Detailing 160 Enu

Tekla Structures
Detailing Manual
Product version 16.0

December 2009
© 2010 Tekla Corporation

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

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

is usually of interest only to advanced or technically-oriented readers.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 16 3
Contents
Conventions used in this guide ........................................................................................................................... 3
1 Getting Started........................................................................................... 9
1.1 Basics of components............................................................................................................................. 9
Component concepts ....................................................................................................................... 10
Component dialog box ..................................................................................................................... 11
Selection order ................................................................................................................................. 13
Up direction ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Automatic and default properties ..................................................................................................... 14
General tab ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Design and Design type tabs ........................................................................................................... 15
1.2 Component catalog............................................................................................................................... 16
Using the component catalog........................................................................................................... 17
Symbols ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Pop-up menus ........................................................................................................................... 19
Thumbnail images............................................................................................................................ 20
Descriptions and keywords .............................................................................................................. 20
Grouping components...................................................................................................................... 21
Copying components to another folder ............................................................................................ 21
Customizing and saving components .............................................................................................. 22
1.3 Using components ................................................................................................................................ 22
Creating components ....................................................................................................................... 23
Example: Adding an end plate ......................................................................................................... 23
Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods .............................................................................. 24
Example: Adding a beam to column connection .............................................................................. 25
Viewing components ........................................................................................................................ 26
Modifying components ..................................................................................................................... 26
Conceptual components .................................................................................................................. 26
Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component .................................................. 27
Tips on working with components .................................................................................................... 28
1.4 Defining parts and plates ...................................................................................................................... 28
Using the dialog box......................................................................................................................... 28
Dimensioning parts .......................................................................................................................... 29
Plates ........................................................................................................................................ 29
Beams ....................................................................................................................................... 29
Part position number ................................................................................................................. 30
Using the Components tab ........................................................................................................ 30
Defining materials ............................................................................................................................ 31
Using the Components tab ........................................................................................................ 32
1.5 Defining bolts and welds....................................................................................................................... 32
Using the Bolts tab ........................................................................................................................... 32
Defining bolts ................................................................................................................................... 34
Increasing bolt length ................................................................................................................ 34
Creating holes.................................................................................................................................. 34
Number of bolts and spacing ........................................................................................................... 35
Bolt group orientation ....................................................................................................................... 35
Bolt group pattern............................................................................................................................. 36
Edge distance .................................................................................................................................. 36
Bolt position...................................................................................................................................... 36
Vertical bolt position .................................................................................................................. 37
Horizontal bolt position .............................................................................................................. 37
Defining slotted holes....................................................................................................................... 38
Deleting bolts ................................................................................................................................... 39
Defining bolt assemblies .................................................................................................................. 40
Welds ............................................................................................................................................... 40
1.6 AutoConnection .................................................................................................................................... 41
Using AutoConnection ..................................................................................................................... 41
1.7 AutoDefaults ......................................................................................................................................... 44
Using AutoDefaults .......................................................................................................................... 44
How to use AutoDefaults effectively................................................................................................. 45
Checking AutoDefaults properties.................................................................................................... 45
Checking AutoDefaults rules............................................................................................................ 45
1.8 Using the joints.def file.......................................................................................................................... 45
About joints.def ................................................................................................................................ 46
How joints.def works ................................................................................................................. 46
How to read joints.def ................................................................................................................ 46
Entering values .......................................................................................................................... 47
Defining general defaults ................................................................................................................. 47
Defining bolt diameter and number of rows ..................................................................................... 48
Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections ................................................................... 48
Gusset connections ................................................................................................................... 49
Diagonal connections ................................................................................................................ 49
Defining other bolt and part properties............................................................................................. 49
Gusset connection properties .................................................................................................... 50
Diagonal connection properties ................................................................................................. 53
Profile type-dependent bolt dimensions .................................................................................... 54
How Tekla Structures uses joints.def............................................................................................... 55
Connections that use joints.def ........................................................................................................ 55
1.9 Using Excel in connection design ......................................................................................................... 56
Setting up Excel files ........................................................................................................................ 57
Sample implementation.................................................................................................................... 57
Indicating component status............................................................................................................. 59
2 Custom Components .............................................................................. 61

2.1 Defining custom components................................................................................................................ 62
Exploding components ..................................................................................................................... 62
Defining a custom component.......................................................................................................... 62
Custom component types................................................................................................................. 66
Custom component basic properties................................................................................................ 68
2.2 Editing custom components.................................................................................................................. 69
Custom component editor ................................................................................................................ 69
Custom component browser ............................................................................................................ 71
2.3 Defining variables.................................................................................................................................. 73
Creating distance variables .............................................................................................................. 75
Creating reference distances ........................................................................................................... 77
Using magnetic construction planes................................................................................................. 79
Creating parameter variables ........................................................................................................... 80
Creating parameters that use formulae............................................................................................ 81
2.4 Functions to use in formulas ................................................................................................................. 82
Arithmetic operators ......................................................................................................................... 82
Logical statement ............................................................................................................................. 83
Reference function ........................................................................................................................... 83
Mathematical functions..................................................................................................................... 84
Statistical functions........................................................................................................................... 85
Data type conversions...................................................................................................................... 86
String operations .............................................................................................................................. 86
Trigonometric functions .................................................................................................................... 88
Framing condition functions ............................................................................................................. 88
2.5 Defining custom component properties................................................................................................. 90
Adding an option to create parts ...................................................................................................... 90
Defining bolt size and standard ........................................................................................................ 91
Defining bolt group location.............................................................................................................. 92
Replacing a sub-component............................................................................................................. 94
Changing the properties file ............................................................................................................. 96
Defining meshes in custom components.......................................................................................... 97
Creating surface treatments in custom components ...................................................................... 100
2.6 Managing and using custom components........................................................................................... 100
Custom component dialog box....................................................................................................... 100
6 TEKLA STRUCTURES 16
Customizing the dialog box ............................................................................................................ 102
Changing the order of fields .................................................................................................... 103
Changing the location of fields ................................................................................................ 103
Renaming tabs ........................................................................................................................ 104
Adding more tabs .................................................................................................................... 104
Adding pictures ........................................................................................................................ 105
Preventing modifications ......................................................................................................... 105
Using a custom component............................................................................................................ 106
Managing custom components ...................................................................................................... 106
Exporting and importing .......................................................................................................... 107
Protecting custom components with passwords ............................................................................ 108
Performing actions on custom components ................................................................................... 108
Using Excel with custom components............................................................................................ 109
Using ASCII files with custom component ..................................................................................... 109
Tips on working with custom components ..................................................................................... 110
2.7 Custom components reference........................................................................................................... 111
Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... ................................................................ 112
Position type................................................................................................................................... 114
Display variables ........................................................................................................................... 115
Browser .......................................................................................................................................... 119
Plane types .................................................................................................................................... 120
Construction plane ........................................................................................................................ 121
Custom component settings........................................................................................................... 122
Create distance ............................................................................................................................. 123
Create reference distance ............................................................................................................. 124
Automatic distances ...................................................................................................................... 125
3 Reinforcement ....................................................................................... 127

3.1 Getting started with reinforcement...................................................................................................... 127
3.2 Basic reinforcement properties ........................................................................................................... 128
Hooks ............................................................................................................................................. 129
Concrete cover............................................................................................................................... 130
Spacing reinforcing bars ................................................................................................................ 132
Omitting reinforcing bars ................................................................................................................ 132
User-defined attributes of reinforcement........................................................................................ 133
Meshes........................................................................................................................................... 133
3.3 Working with reinforcement ................................................................................................................ 134
Placing reinforcement .................................................................................................................... 134
Attaching reinforcement to parts .................................................................................................... 134
Modifying reinforcement................................................................................................................. 135
Changing reinforcement shape ............................................................................................... 135
Using reinforcement handles ................................................................................................... 135
Using adaptivity ....................................................................................................................... 137
Exploding reinforcement .......................................................................................................... 139
Splitting reinforcing bar groups ................................................................................................ 139
Splitting reinforcing bars in a group ......................................................................................... 139
Conceptual reinforcements ............................................................................................................ 140
Converting conceptual reinforcements to detailed reinforcements .......................................... 140
Customizing reinforcement meshes ............................................................................................... 140
Defining custom reinforcement components .................................................................................. 141
Numbering reinforcement............................................................................................................... 142
What affects reinforcement numbering .................................................................................... 142
How reinforcement affects part numbering .............................................................................. 143
3.4 Single bars, bar groups, and meshes ................................................................................................. 143
Reinforcing bar ............................................................................................................................... 143
Reinforcing bar group..................................................................................................................... 145
Curved reinforcing bar group.......................................................................................................... 147
Circular reinforcing bar group......................................................................................................... 148
Reinforcement mesh ...................................................................................................................... 149
Reinforcement strand pattern......................................................................................................... 151
Reinforcement splice...................................................................................................................... 154
4 Reinforcing bar bending types ............................................................ 157

