it can be unclear whether the edge should be cut away.
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For example, if you are creating a polygonal cut on the yz plane, you should temporarily set your work plane to the yz plane as well. 2. 3. 4. Click Detailing > Cut Part > With Polygon. Select the part you want to cut. Pick positions to outline the polygon to be used for cutting.
To undo the last pick, click Edit > Undo Last Polygon Pick.
5.
To close the polygon, click the middle mouse button or click Edit > Finish Polygon
Input.
Tekla Structures displays the cut as an anti-material part shown in dot-dash lines.
Part cuts
You can cut a part using another part. Tekla Structures displays the cutting part using dot-dash lines. You can cut parts that already have cuts. This can be useful, for example, when you want to create more sophisticated cut shapes.
Cuts are displayed using dot-dash lines Cut lines can be hidden in a view
Do not create cuts with the same planes or vertices. This makes it unclear what should be cut away.
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3.
Select the cutting part. Tekla Structures cuts the selected main part. The part cut does not affect other parts.
4.
Delete the cutting part. a Ensure that the Select cuts and fittings selection switch is off. b Select the cutting part and press Delete.
You can also use drag-and-drop to modify the shape of a polygon: 1. 2. 3. Press D to activate drag-and-drop. Select a chamfer. Click the selected chamfer, hold down the mouse button, and drag the chamfer to a new position.
Combining parts
You can combine existing parts in Tekla Structures. This can be useful when you want to model complex parts (such as folded plates) that are otherwise difficult to model, or when you want to model prefabricated parts that are delivered to the workshop already attached to profiles.
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When you select the parts you want to combine, the part properties of the part that is selected first are used for the combined part. You can add the new combined part to another combined part. Cuts and fittings can also be applied to combined parts.
If the centerlines of the part are not in line with each other, the centerlines are combined by taking the largest distance between the start and end points from both parts.
When you combine parts, Tekla Structures retains the attached objects and connections. Tekla Structures does not recreate connections in the part that was selected first.
Splitting parts
You can split a part into two parts in Tekla Structures.
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You can use splitting with straight parts, curved beams without offsets, or normal and tapered reinforcing bar groups. You can also split plates and slabs by using a polygon. You cannot split polybeams.
When you pick the corner points of the polygon to be used for splitting, make sure the starting and end points are:
If you split contour plates that have bolts, welds or surface treatments, check the result after splitting.
Do this Use the deforming options in the part properties dialog box. Move the chamfers.
Warping a beam using deformation angles (p. 159) Warping a concrete slab by moving chamfers (p. 160) Warping a Floor Bay (66) slab (p. 160)
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2. 3. 4.
Go to the Deforming tab. In the Start field, enter the angle of the beam at its start point, relative to the part reference line. In the End field, enter the angle of the beam at its end point, relative to the part reference line. For example, to warp the beam 45 degrees at the end point, type 0 in the Start angle field and 45 in the End angle field.
5. 6.
Click Modify to warp the beam. Click OK to close the dialog box.
3. 4.
To move the upper corner of the chamfer, use the dz1 field. To move the lower corner of the chamfer, use the dz2 field.
Click Modify to warp the slab. Click OK to close the dialog box.
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3. 4.
Right-click and select Move Special > Linear from the pop-up menu. In the Move - Linear dialog box, type a value in the appropriate direction field. For example, type 100 in the dZ field to lift that corner up 100 mm.
5.
Click Move. Tekla Structures moves the point in the direction you selected, which warps the slabs.
6. 7. 8.
Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to finish. Ensure that the Select objects in components selection switch is on. To see the warping angle of a single slab, double-click a slab to open the Beam properties dialog box, and go to the Deforming tab.
The Start field shows the warping angle at the start point of the part. The End field shows the warping angle at the end point of the part.
Cambering parts
You can use cambering to pre-camber parts, in other words, to curve long heavy sections that will settle on site and become flat. Use cambering to show the natural camber of a prestressed part in a model. Cambering affects the position of cuts, skews, and embeds in the model. Tekla Structures cambers parts in the local z direction.
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The cambering functionality is available only in the Full and Precast Concrete Detailing configurations.
Cambering a part
To camber a part: 1. 2. 3. 4. Double-click the part to open the part properties dialog box. Go to the Deforming tab. In the Cambering field, define the degree of camber. Click Modify.
The shortening functionality is available only in the Full and Precast Concrete Detailing configurations.
Shortening a part
To shorten a part in drawings: 1. 2. 3. 4. Double-click the part to open the part properties dialog box. Go to the Deforming tab. In the Shortening field, define the degree of shortening. Click Modify.
To have a concrete part lengthened in cast unit drawings, type a negative value in the Shortening field.
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Lengthening a part
To have a concrete part lengthened in cast unit drawings, you must enter a negative value for shortening in the part properties dialog box. To lengthen a part in drawings: 1. 2. 3. Double-click the part to open the part properties dialog box. Go to the Deforming tab. In the Shortening field, enter a negative value. For example, -20 would result in a part that is cast 20 units longer than the part in the model. 4. Click Modify.
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This section describes a variety of tools you can use to view your model and ensure it does not contain errors. It also explains how to inquire object properties, filter objects, and show and hide objects in a view.
Contents
Viewing the model (p. 165) Inquiring the model (p. 171) Filtering objects (p. 173) Showing and hiding objects (p. 179) Visualizing project status (p. 184) Checking the model (p. 190)
Scroll with the mouse wheel. Scroll forward to zoom in, and backward to zoom out.
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If you do not have a wheel mouse, use the commands on the View > Zoom menu to zoom in or out in the model. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
Zoom settings
To modify zoom settings, do any of the following:
To Keep the center point of the view in the middle of the view window
Do this Click Tools > Options > Centered Zooms. If this option is off, the mouse pointer position determines the center point of zooming. Use the variable XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO. Use the variable XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO_IN_MOUSEWHEE L_MODE. Use the variable XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO_IN_SCROLL_MO DE.
Define the zoom ratio when using a 3-button mouse Define the zoom ratio when scrolling
Define the zoom ratio when scrolling and holding down the wheel
To zoom in, press Page Up. To zoom out, press Page Down.
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As you move the pointer in the general view, the zoom window displays the area around the pointer in detail. 4. To change the level of magnification, zoom in and out in the zoom window.
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Do this 1. 2. Hold down the Ctrl key and click and drag with the middle mouse button to rotate the model. To relocate the center of rotation, press v, and then pick a position in the view. Tekla Structures rotates the model around this view point.
1. 2.
Press Ctrl + R. Pick a position in the view. Tekla Structures rotates the model around this view point.
Click and drag with the left mouse button to rotate the model. Click View > Rotate and select one of the commands. The center of rotation is fixed in the center of the work area. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
To Move the model using the middle mouse button Move the model using the Pan command
Do this Hold down the middle mouse button and drag the model anywhere within the view window. 1. Press P or click View > Move > Pan to activate dynamic panning, The mouse pointer changes to a hand. 2. 3. Hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse anywhere within the view window. To stop panning, press Esc.
Use the up, down, left and right arrows on the keyboard. Click View > Move and then select one of the commands.
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To fly through a model: 1. Set view projection to Perspective. a Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. b c 2. In the Projection list box, select Perspective. Click Modify.
Optional: Adjust the field of view setting. a Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View. b c Modify the variable XS_RENDERED_FIELD_OF_VIEW. Click OK.
3. 4.
Click View > Fly. Select a view. The mouse pointer changes into an arrow and a cross. The arrow indicates the current flying direction.
5.
To change the flying direction, drag the mouse in the desired direction. The flying speed grows exponentially when you are approaching the model from a distance.
6.
See also
To move up or down, hold down Ctrl and drag the mouse forward or backward. To change the camera angle, scroll with the mouse wheel. To fly in the in the direction of the camera angle, hold down Shift and scroll forward or backward.
XS_RENDERED_FIELD_OF_VIEW
3. 4.
To finish creating clip planes, press Esc. To move the clip plane, click the clip plane symbol and drag it to a new location.
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5.
To delete a clip plane, click the clip plane symbol and press Delete.
Creating a screenshot
A screenshot is a picture of a dialog box, view, or the entire Tekla Structures window. You can use screenshots in posters, brochures, or other material to show projects carried out using Tekla Structures. To create a high resolution screenshot of a rendered view: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
See also
Ensure that the view type is set to Rendered. Click Tools > Screenshot > Custom... To define which view to create the screenshot from, click Pick view and select a view. Under Capture, select Rendered view. Click Options... The Screenshot Options dialog box appears. Set the desired properties and click OK. Click Capture.
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The software that you use to open the screenshot may have a limit for the number of pixels.
Printing a screenshot
You can have Tekla Structures automatically print out a screenshot using the default printer. To print a screenshot: 1. 2. Click Tools > Screenshot > Print Screenshot to activate automatic printing. Click Tools > Screenshot and select one of the commands:
To capture the entire Tekla Structures window, select Main Frame. To capture the last dialog box displayed, select Dialog. To capture the active view, select View. To capture the active view without borders, select View without Borders.
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You can modify these templates according to your needs. For more information on how to use templates, see the Template Editor user documentation.
4.
To modify the default attributes, edit the InquiryTool.config file in the ..\environments\common\macros\modeling\InquiryToolAttri butes folder. To create new calculated attributes, click Add. You can use standard mathematical symbols (+, -, *, and /) to form equations. To modify the calculated attributes, click Edit.... To add more attributes to the tool window, click an item in the Attributes list and then click the right arrow button.
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To remove attributes from the tool window, click an item in the Contents of Custom Inquiry list and then click the left arrow button. To change the order of the attributes, use the Up and Down buttons. To change the formula of an attribute, click the down arrow and select a different formula (SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, or MIN) from the list box.
Use the InquiryTool.config file to control which attributes are shown as default attributes in the Manage Contents dialog box in the Custom Inquiry tool. By default, the file contains 65 attributes. The attributes refer to the contentattributes_global.lst file located in the ..\TeklaStructures\<version>\nt\TplEd\settings folder. To add new attributes to the InquiryTool.config file: 1. Open the InquiryTool.config file in any standard text editor. The file is located in the ..\environments\common\macros\modeling\InquiryToolAttribut es folder. 2. 3. Copy the entire contents of [ATTR_CONTENT_??] to the end of the file. Change the position number of the new attribute. For example, change [ATTR_CONTENT_??] to [ATTR_CONTENT_66]. 4. Modify the NAME, DISPLAY_NAME, DATATYPE, UNIT, and DECIMAL values of the new attribute. Use the attribute names and definitions that are included in the contentattributes_global.lst file. Change the TOTAL_ATTR_CONTENT value to reflect the total number of attributes in the file. For example, change TOTAL_ATTR_CONTENT=65 to TOTAL_ATTR_CONTENT=66. 6. Save the file.
5.
Create a selection filter for a rule set in the Master Drawing Catalog to automatically create drawings of desired objects. For example, if you only want to produce drawings of the beams in the model, use a selection filter to select the beams.
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2.
Select all or part of the objects in the model. Only objects allowed by the filter can be selected.
Select the check boxes next to all filter rows that you want to enable. The check boxes define which rows of the filter are enabled and effective.
5.
To have the filter appear at the top of the list, right after the standard filter, use capital letters in the filter name.
6.
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Select the check boxes next to all filter rows that you want to enable. The check boxes define which rows of the filter are enabled and effective.
4.
To have the filter appear at the top of the list, right after the standard filter, use capital letters in the filter name.
5.
Filtering examples
This section gives some examples of filters that you can create. The same filtering techniques can be used for both view and selection filters. You can use wildcards to shorten filter strings.
See also
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1. 2. 3. 4.
Click Add row. Fill in the part phases, 1 and 2. Separate the strings with a blank space. Enter a unique name in the field next to the Save as button. Click Save as.
Wildcards
You can use wildcards to shorten filter strings. A wildcard is a symbol that stands for one or more characters. Tekla Structures uses the following wildcards:
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Wildcard * (asterisk)
Example HE* matches all parts with a profile name that begins with the characters "HE". You can also this symbol at the beginning of a word: *BRAC*.
