TS Training PCD Modeling 160 Enu

Tekla Structures
Precast Concrete Detailing
Modeling

Training Manual
Product version 16.0
February 2010
© 2010 Tekla Corporation

© 2010 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved.
This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referenced Software. Use of the Software, and use of this
Software Manual are governed by a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement sets certain
warranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, defines
permitted uses of the Software, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software. All information
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Portions of this software:
D-Cubed 2D DCM © 2008 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software III (GB) Ltd. All rights reserved.
EPM toolkit © 1995-2004 EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rights reserved.
XML parser © 1999 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights reserved.
Project Data Control Library © 2006 - 2007 DlhSoft. All rights reserved.
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reserved.
FlexNet Copyright © 2006 Flexera Software Limited. All Rights Reserved. This product contains proprietary and
confidential technology provided by and owned by Flexera Software Limited Of Schaumburg, IL, USA. Any use,
copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission of such technology in whole or in part in any
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estoppel, implication, or otherwise.
The software is protected by U.S. Patent 7,302,368. Also elements of the software described in this Manual may be
the subject of pending patent applications in the European Union and/or other countries including U.S. patent
applications 2004031231, 2004267695, 2005285881, 2006000484 and 200613639.

Contents
Introduction

11

LESSON 1

15

1
2
3

Starting Tekla Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Creating a new model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Opening a model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3.1

Model created in a previous version ..................................................................................................... 19

4

Saving a model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.1

Saving a model with a different name................................................................................................... 20

5

Moving around in the view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

5.1

Zooming................................................................................................................................................ 21

5.2

Panning................................................................................................................................................. 21

5.3

Rotating ................................................................................................................................................ 21

6

Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

6.1

View properties ..................................................................................................................................... 21

6.2

Display .................................................................................................................................................. 23

6.3

Creating a basic view............................................................................................................................ 25

6.4

Creating a top view ............................................................................................................................... 25

6.5

Creating a grid view using two points ................................................................................................... 26

6.6

Opening, closing, and deleting named views ....................................................................................... 27

6.7

Rollover highlight .................................................................................................................................. 27

6.8

Changing part representation in model views....................................................................................... 28

7

Common buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

LESSON 2

31

8

Grids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

8.1

Creating grids ....................................................................................................................................... 32

8.2

Creating a second grid.......................................................................................................................... 33

8.3

Creating a grid on a shifted work plane ................................................................................................ 34

8.4

Adding a grid line to an existing grid..................................................................................................... 34

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

1

8.5

Modifying grid lines ............................................................................................................................... 35

9 Work area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
10 Creating plane views along grid lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
LESSON 3

39

11 Snapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
11.1 Snap switches....................................................................................................................................... 40
11.2 Dimensions in snapping ........................................................................................................................ 41
11.3 Orthogonal snapping............................................................................................................................. 42

12 Mini Toolbar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
12.1 Mini Toolbar examples.......................................................................................................................... 42
12.2 Customizing Mini Toolbar...................................................................................................................... 44

13 Part properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
13.1 Attributes tab......................................................................................................................................... 46
13.2 Position tab ........................................................................................................................................... 47
13.3 Modifying part properties....................................................................................................................... 48

14 Concrete parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
14.1 Creating concrete columns ................................................................................................................... 49
14.2 Creating concrete beams...................................................................................................................... 49
14.3 Creating concrete pad footings ............................................................................................................. 50
14.4 Creating concrete strip footings ............................................................................................................ 50
14.5 Creating concrete panels ...................................................................................................................... 50
14.6 Creating concrete slabs ........................................................................................................................ 50
14.7 Creating concrete polybeams ............................................................................................................... 51

15 Concrete parts modeling tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
15.1 Contact planes in cast units .................................................................................................................. 51
15.2 Defining top-in-form face....................................................................................................................... 52
15.3 Orienting parts for drawings.................................................................................................................. 52

16 Steel parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
16.1 Creating steel columns.......................................................................................................................... 56
16.2 Creating steel beams ............................................................................................................................ 56
16.3 Creating curved steel beams ................................................................................................................ 56
16.4 Creating steel polybeams...................................................................................................................... 57
16.5 Creating orthogonal steel beams .......................................................................................................... 57
16.6 Creating steel twin profiles.................................................................................................................... 58

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16.7 Creating steel contour plates................................................................................................................. 58

17 Part modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
17.1 Moving start and end points .................................................................................................................. 60
Extending and shortening parts ........................................................................................................ 62
17.2 Bending parts ........................................................................................................................................ 63
17.3 Adding recesses to concrete parts ........................................................................................................ 64
17.4 Cambering and warping parts ............................................................................................................... 65

18 Corner chamfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
18.1 Chamfering example ............................................................................................................................. 67

19 Selection switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
19.1 Selection filters ...................................................................................................................................... 69
Selection filter example..................................................................................................................... 70
19.2 Selection example ................................................................................................................................. 71

LESSON 4

75

20 Copying and moving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
20.1 Copying ................................................................................................................................................. 77
20.2 Copying linearly ..................................................................................................................................... 78
20.3 Copying and rotating ............................................................................................................................. 78
20.4 Copying and mirroring ........................................................................................................................... 79
20.5 Copying to another plane ...................................................................................................................... 80
20.6 Copying to another object...................................................................................................................... 81
20.7 Copying from another model ................................................................................................................. 81
20.8 Moving ................................................................................................................................................... 82
20.9 Moving linearly....................................................................................................................................... 83
20.10 Moving and rotating ............................................................................................................................... 84
20.11 Moving and mirroring............................................................................................................................. 84
20.12 Moving to another plane ........................................................................................................................ 85
20.13 Moving to another object ....................................................................................................................... 85

21 Detailing profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
21.1 Fit part end ............................................................................................................................................ 85
21.2 Cut part with line.................................................................................................................................... 86
21.3 Cut part with another part ...................................................................................................................... 87
Solid error ......................................................................................................................................... 87
21.4 Cut part with a polygon.......................................................................................................................... 88

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

3

21.5 Surface treatment.................................................................................................................................. 89
Adding surface treatment to selected area....................................................................................... 89
21.6 Chamfering part edges.......................................................................................................................... 89

22 Bolts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
22.1 Bolt properties....................................................................................................................................... 90
Holes ................................................................................................................................................ 92
22.2 Creating a bolt group............................................................................................................................. 93
22.3 Modifying bolt groups............................................................................................................................ 94
22.4 Inserting a divided bolt group................................................................................................................ 94
22.5 Creating slotted holes ........................................................................................................................... 94
22.6 Bolts on cast-in embeds........................................................................................................................ 95

23 Splitting and combining parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
23.1 Splitting parts ........................................................................................................................................ 96
23.2 Combining parts.................................................................................................................................... 97

24 Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
24.1 Creating points along a line................................................................................................................... 98

25 Cast units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
25.1 Defining the cast unit type..................................................................................................................... 98
25.2 Creating cast units ................................................................................................................................ 99
25.3 Adding objects to cast units .................................................................................................................. 99
25.4 Modifying cast units............................................................................................................................... 99
25.5 Removing objects from a cast unit........................................................................................................ 99
25.6 Creating cast unit views ........................................................................................................................ 99

LESSON 5

101

26 Modifying the work area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
26.1 Fit work area to selected parts............................................................................................................ 102
26.2 Fit work area using two points............................................................................................................. 102
26.3 Fit work area to entire model in selected views .................................................................................. 103
26.4 Finding distant objects ........................................................................................................................ 103
26.5 Finding distant points .......................................................................................................................... 103
26.6 Finding distant reference models........................................................................................................ 104
26.7 Hide the work area lines...................................................................................................................... 104

27 Clip planes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
27.1 Creating clip planes............................................................................................................................. 105

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

27.2 Moving clip planes ............................................................................................................................... 105
27.3 Deleting clip planes ............................................................................................................................. 106

28 Work plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
28.1 Set work plane parallel to a plane ....................................................................................................... 106
28.2 Set work plane using three points ....................................................................................................... 107
28.3 Set work plane parallel to view plane .................................................................................................. 107
28.4 Set work plane to top plane of a part................................................................................................... 107

29 Advanced snapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
29.1 Numeric snapping................................................................................................................................ 108
29.2 Numeric location coordinates .............................................................................................................. 108
29.3 Using temporary reference points ....................................................................................................... 109
29.4 Locking coordinates............................................................................................................................. 109
29.5 Snapping examples ............................................................................................................................. 110

LESSON 6

119

30 Component catalog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
30.1 Components ........................................................................................................................................ 121
Creating components...................................................................................................................... 121
Component status........................................................................................................................... 122
Modifying component properties..................................................................................................... 122
Saving component properties ......................................................................................................... 122
Conceptual components ................................................................................................................. 122
Converting conceptual components 123
Example.......................................................................................................................................... 123
Inserting a corbel connection 123
Modifying the corbel connection 124

31 Creating component default views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
32 Material catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
32.1 Adding a material grade ...................................................................................................................... 127
32.2 Deleting a material grade .................................................................................................................... 128

33 Profile catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
33.1 Adding profiles..................................................................................................................................... 129
33.2 Modifying profiles................................................................................................................................. 130
33.3 Deleting profiles................................................................................................................................... 130

34 Parametric profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
34.1 Parametric concrete profiles................................................................................................................ 131

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

5

LESSON 7

133

35 Entering project information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
36 Switching between single-user and multi-user modes . . . . . . . 135
37 Phase Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
37.1 Dividing the model into phases ........................................................................................................... 137
37.2 Filtering phases................................................................................................................................... 137
37.3 Switching phases ................................................................................................................................ 137
37.4 Bolts in phases.................................................................................................................................... 137

38 Representing objects in model views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
38.1 Creating object representation settings............................................................................................... 138

39 Checking the model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
39.1 Performing a clash check.................................................................................................................... 140
Setting a minimum clearance for bolts for a clash check ............................................................... 140
39.2 Flying through the model..................................................................................................................... 141
39.3 Checking using reports ....................................................................................................................... 142

40 Inquire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
40.1 Inquire object....................................................................................................................................... 143
Inquire object for bolts .................................................................................................................... 143
40.2 Inquire assembly for cast units............................................................................................................ 144
40.3 Inquire welded parts............................................................................................................................ 144
40.4 Inquire center of gravity....................................................................................................................... 144

41 Measuring distances, angles, and bolt spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
LESSON 8

147

42 Custom components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
42.1 Custom component types ................................................................................................................... 148
42.2 Exploding components........................................................................................................................ 148
42.3 Defining custom components.............................................................................................................. 148
42.4 Exporting and importing ...................................................................................................................... 149

43 Reference models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
43.1 Inserting a reference model ................................................................................................................ 150
43.2 Hiding a reference model.................................................................................................................... 150
43.3 Updating a reference model................................................................................................................ 151
43.4 Detecting changes in reference models.............................................................................................. 151
Example ......................................................................................................................................... 152

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

43.5 Handling large reference models......................................................................................................... 153

44 WebViewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
44.1 Publishing a model as a web page...................................................................................................... 154

45 Tekla Structures Model Reviewer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
45.1 Opening a model in Model Reviewer................................................................................................... 155

LESSON 9

157

46 Reinforcements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
46.1 Reinforcing bar .................................................................................................................................... 158
Creating a reinforcing bar ............................................................................................................... 158
Defining a hook or a splice for a reinforcing bar ............................................................................. 160
Defining the reinforcing bar cover thickness ................................................................................... 161
Modifying reinforcing bars............................................................................................................... 161
46.2 Reinforcing bar group .......................................................................................................................... 162
Reinforcing bar group types............................................................................................................ 162
Creating a reinforcing bar group ..................................................................................................... 164
Distribution area.............................................................................................................................. 164
Distribution of bars.......................................................................................................................... 165
Omitting reinforcing bars................................................................................................................. 166
46.3 Attaching reinforcing bars to another part ........................................................................................... 167
46.4 Curved reinforcing bar group............................................................................................................... 167
46.5 Creating circular reinforcing bar group ................................................................................................ 167
46.6 Creating a reinforcement mesh ........................................................................................................... 168
46.7 Creating reinforcement strand patterns ............................................................................................... 169
46.8 Reinforcement strand example............................................................................................................ 170
Creating a point array ..................................................................................................................... 170
Creating a reinforcement strand for a beam ................................................................................... 171
46.9 Creating a reinforcement splice........................................................................................................... 173

47 Custom reinforcement component example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
47.1 Creating a reinforcement for a column ................................................................................................ 174
47.2 Defining a custom reinforcement component ...................................................................................... 178

48 Reinforcement tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
49 Reinforcement components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
49.1 Adding reinforcement components...................................................................................................... 180
49.2 Reinforcement component examples .................................................................................................. 180

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

7

LESSON 10

185

50 Component examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
50.1 Concrete components......................................................................................................................... 186
Concrete foundation (1030)............................................................................................................
Precast found block (1028) ............................................................................................................
Concrete console (110) ..................................................................................................................
Concrete console (111) ..................................................................................................................
Wall wall teeth (12).........................................................................................................................
Column - beam (14) .......................................................................................................................
Grating penetration (92) .................................................................................................................
Concrete beam-beam (112) ...........................................................................................................
Anchor (10).....................................................................................................................................
Parts at beam (82)..........................................................................................................................
Border rebar (93)............................................................................................................................
Imbedded anchors (8) and imbedded (1008) .................................................................................
Seam anchors (31).........................................................................................................................
Opening in wall (40) .......................................................................................................................
Braced girders (88 and 89).............................................................................................................
Rebar in beam (90) ........................................................................................................................
Border rebar (92)............................................................................................................................
Longitudinal reinforcement (70)......................................................................................................
Beam reinforcement (63)................................................................................................................
Pad footing reinforcement (77).......................................................................................................
Beam end reinforcement (79).........................................................................................................
Lifting anchor (80) ..........................................................................................................................
Round column reinforcement (82)..................................................................................................
Rectangular column reinforcement (83) .........................................................................................
Hole reinforcement for slabs and walls (84) ...................................................................................
Hole creation and reinforcement (85).............................................................................................
Starter bars for pillars (86)..............................................................................................................
Starter bars for footing (87) ............................................................................................................
Slab bars (18).................................................................................................................................
Reinforcement mesh array in area (89)..........................................................................................
Stairwells and elevation shafts (90)................................................................................................
Corbel connection (14) ...................................................................................................................
Seating with dowel (75) ..................................................................................................................
Two-sided seating with dowel (76) .................................................................................................
Battering connection (13) ...............................................................................................................
Precast stairs (65) ..........................................................................................................................

8

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

186
187
187
188
188
189
190
190
191
191
192
193
194
194
195
196
197
197
198
198
198
199
199
199
200
200
200
201
201
201
202
202
202
203
203
203

50.2 Steel components................................................................................................................................ 205
End plate (144) ............................................................................................................................... 205
Cranked beam (41)......................................................................................................................... 206
Haunch (40) .................................................................................................................................... 206
Joining plates (14)........................................................................................................................... 207
Base plate (1004)............................................................................................................................ 207
Base plate (1029)............................................................................................................................ 207
Stiffeners (1003) ............................................................................................................................. 209
Stub (1011) ..................................................................................................................................... 209
End plate (1002) ............................................................................................................................. 209
Stanchion weld (85) ........................................................................................................................ 210
Manlock column (1032)................................................................................................................... 210
Manlock beam (1033) ..................................................................................................................... 211
Array of objects (29)........................................................................................................................ 211

LESSON 11

215

51 Using Tekla Structures Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216
51.1 Opening Tekla Structures Help ........................................................................................................... 216
51.2 Browsing Help topics by subject.......................................................................................................... 216
51.3 Finding Help topics using the index..................................................................................................... 216
51.4 Searching for Help topics .................................................................................................................... 217
Viewing the search results.............................................................................................................. 217
Using search filters ......................................................................................................................... 217
51.5 Saving favorite Help topics .................................................................................................................. 218

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

9

10

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Introduction

Tekla Structures is Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that enables the creation
and management of accurately detailed and highly constructable 3D structural models
regardless of material or structural complexity. Tekla models can be used to cover the entire
building process from conceptual design to fabrication, erection, and construction
management.
The 3D structural model includes the geometry and design of the structure, and all the
information about profiles and cross sections, connection types, materials, structural analysis,
etc. Tekla Structures drawings and reports are integrated with the models. Consequently,
dimensions and marks are always correct. Drawings and reports can be created at any stage of
the project and updated according to the changes in the model.
Tekla helps all new Tekla Structures users to get started and to maintain their development. Our
well-defined training course is a jump start to Tekla Structures software and helps to maximize
using Tekla Structures to its full potential. During the basic training course, you will be taught
the basic principles of Tekla Structures. Each training day contains several exercises so you
will learn to apply what you have learned in theory. The instructor will show the correct
solution to each exercise. You can freely ask the the instructor questions to make sure you have
understood each point correctly.
This training manual is intended to be used during a basic Tekla Structures training course, but
you can also use it on your own after the training course. In addition, Tekla provides online
learning material so the users can learn how to benefit from version improvements and adapt to
using the new features.
The following learning and support material is available on the Tekla Extranet (https://
extranet.tekla.com) for all our customers with a valid maintenance agreement. When the
material is available also in the Tekla Structures software via the help menu, it is separately
indicated.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

11

Type

Material

Language

Location

Training manuals

Steel Detailing,
Modeling

English, French,
German, Dutch,
Italian, Spanish,
Russian, Japanese,
Chinese

Extranet:

Steel Detailing,
Drawings

Self-learning > Manuals & instructions

Precast Concrete
Detailing,
Modeling
Precast Concrete
Detailing,
Drawings
Engineering,
Modeling
Engineering,
Drawings
Construction
Management
Cast-in-place
Concrete Detailing,
Modeling

English

Cast-in-place
Concrete Detailing,
Drawings
Product
documentation

Help file
Manuals in PDF
format
Release Notes

English, French,
German, Dutch,
Italian, Spanish,
Russian, Japanese,
Chinese

Help > Tekla Structures Help

Extranet:
Self-learning > Manuals & instructions
Help > Release Notes

Quick reference
guide to Tekla
Structures

Extranet:

Keyboard shortcuts

Extranet:

Self-learning > Manuals & instructions

Self-learning > Manuals & instructions

Videos and tutorials

First Steps with
Tekla Structures Interactive Tutorial

Top New Features
Videos

More videos and
tutorials

12

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

English, Finnish,
Swedish, German,
Dutch, French,
Spanish, Italian,
Russian,
Japanese, Chinese

Help > Learning Center > First Steps with
Tekla Structures

English, German,
Dutch, French,
Spanish, Italian,
Russian,
Japanese, Chinese

Help > Learning Center > Top New Features

English

Extranet:

Extranet:
Self-learning > Interactive tutorials & videos

http://www.tekla.com/firststeps
Extranet:
Self-learning > Interactive tutorials & videos

http://www.tekla.com/topnewfeatures
Self-learning > Interactive tutorials & videos

Type

Material

Language

Location

Other support
material

Start-up checklist

English

Extranet:
Self-learning > Start-up checklist

Frequently Asked
Questions

Extranet:

Discussion Forum

Extranet:

Self-learning > Questions & answers

Discussion Forum

Product
Information

English, French,
German, Japanese,
Chinese

Extranet:
Product

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

13

14

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 1
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
how to start Tekla Structures
how to create, open, and save a model
how to move around in the model
what views are and how they are created
how to use the common buttons in the dialog boxes

>
LESSON 1

•
•
•
•
•

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

15

1

2

Starting Tekla Structures
1.
2.
3.