4.1 Reinforcement in templates ................................................................................................................ 178
1 Getting Started
Introduction Once you have created a frame of parts in your Tekla Structures model, you will need to
connect those parts to complete the model. Tekla Structures contains a wide range of
components that you can use to automate the process of creating a model.
This chapter explains the basics about components - what they are and how to create them
using Tekla Structures. We will begin with the basic concepts, followed by a general
description of components properties. Finally, we will show you how to use components in
practice.
Contents This chapter is divided into the following topics:

• Basics of components (p. 9)
• Component catalog (p. 16)
• Using components (p. 22)
• Defining parts and plates (p. 28)
• Defining bolts and welds (p. 32)
• AutoConnection (p. 41)
• AutoDefaults (p. 44)
• Using the joints.def file (p. 45)
• Using Excel in connection design (p. 56)
1.1 Basics of components

Introduction Components are tools that you can use to automatically create the parts, welds, and bolts
required to connect parts. They are linked to main parts, so, when you modify a main part, the
associated component also changes.
Benefits The main benefits of working with components are:

1. You can save the properties of a component using an easily-identifiable name and keep it
for future use. For example, you could save the properties of a W12x65 column base plate
connection as W12x65.j*, and use it for several projects.
2. When you modify the size of a profile, Tekla Structures automatically modifies the
relevant components.
Getting Started
3. When you copy or move objects, Tekla Structures automatically includes all the associated
components.
Topics Component concepts (p. 10)

Component catalog (p. 16)
Component dialog box (p. 11)
Selection order (p. 13)
Up direction (p. 13)
Automatic and default properties (p. 14)
General tab (p. 15)
Design and Design type tabs (p. 15)
Component concepts
Components are tools that automate tasks and group objects so that Tekla Structures treats
them as a single unit. Components adapt to changes in the model, so that Tekla Structures
automatically modifies a component if you modify the parts it connects.
This is an example of how to apply a connection:
Select the main part.
Select the secondary part.
To see information about the connection, click the connection symbol.

The connection automatically creates the required parts, fittings, bolts,
etc.
Component types Components have the following subtypes:
Item Description Examples Symbol

Connection Connects two or more parts, Two-sided
and creates all the required clip angle,
objects such as cuts, fittings, bolted gusset.
parts, bolts, and welds.
Getting Started
Item Description Examples Symbol
Modeling Automatically creates and Stairs,
tool assembles the parts to build a frames,
structure, but does not connect towers
the structure to existing parts.
Modeling tools can include
connections and details.
Detail Adds a detail to a main part. A Stiffeners,
detail is only connected to one base plates,
part. When you create a detail, lifting hooks
Tekla Structures prompts you
to select a part, followed by a
point to locate the detail.
System and Tekla Structures contains hundreds of system components by default. You can also create
custom your own components, custom components. They have following subtypes:
components
• connection
• detail
• part
• seam
All components are stored in the Component catalog (p. 16). To open the component catalog,
use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F.
See also Custom Components (p. 61)

Exploding components (p. 62)
Component dialog box

The component dialog box is in two sections.
Upper part Use the upper section of the dialog box to save and load predefined settings. For more
information, see Save, Load, Save as buttons. For some components the upper section also
contains buttons for accessing the bolt, weld and DSTV dialog boxes.
For information on handling the saved properties, see Connection properties files.
Getting Started
Tabs
Tekla Structures uses the automatic property value
The parts the component creates appear in yellow

The green symbol indicates the correct direction for the connection or
detail.
The parts you select appear in blue.
Tekla Structures uses the default property value
Lower part The lower section of the dialog box is divided into tabs. This is where you define the properties
of the parts and bolts that the component creates. The most common tabs that appear here are:
• Picture illustrates the component. It shows just one example, but you can usually use one
component in many situations.
• Parts is where you define the properties of the parts the component creates
• Parameters is where you set parameters to control the component (for example, for
stiffeners, end plates, chamfers, etc.)
• Bolts is where you define the number of bolts and their edge distances
• General is where you define the direction of the connection or detail and AutoDefaults
rules
Getting Started
See also Defining parts and plates (p. 28)
Defining bolts and welds (p. 32)
Selection order
To create a connection you need to select or pick existing parts or points. The default selection
order for a connection is:
1. Main part
2. Secondary part(s)
3. If there is more than one secondary part, click the middle mouse button to finish selecting
parts and create the connection.
Some connection dialog boxes illustrate the selection order for parts using numbers, as shown
below. Select the parts in the order shown in the picture:
Details The default selection order for a detail is:

1. Main part.
2. A point in the main part to show the location of the detail.
Modeling tools The default picking order for a modeling tool is:
1. Pick one to three point(s) to show the location of the objects the modeling tool creates.
Up direction
The up direction of a connection or a detail indicates how the connection is rotated around the
secondary part, relative to the current work plane. If there are no secondary parts, Tekla
Structures rotates the connection around the primary part. The options are: +x, -x, +y, -y, +z, -z.
The Picture tab in the dialog box shows the up direction Tekla Structures will use. Tekla
Structures also indicates the up direction in the connection symbol:
Getting Started
Manually defining To manually define the up direction:
up direction
1. Double-click the connection symbol to open the connection dialog box.
2. On the General tab, change the x, y, or z direction. Try positive directions first.
3. Click Modify to use the new values.
Automatic and default properties

Some connection dialog boxes contain list boxes that show property options as graphics. You
can select system defaults, AutoDefaults, or have Tekla Structures automatically set the
properties.
System default If you leave fields in connection dialog boxes blank, Tekla Structures uses the system default
properties properties. Manual entries, default, automatic and properties in the joints.def file, all
override these system defaults. You cannot change system default properties.
Default and
automatic
properties Icon Description More information
To have Tekla Structures use a default Using AutoDefaults
property in a connection, select the (p. 44)
option marked with this symbol.
If you use AutoDefaults for the
connection, Tekla Structures uses the
property defined in the AutoDefaults
rules. If you are not using AutoDefaults,
Tekla Structures creates the connection
using the system default property.
If AutoDefaults have been used, the
actual picture in the default option does
not necessairly match the outcome.
To have Tekla Structures automatically
determine which option to use for a
property, select the option marked with
this symbol.
Example, Boomerang bracing
connection (60):
Use the Automatic option

on the Gussetbolt1 tab to have Tekla
Structures determine how the clip angle
is connected to the gusset plate and
beam.
Getting Started
See also Using the joints.def file (p. 45)
General tab
Connections and details have the same General tab. It contains the following properties:
Field Description More information

Up direction Rotates the connection around Up direction
the secondary part or detail
around the main part.
The fields next to the image
define rotation angle around
the x- and y-axis of the
secondary. The upper one is
for y- and the lower one for x.
Position in Available only for details.
relation to Select a checkbox next to the
primary part images to indicate the
position of the definition
point of the detail, relative to
the main part.
Use the Horizontal offset and
Vertical offset fields to define
the horizontal and vertical
alignment of the detail,
relative to the primary part.
Locked Prevents modifications. Locking objects
Class A number given to all parts Colors
the connection creates. You
can use class to define the
color of parts in the model.
Connection Identifies the connection.
code Tekla Structures can display
this connection code in
connection marks in
drawings.
AutoDefaults Automatically sets connection Using AutoDefaults
Rule Group properties according to the
selected rule group. To switch
AutoDefaults off, select the
rule group None.
AutoConnectio Automatically switches the
n Rule Group connection to another
according to the selected rule
group.
Design and Design type tabs

Some component dialog boxes include a Design tab, others include a Design type tab. Use the
options on these pages to check if the component will bear the UDL (uniform distributed load),
according to AISC (ASD) specifications. This design check is intended for use with imperial
units.
The Design tab also contains options to:
Getting Started
• Use AutoDefaults rule groups to automatically modify component properties to take the
calculated load. To define which AutoDefaults rule group to use, go to the General tab and
select the rule in the AutoDefaults rule group list box.
For more information, see Reaction forces and UDL.
• Use information in an Excel spreadsheet to check connection design and automatically
update component properties to bear the UDL. This is useful when you want to check
connection design according to other design codes. See Using Excel in connection
design.
Design tab To check the design of a component that has a Design tab page:
1. Go to the Design tab and select Yes in the Use UDL listbox.
2. To use information in an Excel spreadsheet in the UDL calculation, select Excel in the
External design listbox.
3. Enter the information you want to use in the calculation in the remaining fields.
4. Select a connection in the model and click Modify. To view the results of the check, right-
click the component symbol and select Inquire from the pop-up menu.The inquire object
window opens, which contains a summary of the design checks and related information.
See also Using Excel in connection design.
Design type tab To check the design of a component that has a Design type tab page:
1. Open the component properties dialog box.
2. Go to the Design type tab and select Yes in the Check connection list box. Tekla
Structures will check the connection each time it is used or changed in a model.
3. Enter the information you want to use in the calculation in the remaining fields.
4. Select a connection in the model and click Modify.
5. Tekla Structures checks the component. A green component symbol indicates that the
connection will bear the UDL, red indicates it will not.
6. To view the results of the check, right-click the component symbol and select Inquire from
the pop-up menu.The inquire object window opens, which contains a summary of the
design checks and related information, for example:
Primary angle, Gross shear [AISC ASD F4-1 (p5-49)]

applied = 250.00, allowable = 190.80, capacity = 1.31
FAIL (t = 0.5000, tmin = 0.6551)
Example of design check information in the Inquire object
dialog box.
• The first row shows the part checked, the name of the check and a reference to the AISC
specification.
• The second row shows the applied and allowed force and how much capacity has been
used.
• The third row shows the results and possible solutions. In this example the primary angle
plate was not thick enough. Tekla Structures has indicated the minimum thickness required
to bear the UDL.
1.2 Component catalog