? (question mark)
HE?400 matches parts with profile names such as HEA400, HEB400, and HEC400 L[78]X4X1/2 matches parts with the profile names L7X4X1/2 and L8X4X1/2
[ ] (square brackets)
The characters * and ? can also be used in object names. If the object name you want to filter contains * or ?, enclose * or ? in square brackets. For example, to find the profile P100*10, enter P100[*]10 in the filter field.
When you create rules between objects that represent different categories, use the And option when possible to avoid potential problems with more complex rules.
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You can select objects according to template attributes. To do this, select Template from the Category list box, and then select the desired template attribute from the Property list box. Use the following units when filtering template attributes, even when using the US Imperial environment:
mm for length mm2 for area kg for weight degree for angle
To check which unit Tekla Structures uses for a particular template attribute, use the Select from model... option in the Value list box.
Value 0 1 2 3 6
If the category you have selected is Bolt or Weld, Tekla Structures uses the phase number of the actual bolt or weld in filtering. If the category you have selected is Assembly or Object, Tekla Structures also uses the phase number of the secondary part for filtering bolts and welds. If the bolt or weld is connected only to one part, Tekla Structures uses the phase of that part in filtering.
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The filters you have created are located in the models attributes folder. View filters have the file name extension *.VObjGrp, and selection filters have the file name extension *.SObjGrp. 2. Select where you want to copy the filter.
3.
To make the filter available in another model, copy the file to the attributes folder of the destination model. To make the filter available in all models, copy the file to the system folder.
Deleting a filter
To delete a filter: 1. Delete the filter file located in the models attributes folder. View filters have the file name extension *.VObjGrp, and selection filters have the file name extension *.SObjGrp. 2. Restart Tekla Structures.
work area view depth view settings view filter object representation settings
Work area and view depth are like two virtual boxes. Objects that have their reference line partially or totally inside both boxes are visible. Newly created objects are also visible outside the view depth but never outside the work area. When you redraw a view, only the objects inside the view depth are displayed.
Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box. Click Display... The Display dialog box appears. Select or clear check boxes to specify which objects are visible in the view.
Hiding parts
You can quickly hide selected parts in a view. This can be useful, for example, when you want to temporarily hide parts in order to see the parts behind them.
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To completely hide the parts, hold down the Shift key when selecting the command and the parts.
3.
Click View > Redraw All. Right-click the parts and select Show with Exact Lines.
To completely hide the unselected parts, hold down the Shift key when selecting the command. To show the unselected parts as sticks, hold down the Ctrl key when selecting the command. 3. To make the parts visible again, do one of the following:
Click View > Redraw All. Right-click the parts and select Show with Exact Lines.
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Do this
Right-click the assembly and select Assembly > Show Assembly from the pop-up menu. Tekla Structures displays all parts, bolts, welds, cuts, fittings, and other details belonging to the assembly, even if you had defined them as hidden in the view properties.
Hide an assembly
1. 2.
Select the assembly you want to hide. Right-click and select Assembly > Hide from the pop-up menu.
Right-click and select Redraw View. Click View > Redraw All.
See also
Do this
Click View > Representation > Show Component Content and select a component. Tekla Structures displays all bolts, welds, and other details belonging to the component, even if you had defined them as hidden in the view properties.
1. 2.
Select the component you want to hide. Right-click and select Hide from the pop-up menu.
Right-click and select Redraw View. Click View > Redraw All.
See also
Object groups
Object groups are sets of rules that can be used to group objects based on selected properties and conditions. Use object groups to control the transparency and coloring of model objects. Object groups are also used in project status visualizations.
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3.
Modify the object group settings. a Click Add row. b c d Select options from the Category, Property, and Condition list boxes. In the Value list box, type a value or select one from the model. Add more rows, and use the And/Or options or parentheses to create more complex rules.
4.
Select the check boxes next to all object group rules that you want to enable. The check boxes define which rules are enabled and effective.
5. 6.
Type a unique name in the field next to the Save as button. Click Save as to save the object group.
3.
To make an object group available in another model, copy the file to the attributes folder of the destination model. To make an object group available in all models, copy the file to the system folder.
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Standard object representation Only parts whose profile name starts with IPE* or HEA* are visible Objects whose user-defined attribute Planned erection date is set to 01/05/2009 are displayed in blue, while all other parts are 90% transparent
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If your object representation setting does not contain the group All, Tekla Structures adds that row to the bottom of the list when you click Modify, Apply, or OK.
See also
3.
To make the settings available in another model, copy them to the attributes folder of the destination model. To make the settings available in all models, copy them to the system folder.
display the erection schedule for groups of parts using different colors identify the parts that are scheduled to be fabricated during a specific time period.
To create project status visualizations, you need to have predefined object representation settings that include object groups based on date rules.
Creating a visualization
To create a project status visualization: 1. 2. Click Tools > Project Status Visualization... to open the Project Status Visualization dialog box. Modify the visualization settings. a In the Object representation list box, select one of the predefined object representation settings.
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b c 3. 4. 5. 6.
Define a start and end date for the time scale slider. Define the length of the time step.
Select the Refresh view automatically check box. Type a unique name in the field next to the Save as button. Click Save as to save the visualization settings. To view the visualization in the model, click the step buttons.
3.
To make the settings available in another model, copy them to the attributes folder of the destination model. To make the settings available in all models, copy them to the system folder.
Include a copy of the object representation settings file (*.rep) and object group files (*.PObjGrp) in the attributes and system folders to ensure that all the files will work correctly. Restart Tekla Structures.
4.
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3. 4. 5.
Ensure that all the check boxes are cleared. Select the Planned erection date check box. Select all the parts for which you want to use the same erection date.
To make it easier to select parts, create a separate selection filter for each group of parts.
6. 7.
Click Modify. Repeat steps 17 for each group of parts in your model.
In the field next to the Save as button, type a name for the group. For example, plan_same_or_before_review_date. Click Save as.
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3.
Define the color and transparency settings for the object group All. a Click Add row. b c d In the Object group list box, select the object group All. In the Color list box, select Color by class. In the Transparency list box, select Hidden.
4. 5.
In the field next to the Save as button, type a name for the object representation settings. Click Save as.
To visualize the erection schedule: 1. Click Tools > Project Status Visualization... to open the Project Status Visualization dialog box.
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2. 3. 4.
In the list box next to the Load button, select the visualization setting you created in Example: Creating visualization settings (p. 187). Click Load. To view the visualization in the model, click the step buttons. The images below show how the objects are shown when you change the review date:
Visualization
November 05
November 08
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Visualization
November 14
189
Visualization
November 20
Measuring objects (p. 190) Detecting clashes (p. 192) Comparing parts or assemblies (p. 194) Finding distant objects (p. 194)
Measuring objects
Use the Measure tool to measure angles, the distance between two points and between bolts.
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All measurements are temporary. The measurements appear in the rendered view window until you update or redraw the window.
Measuring distances
To measure horizontal, vertical and user-defined distances: 1. 2. Press Ctrl+P to switch to the plane view. Click Tools > Measure and select a command that measures distances. For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip. 3. 4. 5. Pick the starting point. Pick the end point. Pick a point to indicate on which side of the dimension line you want the number to appear.
Measuring angles
To measure angles: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Tools > Measure > Angle. Pick the center point. Pick the starting point. Pick the end point.
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Detecting clashes
When you have completed your model, use the Clash Check tool to find parts, bolts, or reference model objects that collide. Clashes of objects that are only touching one another are not included in the clash check log. The clash check progress is displayed on the status bar. You can continue working during the clash check. If you start clash checking while another clash check is still running, you can choose whether to continue checking, restart the operation and check the currently selected parts, or stop checking.
To have Tekla Structures automatically fit the work area to include only the selected parts, hold down F while selecting a line.
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d is the larger value of the bolt head or nut diameters Clash check clearance area 4. Ensure that you have selected the check box in front of each field. If you clear the check boxes, the clearance will be zero. 5. Click Apply or OK.
If Tekla Structures cannot find the bolt head or nut diameter in the bolt catalog, it uses the shank diameter instead.
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In the Viewer and Drafter configurations, only the old clash checking functionality is available.
For more information on the old clash checking functionality, see XS_USE_NEW_CLASH_CHECK and XS_CLASH_CHECK_BETWEEN_REFERENCES.
2.
To compare parts, select two parts in the model. To compare assemblies, select a part in each assembly.
Click Tools > Compare, and then select either Parts or Assemblies. Tekla Structures displays the results on the status bar.
You cannot use this command to find parts (such as beams, columns or plates).
To find distant objects: 1. Click Tools > Diagnose & Repair Model > Find Distant Objects. Tekla Structures displays a list of object IDs. 2. 3. Select an object in the list. Right-click and select a command from the pop-up menu. You can, for example, inquire or delete the object.
See also
XS_DISTANT_OBJECT_FINDER_TOLERANCE
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This section explains how to change numbering settings and apply numbering in Tekla Structures.
Contents
What is numbering (p. 195) What affects numbering (p. 195) Numbering objects (p. 197) Numbering series (p. 201) Changing numbers (p. 204) Clearing numbers (p. 204) Viewing the numbering history (p. 204) Creating a standard part model (p. 205)
connect a drawing with the right part, cast unit, or assembly report the properties of identical parts, cast units, and assemblies identify part information when exporting parts to another software.
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Beam orientation Column orientation Reinforcement Cast-in embeds Surface treatment (affects only assemblies) Pop marks Shortening User-defined attributes
To define which properties affect numbering in your model, modify the settings in the
Numbering Setup dialog box. For example, if two otherwise identical concrete parts have different names and you select the Part name check box, Tekla Structures gives the parts
different numbers. By default, a part retains its number, as long as only one part has that particular number, regardless of the settings in the Numbering Setup dialog box.
Identical parts
Tekla Structures gives parts the same number if the parts are identical in the fabrication or casting. If a part is deformed after fabrication or casting (for example if the part is cambered, shortened, or warped), the final geometry on site and in the model may be different. Tekla Structures treats parts as identical and gives them the same number if the following basic part properties are the same:
You can set the degree of tolerance for part geometry in the Numbering Setup dialog box. If the geometry of parts differs within this degree of tolerance, Tekla Structures treats the parts as identical for numbering purposes. Class and phase do not affect numbering. Tekla Structures gives the same number to identical parts that belong to different classes or phases.
Identical reinforcements
Tekla Structures treats reinforcing bars as identical, and gives them the same number, if the following properties are the same:
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Tekla Structures uses the values of the rebar_config.inp file located in the ..\environments\<your_environment>\system\ folder to round bar dimensions up or down. For example, if you set the rounding accuracy for bar dimensions to 5 and the rounding direction to up, Tekla Structures rounds all bar dimensions up to the nearest 5 mm. In that case, two bars with dimensions of 131 mm and 133 mm would both round up to 135 mm. This gives them identical bar geometry. Class does not affect numbering. Tekla Structures gives the same number to identical reinforcing bars that belong to different classes.
If a user-defined attribute has the variable special_flag set to yes, Tekla Structures takes this user-defined attribute into account when numbering parts. If a user-defined attribute has the variable consider_in_numbering set to yes, Tekla Structures takes this user-defined attribute into account when numbering reinforcements.
Always carry out full numbering on the model after you have changed the numbering settings.
To number objects in a model: 1. Optional: Modify the numbering settings. a Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to open the Numbering Setup dialog box. b c 2. Modify the settings. Click Apply or OK. To number all the objects, select Number All Objects (Full Numbering). To number only the new and modified objects, select Number Modified Objects. To number the welds, select Number Welds...
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering and select one of the commands.
If the Renumber all option is selected in the Numbering Setup dialog box, Tekla Structures will always carry out full renumbering.
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See also
General numbering settings (p. 259) Weld numbering settings (p. 260)
Assembly and cast unit numbering may affect part numbering, if the variable XS_USE_ASSEMBLY_NUMBER_FOR is set.