Click the Windows Start button.
Click All Programs.
Go to the Tekla Structures 16.0 menu item and click Tekla Structures 16.0.
The Tekla Structures - Login dialog box opens.

4.
5.

In the dialog box, select the license, role and environment you want to use.
Click OK to start Tekla Structures.

Creating a new model

LESSON 1
Creating a new model

When Tekla Structures starts, the Learn Tekla Structures dialog box opens. The dialog box
contains useful links to, for example, tutorials and quick guides.

16

To create a new model:
1.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Click Create a new model in the Learn Tekla Structures dialog box, or click File >
New....
The New dialog box opens.

2.

Enter the name of the model in the Model name box.
Do not use special characters ( / \ . ; : | ) in model names.

3.

Define the folder where you want to save your model.
By default, Tekla Structures saves the models in the
..\TeklaStructuresModels folder. If you want to save the model in another
folder, click Browse... to browse for the model folder.

4.

In the Model type list, select either Single-user or Multi-user.
If you select Multi-user, enter the server name.

5.

Click OK.

LESSON 1
Creating a new model

Tekla Structures creates a 3D view using standard view properties.

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17

3

Opening a model

LESSON 1
Opening a model

1.

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Click File > Open... or
.
The Open dialog box opens.

The information in the Designer and Description columns comes from
the Project Properties dialog box.

2.

Select the model.
By default, Tekla Structures searches for models in the
..\TeklaStructuresModels folder. If your model is in another folder, click
Browse... to browse for the model folder, or use the Look in list with the recently used
folders.

The Model name list contains the recently used models.

3.

Click OK to open the model.

3.1 Model created in a previous version
Tekla Structures displays a warning when you open a model that was created in a previous
Tekla Structures version.

You can open the model by clicking OK.
If you edit the model and want to save it, the following warning appears:

•
•

If you click Yes, the model is saved and it cannot be opened with the previous Tekla
Structures version anymore.
If you click No, the model is not saved. You can open and edit the model with the Tekla
Structures version in which the model was initially created.

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LESSON 1
Opening a model

You have two options:

19

It is recommended that you complete any models you have started using
your current Tekla Structures version. Custom components and drawings
created in an older version may not work properly in the new Tekla
Structures version.

4

Saving a model
Tekla Structures prompts you to save the open model when you close Tekla Structures. You
should also save your model regularly to avoid losing any work. Autosave also automatically
saves your work at regular intervals.
To save the model, click File > Save, or click
. Tekla Structures saves the model and the
message database stored appears on the status bar.

Autosave automatically saves your model and drawings at set intervals.
To set the autosave interval, click Tools > Options > Options... >
General.

4.1 Saving a model with a different name
To save a copy of a model with a different name:
1.
2.
3.
4.

5

Click File > Save as... to open the Save as dialog box.
Enter the new model name in the Model name box.
If you want to save the model in a different folder, click Browse... to browse for the
folder.
In the Save as dialog box, click OK to save the model.

Moving around in the view

LESSON 1
Saving a model

There are several tools you can use to change what you see in a view. This topic introduces
some of them.

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5.1 Zooming
The zoom tools allow you to focus in on a particular area, or pull out for a wider view.
Use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out in the model: scroll forward to zoom in, scroll
backward to zoom out.
You can also zoom by clicking View > Zoom and selecting an option.

5.2 Panning
To pan, hold down the middle mouse button. When the pointer changes to a hand symbol, click
and drag the model to move it anywhere in the view window.
To activate or disable the middle button pan, click Tools > Options > Middle Button Pan, or
Shift + M. There is a checkmark next to the menu option when the middle button pan is active.

5.3 Rotating
1.
2.
3.

6

To set the center of rotation, use the keyboard shortcut V.
Pick the center of rotation.
Hold down the Ctrl key and drag with the middle mouse button to rotate the model.

Views
A view is a representation of a model from a specific location. Each view is displayed in its
own window in the Tekla Structures. There are several types of views. For example, you can
create views

•
•
•
•

of the entire model
of selected parts and components
of selected assemblies and cast units
along grid lines.

6.1 View properties

LESSON 1
Views

To define the view properties, click View > View Properties.... The View Properties dialog
box opens.

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21

LESSON 1
Views

The View Properties dialog box contains the following options:

22

Option

Description

Name

Name of the view. You should give a view a unique name if
you need to open it in later sessions. When you exit the
model, Tekla Structures only saves named views.

Angle

Switch between the 3D and Plane angle.

Projection

Switch between the Orthogonal and Perspective projection.
The options are available only in the rendered view type.

Rotation around Z

Rotation angle around the z axis.

Rotation around X

Rotation angle around the x axis.

View type

View type defines the appearance of the view. The view type
options are Rendered and Wire frame.

Color and transparency
in all views

Color and transparency settings that are applied to object
groups in all views.

View depth: Up

View depth upwards from the view plane. The objects within
the displayed depth and the work area are visible in the
model

View depth: Down

View depth downwards from the view plane. The objects
within the displayed depth and the work area are visible in
the model

Visibility of object types

Define the visibility and representation of object types.

Visible object group

Define the visibility of object groups.

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6.2 Display
You can define visibility and representation settings of object types in the Display dialog box.
To open the Display dialog box, click View > View Properties... and then click Display... in the
View Properties dialog box.
The Display dialog box contains the Settings and Advanced tabs.
You can define the visibility of object types in the Settings tab. You can also define the
representation settings of model parts and components.

LESSON 1
Views

Settings tab

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23

The Fast option is the recommended representation mode for bolts. This option increases
display speed significantly and consumes less system memory. The Fast option displays the
axis and a cross to represent the bolt head. Exact shows bolts, washers, and nuts as solids.
Advanced tab

You can define the visibility of a part center line, part reference line, part labels and connection
texts in the Advanced tab.
You can also define the size of points in views. In model increases the point size on the screen
when you zoom in. In view does not.

LESSON 1
Views

Sometimes the work area in the model can be huge because points are
positioned far away from the origin of the model. To easily locate these
points for deletion, change the Point size to 1000 or 1500.

24

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6.3 Creating a basic view
Basic views are those parallel to the global basic planes, i.e. xy, xz, and zy. In basic views two
axes always define the view plane and they 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 that third axis.
To create a basic view:
1.

Click View > Create View of Model > Basic View... or
The Create Basic View dialog box opens.

2.
3.
4.

Select the plane parallel to the view plane.
Enter the level coordinate of the view plane.
Click Create.

.

Tekla Structures creates the basic view. The active properties of the View Properties dialog
box are used in the view.

6.4 Creating a top view
1.
2.

Click View > View Properties... to open the View Properties dialog box.
Select plane from the list next to the Load button. Click Load.
The properties are changed.

3.

Click OK.

4.

to open the Create Basic
Click View > Create View of Model > Basic View... or
View dialog box.
Enter the level distance in the Coordinate box. For example, if you want that the plane

5.

view is at level +4500, enter 4500 in the box.

Moving a plane in
a top view

Click Create to create the top view.
LESSON 1
Views

6.

To move a plane in a top view:

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25

1.

Click the view.
A red frame appears in the edge of the view. The view is now selected.

2.

Right-click and select Move Special > Linear....
The Move - Linear dialog box opens.

3.

Enter the moving distance in the dZ box and click Move.
The Confirm View Move dialog box opens.

4.

Click Yes.
The plane moves.

If you want to change the name of the view, double-click the view and enter the name in the
View Properties dialog box.

6.5 Creating a grid view using two points
1.

Hold down the Shift key and click View > Create View of Model > Using Two Points

2.

or
. The View Properties dialog box opens.
Selet the Plane setting from the list next to the Load button and click Load.
The view properties are changed.
Click OK.
Pick the first point on a grid line. Two arrows appear.
The arrows indicate the direction of the view.

5.

When the direction is correct, pick the second point on the grid line.
A new view is created.

LESSON 1
Views

3.
4.

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6.6 Opening, closing, and deleting named views
You can open, close, and delete named views in the Views dialog box. To open the dialog box,
click View > View List... or

.

The Named views list contains the named views that are closed.
Opening views

To open views, select them and click the arrow to move the views to the Visible views list.

The number of the named views is unlimited, but the maximum number
of open views is nine.

Closing views

To close a view, move the view to the Named views list.

Deleting views

To delete a view, select the view and click Delete.

To select multiple views on lists, use the Shift and Ctrl keys when you
select views. To deselect views, hold down the Ctrl key.

6.7 Rollover highlight

LESSON 1
Views

As you move the mouse pointer over objects in rendered model views, Tekla Structures
highlights the objects in yellow, so that you can easily see which objects you can select.

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27

To turn Rollover highlight on and off, press H or click Tools > Options > Rollover highlight.

6.8 Changing part representation in model views
In rendered views, you can define separately how Tekla Structures displays parts and
component objects.
Use the shortcuts Ctrl + 1...5 and Shift + 1...5 to set the desired representation for parts in the
model and components.
Example

Shaded wireframe (Ctrl + 2)

LESSON 1
Views

Rendered (Ctrl + 4)

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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 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.

LESSON 1
Common buttons

7

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29

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LESSON 1
Common buttons

LESSON 2
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
how to create and modify grids
what the work area is
how to create plane views along grid lines

>
LESSON 2

•
•
•

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31

8

Grids
The Tekla Structures grids are rectangular and they are shown on the view plane by dash-anddot lines. Using grids makes it easy to create a model and to locate objects in the model.
When you create a new model, Tekla Structures creates a default grid which can be modified.
You can have one or more grids for one model. You can create one large grid for the entire
model and one or more smaller grids for detailed sections. You can also create single grid lines
and attach them to an existing grid.

8.1 Creating grids

LESSON 2

1.

32

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Click Modeling > Create Grid... or click
The Grid dialog box opens.

.

2.

Adjust the grid properties by entering the x, y, and z coordinates and the labels for the
grid lines.
The coordinates in the x and y directions are relative distances. The coordinates in the z
direction are absolute distances.

Use spaces to separate the coordinate values. Enter zero as the first
coordinate value to show the first grid line on the 0,0 coordinate.

3.

Adjust other grid properties if necessary.
• Select Magnetic grid plane to bind objects to grid lines.

•
4.
5.

You can lock the grid parameters to prevent accidental changes. To lock the grid
parameters, click the User-defined attributes... button and choose Yes from the
Locked list.

Click Create.
Click Close.

8.2 Creating a second grid
You can create a second grid with a different origin.
You must have already created a grid before you begin creating a second grid.
To create a second grid:
1.

Click Modeling > Create Grid....
The Grid dialog box opens.

2.

Enter the origin coordinate values in the x0, y0, and z0 boxes in the Origin area. You can
also click a point in the view and set it as the origin.
Note that the origin must be different from the origin of the first grid.

3.
4.

Enter the grid coordinates and labels.
Click OK.

LESSON 2

You now have two grids with different origins.

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33

8.3 Creating a grid on a shifted work plane
The current work plane defines the local coordinate system of a Tekla Structures model. You
can shift the current work plane to any position by picking three points. The current work plane
is model specific so it is related to all views.

You can create a new grid and rotate the grid according to a shifted work
plane. This makes it easier to model in the shifted work plane.

8.4 Adding a grid line to an existing grid

LESSON 2

1.
2.
3.
4.

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Click Modeling > Add Grid Line.
Select an existing grid to attach the grid line to.
Pick the starting point of the grid line.
Pick the end point of the grid line.

8.5 Modifying grid lines
Activate the Select grid line selection switch
Double-click the grid line you want to modify.
The Grid Line Properties dialog box opens.

.

3.
4.

Make the necessary modifications in the Grid Line Properties dialog box.
Click Modify.

Work area
The work area is the primary area where you can edit the model. Tekla Structures indicates the
work area of a view using green dashed lines.
You can define the work area to suit any particular situation. For instance, you can concentrate
on just one area of the model or the complete model. Objects outside the work area are invisible
but they still exist in the model.

Work area
The arrow symbol indicates the work plane.
The green cube in a model view represents the global coordinate system. It is located
at the global point of origin.

LESSON 2
Work area

9

1.
2.

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35

LESSON 2
Creating plane views along grid lines

10 Creating plane views along grid lines

36

1.

Click View > Create View of Model > Along Grid Lines....
The Creation of Views Along Grids Lines dialog box opens.

2.

Define the settings you need.
For instance, you can define the number of views and the view name prefixes.

3.

Click Create.
The Views dialog box opens.

4.

Move views from the Named views list to the Visible views list.
The direction of all views is -x, +y, and -z.

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37

LESSON 2
Creating plane views along grid lines

38

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LESSON 2
Creating plane views along grid lines

LESSON 3
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
how to snap on points
how to use and customize Mini Toolbar
how to create parts such as columns and beams
how to modify parts
how to create chamfers in part corners
how to control the selection of objects.

>
LESSON 3

•
•
•
•
•
•

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

39

11 Snapping
Many Tekla Structures tools prompt you to pick points to position objects in a model. To make
it easier for you to pick points, as you move the mouse pointer it locks to the closest point and
the pointer changes to a cross-hair symbol. This is called snapping.

11.1 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.
The snap switches are located in the Snapping toolbar.

Button

Description
Snaps to points and grid line intersections.
Snaps to end points of lines, polyline segments, and arcs.
Snaps to centers of circles and arcs.
Snaps to midpoints of lines, polyline segments, and arcs.
Snaps to intersections of lines, polyline segments, arcs, and circles.
Snaps to points on objects that form a perpendicular alignment with another
object.
Snaps to the nearest points on objects, e.g. any point on part edges or lines.
Snaps to the line extensions of nearby objects.

LESSON 3

Snaps to any position.

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Button

Description
Snaps to grid lines, reference lines, and the edges of existing objects.
You can pick the object reference points, i.e., the points that have handles.
You can pick any points on objects.

11.2 Dimensions in snapping
When you create objects, you can see the dimensions when you snap to points. This is useful
for creating beams of certain length, for example.

LESSON 3

Zoom level affects the precision of snapping. To snap on smaller
distances, zoom in.

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41

11.3 Orthogonal snapping
Use the shortcut O (Tools > Ortho) to snap to positions in orthogonal directions on the work
plane (0, 45, 90, 135, 180 degrees, etc.).

12 Mini Toolbar
You can modify the most common properties of modeling objects with the Mini Toolbar.
The Mini Toolbar appears next to the mouse pointer when you select an object and fades out
when you move the mouse further away or change the selection. You can change the position of
the toolbar by dragging it and locking it to a new position with the lock button in the top right
corner.

12.1 Mini Toolbar examples
In this example we modify the profile of a column using the Mini Toolbar:
1.

Select the column.
The Mini Toolbar appears next to the mouse pointer.

LESSON 3
Mini Toolbar

Modifying the
profile

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

2.
3.

Move the pointer over the Mini Toolbar.
Modify the profile in the Mini Toolbar and press enter.
The profile of the column is changed.

In this example we modify the position of a beam using the Mini Toolbar:
1.

Click
in the Mini Toolbar.
A window with additional options appears.

LESSON 3
Mini Toolbar

Changing part
position

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43

Part orientation
Position selection dial
Rotation angle knob
Angle
Plane offset
Depth offset
2.
3.
4.

To change the overall position of the beam, use the round selection dial. Click and drag to
select a position.
To change the rotation angle, click and drag the green rotation angle knob.
To change the Angle, Plane offset, or Depth offset, enter a value in the corresponding
box.

12.2 Customizing Mini Toolbar
You can customize the Mini Toolbar by selecting which commands are visible, and by adding
macros and user-defined attributes to the toolbar.
To customize the Mini Toolbar:

LESSON 3
Mini Toolbar

1.
2.

