Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
Modeling Manual
Contents
Preface .............................................................................................................17
Audience ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
Additional help resources .................................................................................................................................. 17
Conventions used in this guide ......................................................................................................................... 18
Related guides .................................................................................................................................................. 19
1.2
Interface overview................................................................................................................................. 24
Starting Tekla Structures..................................................................................................................
Exiting Tekla Structures ...................................................................................................................
Changing the language of the user interface ...................................................................................
Tekla Structures editors ...................................................................................................................
Toolbars ...........................................................................................................................................
Moving a toolbar ........................................................................................................................
Mini Toolbar .....................................................................................................................................
Customizing Mini Toolbar ..........................................................................................................
Dialog boxes ....................................................................................................................................
Dialog box elements ..................................................................................................................
Common buttons .......................................................................................................................
Tabs ..........................................................................................................................................
Save, Load, Save as .................................................................................................................
Saving dialog box properties .....................................................................................................
Loading dialog box properties ...................................................................................................
Tooltips.............................................................................................................................................
Status bar.........................................................................................................................................
Warning messages ..........................................................................................................................
1.3
21
22
22
23
23
24
25
25
25
25
26
26
27
27
28
29
30
30
31
31
32
32
33
34
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1.5
Selecting objects................................................................................................................................... 36
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
37
37
38
38
38
38
39
40
40
42
42
1.7
35
35
36
36
43
43
44
45
45
45
46
46
46
47
48
48
48
49
49
49
49
50
Snapping to positions............................................................................................................................ 50
Snap zone ........................................................................................................................................ 50
Snap depth ....................................................................................................................................... 51
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
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
2.2
59
60
61
62
63
63
64
64
Screen layout........................................................................................................................................ 65
Changing the background color ....................................................................................................... 66
Background color examples............................................................................................................. 66
2.3
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
Coordinate system................................................................................................................................ 71
2.6
Grids ..................................................................................................................................................... 72
Grid coordinates...............................................................................................................................
Grid labels ........................................................................................................................................
Creating a grid..................................................................................................................................
Modifying a grid................................................................................................................................
Deleting a grid ..................................................................................................................................
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73
73
73
74
74
Views..................................................................................................................................................... 76
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
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
87
88
88
88
89
89
89
90
91
92
92
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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
3.3
3.4
101
102
102
102
103
104
105
105
106
107
108
109
110
110
111
111
112
112
113
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113
114
115
115
116
116
116
3.6
122
122
122
123
123
123
123
124
124
124
124
125
118
119
119
120
120
120
121
121
116
117
117
117
118
118
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128
128
129
130
131
131
132
132
132
132
133
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 ...................................................................
4.4
4.5
136
137
138
138
139
139
140
140
140
141
142
142
142
142
143
143
144
145
145
146
146
149
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
149
150
150
151
152
153
153
154
154
154
155
155
156
156
157
157
158
158
158
159
159
159
159
160
160
161
162
162
162
163
5.2
5.3
165
166
166
166
167
168
168
169
170
170
171
171
171
172
172
172
173
10
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5.5
179
179
180
180
180
180
181
181
181
182
182
182
183
184
184
5.6
175
175
175
175
176
176
176
177
177
178
178
178
179
184
185
185
185
185
186
186
187
187
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11
191
191
192
192
193
193
194
194
194
6.2
6.3
6.4
198
198
198
198
199
199
200
200
201
201
201
202
202
203
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
12
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209
209
210
210
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 ......................................................................................................................
7.4
7.5
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
223
223
224
224
225
225
226
226
226
227
228
229
230
231
231
232
232
232
233
8.2
241
242
242
242
243
243
8.3
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247
247
248
249
8.5
250
250
251
252
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
9.2
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
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264
265
265
15
16
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
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
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.
http://www.tekla.com
Area office
E-mail address
China
TeklaStructures.Support.CHI@Tekla.com
Finland
TeklaStructures.Support.FI@Tekla.com
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
17
Area office
E-mail address
France
TeklaStructures.Support.FR@Tekla.com
Germany
TeklaStructures.Support.GER@Tekla.com
India
TeklaStructures.Support.IN@Tekla.com
Japan
TeklaStructures.Support.JPN@Tekla.com
Malaysia
TeklaStructures.Support.MY@Tekla.com
Middle East
TeklaStructures.Support.ME@Tekla.com
Sweden
TeklaStructures.Support.SWE@Tekla.com
UK
TeklaStructures.Support.UK@Tekla.com
US
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
Usage
Bold
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.
Italic bold
New terms are in italic bold when they appear in the current context
for the first time.
Monospace
Noteboxes
18
We use several types of noteboxes, marked by different icons. Their functions are shown
below:
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
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.
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.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
19
20
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
This section provides an overview of the Tekla Structures user interface and its basic features.
It also explains how to use common commands.
Contents
Main features
Tekla Structures includes the following features:
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
Basics of Tekla Structures
21
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.
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:
22
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Basics of Tekla Structures
All
Contractor
Engineer
Multimaterial Detailer
Precast Concrete Detailer
Steel Detailer
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:
Some language-dependent file and folder names include the abbreviations listed above.
See also
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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23
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
24
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Basics of Tekla Structures
A confirmation dialog box appears and you can choose whether or not to save the model.
See also
1.
2.
3.
Click OK.
4.
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.
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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
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Basics of Tekla Structures
See also
To
Do this
Move a toolbar
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 an object and move the mouse pointer on the Mini Toolbar.
2.
Click
3.
The Preview field shows what the toolbar will look like.
4.
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
5.
See also
To remove macros and user-defined attributes from the Mini Toolbar, unselect
them in the list of visible elements.
Click OK.
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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:
28
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Element
Example
Description
Button
Field
Radio button
List box
Check box
Modify filter
check box
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29
Element
Example
Description
Filter
Multiple
selection list
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
Description
Save as
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.
See also
Load
Save
2.
In the field next to the Save as button, enter a name for the set of properties.
3.
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31
See also
See also
1.
In the list box next to the Load button, select the set of properties you want to load.
2.
Click Load.
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
32
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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33
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:
to 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:
34
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See also
Ending a command
To cancel or end a command, do one of the following:
See also
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.
See also
2.
3.
, or hold down
Creating an object
To create an object:
1.
2.
3.
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35
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.
3.
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.
36
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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.
Press H.
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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37
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.
To select an object and open its pop-up menu, click the object with the right mouse
button.
You can select objects with the right mouse button only if you have
switched on the following options on the Tools > Options menu:
Select on Right-Click
Rollover Highlight
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Hold down the mouse button and drag the mouse from left to right to select the objects
that are completely within that rectangular area.
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.
2.
Hold down the Alt key and drag the mouse from left to right to select the part again.