Tekla Structures contains a component catalog, where all components and sketched cross
sections are stored. See also Sketched cross sections.
Getting Started
To open the component catalog, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F, or click the Search
component icon on the component toolbar (see Component catalog example (p. 17)).
Topics Using the component catalog (p. 17)

Thumbnail images (p. 20)
Descriptions and keywords (p. 20)
Grouping components (p. 21)
Customizing and saving components (p. 22)
Using the component catalog

To open the component catalog, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F, or click the Search
component icon on the component toolbar.
You can do the following with components and sketched cross sections:
• search using name, number, or keywords
• start creating
• view properties
• collect your own favorites
• define keywords
• edit or add descriptions
• import/export
Component This example shows the search results for the search term "Part":
catalog example
Getting Started
Search
View folders
View details
View thumbnails
Show/ hide descriptions

Create a component using the component tool you used last with its
current properties.
Double-click the name to set the properties and create the component.
Component description
Custom components have yellow symbols.
System components have blue symbols.
To sort a column, click the header cell.
You can create a list of favorite components. To add a component to your

list, right-click the component name in the component catalog, and then
select Add to Favorites in the pop-up menu.
Creating new By default, components are grouped in folders based on their type and framing condition. You
folders can add and remove components, and create folders and subfolders.
To create new folders in the Folders tree view, right-click a level in the tree and select an
option from the pop-up menu:
• Create New Folder to create folder at the same level
• Create New Sub-folder to create a folder one level below
Information on the folders you create is stored in the
ComponentCatalogTreeView.txt file that is located in the
..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>\attributes\ folder.
For more information, see Copying components to another folder (p. 21).
Modifying • The default view settings for the Search view are stored in the
Search and
Folders views ComponentCatalog.txt file that is located in the ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder.
If you modify the file, the Search view and the Search results branch in the Folders view
change.
• The default tree settings for the Folders view are stored in the
ComponentCatalogTreeView.txt file that is located in the ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder.
If you modify the file, the Folders view changes.
Symbols
The first column in the catalog indicates the component types with following symbols:
Getting Started
Symbo
l Component type
System connections
System detail
System modeling tool
Custom connections and seams
Custom details
Custom parts
Sketched cross sections
Pop-up menus
System Right-click a system component in the Search view list to open a pop-up menu containing the
components following commands:
• Properties...
• Edit keywords...
• Add to Favorites
• Add to Search result...
• Remove from Search result
• Change picture...
• AutoDefaults
• Import
Custom Right-click a custom component in the Search view list to open a pop-up menu containing the
components following commands:
• Properties...
• Change picture...
• AutoDefaults
• Export
• Import
• Edit custom component
• Delete custom component
Sketched cross Right-click a sketch in the Search view list to open a pop-up menu containing the following
sections commands:
• Properties...
Getting Started
• Export
• Import
• Delete cross section sketch
See also Thumbnail images (p. 20)

Descriptions and keywords (p. 20)
Grouping components (p. 21)
Managing custom components (p. 106)
Sketched cross sections
Thumbnail images
Most system components have a default thumbnail image in the component catalog, which
shows you a typical situation where the component can be used. For example, this is what the
thumbnail image for Bolted gusset (11) connection looks like:
To edit a thumbnail image for a component:

1. Create an image and save it in bmp format in ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\nt\bitmaps folder.
To create the image, you can use Create View > Default Views of
Component and Screenshot commands, for example.
2. Press Ctrl + F to open the component catalog.

3. Right-click the component and select Change picture...
4. Locate the thumbnail and select it.
5. Click OK.
6. Tekla Structures links the thumbnail to the component.
Descriptions and keywords

Descriptions To view a component description, select the component in the Component catalog.
Use the button to show or hide descriptions.

You can create new descriptions and edit existing ones:
• The default component descriptions are stored in the xslib.db1 file, located in the
model folder.
• To add or edit a description, type text in the description field. When you select another
component in the component catalog, Tekla Structures prompts you to save the description
you added or edited. After you have saved the description, save the model also.
Getting Started
• Edited component descriptions are model-specific.
Keywords To add or edit keywords, right-click a component in the component catalog, and select Edit
keywords...
Keywords you add or edit are saved in ComponentCatalog.txt file in the current model
folder.
You can combine ComponentCatalog.txt files and move them to the system
folder:..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system.
Grouping components
To create a new folder based on the results of a search:
1. In the Component catalog, enter your search criteria and click Search.
2. To group the search results in a new folder, click Store.
3. In the Store search result dialog box, enter a name for the folder and click OK.
4. The new folder appears in the tree.
Removing To remove components from a group, right-click the component and select:
components from
groups • Remove, if it is a default group.
or
• Remove from search result if the folder was created from a search.
Copying components to another folder

To copy components from one folder to another:
1. In the component catalog, click the Folders icon to open the Folders view.
2. Go to the folder where the component to be copied is located.
3. Select the component, right-click and select Copy.
4. Go to the folder where you want to copy the component.
5. Right-click and select Paste.
If the copying does not succeed for some reason, store the component
temporarily to a new folder.
1. Click the Search icon and search for the component to be copied.
2. Select the component and click Store to create a new folder for the
component.
3. In the Folders view, go to the new folder and copy the component
from there to the desired folder.
Getting Started
Customizing and saving components
Many components are suitable for use in different situations. You can define the properties of a
component to use in a specific situation, then save a copy in the component catalog to use in
similar situations.
For example, we’ll use the Bolted gusset (11) component to connect a single brace at the base
plate of column.
1. To save a copy of the component, we’ll right-click the component symbol in the model,
and select Publish in catalog.... The Publish in catalog dialog box appears.
2. We can add the component to a specific group. By default, the component is added to the
All group.
3. By default the component uses the same thumbnail image as the original component. To
change the thumbnail, see Thumbnail images (p. 20).
1.3 Using components

Introduction This section explains how to use components. It also includes examples.
Topics Creating components (p. 23)

Example: Adding an end plate (p. 23)
Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods (p. 24)
Getting Started
Example: Adding a beam to column connection (p. 25)
Viewing components (p. 26)
Modifying components (p. 26)
Conceptual components (p. 26)
Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component (p. 27)
Tips on working with components (p. 28)
Creating components
You create different types of component in different ways. For example, you select existing
parts to indicate which members a connection or a detail is attached to. You need to pick
points to indicate the location or length of a detail or a modeling tool. See also Selection order
(p. 13).
When you create connections, Tekla Structures prompts you to select the main part (the part
secondary parts connect to), then the secondary part(s). For an example of using a connection,
see Example: Adding an end plate (p. 23).
Status Tekla Structures uses different-colored connection symbols to show the status of connections
and details, as shown below:
Color Status Tip

Component created
successfully.
Green
Component created, but Often occurs when bolts or
has problems. holes have an edge distance
less than the default value for
that component.
Yellow
Component failed. A common reason is that the
up direction is not
appropriate. See Up
direction (p. 13).
Red
When applying a component that you are unfamiliar with, accept the
default properties and apply the component. Then look to see what needs
to be modified. This is quicker than trying to set the values for the
component before seeing what the component actually creates.
Example: Adding an end plate

This example shows how to create an end plate connection. The End plate (144) connection
connects two beams, or a beam to a column, using a bolted end plate.
To create the end plate connection:
1. In the component catalog, enter 144 and click Search.
2. Double-click the End plate (144) component. Tekla Structures displays the component
dialog box and starts the End plate (144) command.
Getting Started
3. Click Apply to create the component using the default properties.
4. Tekla Structures prompts you to select the main part (column) and then the secondary part
(beam). Tekla Structures creates the connection.
5. Select the next main part or interrupt the command.

If you need to change the number of bolts or plate dimensions, for example, you need to modify
the component. For more information, see Modifying components (p. 26).
If you use incorrect properties, Tekla Structures may fail to create the component. For more
information, see Creating components (p. 23).
Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods

Component catalog contains several base plate details. This example shows how to create a
base plate and anchor rods.
Before you start:
• create a column
• create an elevation view
To add a base plate to a column:
1. Open an elevation view.
2. Open the component catalog.
3. Enter base plate in the Search field and click Search.
4. To view pictures of the components in the search results, click the Thumbnails icon .
Getting Started
5. Click Base plate (1004). This component creates a base plate with anchor bolts.
6. The prompt Pick part appears on the status bar. Select the column.
7. The prompt Pick position appears on the status bar. Pick the point at the base of the
column to indicate where to create the base plate.
8. Tekla Structures creates the base plate.
9. Examine the component to see if you need to make any changes.
10. Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection was
created successfully.
11. Change the dimensions of the anchor rods.
To make it easier to select components, click the Select component icon .