44

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Select an object and move the mouse pointer on the Mini Toolbar.
Click
to open the Customize Mini Toolbar dialog box.

3.

Select the elements you want to show or hide in the Mini Toolbar.
The Preview area shows what the toolbar will look like.

4.

Add macros and user-defined attributes to the Mini Toolbar.
a
Select a macro or user-defined attribute from the list.
b
Click Add to Mini Toolbar to add the macro or user-defined attribute to the list of
visible elements.
When you have finished customizing the Mini Toolbar, click OK.

5.

13 Part properties
In addition to the Mini Toolbar, you can use the part properties dialog box to view or modify
the properties of a part.
The basic options of the Attributes and Position tabs are described in this section. In addition,
instructions on how to modify part properties are provided.

LESSON 3
Part properties

To open a part properties dialog box, double-click the button of the part, or click Modeling >
Properties and select an option.

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45

13.1 Attributes tab
The Attributes tab includes options for entering the name and defining the material of the part,
for example.

Description

Name

The name of the part is user-definable. Tekla Structures uses part
names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same
type, for example, beams or columns

Profile / Shape

Enter the profile of the part. Click the button next to the box to select
the profile from the catalog.

Material

Enter the material of the part. Click the button next to the box to
select the material from the catalog.

Finish

Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been
treated, for example, with fire retardant coating.

Class

Use Class to group parts wit different colors.

User-defined
attributes

User-defined attributes provide extra information about a part. Attributes can consist of numbers, text, or lists. Click User-defined attributes... to enter user-defined attrubutes.

LESSON 3
Part properties

Option

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13.2 Position tab
The Position tab contains options for defining the placement of the part. The available options
vary from part to part.

Description

Position

The Position area contains options for defining the location of the
part relative to its reference point or the work plane.

Levels

For parts that you create by picking only one point (for example,
columns), you can enter the positions of the part ends, relative to the
picked point, in the global z direction. Use Bottom to define the
position of the first end. Use Top to define the position of the second
end. For example, the height of a column is defined with the entered
values.

End offset

Use end offsets to move the ends of a part, relative to its reference
line. You can enter positive and negative values.

Curved beam

Define the curvature of the part by entering the radius and the plane
of curvature.
LESSON 3
Part properties

Option

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47

13.3 Modifying part properties
You can modify part properties before you create parts. You can also modify properties of
created parts.
Modifying
properties before
creating parts

Modifying
properties of a
created part

1.

Open the part properties dialog box either by
double-clicking the button of the part,

•
•
•

holding down the Shift key and clicking the button of the part, or
clicking Modeling > Properties and selecting an option.

2.
3.

Modify the properties as required.
Click Apply or OK.
The modified properties are used when you create parts of the same type.

1.

Double-click a part.
The part properties dialog box opens.

2.
3.
4.

Modify the properties as required.
Click Modify to apply the modified properties to the part.
Click Cancel to close the dialog box.

If you click OK to close the dialog box, the modified properties are
retained and will be used the next time you create parts of the same type.

A quick way to modify the properties of a part is using the mini toolbar.
For more information, see Mini Toolbar (p. 42).

14 Concrete parts

LESSON 3
Concrete parts

You can create concrete parts by using the buttons in the Concrete toolbar, or selecting a
command from the Modeling menu.

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Button

Command

Description

Pad Footing

Creates a pad footing at a picked position.

Strip Footing

Creates a strip footing that traverses the picked points.

Column

Creates a concrete column at a picked position.

Beam

Creates a concrete beam between two picked points.

Polybeam

Creates a concrete beam consisting of straight and curved
segments.

Slab

Creates a concrete slab based on picked positions forming a
contour.

Panel

Creates a concrete panel that traverses the picked points.

14.1 Creating concrete columns
1.
2.

Click the Create concrete column
Pick the position of the column.
The column is created.

button.

14.2 Creating concrete beams
Click the Create concrete beam
Pick the starting point.
Pick the end point.
The beam is created.

button.

When you create horizontal parts such as beams be consistent and
always pick points from left to right and from bottom to top. This
ensures that Tekla Structures places and dimensions the parts in the same
way in drawings, and that part marks automatically appear at the same
part end.
LESSON 3
Concrete parts

1.
2.
3.

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49

14.3 Creating concrete pad footings
1.
2.

Click the Create pad footing
button.
Pick the pad footing position to create the pad footing.

14.4 Creating concrete strip footings
1.
2.
3.

Curved sections

Click the Create strip footing
button.
Pick the points you want the strip footing to go through.
Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
The strip footing is created.

You can create curved sections for strip footings. Use the chamfer feature to create the curved
sections. For more information, see Corner chamfers (p. 66).

14.5 Creating concrete panels
1.
2.
3.

Curved sections

Click the Create concrete panel
button.
Pick the points you want the panel to go through.
Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
The concrete panel is created.

You can create curved sections for concrete panels. Use the chamfer feature to create the
curved sections. For more information, see Corner chamfers (p. 66).

14.6 Creating concrete slabs
1.
2.
3.
4.

Click the Create concrete slab
Pick the starting point.
Pick the other points of the slab.
Pick the starting point again.
The concrete slab is created.

button.

LESSON 3
Concrete parts

You can also model floors, walls and panels with the concrete slabs.

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14.7 Creating concrete polybeams
1.
2.
3.

Curved sections

Click the Create concrete polybeam
button.
Pick the points you want the polybeam to go through.
Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
The polybeam is created.

You can create curved sections for polybeams. Use the chamfer feature to create the curved
sections. For more information, see Corner chamfers (p. 66).

15 Concrete parts modeling tips
This section contains modeling tips of concrete parts. The following modeling cases are
explained:

•
•
•

Contact planes in cast units
Defining top-in-form face
Orienting parts for drawings.

15.1 Contact planes in cast units
When you model cast units, the overlapping part lines are displayed in the model but can be
invisible in drawings. If the parts do not overlap, the part edges are visible in drawings.

The overlapping lines are visible in the model.

Displaying
overlapping lines
in drawings

To display the overlapping lines in drawings:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... to open the Advanced Options dialog
box.
Select Concrete Detailing.
Set the XS_DRAW_CAST_UNIT_INTERNAL_LINES advanced option to TRUE.
Click OK.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 3
Concrete parts modeling tips

The overlapping lines are invisible in the drawing.

51

Setting hidden
lines tolerance

You can set the distance within which Tekla Structures treats part lines inside cast units as
overlapping lines. To do that:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Go to the folder.
Open the user.ini file with a text editor.
Enter the set XS_HIDDEN_LINES_CHECK_TOLERANCE=0.1 advanced option.
By changing the number the tolerance value is changed.
Save the changes and close the text editor.
The change comes into effect when you restart Tekla Structures.

15.2 Defining top-in-form face
To indicate the pouring side of a concrete part, you can define the top-in-form face of the part
and show it in model views. The top-in-form face will appear in the front view in drawings.

LESSON 3
Concrete parts modeling tips

Use the Rendered, Rendered (dark colors), or Hidden lines
representation for parts when you define the top-in-form face in rendered
views.

52

Defining top-inform faces

To define the top-in-form face of a concrete part:

Showing top-inform faces

To show the top-in-form faces of concrete parts in a model view:

1.
2.

1.
2.

Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Set Top in Form Face.
Select the part face which will face upwards in the form.

Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Show Top in Form Face.
Select the parts.
Tekla Structures highlights the top-in-form faces in red.

15.3 Orienting parts for drawings
Usually the top-in-form face of a concrete wall is the front side in a drawing. It is useful to
know how the part is orientated in a drawing. When you model the parts, you should take the
orientation into account.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Parts are orientated in drawings according to the direction of the parts. This means that the
direction of the reference points (starting point -> end point) defines the orientation in the
drawings.

Starting point
End point
If the pouring side needs to be on the other side of the building, you have to take that into
account when you model the building.

Starting point
End point
To switch the side of the top-in-form face after a cast unit has been completed:
Double-click the part to open the properties dialog box.
Click User-defined attributes....
Select Back from the Top in form face list.

LESSON 3
Concrete parts modeling tips

1.
2.
3.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

53

4.
5.

LESSON 3
Concrete parts modeling tips

6.
7.
8.

54

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Click OK
Click Drawings & Reports > Drawing Settings > Cast Unit Drawing... to open the
Cast Unit Drawing Properties dialog box.
Click the View... button to open the Cast Unit - View Properties dialog box.
Go to the Attributes tab.
Select Fixed from the Coordinate system list.

9.

Close the dialog boxes by clicking OK.

16 Steel parts
You can create steel parts by using the buttons in the Steel toolbar, or select a command from
the Modeling menu.

Command

Description

Column

Creates a steel column at a picked position.

Beam

Creates a steel beam between two picked points.

Polybeam

Creates a steel beam consisting of straight and curved
segments.

Curved Beam

Creates a steel beam with its radius defined by three picked
points.

Contour Plate

Creates a contour plate based on picked positions forming a
contour.
LESSON 3
Steel parts

Button

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

55

Button

Command

Description

Orthogonal
Beam

Creates a steel beam orthogonal to the work plane in a picked
position.

Twin Profile

Creates a twin profile between two picked points. A twin
profile consists of two beams.

16.1 Creating steel columns
1.
2.

Click the Create column
button.
Pick a point to create the column.

16.2 Creating steel beams
You can create steel beams, compression bars, wind bracings, plates and tubes with the Create
beam command.

To create a steel beam:
1.
2.
3.

Click the Create beam
Pick the starting point.
Pick the end point.
The beam is created.

button.

When you create horizontal parts such as beams be consistent and
always pick points from left to right, and from bottom to top. This
ensures that Tekla Structures places and dimensions the parts in the same
way in drawings, and that part marks automatically appear at the same
part end.

16.3 Creating curved steel beams
A curved beam is a beam which runs through three points. The radius of the curved beam is
automatically calculated on the basis of the picked points.

LESSON 3
Steel parts

Do not enter any values for the radius or the number of segments in the
polybeam properties, because it will have a negative effect on the output.
For curved beams, you can enter values for the radius or the number of
segments.

56

To create a curved steel beam:

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

1.
2.
3.
4.

Click the Create curved beam
Pick the starting point.
Pick a point on the arc.
Pick the end point.
The curved steel beam is created.

button.

16.4 Creating steel polybeams
A polybeam is a part which runs through several points.

To create a steel polybeam:
1.
2.
3.

Curved sections

button.
Click the Create polybeam
Pick the points you want the beam to go through.
Double-click the end point, or click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
The polybeam is created.

You can create curved sections for polybeams. Use the chamfer feature to create the curved
sections. For more information, see Corner chamfers (p. 66).

To ensure that you will have correct information in NC files, create
polybeams a little shorter than needed (1). Fit them afterwards or
connect them by using a component (2).

16.5 Creating orthogonal steel beams
Orthogonal beams are positioned orthogonally to the work plane.
To create an orthogonal steel beam:
Click Modeling > Create Steel Part > Orthogonal Beam.
Pick the position of the beam.
LESSON 3
Steel parts

1.
2.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

57

16.6 Creating steel twin profiles
A twin profile consists of two identical beams. You define the positions of both beams by
selecting the twin profile type and setting the clearance between the beams in two directions.
To create a steel twin profile:
1.
2.
3.

Click Modeling > Create Steel Part > Twin Profile.
Pick the starting point.
Pick the end point.
The twin profile is created.

16.7 Creating steel contour plates
Contour plates are free-form shaped plates.
To create a steel contour plate:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Setting contour
plate orientation

Click the Create contour plate
button.
Pick the starting point.
Pick the points of the contour plate.
Pick the starting point again to create the contour plate.

You can set the contour plate main axis to follow the line created by the first and second points
you pick. This enables you to manually define the plate orientation in drawings and reports.
To set the contour plate orientation:

LESSON 3
Steel parts

1.

58

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Create the contour plate. The first and second points you pick define the main axis of the
plate.

First picked point
Second picked point
Double-click the plate to open the Contour Plate Properties dialog box.
Click the User-defined-attributes... button and go to the Orientation tab.
Select From 1st to 2nd creation point from the Main axis direction list.

5.
6.
7.

Click Modify and OK to close the dialog box.
Click OK to close the properties dialog box.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Modified Objects to update
numbering.
Create a single-part drawing of the contour plate to view the orientation.

8.

LESSON 3
Steel parts

2.
3.
4.

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59

The user-defined attribute Main axis direction is Automatic.
The user-defined attribute Main axis direction is From 1st to 2nd
creation point.

17 Part modifications
This section provides information on part modifications. The following topics are explained:

•
•
•
•
•

Moving start and end points
Bending parts
Adding recesses to cast units
Tubular sections
Cambering and warping

17.1 Moving start and end points

LESSON 3
Part modifications

When you select a part, you can see its start point in yellow and end point in magenta. It is
important to know how the local coordinate system of the part is set up when you move the
reference points of the part.

60

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Start point
End point

LESSON 3
Part modifications

You can use the boxes in the End Offset area located in the part properties dialog box to move
the reference points of the part.

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61

It is not recommended to use the boxes in the End Offset area for
extending or shortening parts.

Extending and shortening parts
Ensure that the Snap to part extension lines
switch is active.
Select the part which you want to extend or shorten.
You can see the part handles when the part is selected.

3.

Drag a handle to extend or shorten the part.

LESSON 3
Part modifications

1.
2.

62

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

You can see the dimension of extension or shortening when you drag the handle.

Drag the handle along the blue dashed line (the line extension of the
part). This way you do not change the orientation of the part.

To extend or shorten parts by dragging, the Drag and Drop feature must
be enabled. When Drag and Drop is enabled, the D letter is displayed in
the status bar.
To activate Drag and Drop, click Tools > Options > Drag and Drop, or
press the D key.

17.2 Bending parts
You can create curved parts by defining a radius and the plane of curvature in the part
properties dialog box. You can bend beams, panels and strip footings. To bend a part:

2.
3.
4.

Double-click the part to open the part properties dialog box and check the Curved beam
area.
Enter the radius in the Radius box.
Define the plane of curvature, which is relative to the current work plane.
Enter the number of segments.
The number of segments determines how realistic the curved part looks. The more
segments, the less angular the part appears.

5.

Click Modify to bend the part.

LESSON 3
Part modifications

1.

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63

17.3 Adding recesses to concrete parts
To add recesses to concrete parts, you can use the Cut part with polygon and Cut part with
another part commands. You can create more sophisticated recess shapes with the Cut part
with another part command.
To cut a recess with a part:
Create a recess-shaped part and position it through the concrete part you want to cut.
Click Detailing > Cut Part > With Another Part.
Pick the concrete part to be cut.
Pick the cutting part.
The recess is created.

5.

Delete the cutting part.
You can move, copy and modify the recess.

LESSON 3
Part modifications

1.
2.
3.
4.

64

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Recess-shaped cutting part

17.4 Cambering and warping parts
The Deforming tab in part properties dialog box contains the options for cambering and
warping parts.

Warping
Cambering
You can 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. To use cambering:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Warping

Double-click the part to open the part properties dialog box.
Go to the Deforming tab.
In the Cambering box, define the degree of camber.
Click Modify.
Tekla Structures cambers the part in the local z direction.

To warp a beam:
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.

Double-click the beam to open the part properties dialog box.
Go to the Deforming tab.
In the Start box, enter the angle of the beam at its start point, relative to the part
reference line.
In the End box, 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, enter 0 in the Start angle box
and 45 in the End angle box.
Click Modify to warp the beam.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 3
Part modifications

Cambering

65

18 Corner chamfers
Some part corners can be chamfered. You can use the Chamfer command to shape the
following parts: concrete and steel polybeams, contour plates, strip footings, concrete slabs,
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.

When Tekla Structures creates a part, by default it has a rectangular chamfer at each corner,
which does not change the geometry of the part.

Default chamfer
Modified chamfers

LESSON 3
Corner chamfers

Tekla Structures creates chamfers using the active properties in the Chamfer Properties dialog
box. Click Detailing > Properties > Chamfer > Part Corner Chamfer... to open the dialog box,
or double-click an existing chamfer.

66

The Chamfer Properties dialog box contains the following options:

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Option

Description

Type

Defines the shape of the chamfer.

x

The dimension of the chamfer.

y

The second dimension of straight chamfers.

dz1

Moves the top surface of the part corner in the local z direction of
the part.

dz2

Moves the bottom surface of the part corner in the local z direction
of the part.

18.1 Chamfering example
To modify the thickness of a slab corner:
1.
2.
3.

Double-click the handle on the slab corner to open the Chamfer Properties dialog box.
Enter the values in the dz1 and dz2 boxes.
Click Modify.
The thickness of the corner is modified.

You can control object selection by using the selection switches. The selection switches are
located in the Selecting toolbar.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 3
Selection switches

19 Selection switches

67

The selection switches are described below:

Button

Description
Turns all switches on. Select all object types, except for
single bolts.
Select component symbols.

Select parts, such as columns, beams, and plates.

Select surface treatments.

Select points.

Select entire grids by selecting one line in the grid.

Select single grid lines.

Select welds.

Select line, part, and polygon cuts, and fittings.

Select model views.

Select entire bolt groups by selecting one bolt in the group.

Select single bolts.

Select reinforcing bars and bar groups.

Select point, line, area, and uniform loads.

LESSON 3
Selection switches

Select planes.

68

Select distances.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Button

Description
When you click any object belonging to a component, Tekla
Structures selects the component symbol and highlights (does
not select) all component objects.
Objects created automatically by a component can be
selected.
When you click any object in an assembly or a cast unit,
Tekla Structures selects the assembly or cast unit and
highlights all objects in the same assembly or cast unit.
Select single objects in assemblies and cast units.