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39
See also
See also
1.
2.
Select a part. Tekla Structures selects the entire cast unit or assembly that contains the
part.
40
1.
2.
Scroll with the mouse wheel. An orange box indicates the assembly or component that
you can select.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
Basics of Tekla Structures
Example
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
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41
To
Do this
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
See also
42
Click OK.
2.
3.
When Tekla Structures asks if you want to interrupt object selection, click Cancel.
XS_OBJECT_SELECTION_CONFIRMATION
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Limitations
The parts between which you copy or move must have the same number of cross section
corners.
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.
Click Edit > Copy, or right-click and select Copy from the pop-up menu.
3.
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43
4.
To undo the latest copy operation, click Edit > Undo. The Copy command still remains
active.
6.
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.
44
1.
2.
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3.
4.
5.
Move the cursor in the direction you want to copy the objects, but do not pick the point.
6.
7.
See also
Click OK.
2.
3.
Pick two points in the model, or enter the coordinates in the dX, dY, and dZ fields.
You can also use a formula to calculate the x, y, and z displacements. For example:
4.
5.
Click Copy.
If the dialog box is open but the command is not active anymore, click
the Pick button to re-activate the command.
Click Tools > Options > Drag and Drop to activate the command.
2.
3.
Hold down the Ctrl key and the mouse button, and drag the objects to the new position.
2.
3.
4.
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45
5.
6.
See also
1.
2.
Right-click and select Copy Special > To Another Object from the pop-up menu.
3.
4.
2.
3.
Enter the numbers of the phases from which to copy objects, separated by spaces.
For example, 2 7.
Limitations
4.
Click Copy.
5.
See also
Moving an object
To move an object:
46
1.
2.
Click Edit > Move, or right-click and select Move from the pop-up menu.
3.
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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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Move the cursor in the direction you want to move the objects, but do not pick the point.
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47
6.
7.
See also
Click OK.
2.
3.
Pick two points in the model, or enter the coordinates in the dX, dY, and dZ fields..
You can also use a formula to calculate the x, y, and z displacements. For example:
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.
Click Tools > Options > Drag and Drop to activate the command.
2.
3.
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.
48
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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See also
1.
2.
Right-click and select Move Special > To Another Object from the pop-up menu.
3.
4.
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
2.
See also
To copy and rotate the objects, click Edit > Copy Special > Rotate...
To move and rotate the objects, click Edit > Move Special > Rotate...
3.
4.
Pick the starting point of the rotation axis, or enter its coordinates.
5.
Pick the end point of the rotation axis, or enter its coordinates.
6.
7.
Optional: Enter the dZ value, which is the difference in position between the original
and copied object in the z direction.
8.
9.
2.
To copy and rotate the objects, click Edit > Copy Special > Rotate...
To move and rotate the objects, click Edit > Move Special > Rotate...
3.
4.
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49
See also
5.
6.
Optional: Enter the dZ value, which is the difference in position between the original
and copied object in the z direction..
7.
8.
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.
To copy and mirror the objects, click Edit > Copy Special > Mirror...
To move and mirror the objects, click Edit > Move Special > Mirror...
3.
Pick the starting point of the mirroring plane, or enter its coordinates and angle.
4.
Pick the end point of the mirroring plane, or enter its coordinates and angle.
5.
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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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
Auto
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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51
Button
Snap
positions
Description
Symbol
Reference lines
and points
Large
Geometry lines
and points
Small
Button
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Snap
positions
Description
Points
End points
Centers
Midpoints
Intersections
Perpendicular
Symbol
Button
Snap
positions
Description
Nearest point
Line extensions
Free
Symbol
To show or hide the snap symbols, click Tools > Options > Options... >
Mouse settings, and select or clear the Display snap symbol check
box.
Right-click and select the appropriate snap option from the pop-up menu.
To show or hide the Snap Override toolbar, click Tools > Toolbars > Snap Override.
2.
Initiate a command that requires you to pick positions. For example, create a beam.
Tekla Structures displays an angle symbol to indicate the direction of snapping.
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53
2.
Initiate a command that requires you to pick positions. For example, create a beam.
is active.
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2.
Initiate a command that requires you to pick positions. For example, create a beam.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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.
Initiate a command that requires you to pick positions. For example, create a beam.
2.
To lock the x coordinate, press X. You can snap to points only in the x direction.
3.
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55
Initiate a command that requires you to pick positions. For example, create a beam.
2.
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.
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
56
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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Tracking beyond
the snap point
You can also track beyond the snap point, for example, 4000 units from the last point picked.
Tracking in the
opposite
direction
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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57
Description
One coordinate
A distance to an indicated
direction.
Two coordinates
Three coordinates
Special character
, (comma)
<
Relative coordinates
snap switch.
2.
58
3.
Optional: Define offsets for the snap grid origin in the Origin fields.
4.
To activate the snap grid, select the Activate snap grid when free snap is on check
box.
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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
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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59
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.
3.
4.
Optional: In the Model template list box, select the template you want to use.
5.
In the Model type list box, define whether the model may be used by one person or
shared by many.
6.
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Click OK.
Tekla Structures creates the model and opens the default model view.
2.
Enter the project information you want to use. All the fields are optional.
3.
In the Description field, enter a description that helps you identify the model when you
next need to open it.
The description appears in the Open dialog box.
4.
5.
6.
To save the project properties as the default properties for this project, click Tools >
Defaults > Save Defaults..
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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61
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.
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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.
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...
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
2.
In the Save as dialog box, browse to the folder where you want to save the model.
3.
4.
Click OK.
Tekla Structures creates a new copy with a different name, but the original version of the
model remains intact.
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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.
2.
Add the desired profiles, custom components, and so on, in the model.
3.
4.
Move the whole model folder in the location pointed by the variable
XS_MODEL_TEMPLATE_DIRECTORY.
64
6.
7.
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65
Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View.
2.
XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR1
XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR2
XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR3
XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR4
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.
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RGB values
Result
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67
RGB values
Result
See also
68
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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
2.
See also
Define the work area by following the instructions on the status bar.
Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View.
2.
3.
Click OK or Apply.
4.
Click View > Redraw All. Tekla Structures hides the work area.
5.
To make the work area visible again, set the variable to FALSE.
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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69
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
Click View > Set Work Plane and select one of the commands.
For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
2.
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Shift the work plane by following the instructions on the status bar.
3.
See also
Optional: In the second list box on the Snapping toolbar, select Work plane to display
the work plane grid.
Click View > Set Work Plane > Parallel to XY(Z) Plane...
2.
3.
4.
Click Change.
Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View.
2.
See also
3.
Click OK.
4.
Close and reopen the view for the change to take effect.