The x, y or z coordinates of the main part of the assembly The sorting is based on the center of gravity of the reference axis. The user-defined attribute of an assembly or the main part If your sorting is based on user-defined attributes, Tekla Structures displays a list box that includes all the available user-defined attributes.
If you add new parts, objects that have already been numbered are not renumbered to suit the sorting order by, for example, the x coordinate. In this case you should renumber the parts.
Numbering reinforcements
Part numbering and cast unit numbering do not affect the numbering of reinforcements. However, Tekla Structures numbers reinforcements in the same way as it does parts. To force Tekla Structures to give otherwise identical concrete parts and cast units different numbers if they have different reinforcements, select the Reinforcing bars check box in the Numbering Setup dialog box.
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1. 2.
Select the parts. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Save Preliminary Numbers.
Control numbers
Control numbers are properties that identify the location of parts in a model. You can assign consecutive control numbers to all the parts or only selected parts. When you assign control numbers, you can specify in what order to assign control numbers, according to the location of each part on the global coordinate system. The options are:
None X -X Z -Z Y -Y
With positive directions (such as X), the parts with the lowest coordinate value are numbered first. With negative directions (such as -X), the parts with the highest coordinate value are numbered first. For example, if First direction is -X, Second direction is Y, and Third direction is Z, numbering starts from the parts that have the highest x coordinate value. If multiple parts have the same x coordinate, their y coordinates are also compared. If multiple parts have the same x and y coordinates, their z coordinates are also compared.
Example
3.
To consider all parts in the model, do not select any parts. To only consider specific parts, select the parts.
In the Numbering list box, specify which parts get control numbers.
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4. 5.
If you are assigning control numbers to parts in a specific numbering series, type the prefix and start number in the corresponding fields. Define the control numbers to be used. a In the Start number of control numbers field, type the first control number to be used. b In the Step value field, define the interval. For example, to assign the control numbers 2, 5, 8, 11, etc., type 2 in the Start
number of control numbers field and 3 in the Step value field.
6. 7. 8.
See also
In the Renumber list box, specify how to treat parts that already have control numbers. Use the direction list boxes to specify in what order to assign control numbers. Click Apply, and then click Create.
3. 4.
To lock or unlock the control numbers of all parts, do not select any parts in the model. To lock or unlock the control numbers of specific parts, select the parts in the model.
In the Status list box, select Lock or Unlock in the Status. Click Apply, and then click Create.
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For example, if you define a numbering series with the prefix P and starting number 1001, Tekla Structures numbers that series P1001, P1002, P1003, ...
Family numbers
With family numbering you can group objects within the same numbering series into different families. This can be used, for example, to find similar cast units that can be cast in the same bed. When you use family numbering, the cast unit position numbers consist of a family number and a qualifier. For example:
Family number Qualifier Assemblies and cast units that match the comparison criteria you define in the Numbering Setup dialog box get the same family number. However, if they have the same family number but different part geometry or materials, they get unique qualifier numbers.
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1. 2. 3.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to open the Numbering Setup dialog box. Go to the Family numbering tab. Define which numbering series to assign family numbers to. a Click Add series to open the Add series dialog box. Tekla Structures displays all the assembly and cast unit numbering series in the model. b Select a numbering series from the list, and then click Add. The numbering series appears in the family numbering list.
4.
Under Compare, select the properties that need to be identical for the members of the same family. Define comparison criteria for each numbering series separately. Select at least one check box, but not all of them. If you select all the check boxes, the family number will be the same as the normal assembly position, and the qualifier number will be 1 for all. If you do not select any check boxes, only one family number per series is assigned.
5.
Click Apply. Tekla Structures stores the settings in the numbering database file (<model_name>.db2) in the current model folder the next time you save the model.
6. 7.
If you are assigning family numbers to parts that have already been numbered, clear the existing numbers. Update numbering in the model. Tekla Structures assigns a family number to all objects in the numbering series.
See also
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Assembly position: B/1 Assembly position: B/2 Assembly position: B/3 Assembly position: B/4 We use the following family numbering settings:
Numbering series: B/1 Compare: Main part profile and Overall length
With the given family numbering criteria, Tekla Structures divides the beams into two families. All beams have the same profile, but each pair has a different length. Within both families the beams get different qualifiers because they have different holes.
The first beam gets the assembly position number B/1-1 The second beam gets the assembly position number B/1-2 The third beam gets the assembly position number B/2-1 The fourth beam gets the assembly position number B/2-2
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Click Tools > Display Log File > Numbering History.... Tekla Structures displays the numbering log file.
For information on how to interpret the log file, see Numbering history log.
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Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to display the Numbering Setup dialog box. If you have selected the Part name check box, ensure that the project model has the same part names as the standard part model. Click Check for standard parts and Apply. Number the model. As Tekla Structures carries out the numbering, it compares all of the parts in the model to the standard part model. The numbering applies any part position numbers (only the part prefix) found in the standard part model to all identical parts found in the project model.
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Advanced Modeling
This chapter explains some advanced modeling techniques available in Tekla Structures.
Contents
Phases (p. 211) Organizing the model (p. 207) Sequences (p. 211) Lotting (p. 214) Sketched cross sections (p. 215) Parametric modeling (p. 233)
207
Model Organizer is included in the Full and Construction Management configurations only.
208
c d
Click New Section. Click New Story. You may create as many sections and storys as you need. Note that sections and storys are both created under buildings.
3. 4.
Select a section or story in Model Organizer. In the model, select the area for the section or the story. Each model object can belong to only one section and one story.
5.
In Model Organizer, right-click the selected section or story, and select Add Selected to Category.
In large projects, you can create sites for your project by right-clicking Logical Areas and selecting Show Site(s). You can hide the sites by selecting Hide Site(s).
To make it easier to view and select parts, create a separate view or selection filter for each group of parts.
4.
In Model Organizer, right-click the object type category and select Add Selected to Category .
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To Rename logical areas and object type categories Redefine a logical area
Do this Right-click the name in Model Organizer and select Rename. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 3. Select the new area in the model. Right-click the area name in Model Organizer and select Add Selected to Category. Select the object type category in Model Organizer. Drag the category to another location. Select the objects in the model. Right-click the category name in Model Organizer and select Add Selected to Category. Select the object type category in Model Organizer. Hold down the Ctrl key and select the objects in the window on the right. Drag the objects to another category. Select the object type category in Model Organizer. Hold down the Ctrl key and select the objects in the window on the right. Right-click and select Delete.
Move objects
Remove objects
1. 2. 3.
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7.2 Phases
Use phases to break up a model into sections. Phases are often used to indicate erection sequences. You can create reports and views, hide objects, and copy objects from other models, according to their phase number. For example, you might have a large project which several users work on simultaneously in single-user mode. First create a basic model that includes, for example, the columns. This is phase 1. You then copy this basic model to all users. Each user then works on a separate part of the building. When a part of the model is completed, you can copy it back to the basic model as a separate phase (phase 2, 3, etc.).
Define the names of phase properties in the objects.inp file. To use phase properties in reports and templates, use the syntax PHASE.ATTRIBUTE_NAME in the phase property field name.
7.3 Sequences
Use the Sequencer tool to name sequences and assign incremental numbers to parts. For example, you can define the order in which to erect parts by creating erection sequences. You can define several sequences for different purposes, and a part can belong to several sequences at the same time.
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Sequencer works by assigning a sequence number to a user-defined attribute of a part. The sequence name that you enter in the Sequencer Properties dialog box is the name of the userdefined attribute defined in the objects.inp file. Limitations See also
Sequencer does not work for objects that are inside a reference model. Lotting (p. 214)
Creating a sequence
Use the Sequencer tool to assign sequence numbers to parts. If you want to view and modify the sequence number afterwards, you must first create a user-defined attribute to which you assign sequence numbers. To create a new sequence: 1. Create a user-defined attribute to which you assign sequence numbers. a Open the objects.inp file in any standard text editor. b In the Part attributes section, add a new user-defined attribute. The value_type must be integer, and the field_format must be %d. For example:
attribute("MY_INFO_1", "My Info 1", integer, "%d", no, none, "0.0", "0.0")
c d 2. 3.
Click Tools > Sequencer to display the Sequencer Properties dialog box. Type a name for the sequence. Use exactly the same name as in the objects.inp file. For example, MY_INFO_1.
4. 5.
Click Apply. Select the parts you want to include in the sequence. The first part gets the sequence number 1, the second part number 2, and so on. If you select a part that has already been included in the sequence, Tekla Structures asks if you want to override the existing number. If you click Yes, Tekla Structures gives the next available number to the part.
6.
To finish adding parts to the sequence, click Edit > Interrupt or press Esc.
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You cannot add new parts to a sequence, unless the new part is at the end of the sequence. If the sequence changes, you must redefine the whole sequence.
Deleting a sequence
To delete a sequence: 1. 2. 3. Click Tools > Sequencer.... Select a sequence name from the list. Click Delete and then click Yes.
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7.4 Lotting
With lots you can group assemblies for transporting to site. Lotting means that you evaluate specific model parts with respect to the number of units that can be carried by a transfer vehicle. For example, you can calculate how many concrete truck deliveries are needed to pour the footings or slabs for a specific portion of the model. With this information, it is easier to determine area requirements and create an erection schedule. When you define lots, you must take into account the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle, because a lot cannot exceed the maximum total load capacity. You can calculate truck load sizes based on material weights and model quantities. For most model parts, the weight is based on the size, length, and material of the part.
To view the properties of a part, right-click the part and then select Inquire > Part or Properties...
You can use lotting in conjunction with the Sequencer tool. For example, you can load each part of the model onto a specific truck based on the erection sequence of the part. The basic lotting process is the same for steel and concrete parts. However, if you are using cast-in-place concrete, remember that the concrete is transported in a volumetric container (for example, in a ten-cubic-yard truck). In that case, you must calculate the weight-carrying capacity of the concrete vehicle before defining the number of lots.
See also
Creating a lot
To create a lot: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Click Properties... to display the Lot Properties dialog box. Type a name in the field at the bottom of the dialog box. Type a lot number in the Number field. Type the maximum weight of the lot in the Max weight field. Click Add. Tekla Structures creates an empty lot with the defined properties.
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4.
Click Apply selected. The weight and number of the added parts is displayed under Current values. Tekla Structures displays a warning message if the weight limit of the lot is exceeded.
5.
Click OK to close the dialog box. When you re-open the dialog box, the Applied values include the weight and number of the parts you added.
Always use the Shift key when adding parts to an existing lot. If you simply select parts, you will overwrite the contents of the lot. When you hold down Shift, you cannot select parts that already belong to another lot.
Deleting a lot
To delete a lot: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Click Properties... Select an existing lot from the list. Click Delete.
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The cross sections you create using the cross section sketch editor can be parametric or fixed. You can change the dimensions of parametric cross sections each time you use them in a model.
Cross Section Sketch Editor View and the sketching toolbar Variables dialog box Sketch Browser dialog box
Creating sketches
When you have the cross section sketch editor open, you can start creating a cross section. First you need to sketch the outline of the cross section, and the holes in the cross section, using lines, arcs, and circles.
Ensure that you create a closed shape, unless you are creating a cross section of a consistent thickness, such as a cold rolled section.
See also
Sketching a polyline (p. 216) Sketching an arc (p. 216) Sketching a circle (p. 217)
Sketching a polyline
You can create line segments in the cross section editor by picking points. To sketch a polyline: 1. 2. Open the Cross Section Sketch Editor. Click the Sketch polyline icon:
3. 4.
Pick points to create each line segment. Click the middle mouse button to create the polyline.
Sketching an arc
You can create an arc in the cross section editor by picking three points. To sketch an arc: 1. 2. Open the Cross Section Sketch Editor. Click the Sketch arc icon:
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3.