12. Double-click the component to open the Tekla Structures Base plate (1004) dialog box.
13. Go to the Anchor rods tab. Change the dimensions of the anchor rods.
14. To change only this base plate, select Ignore other types in the list in the top section of the
dialog box:
15. Click Modify. Tekla Structures changes the dimensions of the anchor rods.
16. Click OK to close the dialog box.
17. Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to end the command.
Example: Adding a beam to column connection

Component catalog contains several beam to column connections. This example shows how to
create a beam to column connection.
Before you start:
• create a beam and a column
• create an elevation view
To create a beam to column connection:
1. Open the component catalog.
Getting Started
2. Select Beam to column connections in the list. The list of beam to column connections
appears in the main pane.
3. Select Column with stiffeners (186).
4. The prompt Pick main part appears on the status bar. Select the column.
5. The prompt Pick secondary part appears on the status bar. Select the beam.
6. Tekla Structures creates the connection.
7. Click OK to close the dialog box.
8. Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to end the command.
10. Examine the component to see if you need to make any changes.
Viewing components
You can create several views of a component to view it from different viewpoints.
To create views of a component:
1. Click the component symbol to select the component.
2. To create views, right-click and select Create View > Default Views of Component in
the pop-up menu. Tekla Structures creates four views: front, end, top, and perspective.
To check dimensions, such as bolt locations and edge distances, work in

the Component front view and use the Measure tool.
Modifying components
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.
If you have Select component switched on , you do not have to

pick component symbol, but you can just pick any object belonging to a
component. This is the only method for selecting custom parts, because
they do not have any symbol.
You can also indicate which connections and details are affected by the modifications:
• Modify connection type: If you have selected several connections details, clicking the
Modify button modifies all the selected connections and details irrespective of their type. If
the connection type is not the same as in the dialog box, Tekla Structures changes the
connection type.
• Ignore other types: Tekla Structures only modifies connections and details of the type
shown in dialog box.
Conceptual components
Conceptual components can be created only with Engineering and Reinforced Concrete
Detailing configurations.
Getting Started
Conceptual components are meant to be used as reference information for further fabrication
detailing. Conceptual components look similar to detailed components but do not include the
option to change part numbering or assembly numbering settings.
You can edit conceptual components in Full, Steel Detailing, or Precast Concrete Detailing
configurations.
Conceptual components can be converted to detailed components that include all the
information needed for fabrication, such as assemblies, cast units, and reinforcing bars. The
conversion to detailed components can be done in Full, Steel Detailing, or Precast Concrete
Detailing configurations.
Detailed components can be converted to conceptual components in Engineering and
Reinforced Concrete Detailing configurations.
Modifying part properties, such as the size of the component main part, does not automatically
convert a detailed component to a conceptual one, or vice versa. For example, if you use the
Engineering configuration and modify the model, detailed components do not convert back to
conceptual components.
Component Symbol Configuration Description

Conceptual Engineering Conceptual component
Reinforced does not create
assemblies or cast units.
Concrete Detailing
The dialog box is
otherwise same as that
for a detailed
component, but does not
contain fields for part
Rectangular
and assembly positions.
Detailed Full Detailed component
contains part and
Steel Detailing
assembly numbering
Precast Concrete fields, and creates
Detailing needed assemblies and
cast units.
Round
See also Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component (p. 27)
Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component

An individual conceptual component that has been created with Engineering or Reinforced
Concrete Detailing configuration can be converted to a detailed component in Full, Steel
Detailing, and Precast Concrete Detailing configurations.
To convert a conceptual component to a detailed component:
1. Select the component symbol.
2. Click Detailing > Component > Convert to Detailing Component.
Alternatively, you can select the component symbol, right-click and select Convert to
Detailing Component.
If you want to convert a detailed component to a conceptual component in Engineering or
Reinforced Concete Detailing configuration, right-click and select Convert to Conceptual
Component.
See also Conceptual components (p. 26)
Getting Started
Tips on working with components
No component If you have difficulty applying a component, check the status bar for prompts. For example,
created you may need to click the middle mouse button to stop selecting parts, before Tekla Structures
creates the component.
Many parts found If you are applying a connection that only allows for one secondary member, you may see the
message Many parts found on the status bar. This means that Tekla Structures cannot
determine which parts to connect. You may have several parts in the same location, or the view
may be set too deep.
Switch parts on/ If the component does not create the parts you need by default (for example, stiffener plates),
off look for a switch to turn them on. If there is no switch, try entering a value in the thickness field
for that part (for example, on the Stiffeners tab).
If the component creates parts you do not need, look for the switch to turn them off. If there is
no switch, enter a zero (0) in the thickness field for that part.
Default: Tekla Structures creates stiffeners or uses

value retrieved from AutoDefaults.
Automatic: Tekla Structures creates or omits stiffeners

depending on the situation in the model.
Tekla Structures does not create stiffeners
Tekla Structures creates stiffeners.
Entering valid You need to specify profiles for some components. If a component fails, try entering a valid
profiles profile.
1.4 Defining parts and plates

Use the Parts tab to define the parts that Tekla Structures creates when you use a component.
Topics Using the dialog box (p. 28)

Dimensioning parts (p. 29)
Defining materials (p. 31)
Using the dialog box

Some components list all parts on one tab, others list parts on separate tabs as shown in the
following examples.
One Parts tab Where there is one tab, the label is usually Parts or Plates.
Getting Started
Several Parts Plates can also appear on separate tabs. For example, in connection 56, Corner tube gusset,
tabs the parts appear on both the Gusset and Tube diag tabs.
Dimensioning parts
Use the Parts tabs to dimension specific part types in components.
To delete a part, enter zero (0) in the t (thickness) field.
Plates
Enter the following dimensions for plates:
Dimension Description
t Plate thickness
b Plate width
h Plate height
You do not have to enter these dimensions for every component type, as Tekla Structures
determines the plate shape differently for different components. For example, in end plate
connections, Tekla Structures calculates width and height using the number of bolts and bolt
edge distances. Click Help in a component dialog box to check which dimensions you need to
enter.
Beams
To specify a library or parametric profile to use for beams:
Getting Started
• Enter the profile name.
• Or click , and select a profile from the profile catalog.
The profile must exist in the profile catalog.
Part position number

Use the Pos_no field to enter the part position number for each part the component creates.
This overrides the settings on the Tools > Options > Options... > Components tab. Specify a
prefix and a start number, as shown below.
Prefix
Start number
Some component dialog boxes have a second row of Pos_no fields for you to enter the
assembly position number.
Using the Components tab

To set the default prefix and start number for all the parts that components create, click Tools >
Options > Options... > Components. You define different prefixes and start numbers
according to the part’s relationship to other parts in the component. Separate the prefix and part
number using the \ character (for example, p\1).
Getting Started
Prefix
Part number
Defining materials
To define the materials for the parts that components create, click against the
Material field. Tekla Structures opens the Select Material dialog box. Click a material type,
then click the material to use for the part.
Getting Started
Using the Components tab
To set the default part material for the parts that components create, click Tools > Options >
Options... > Components tab, and use the Part material field. Tekla Structures uses this
default if you leave the Material field blank in the component dialog box when you apply the
component.
1.5 Defining bolts and welds

Use the Bolts or Welds tabs to define which bolts, assemblies, and welds to use in specific
components.
Topics Using the Bolts tab (p. 32)

Defining bolts (p. 34)
Creating holes (p. 34)
Number of bolts and spacing (p. 35)
Bolt group orientation (p. 35)
Bolt group pattern (p. 36)
Edge distance (p. 36)
Bolt position (p. 36)
Defining slotted holes (p. 38)
Deleting bolts (p. 39)
Defining bolt assemblies (p. 40)
Welds (p. 40)
Using the Bolts tab

This illustration shows the properties you can set on the Bolts tab of component dialog boxes:
Getting Started
Slotted hole dimensions
Slotted to create slotted hole in part
Check bolt components to include (bolt, washer, screw).
Shank length protruding from the nut
Bolt spacing - vertical
Number of bolts
Getting Started
Enter bolt order number of bolt to delete.
Edge distance
Bolt spacing (horizontal)
Number of bolts
Bolt group pattern
Horizontal
Vertical
Defining bolts
Use the following fields on the Bolts tab to specify the type of bolts to use in individual
components:
Dialog box
text Description
Bolt size Must be defined in the bolt assembly catalog. See also The
bolt and bolt assembly catalogs.
Bolt standard The bolt standard to use inside the component. Must be
defined in the bolt assembly catalog.
Tolerance Gap between bolt and hole.
Thread in mat Indicate if the thread can be inside bolted parts when using
bolts with a shaft. Has no effect if using full-threaded
bolts.
Site/Workshop Location where bolts should be attached.
Increasing bolt length