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71
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:
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.
Optional: To bind objects to the grid lines, select the Magnetic grid plane check box.
4.
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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73
Modifying a grid
To modify a grid:
1.
is selected.
2.
3.
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.
is selected.
2.
3.
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 Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View.
2.
See also
3.
Click OK.
4.
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.
See also
1.
2.
3.
4.
See also
1.
is selected.
2.
Double-click a grid line. The Grid Line Properties dialog box appears.
3.
4.
is selected.
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75
2.
3.
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:
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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77
Option
Description
Wireframe
Example
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Option
Description
Rendered
Show Only
Selected
Example
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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79
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.
80
1.
2.
Right-click and select Move Special > Linear... from the pop-up menu.
3.
Pick the starting point of the translation vector, or enter its coordinates.
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4.
Pick the end point of the translation vector, or enter its coordinates.
5.
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.
2.
3.
c
See also
Click Modify.
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81
2.
Click View > Create View of Model > Along Grid Lines...
3.
4.
5.
See also
Opening a view
To view and open an existing view:
1.
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:
See also
1.
2.
3.
Click Modify.
Deleting a view
To delete a named view:
1.
2.
3.
Click Delete.
To delete multiple views, use the Shift and Ctrl keys when you select
views from the list.
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Press Ctrl+P.
In the View Properties dialog box, select an option from the Angle list box, and then
click Modify.
Refreshing views
To refresh the screen display, do any of the following:
To
Do this
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
Do this
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83
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.
84
1.
2.
3.
Click the middle mouse button. Tekla Structures draws the plane.
4.
Double-click the plane in the model. The Construction Plane Properties dialog box
appears.
5.
6.
Optional: To make the construction plane magnetic, select the Magnetic check box.
7.
Click Modify.
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Setting up the Workspace
2.
3.
4.
Click Modify.
2.
Create the construction circle by following the instructions on the status bar.
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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85
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.
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.
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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.
2.
Check the work plane position, as it determines the rotation of the reference model in the
Tekla Structures model.
3.
4.
Click the Browse... button to browse for the reference model file.
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87
5.
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).
6.
7.
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:
2.
Double-click the reference model to open the Reference Model Properties dialog box.
3.
4.
2.
switch.
88
1.
2.
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2.
2.
IFC (.ifc)
Cadmatic (.3dd)
WebViewer (.xml)
3D DWG (.dwg)
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89
2.
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.
3.
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.
Select the reference model and double-click it to display the Reference Model
Properties dialog box.
2.
Click Subdivide.
The variable
XS_USE_EXACT_EXTREMA_FOR_REFERENCE_MODELS is
not compatible with this feature.
Example
90
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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91
polyface mesh
polygon mesh
proxy object (for example, ADT)
ACIS objects (3DSolid, Body, Region)
2.
switch.
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93
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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
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
Description
Name
Profile
Material
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Property
Description
Finish
Class
Part types
The main concrete parts are:
beam
polybeam
column
pad footing
strip footing
panel
slab
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
Description
A standard profile.
A parametric profile.
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.
2.
3.
To display all the profiles of the profile catalog in the tree, select the Show all
profiles check box.
4.
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.
Click Modify.
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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
Description
Alias
Analysis information
Design information
User attributes
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.
2.
3.
98
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.
4.
5.
6.
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
2 or 0
red
bright green
blue
cyan
yellow
magenta
gray
pink
10
lime
11
aqua
12
lilac
13
orange
14
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
Can be used...
Comment
Shorten
Camber
Preliminary mark
Locked
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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2.
Click Display...
3.
4.
5.
6.
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
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101
2.
Click the handle you want to move. Tekla Structures highlights the handle.
3.
See also
2.
3.
On the Advanced tab, select the Part reference line check box.
4.
2.
3.
Click Modify.
Middle
Right
Left
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
Right
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Example
Position
Example
Left
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:
Front
Top
Back
Below
You can also define the angle of rotation. Tekla Structures measures positive values clockwise
around the local x axis.
Examples
Position
Example
Front
Top
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Position
Example
Back
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:
Middle
Front
Behind
Examples
Position
Middle
Front
Behind
Middle 100
Front 100
Behind 100
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Example
Vertical position
When you define the vertical position of a part, relative to its reference point, you have the
following options:
Middle
Down
Up
Examples
Position
Example
Middle
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:
Middle
Left
Right
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Examples
Position
Example
Middle
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:
106
Field
Description
Dx
Changes the length of the part by moving the part end point along the
reference line.
Dy
Dz
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Examples
Position
Example
Dx
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
Description
Bottom
Top
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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.
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.
You can also define the plane of curvature, which is relative to the current work plane. The
options are:
108
XZ plane
XY plane
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Examples
Number of segments: 2
Number of segments: 5
Number of segments: 15
2.
3.
4.
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109
See also
See also
1.
2.
3.
See also
110
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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See also
1.
2.
3.
4.
Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
5.
2.
3.
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111
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
1.
2.
3.
4.
See also
112
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Pick the starting point again, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
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See also
1.
Create a square contour plate with its sides equal to the diameter of the round plate you
want to create.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Modify.
7.
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:
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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Drawing 2, Workshop 2
Drawing 1, Workshop 1
Complex truss
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.
Built-up profile
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.
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.
Select the parts and/or assemblies that you want to join together.
3.
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.
Right-click and select Make into Sub-Assembly from the pop-up menu.
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To
Do this
2.
3.
Right-click and select Assembly > Add to Assembly from the pop-up menu.
4.
2.
Select the assemblies you want to add to another assembly. They will become subassemblies in the nested assembly.
3.
Right-click and select Assembly > Add as sub-assembly from the pop-up menu.
4.
Joining assemblies
To join existing assemblies without adding any loose parts:
1.
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2.
3.
Right-click and select Assembly > Make into Assembly from the pop-up menu.
The assembly with the largest volume becomes the main assembly.
2.
Object type
Highlight color
magenta
cyan
Reinforcement
blue
orange
yellow
2.
Right-click and select Assembly > Remove from Assembly from the pop-up menu.
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.
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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117
2.
3.
Click Modeling > Assembly > Set as New Main Object of Assembly.
4.
2.
Right-click and select Assembly > Set as New Main Sub-Assembly from the pop-up
menu.
See also
118
1.
2.
3.
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See also
1.
2.
3.
4.
Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
5.
2.
3.
See also
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119
See also
1.
2.
3.
4.
See also
1.
2.
3.
4.
Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
5.
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See also
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Pick the starting point again, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
See also
1.
Create a square slab with sides equal to the diameter of the round slab you want to
create.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Modify.
7.
2.
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121
See also
3.
4.
Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
5.
2.
3.
2.
3.
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2.