Sketching a circle
You can create a circle in the cross section editor by picking two points. To sketch a circle: 1. 2. Open the Cross Section Sketch Editor. Click the Sketch circle icon:
3. 4.
Pick a point to indicate the center of the circle. Pick a point to indicate the radius of the circle.
Adding a parallel constraint (p. 217) Adding a perpendicular constraint (p. 217) Adding a coincident constraint (p. 218) Adding a fixed constraint (p. 218) Adding a horizontal constraint (p. 218) Adding a vertical constraint (p. 219)
2. 3.
217
2. 3.
Select a line in the sketch. Select the line to place at a 90 degree angle to the first line selected.
Where two lines meet. Between line segments when you draw them with the Sketch
polyline tool.
Between the start of the first line segment and the end of the last line segment in a shape, if they are within a certain distance of each other.
Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the Cross Section Sketch Editor
View.
2. 3.
Pick the end of the first line. Pick the end of the second line.
2.
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Tekla Structures automatically creates horizontal constraints when you create lines that are nearly horizontal.
Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the Cross Section Sketch Editor View. To add a horizontal constraint: 1. Click the Horizontal constraint icon:
2.
Tekla Structures automatically creates vertical constraints when you create lines that are nearly vertical.
Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the Cross Section Sketch Editor View. To add a vertical constraint: 1. Click the Vertical constraint icon:
2.
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Do not create too many dimensions in a sketch, or the dimensions will not be able to adjust when the values are changed.
See also
Adding a radial dimension (p. 220) Adding an angle dimension (p. 220) Adding a dimension between two points in a sketch (p. 221) Adding a horizontal dimension to a sketch (p. 221) Adding a vertical dimension to a sketch (p. 221)
2.
220
Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the Cross Section Sketch Editor View. To add an angle dimension: 1. Click the Sketch angle dimension icon:
2. 3.
2. 3. 4.
Pick a point to indicate the starting point of the dimension. Pick a point to indicate the end point of the dimension. Pick a point to indicate the location of the dimension lines and text.
2. 3. 4.
Pick a point to indicate the starting point of the dimension. Pick a point to indicate the end point of the dimension. Pick a point to indicate the location of the dimension lines and text.
2.
221
3. 4.
Pick a point to indicate the end point of the dimension. Pick a point to indicate the location of the dimension lines and text.
Part positioning planes (p. 222) Connection positioning planes (p. 222) Part position (p. 101)
You can define part positioning planes that define the Middle option of an asymmetric cross section:
Part positioning planes The Middle option based on the intersection of the part positioning planes, not the part outline
See also
Showing and hiding part positioning planes (p. 223) Moving positioning planes (p. 224)
The following image shows the default connection positioning planes of a double tee slab that was created as a sketched cross section. The green line illustrates the default connection positioning planes.
222
If you want to place details as in the image below, you need to move the connection positioning planes.
See also
Showing and hiding connection positioning planes (p. 223) Moving positioning planes (p. 224)
Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the Cross Section Sketch Editor
View.
To show or hide the part positioning planes of a sketched cross section: 1. Click the Show or hide part positioning planes icon:
See also
Part positioning planes (p. 222) Moving positioning planes (p. 224)
223
See also
Connection positioning planes (p. 222) Moving positioning planes (p. 224)
2. 3. 4. 5.
See also
To move part positioning planes, click the Show or hide part positioning planes icon. To move connection positioning planes, click the Show or hide connection positioning planes icon.
Select a positioning plane. Select one of the positioning plane handles. Right-click and select a Move command from the pop-up menu. Move the plane like any other object in Tekla Structures.
Moving an object (p. 46) Reverting to the default part positioning planes (p. 224) Reverting to the default connection positioning planes (p. 225)
2. 3.
Select a part positioning plane. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu.
224
4.
Click the Show or hide part positioning planes icon again to check that the planes have reverted back to the default.
2. 3. 4.
Select a connection positioning plane. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu. Click the Show or hide connection positioning planes icon again to check that the planes have reverted back to the default.
See also
You cannot change dimensions that have been calculated using formulas in the Variables dialog box. Constraints may also prevent you from changing dimensions.
Modifying chamfers in a sketch (p. 226) Setting the sketch thickness (p. 226)
225
For each chamfer you want to change, double-click the chamfer symbol
Cross Section Sketch Editor View.
in the
In the Chamfer Properties dialog box, change the shape and dimensions of the chamfer. Click Modify. Close the Chamfer Properties dialog box. Click the Save sketch as icon to save the changes.
Sketch Browser
The Sketch Browser shows the objects (lines, arcs, circles, constraints, dimensions, chamfers) of a cross section sketch in a hierarchical, tree-like structure. The Sketch Browser opens when you open the cross section sketch editor and work with the Cross Section Sketch Editor View. You can click an object in the Cross Section Sketch Editor View and Tekla Structures highlights the object in the Sketch Browser. Or click an object in the browser to have Tekla Structures highlight it in the view.
Sketch objects
The Sketch Browser contains the following information about a cross section sketch:
See also
Extrusion type (0, 1, or 2) and thickness of the sketch. Lines, arcs, and circles Constraints Distances and dimensions and their values Chamfers and their type (0=None, 1=Line ... 7=Line and arc) and dimensions.
Cross section extrusion types (p. 227) Corner chamfer types and dimensions (p. 150)
226
1. 2.
In the Cross Section Sketch Editor View, sketch an open polyline. Do one of the following:
To set a fixed thickness: a b In the Sketch Browser, right-click Thickness and select Add Equation from the pop-up menu. Type the value of the thickness after =.
To define a parametric thickness: a b c d In the Variables dialog box, add a new parameter variable for Length (for example, P1). In the Formula column, define the default value for the parameter variable. In the Sketch Browser, right-click Thickness and select Add Equation from the pop-up menu. Type the name of the parameter variable (for example, P1) after =.
3.
To define the extrusion type: a In the Sketch Browser, right-click Extrusion Type and select Add Equation from the pop-up menu. b Type the extrusion type number (0, 1, or 2) after =. to save the changes.
4.
See also
Type 0
Description The sketch is extruded symmetrically to the outside and inside of the polyline. (Default)
Image
227
Type 1
Image
See also
The Sketching toolbar includes the following tools that you can use for defining and editing variables:
228
Command
Display variables
Icon
Description View, add or change variables in parametric model objects, including sketched cross sections. This command works the same way as the Display variables command in the Custom component editor.
Opens the Sketch Browser, which shows the elements in a sketched parametric cross section. This command works the same way as Custom component browser in the Custom component editor.
See also
To create a symmetric C-shaped cross section: 1. 2. 3. Open the Cross Section Sketch Editor View. Use the Sketch polyline command to create a C-shaped cross section. Use the Sketch horizontal distance and Sketch vertical distance commands to create the distances.
To change the distance value, enter a new value in the Formula field. To make the profile symmetric, type =h2 in the Formula field of distance h3 and =b1 of distance b2.
229
If you want to give variables different values when using the profile in a model, set Visibility to Show.
4.
To enter varying values for profile thickness, add a parameter variable (P1). a In the Variables dialog box, click Add. b c d e f In the Formula field, enter a thickness value. In the Visiblity field, select Show. In the Label in dialog box field, type Thickness. In the Sketch Browser, right-click the Thickness object, select Add equation from the pop-up menu, and then type =P1. In the Sketch Browser, right-click the ExtrusionType object, select Add equation from the pop-up menu, and then type =2.
230
2.
To save a new cross section, type a name in the Prefix field, and then click OK. To update an existing cross section, click OK. Click Yes when prompted to update the existing cross section.
Tekla Structures does not save sketched, parametric cross sections that do not have dimensions. You cannot include numbers in the cross section name, or use the name of a standard profile.
Sketched cross sections are saved in the xslib.db1 file, which is a library file that contains custom components and sketches. Ordinary profiles are saved in the profdb.bin file.
See also
3. 4. 5. 6.
For steel parts, click the Select... button next to the Profile field. For concrete parts, click the button next to the Profile field.
In the Select Profile dialog box, open the Others branch at the end of the profile tree. Select a profile with the sketched cross section. Optional: If the cross section is parametric, define its dimensions in the Value column on the General tab. Click OK to save the profile properties and close the Select Profile dialog box.
231
7. 8.
Click OK to save the part properties and close the part properties dialog box. Pick points in the model to create the part with the sketched cross section.
2.
Using any graphics editor (for example, Microsoft Paint). Using the Tools > Screenshot > View without Borders command when you have the cross section open in the active Cross Section Sketch Editor View.
Save the picture in bmp format in the ..\TeklaStructures\*version*\nt\bitmaps folder using the cross section name as the filename, for example, mysketch.bmp.
See also
Creating a screenshot (p. 170) Saving a screenshot in bitmap format (p. 171)
See also
Exporting sketched cross sections (p. 232) Importing sketched cross sections (p. 233)
7.
Type a name for a new export file. Select an existing export file.
Optional: To save the export file to a specific location, browse for the folder.
232
By default, Tekla Structures saves the export file to the current model folder. 8. Click OK.
Tekla Structures adds the cross sections to the export file (*.uel).
If you have created a profile using a sketched cross section and want to use the profile in another model, you need to import both the cross section and profile. To use profiles from a model, you can either export and then import the entire profile catalog or a part of it, or copy the profdb.bin file.
To automatically import all *.uel files from a folder when creating a new model, use the variable XS_UEL_IMPORT_FOLDER.
See also
Exporting the profile catalog Exporting elements from the profile catalog
Create dependencies, or relationships, between model objects, so the properties of one model object adjust if you change the related model object. Create variables that define the properties of the model object.
233
Creating dependencies
Tekla Structures includes several tools that you can use to create dependencies or relationships between model objects. For example, you might create a dependency that offsets a column a fixed distance from a plane on a wall, so that when you move the wall, the column follows. The Modeling menu includes the following parametric modeling tools:
Command
Add Distance > Fixed
Icon
Description Binds a handle on a model object to up to three planes on other model objects, at a fixed distance. Illustrates the distance in the model view. This command works the same way as the Create distance command in the Custom component editor.
Creates a reference distance between model objects, which you can include in formulas in the Variables dialog box. This command works the same way as the Create reference distance command in the Custom component editor.
See also
Defining variables Custom component browser Creating distance variables Creating reference distances
Creating variables
Use variables to define the properties of a model object, such as a beam or column. Variables can define fixed properties, such as the name of a column. They can also include formulas, so that Tekla Structures calculates the property value each time you use the model object. The Model Editor includes the following tools for defining and editing variables:
234
Command
Display Variables...
Icon
Description View, add or change variables in model objects. You can use these variables to calculate the properties of related model objects. This command works the same way as the Display variables command in the Custom component editor.
Model Browser...
Opens the model browser, which shows the elements in a model object. Use to copy absolute values or references and use them as variables in parametric calculations. This command works the same way as Custom component browser in the Custom component editor.
See also
BLLh*b*t
BLZh*b*t
235
BLUh*b*t
ELDd1*r1*d2*r2
PDd*t
EPDd1*r1*d2*r2*t
Ph*t Ph*b*t
Ph1*b-h2*b*t
236
CWh-t-e-b-f-h1
237
BFh-s-b-h1
SPDd*t SPDd1-d2*t
EDh-t-b-e-h1-h2-f1-f2-a
EEh-t-e-b-f1-f3-h1-f2-a
EFh-t-e-b1-b2-f1-f2/h1-a
238
EZh-t-e-b-f1-f3-h1-f2-a
EWh-t-e-b-b-f1-f2-h2-h1-a
RCXXs*h-b*t*h1-h2-ex
RCLs*h-b*t
RCXs*h-b*h2*h1
239
240
Modeling Settings
This section provides more information about the various settings you can modify in Tekla Structures.
Contents
General settings (p. 241) View settings (p. 244) Part properties (p. 247) Detail properties (p. 255) Numbering settings (p. 259)
Grid properties
Use the Grid dialog box to view and modify the grid properties.
Field
Coordinates Labels Line extensions Origin Magnetic grid plane User-defined attributes...