To allow for additional material thickness, increase the length of the bolt on the Bolts tab. For
example, you could use this for painted parts.
Enter extra bolt length
Tekla Structures uses this value in bolt length calculation. See Bolt length calculation.
Creating holes
To only create a hole, deselect all the components in the illustration on the Bolts tab.
Getting Started
Number of bolts and spacing
Use the Bolts tab to specify the number of bolts and bolt spacing, both horizontally and
vertically.
Enter the number of bolts in the shorter field, and the spacing between bolts in the longer field,
as shown below. Use a space to separate bolt spacing values. Enter a value for each space
between bolts.
Example For example, if there are 3 bolts, enter 2 values.
Number of bolts
Bolt spacing
The settings above result in this bolt group layout:
Bolt group orientation

Some connections include the following options on the Bolts tab to orientate bolt groups:
Option Description
Square.
Staggered in the direction of the secondary part.
Sloped in the direction of the secondary part.
Getting Started
Bolt group pattern
For some components you can select different bolt group patterns. You have the following
options:
Option
Edge distance
Edge distance is the distance from the center of a bolt to the edge of the part. Enter top, bottom,
left, and right edge distances on the Bolts tab. A dimension line on the illustration shows each
dimension. See also Using the joints.def file (p. 45).
Edge distance dimension line
Enter edge distances here
Bolt position
In the list box on the Bolts tab, select an option to indicate how to measure dimensions for
vertical and horizontal bolt position.
Then enter the dimension in the fields indicated below. If you leave this field blank, Tekla
Structures uses a system default value.
Getting Started
Enter dimensions
Measure dimension from....
Vertical bolt position

Use these options to indicate how Tekla Structures measures vertical dimensions:
Option Dimension from Illustration

Top Upper edge of secondary part to
uppermost bolt.
Middle Centerline of bolts to centerline of

secondary part.
Bottom Lower edge of secondary part to

lowest bolt.
Horizontal bolt position

Use these options to indicate how Tekla Structures measures horizontal dimensions:
Getting Started
Option Dimension from Illustration
Left Left edge of secondary part to far
left bolt.
Middle Centerline of bolts.
Right Right edge of secondary part to far

right bolt.
Defining slotted holes

To define slotted holes in components:
1. Open the component properties dialog box and click on the Bolts tab. Different bolt
groups may appear on different tabs in different dialog boxes.
2. Set Hole type to Slotted.
3. Select which parts have slotted holes from the Slots in list box. Select No to create round
holes.
4. To shape slotted holes, enter the x or y dimensions of the hole. To produce a round hole,
enter zero (0) for both dimensions.
Getting Started
Slotted hole length = x or y dimension + Bolt size + Tolerance
For some components you can specify which parts have slotted holes
using the Bolts tab. For example, Clip angle (141), Shear plate simple
(146).
You can also use the Bolt command to modify bolt groups after creating components. For more
information, see Holes.
Deleting bolts
To delete bolts from a bolt group:
1. Double click the component symbol to open the component dialog box.
2. Go to the Bolts tab.
3. Check Delete.
4. Enter the bolt number(s) of the bolt(s) to delete, separated by a space. Bolt numbers run
left to right and top down.
5. Click Modify to change the selected component.
6. Click OK to exit the component dialog box.
Example You start with this bolt group:
You enter the following bolt numbers:
The bolt group now looks like this:
Getting Started
Defining bolt assemblies
On the illustration on the Bolts tab, check the pieces to use in the bolt assembly (bolt, washers,
and nuts).
To change the bolt assemblies in the current component:

1. Click the component symbol to select it.
2. Check the pieces to use.
3. Check Effect in modify.
4. Click the Modify button.
Welds
To define the properties of the welds Tekla Structures uses in a component, click the Welds
button in the component properties dialog box. Tekla Structures displays the appropriate weld
dialog box.
The illustration identifies each weld using a number. For each weld, use row 1 to define the
arrow side of the weld, and row 2 for the other side.
Getting Started
See also Welds
1.6 AutoConnection
Introduction Use AutoConnection to automatically select and apply connections with predefined properties
to selected parts. Use AutoConnection to have Tekla Structures automatically create similar
connections for similar framing conditions.
Topics Using AutoConnection (p. 41)
Using AutoConnection
Use AutoConnection to have Tekla Structures automatically create connections using a
predefined set of rules, or rule group.
Creating To create connections using AutoConnection:

connections
1. Pick the parts to connect.
2. Click Detailing > AutoConnection... to display the AutoConnection dialog box.
3. Select a rule group in the first list box on the Rule groups tab as shown below.
Getting Started
Rule group for AutoConnection
Rule group for AutoDefaults
4. Click the Create connections button.

When you use AutoConnection, Tekla Structures ignores the properties in the connection
dialog boxes and creates connections using the properties defined in the rule group. Tekla
Structures does not modify existing connections.
You can change the properties of connections you create using AutoConnection.
Additional Use the options on the Advanced tab to indicate which rule groups you want to use for each
options Framing condition (beam to beam web, beam to beam flange, etc.). You also have the option
not to apply a rule group, or to apply a specific connection.
Getting Started
Example You can use a rule group for all framing types other than beam to column flange, and indicate a
particular connection to use for that framing type.
Options Use Connection selection to indicate your preferences for each framing condition. You have
the following options:
Option Result
None Tekla Structures does not create a connection.
AutoConnection Tekla Structures applies the connection defined in
the rule group you have indicated in the first list
box on the Rule groups tab.
A named connection Click Select to pick from a list of available
connections. Click a connection, then OK.
Tekla Structures creates the connection you specify
using the default properties. See Automatic and
default properties (p. 14).
Use Parameters selection to indicate which connection properties you want to use. The
options are:
Option Result
AutoDefaults Tekla Structures applies the properties of the rule
group you have indicated in the first list box on
Rule groups tab.
No AutoDefaults Tekla Structures applies the default connection
properties. See Automatic and default properties
(p. 14).
Getting Started
1.7 AutoDefaults
Introduction Use AutoDefaults to automatically apply connections. When you use AutoDefaults, Tekla
Structures automatically creates connections with predefined properties.
For example, you can use AutoDefaults to automatically adjust the thickness of each base plate
you create, according to the primary part profile. If the primary part profile changes, Tekla
Structures will also automatically adjust the thickness of the base plate.
Topics Using AutoConnection (p. 41)

Using AutoDefaults (p. 44)
How to use AutoDefaults effectively (p. 45)
Checking AutoDefaults properties (p. 45)
Checking AutoDefaults rules (p. 45)
Using AutoDefaults
With AutoDefaults you can have Tekla Structures apply connection properties using a
predefined set of rules. You can use AutoDefaults together with AutoConnection to define
connection properties, or separately to define the properties of a single connection.
To use AutoDefaults for a single connection:
1. Open the connection dialog box.
2. On the General tab, select a rule group (the rule group cannot be None).
3. On all the tabs, set the fields that you want AutoDefaults to override to Default by
selecting the options marked with the arrow symbol.
4. Click Apply to create the connection using AutoDefaults.
To quickly set all the fields in a dialog box to Default, load <Defaults>
in the connection dialog box.
Getting Started
How to use AutoDefaults effectively
Use default values when you create a connection, then use AutoDefaults to modify the
properties.
If you manually modify connection properties after using AutoDefaults, Tekla Structures will
not automatically update the connection properties, even if AutoDefaults is active.
AutoDefaults does not change connection properties that have been modified. It only modifies
connection properties in fields containing the default properties.
For example, you have manually set a base plate thickness of 20 mm in the Base plate dialog
box of a connection. AutoDefaults is active and sets plate thickness according to the primary
part profile. If you modify the primary part profile, Tekla Structures does not update the base
plate thickness. It remains at 20 mm.
Checking AutoDefaults properties

To check the properties AutoDefaults has applied to a connection:
1. Double-click the connection symbol to open the connection dialog box.
2. In the list box in the upper left corner of the dialog box, select <AutoDefaults>.
3. Click Load. Tekla Structures shows the applied properties in the fields. You can also see
all the combined properties used for that connection.
Checking AutoDefaults rules

You can check which rules AutoDefaults has used for a particular connection.
1. Select the connection symbol and right-click.
2. Select Inquire.
Tekla Structures shows the rule group and rule sets that the connection passed. You can also see
all the properties files used for that connection.
1.8 Using the joints.def file

This section explains how to use the joints.def text file to set the default properties for
different connection types. Not all connections use joints.def.
If you are new to using joints.def, we suggest you read each of the
topics in this section thoroughly before making any changes.
Topics About joints.def (p. 46)