Select selection filters. The list lists both standard and userdefined selection filters.
Create your own selection filters.

19.1 Selection filters

LESSON 3
Selection switches

Tekla Structures contains several selection filters by default. By using selection filters you can
select particular objects. If you use, for example, the columns filter, you can only select
columns in the model. The Selection Filter list lists the standard and user-defined filters.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

69

Selection filters
Click to open the Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box
Defining your
own filters

To define your own filters:
1.

button, or click Edit > Selection Filter... to open the
Click the Selection Filter
Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box.

2.
3.
4.

Find a filter which has close to the same settings as you need.
Modify the settings, then enter a new name in the Save as box.
Click Save as, then OK to exit.
You can now choose the new filter from the list.

Selection filter example
In this example we create a selection filter that selects parts whose class is two:
1.
2.
3.

button, or click Edit > Selection Filter... to open the
Click the Selection Filter
Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box.
Click Delete all to remove all the rows.
Click Add row.
Now the Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box contains one row where you can
define the filter.

LESSON 3
Selection switches

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

70

Click the box in the Property column to show the list arrow.
Open the list and select Class.
Click the box in the Value column.
Enter 2.
In the box next to the Save as button, enter Class_2.
Click Save as to save the selection filter.

Use the selection filter to select the parts whose class is two.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

19.2 Selection example
Selecting a cast
unit

In this example, a cast unit consists of two beams in different spans. A reinforcement (the
Rebar in beam (90) component) is added to the cast unit.

switch must be active if you want to select the whole cast unit
The Select assemblies
(the two beams with the reinforcement).

To define the level on which to select objects in cast unit, hold down the Shift key and scroll
with the mouse wheel. Level 0 is the highest cast unit level.
LESSON 3
Selection switches

Scrolling cast
unit levels

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

71

Level 0
Level 1
The level of the selected assembly is displayed in the status bar.
Level 0:

LESSON 3
Selection switches

Level 1:

72

Selecting objects
for reports and
drawings

This cast unit consists of two beams and reinforcement.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

When you generate reports, drawings or other types of output of the cast unit, you should use
the Select objects in components

switch to select all objects.

LESSON 3
Selection switches

switch selects objects at the highest level. The reinforcement
The Select components
is highlighted but not selected, and the information of the reinforcement is not displayed in the
report or drawing.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

73

74

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 3
Selection switches

LESSON 4
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
how to copy and move objects
how to detail profiles
how to use bolts
how to split and combine parts
how to create points
how to work with cast units

>
LESSON 4

•
•
•
•
•
•

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

75

20 Copying and moving
You can copy and move objects linearly, with rotation, and with mirroring. Copying creates a
new object, leaving the existing object in its original position. Moving relocates the existing
object. Moving can be used to relocate the original component to a new place in the model.

copy
move
Tekla Structures has the following options for copying and moving components:

Description

Edit > Copy or Ctrl + C

Copies selected objects

Edit > Copy Special > Linear...

Creates copies of selected objects at a
specified distance from the original.

Edit > Copy Special > Rotate...

Creates a copy and rotates it either
around a specified line on a work plane
or around the work plane z axis.

Edit > Copy Special > Mirror...

Creates a mirrored copy of an object
through a specified plane.

Edit > Copy Special > To Another
Plane

Creates a copy on another plane using
three specified points.

Edit > Copy Special > To Another
Object

Copies selected objects from one object
to another.

Edit > Copy Special > From Another
Model...

Copies selected objects from another
model.

Command

Description

Edit > Move or Ctrl + M

Moves selected objects.

Edit > Move Special > Linear...

Moves selected objects a specified
distance.

Edit > Move Special > Rotate...

Moves the object and rotates it either
around a specified line on a work plane
or around the work plane Z axis.

Edit > Move Special > Mirror...

Mirrors the object and moves it through
a specified plane.

LESSON 4

Command

76

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Command

Description

Edit > Move Special > To Another
Plane

Moves the object using three specified
points.

Edit > Move Special > To Another
Object

Moves selected objects from one object
to another.

20.1 Copying
1.

Select the objects to copy.

2.
3.

.
Click Edit > Copy or click
Pick the origin for the copying.

4.

Pick one or more destination points.

The objects are copied immediatelly.
To stop copying, click Edit > Interrupt or right-click and select Interrupt.
LESSON 4

5.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

77

20.2 Copying linearly
Linear copying creates one or several copies of a selected object at a specified distance from
the original. Use linear copying when you want to make many copies of objects at equal
distances. For example, use linear copying to create floors of a building.
To copy linearly:
1.

Select the object(s) to copy.

2.

Click Edit > Copy Special > Linear... or click
The Copy - Linear dialog box opens.

3.

Use one of the two options for entering the desired distance:
• Enter the distance directly in the Copy - Linear dialog box, or

•
4.

.

Pick and origin point and a destination point to select the distance. The distance will
be calculated automatically.

Click Copy.
The selected objects are copied in the selected destination.

If the dialog box is open but the command is not active anymore, click
the Pick button to re-activate the command.

20.3 Copying and rotating
You can rotate the object(s) you are copying. The object can be rotated either around a
specified line on a work plane or around the work plane z axis.

LESSON 4

To copy and rotate:

78

1.

Select the object(s) to be rotated.

2.

Click Edit > Copy Special > Rotate... or click
The Copy-Rotate dialog box opens.

3.
4.

Pick a point, or enter the coordinates of the rotation axis in the Origin area.
Enter the number of copies.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

.

5.

If required, enter the dZ value, which is the difference in position between the original
and copied object in the z direction.
6.
Enter the angle of rotation.
7.
Click Copy to copy and rotate.
An example of copying and rotating:

Rotation point

20.4 Copying and mirroring
When you copy an object, you can mirror it through a plane that is perpendicular to the work
plane and passes through a line you specify.

The Rotate command is always more preferable than the Mirror
command. Tekla Structures cannot create mirrored copies of component
properties. The Edit > Copy Special > Mirror... command does not fully
mirror objects if they include components with, for example,
asymmetrically positioned parts.
1.

Select the object to be copied and mirrored.
This applies to main parts only. Components are automatically taken into account.

2.

Click Edit > Copy Special > Mirror... or click
The Copy - Mirror dialog box opens.

3.
4.

Pick the starting point of the mirroring plane, or enter its coordinates and angle.
Click Copy.
The objects are copied and mirrored.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 4

.

79

20.5 Copying to another plane
You can create a copy of an object on another plane using three specified points.
Select the object to copy.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

.
Click Edit > Copy Special > To Another Plane or click
Pick a point of origin for the first plane
Pick a point on the first plane in the positive X direction.
Pick a point on the first plane in the positive Y direction.
Repeat steps 3 to 5 for all remaining planes.
To finish copying, right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu or press Esc.

LESSON 4

1.

80

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Selecting objects
Defining origin and the position of the source part
Defining origin and position of the target part
Copied objects

20.6 Copying to another object
You can make copies of selected objects from one object to another. This functionality is
useful, for example, when detailing previously modeled parts. The objects between which you
copy, can have different dimensions, length, and rotation.
To copy to another object:
1.

Select the objects you want to copy.

2.
3.

Click Edit > Copy Special > To Another Object or click
Select the source object.
The source object is the object from which you want to copy.

4.

Select the target object.
The target object is the object to which you want to copy.

.

20.7 Copying from another model
You can copy whole phases from an existing model to another one. You can copy from another
model even when more than one person is working on the model. Tekla Structures only copies
secondary parts from the model if they belong to the same phase as their main part. This applies
to both model and component parts.

Drawings cannot be imported with the model.

Edit > Copy Special > From Another Model.

The Copy from Model dialog box opens.

LESSON 4

1.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

81

2.
3.

Select the source model from the Model directories list.
Enter the number(s) of the phase(s) from which to copy objects.
When you insert several phases, separate different phase numbers with a space. If
additional phases are not created, all the objects in the model are in phase one.

4.

Click Copy.

20.8 Moving
Select the objects to move.

2.
3.

.
Click Edit > move or click
Pick the origin for the moving.

LESSON 4

1.

82

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

4.

Pick the destination.

5.

The objects are moved immediatelly.

20.9 Moving linearly
Linear moving moves the original object a specified distance.

3.

Select the object(s) to move.
Click Edit > Move Special > Linear....
The Move - Linear dialog box opens.
Use one of the two options for entering the desired distance:
Enter the distance directly in the Move - Linear dialog box, or

•
•
4.

Pick and origin point and a destination point to select the distance. The distance will
be calculated automatically.

Click Move.
The selected objects are moved in the selected destination.
LESSON 4

1.
2.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

83

If the dialog box is open but the command is not active anymore, click
the Pick button to re-activate the command.

20.10Moving and rotating
You can rotate the object(s) you are moving. The object can be rotated either around a specified
line on a work plane or around the work plane z axis.
To move and rotate:
1.
2.
3.

Select the object(s) to be rotated.
Click Edit > Move Special > Rotate....
The Move - Rotate dialog box opens.

4.
5.
6.

Pick a point, or enter the coordinates of the rotation axis in the Origin area.
Enter the angle of rotation.
Click Move to move and rotate the object(s).

20.11Moving and mirroring
When you move an object, you can mirror it through a plane that is perpendicular to the work
plane and passes through a line you specify.

LESSON 4

The Rotate command is always more preferable than the Mirror
command.

84

1.

Select the object to be moved and mirrored.
This applies to main parts only. Components are automatically taken into account.

2.

Click Edit > Move Special > Mirror....
The Move - Mirror dialog box opens.

3.
4.

Pick the starting point of the mirroring plane, or enter its coordinates and angle.
Click Move.
The objects are moved and mirrored.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

20.12Moving to another plane
You can move objects from the first plane you specify to another plane, which you specify by
picking three points. The moved objects remain in the same position on the second plane as the
original objects on the first plane.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Select the objects to move.
Click Edit > Move Special > To Another Plane
Pick a point of origin for the first plane
Pick a point on the first plane in the positive X direction.
Pick a point on the first plane in the positive Y direction.
Pick a point of origin for the second plane.
Pick a point on the second plane in the positive X direction.
Pick a point on the second plane in the positive Y direction.

20.13Moving to another object
You can move objects from one object to another. This functionality is useful, for example,
when detailing previously modeled parts. The objects can have different dimensions, length,
and rotation.
To move to another object:
1.
2.
3.

Select the objects you want to move.
Click Edit > Move Special > To Another Object .
Select the source object.
The source object is the object from which you want to move.

4.

Select the target object.
The target object is the object to which you want to move.

21 Detailing profiles
You can use Tekla Structures for detailing profiles in the following ways:

•
•
•
•

fit part end to fit a profile to the selected fitting line
cut part with line to reshape the end of a profile
cut part with another part to create part-shaped cuts
cut part with a polygon to cut a polygon shape into a part

Fit part end fits a profile end to the selected fitting line. When fitting, the shortest part of the
profile is deleted automatically.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 4
Detailing profiles

21.1 Fit part end

85

When you shorten a profile, always use the Fit Part End command.
When the Cut Part with Line command is used, the profile length values
in NC files can be incorrect.

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.
When you fit parts, ensure that the cutting plane is perpendicular to the model view. Use a
plane view when fitting.

Use the Snap to neareast points (point on line)
when fitting.

snap switch

To fit a part end:
1.

.
Click Detailing > Fit Part End or click
Tekla Structures prompts you to pick the part to be fitted.

2.
3.
4.

Pick the part to be fitted.
Pick the first point of the cutting line.
Pick the second point of the cutting line.

21.2 Cut part with line
You can reshape ends of profiles by using the Cut part with line command. Cut part with line
cuts the end of a beam on a plane that passes through a line you pick. Several line cuts can be
applied to one profile end. In addition, a combination of one fitting and one or more line cuts
can be applied. When you use the line cut for shortening, you have to select the side of the
profile which has to be removed.

When profiles are shortened in the longitudinal direction using fitting or
line cut, the profile notation will not be changed in reports.

LESSON 4
Detailing profiles

To cut part with line:

86

1.

Click Detailing > Cut Part > With Line or click
.
Tekla Structures prompts you to pick the part to be cut.

2.
3.
4.

Pick the part to be cut.
Pick the first point of the cutting line.
Pick the second point of the cutting line.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

5.

Pick the side to be removed.

21.3 Cut part with another part
You can create a part-shaped cut by cutting a part with another part.

Circular holes can be made with the Cut part with another part
command. Circular holes are also dimensioned in drawings. However,
when creating circular holes, it is better to use the Create bolts
command. For larger holes, increase the tolerance of the holes.
To cut part with another part:
1.
2.
3.

.
Click Detailing > Cut Part > With Another Part or click
Pick the part to be cut.
Pick the other part that will be used for cutting.
The dark blue lines are the cutting lines. It is possible to double-click the cutting line and
change its shape and size. You can delete the part used for cutting and the cutting line
will remain.

Solid error
You may get a solid error when cutting parts. This type of error occurs when Tekla Structures
experiences difficulties in calculating the part cut operation. In such cases, the cut profile is
highlighted in a transparent color.
Usually, the part cut can be made if an angular rotation is applied to the cut profile:

solid error
LESSON 4
Detailing profiles

OK

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87

A solid error can also occur when using component 23 (Round tube). To solve the problem, set
a slight rotation for the component. A solid error needs to be corrected before you can continue.
Leaving it unsolved results in the profile lengths being wrong and it may not be possible to
create drawings.

21.4 Cut part with a polygon
You can cut a polygon shape into a profile with a polygon cut. You must use a plane view.
(optional element) Before you start, ensure that...
To cut part with a polygon:

LESSON 4
Detailing profiles

1.
2.
3.

88

ClickDetailing > Cut Part > With Polygon or click
.
Pick the part to be cut.
Define the shape by clicking points and finish with the starting point.

The dark blue lines are cutting lines. They can be used for copying the cutting shape.

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21.5 Surface treatment
You can add surface treatment to parts. Surface treatment for concrete parts include flat
finishes, surface mixes, and tiles. Surface treatments are visible only in rendered views.
When you redefine the properties of a part (for example, you change the size of a part), the
surface treatment is automatically modified to fit the part.
To define the properties of the surface treatment, click Detailing > Properties > Surface
Treatment....

Adding surface treatment to selected area
1.
2.
3.
4.

Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment > To Selected Area on Part Face.
Pick the origin of the surface treatment.
Pick a point to indicate the direction of the surface treatment.
Select an area of the part face on which to apply the surface treatment.
a
Move the mouse cursor over a part. The faces that you can select appear in blue.
b
Select the part face.
c
Pick three or more points on the part face to define a polygonal area.

21.6 Chamfering part edges
Click Detailing > Create Chamfer > For Part Edge.
Pick a point where you want the chamfer to start on the part edge.
Pick a point where you want the chamfer to end on the part edge.
Tekla Structures displays the part edges in blue color.

4.

Modify the chamfer, if required.
a
Double-click the chamfer to open the Edge Chamfer Properties dialog box.
b
Modify the chamfer properties.
c
Click Modify.
Right-click the view and select Redraw View.
Tekla Structures removes the chamfered edge.

5.

LESSON 4
Detailing profiles

1.
2.
3.

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22 Bolts
To create bolts, you can either create a single bolt group or apply a component that
automatically creates bolt groups.
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, because
Tekla Structures uses the same command for creating bolts and holes.

22.1 Bolt properties

LESSON 4
Bolts

The Bolt Properties dialog box can be opened by double-clicking the Create bolts
button.

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Description

Bolt size

Bolt diameter. Available diameters depend on the bolt
standard chosen.

Bolt standard

Bolt assembly standard that is defined in the bolt
catalog.

Bolt type

Indicates if bolts are fixed on-site or in the shop.
Default setting is Site.

Connect part/assembly

Indicates whether you are bolting a secondary part or
a sub-assembly.

Thread in material

Indicates whether threads can be inside the material.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 4
Bolts

Option

91

Option

Description

Cut length

Indicates which parts the bolt connects. Tekla
Structures searches for parts using half the cut length
value in both directions from the bolt group plane. If
you want to force a bolt to a certain length, enter a
negative value for length.

Extra length

Extra bolt length.

Shape

The shape of the bolt group. The options are Array,
Circle, and xy list.

Bolt dist X

Bolt spacing, number, or coordinate, depending on the
bolt group shape.

Bolt dist Y

Bolt spacing, group diameter, or coordinate,
depending on the bolt group shape.

Tolerance

Clearance between bolt and hole.

Hole type

Oversized or slotted. This list activates after you
select Parts with slotted holes check boxes.

Slotted hole X

X allowance of a slotted hole. Zero for a round hole.

Slotted hole Y

Y allowance of a slotted hole. Zero for a round hole.

Rotate slots

Rotation of slots. Options are Odd, Even, and
Parallel.

On plane

Bolt group location relative to the bolt group X axis
on the work plane.

Rotation

How far the bolt group is rotated around its X axis.

At depth

Bolt group location relative to work plane.

Dx, Dy, Dz

Offsets that move the bolt group by moving the bolt
group X axis.

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.

LESSON 4
Bolts

If you want to create only holes without any bolts, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check
boxes.

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22.2 Creating a bolt group
Bolt groups are used to connect profiles. Bolts can penetrate one profile or multiple profiles. By
default, bolt groups are rectangular, but it is also possible to make circular bolt groups. When
you insert a bolt group, you need to pick two points. These two points determine the local x
direction of the bolt group. It is important that the points you pick to create the bolt group are
close enough to the parts you want to connect. The cut length property of a bolt group defines
how far along the bolt axis the parts must be in order to hit the bolt group.

A bolt group can contain a maximum of 100 bolts or holes.

To create a bolt group:
1.
2.