3.
4.
Select the cast unit to which you want to add the part.
2.
2.
Object type
Highlight color
magenta
cyan
Reinforcement
blue
orange
yellow
2.
See also
1.
2.
Copy the cast unit like any other object in Tekla Structures.
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123
Double-click a concrete part to open the concrete part properties dialog box.
2.
3.
In the Cast unit type list box, select Precast or Cast in place.
4.
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:
2.
Right-click and select Cast Unit > Set Top in Form Face.
3.
Select the part face that will face upwards in the form.
124
1.
2.
Right-click and select Cast Unit > Show Top in Form Face.
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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.
Optional: To check what is currently the main part of the cast unit, click Tools > Inquire
> Assembly Objects.
2.
3.
Right-click and select Assembly > Set as New Main Part of Assembly from the pop-up
menu.
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125
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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
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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127
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.
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
Bolt dist X
Bolt dist Y
Array
xy list
Circle
Number of bolts.
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
128
The picked points are shown as crosses in the examples below. The dashed line indicates the x
direction.
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Bolt group
shape
Dimensions
Array
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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129
Field
Description
Thread in material
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.
Cut length
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.
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
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.
See also
1.
2.
3.
Select the primary part, to which the secondary parts will be bolted.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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131
See also
1.
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box.
2.
Under Bolt group, select Array from the Shape list box.
3.
4.
5.
Create the bolt the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on
the status bar.
Apply a component.
2.
3.
2.
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Connect part/
assembly
Bolt type
Result
As sub-assembly
Workshop or Site
As secondary part
Workshop
As secondary part
Site
No assembly created.
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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:
Round
Oversized
Slotted
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Tapped
See also
1.
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box.
2.
3.
If you do not want to create any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check
boxes.
4.
5.
Create the holes the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on
the status bar.
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box.
2.
To indicate which parts should be slotted, select the desired Parts with slotted holes
check boxes.
Tekla Structures counts the pieces of steel from the head of the bolt down. For example,
if you select the second check box from the head of the bolt, Tekla Structures slots the
second piece of steel from the head of the bolt.
3.
If you do not want to create any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check
boxes.
4.
5.
Enter the allowance for the slotted hole in the x and y directions of the hole group using
the Slotted hole X or Slotted hole Y fields.
Tolerance
Slotted hole X or Y
Bolt size
6.
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Optional: In the Rotate slots list box, select Even or Odd to rotate alternate holes by 90
degrees.
See also
7.
8.
Create the holes the same way you would create a bolt group. Follow the instructions on
the status bar.
Double-click the Create bolts icon to open the Bolt Properties dialog box.
2.
Select the desired Parts with slotted holes check boxes to indicate which plies of the
connection get oversized holes.
3.
If you do not want to create any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check
boxes.
4.
5.
In the Oversize field, enter the allowance for the oversized hole.
You can also use a negative value to create smaller (tapped) holes.
See also
6.
7.
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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135
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
136
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
Description
Leg length
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137
2.
3.
4.
5.
See also
Optional: Create a drawing to check that the weld marks look correct.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To undo the last pick, press Backspace or click Edit > Undo Last Polygon Pick.
6.
To finish picking, click the middle mouse button or click Edit > Finish Polygon Input.
7.
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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Example
1.
2.
3.
4.
To finish picking, click the middle mouse button or click Edit > Finish Polygon Input.
5.
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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2.
3.
Connect part/
assembly
Workshop/Site
Result
As sub-assembly
Workshop or Site
As secondary part
Workshop
As secondary part
Site
No assembly created.
140
1.
Double-click the Create weld between parts icon to open the Weld Properties dialog
box.
2.
3.
4.
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5.
6.
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.
Click Detailing > Properties > Surface Treatment... to open the Surface Treatment
Properties dialog box.
2.
In the Type list box, select the type of surface treatment to use.
3.
In the Surface treatment name list box, select the specific surface treatment.
4.
5.
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6.
Set the Color to use to display the surface treatment in rendered views.
7.
In the At depth list box, select the location of the surface treatment. The options are
Middle, Front, and Behind.
8.
9.
On the Pattern tab, select the pattern from the Pattern type list box.
Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment > To Selected Area on Part Face.
2.
3.
4.
Select an area of the part face to apply the surface treatment to.
a
Move the mouse cursor over a part. The faces that you can select appear in blue.
b
Pick three or more points on the part face to define a polygonal area.
2.
3.
4.
Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment > To All Faces of Part.
2.
142
1.
Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment, and then select either To Part Face or To
Selected Area on Part Face.
2.
3.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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// Product finishes
// ------------------------//
// Type
: Type of surfacing
//
1 = concrete finish
//
2 = special mix
//
3 = tile surface
//
4 = steel finishes
2.
//
//
//
//
//
1
1
1
3.
Go to the sections that define the options for each type of surface treatment:
=========================================
*** Concrete Finish
=========================================
WET FINISH
---------MF
"Magnesium Float"
SMF
"Smooth Magnesium Float"
WT
"Wet Trowel"
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
Description
TilePatternCatalog.xml
TilePatternCatalog.dtd
Thumbnail images
Located in the
..\environments\<your_environment
>\system folder.
Element
Description
TilePatternCatalog
TilePattern
HOffset
VOffset
Tile
Color
Parameter
Label
TileOrigin
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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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2.
You may find it easier to copy one of the existing elements, and then
modify it to suit your needs.
3.
Repeat adding <TilePattern> elements for all the patterns you want to define.
4.
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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2.
See also
3.
4.
5.
Click Modify.
Type
None
Icon
Dimensions
x: not used
y: not used
Line
Rounding
x: the radius
y: not used
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Type
Icon
Dimensions
x: the radius
Arc
y: not used
x: not used
Arc point
y: not used
The chamfer is perpendicular to the edges.
Square
Square
parallel
Line and
arc
2.
3.
Pick a point where you want the chamfer to start on the part edge.
4.
Pick a second point where you want the chamfer to end on the part edge.
Tekla Structures displays the chamfer in light blue color.
5.
6.
Click OK.
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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:
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Color
Description
Magenta
Correct chamfer
Yellow
Red
Incorrect chamfer
Example
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.
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
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.
154
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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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.
Ensure that the work plane is on the plane you are cutting on.
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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.
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.
Do not create cuts with the same planes or vertices. This makes it
unclear what should be cut away.
156
1.
2.
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3.
4.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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.
2.
3.
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.
2.
3.
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.
2.
3.
2.
3.
4.
Click the middle mouse button to close the polygon and to split the part.
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.
See also
To
Do this
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159
2.
3.
In the Start field, enter the angle of the beam at its start point, relative to the part
reference line.
4.
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.