Description The coordinates of the grid in the global x, y, and z directions (x and y are relative, z is absolute). The names of the grid lines. Define how far the grid lines extend in the directions Left/Below and Right/Above. The coordinates of the grid origin in the global x, y, and z directions. Select to bind objects to grid lines. Click to access the user-defined properties of the grid.
241
See also
Field
Label Depth in view plane Extension Left/Below Extension Right/Above Magnetic grid plane User-defined attributes... Visible in drawings Grid line automatic dimensioning See also
Description The name of the grid line. The height of the grid plane perpendicular to the view plane. Define how far the grid lines extend in the directions Left/ Below and Right/Above. Select to bind objects to the grid line. Click to access the user-defined properties of the grid line. Select to make the grid line visible in drawings. Select to use single grid lines in grid dimensioning.
Rotation settings
Use the Copy - Rotate and Move - Rotate dialog boxes to view and modify the settings that are used when you rotate objects in Tekla Structures.
Field
X0 Y0 Origin angle Number of copies dZ Rotation angle Around
Description The x and y coordinates of the starting point of the rotation axis. The angle of the rotation axis when rotating around a line on the work plane. Defines the number of copies created. The difference in position between the original and copied object in the z direction. The rotation angle between the original and new position. Defines whether the rotation axis is a line on the work plane or in the z direction.
See also
Color settings
Use the Object Representation dialog box to define the color of object groups.
242
Option
As is
Description The current color is used. If the object belongs to one of the object groups defined in the following rows, its color is defined by the settings that the object group in question has on that row.
Colors
Color by class Color by lot Color by phase Color by analysis type Color by analysis utility check Color by attribute
Select color from the list. All parts are colored according to their Class property. Parts belonging to different lots get different colors. Parts belonging to different phases get different colors. Displays parts according to the member analysis type. Displays parts according to the utilization ratio in analysis. Displays parts in different colors according to the values of a user-defined attribute.
See also
Transparency settings
Use the Object Representation dialog box to define the transparency of object groups.
Option
As is
Description The current visibility. If the object belongs to any object group whose visibility and color settings have been defined, the settings will be read from that object group.
Visible 50% transparent 70% transparent 90% transparent Hidden See also
Screenshot settings
Use the Screenshot dialog box to view and modify the screenshot settings.
Field
View name View View without borders
Description Shows the selected view name. Includes the view content and window borders in the screenshot. Includes only the view content in the screenshot.
243
Field
Rendered view Place on clipboard Print to file
Description For high resolution screenshots from rendered views. The Options... button displays the Screenshot Options dialog box. Places the screenshot on the clipboard. Saves the screenshot to a file.
Field
Final width
Description The width of the screenshot. Uses the same unit as other dimensions in modeling.
Final height
The height of the screenshot. Uses the same unit as other dimensions in modeling.
DPI
The pixel density (DPI) of the screenshot. There are limitations to pixel density. You can change the DPI using a graphics editor.
Uses white background. Uses smooth lines to decrease jagged edges. Sets the line width.
View properties
Use the View Properties dialog box to view and modify the view properties.
Field or button
Name Angle Projection Rotation View type Color and transparency in all views Representation... View depth
Description The name of the view. Whether the view angle is Plane or 3D. The projection type of rendered views. How the view is rotated around the z and x axes. The appearance of the model in the view. The color and transparency setting that is used in all views (according to the status of the objects in the model). Opens the Object Representation dialog box for defining color and transparency settings. How far Up and Down from the view plane Tekla Structures displays the objects.
244
Field or button
Display... Visible object group Object group...
Description Opens the Display dialog box for defining which objects are displayed in the view and how. Which object group is displayed in the view. Opens the Object Group - View Filter dialog box for creating and modifying object groups.
See also
Field
View plane Number of views
Description The plane of the view defined by two axes similarly to the basic view. Defines which grid lines the views will be created of.
None does not create any views. One (First) only creates the view closest to the grid origin. One (Last) only creates the view furthest from the grid origin. All creates all views in grid planes in the relevant direction.
The prefix to be used with the grid label in the view name. This name overrides the name in the view properties. View names consist of a prefix and a grid label, e.g. PLAN +3000. If the View name prefix field is left empty, no prefix is used. Tekla Structures adds a dash and a running number to the view name if view names are otherwise identical.
View properties
Defines which view properties (applied or saved) will be used. Each view plane has its own view properties. You can load the properties from the current view properties with the option <applied values> or from saved view properties. The Show... button displays the current view properties.
See also
Display settings
Use the Display dialog box to define which object types Tekla Structures displays and how they appear in the model. Some of these settings may affect system performance.
245
Field
Parts
parts.
Reference line shows parts as sticks. This option increases display speed significantly, when viewing the entire model, or large parts of it. Bolts
is the recommended representation mode for bolts, because it increases display speed significantly and consumes less system memory.
Exact shows bolts, washers, and nuts as solids. Holes
option, Tekla Structures always displays fast holes on the first part (counting from the head of the bolt). If there are slotted holes in any of the parts, a slotted hole is displayed on the first part, even if the hole in that part is not slotted. The new slotted hole has the same size and rotation as the first slotted hole (counting from the head of the bolt). Holes that are outside a part are always displayed as fast holes in rendered views.
Exact shows holes as solids. Exact long holes only displays slotted holes in exact mode and ordinary holes in fast mode. Point size
Defines the size of points in views. You can also change the size of the part handle using this field.
In model increases the point size on the screen when you zoom
in.
In view does not increase the point size. AutoStick
Defines whether the objects are shown as sticks or as objects. This option is only available in wire frame views. By dragging the sliders you can adjust the zoom distance where objects should be shown as reference lines. This option increases performance significantly when viewing large models. It still lets you zoom in on a small area and display it exactly.
See also
246
Field
Part prefix and start number Assembly prefix and start number Name Profile Material Finish Class User-defined attributes Vertical Rotation Horizontal Top Bottom Analysis tab Composite tab Start releases tab End releases tab Design tab Deforming tab See also
Description The part mark series of the column. The assembly mark series of the column. The user-definable name of the column. The profile of the column. The material of the column. The type of finish. Used to group columns. User-defined properties of the column. The position of the column, relative to its reference point. How the column is rotated around its axis. The horizontal position of the column, relative to its reference point. The position of the second end of the column in the global z direction. The position of the first end of the column in the global z direction. The analysis properties of the column. The analysis properties of the slabs in composite constructions. The support conditions of the column ends. The design information of the column. Warping, cambering, and shortening of the column.
247
Field
Part prefix and start number Assembly prefix and start number Name Profile Material Finish Class User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Radius Number of segments Analysis tab Loading tab Composite tab Start releases tab End releases tab Design tab Deforming tab See also
Description The part mark series of a beam. The assembly mark series of the beam. The user-definable name of a beam. The profile of a beam. The material of a beam. The finish type. Used to group beams. User-defined properties of a beam. The position of a beam on the work plane. How much a beam is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The position of a beam, in terms of depth perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of beam ends relative to a beams reference line. The plane of curvature and radius of a curved beam. The number of segments Tekla Structures uses when drawing a curved beam. The analysis properties of the beam. The loading properties of the beam. The analysis properties of the slabs in composite constructions. The support conditions of the beam ends. The design information of the beam. Warping, cambering, and shortening of the beam.
Field
Part prefix and start number Assembly prefix and start number Name Profile
Description The part mark series of the contour plate. The assembly mark series of the contour plate. The user-definable name of the contour plate. The profile of the contour plate. The format is PL+ thickness, for example PL20.
248
Field
Material Finish Class User-defined attributes At depth Analysis tab Loading tab Spanning tab Design tab See also
Description The material of the contour plate. The finish type. Used to group contour plates. User-defined properties of the contour plate. The position of the contour plate, in terms of depth, perpendicular to the work plane. The analysis properties of the contour plate. The loading properties of the plate. The spanning properties of the plate. The design information of the contour plate.
Field
Part prefix and start number Assembly prefix and start number Name Profile Material Finish Class User-defined attributes Vertical Rotation Horizontal Top Bottom Analysis tab Composite tab Start releases tab End releases tab Design tab
Description The part mark series of the beam. The assembly mark series of the beam. The user-definable name of the beam. The profile of the beam. The material of the beam. The finish type. Used to group beams. User-defined properties of the beam. The position of the beam, relative to its reference point. How much the beam is rotated around its axis. The horizontal position of the beam, relative to its reference point. The position of the second end of the beam in the z direction of the work plane. The position of the first end of the beam in the z direction of the work plane. The analysis properties of the beam. The analysis properties of the slabs in composite constructions. The support conditions of the beam ends. The design information of the beam.
249
See also
Field
Part prefix and start number Assembly prefix and start number Name Profile Material Finish Class User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Twin profile type Horizontal Vertical Analysis tab Composite tab Start releases tab End releases tab Design tab See also
Description The part mark series of the twin profile. The assembly mark series of the twin profile. The user-definable name of the twin profile. The profile of both the beams in the twin profile. The material of the beams. The type of finish. Used to group twin profiles. User-defined properties of the twin profile. The position of the twin profile on the work plane. Defines how the twin profile is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The beam position, in terms of depth, perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of the ends of the beam, relative to the beams reference line. Defines how the profiles are combined. The horizontal clearance between the profiles. The vertical clearance between the profiles. The analysis properties of the twin profile. The analysis properties of the slabs in composite constructions. The support conditions of the twin profile ends. The design information of the twin profile.
Field
Name Profile Material
Description The user-definable name of the pad footing. The profile of the pad footing. The material of the pad footing.
250
Field
Finish Class User-defined attributes Vertical Rotation Horizontal Top Bottom Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type See also
Description The type of finish. Used to group pad footings. User-defined properties of the pad footing. The vertical position of the pad footing, relative to its reference point. How much the pad footing is rotated around its axis. The horizontal position of the pad footing, relative to its reference point. The position of the top surface of the pad footing in the global z direction. The position of the bottom surface of the pad footing in the global z direction. Define the cast unit series of the pad footing. Indicates whether the footing is precast or cast in place.
Field
Name Shape Material Finish Class User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type Radius Number of segments Analysis tab
Description The user-definable name of the strip footing. The profile of the strip footing. The material of the strip footing. The type of finish. Used to group strip footings. User-defined properties of the strip footing. The position of the strip footing on the work plane. How much the strip footing is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The position of the strip footing in terms of depth perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of the ends of the strip footing relative to its reference line. Define the cast unit series of the strip footing. Indicates whether the footing is precast or cast in place. The plane of curvature and radius of the curved strip footing. The number of segments required to draw a curved strip footing. The analysis properties of the strip footing.
251
Field
Start releases tab End releases tab Design tab See also
Description The support conditions of the footing ends. The design information of the footing.
Field
Name Profile Material Finish Class User-defined attributes Vertical Rotation Horizontal Top Bottom Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type Analysis tab Start releases tab End releases tab Design tab Deforming tab See also
Description The user-definable name of the column. The profile of the column. The material of the column. The type of finish. Used to group columns. User-defined properties of the column. The vertical position of the column relative to its reference point. How much the column is rotated around its axis. The horizontal position of the column relative to its reference point. The position of the second end of the column in the global z direction. The position of the first end of the column in the global z direction. Define the cast unit series of the column. Indicates whether the column is precast or cast in place. The analysis properties of the column. The support conditions of the column ends. The design information of the column. Warping, cambering and shortening of the column.
252
Field
Name Shape Material Finish Class User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Radius Number of segments Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type Analysis tab Start releases tab End releases tab Loading tab Design tab Deforming tab See also
Description The user-definable name of the beam. The profile of the beam. The material of the beam. The type of finish. Used to group beams. User-defined properties of the beam. The beam position on the work plane. How much the beam is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The position of the beam in terms of depth perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of the ends of the beam, relative to its reference line. The plane of curvature and radius of the curved beam. The number of segments required to draw a curved beam. Define the cast unit series of the beam. Indicates whether the beam is precast or cast in place. The analysis properties of the beam. The support conditions of the beam ends. The loading properties of the beam. The design information of the beam. Warping, cambering and shortening of the beam.