Detailing > Bolts > Create Bolts or click
.
Select the shape of the bolt group in the Shape list.

Bolt groups are rectangular by default, but you can also select Circle to make a circular
bolt group.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Select the primary part to which the secondary parts will be bolted.
Select the secondary parts.
Click the middle mouse button to finish selecting parts.
Pick a point to be the bolt group origin.
Pick a second point to indicate the bolt group x direction.

An example of a rectangular bolt group:

LESSON 4
Bolts

An example of a circular bolt group:

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93

22.3 Modifying bolt groups
If the bolts in a bolt group are too short, you can modify them.
1.

Right-click the bolt group and select Bolt parts.
The parts are highlighted.

2.

Follow the instructions in the command bar to select the connected parts.
The bolt length is adjusted to the new material thickness.

22.4 Inserting a divided bolt group
You can join multiple parts together with a bolt group.
To insert a divided bolt group:
1.
2.

Double-click the Create bolts button to open the Bolt Properties dialog box.
Modify the values in the Bolt Dist X box.
You can define the number of bolt rows that will be created and the spacing between
them.

3.
4.

Click OK.
Pick the parts that you want to join together.
First pick the beam and then the plate.

5.

Pick the start and end points.
The divided bolt group is created.

22.5 Creating slotted holes
Besides circular holes, it is also possible to create slotted holes. Slotted holes can be set in two
directions, X or Y.
LESSON 4
Bolts

To create slotted holes:

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

1.

Double-click the Create Bolts
button.
The Bolt Properties dialog box opens.

2.

Select the profiles that should contain the slotted holes by selecting one or more check
boxes in the Parts with slotted holes.
When a bolt penetrates more than one profile, you can determine whether slotted holes
are created for each profile individually.

3.

Set the length of the slotted holes in the Slotted hole X and Slotted hole Y in the Bolt
Properties dialog box.

4.

If the bolt connects several parts, you can rotate alternate holes by 90 degrees by
selecting one of the rotating options in the Rotate Slots list.
Options to rotate the slots:

•
•
•

even
odd
parallel

22.6 Bolts on cast-in embeds
You can use the Create bolts command to connect two or more parts to each other. The bolt
length is calculated by means of a formula using the material thickness of the connected parts.
You can also determine the bolt length manually.

LESSON 4
Bolts

Like in the example above, select only the angle steel profile as the bolted part. Clear the check
boxes for the nuts and the washers (possibly select the check box for the washer at the head of
the bolt). For the cut length, enter a negative value.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

95

23 Splitting and combining parts
You can split and combine parts in Tekla Structures. Tekla Structures retains the properties,
attached objects, and connection even when parts are split.

23.1 Splitting parts
You can use splitting with straight parts, curved beams without offset, or normal and tapered
reinforcing bar groups. You can also split plates and slabs by using a polygon. You cannot split
polybeams.
To split parts:
1.
2.

Click Edit > Split or click
.
Pick the part to be split and point where the split is made.

You can create points first before picking the parts if necessary. New start and end points
are placed on the splitting spot.
If the numbering has already been done, the part and assembly number is allocated to the
part that was closest to the initial starting point of the profile. The other part gets a new
number and you must create a new drawing of it.

LESSON 4
Splitting and combining parts

You cannot split bolt groups.

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

23.2 Combining parts
When combining parts, Tekla Structures retains attached objects and connections. It does not
recreate the connections in the first part picked. The axes in the parts must be parallel. Profiles
with centerlines not in line with each other can be combined by taking the largest distance
between the start and end points from both profiles. All the part properties (profile, class, userdefined attributes, etc.) from the first picked part are used for the combined part. For example,
if you combine a Ø32mm round bar with a Ø16mm round bar, the new profile receives the
properties of the profile that is selected first.
To combine parts:
1.
2.

Click Edit > Combine or click
.
Pick the two parts that you want to combine.

Space is filled when combining
Largest distance between start and end point

24 Points
To place an object in a model you may need to pick points. To place an object where no lines or
objects intersect, you have the following options:

•
•
•

Use snapping commands. See Snapping (p. 40).
Use construction planes, lines and circles.
Create points.

To create points, use the buttons in the Points toolbar, or select a command from Modeling >
Add Points.

LESSON 4
Points

For more information on creating points and using construction planes, lines and circles, see
Tekla Structures online help.

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97

24.1 Creating points along a line
The Add points on line command creates points at equal intervals along a line. You define the
number of points and pick the line.
To create points along a line:
1.

Double-click the Add points on line
button.
The Divided Line Points dialog box opens.

2.
3.
4.
5.

Enter the number of dividing points.
Click OK.
Pick the starting point of the line.
Pick the end point of the line.

25 Cast units
The concrete structures in Tekla Structures are modeled as single parts. By default, each part is
considered a separate cast unit. For construction purposes, you may need to merge several
concrete parts into one cast unit. For example, a single cast unit could consist of a column with
corbels. You can specify which parts form a cast unit. Cast units can include reinforcement as
well as concrete parts.
The main part in a concrete cast unit is the one with the largest volume of concrete. You can
change the main part in a cast unit.
There are two cast unit types:

Cast unit type

Description

Precast

Cast units that are built at another
location and transported to their final
location for placement in the full
structure.

Cast-in-place

Cast units that are constructed fully in
their final location.

Tekla Structures checks the cast unit type of the cast unit main part each time you create or
modify a cast unit. Tekla Structures does not mix precast and cast-in-place parts inside a cast
unit.

25.1 Defining the cast unit type

LESSON 4
Cast units

1.
2.
3.
4.

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Double-click a concrete part to open the concrete part properties dialog box.
Go to the Cast unit tab.
In the Cast unit type box, select Precast or Cast in place.
Click Modify to save the changes.

25.2 Creating cast units
1.
2.
3.

Click Modeling > Cast unit > Create or click
.
Select the objects you want to include in the cast unit.
Click the middle mouse button to create the cast unit.

25.3 Adding objects to cast units
1.
2.
3.

Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Add to
Select the objects you want to add.
Select an object in the cast unit.

25.4 Modifying cast units
The shape of the cast unit is determined by the used profile (width and height) and the length
(except contour plates). The height and width can be changed by modifying the part properties.
The length is determined by the picked points. These points can be moved afterwards and
length can also be modified by applying fittings possibly by using components.

Do not use fittings, line cuts, or polygon cuts to change the width of a
cast unit.

25.5 Removing objects from a cast unit
1.
2.

Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Remove From.
Select the objects you want to remove.

25.6 Creating cast unit views
You can create cast unit views to display only the selected cast unit. Working with the cast unit
is easier when only the relevant information is displayed. For example, you can perform
checking and review operations more easily.
To create a cast unit view:
Ensure that the Select assemblies
Select the cast unit in the model.

switch is active.
LESSON 4
Cast units

1.
2.

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99

LESSON 4
Cast units

3.

100

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Right-click and select Create View, then select one of the options.
Tekla Structures creates the cast unit view.

LESSON 5
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
how to modify the work area
how to create, move, and delete clip planes
how to use work planes
how to use more advanced snapping features

>
LESSON 5

•
•
•
•

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

101

26 Modifying the work area
You can modify the work area to suit particular situations. You can fit the work area and locate,
for example, distant objects from an oversized work area. It is also possible to hide the work
area lines.

26.1 Fit work area to selected parts
1.

Select the model objects you want to see in the work area.

2.

.
Click View > Fit Work Area > To Selected Parts in Selected Views or click
The work area concentrates on the selected objects. The objects outside the work area
still exist, but they are not visible.

26.2 Fit work area using two points
You have to be working with a plane view in order to fit work area using two points. If you are
currently working in 3D view, press Ctrl + P to switch to plane view.

LESSON 5

1.

102

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Click View > Fit Work Area > Using Two Points or click

.

2.

Pick the two points you want as corner points for the work area.

26.3 Fit work area to entire model in selected views
To fit the work area to the entire model, click View > Fit Work Area > To Entire Model in
Selected Views or click

. The work area includes all model objects in selected views.

26.4 Finding distant objects
The work area in a model view can be oversized if, for example, one or more objects have been
positioned too far from the origin. You can use the Find Distant Objects command to correct
the situation.
1.

Click Tools > Diagnose & Repair Model > Find Distant Objects.
If distant objects are found, Tekla Structures displays a list of object IDs.

2.

Right-click an object from the list and select a command from the pop-up menu.
You can, for example, delete the object.

26.5 Finding distant points
To find distant points:
1.

Activate the Select points and Select objects in components switches.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 5

The work area in a model view can be oversized if, for example, one or more points have been
positioned too far from the origin.

103

The other switches in the Selecting toolbar must not be activated.

2.
3.

Click Edit > Select All Objects or press Ctrl + A to select all points.
Check the number of selected points in the status bar and press Delete.

4.

Click View > Fit Work Area > To Entire Model in Selected Views or click
the model in the work area.

to fit

26.6 Finding distant reference models
The work area in a model view can be oversized if, for example, one or more reference models
have been positioned too far from the origin.
To find distant reference models:
1.

Click File > Reference Model List... and select the reference model in the list.

2.

Click View > Fit Work Area > To Selected Parts in Selected Views or click
The work area is resized to the reference model.

3.

Move the reference model.

.

26.7 Hide the work area lines
In Tekla Structures, you can toggle the work area lines (green, dashed lines) between hidden
and visible state to have an even better view on the model.

Hidden

To hide the work area lines, keep the Ctrl and Shift keys
pressed and click View > Redraw All. The work area lines
are now hidden.

Visible

Clicking View > Redraw All again makes the work area lines
visible again.

27 Clip planes
LESSON 5
Clip planes

In Tekla Structures, you can create up to six clip planes in any rendered model view. Using clip
planes enables you to focus in on the required detail in the model. For example, you can use
clip planes to see what is inside the model.

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27.1 Creating clip planes
1.
2.
3.

Click View > Create Clip Plane or click
.
To select the position of the clip plane, click a plane.
Press Esc or right-click and select Interrupt.
The clip plane symbol appears in the model.

27.2 Moving clip planes
Select the clip plane you want to move.
Click the clip plane symbol and drag it to a new location.

You can change the location of the clip plane symbol by holding down the
Shift key and dragging the symbol.
LESSON 5
Clip planes

1.
2.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

105

27.3 Deleting clip planes
1.
2.

Select the clip plane you want to delete.
Click the clip plane symbol and press Delete

28 Work plane
The current work plane defines the local coordinate system of a Tekla Structures model. You
can set the work plane to any position by picking points parallel to one of the global basic
planes or on a part or view plane. The current work plane is model-specific so it relates to all
views.
When modeling sloped parts, shifting the work plane helps you place the parts accurately.
The red coordinate arrow symbol indicates the work plane that is the current local coordinate
system of the model. The arrow symbol displays the XY plane. The Z direction follows the
right-hand rule. The work plane is the same in all views.

If you cannot see the arrow symbol because the parts block the view,
press Ctrl + 2 to make the parts transparent.

28.1 Set work plane parallel to a plane

LESSON 5
Work plane

You can set the work plane parallel to the xy, xz, or zy directions.

106

1.

Click View > Set Work Plane > Parallel to XY(Z) Plane... or click
The Work plane dialog box opens.

2.

Select the Plane and enter the Depth coordinate.
The depth coordinate defines the distance of the work plane from the global origin along
a line that is perpendicular to the plane parallel to the third axis. The default depth
coordinate value is 0.

3.

Click Change.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

.

28.2 Set work plane using three points
You can set the work plane by picking three points. The first point you pick is the origin, the
second point defines the X direction, and the third point point defines the Y direction of the
work plane. Tekla Structures fixes the Z direction according to the right-hand rule.
To set work plane using three points:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Click View > Set Work Plane > Using Three Points or click
Pick the origin for the work plane.
Pick a point in the positive X direction.
Pick a point in the positive Y direction.

.

28.3 Set work plane parallel to view plane
You can use this command to set the work plane to be the same as the view plane of a selected
view.
To set plane parallel to view plane:
1.
2.

Click View > Set Work Plane > Parallel to View Plane or click
Select the view you want to modify.

.

28.4 Set work plane to top plane of a part
When a view is created, you initially work in the plane that belongs to that view. If you want to
work in, for example, the roof plane that is sloping, you need to change the work plane. For
example, you can set the work plane to top plane of a picked part
To set work plane to top plane of a part:
1.
2.

Click View > Set Work Plane > To Part Top Plane or click
Select the part.

.

29 Advanced snapping

LESSON 5
Advanced snapping

You can use advanced snapping features to control snapping accurately.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

107

29.1 Numeric snapping
Use the Enter a numeric location toolbar to enter position coordinates you want to snap to.

To display the toolbar, initiate a command that requires you to pick positions, and then do one
of the following:

•
•

Start entering the coordinates using the keyboard
Click Tools > Enter a Numeric Location and select an option.

See Numeric location coordinates (p. 108) for information on location coordinates.

29.2 Numeric location coordinates
The following table explains the types of information you can enter in the Enter a Numeric
Location toolbar.

You can
enter

Description

Cartesian
coordinates

The x, y, and z coordinates of a
position separated by commas.

Polar
coordinates

A distance, an angle on the xy
plane, and an angle from the xy
plane separated by angle
brackets.
Angles increase in the
counterclockwise direction.
The coordinates based on the
origin of the work plane.

Relative
coordinates

The coordinates relative to the
last position picked.

LESSON 5
Advanced snapping

Absolute
coordinates

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Example

You can
enter

Description

One value

A distance to an indicated
direction.

Two
coordinates

If you omit the last coordinate
(z) or angle, Tekla Structures
assumes that the value is 0.

Three
coordinates

In drawings, Tekla Structures
ignores the third coordinate.

Example

29.3 Using temporary reference points
You can create a temporary reference point to use as a local origin when snapping in models or
drawings.
To use a temporary reference point:
1.
2.

Initiate a command that requires you to pick positions.
Hold down the Ctrl key and pick a position.
A green cross indicates that this position is now a temporary reference point.

3.

Use this temporary reference point with snap tools to define directions and distances.

29.4 Locking coordinates
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.
To lock the x coordinate, for example, press x on the keyboard. To unlock the coordinate, press
x again.
1.
2.

Click Modeling > Create Concrete Part > Beam and pick the start point.
Snap to the start point and press Z to lock the z direction.

LESSON 5
Advanced snapping

Creating a beam
at a certain level

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109

3.

Pick the end point to create the beam at a locked level.

29.5 Snapping examples
Five snapping examples are provided below.
1.
2.
3.

LESSON 5
Advanced snapping

Creating a beam
with a certain
length

110

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Click Modeling > Create Steel Part > Beam.
Pick a start point for the beam.
Move the pointer.
The dimension changes as you move the pointer. The zooming level affects the precision
of snapping.

When the dimension is correct, click to create the beam.

1.
2.
3.

Click Modeling > Create Steel Part > Beam.
Pick the first point.
Enter the length and the angle of the shifted beam relative to the workplane. Use the
shortcut R and the symbol < as a separating character.

The direction of the x axis of the workplane is always 0°.

LESSON 5
Advanced snapping

Creating a shifted
beam with a
certain length

4.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

111

Press Enter or click OK to create the beam.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Ensure that the Snap to line extensions switch
Click Modeling > Create Steel Part > Beam.
Pick the start point for the beam.
Pick the end point for the beam.
The first beam is created.

5.

Snap to the start point of the first beam.
You can now snap to the extension line of the first beam’s start point.

6.
7.

Pick the start point for the second beam on the extension line.
Snap to the end point of the first beam.
You can now snap on the extension line of the first beam end point. The snap point is
parallel to the first beam, when a blue line runs through the beam.

LESSON 5
Advanced snapping

Creating two
parallel and
equally long
beams

4.

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

is active.

Pick the end point for the second beam on the extension line.
You have created two parallel and equally long beams.

1.
2.
3.

Click Modeling > Create Steel Part > Beam.
Hold down the Ctrl key to pick a temporary reference point as an origin.
Move the pointer in the direction of the start point of the beam.
LESSON 5
Advanced snapping

Creating a beam
using a
temporary
reference point

8.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

113

Enter a distance from the temporary reference point and press Enter or click OK.
The start point of the beam is picked.

5.

Move the pointer in the direction of the end point of the beam.

6.

Pick the end point to create the beam.

LESSON 5
Advanced snapping

4.

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

1.
2.

Click Modeling > Create Steel Part > Beam.
Use a temporary reference point to pick the start point of the beam at the center of the
grid line.

3.

Right-click to select an option from the pop-up menu or use the Snap Override toolbar
to temporarily override the snap settings.

LESSON 5
Advanced snapping

Creating a beam
using snap
override

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

115

Move the pointer in the direction of the end point of the beam.

5.

Enter the length of the beam and press Enter or click OK.
The beam is created.

LESSON 5
Advanced snapping

4.

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117

LESSON 5
Advanced snapping

118

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LESSON 5
Advanced snapping

LESSON 6
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
how to use the component catalog
how to create and modify components
how to create component default views
how to use the material catalog
how to use the profile catalog

>
LESSON 6

•
•
•
•
•

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119

30 Component catalog
The component catalog contains all the components. To open the component catalog, click
Detailing > Component > Component Catalog... (Create Component) or press Ctrl + F.
You can browse for the components or search by using terms and keywords.

Search
View folders
View details
View thumbnails
Show / hide descriptions
Create a component using the component tool you used last with its
active properties.
Enter the search term here.
Use the list to view component groups, such as bracing connections
and reinforcements.
Component description
LESSON 6

Double-click the name to set the properties and create the component.