To move the upper corner of the chamfer, use the dz1 field.
To move the lower corner of the chamfer, use the dz2 field.
3.
4.
2.
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3.
Right-click and select Move Special > Linear from the pop-up menu.
4.
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.
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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Cambering a part
To camber a part:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Click Modify.
Shortening a part
To shorten a part in drawings:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Click Modify.
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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.
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
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165
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
Do this
2.
2.
3.
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Click Modify.
Click a starting corner for the zoom window, and then drag the pointer to size the
window.
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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167
To
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.
3.
1.
To
Do this
1.
2.
3.
Move the model using keyboard
shortcuts or menu commands
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2.
Click Modify.
Click OK.
3.
4.
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
2.
3.
4.
To move the clip plane, click the clip plane symbol and drag it to a new location.
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169
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:
See also
1.
2.
3.
To define which view to create the screenshot from, click Pick view and select a view.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Click Capture.
170
Adjust the visual effects for best performance in the Performance Options dialog box
in Windows Vista.
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Examining the Model
2.
3.
Click Capture.
4.
Paste the screenshot in your graphics editor and save it in .bmp format.
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.
Click Tools > Screenshot > Print Screenshot to activate automatic printing.
2.
2.
Select an object.
Tekla Structures displays the object properties in a separate window.
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171
Part type
Template
Parts
TS_Report_Inquire_Part.rpt
Assemblies
TS_Report_Inquire_Assembly.rpt
Cast units
TS_Report_Inquire_Cast_Unit.rpt
Welds
TS_Report_Inquire_Welding.rpt
Reference models
TS_Report_Inquire_Reference.rpt
You can modify these templates according to your needs. For more information on how to use
templates, see the Template Editor user documentation.
2.
Select a part.
Tekla Structures displays the part properties in the tool window.
2.
3.
4.
To create new calculated attributes, click Add. You can use standard
mathematical symbols (+, -, *, and /) to form equations.
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To add more attributes to the tool window, click an item in the Attributes list and
then click the right arrow button.
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.
2.
3.
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.
5.
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.
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.
3.
Click Modify.
Only objects allowed by the filter are displayed.
2.
2.
Click Object group... to open the Object Group - View Filter dialog box.
3.
4.
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.
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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Click Edit > Selection Filter... to open the Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box.
2.
3.
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.
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
2.
3.
Select the Or option. The filter is now looking for an object that has the Name BEAM or
COLUMN.
4.
5.
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175
1.
2.
Fill in the part phases, 1 and 2. Separate the strings with a blank space.
3.
4.
2.
3.
4.
5.
2.
3.
4.
5.
In the Value list box, enter the ID numbers of the reference models you want to hide.
To hide several reference models, separate their IDs with spaces.
6.
7.
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
Description
Example
* (asterisk)
? (question mark)
Matches a single
character
[ ] (square brackets)
Matches whatever is
enclosed in the
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.
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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
Value
Assembly type
precast
cast in place
steel
timber
miscellaneous
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.
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.
2.
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.
See also
1.
2.
3.
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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179
2.
Select the parts you want to hide. The parts are shown as sticks.
To completely hide the parts, hold down the Shift key when selecting
the command and the parts.
3.
2.
Right-click and select Show Only Selected. The unselected parts become almost
transparent.
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.
2.
Click View > Representation > Short Part with Exact Lines.
3.
4.
To clear the exact lines effect, click View > Redraw All.
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To
Do this
See also
Hide an assembly
1.
2.
To
Do this
See also
Hide a component
1.
2.
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.
Click View > Representation > Object Representation... to open the Object
Representation dialog box.
2.
Click Object group... to open the Object Group - Representation dialog box.
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3.
4.
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.
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.
2.
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.
Delete the object group file located in the models attributes folder.
Object groups have the file name extension *.PObjGrp.
2.
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2.
3.
Select a predefined object group from the Object group list box.
4.
Use the Color list box to define the color of the objects in the object group.
5.
Use the Transparency list box to define the transparency of the objects in the object
group.
6.
7.
Use the Move up and Move down buttons to change to order of the rows.
If an object belongs to several object groups, the coloring and visibility of the objects
defined on the top row is applied to that object.
8.
9.
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183
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
2.
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.
Delete the object representation file located in the models attributes folder.
Object representation settings have the file name extension *.rep.
2.
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:
184
1.
Click Tools > Project Status Visualization... to open the Project Status Visualization
dialog box.
2.
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Define a start and end date for the time scale slider.
3.
4.
5.
6.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
2.
2.
Modify the value of the user-defined attribute Planned erection date on the Status tab.
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185
3.
4.
5.
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.
Click Modify.
7.
2.
3.
In the Object Group - Representation dialog box, create an object group that includes
all objects whose user-defined attribute Planned erection date is earlier than or equal to
the review date.
a
In the Category list box, select Object.
b
In the Value list box, select Select date... The Select Date dialog box appears.
4.
In the field next to the Save as button, type a name for the group. For example,
plan_same_or_before_review_date.
5.
186
1.
Click View > Representation > Object Representation... to open the Object
Representation dialog box.
2.
Define the color and transparency settings for the object group that you created in
Example: Creating object groups (p. 186).
a
Click Add row.
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In the Object group list box, select the object group you just created.
3.
Define the color and transparency settings for the object group All.
a
Click Add row.
b
In the Object group list box, select the object group All.
4.
In the field next to the Save as button, type a name for the object representation settings.
5.
Click Tools > Project Status Visualization... to open the Project Status Visualization
dialog box.
2.
3.
Define a start and end date for the time scale slider.
4.
In the Object representation list box, select the object representation setting you
created in Example: Creating object representation settings (p. 186).
5.
6.
In the field next to the Save as button, type a name for the visualization.
7.
Click Tools > Project Status Visualization... to open the Project Status Visualization
dialog box.
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187
2.
In the list box next to the Load button, select the visualization setting you created in
Example: Creating visualization settings (p. 187).
3.
Click Load.
4.
Review date
November 02
November 05
November 08
188
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Visualization
Review date
Visualization
November 11
November 14
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189
Review date
Visualization
November 17
November 20
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.
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 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.
2.
3.
Select a part.
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191
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.
2.
3.
To quickly locate and view colliding parts, select a row in the List dialog box.
Tekla Structures highlights the corresponding parts in the model.
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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2.
3.
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.
If Tekla Structures cannot find the bolt head or nut diameter in the bolt
catalog, it uses the shank diameter instead.
IFC
DWG
DGN
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193
In the Viewer and Drafter configurations, only the old clash checking
functionality is available.
2.
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).
Click Tools > Diagnose & Repair Model > Find Distant Objects.
Tekla Structures displays a list of object IDs.
2.