Defining general defaults (p. 47)
Defining bolt diameter and number of rows (p. 48)
Defining other bolt and part properties (p. 49)
How Tekla Structures uses joints.def (p. 55)
Connections that use joints.def (p. 55)
Getting Started
About joints.def
Changing the joints.def file changes the default values for different connection types. You
can open the joints.def file in any standard text editor.
Tekla Structures only uses the values in joints.def for blank fields.
AutoDefaults and manual entries override joints.def.
If you use joints.def, you can still use some system default properties. To force Tekla
Structures to use the system default for a particular property, give it the value -2147483648 in
joints.def.
By default, Tekla Structures includes the joints.def file in the system folder.
Tekla Structures searches for joints.def in the standard search order.
How joints.def works

For each connection type, Tekla Structures follows these steps to assign bolt and part
properties.
1. Tekla Structures determines bolt diameter and number of bolts according to the following
criteria:
Connection type According to

Clip angle Secondary beam height
Shear plate Secondary beam height
End plate Secondary beam height
Gusset Length of angle profile
Diagonal Height of angle profile
2. Tekla Structures uses bolt diameter to assign other bolt and part properties.
How to read joints.def

Lines beginning with // are comment lines. They are there to help you read the file, Tekla
Structures does not use the information in comment lines.
The first few lines contain some general settings:
Set the following line to the unit of measure appropriate to the version you are using (for
example, inches in the Imperial version).
To have Tekla Structures use the default values in joints.def, set the following line to 1.
Set it to 0 to have Tekla Structures use the system defaults.
Properties for each connection type appear in individual sections, as shown below. Each section
begins with a header row containing the column labels. Do not add columns to the file.
Getting Started
Entering values
When you edit joints.def:
• Enter absolute values or names
• Do not use feet and inch symbols
• Ensure that profiles exist in the profile catalog
• Ensure bolts exist in the bolt catalog.
Defining general defaults

If Tekla Structures cannot find a property for a connection in the connection-specific sections
of joints.def, it looks for the default property in the General section.
Example In clip angles, Tekla Structures uses the default bolt diameter in the General section if the
secondary beam height is larger than the highest value in the Clip angle section of
joints.def.
The properties in the General section of joints.def are:
Properties Description
boltdia Bolt diameter.
pitch Distance from the center of one bolt to the center of
the next.
clipweld Weld size.
angle-cc-inc Tekla Structures adds bolt to bolt distance and web
thickness, then rounds the result up by this value.
Complies with US AISC standard.
lprofgapinc Tekla Structures rounds the angle profile gap up by
this value. Complies with US AISC standard.
lsize Size of the angle profile.
copedepth Determines notch size.
copelength Determines notch size.
boltedge Edge distance.
webplatelen Haunch plate height (h).
webplatewid Haunch plate width (b).
beamedge Distance from the upper edge of the angle profile to
the top of the secondary beam.
knifeclr No longer used.
clipedge Edge distance for bolts (clip angles only).
gap No longer used.
shearplatethk Shear plate thickness.
endplatethk End plate thickness.
shearweld Size of weld.
cliplsize Size of angle profile (clip angles only).
flangecutclear Flange cut clearance.
slotsize Size of slotted hole.
Getting Started
Properties Description
clipslots Which part gets slotted holes:
1 for beam
2 for angle profiles
3 for both
Refers to the Slots in list box options on the Bolts
tab. See individual connection help for details.
clipattach How the clip angle is attached to the secondary and
primary parts:
1 is Both bolted
2 is Primary bolted / Secondary welded
3 is Primary not welded
4 is Primary welded / Secondary bolted
5 is Both welded
6 is Primary not bolted
7 is Secondary not welded
8 is Secondary not bolted
9 is Both bolted / welded
Refers to the attachment type list box options on the
Bolts tab. See individual connection help for details.
copedepthinc Tekla Structures rounds cope depth up using this
value.
copelengthinc Tekla Structures rounds cope length using this value.
Defining bolt diameter and number of rows

Before you start, read How joints.def works (p. 46). Use the rows beginning with
BOLTHEIGHT in each connection-specific section of joints.def to define the default bolt
diameter and default number of horizontal bolt rows for the following connection types:
• Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections (p. 48)
• Gusset connections (p. 49)
• Diagonal connections (p. 49)
Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections

Tekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of rows horizontally according
to the height of the secondary beam. You can enter the following properties:
Property Description
name Use the name BOLTHEIGHT
part Use the part name ANGLECLIP
sec.beam.height Height of secondary beam
diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in the bolt catalog.
number_of_bolts Number of bolts horizontally
Getting Started
Gusset connections
Tekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of bolt rows horizontally
according to the length of the angle profile. You can enter the following properties:
part Use the part name GUSSET
lproflength Length of angle profile
or
angleproflength
diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in bolt catalog
number_of_bolts Number of bolts horizontally
Diagonal connections
Tekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of bolt rows horizontally
according to the height of the angle profile. You can enter the following properties:
part Use the part name DIAGONAL
profileheight Height of angle profile
diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in bolt catalog.
number_of_bolts Number of bolts (horizontally)
Defining other bolt and part properties

Before you start, read How joints.def works (p. 46). Once Tekla Structures has used
joints.def to calculate bolt diameter, it uses the result to assign other properties to bolts
and parts, according to connection type.
Example Enter the default properties for bolts and parts in clip angle connections in the rows beginning
ANGLECLBOLTPART in the CLIP ANGLE section of joints.def.
Properties lookup The table below lists the properties you assign for bolts and parts for each connection type.
table
Gusset and diagonal connections have additional properties. See Gusset connection
properties (p. 50) and Diagonal connection properties (p. 53).
Key to lookup
table
Connection type Full name
C Clip angle
S Shear plate
E End plate
G Gusset
D Diagonal
Getting Started
Connection Type
Property Description C S E G D
name Identifies the connection * * * * *
type.
Example GUSSETBOLTPART
for gusset connections.
bolt diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in * * * * *
the bolt catalog.
See also Profile type-
dependent bolt dimensions
(p. 54)
shear plate Thickness of shear plate *
thickness
end plate Thickness of end plate *
thickness
gusset thickness Thickness of the gusset *
conn. plate Thickness of the connection *
thickness plate
angle profile Name of the angle profile to * * *
use:
or L profile
• Must exist in the profile
catalog
• Enter the exact name
• Example:
L100*100*10
number Number of bolts in each row: * * * * *
• vertically
• horizontally
pitch Distance between bolts from * * * * *
the center of each bolt. For
vertical and horizontal bolts
edge distance Distance from the center of a * * * *
bolt to the edge of the part.
For vertical and horizontal
bolts
vert.bolt Position of the first vertical * * *
firsthole row of bolts
Gusset connection properties

Enter these additional default properties in the row beginning GUSSETDEFDIM. Not all gusset
connections use all these properties:
Getting Started
Affects
Option Description plate shape
name GUSSETDEFDIM
boltdia_def Bolt diameter for all bolt groups.
Leave the Bolt size field blank in the
dialog box to have Tekla Structures
use the value in joints.def.
tol_prim See illustration.
tol_sec See illustration.
dist_diag_prim Clearance between the first secondary
part picked and the primary part.
dist_diag_sec Perpendicular distance from last
secondary part picked to the nearest
secondary.
angle_first_corner See illustration. Yes
angle_sec_corner See illustration. Yes
dist_between_diag Clearance between braces.
first_bolt_from_lin Bolt edge distance for the bolt groups
e on the Gusset tab.
corner_dx See illustration.
corner_dy See illustration.
movey On the Gusset tab:
movey
movez On the Gusset tab:
movez
dist1 The length of the edge of the gusset Yes
plate that is perpendicular to the
lowest brace.
dist2 The length of the edges of the gusset Yes
plate perpendicular to the braces.
dist3 The length of the edge of the gusset Yes
plate perpendicular to the uppermost
brace.
tol_lprof See illustration.
tol_stiffener Tolerance of stiffener.
chamfer_dx Dimensions of stiffener chamfer on
the Gusset tab:
chamfer_dy
chamfer_corner_dx chamfer_corner_dx
chamfer_corner_dy
chamfer-corner_dy
Getting Started
Affects
Option Description plate shape
side_length
diafit_length Fit length in connection 19. Leave the
Distance gusset flanges cut field
blank in the dialog box to have Tekla
Structures use the value in
joints.def.
The illustration below shows the properties on the Picture tab of the Boomerang wrapped
diagonal (58) connection dialog box.
tol_lprof
corner_dy
corner_dx
dist_diag_sec
tol_sec
angle_sec_corner
dist3
dist_between_diag
dist2
dist1
Getting Started
dist_diag_prim
tol_prim
Diagonal connection properties