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It is useful to view the thumbnail images in the component catalog. Most
system components have a default thumbnail image, which shows you a
typical situation where the component can be used.

30.1 Components
Components are tools that you can use to automatically create parts, embeds, or reinforcements
required to connect parts. You can also use components to add reinforcing bars to parts. They
are linked to main parts so when you modify a main part, the associated component also
changes.
Components are divided into three sub-types:

Item

Description

Examples

Connection

Connect two or more parts, and create
all the required objects (mainly for
precast concrete connections).

Corbel connection (14)

Details

Add a detail or a reinforcement to a
main part. A detail is only connected to
one part. When you create a detail,
Tekla Structures prompts you to pick a
part, followed by a point to locate the
detail.

Beam reinforcement, pad
footing reinforcement

Modeling tools

Automatically create and assemble the
parts to build a structure, but does not
connect the structure to existing parts.
Modeling tools can include connections
and details.

Stairs, frames

Using the components has the following advantages:

•
•
•

The settings of a component can be saved to a file. The settings can be used in other
projects.
When you modify a profile, all details and joints attached to that profile are updated
automatically.
When you copy or move objects, all associated details and components are also copied or
moved.

Creating components
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Click Detailing > Component > Component Catalog... (Create Component) to open
the component catalog.
Click the component name in the component catalog.
Follow the prompts on the status bar to pick the parts or points required to create the
component.
If required, click the middle mouse button to end the command.
Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection was
created successfully.

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LESSON 6

To use a component to create a detail, connection or structural element in a model:

121

6.

Examine the component in the model to check if you need to make any changes.

Component status
Tekla Structures uses different-colored component symbols to show the status of connections
and details:

Color

Status

Tip

Green

Component created
successfully

Yellow

Component created,
but has problems

Often occurs when bolts or holes have an edge
distance less than the default value for that
connection.

Red

Component creation
failed

A common reason is that the up direction is not
appropriate. For more information, see the Tekla
Structures online help.

Modifying component properties
To modify a component, double-click the component symbol in the model. The component
dialog box appears. This is where you modify the component properties.
When you create a component you are unfamiliar with, you should use the default properties.
Create the component and check it to see what needs to be modified.
For more information on component properties, see the Tekla Structures online help.

Saving component properties
You can save the modified component properties.
To save the component properties:
1.
2.

In the component dialog box, enter the name of the properties in the Save as box.
Click Save as.
The properties file is saved in the model folder.

You can recognize the properties file by checking the file extension. For example, if you save
the properties of the End plate detail (1002) component, the file extension is j1002.

Conceptual components
Conceptual components are components that look real but are not fully detailed. Engineers,
who do not have to consider fabrication details, can create conceptual components. The detailer
then takes the conceptual components and creates fully detailed components that include all the
information needed for fabrication.

LESSON 6

The Tekla Structures configuration you have determines which components you can create:

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Type
Conceptual

Symb
ol

Configuration

Description

Engineering

Conceptual component does not create
assemblies, cast units, or reinforcing
bars.
The dialog box is the same as in
detailed component, but does not
contain options for part and assembly
positions.

Detailed

Precast Concrete
Detailing
Steel Detailing

Fully detailed component contains part
and assembly numbering boxes and
creates needed assemblies, cast units
and reinforcing bars.

Full Detailing

Converting conceptual components
You cannot create conceptual components using the Steel Detailing, Precast Concrete
Detailing, or Full Detailing configurations, but they do include a tool that you can use to
change individual conceptual components to detailed components.
To convert a conceptual component to detailed component:
1.
Select the component symbol.
2.
Click Detailing > Component > Convert to Detailing Component
Changing part properties, such as the size of the main part, does not automatically change the
component type. So someone using the Engineering configuration can change the model
without automatically changing detailed components back to conceptual ones.

Example
Two examples of using a component are presented here. In the first example, a corbel
connection is created between a column and a beam. In the second example, the corbel
connection is modified.

Inserting a corbel connection
In this example, you insert a corbel connection between a column and a beam.
Create a concrete column and a concrete beam before inserting the corbel connection. For
information on creating the parts, see Creating concrete columns (p. 49) and Creating
concrete beams (p. 49).
To insert the corbel connection:
Press Ctrl + F to open the component catalog.
Enter corbel in the Search box and click Search.
The search results appear in the list.

3.

Select Corbel connection (14).
The status bar displays instructions.

4.
5.

Select the column.
Select the beam.
Tekla Structures creates the corbel connection between the column and the beam.

LESSON 6

1.
2.

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123

6.

Check that the corbel connection is inserted correctly.

Modifying the corbel connection
In this example, you modify the shape of the corbel connection.
To modify the shape of the corbel connection:
switch.
Activate the Select components
Double click the corbel connection component.
The component properties dialog box opens.

3.

In the Picture tab, select a shape for the corbel connection from the list.

4.

Click Modify.
The shape of the corbel connection changes.

LESSON 6

1.
2.

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31 Creating component default views

LESSON 6
Creating component default views

To check a component and its dimensions, you can create component default views. To create
component default views, select a component, right-click and select Create View > Default
Views of Component from the pop-up menu. Four views of the component are created.

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125

32 Material catalog

LESSON 6
Material catalog

The material catalog contains information on material grades. You can open the Modify
Material Catalog dialog box by clicking Modeling > Material Catalog.... Materials are
displayed in a hierarchical tree grouped according to, for example, steel and concrete. Material
grades are located under the materials in the tree. You can view material grade properties by
clicking them in the tree.

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The Modify Material Catalog dialog box contains information on the materials in four tabs:

•
•
•
•

The General tab
The Analysis tab
The Design tab
The User attributes tab

Tab

Description

The General tab

The General tab has boxes for three alternative
names for the material. These are usually the
material names used in different countries or
standards. It also contains the profile and plate
density values.

The Analysis tab

The Analysis tab has information on the
properties used in structural analysis. The
structure is analyzed using the Finite Element
Method.

The Design tab

The Design tab has information on the designspecific properties such as strengths and partial
safety factors.

The User attributes tab

The User attributes tab can be used to create
your own attributes for material grades.

LESSON 6
Material catalog

32.1 Adding a material grade
You can add a new material grade in two alternate ways.
Option 1

1.

Click Modeling > Material Catalog....

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127

The Modify Material Catalog dialog box opens.

Option 2

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Pick a material grade that is similar to the one that you want to create.
Right-click the material grade and select Copy grade from the pop-up menu.
Change the material name.
Modify the material grade properties.
Click OK to save the material grade and exit the dialog box.
Click OK in the save confirmation dialog box to save the changes in the Material
Catalog.

1.

Click Modeling > Material Catalog....
The Modify Material Catalog dialog box opens.

2.
3.
4.
5.

Change the material grade name in the Selected grade box.
Enter the material grade properties.
Click OK to save the material grade and exit the dialog box.
Click OK in the save confirmation dialog box to save the changes in the Material
Catalog.

32.2 Deleting a material grade
You can delete material grades from the Material Catalog dialog box.
To delete a material grade:
1.

Click Modeling > Material Catalog.
The Modify Material Catalog dialog box opens.

2.
3.
4.

Right-click a material grade of your choice and select Delete.
Click OK.
Click OK again in the save confirmation dialog box.

The material grade is deleted.

33 Profile catalog

LESSON 6
Profile catalog

The profiles in the Modify Profile Catalog dialog box are displayed in a tree structure. They are
grouped according to rules such as profile type (for example, I profiles) and profile sub-type
(for example, HEA).

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33.1 Adding profiles
You can add profiles to the profile catalog.
To add profiles:
Click Modeling > Profiles > Profile Catalog....
The Modify Profile Catalog opens.

2.
3.
4.

Select an existing profile that matches best with the new profile.
Right-click the profile.
Select Copy Profile from the menu.
LESSON 6
Profile catalog

1.

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129

The copied profile name is added with COPY after its name.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Edit the profile name in the Profile name box.
Enter the correct values in the Value column.
Click Update and OK.
Click OK in the Save confirmation dialog box.

33.2 Modifying profiles
You must have the Profile Catalog open before you can start modifying profiles.
To modify profiles:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Click Modeling > Profiles > Profile Catalog....
Select the profile you want to modify.
Modify dimensions in the Value column.
Click Update and OK.
Click OK in the Save confirmation dialog box.

33.3 Deleting profiles
1.
2.
3.
4.

Click Modeling > Profiles > Profile Catalog....
Select the profile you want to delete.
Right-click and select Delete Profile.
Click OK
The profile is deleted.

5.

Click OK in the Save confirmation dialog box.

LESSON 6
Parametric profiles

34 Parametric profiles

130

A lot of parametric user-defined profiles, such as gutter profiles or spheres, are available in
Tekla Structures.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Parametric profiles are not polybeams. They cannot be unfolded and a
flat pattern cannot be created.

Tekla Structures includes a cross section sketch editor that you can use to create your own
profile cross sections. Sketched cross sections are parametric so you can change their
dimensions each time you use them in a model.

34.1 Parametric concrete profiles
The Modify Profile Catalog contains various parametric concrete profiles. The profiles can be
used with concrete parts. They are called RCDL, RCXX, RCL, RCDX, and RCX profiles.

LESSON 6
Parametric profiles

If these profile types are used frequently, it is useful to add them to the profile library where
these shapes are also predefined.

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LESSON 6
Parametric profiles

LESSON 7
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
how to enter project information
how to switch between single and multi-user modes
how to use the phase manager
how to represent objects in model views
how to check the model
how to make inquiries about objects
how to check distances and angles

>
LESSON 7

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

133

35 Entering project information
When you start a project, enter project information to display the information automatically in
reports and drawings.
To enter the project information:

LESSON 7

1.
2.
3.

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Click File > Project Properties... to open the Project Properties dialog box.
Enter the project information you want to use. All the boxes are optional.
Click User-defined attributes to open the Tekla Structures Project (1) dialog box,
where you can enter additional information.

The contents of the Tekla Structures Project (1) dialog box depend on
the Tekla Structures environment. The default tabs and options of the
dialog box are different in different Tekla Structures environments.

4.
5.

Click OK to save your changes and close the Tekla Structures Project (1) dialog box.
Click OK to save your changes and close the Project Properties dialog box.

36 Switching between single-user and
multi-user modes
You can switch between single-user and multi-user modes by using the different options in the
Open dialog box.
Opening multiuser model in
single-user mode

To open a multi-user model in single-user mode:
1.
2.

Click File > Open... to open the Open dialog box.
Select the multi-user model.
The Model type column indicates whether the model is a single-user or a
multi-user model. The button with three men
indicates a multi-user
model.

3.

To open a single-user model in multi-user mode:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Click File > Open... to open the Open dialog box.
Select the single-user model.
Right-click and select Open as multi-user model from the pop-up menu.
Tekla Structures prompts for the name of the server. In the Open as multi-user model
dialog box, enter the server name or select it from the list, and then click OK.

37 Phase Manager
The Phase Manager dialog box can be used to create phases. Phases are useful for splitting the
model into separate sections. Only parts can be split into phases. It is not possible for grids and
points. You can open the Phase Manager dialog box from Tools > Phase Manager... or by
using the shortcut Ctrl + H.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 7
Switching between single-user and multi-user modes

Opening singleuser model in
multi-user mode

Right-click and select Open as single-user model from the pop-up menu.

135

Description

The Number box

You can enter the number of the phase
in the Number box.

The Name box

You can enter the name of the phase in
the Name box.

The Filter button

You can use the Filter button to filter
the listed phases by the number and/or
criteria that has been entered in the
Number and Name boxes.

The Set Current button

The Set Current button determines to
which phase the object belongs. The
current phase is indicated by @
character.

The Add button

The Add button can be used to create
new phases.

The Delete button

The Delete button can be used to delete
phases.

The Phases by objects button

The Phases by objects button can be
used to determine in which phase(s) the
selected object(s) belong. If you select
objects that belong to several phases,
they are highlighted in the Phase
Manager.

The Objects by phases button

The Objects by phases button can be
used to determine which objects belong
to the selected phase. The object will be
highlighted in the model.

The Modify phase button

The Modify phase button can be used
to change the phase for one or more
objects.

LESSON 7
Phase Manager

Option

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37.1 Dividing the model into phases
1.

Click Tools > Phase Manager....
The Phase Manager dialog box opens.

2.
3.

Click Add to create a new phase.
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.

Divide the model into phases.
a
To identify the phase of an object, select an object and click Phases by objects.
Tekla Structures selects the phase of the object.
b

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.
Click OK to save your changes.

37.2 Filtering phases
You can use the Filter area in the Phase Manager dialog box for filtering phases by number
and/or name.
To filter phases:
1.

Click Tools > Phase Manager.
The Phase Manager dialog box opens.

2.
3.

Enter either phase Number in the Number box or phase Name in the Name box.
Click Filter.
Only the selected phases are visible in the Phase Manager dialog box.

37.3 Switching phases
1.

Click Tools > Phase Manager....
The Phase Manager dialog box opens.

2.
3.
4.

Select the object(s) you want to move in the model.
Select the phase in which you want to move the object(s).
Click the Modify phase button.

You can divide bolts into phases. By selecting all bolts belonging to a certain phase, a bolt list
can easily be generated out of all bolts in that phase. While modeling, bolts are automatically
divided into the current phase.

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LESSON 7
Phase Manager

37.4 Bolts in phases

137

38 Representing objects in model views
You can represent the objects in model views by using the Object Representation dialog box.
Object representation sets the color and visibility of objects in model views. Objects are
grouped by a set of rules and conditions that can be used to control how those objects are
displayed in model views. Changing the settings in the Object Representation dialog box
affects all model views.
To represent objects in model views:
1.

Click View > Representation > Object Representation....
The Object Representation dialog box opens.

2.

Load the setting you want to use.
The objects are represented according to the settings. By default, several standard
settings are included, but you can also create object representation settings yourself.

3.

Click Modify and OK.

LESSON 7
Representing objects in model views

38.1 Creating object representation settings

138

By default, several standard settings are included in the object representation, but you can also
create object representation settings by yourself.

Changing the settings in the Object Representation dialog box affects
all model views.

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This example shows how to create a new object group where all columns will be represented in
blue with 70% transparency:
1.

Click View > Representation > Object Representation....
The Object Representation dialog box opens.

2.

Click the Add row button.
A second object group is added. Initially, the new object group has the same properties
as the first object group.

3.
4.

Select All in the Object group column to activate the arrow button.
Click the arrow button to open a drop down menu.
The drop down menu contains all the default options for object groups.

5.

Select Create new group... from the list.
The Object Group - Representation dialog box opens.

6.
7.

Select Part in the Category column.
Select Name in the Property column.
The part name is used for selecting columns.

8.
9.

Check that the Condition option is equals.
Enter COLUMN in the Value box.
Note that all the letters must be capitalized.

10.

Save the settings as column.

11.

Click Close.
The Object Group - Representation dialog blox closes. Note that the Object
Representation dialog box is still open.

12.

In the Object Representation dialog box, click Color by class in the Color column to
activate the arrow button.
Click the arrow button and select blue color from the drop down menu.
Click Visible in the Transparency column to activate the arrow button.
Click the arrow button and select 70% transparent from the drop down menu.
Click Modify.

13.
14.
15.
16.

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LESSON 7
Representing objects in model views

You will be able to reuse the new object condition in other models.

139

39 Checking the model
When the model is complete, you need to check it. There are several methods available for
checking the model:

•
•
•
•

Clash checking
Flying through the model
Checking using reports
Checking the views

39.1 Performing a clash check
You can run a clash check to find parts, bolts, or reference model objects that collide.
The following reference model file types are supported in clash checking:

•
•
•

IFC
DWG
DGN

To perform a clash check:
1.
2.

Click Tools > Clash Check Manager.
In the model, select the objects you want to include in the clash check.

3.

Click
to check the objects.
You can continue working during the clash check. When the clash check is complete, the
status bar message changes from Clash checking in progress to Ready.
When you re-run clash check, new clashes are appended to the end of the list.

4.

To highlight a clash in the model, select a row in the list of clashes.
The clash is highlighted in the model and the related model objects are selected.

5.

To zoom the active view so that the selected objects are shown in the center of the view,
double-click a row.
For more information on how to manage clashes, see Clash Check
Manager in the Modeling Manual.

Setting a minimum clearance for bolts for a clash check
Bolts can also be taken into account in the clash check. You can use the clash check to check if
the bolts collide with profiles and if there is enough space to fix the bolt. It is possible to set the
minimum clearance for the bolts.

LESSON 7
Checking the model

To set a minimum clearance for bolts for a clash check:

140

1.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Click Tools > Options > Options....
The Options dialog box opens.

2.
3.
4.

Select Clash check on the list.
Enter the clearance values.
Click OK.

39.2 Flying through the model
You can use the Fly command to travel through the model. The flying route can be changed by
moving the mouse. The more the pointer is moved from the point of origin, the faster the
picture is moved.

The Fly command only works rendered views with Projection set to
Perspective.

To fly through the model:
Click View > Fly or click
The mouse pointer changes.

.

2.

Move the pointer to establish your flying direction.
Tekla Structures displays an arrow symbol to indicate the flying direction.

3.

To stop flying, right-click and select Interrupt or press the Esc key.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 7
Checking the model

1.

141

39.3 Checking using reports
You can check models using reports. Reports can be lists of drawings, bolts, or parts. Reports
can contain information from selected parts or the entire model.
You can generate the following types of reports:

•
•

•

Bolt, nut, washer, and material lists
ID lists
The main feature of the ID lists is that the lines that contain profiles can be selected. As a
result, the accompanying profile will be highlighted in the model. This is useful if a profile
is hard to locate.
User-defined attributes list
A user-defined attribute list can be used to check that the correct profiles are shortened.