Field
Name Thickness Material Finish Class User-defined attributes At depth Analysis tab
Description The user-definable name of the slab. The thickness of the slab. The material of the slab. The type of finish. Used to group slabs. User-defined properties of the slab. The position of the slab, in terms of depth, perpendicular to the work plane. The analysis properties of the slab.
253
Field
Spanning tab Loading tab Design tab Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type See also
Description The spanning properties of the slab. The loading properties of the slab. The design information of the slab. Define the cast unit series of the slab. Indicates whether the slab is precast or cast in place.
Field
Name Shape Material Finish Class User-defined attributes On plane Rotation At depth End offset Analysis tab Spanning tab Loading tab Design tab Cast unit prefix and start number Cast unit type Radius Number of segments See also
Description The user-definable name of the panel. The profile of the panel (thickness height of the wall). The material of the panel. The type of finish. Used to group panels. User-defined properties of the panel. The position of the panel on the work plane. How much the panel is rotated around its axis on the work plane. The position of the panel, in terms of depth perpendicular to the work plane. The offsets of the ends of the panel, relative to its reference line. The analysis properties of the panel. The spanning properties of the panel. The loading properties of the panel. The design information of the panel. Define the cast unit series of the panel. Indicates whether the panel is precast or cast in place. The plane of curvature and radius of the curved panel. The number of segments required to draw a curved panel.
254
Bolt properties
Use the Bolt Properties dialog box to view or modify the properties of a bolt group.
Field
Bolt size Bolt standard Bolt type Connect part/ assembly Thread in material Cut length
Description Bolt diameter. Bolt assembly standard/grade. Defines whether the bolts are assembled on-site or in the shop. Indicates whether you are bolting a secondary part or a subassembly. Indicates whether threads can be inside the material. Indicates which parts the bolt connects. The value defines how far along the bolt axis the parts must be in order to hit the bolt group. Tekla Structures searches for parts using half the cut length value, in both directions from the bolt group plane.
Extra length Shape Bolt dist X Bolt dist Y Tolerance Hole type Slotted hole X Slotted hole Y Rotate Slots
Additional bolt length. Bolt group shape. Bolt spacing, number, or co-ordinate, depending on the bolt group shape. Bolt spacing, group diameter, or coordinate, depending on the bolt group shape. Tolerance = Hole diameter - Bolt diameter Oversized or slotted. Field activates after you select the Parts with slotted holes check boxes. x allowance of a slotted hole. Zero for a round hole. y allowance of a slotted hole. Zero for a round hole. If the bolt connects several parts, you may want to rotate alternate holes by 90 degrees. This allows the bolt to move in different directions. Moves the bolt group perpendicular to the bolt group x axis. Defines how far the bolt group is rotated around the x axis, relative to the current work plane. For example, you can use this field to indicate on which side of the connected parts you want the bolt head to be.
On plane Rotation
Moves the bolt group perpendicular to the current work plane. Offsets that move the bolt group by moving the bolt group x axis.
255
Weld properties
Use the Weld Properties dialog box to view or modify the properties of a weld.
Field
Size
Description The size of the weld. If you enter a zero or negative weld size, Tekla Structures creates the weld, but does not display it drawings.
Type Angle
See Weld types (p. 257). The angle of weld preparation, bevels, or groove. Tekla Structures displays the angle between the weld type symbol and the fill type contour symbol.
Contour
Finish
Tekla Structures displays the finish symbol above the weld type symbol in drawings. The options are:
Length
The length of a regular weld depends on the length of the connection between the welded parts. You can set the exact length of a polygon weld by, for example, defining the start and end points of the weld. The center-to-center spacing of welds for non-continuous welds. To create a non-continuous weld, define the center-to-center spacing and the pitch of the welds. Tekla Structures calculates the distance between the welds as the pitch minus the length of the weld. By default, Tekla Structures uses the character to separate weld length and pitch, e.g. 50100. To change the separator to @, for example, set the variable XS_WELD_LENGTH_CC_SEPARATOR_CHAR to @.
Pitch
See Weld size prefixes (p. 137). Additional information to appear in the weld symbol. For example, information about the weld specification or process. Root face thickness is the height of the narrowest part inside the root opening. The RFT fields in the connection dialog boxes also refer to the root face thickness. Neither root face nor RFT values appear in drawings, but you can use the WELD_ROOT_FACE_THICKNESS field in reports to show the root face dimension in the weld list.
Effective throat
256
Field
Edge/Around
Description Indicates whether only one edge or the entire perimeter of a face should be welded. A circle in the weld symbol in drawings indicates the Around option has been used.
Workshop/Site
Indicates where the weld should be made. This setting affects assemblies and drawings. Tekla Structures indicates site welds in the weld symbol using a flag.
See Using welds to create assemblies (p. 140). See Weld position (p. 136). The space between the welded parts. Indicates whether the weld is a stitch weld. Stitch welds are staggered on both sides of the part being welded. Tekla Structures shows the weld type symbols as staggered in weld symbols.
See also
Weld types
Use the Weld Properties dialog box to define the weld type. Some weld types also automatically prepare the parts to be welded. The following table shows the available weld types:
Weld type
Name None Fillet weld Bevel-groove (single-V butt weld) Bevel-groove (single-bevel butt weld) Square-groove (square butt weld) Single-V butt weld with broad root face Single-bevel butt weld with broad root face U-groove weld (single Ubutt weld) J-groove weld (single J-butt weld) Flare V-groove weld
Number 0 10 3 4 2 5 6 7 8 16
Preparation No No Both parts Secondary part No Both edges Secondary part Both parts Secondary part Both parts
257
Weld type
Name Flare-bevel-groove weld Edge-flange weld Corner-flange weld Plug weld Bevel backing weld Spot weld Seam weld Slot weld Partial penetration weld (single-bevel butt + fillet) Partial penetration weld (square groove + fillet) Melt-through weld Material removal by machining is required (supplementary symbol) Smooth weld
Number 15 1 17 11 9 12 13 14 18 19 20 21
22
Field
Type x y dz1 dz2
Description The shape of the chamfer. The dimensions of the chamfer. The dimension depends on the chamfer type. Only used for contour plates and concrete slabs. Moves the top or bottom surface of the part corner in the parts local z direction. Use these fields, for example, to give plates varying thicknesses.
See also
258
Field
Type Name Cutting distance in X direction Cutting distance in Y direction First end type Second end type
Description The shape of the chamfer. The name of the chamfer. Defines how far away from the chamfered edge the chamfer will end in the x direction. Defines how far away from the chamfered edge the chamfer will end in the y direction. The shape and position of the first end point. The shape and position of the second end point.
More information
positioned at the end of the part (moving along the nearest edge), and the shape is straight.
The distance between the (picked) end point and the bevelled points.
See also
259
Option
Renumber all Re-use old numbers
Description All parts get a new number. All information on previous numbers is lost. Tekla Structures reuses the numbers of parts that have been deleted. These numbers may be used to number new or modified parts. If a separate standard part model has been set up, Tekla Structures compares the parts in the current model to those in the standard part model. If the part to be numbered is identical to a part in the standard model, Tekla Structures assigns it the number of the part in the standard model.
Compare to old Take new number Keep number if possible Synchronize with master model
The part gets the same number as a previously numbered similar part. The part gets a new number even if a similar numbered part already exists. Modified parts maintain their previous numbers if possible. Use this setting when working in multi-user mode. Tekla Structures locks the master model and performs a save, numbering, and save sequence, so that all other users can continue working during the operation. If the main part of a drawing is modified and therefore gets a new assembly position, the existing drawing is automatically assigned to another part of the position. If the modified part moves to an assembly position that does not have a drawing, the original drawing is automatically cloned to reflect the changes in the modified part.
Automatic cloning
Holes Part name Beam orientation Column orientation Reinforcing bars Embedded objects Surface treatment Tolerance Assembly position sort order See also
The location, size, and number of holes affects numbering. The part name affects numbering. The orientation of beams affects numbering. The orientation of columns affects numbering. The orientation of reinforcing bars affects numbering. The orientation of equal embedded objects affects numbering. Surface treatments affect the numbering of assemblies. Parts can get the same number if they do not differ more than as set in this input field. See Assembly position numbers (p. 198).
260
Field
Start number
Description The number from which the numbering starts. Tekla Structures automatically suggests the following free number as the start number. Defines which objects are affected by the change.
All welds changes the number of all welds in
Apply for
the model.
Selected welds changes the number of the selected welds without affecting others. Renumber also welds that have a number Re-use numbers of deleted welds
Tekla Structures replaces existing weld numbers. If some welds have been removed, Tekla Structures uses their numbers when numbering other welds.
See also
Field
Numbering
Defines the prefix and start number of the numbering series for which to create control numbers. Needed only with the By numbering series option.
The number from which the numbering starts. Defines the interval between two control numbers. Defines how to treat parts that already have control numbers.
Yes replaces the existing control numbers. No keeps the existing control numbers.
261
Field
First direction Second direction Third direction See also
262
Modeling Tips
This section provides useful hints and tips that help you to model structures more quickly and accurately, and avoid potential problems with templates and drawings.
Contents
General modeling tips (p. 263) Part positioning tips (p. 264)
263
To activate a view using Xmouse: 1. Click Tools > Options > Xmouse to switch on Xmouse. A check mark appears next to the menu option if Xmouse is already switched on. 2. To activate a view, do one of the following:
Move the mouse pointer over the view. Use the Page Up, Page Down and arrow keys.
Do not cut the end of a part to shorten it. This can cause shop errors, because cuts do not always affect part length when you export information to NC files.
Do not use fittings to lengthen parts. It can cause problems with connections and details.
264
See also
Use the snapping commands. Use construction planes, lines and circles. Create points.
Snapping to positions (p. 50) Construction objects (p. 84) Points (p. 85)
Create a grid line and use the Copy Special > Rotate command to copy it. Use construction lines and circles to position the objects.