3.
See also
194
XS_DISTANT_OBJECT_FINDER_TOLERANCE
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This section explains how to change numbering settings and apply numbering in Tekla
Structures.
Contents
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195
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:
Part geometry
Numbering series
Profile
Material
Finish
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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Bar geometry
Numbering series
Size
Grade
Bending radius
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.
Reinforcements
Always carry out full numbering on the model after you have changed
the numbering settings.
2.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering and select one of the commands.
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...
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See also
Assembly and cast unit numbering may affect part numbering, if the
variable XS_USE_ASSEMBLY_NUMBER_FOR is set.
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.
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
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Assign Control Numbers... to open the
Create control numbers dialog box.
2.
3.
In the Numbering list box, specify which parts get control numbers.
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199
4.
If you are assigning control numbers to parts in a specific numbering series, type the
prefix and start number in the corresponding fields.
5.
See also
6.
In the Renumber list box, specify how to treat parts that already have control numbers.
7.
Use the direction list boxes to specify in what order to assign control numbers.
8.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Lock/Unlock Control Numbers to open the
Lock/Unlock control numbers (S10) dialog box.
2.
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.
3.
4.
Create three identical beams with the numbering series prefix P and start number 1.
2.
Number the model. All the beams have the part position number P1.
3.
4.
Number the model. You should now have two beams P1 and one P2.
5.
6.
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Compare to old: P1
Keep number if possible: P2
Take new number: P3
For example, if you define a numbering series with the prefix P and starting number 1001,
Tekla Structures numbers that series P1001, P1002, P1003, ...
2.
If you are modifying the properties of a concrete part, go to the Cast unit tab.
3.
4.
Click Modify.
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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201
1.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to open the
Numbering Setup dialog box.
2.
3.
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.
If you are assigning family numbers to parts that have already been numbered, clear the
existing numbers.
7.
See also
2.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Change Number > Family Number...
3.
In the Assign Family Number dialog box, type the desired values in the Family number
and Family qualifier fields.
4.
Click Assign.
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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.
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203
Select an object.
2.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Change Number and select one of the
commands.
For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
3.
Set the desired properties. The options you have vary depending on your selection in
step 2.
If the number you specified is already in use, Tekla Structures displays a warning and
does not change the number.Tekla Structures also displays a warning if the position
number is higher than the highest current number. This is for information only and the
number is still changed.
4.
Click Assign.
2.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Clear Numbers and select one of the
commands.
For more information on each command, see the corresponding menu tooltip.
For information on how to interpret the log file, see Numbering history
log.
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2.
3.
4.
5.
Give the objects prefixes that are not used elsewhere (for example, STD1, STD2, and so
on).
Ensure that the standard part model does not contain duplicate prefixes.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Check that the variable XS_STD_PART_MODEL is set, and that it points to the correct
standard part model.
For example:
XS_STD_PART_MODEL=C:\Tekla StructuresModels\StandardParts
10.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to display the
Numbering Setup dialog box.
11.
If you have selected the Part name check box, ensure that the project model has the
same part names as the standard part model.
12.
13.
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206
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Advanced Modeling
This chapter explains some advanced modeling techniques available in Tekla Structures.
Contents
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207
2.
208
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3.
4.
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).
2.
3.
In the model, select the objects you want to add to an object type category.
4.
In Model Organizer, right-click the object type category and select Add Selected to
Category .
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209
To
Do this
1.
2.
Move categories
1.
2.
Add objects
1.
2.
Move objects
1.
2.
3.
Remove objects
1.
2.
3.
2.
3.
To view the classification information of an object, right-click the object in the model
and select Model Classification > Show Related Classification, or in the Model
Organizer, select an object and click
210
1.
2.
3.
4.
Click OK to confirm.
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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.).
Click Tools > Phase Manager.... The Phase Manager dialog box appears.
2.
3.
Click Set current to make the selected phase the current phase.
From now on, Tekla Structures assigns all objects you create to the current phase. The @
character in front of the phase number indicates the current phase.
4.
To see which objects belong to a certain phase, select a phase from the list and
then click Objects by phases.
Tekla Structures highlights the corresponding objects in the model.
c
5.
To change the phase of one or more objects, select the objects, select a phase from
the list, and then click Modify phase.
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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211
Sequencer does not work for objects that are inside a reference model.
See also
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.
2.
Click Tools > Sequencer to display the Sequencer Properties dialog box.
3.
Type a name for the sequence. Use exactly the same name as in the objects.inp file.
For example, MY_INFO_1.
4.
Click Apply.
5.
6.
To finish adding parts to the sequence, click Edit > Interrupt or press Esc.
212
1.
Click Tools > Sequencer to display the Sequencer Properties dialog box.
2.
3.
Click OK or Apply.
4.
5.
To finish adding parts to the sequence, click Edit > Interrupt or press Esc.
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Advanced Modeling
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.
2.
Select a part.
Tekla Structures displays the properties of the part. The sequence name and number are
displayed under More. For example:
2.
3.
4.
Click Modify.
Deleting a sequence
To delete a sequence:
1.
2.
3.
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213
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.
Type the maximum weight of the lot in the Max weight field.
6.
Click Add.
Tekla Structures creates an empty lot with the defined properties.
2.
3.
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Hold down Shift and select the parts that you want to add to the lot.
4.
5.
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.
2.
3.
Hold down Ctrl and select the parts you want to remove from the lot.
Tekla Structures deselects the parts.
4.
5.
Deleting a lot
To delete a lot:
1.
2.
Click Properties...
3.
4.
Click Delete.
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215
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.
2.
Click Modeling > Profiles > Define Cross Section in Sketch Editor....
Tekla Structures opens the:
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
You can create line segments in the cross section editor by picking points.
To sketch a polyline:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Sketching an arc
You can create an arc in the cross section editor by picking three points.
To sketch an arc:
216
1.
2.
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Advanced Modeling
3.
Sketching a circle
You can create a circle in the cross section editor by picking two points.
To sketch a circle:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2.
3.
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217
2.
3.
Select the line to place at a 90 degree angle to the first line selected.
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.
2.
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Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the Cross Section Sketch Editor
View.
To add a horizontal constraint:
1.
2.
Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the Cross Section Sketch Editor
View.
To add a vertical constraint:
1.
2.
2.
3.
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219
See also
2.
220
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Advanced Modeling
Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the Cross Section Sketch Editor
View.
To add an angle dimension:
1.
2.
3.
2.
3.
4.
Pick a point to indicate the location of the dimension lines and text.
2.
3.
4.
Pick a point to indicate the location of the dimension lines and text.
2.
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221
3.
4.
Pick a point to indicate the location of the dimension lines and text.