To check using reports:
1.

Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering All Objects (Full Numbering).

2.

Click Drawings & Reports > Create Report..., or click
The Report dialog box opens.

3.
4.

Select a report from the report templates
Click Create from all or Create from selected button.

.

40 Inquire
The inquire tool displays the properties of a particular object, or a group of objects, within the
model.

LESSON 7
Inquire

The Inquire Object dialog box displays information relevant to the objects you select.

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40.1 Inquire object
You can inquire object to display the properties of a particular object, or group of objects,
within the model.
To inquire object:
1.

Select an object.
The object can be a part, a bolt, a component, a weld, etc.

2.

Click Tools > Inquire > Object or click
.
The Inquire object dialog box opens. It displays all relevant information regarding the
object. The information displayed depends on the object that was selected in step 1.

The selected object and all parts of the object are highlighted.

Inquire object for bolts
You can inquire objects for bolts. It is also possible to change the profiles that are a part of a
bolt connection.
To inquire object for bolts:
Select the object.
Right-click and select Bolt Parts from the menu.

LESSON 7
Inquire

1.
2.

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143

40.2 Inquire assembly for cast units
1.
2.

Click Tools > Inquire > Assembly Objects.
Select a cast unit.
The main part, that is, the part with the largest volume, is highlighted in magenta and all
concrete additions are highlighted in cyan. Embeds that contain non-conrete material are
highlighted in yellow and parts welded to the embeds are highlighted in yellow as well.

40.3 Inquire welded parts
Click Tools > Inquire > Primary Welded Part to highlight the
primary part when you select the secondary part.
Tools > Inquire > Welded Parts to highlight the selected part and all

the parts that are welded to it.

40.4 Inquire center of gravity
You can inquire an object’s center of gravity.

When calculating an object’s center of gravity, bolts and welds are not
taken into account, whereas polygon cuttings, part cuttings, fittings, and
line cuts are considered.

Select an object.

2.

Click Tools > Inquire > Center of Gravity or click

LESSON 7
Inquire

1.

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

.

41 Measuring distances, angles, and bolt
spaces
You can measure distances, angles, and bolt spaces. The following measurement options are
available:

The measuring options are:

•
•
•
•
•

Horizontal distance
Vertical distance
Distance
Angle
Bolt spaces

To measure distances, angles, and bolt spaces:
Click Tools > Measure or click one of the measurement buttons.
Follow the instructions that vary according to the measurement option you selected.
When you measure horizontal and vertical distances, use a plane view.
To switch to a plane view, press Ctrl + P.

LESSON 7
Measuring distances, angles, and bolt spaces

1.
2.

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145

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LESSON 7
Measuring distances, angles, and bolt spaces

LESSON 8
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
how to define custom components
how to use reference models
how to publish models as web pages
how to open models in Model Reviewer

>
LESSON 8

•
•
•
•

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

147

42 Custom components
Tekla Structures contains lots of predefined components that can be used for creating details
and connections. However, you can create your own custom components, if Tekla Structures
does not contain required components. When you have created a custom component, you can
use it the same way as any Tekla Structures system component.

42.1 Custom component types
You can create four types of custom components:

Type

Description

Connection

Creates connection objects and connects secondary part(s) to a main
part.

Detail

Creates detail objects and connects them to a main part at a picked
location.

Seam

Creates seam objects and connects parts along a line picked with two
points.

Part

Creates a group of objects which may contain connections and details.

42.2 Exploding components
Exploding components is very useful when defining custom components. Exploding ungroups
the objects in an existing component. You can then remove and modify parts and other objects
in the component.
When you create a custom component, it is recommended to create a similar existing
component and then explode it. Then you can modify the objects to suit your needs and use
them in your custom component.
To explode a component:
1.
2.

Click Detailing > Component > Explode Component.
Select the component you want to explode.
Tekla Structures ungroups the objects in the component.

42.3 Defining custom components
You can define and save custom components in the component library.
Before you can define a custom component, you need to create a sample component in the
model containing all the necessary component objects, such as parts, fittings, and bolts.

LESSON 8

To define a custom component:

148

1.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Click Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... to open the Custom
Component Wizard.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Select the Type and enter other properties as required. Click Next.
Select the objects that the custom component will create.
Click Next.
The next step depends on the Type you selected. Follow the instructions in the Custom
Component Wizard.
Click Finish to create the custom component.
The custom component appears in the component catalog.

To learn more about custom components, click Help > Learning Center
> Custom Component Tutorials and select an option.

42.4 Exporting and importing
You can export custom components to a file, and then import the file into another model.
Exporting

To export a custom component to a file:
1.
2.
3.

Importing

Click Detailing > Component > Component Catalog... (Create Component) or press
Ctrl + F to open the component catalog.
Select Custom from the list to display all the custom components.
Right-click the custom component and select Export... from the pop-up menu.
The Export components dialog box opens.

4.

Enter the name for the file and select the folder where the file is saved in.
By default, the file extension is .uel.

5.

Click OK to export the file.

To import a custom component:
1.
2.
3.

Click Detailing > Component > Component Catalog... (Create Component) or press
Ctrl + F to open the component catalog.
Right-click the component list and select Import... from the pop-up menu.
The Import Components dialog box opens.
Browse for the file you want to import, select the file and click OK.
The custom component is available in the component catalog.

43 Reference models
LESSON 8
Reference models

A reference model is a file which helps you to build a Tekla Structures model. Reference
models keep the size of model files relatively small, because the reference files are considered
as single objects.
The following file types are supported:

•
•

AutoCAD (*.dxf)
AutoCAD (*.dwg)

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149

•
•
•
•

MicroStation (*.dgn, *.prp)
Cadmatic models (*.3dd)
IFC files (*.IFC)
WebViewer XML files (*.xml)

The reference model appears in the background of your Tekla Structuresmodel. You can snap to
reference model points. Tekla Structures loads the reference model from file each time you
open your model.

43.1 Inserting a reference model
1.

Click File > Insert Reference Model... or
.
The Reference Model Properties dialog box opens.

2.
3.
4.
5.

Click Browse... next to the File name box to locate the reference model file.
Change the scale if it is different from the one in the Tekla Structures model.
Click OK.
Pick the position for the reference model origin.
Tekla Structures inserts the reference model.

LESSON 8
Reference models

43.2 Hiding a reference model

150

To hide a reference model:
1.
2.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Click File > Reference Model List... to open the Reference Models dialog box.
Select a reference model from the list.

3.

Select Hidden from the list in the Visibility column.

43.3 Updating a reference model
You can update the reference models in your Tekla Structures model if there have been changes
in the original reference models after you have imported them to Tekla Structures.
To update all reference models:
1.
2.

Click File > Reference Model List... to open the Reference Models dialog box.
Click Reload All.
Tekla Structures goes through all the reference models and regenerates the reference
models that have a newer modified date.

43.4 Detecting changes in reference models
You can see the changes between an old and new reference model by using commands in the
Reference Object Properties dialog box. You can detect changes in reference models that are
of the following file formats:

•
•
•
•

IFC (.ifc)
Cadmatic (.3dd)
WebViewer (.xml)
DWG (.dwg)

To detect changes:
1.

Select the reference model and double-click it to display the Reference Object
Properties dialog box.

2.

Browse for the name of the old file by clicking the Browse... button next to the Old file
name box.

Select an option in the Show list in the Change detection section. For example, select
Changed to see the changed objects in a reference model.

LESSON 8
Reference models

3.

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151

4.

Click Display.
Tekla Structures highlights the changed reference model objects.

5.

Click Modify to stop detecting changes.

Example
The following example shows how the changes are displayed in the reference model:
The old file:

LESSON 8
Reference models

The new file:

152

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

The Show option has been set to Changed in the Reference Object Properties dialog box:

43.5 Handling large reference models
These are some tips for speeding up large reference models:

•
•

Large, highly-detailed reference models contain lots of snap points. To speed up snapping,
activate only the snap switches you need.
Split large reference models into smaller ones and display only the parts you need in the
model.

You can publish your Tekla Structures models as web pages that can be viewed via the Internet
using a web browser. The WebViewer files can also be used as reference models.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 8
WebViewer

44 WebViewer

153

44.1 Publishing a model as a web page
Click File > Publish as Web Page... to open the Publish as Web Page dialog box.

2.
3.
4.

If you want to publish a web page of selected parts, select Selected parts.
Change the page title if required.
In the File name box, enter the destination path and file name for the published model.
By default, Tekla Structures creates a PublicWeb folder with sub-folders in the current
model folder, and places the published model there.

5.

Click Publish. If you select the Open in browser check box, the model opens in your
web browser.

LESSON 8
WebViewer

1.

154

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

45 Tekla Structures Model Reviewer
Tekla Structures Model Reviewer is a free and improved tool based on the Tekla Structures
Web Viewer. Model Reviewer includes excellent model navigation and mark up functionality.
With it you can:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Easily pan, rotate, zoom, and fly through the model
See important part information
Fly through a set of saved locations in the model to present it to the project team
Use clip planes to slice through walls and crowded areas of the model
Email models easily to other parties
Create and manage markups (redlines) of specific areas in the model
Visually track project statuses with different colors in the model

You can use the Model Reviewer tool to improve project communication.
In Tekla Structures, you can publish a model in .wrm, .xml or .zsol format. You can then send
the published model to other project participants. After installing the tool, those involved in the
project can open the model and add comments to it.
You can download and install Model Reviewer from Tekla’s website. Go to http://
www.tekla.com/international/solutions/building-construction/Pages/web-models-modelreviewer.aspx and click the Free Download link.
To learn more, watch the introductory video on the download page.

45.1 Opening a model in Model Reviewer
To open a model in Model Reviewer:
1.

Click Windows Start > All Programs > Tekla Structures > Tekla Structures Model
Reviewer.

2.

Browse for a published model file.
Supported file formats are: .wmr, .xml, and .zsol.

LESSON 8
Tekla Structures Model Reviewer

When you save the model and the markups in Model Reviewer, the file is saved in .wmr
format.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

155

156

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LESSON 8
Tekla Structures Model Reviewer

LESSON 9
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
how to use reinforcements

>
LESSON 9

•

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

157

46 Reinforcements
You can add reinforcements to concrete parts to strengthen the parts. The Concrete toolbar
contains three commands used for reinforcement:

Reinforcing bar
Reinforcing bar group
Reinforcement mesh

46.1 Reinforcing bar
You can create a single reinforcing bar with the Create Reinforcing Bar command. A
reinforcing bar can be a straight bar, but also a hair pin, a former, or a bracket. Any shape with
random dimensions can be modeled.

Creating a reinforcing bar
1.

Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcing Bar... or double-click the

LESSON 9

Create Reinforcing Bar
button.
The Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box opens.

158

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Make the necessary modifications in the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box.
You can set the series and start numbers for the reinforcing bars. In addition, you can
enter values for Size (diameter), Grade, and Bending radius.

3.

Select the reinforcing bar color by entering the color number in the Class box.
We recommend you use this feature, because the 3D views in the models will be clearer
if all reinforcing bars are the same color.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Define a hook or a splice for the reinforcing bar.
Modify the values displayed in the Select Reinforcing Bar dialog box.
Define the reinforcing bar cover thickness.
Click OK.
Select the part to reinforce.
Tekla Structures attaches the reinforcing bar to the part.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 9

2.

159

9.
10.
11.

Pick the starting point for the reinforcing bar.
Pick the other reinforcing bar reference points.
Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.

Defining a hook or a splice for a reinforcing bar
You can define a hook or a splice for the reinforcing bar under the Hooks area in the
Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box.
button.
Double-click the Create Reinforcing Bar
The Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box opens.The Hooks area of the dialog box
can be used for defining hooks and splices.

2.

Select a hook type from the Shape lists.
A hook does not have to be modeled. It is added to the reinforcing bar automatically. If a
standard hool is selected, the Angle, Radius, and Length boxes are not active. These
values are read from the rebar_database.inp file. If a Custom hook selected, the
values can be defined by the user.

3.

Define the values for the custom hook
a
Enter a value between -180 and +180 degrees in the Angle box.
b
Enter the internal bending radius of the hook in the Radius box.

LESSON 9

1.

160

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

c

Enter the length of the straight part in the hook to the Length box.

Defining the reinforcing bar cover thickness
1.

Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcing Bar...or double-click the
Create Reinforcing Bar
button.
The Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box opens.

2.

Define the reinforcing bar cover thickness in the Cover thickness area of the
Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box.

The cover thickness can be defined in three directions:

•
•
•
3.

On plane
From plane
In the longitudinal direction of the bar, that is, start and end

Click OK.

Modifying reinforcing bars
Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcing Bar... or double-click the
Create Reinforcing Bar

LESSON 9

1.

button.

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161

The Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box opens.
2.

Click the Select button in the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box.
The Select Reinforcing Bar dialog box opens.

3.

Modify the values displayed in the Select Reinforcing Bar dialog box.
The values can be modified in the rebar_database.inp file in the
...\TeklaStructures\*version*\environments\*your
environment*\profile folder. The file can be edited with any standard text
editor.
For steel grades, every diameter is listed twice in the file: once as main and once as tie/
stirrup. The column Min bend radius contains the bending mandrel that is used if the
bar is bended in the model. If a bar is bended with an angle of 90, 135, or 180 degrees,
the column r contains the accompanying mandrels.
If you change the values in the Size column, you can change the diameter of the
reinforcing bar. The mandrel will keep its original diameter.

4.
5.

Click OK to close the Select Reinforcing Bar dialog box.
Click OK to close the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box.

46.2 Reinforcing bar group
A reinforcing bar group includes several identical, or very similar, reinforcing bars. Tekla
Structures creates reinforcing bar groups using the properties in the Reinforcing Bar
Properties dialog box. The file name extension of a saved reinforcing bar group file is .rbg.

Reinforcing bar group types
Tekla Structures has several reinforcing bar group types:

Description

Normal

Not tapered

Tapered

One bar dimension changes linearly in the group.

Tapered ridge

One bar dimension changes linearly. The dimension is
longest in the middle of the group.

LESSON 9

Type

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Type

Description

Tapered curved

One bar dimension changes along a curve. The
dimension is longest in the middle of the group.

Tapered N

One bar dimension changes linearly between N
ridges. Enter the number of ridges in the Number of
cross sections box in the Group tab of the
Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box.

Spiral

The reinforcing bars rise in a polygonal or circular
shape along the longitudinal axis of the part.

LESSON 9

You can use the Group tab in the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box for selecting and
modifying the reinforcing group types.

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163

Creating a reinforcing bar group
1.

Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcing Bar Group... or doublebutton.
click the Create reinforcing bar group
The Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box opens.

2.
3.
4.

Enter or modify the bar group properties.
Click OK to save the properties.
Select the part to reinforce.
Tekla Structures attaches the reinforcing bar group to the part.

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Pick the reinforcing bar starting point.
Pick the other reinforcing bar reference point.
Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
Pick the starting point of the bar group.
Pick the end point of the bar group.

Distribution area
The distribution area points can be positioned on the outer contour of the concrete part.
Usually, the distribution area is perpendicular to the plane so the cover thickness on the sides
can be defined in the From plane box in the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box. The
picking order of the handles, which determines the cover area, is important when the bars are
placed. The bars are placed on the right side of a line that is defined by the two picked handles.
The picture below displays the placing of the handles for the top and bottom reinforcements in
a beam:

First handle
Plane

LESSON 9

The picture on the right shows the rebars outside the concrete. This can be prevented by
entering a negative value in the On plane box in the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box.

164

The General tab in the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box contains the same options for
both single reinforcing bar and a reinforcing bar group. However, the Group tab contains
additional options for defining the properties of a reinforcing bar group. If you open the
Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box for a single reinforcing bar, the Group tab is disabled.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Distribution of bars
You can define the way the bars are distributed over the cover area by selecting the Creation
method list.

The creation method options are:

•

Equal distribution by number of reinforcing bars: This option is used for main
reinforcement bars in beams. The spacing of the bars is based on the number of the bars.
The spacing is the available distance divided by the number of the bars. The available
distance is cover area minus two times the value in the On plane box.

Available distance
Value in the On plane box
Equal distribution by target spacing value: You can enter a spacing value. Tekla
Structures aims the spacing value as closely as possible at the user-defined spacing value.
The spacing value is set to 150. The available distance for the bars is 1150 mm. This makes
1150/150 = 7,6 bars. The value will be rounded to 8. 1150/8 = 143.75. The calculated
spacing value of the bars is 143.75 mm.

•

By exact spacing value with flexible first/last/middle space: Creates fixed, regular
spaces between the bars. One space adjusts to even out the bar distribution. You can
choose whether the adjusted space is the first, last, or the middle space.
By exact spacing value with flexible first and last space:Tekla Structures calculates the
number of bars and places with the defined spacing. The remaining spacing value is
divided equally to the first and last bar spacing.
By exact spacing: You can enter every spacing value manually. Use the multiplication
character to repeat spacings, for example, 5*200 to create five spaces of 200.

•
•

LESSON 9

•

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

165

Equally distributed reinforcing bars
Exact spacing with flexible first space
Exact spacing with flexible first and last space
Exact spacing

Omitting reinforcing bars
You have the following options for omitting reinforcing bars:

•
•
•
•

None
First
Last
First and last

The following example displays two reinforcing bar groups that have been added to a concrete
beam.

Two reinforcing bar groups with flexible end and/or start value.
LESSON 9

The last and first bar omitted

166

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

46.3 Attaching reinforcing bars to another part
When you model reinforcing bars, you need to select a part where the bars are attached.
However, a modeled reinforcing bar may need to be attached to another part at a later stage.
To attach a reinforcing bar to another part:
1.
2.
3.