Creating a single grid line (p. 75) Rotating objects (p. 49) Construction objects (p. 84)
265
Index
#
3D models................................................................... 59 views ..................................................................... 83 4D tool, see visualizing project status ........................ 184
b
background color changing................................................................66 examples ...............................................................66 beams cambering............................................................161 concrete beams.......................................... 120, 252 concrete polybeams ............................................120 curved beams......................................................110 orthogonal beams................................................110 steel beams ................................................ 109, 247 steel polybeams ..................................................111 warping................................................................159 bending.......................................................................108 bolts ........................................................... 127, 132, 255 bolt catalog ..........................................................131 bolt group position ...............................................128 bolt group shape..................................................128 bolt length............................................................129 bolt offsets ...........................................................130 bolt spacing .........................................................191 bolting sub-assemblies........................................133 clash checking.....................................................193 creating....................................................... 131, 132 filtering.................................................................178 modifying .............................................................132 buttons common buttons....................................................30 Load ......................................................................31 Save ......................................................................31 Save as .................................................................31
a
absolute coordinates .................................................... 73 angle dimensions ....................................................... 220 angles......................................................................... 191 arcs............................................................................. 216 area selection ............................................................... 38 assemblies ................................................................. 113 adding objects ..................................................... 116 assembly types in filtering ................................... 178 changing the main assembly............................... 118 changing the main part........................................ 118 comparing ........................................................... 194 creating ............................................................... 115 examples............................................................. 113 exploding............................................................. 117 highlighting .......................................................... 117 joining.................................................................. 116 lotting................................................................... 214 nested assemblies ............................... 40, 114, 116 numbering ........................................................... 198 removing objects ................................................. 117 selecting ................................................................ 40 showing and hiding ............................................. 180 sub-assemblies ................................................... 115 using bolts to create assemblies ......................... 132 using welds to create assemblies ....................... 140 attaching parts............................................................ 158
c
cambering parts................................................. 161, 162 cast in place................................................................124
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
266
cast units .................................................................... 122 adding non-concrete objects ............................... 122 adding objects ..................................................... 122 cast unit type ....................................................... 124 casting direction .................................................. 124 changing the main part........................................ 125 copying................................................................ 123 creating ............................................................... 122 exploding............................................................. 123 highlighting .......................................................... 123 lotting................................................................... 214 numbering ........................................................... 198 removing objects ................................................. 123 selecting ................................................................ 40 top-in-form face ................................................... 124 chamfering.................................................................. 149 corner chamfer dimensions................................. 150 corner chamfer types .......................................... 150 corner chamfers .................................................. 150 edge chamfers .................................................... 151 in sketches .......................................................... 226 checking the model .................................................... 190 circles ......................................................................... 217 clash checking............................................................ 192 bolts..................................................................... 193 reference models ................................................ 193 without reference models .................................... 194 class .......................................................................95, 99 classifying information ................................................ 207 clip planes .................................................................. 169 coincident contraints................................................... 218 colliding objects .......................................................... 192 colors............................................................................ 99 background color................................................... 66 background color examples .................................. 66 color settings ....................................................... 242 finding RGB values ............................................. 264 grid color .........................................................71, 74 columns concrete columns ........................................119, 252 steel columns ..............................................111, 247 combining parts ..................................................157, 158 commands.................................................................... 34 ending ................................................................... 35 repeating ............................................................... 34 running .................................................................. 34 comparing parts or assemblies .................................. 194 components selecting ................................................................ 40 showing and hiding ............................................. 181
concrete parts.............................................................118 beams......................................................... 120, 252 cast units .............................................................122 casting direction ..................................................124 columns ...................................................... 119, 252 pad footings................................................ 118, 250 panels......................................................... 121, 254 polybeams ...........................................................120 slabs ................................................... 120, 121, 253 strip footings ............................................... 119, 251 warping................................................................159 configurations ...............................................................22 constraints ..................................................................217 coincident ............................................................218 deleting................................................................219 fixed.....................................................................218 horizontal.............................................................218 parallel.................................................................217 perpendicular.......................................................217 vertical .................................................................219 construction objects......................................................84 construction circles................................................85 construction lines...................................................85 construction planes ...............................................84 contour plates ............................................ 112, 113, 248 control numbers................................................. 199, 200 settings ................................................................261 coordinates absolute.................................................................57 coordinate system .................................................71 input options ..........................................................57 locking ...................................................................55 relative...................................................................57 copying cast units .............................................................123 filters....................................................................178 from another model ...............................................46 hints and tips .......................................................263 linearly to new position ..........................................45 object groups.......................................................182 object representation settings .............................184 objects ...................................................................43 project status visualizations.................................185 to another object....................................................46 to another plane ....................................................45 using coordinates ..................................................44 using drag-and-drop ..............................................45 corner chamfers......................................... 149, 150, 258 types and dimensions..........................................150
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
267
creating assemblies.................................................. 113, 115 bolts ............................................................ 131, 132 cast units .............................................................122 clip planes............................................................169 concrete beams ...................................................120 concrete columns ................................................119 concrete panels ...................................................121 concrete polybeams ............................................120 concrete slabs .....................................................120 construction circles ................................................85 construction lines...................................................85 construction planes................................................84 contour plates ............................................. 112, 113 curved beams ......................................................110 dependencies ......................................................234 fittings ..................................................................153 grid lines ................................................................75 grid views...............................................................81 grids.......................................................................73 holes ........................................................... 134, 135 logical areas ........................................................208 lots .......................................................................214 models ...................................................................60 nested assemblies...............................................116 object groups .......................................................181 object representation settings..............................183 object type categories..........................................209 objects ...................................................................35 orthogonal beams................................................110 pad footings .........................................................118 project status visualizations.................................184 screenshots .........................................................170 sections ...............................................................208 selection filters.....................................................175 sequences ...........................................................212 single bolts...........................................................132 sketched cross sections ......................................216 slabs ....................................................................121 standard part models...........................................205 steel beams .........................................................109 steel columns.......................................................111 steel polybeams...................................................111 storys ...................................................................208 strip footings ........................................................119 sub-assemblies....................................................115 tile patterns ..........................................................149 twin profiles..........................................................112 view filters............................................................174 views......................................................................81 welds .......................................................... 138, 139 cross section sketch editor .........................................216
cross sections cross section sketch editor ..................................215 sketching cross sections......................................215 crossing selection .........................................................38 curved parts ....................................................... 108, 110 Custom Component Editor............................................25 Custom Inquiry............................................................172 adding attributes ..................................................173 modifying contents...............................................172 customizing toolbars ..................................................................27 cuts .............................................................................154 line cuts................................................................154 part cuts ...............................................................156 polygon cuts.........................................................155
d
deleting logical areas.........................................................210 object types..........................................................210 dependencies..............................................................234 DGN supported objects ..................................................92 dialog boxes..................................................................28 common buttons ....................................................30 common elements .................................................29 loading saved properties........................................32 saving properties ...................................................31 tabs ........................................................................30 dimensions angle ....................................................................220 in sketching..........................................................220 radial ....................................................................220 display settings ...........................................................245 distances in parametric modeling ........................................234 measuring ............................................................191 dividing models ...........................................................211 drag-and-drop ........................................................ 45, 48 Drawing Editor ..............................................................25 duplicate objects ...........................................................43
e
edge chamfers ...........................................149, 151, 259 editors in Tekla Structures ............................................25 end offsets ..................................................................106 enhanced tooltips..........................................................32 environments ................................................................23
268
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
erection schedules .............................................185, 187 erection sequences .................................................... 211 exact lines .................................................................. 180 examining the model .................................................. 165 examples assemblies .......................................................... 113 assigning family numbers.................................... 202 background colors................................................. 66 creating object groups......................................... 186 creating object representation settings ............... 186 creating project status visualization settings ....... 187 creating symmetric C-shaped cross section ....... 229 defining erection schedules................................. 185 filtering beams and columns ............................... 175 filtering out reference models.............................. 176 filtering parts in specific phases .......................... 175 filtering parts with certain profile.......................... 176 numbering identical beams ................................. 200 tile pattern definition ............................................ 146 visualizing erection schedules............................. 187 visualizing project status ..................................... 185 exiting Tekla Structures................................................ 25 exploding assemblies .......................................................... 117 cast units ............................................................. 123 exporting sketched cross sections ...................................... 232 extension lines.............................................................. 54 extrusion types ........................................................... 227
fixed constraints..........................................................218 flying through model ...................................................168 footings ..............................................118, 119, 250, 251
g
global coordinate system..............................................71 grid lines .......................................................................74 creating..................................................................75 deleting..................................................................75 modifying ...............................................................75 properties ............................................................242 grid views creating..................................................................81 properties ............................................................245 grids coordinates............................................................73 creating..................................................................73 deleting..................................................................74 grid color......................................................... 71, 74 labels .............................................................. 72, 73 line extensions.......................................................72 modifying ...............................................................74 origin......................................................................72 properties ............................................................241 work plane grid ......................................................70
f
family numbers ........................................................... 201 example............................................................... 202 modifying............................................................. 202 features ........................................................................ 21 filtering assembly types ................................................... 178 bolts and welds ................................................... 178 copying filters ...................................................... 178 deleting filters ...................................................... 179 examples.....................................................175, 176 objects................................................................. 173 possible values.................................................... 177 selection filters ............................................174, 175 using template attributes ..................................... 177 view filters ........................................................... 174 wildcards ............................................................. 176 finding distant objects................................................. 194 fittings ......................................................................... 153
h
handles .......................................................................101 moving.................................................................101 selecting ................................................................39 hiding assemblies ..........................................................180 components.........................................................181 dimensions ............................................................36 grid labels ..............................................................73 part labels............................................................101 parts ....................................................................179 positioning planes................................................223 reference lines.....................................................102 reference models.......................................... 88, 176 selected parts ......................................................180 toolbars..................................................................26 tooltips ...................................................................32 top-in-form face ...................................................124 unselected parts ..................................................180 work area...............................................................69
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
269
highlighting assemblies...........................................................117 cast units .............................................................123 reference models...................................................89 selectable objects ..................................................37 hints and tips, see tips ................................................263 holes ..........................................................133, 134, 135 horizontal constraints..................................................218 horizontal position.......................................................105
logical areas....................................................... 207, 208 lotting ..........................................................................214 adding parts .........................................................214 creating ................................................................214 deleting ................................................................215 removing ..............................................................215
m
Magnifier .....................................................................166 materials .......................................................................98 measuring objects.......................................................190 angles ..................................................................191 bolt spacing..........................................................191 distances..............................................................191 menu tooltips.................................................................32 Mini Toolbar customizing............................................................27 toolbars in Model Editor .........................................27 mirroring objects ...................................................................50 Model Browser ............................................................234 Model Editor..................................................................25 screen layout .........................................................65 Model Organizer .........................................................207 modeling hints and tips........................................................263 parametric modeling ............................................233 Modeling of floor bay (66) ...........................................160 models about 3D models....................................................59 checking for errors ...............................................190 creating ..................................................................60 dividing into phases .............................................211 examining ............................................................165 flying through model ............................................168 inquiring ...............................................................171 moving .................................................................168 numbering............................................................195 organizing ............................................................207 rotating.................................................................167 saving ....................................................................63 viewing.................................................................165 zooming ...............................................................165 modify filter check boxes...............................................29 modifying logical areas.........................................................209 object types..........................................................209
i
identical parts.....................................................................196 reinforcements.....................................................196 importing points .....................................................................86 sketched cross sections ......................................233 inquiring models .................................................................171 object properties ......................................... 171, 172 interrupting commands .............................................................35 object selection......................................................42 introduction to Tekla Structures ....................................21
j
joining assemblies ......................................................116
l
languages available languages...............................................23 changing the language of user interface ...............25 lengthening parts ........................................................163 levels...........................................................................107 licences.........................................................................22 line cuts.......................................................................154 linear copying ..................................................................45 moving ...................................................................48 lines exact ....................................................................180 loading dialog box properties........................................32 local coordinate system ................................................71 locking the pointer in a direction ...................................55
270
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
moving hints and tips ....................................................... 263 linearly to new position.......................................... 48 models in a view.................................................. 168 objects.............................................................43, 46 positioning planes ............................................... 224 to another object ................................................... 49 to another plane .................................................... 48 toolbars ................................................................. 26 using coordinates .................................................. 47 using drag-and-drop.............................................. 48 using handles ...................................................... 101 multi-user vs single-user .............................................. 24
n
nested assemblies....................................... 40, 114, 116 numbering ..........................................................195, 197 about numbering ................................................. 195 assemblies .......................................................... 198 cast units ............................................................. 198 clearing................................................................ 204 control numbers ..........................................199, 200 family numbers............................................201, 202 history.................................................................. 204 identical parts ..............................................196, 200 identical reinforcements ...................................... 196 modifying............................................................. 204 numbering series................................................. 201 preliminary numbers............................................ 198 reinforcements .................................................... 198 sequences........................................................... 211 series...........................................................201, 203 settings............................................... 259, 260, 261 standard part model ............................................ 205 user-defined attributes ........................................ 197 what affects ......................................................... 195