You can define part positioning planes that define the Middle option of an asymmetric cross
section:
222
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.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
Advanced Modeling
If you want to place details as in the image below, you need to move the connection positioning
planes.
See also
Before you start, sketch the shape of the cross section in the Cross Section Sketch Editor
View.
See also
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Advanced Modeling
223
See also
See also
To move part positioning planes, click the Show or hide part positioning planes
icon.
2.
3.
4.
5.
224
1.
With the cross section open in the Cross Section Sketch Editor View, click the Show
or hide part positioning planes icon to show the part positioning planes:
2.
3.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
Advanced Modeling
4.
Click the Show or hide part positioning planes icon again to check that the planes
have reverted back to the default.
With the cross section open in the Cross Section Sketch Editor View, click the Show
or hide connection positioning planes icon to show the connection positioning planes:
2.
3.
4.
Click the Show or hide connection positioning planes icon again to check that the
planes have reverted back to the default.
Click Modeling > Profiles > Edit Cross Section in Sketch Editor....
2.
In the Component Catalog, select Sketched profiles from the list box.
3.
Double-click the cross section to open it in the Cross Section Sketch Editor View.
The sketch objects you can modify appear in yellow.
See also
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
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225
For each chamfer you want to change, double-click the chamfer symbol
in the
See also
2.
In the Chamfer Properties dialog box, change the shape and dimensions of the chamfer.
3.
Click Modify.
4.
5.
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
226
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1.
2.
3.
See also
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 =.
4.
In the Sketch Browser, right-click Thickness and select Add Equation from
the pop-up menu.
Type the value of the thickness after =.
Type
Description
Image
(Default)
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227
See also
Type
Description
Image
The Sketching toolbar includes the following tools that you can use for defining and editing
variables:
228
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
Advanced Modeling
Command
Icon
Display variables
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.
Display sketch
browser
See also
Defining variables
Display variables
Custom component browser
Thickness (P1)
Total height (h1)
Height (h2)
Width (b1)
2.
3.
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.
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229
4.
If you want to give variables different values when using the profile in a model, set
Visibility to Show.
To enter varying values for profile thickness, add a parameter variable (P1).
a
In the Variables dialog box, click Add.
b
In the Sketch Browser, right-click the Thickness object, select Add equation
from the pop-up menu, and then type =P1.
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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.
You cannot include numbers in the cross section name, or use the
name of a standard profile.
See also
2.
3.
Click Modify.
Tekla Structures updates the cross section in the Cross Section Sketch Editor View.
4.
Check that the shape of the profile does not change and that the dimensions adjust
correctly.
5.
Double-click a part icon to open the part properties dialog box. For example, doubleclick the Create beam icon to open the Beam Properties dialog box.
2.
For steel parts, click the Select... button next to the Profile field.
3.
In the Select Profile dialog box, open the Others branch at the end of the profile tree.
4.
5.
Optional: If the cross section is parametric, define its dimensions in the Value column on
the General tab.
6.
Click OK to save the profile properties and close the Select Profile dialog box.
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231
7.
Click OK to save the part properties and close the part properties dialog box.
8.
Pick points in the model to create the part with the sketched cross section.
Create a picture that shows the shape and dimensions of the cross section:
2.
See also
See also
2.
3.
4.
Select the cross sections you want to export. To export several cross sections, hold down
the Ctrl key when selecting.
5.
6.
In the Export Components dialog box, in the Selection box, do one of the following:
7.
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Advanced Modeling
Optional: To save the export file to a specific location, browse for the folder.
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).
2.
3.
Optional: To view the sketched cross sections and profiles already available in the
current model, select Sketched profiles from the list box.
4.
In the component list, right-click and select Import... from the pop-up menu.
5.
In the Import Components dialog box, browse for the folder which contains the
exported file (*.uel).
6.
7.
Click OK.
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.
See also
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Advanced Modeling
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
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.
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:
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Advanced Modeling
Command
Icon
Description
View, add or change variables in model
objects. You can use these variables to
calculate the properties of related model
objects.
Display Variables...
Model Browser...
Defining variables
Display variables
Custom component browser
HIh-s-t*b (symmetric)
HIh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2
PHIh1-h2-s-t*b (symmetric)
PHIh1-h2-s-t1*b1-t2*b2
BLLh*b*t
BLZh*b*t
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235
BLUh*b*t
PLh*b
h=height
b=thickness
(smaller=b)
Dd
ELDd1*r1*d2*r2
PDd*t
EPDd1*r1*d2*r2*t
Ph*t
Ph*b*t
Ph1*b-h2*b*t
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Advanced Modeling
HKh-s-t*b-c (symmetric)
HKh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2-c
HQh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2 (centered)
HQh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2-c
ZZh-t-e-b (symmetric)
ZZh-t-e1-b1-e2-b2
CCh-t-e-b (symmetric)
CCh-t-e1-b1-e2-b2
CWh-t-e-b-f-h1
CUh-t-h1-b-e (symmetric)
CUh-t-h1-b1-h2-b2/e
EBh-t-e-b-a (symmetric)
EBh-t-e1-b1-e2-b2-a
Reference points:1=right
2=left
3=top
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237
BFh-s-b-h1
SPDd*t
SPDd1-d2*t
ECh-t-e-b-a (symmetric)
ECh-t-e1-b1-e1-b1-a
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
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Advanced Modeling
EZh-t-e-b-f1-f3-h1-f2-a
EWh-t-e-b-b-f1-f2-h2-h1-a
RCDLs*h-d*t (symmetric)
RCDLs*h-d*t1*t2
RCXXs*h-b*t*h1-h2-ex
RCLs*h-b*t
RCDXs*h-b*h2*h1 (symmetric)
RCDXs*h-b*h4*h3*h2*h1
RCDXs*h-b*h4*h3*h2*h1-ex
RCXs*h-b*h2*h1
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239
240
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Advanced Modeling
Modeling Settings
This section provides more information about the various settings you can modify in Tekla
Structures.
Contents
Grid properties
Use the Grid dialog box to view and modify the grid properties.
Field
Description
Coordinates
Labels
Line extensions
Define how far the grid lines extend in the directions Left/Below
and Right/Above.
Origin
User-defined
attributes...
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241
See also
See also
Field
Description
Label
Extension Left/Below
Extension Right/Above
Define how far the grid lines extend in the directions Left/
Below and Right/Above.
User-defined attributes...
Visible in drawings
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
Description
X0
Y0
See also
Origin angle
The angle of the rotation axis when rotating around a line on the
work plane.
Number of copies
dZ
Rotation angle
Around
Color settings
Use the Object Representation dialog box to define the color of object groups.