Select the reinforcing bar to attach.
Right-click and select Attach to part from the pop-up menu.
Select the part to which you want to attach the reinforcement.

46.4 Curved reinforcing bar group
The same properties options are used with the curved reinforcing bar group as with the straight
bar groups. The only difference is that three points are picked to define the reinforcing bar
shape and then the distribution area is picked.

If the concrete part is created using multiple points and with the intention to create a curved
part by changing the chamfer properties, then it is recommended to create snap points to create
the curved reinforcing bars. Always place the curved reinforcing bars using the working points
of the concrete part and set the On plane option to the correct position.

1.

Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Circular Reinforcing Bar Group or click

2.

.
Pick three points on the outer countour of the concrete part.
The radius is automatically calculated from these three points.

3.
4.

Pick the distribution area.
Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcing Bar....
The Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box opens.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 9

46.5 Creating circular reinforcing bar group

167

To define the splice length of the round stirrups, enter negative values in the Start and
End boxes.

5.

Click OK.

46.6 Creating a reinforcement mesh
You can create a reinforcement mesh that consists of two perpendicular bar groups.
To create a reinforcement mesh:
1.

Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcement Mesh... or doublebutton.
click the Create reinforcement mesh
The Reinforcement Mesh Properties dialog box opens. It can be used to set the length,
width, diameter, mesh size, and cover area of the reinforcement mesh.

LESSON 9

2.

168

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Click the Select button.
The Select Mesh dialog box opens.

You can select various meshes in the Reinforcement Mesh Properties dialog box.
The standard mesh properties are in defined in the mesh_database_inp file located in the
...\TeklaStructures\*version*\environments\*your
environment*\profile folder.

46.7 Creating reinforcement strand patterns
1.

Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcement Strand Pattern... or
click
.
The Strand Pattern Properties dialog box opens.

Enter or modify the strand properties.
Define the pre-stress load in the Pull per strand box.
In the Number of cross sections box, enter a number based on the strand profile.
There are four strand profile options:

LESSON 9

2.
3.
4.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

169

pattern 1
pattern 2
pattern 3
pattern 4
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Define the lengths of the debonding zones.
Click OK.
Click the Create reinforcement strand pattern button.
Pick the part to which you are creating strands.
Pick points to position the strands, for example, at the end of a part.

46.8 Reinforcement strand example
You can create a reinforcement strand in a beam. First create an array of points to aid in the
positioning of the reinforcement strand.

Creating a point array
Create a concrete beam before creating a point array. For more information, see Creating
concrete beams.
To create a point array:

LESSON 9

1.
2.

170

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Click Modeling > Add Points > On Plane... to open the Point Array dialog box.
Pick a corner of the beam.

The corner is used as an origin for defining the location of the points.
3.

Enter the coordinates for points under the Coordinates area in the Point Array dialog
box.

4.

Click Create to create the point array.

Creating a reinforcement strand for a beam
You must have added a point array to the beam before creating a reinforcement strand. For
more information, see Creating a point array (p. 170).
To create a reinforcement strand:
Hold down the Shift key and click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcement
Strand Pattern.
The Strand Pattern Properties dialog box opens.

2.

Modify the properties if required and click OK.

LESSON 9

1.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

171

Pick the beam to reinforce.
Pick all the points which are positioned on the beam end.

5.
6.

Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
Pick two points to define the length of the strands.

7.

Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
The reinforcement strand is created.

LESSON 9

3.
4.

172

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

46.9 Creating a reinforcement splice
You can create reinforcement splices using Tekla Structures. The blue splice symbols indicate
reinforcement splices in the models.

1.

To start directly creating a reinforcement splice, hold down the Shift button and click
Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcement Splice.

2.

If you want to modify the splice properties before you create a splice, click Detailing >
.
Select the first reinforcing bar or bar group.
Select the second reinforcing bar or bar group.
Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcement Splice....
The Reinforcement Splice Properties dialog box opens.

LESSON 9

Create Reinforcement > Reinforcement Splice or click

3.
4.
5.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

173

6.
7.

Modify the splice properties.
Click OK.

47 Custom reinforcement component
example
You can create two reinforcing bar groups to place staggered stirrups with hooks at opposite
edges in a concrete column. Then define a custom component of the reinforcement.

LESSON 9
Custom reinforcement component example

47.1 Creating a reinforcement for a column

174

1.

Create a concrete column that is 3000 millimeters high.
For more information, see Creating concrete columns.

2.

Hold down the Shift key and click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcing
Bar Group.
The Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box opens.

3.

Modify the properties in the General tab as shown below.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Go to the Group tab.
Modify the properties in the Group tab as shown below.
LESSON 9
Custom reinforcement component example

4.
5.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

175

Click Apply.
Click the column as the part to reinforce.
Pick the corners of the column to define the shape of the reinforcement. Follow the
sequence shown below. Click the middle mouse button.

9.

Pick the top and bottom levels to define the range of the reinforcement. Click the middle
mouse button to create the first reinforcing bar group.

LESSON 9
Custom reinforcement component example

6.
7.
8.

176

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Modify the properties under the Cover thickness area in the Reinforcing Bar
Properties dialog box as shown below.

11.
12.
13.

Click Apply.
Click the column as the part to reinforce.
Pick the corners of the column to define the shape of the reinforcement. Follow the
sequence shown below. Click the middle mouse button.

14.

Pick the top and bottom levels to define the range of the reinforcement. Click the middle
mouse button to create the second reinforcing bar group.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 9
Custom reinforcement component example

10.

177

47.2 Defining a custom reinforcement component
1.

Click Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component.
The Custom Component Wizard dialog box opens.

2.
3.
4.

Select Detail from the Type list.
Enter a name and a short description for the component. Click Next.
Hold down the Ctrl key and pick the two reinforcing bar groups as the component
objects. Click Next.
Pick the column as the main part. Click Next.
Pick the end point at the top level of the column as the reference point.
Click Finish to create the custom component.
The custom component only works correctly for columns with the same profile and
height.

LESSON 9
Custom reinforcement component example

5.
6.
7.

178

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

For more information on custom components, see Custom components (p. 148).

48 Reinforcement tips
Adding reinforcements to identical cast units is not always necessary. For example, if there are
20 cast units in a model, you can add reinforcements to all twenty cast units. In some cases, it is
possible to reinforce just one cast unit.
Advantages of reinforcing just one cast unit:

•
•
•
•
•
•

The model is better ordered because it contains less reinforcements
The database is smaller because the model contains less reinforcements
Less chance on numbering differences because there are less reinforcements
Numbering of the model is faster
Copying reinforcements and using custom components is not needed
Applying model changes is quick. There is no need to modify multiple reinforcements.

Disadvantages of reinforcing just one cast unit:

•
•

Incorrect reinforcement weight
Elements that have identical shapes but different reinforcements receive identical cast unit
numbers

LESSON 9
Reinforcement tips

You can create cast unit drawings of the reinforced cast units. Do not use the AutoDrawing
wizard. If the drawing has already been created and the reinforcements need to be added in at a
later stage, you can find the ID number of the cast unit in Tools > Inquire > Object and add the
reinforcing bars in the particular cast unit.

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179

49 Reinforcement components
Tekla Structures contains various reinforcing components that you can use to create reinforcing
bars and bar groups.

49.1 Adding reinforcement components
1.
2.

Click Detailing > Component > Component Catalog...
Click the arrow button and select Reinforcements from the list.
The reinforcement components are displayed in the Component Catalog.

3.

Double-click a component.
The properties dialog box opens.

4.
5.

Define the properties and click OK.
Select the part that you want to reinforce.

49.2 Reinforcement component examples

LESSON 9
Reinforcement components

Beam
reinforcement
(63)

180

The Beam reinforcement (63) component creates the stirrups and the top, bottom, and side
reinforcements in one go. If the size of the beam changes, the reinforcement adapts to the new
dimensions.

For the main reinforcement (top and bottom), the number and diameter of bars can be set
individually. For T profiles or beams with a ridge, multiple stirrup groups can be generated.
The cover thickness for the stirrups needs to be defined in the properties dialog box. The
positioning of the bars in longitudinal direction is automatically determined by the component.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

The stirrup distances can be specified in the Stirrup spacing tab. You can add more stirrups on
places where bigger shear forces occur. You can set the number of stirrups and stirrup distances
for the different zones.
It is possible to create different stirrups in two ledges. To do so, select Different in Each Ledge
from the Ledge stirrups list to activate the Upper ledge stirrups boxes.
The Additional Stirrup Spacing Type list contains two options to define the spacing of ledge
stirrups:

•

Target:Tekla Structures creates equal spaces between the bars aiming the spacing value as
closely as possible to the value you specify. This is the default option.
Exact: The first and last space of a zone adjust themselves to even out bar distribution.
The spaces in the middle of each zone are exactly the size you specify.

LESSON 9
Reinforcement components

•

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

181

The Rebar in beam (90) component is a versatile component that is used to add reinforcement
bars to a beam. Besides all the options that are available with the Beam reinforcement (63)
component, the Rebar in beam (90) can also bend the bars at the start or end part of the beam.

LESSON 9
Reinforcement components

Rebar in beam
(90)

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Starter bars for
pillar (86) and
Slab bars (18)

Starter bars for pillar (86)
Slab bars (18)
Hole
reinforcement for
slabs and walls
(84), Beam end
reinforcement
(79), and
Rectangular
column
reinforcement
(83)

Hole reinforcement for slabs and walls (84)
Beam end reinforcement (79)

LESSON 9
Reinforcement components

Rectangular column reinforcement (83)

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

183

184

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 9
Reinforcement components

LESSON 10
This lesson contains reference material that you can use when needed.

LESSON 10

>

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

185

50 Component examples
You can browse the component examples in this lesson to see the various component options
Tekla Structures offers. This material is presented as reference only.

50.1 Concrete components
Concrete foundation (1030)

eccentric column

column and started bars

gains

LESSON 10

Footing plate with two posts

186

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Precast found block (1028)

foundation block

sloped planes and recess

connected to a column

Concrete console (110)

intermediate sloped connection

console in panel

corbel connection

LESSON 10

default console

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

187

Concrete console (111)

concrete console

intermediate console + anchors

Wall wall teeth (12)

LESSON 10

Wall wall teeth panel

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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Sloped angle + connection

two beams, prefab connections

beams, cast in place connection

continuous precast beam

connection + seam

Column - beam (14)

connection panel beam

recesses

sloped connections
LESSON 10

column beam connection

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

189

Grating penetration (92)

column penetrates floor

Concrete beam-beam (112)

sloped connection

anchors + gain single

anchors + gain double

LESSON 10

connection + anchors

190

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Anchor (10)

default connection

sloped connection

Parts at beam (82)

striation + trenching

support beam, trenching, chamfering

chamfering 3x

LESSON 10

gutter + elevation

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

191

Border rebar (93)

default beam

default panel

border reinforcing bars

LESSON 10

default floor

192

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Imbedded anchors (8) and imbedded (1008)

lifting and bolt anchors

anchor bars

socket rectangle and tubes

several anchors

LESSON 10

gains

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

193

Seam anchors (31)

connection with anchors

connection with gains

Opening in wall (40)

several openings

adding insulation

braced girders

LESSON 10

define rabbet

194

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Braced girders (88 and 89)

floor

panel

plate

LESSON 10

geometry

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

195

Rebar in beam (90)

beam

column and anchor bars

ledge beam
sloped angles

stirrup extension

LESSON 10

reinforcement along the main axis

196

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Border rebar (92)

default beam
default panel

default plate

pins on top

Longitudinal reinforcement (70)

pins

LESSON 10

default longitudinal reinforcement

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

197

Beam reinforcement (63)

RCL profile
default reinforcement in beam

Pad footing reinforcement (77)

default footing plate and lacer bars

Beam end reinforcement (79)

LESSON 10

beam end

198

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

teeth

Lifting anchor (80)

default

lifting anchor and trenching

Round column reinforcement (82)

round column reinforcement and pins

round column reinforcement

Rectangular column reinforcement (83)

reinforcement and pins

LESSON 10

reinforcement

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

199

Hole reinforcement for slabs and walls (84)

panel and reinforcement

floor and reinforcement

Hole creation and reinforcement (85)

hole and reinforcement in beam

hole and reinforcement

Starter bars for pillars (86)

LESSON 10

footing plate

200

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

pins and border reinforcing bars

Starter bars for footing (87)

default footing plate
pins and starter reinforcing bars

Slab bars (18)

default bottom and top bars

bars in a set direction

Reinforcement mesh array in area (89)

reinforcement direction

LESSON 10

default mesh

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

201

Stairwells and elevation shafts (90)

default

Corbel connection (14)

default

plate

Seating with dowel (75)

LESSON 10

default

202

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

corbel

Two-sided seating with dowel (76)

sloped angle
default

Battering connection (13)

default

sloped angle, mirrored shape

Precast stairs (65)
The precast stairs (65) component creates different stairs with the following optional parts:
stairs
landings
ridges
stringers
anti-skid.

LESSON 10

•
•
•
•
•

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

203

Example

Description
A staircase with:

•
•
•

square step size
stringers on both sizes
top and bottom landings

A staircase with:

•
•

chamfered step corners
ridges on both sides

A staircase with:

LESSON 10

•
•
•

204

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

rounded step corners
anti-skid profile
bottom landing

50.2 Steel components

LESSON 10

End plate (144)

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

205

Cranked beam (41)

LESSON 10

Haunch (40)

206

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Joining plates (14)

Base plate (1004)
This component includes an option to create one or more filler plates.

Base plate (1029)

LESSON 10

With the standard setting, a base plate is created with a leveling plate including grout holes. A
plain base plate is also an option (leveling plate t=0) with or with-out grout holes. Additional
stiffeners can also be added.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

207

LESSON 10

208

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Stiffeners (1003)

Stub (1011)
Use the bolt delete option to determine which holes are deleted from the stub.

LESSON 10

End plate (1002)

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

209

Stanchion weld (85)

LESSON 10

Manlock column (1032)

210

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Manlock beam (1033)

Array of objects (29)

LESSON 10

This component can be used to copy model objects.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

211

one truss

copied

LESSON 10

If you modify the original objects, for example, a column, Tekla Structures
changes the copied objects as well.

212

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 10

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

213

LESSON 10

214

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

LESSON 11
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
how to use Tekla Structures Help
how to save your favorite Help topics

>
LESSON 11

•
•

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

215

51 Using Tekla Structures Help
Tekla Structures Help is a detailed guide to Tekla Structures concepts, tools, commands, and
features, with plenty of examples.

51.1 Opening Tekla Structures Help
To open Help, do one of the following:

•
•

Click Help > Tekla Structures Help.
Press F1.
If you have a dialog box open, pressing F1 takes you straight to the related topic.

51.2 Browsing Help topics by subject
Use the Contents tab to browse through Help topics using a hierarchical list of topics.
To browse Help topics by subject:
1.
2.

Go to the Contents tab.
Click a Help topic to open it, or double-click a closed book icon to display the subtopics.

3.

Use the blue-and-white arrow buttons to move to the next or previous topic.

To open or close all books on the Contents tab, right-click one of the
topics and select Open all or Close all from the pop-up menu.

51.3 Finding Help topics using the index
Use the Index tab to search for Help topics using an alphabetical list of keywords.
To find a Help topic using the index:

LESSON 11

1.
2.
3.

216

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Go to the Index tab.
Enter a keyword, or scroll through the list of keywords.
Double-click a title to display that topic, or click a topic title and then click Display.
If a keyword is associated with more than one topic, a list of topics appears and you are
prompted to select one of them.

51.4 Searching for Help topics
Use the Search tab to find Help topics based on search terms. You can refine your search using
wildcard characters, search operators, nested search terms, and search filters.
To search for a Help topic:
1.
2.
3.

Go to the Search tab.
Enter the words to search for.
Click List Topics to start the search.
A list of results appears.

4.

Double-click a title to display that topic, or click a topic title and then click Display.
If you want to find an exact phrase, or if the search term contains special
characters, enclose the phrase in double quotation marks. For example,
"bolt catalog" or "objects.inp".

Viewing the search results
To view and sort the search results, do any of the following:

To

Do this

Display the search results in
alphabetical order

Click the Title column heading.

Display the location of a topic in
the hierarchical list of topics

Click Locate on the Help toolbar.

Find a specific word or phrase in
the open topic

Click the topic and press Ctrl + F.

Move forward and backward
through previously viewed topics

Click Forward or Back on the Help toolbar.

Show or hide the navigation pane

Click Show or Hide on the Help toolbar.

Disable the highlighting of
search terms in the search results

Click Options > Search Highlight Off.

Return to the Help cover page

Click Home on the Help toolbar.

Using search filters
Use any of the following search filters to narrow or broaden your search results:

Description

Search previous results

Narrows down the search results. The next search will be
performed within the topics that were found in the
previous search.

LESSON 11

Search filter

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

217

Search filter

Description

Match similar words

Includes topics that contain words similar to your search
term. For example, also the plural form of the word is
included in the search.

Search titles only

Searches for words only in topic titles. If the search term
appears only in the body of a topic, it is not included in
the search results.

To enable or disable a search filter, select or clear the corresponding check box on the Search
tab.

51.5 Saving favorite Help topics
Use the Favorites tab to save Help topics that you might want to visit again.
To add a topic to your list of favorites:
1.
2.
3.

LESSON 11

4.

218

TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Display the topic you want to save.
Go to the Favorites tab.
Optional: If you want to save the topic under a different name, enter a new name in the
Current topic box, and then press Enter.
Click Add.