Enter these additional default properties for bolts and parts in the rows beginning
DIAGDEFDIM. Not all diagonal connections use all these properties:
name DIAGDEFDIM
boltdia_def Bolt diameter for all bolt groups. Leave the Bolt
size field blank in the dialog box to have Tekla
Structures use the value in joints.def.
dist_gus_diag Gap between the gusset plate and the brace. If
tube profiles are closed with end plates, the gap
between the gusset plate and the end plate.
dist_in Depth of the cut in the brace. Enter a negative
value to prevent the connection plate from being
inside the tube brace.
dist_dv Distance from the edge of the brace to the edge of
the connection plate. This dimension changes the
width of the connection plate.
sec_cut_tol On the Tube diag tab:
slot_length_tol
sec_cut_tol
slot_length_tol
tube_cut_tol On the Tube diag tab:
tube_cut_tol
conn_cut_dx On the Tube diag tab:
conn_cut_dy conn_cut_dy
conn_cut_dx
round_plate_tol On the Tube diag tab:
end_plate_thk
flanges_cut_angle On the Brace conn tab:

dist_flanges_cut flanges_cut_angle
dist_skew_cut
dist_flanges_cut
dist_skew_cut
end_plate_thk End plate field t in the Tube diag tab.
Getting Started
This illustration shows the properties that appear on the Picture tab of the Tube crossing (22)
connection:
dist_dv
dist_in
dist_gus_diag
Profile type-dependent bolt dimensions

For some connections, Tekla Structures calculates bolt size according to profile size. For
example, Clip angle (141) and Two sided clip angle (143) connections.
In this type of connection, Tekla Structures takes bolt size from the PROFILE TYPE-
DEPENDENT BOLT DIMENSIONS section of joints.def, if you leave the corresponding
fields blank on the Bolts tab in the connection dialog box, as shown below:
The options are:
width Width of the profile
one bolt firsthole For single bolts, distance from the heel of the
profile angle to the first hole.
two bolts firsthole For two bolts, distance from the heel of the
profile angle to the first hole.
pitch Distance between bolts from the center of
each bolt. For vertical and horizontal bolts.
Example To find the bolt dimensions to use with an L6X6X1/2 profile in a clip angle connection:
1. Tekla Structures searches the rows beginning PROFILEBOLTDIM for L6X6X1/2 in the
PROFILE TYPE-DEPENDENT BOLT DIMENSIONS section of joints.def.
Getting Started
2. If there is no match, Tekla Structures searches the rows beginning ANGLECLBOLTPART in
the CLIP ANGLE section of joints.def.
How Tekla Structures uses joints.def

This example explains how Tekla Structures calculates bolt diameter and other properties using
joints.def. We are using a Bolted gusset (11) connection. The height of the diagonal
profile is 10".
• Tekla Structures calculates bolt size and number of bolts according to profile height. It
searches the BOLTHEIGHT rows for a profile height of 10".
• The profile height is greater than 8.0 but less than 12.0, so Tekla Structures uses the row
with the profile height 8.0. This sets the bolt diameter to 0.75.
• Tekla Structures assigns the bolt and part properties according to the bolt diameter. It
searches the DIAGBOLTPART rows for a bolt diameter of 0.75.
Result
Property Value
Bolt diameter 0.75
Number of bolts horizontally 2
Edge distance horizontally 1.5
Edge distance vertically 1.5
Distance between bolts horizontally 2.5
Distance between bolts vertically system default
Tekla Structures does not use the connection plate thickness or angle profile properties in this
connection.
Connections that use joints.def

Only the following connections use joints.def
Connections Connections
Two sided angle cleat (25) Boomerang bracing cross (60)
Beam with stiffener (129) Corner bolted gusset (57)
Column with shear plate (131) Boomerang tube diagonal (59)
Bolted moment connection (134) Corner tube gusset (56)
Clip angle (141) Boomerang wrapped diagonal (58)
Two sided end plate (142) Corner wrapped gusset (63)
Two sided clip angle (143) Bolted gusset (11)
Getting Started
Connections Connections
End plate (144) Bracing cross (19)
Shear plate simple (146) Tube gusset (20)
Welded to top flange (147) Tube crossing (22)
Welded to top flange S (149) Gusset wrapped cross (62)
Moment connection (181) Wrapped cross (61)
Column with stiffeners W (182) Welded gusset (10)
Full depth (184)
Full depth S (185)
Column with stiffeners (186)
Column with stiffeners S (187)
Column with stiffeners (188)
Bent plate (190)
Shear plate tube column (189)
1.9 Using Excel in connection design

You can link system components and Excel spreadsheets, so when a component is applied or
modified, an associated Excel spreadsheet application can be run. The configuration
information is passed from the component to the spreadsheet, calculation run within the
spreadsheet and component properties passed back to the connection.
You can use Excel in connection design for all steel components that
have the Design tab in their properties dialog box.
Tekla Structures includes sample spreadsheet for connection design and a template spreadsheet
you should use to create your own spreadsheet applications to use with Tekla Structures
components.
Before you start:
• Create the connections and parts.
• Create the Excel spreadsheet for connection type, or use a predefined file. See more in
Setting up Excel files (p. 57).
To use the Excel spreadsheet for connection design:
1. Double-click the connection to open the connection properties dialog box.
2. Go to the Design (or Design type) tab and select Excel in the External design list box.
3. Click Modify.
4. The connection properties are transferred from Tekla Structures to a connection type
specific Excel spreadsheet, where the properties are calculated.
5. The calculated properties are saved to an output file.
6. The modified properties are transferred back to Tekla Structures and the connection is
modified according to the changes.
Topics Setting up Excel files (p. 57)

Sample implementation (p. 57)
Getting Started
Indicating component status (p. 59)
Setting up Excel files

The following list describes what kind of files are needed for performing connection design
with Excel:
• Visual Basic script file linking Tekla Structures with external software.
• Excel spreadsheet containing calculations.
• Component type specific spreadsheet, which contains predefined calculations.
• When you run the connection design, the connection properties and information of the
main and secondary parts are transferred to the Input and Component sheets of the
spreadsheet.
• Connection specific result file, which displays the modified connection properties is
stored to model folder.
• This file is created automatically from the Calculation sheet of the spreadsheet.
• The file is updated each time you modify the connection.
• Calculation results can be stored as Excel spreadsheet, HTML or PDF format,
depending on how calculation spreadsheet is configured.
File names and Excel.vb file (located in the ..\Tekla

locations Structures\<version>\nt\bin\plugins folder) defines the Excel spreadsheet file
names and the locations. Excel searches for the spreadsheet in the following order and with
following name:
1. File named component_ + number or name + .xls, from the current model
folder: ..\<model>\exceldesign
For example, ..\test_model\exceldesign\component_144.xls
2. File name and path defined with advanced option
XS_EXTERNAL_EXCEL_DESIGN_PATH:
XS_EXTERNAL_EXCEL_DESIGN_PATH
(=%XS_DIR%\environments\common\exceldesign\) + "component_"
+ number + ".xls"
By default, the result file is stored in the model folder and named with component ID. For
example, component_9502_res.xls.
Sample implementation
Below is descibed the contents of an Excel spreadsheet which is used for End plate (144)
connection:
When user clicks Modify in the End plate (144) properties dialog box, Excel.vb file calls
Excel spreadsheet named component_144.xls.
Contents The sample spreadsheet includes the following sheets:

Inputs (user inputs on connection dialog).
• Tekla Structures transfers the component properties from the component properties dialog
box to this sheet.
Getting Started
Component
• Tekla Structures transfers the component geometry and information on the main and
secondary parts (for example, part profiles) into this sheet. The component attributes in the
spreadsheet are the same as in the corresponding .inp file. See more about .inp files in
Input files.
• This sheet includes calculations (the calculations can be as Visual Basic macros in the
sheet).
Calculation
• Summary of calculation is collected to the Calculation sheet. This page or full Excel
spreadsheet can be stored as a report of the calculation.
Getting Started
Outputs
• Excel adds the modified values to the Output sheet. These values are tranferred back to the
connection and connection in the model is modified accordingly.
Indicating component status

When you use Excel in connection design, you can have Tekla Structures use different colored
component symbols to indicate the status of a component in the model.
To do this, include the error attribute on the Output page of the Excel spreadsheet for the
component. The possible values are:
Value Color Status

1 Green Bolt edge distances are sufficient.
Passes the connection design check using the UK
and US design codes embedded in the system.
2 Yellow Bolt edge distances are insufficient according to
the value in Tools > Options > Options... >
Components.
3 Red Tekla Structures cannot calculate the component
properties. Possible reasons include:
• Incorrect connection direction
• Incorrect workplane
• Inappropriate connection selected
• The connection design check was carried
out using the embedded UK and US design
codes and the connection cannot support the
loading defined by the user.
Getting Started
Getting Started
2 Custom Components
Introduction Tekla Structures contains a set of tools for defining intelligent connections, parts, seams, and
details, called custom components. You can create your own components, similar to Tekla
Structures system components. Tekla Structures creates a dialog box for the custom
component, which you can easily customize, if required.
You can then use custom components in the same way as any Tekla Structures system
component.
You can also edit custom components to create parametric custom components that
automatically adjust to changes in the model.
Audience This chapter is aimed at people who know how to use Tekla Structures components.
Contents This chapter includes the following topics, which are the steps you follow to create custom
components:
• Defining custom components (p. 62)
• Editing custom components (p. 69)
• Defining variables (p. 73)
• Functions to use in formulas (p. 82)
• Defining custom component properties (p. 90)
• Managing and using custom components (p. 100)
• Custom components reference (p. 111)
Custom Components
2.1 Defining custom components
Introduction You can build custom components either by exploding and modifying an existing component,
or by creating the component objects individually.
You then define a custom component by selecting the objects to include in the custom
component, and specifying the information the user needs to input, for example, main part,
secondary parts, or points they need to pick. You can now apply the custom component in a
similar location in the model to where it was originally created.
To create a parametric custom component, you need to do some more

editing. For more information, see Editing custom components (p. 69).
Go to Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component to define the properties of a new
custom component.
To browse a list of custom components,
1. Press Ctrl + F to open the Component catalog.
2. Select Search results > Custom.
Topics Exploding components (p. 62)