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Modeling Settings
Option
Description
As is
See also
Colors
Color by class
Color by lot
Color by phase
Color by analysis
utility check
Color by attribute
Transparency settings
Use the Object Representation dialog box to define the transparency of object groups.
Option
Description
As is
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
Description
View name
View
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Modeling Settings
243
Field
Description
Rendered view
Place on clipboard
Print to file
Field
Description
Final width
Final height
DPI
See also
White background
Smooth lines
Line width
View properties
Use the View Properties dialog box to view and modify the view properties.
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Field or button
Description
Name
Angle
Projection
Rotation
View type
Representation...
View depth
How far Up and Down from the view plane Tekla Structures
displays the objects.
See also
Field or button
Description
Display...
Opens the Display dialog box for defining which objects are
displayed in the view and how.
Object group...
Opens the Object Group - View Filter dialog box for creating
and modifying object groups.
Field
Description
View plane
The plane of the view defined by two axes similarly to the basic
view.
Number of views
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
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.
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245
Field
Description
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
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
See also
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Modeling Settings
Field
Description
Name
Profile
Material
Finish
Class
User-defined attributes
Vertical
Rotation
Horizontal
Top
Bottom
Analysis tab
Composite tab
See also
Design tab
Deforming tab
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247
Field
Description
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
See also
Design tab
Deforming tab
Field
Description
Name
Profile
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Modeling Settings
See also
Field
Description
Material
Finish
Class
User-defined attributes
At depth
Analysis tab
Loading tab
Spanning tab
Design tab
Field
Description
Name
Profile
Material
Finish
Class
User-defined attributes
Vertical
Rotation
Horizontal
Top
Bottom
Analysis tab
Composite tab
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249
See also
Field
Description
Name
Profile
Material
Finish
Class
User-defined attributes
On plane
Rotation
Defines how the twin profile is rotated around its axis on the
work plane.
At depth
End offset
Horizontal
Vertical
Analysis tab
Composite tab
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Modeling Settings
Field
Description
Name
Profile
Material
See also
Field
Description
Finish
Class
User-defined attributes
Vertical
Rotation
Horizontal
Top
The position of the top surface of the pad footing in the global
z direction.
Bottom
Field
Description
Name
Shape
Material
Finish
Class
User-defined
attributes
On plane
Rotation
How much the strip footing is rotated around its axis on the
work plane.
At depth
End offset
Radius
Number of segments
Analysis tab
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251
Field
Description
Field
Description
Name
Profile
Material
Finish
Class
User-defined attributes
Vertical
Rotation
Horizontal
Top
Bottom
Analysis tab
See also
Design tab
Deforming tab
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Modeling Settings
Field
Description
Name
Shape
Material
Finish
Class
User-defined attributes
On plane
Rotation
How much the beam is rotated around its axis on the work
plane.
At depth
End offset
Radius
Number of segments
Analysis tab
See also
Loading tab
Design tab
Deforming tab
Field
Description
Name
Thickness
Material
Finish
Class
User-defined attributes
At depth
Analysis tab
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253
See also
Field
Description
Spanning tab
Loading tab
Design tab
See also
254
Field
Description
Name
Shape
Material
Finish
Class
User-defined attributes
On plane
Rotation
How much the panel is rotated around its axis on the work
plane.
At depth
End offset
Analysis tab
Spanning tab
Loading tab
Design tab
Radius
Number of segments
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
Modeling Settings
Bolt properties
Use the Bolt Properties dialog box to view or modify the properties of a bolt group.
Field
Description
Bolt size
Bolt diameter.
Bolt standard
Bolt type
Connect part/
assembly
Thread in material
Cut length
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
Oversized or slotted. Field activates after you select the Parts with
slotted holes check boxes.
Slotted hole X
Slotted hole Y
Rotate Slots
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.
On plane
Rotation
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.
See also
At depth
Dx, Dy, Dz
Offsets that move the bolt group by moving the bolt group x axis.
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Modeling Settings
255
Weld properties
Use the Weld Properties dialog box to view or modify the properties of a weld.
Field
Description
Size
Type
Angle
Contour
Finish
None
Flush
Convex
Concave
Tekla Structures displays the finish symbol above the weld type
symbol in drawings. The options are:
G (Grind)
M (Machine)
C (Chip)
Length
Pitch
Prefix
Reference text
Root face
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
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Modeling Settings
Field
Description
Edge/Around
Workshop/Site
Connect part/
assembly
Position
Root opening
Stitch weld
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
Number
Preparation
None
No
Fillet weld
10
No
Both parts
Bevel-groove (single-bevel
butt weld)
Secondary part
No
Both edges
Secondary part
Both parts
Secondary part
16
Both parts
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257
Weld
type
Name
Number
Preparation
Flare-bevel-groove weld
15
Secondary part
Edge-flange weld
No
Corner-flange weld
17
No
Plug weld
11
No
No
Spot weld
12
No
Seam weld
13
No
Slot weld
14
No
18
Secondary part
19
No
Melt-through weld
20
Material removal by
machining is required
(supplementary symbol)
21
Smooth weld
22
Field
Description
Type
x
y
dz1
dz2
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
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Modeling Settings
Field
Description
Type
Name
Cutting distance
in X direction
Cutting distance
in Y direction
More information
See also
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
Modeling Settings
259
Option
Description
Renumber all
Compare to old
Automatic cloning
See also
Holes
Part name
Beam orientation
Column orientation
Reinforcing bars
Embedded objects
Surface treatment
Tolerance
Parts can get the same number if they do not differ more than
as set in this input field.
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Modeling Settings
Field
Description
Start number
Apply for
the model.
Selected welds changes the number of the
selected welds without affecting others.
See also
Field
Description
Numbering
Step value
Renumber
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Modeling Settings
261
Field
Description
First direction
Second direction
Third direction
See also
262
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
Modeling Settings
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
2.
To stop copying or moving objects, right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up
menu.
The dialog box remains open on the screen.
3.
Select an object.
Enter the values you want to use, and then click the Move or Copy button in the
dialog box.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
Modeling Tips
263
2.
2.
3.
Go to the How to find perfect background color for your needs page.
4.
To shorten a part, move the part handles, or use the Fit Part End command.
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.
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Modeling Tips
See also
See also
Create a grid line and use the Copy Special > Rotate command to copy it.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
Modeling Tips
265
Index
#
3D
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
models................................................................... 59
views ..................................................................... 83
4D tool, see visualizing project status ........................ 184
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
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
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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
268
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
271
272
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
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
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
274
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
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
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
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
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
276
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
TEKLA STRUCTURES 15
zooming
using Magnifier ....................................................166
with keyboard shortcuts .......................................166
zoom settings.......................................................166
zoom window .......................................................166
zooming in or out ........................................................165