object representation settings.....................................182 copying ................................................................184 creating................................................................183 deleting................................................................184 example...............................................................186 object types ................................................................207 objects clash checking.....................................................192 copying ..................................................................43 creating..................................................................35 defining visibility ..................................................179 deleting..................................................................36 duplicates ..............................................................43 filtering.................................................................173 finding distant objects..........................................194 inquiring properties..................................... 171, 172 measuring............................................................190 mirroring ................................................................50 modifying ........................................................ 35, 36 moving............................................................ 43, 46 numbering ...........................................................197 placing objects in model ......................................265 positioning ...........................................................265 properties ..............................................................35 rotating ..................................................................49 selecting ......................................................... 36, 38 showing and hiding..............................................179 offsets .........................................................................106 opening models...................................................................62 organizing the model ..................................................207 orthogonal beams.......................................................249 orthogonal directions ....................................................53 overlapping numbering series.................................................203 views ...................................................................263 overriding snap switches ..............................................53 oversized holes...........................................................135
o
object groups.............................................................. 181 color settings ....................................................... 242 copying to another model.................................... 182 creating ............................................................... 181 deleting................................................................ 182 example............................................................... 186 transparency settings .......................................... 243 object property report templates................................. 172
p
pad footings ....................................................... 118, 250 panels .........................................................................121 panning.......................................................................168 parallel constraints......................................................217 parametric modeling ...................................................233 dependencies ......................................................234 profiles.................................................................235 variables ..............................................................234 parametric profiles ........................................................97
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
271
part labels ...................................................................100 showing and hiding..............................................101 parts adding to assembly..............................................116 assemblies...........................................................113 bending................................................................108 cambering................................................... 161, 162 changing the material ............................................98 changing the profile ...............................................97 combining ............................................................157 comparing............................................................194 concrete parts......................................................118 cutting with another part ......................................156 extension lines.......................................................54 filtering .................................................................175 hiding .......................................................... 179, 180 horizontal parts ....................................................264 identical parts ......................................................196 labels .......................................................... 100, 101 lengthening in drawings.......................................163 lotting ...................................................................214 material..................................................................98 modifying part length ...........................................264 numbering................................................... 197, 201 part types...............................................................96 position ....................................................... 101, 102 profiles ...................................................................96 properties........................................................ 35, 95 sequences .................................................. 211, 212 shortening in drawings.........................................162 showing only selected parts ................................180 showing with exact lines ......................................180 splitting ................................................................158 steel parts ............................................................109 user-defined attributes...........................................99 warping ................................................................159 perpendicular constraints............................................217 phases ........................................................................211 filtering .................................................................175 picking points, see snapping.........................................50 plane views ...................................................................83 points ............................................................................85 coordinates ............................................................86 importing................................................................86 phase and ID .........................................................86 picking, see snapping ............................................50 properties...............................................................86 polybeams ......................................................... 111, 120 polygon cuts................................................................155
polygon shapes...........................................................157 polylines ......................................................................216 position bending ................................................................108 depth....................................................................104 end offsets ...........................................................106 horizontal .............................................................105 levels....................................................................107 on the work plane ................................................102 rotation.................................................................103 vertical .................................................................105 positioning planes .......................................................222 moving .................................................................224 reverting to default ...................................... 224, 225 prefixes profile name prefixes .............................................97 weld size prefix ....................................................137 preliminary numbers ...................................................198 preparing parts for welding ................................ 139, 140 printing screenshots .........................................................171 profiles ................................................................... 96, 97 filtering .................................................................176 parametric..................................................... 97, 235 prefixes ..................................................................97 separators..............................................................97 sketched profiles..................................................232 standard.................................................................97 twin profiles..........................................................112 user-defined...........................................................97 project properties ..........................................................61 project status visualizations ........................................184 copying ................................................................185 creating ................................................................184 deleting ................................................................185 example ...................................................... 185, 187 prompts .........................................................................33
r
radial dimensions ........................................................220 radius ..........................................................................108 redrawing views ............................................................83 reference lines ................................................... 101, 102 reference model objects................................................91 selecting.................................................................92
272
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
reference models.......................................................... 87 clash checking..................................................... 193 filtering................................................................. 176 hiding..................................................................... 88 highlighting ............................................................ 89 inserting................................................................. 87 modifying properties.............................................. 88 selecting ................................................................ 88 splitting into reference objects............................... 90 supported DGN objects......................................... 92 updating ................................................................ 89 viewing changes.................................................... 89 reference points....................................................55, 101 refreshing views ........................................................... 83 reinforcements identical ............................................................... 196 numbering ........................................................... 198 relative coordinates ...................................................... 73 rendered views ............................................................. 77 representation options........................................... 77 repeating commands.................................................... 34 report templates for inquiring object properties.............................. 172 representation options.................................................. 77 restoring default work plane ......................................... 71 reverting to default positioning planes........................224, 225 to old clash checking functionality....................... 194 RGB values ................................................................ 264 roles.............................................................................. 22 rollover highlight ........................................................... 37 rotating around a line ......................................................... 49 models................................................................. 167 objects................................................................... 49 parts .................................................................... 103 rotation settings................................................... 242 round holes.................................................................... 134 plates................................................................... 113 slabs.................................................................... 121 running commands....................................................... 34
s
saving dialog box properties .............................................31 models...................................................................63 sketched cross sections ......................................230 screen layout in Model Editor ......................................................65 screenshots creating................................................................170 in Windows Vista .................................................170 printing.................................................................171 saving in bitmap format .......................................171 settings ................................................................243 sections ......................................................................208 selecting adding objects to selection ....................................42 assemblies ............................................................40 cast units ...............................................................40 crossing window selection.....................................38 handles..................................................................39 interrupting object selection...................................42 modifying selection................................................42 multiple objects......................................................38 nested assemblies.................................................40 objects ............................................................ 36, 37 objects in components...........................................40 reference model objects ........................................92 reference models...................................................88 single objects.........................................................38 window selection ...................................................38 selection filters................................................... 174, 175 selection switches.........................................................37 in Drawing Editor ...................................................38 in Model Editor ......................................................38 sequences ..................................................................211 adding parts.........................................................212 creating................................................................212 deleting................................................................213 inquiring...............................................................213 modifying .............................................................213
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
273
settings bolt properties......................................................255 concrete beam properties....................................252 concrete column properties .................................252 concrete panel properties ....................................254 concrete slab properties ......................................253 contour plate properties.......................................248 corner chamfer properties ...................................258 display settings ....................................................245 edge chamfer properties......................................259 general modeling settings....................................241 grid line properties ...............................................242 grid properties......................................................241 grid view properties .............................................245 numbering settings .............................259, 260, 261 orthogonal beam properties.................................249 pad footing properties..........................................250 rotation settings ...................................................242 screenshot settings..............................................243 steel beam properties ..........................................247 steel column properties .......................................247 strip footing properties .........................................251 twin profile properties ..........................................250 view properties ....................................................244 weld properties ....................................................256 shifting the work plane ..................................................70 shortening parts in drawings.......................................162 showing assemblies...........................................................180 components .........................................................181 dimensions ............................................................36 parts labels ..........................................................101 parts with exact lines ...........................................180 positioning planes................................................223 reference lines .....................................................102 toolbars........................................................... 26, 53 tooltips ...................................................................32 top-in-form face ...................................................124 views......................................................................82 warning messages.................................................34 work area...............................................................69 single bolts..................................................................132 single grid lines .............................................................74 single-user vs multi-user...............................................24 Sketch Browser...........................................................226 sketch editor ...............................................................215
sketched cross sections..............................................215 adding constraints................................................217 adding dimensions...............................................220 arcs ......................................................................216 chamfers ..............................................................226 circles...................................................................217 creating ................................................................216 creating pictures ..................................................232 example ...............................................................229 exporting ..............................................................232 extrusion types.....................................................227 importing ..................................................... 232, 233 modifying .............................................................225 polylines...............................................................216 positioning planes ................................................222 profiles .................................................................232 saving ..................................................................230 sketch thickness ..................................................226 testing ..................................................................231 using in models....................................................231 variables ..............................................................228 slabs................................................................... 120, 121 warping ................................................................160 slotted holes................................................................134 snap switches ...............................................................51 main snap switches ...............................................51 other snap switches ...............................................52 overriding ...............................................................53 snapping dimensions.............................................................50 in orthogonal directions..........................................53 snap depth .............................................................51 snap grids ..............................................................58 snap override .........................................................53 snap priority ...........................................................51 snap symbol...........................................................50 snap zone ..............................................................50 snapping toolbar ....................................................51 to middle points....................................................101 to part extension lines............................................54 to positions at even distances......................... 53, 54 using coordinates...................................................56 using temporary reference points ..........................55 using tracking.........................................................56 Xsnap.....................................................................53 snapshots, see screenshots .......................................170 splitting parts............................................................ 158, 159 plates and slabs...................................................159 standard part models ..................................................205 standard profiles ...........................................................97 starting Tekla Structures ...............................................25 status bar ......................................................................33
274
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
steel parts................................................................... 109 assemblies .......................................................... 113 beams .........................................................109, 247 columns.......................................................111, 247 contour plates..................................... 112, 113, 248 curved beams...................................................... 110 orthogonal beams .......................................110, 249 polybeams........................................................... 111 twin profiles .................................................112, 250 storys.......................................................................... 208 strip footings .......................................................119, 251 sub-assemblies .......................................................... 115 bolting to existing assembly ................................ 133 welding to existing assembly............................... 140 surface treatment ....................................................... 141 creating new surface treatments ......................... 144 modifying............................................................. 141 on all faces of part............................................... 142 on chamfered parts ............................................. 143 on cut faces......................................................... 142 on part face ......................................................... 142 on parts with openings and recesses.................. 143 on selected areas................................................ 142 tiled surface treatment.................................141, 145 switches selection switches ................................................. 38 switching between tabs ....................................................................... 30 views ..................................................................... 83 Symbol Editor ............................................................... 25
tips activating overlapping views................................263 copying and moving efficiently ............................263 creating horizontal parts ......................................264 finding RGB values for colors..............................264 modifying part length ...........................................264 placing objects.....................................................265 positioning objects in radial or circular pattern ....265 toolbars.........................................................................26 Mini Toolbar...........................................................27 moving...................................................................26 tooltips ..........................................................................32 top-in-form face ..........................................................124 tracking .........................................................................56 transparency settings .................................................243 twin profiles........................................................ 112, 250
u
user interface in Model Editor ......................................................65 languages....................................................... 23, 25 overview ................................................................24 user-defined attributes..................................................99 in numbering........................................................197 user-defined profiles .....................................................97
v
variables in parametric modeling ........................................234 in sketching .........................................................228 vertical constraints......................................................219 vertical position...........................................................105 view depth ..................................................................179 view filters...................................................................174 view planes...................................................................79 moving...................................................................80 viewing logical areas ........................................................210 models........................................................ 165, 169 numbering history................................................204 object types .........................................................210 sequence numbers..............................................213
t
tabs............................................................................... 30 template attributes in filtering............................................................. 177 Template Editor ............................................................ 25 temporary reference points .......................................... 55 testing sketched cross sections.................................. 231 tiled surface treatment................................................ 145 creating new tile patterns .................................... 149 pattern definition example ................................... 146 pattern definitions................................................ 145 pattern elements ................................................. 146
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
275
views.............................................................................76 arranging ...............................................................83 closing ...................................................................83 creating..................................................................81 deleting ..................................................................82 modifying ...............................................................82 naming...................................................................81 opening..................................................................82 overlapping ..........................................................263 properties.............................................................244 refreshing...............................................................83 switching between views .......................................83 temporary ..............................................................81 view planes............................................................79 view types..............................................................77 visibility of objects .......................................................179 visualizing project status.............................................184
wildcards .....................................................................176 window selection...........................................................38 wire frame views ...........................................................77 work area ............................................................. 68, 179 defining ..................................................................69 hiding .....................................................................69 work plane.....................................................................70 restoring.................................................................71 shifting ...................................................................70 workspace in Model Editor.......................................................59
x
Xsnap............................................................................53
w
warning messages........................................................34 warping beams..................................................................159 concrete parts......................................................159 concrete slabs .....................................................160 welds.................................................................. 135, 256 creating....................................................... 138, 139 filtering .................................................................178 numbering............................................................260 weld position........................................................136 weld preparation ......................................... 139, 140 weld size prefixes ................................................137 weld types............................................................257 welding sub-assemblies ......................................140
z
zooming using Magnifier ....................................................166 with keyboard shortcuts .......................................166 zoom settings.......................................................166 zoom window .......................................................166 zooming in or out ........................................................165
276
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15