Defining a custom component (p. 62)
Custom component types (p. 66)
Custom component basic properties (p. 68)
Exploding components
Explode Component is a very useful command to use when defining custom components. It
ungroups the objects in an existing component, you can then remove and modify parts and
other objects in the component.
To explode a component:
1. Click Detailing > Component > Explode component.
2. Select the component to explode.
3. Tekla Structures ungroups the objects in the component.
Defining a custom component

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, bolts, and so on.
To quickly create a custom component, explode a similar existing

component, then change it to suit your needs. See Exploding
components (p. 62).
Use the Custom Component Wizard on the Detailing menu to define the properties of a new
custom component. See the following example.
Custom Components
Follow the steps in the custom component wizard. Some steps are
different for different types of custom component.
Example In the following example we will create a custom component based on an existing end plate
component that we have exploded.
To explode a component, select the component, right-click and select

Explode Component from the pop-up menu.
1. Click Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... to open the Custom
Component Wizard dialog box.
2. On the Type/Notes tab, set Type to Connection. Enter a Name for the custom component.
3. On the Position and Advanced tabs, set the Position type and other properties for the
custom component. For more information to other properties, see
Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... (p. 112).
4. Click Next.
5. Select the objects to use in the custom component and click Next.
Custom Components
You can use area select to select the objects to include. Tekla Structures
ignores the main part, secondary parts, grids and component symbols
when you are selecting objects to include in the custom component.
6. Select the main part and click Next.
Custom Components
7. Select the secondary part(s). To pick several secondary part(s), hold down the Shift key
while you pick the parts. The maximum number of secondary parts in a custom component
is 30.
Pay attention to the order in which you pick secondary parts. The custom
component will use the same picking order when you use it in a model.
8. Click Finish.
Custom Components
9. Tekla Structures displays a component symbol for the new component.
You have now defined a simple custom component, which you can use in similar locations to
where it was originally created. This component is not parametric and Tekla Structures does not
adjust dimensions to suit any changes in the model. To create a parametric custom component,
see Editing custom components (p. 69).
See also Custom component basic properties (p. 68)

Custom component types (p. 66)
Custom component types

Custom component types are:
Custom Components
Type Description Example
Connectio Creates connection
n objects and
connects secondary
part(s) to a main
part.
Component symbol
is green.
Detail Creates detail

objects and
connects them to a
main part at a
picked location.
Component symbol
is green.
Seam Creates seam

objects and
connects parts
along a line picked
with two points.
Component symbol
is green.
Part Creates a group of

objects which may
contain connections
and details.
Gets no symbol,
has same position
properties as
beams.
Main part
Secondary part
Custom Components
Custom component basic properties
Tekla Structures automatically creates each custom component with a set of basic properties,
which we describe in this section. To view the properties of a custom component:
1. Press Ctrl + F to open the Component catalog.
2. In the Search result listbox, select Custom. A list of custom components appears in the
lower pane.
3. Double-click a custom component on the list to open its properties dialog box.
Basic properties Custom connections, seams, and details have the following basic properties:
of custom
connections,
seams, and
details Field Description More information
Up direction Rotates the component. Up direction (p. 13)
Position in relation to The creation point of the General tab (p. 15)
secondary part component relative to the main part.
Available for details by default.
To use this property in connections
and seams, select the Allow
multiple instances of connection
between same parts checkbox on
the Advanced tab when you create
the component.
Class The class of the parts that the Parts
custom component creates.
Connection code Identifies the connection. Tekla Mark content
Structures can display this
connection code in connection
marks in drawings.
AutoDefaults rule The rule group used for setting the Using AutoDefaults (p.
group connection properties. 44)
AutoConnection rule The rule group Tekla Structures uses Using AutoConnection
group to select the connection. (p. 41)
Basic properties Custom parts have the following basic properties:

of custom parts

On plane Changes part location on work Position on the work
plane. plane
Rotation Rotates part in steps of 90 degrees. Rotation
Custom Components
At depth Changes part location perpendicular Position depth
to work plane.
Show third handle Sets the third handle of a nested Part position
custom part to be visible in the
desired direction.
You can bind the third handle in the
desired direction and thus force the
part to follow the rotation of another
part. You have the following
options:
• Above: the handle is shown
above the first handle in custom
part local coordinate system.
• On the left: the handle is shown
on the left-hand side of the first
handle in custom part local
coordinate system.
• No: the third handle is not
shown.
See also Defining a custom component (p. 62)

Using a custom component (p. 106)
Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... (p. 112)
2.2 Editing custom components

Introduction To make a simple custom component parametric, so that it adapts to changes in the model, you
must edit it in the Custom component editor. Here you can build dependencies between
component objects and model objects. For example, you could specify that the size of a
stiffener depends on the size of the beam. So, if you change the size of the beam, the size of the
stiffener also changes. You can also add distance variables, for example to specify the gap
between a plate and a beam.
Topics Custom component editor (p. 69)

Plane types (p. 120)
Construction plane (p. 121)
Custom component editor

Use the custom component editor to modify custom components and create intelligent,
parametric custom components.
First, create a custom component in the model.
Opening the To open the custom component editor:

editor
1. Click Detailing > Component > Edit Custom Component.
2. Select the custom component. The Custom component editor opens. It shows the
Custom component editor toolbar, the Custom component browser and four views of
the custom component.
Custom Components
Custom parts do not have a component symbol. To be able to select
custom parts, make sure the Select components switch is active.
Custom The toolbar contains the following icons and list boxes:
component
toolbar
Icon/ List box Description

Creates a distance.
Creates a reference distance.
Creates distances automatically.
Creates a construction plane.
Creates a construction line.
Plane types Displays plane types you can use when defining
distance variables.
For more information, see Plane types (p. 120).
Position types Define the position (or origin) of the custom
component, relative to the main part.
For more information, see Position type (p. 114).
Allows you to edit the type or the position of a custom
component or add notes after you have created the
component.
Shows all created variables.
Displays Custom component browser.
Saves the custom component with another name.
Saves and updates the existing component(s) in the

model.
Closes the editor.
For more information on these tools, see Custom components reference (p. 111).
Editing You can add and edit many custom component properties:
properties
Custom Components
Editing task More information
Create fields for material grade, Creating parameter variables
profile, bolt size, and other (p. 80)
properties that will be visible in
the custom component dialog box.
Define part dimensions, spacings, Creating distance variables (p.
gaps, etc. that will be visible in 75)
the custom component dialog box.
Bind component objects to model Automatic distances (p. 125)
objects so that component objects Creating distance variables (p.
adjust for new beam size or
75)
profile.
Create formulas to calculate Creating parameters that use
values, for example for formulae (p. 81)
calculating bolt edge distance
using bolt size.
Library Use the custom component editor to modify custom component. You can open a custom
component vs. component in the editor even if you have already used it in a model.
model
component When you have edited the custom component, you can choose to apply the changes to all
copies of the custom component, or to save the component with a new name.
• To apply your changes to the library and to all copies of the custom component in the
model, use the Copy component to library command.
• To save the edited custom component with a new name, use the Copy component to
library with new name command and enter a new name for the custom component.Tekla
Structures does not apply the changes to the other copies of the custom component in the
model.
Closing the editor To close the custom component editor:
1. Click the Close icon .

2. Tekla Structures asks if you want to save the custom component with its original name.
If you click Yes, Tekla Structures will overwrite the copies of the custom
component in the library and the model.
Creating When you modify a custom component, Tekla Structures automatically creates a backup file of
automatic backup the custom component. The backup files have the extension .inp_bak, and they are located
files
in the model folder. Tekla Structures displays a notification when the backup file is created.
See also Custom component browser (p. 71)
Custom component browser

The Custom component browser shows the contents of a custom component in a
hierarchical, tree-like structure. The Custom component browser works with Custom
component editor views. Click a part in the view and Tekla Structures highlights it in the
browser, or click a part in the browser to have Tekla Structures highlight it in the view.
The Custom component browser contains the following information about a custom
component:
Custom Components
Model objects, to which custom component is attached
The objects the custom component creates

You can create links between custom component variables and
component object properties
You can create links between custom component parameter variables and component object
properties. For example, variable "m" defines the material grade for all plates in your
component. It appears as "Material = m" in the Custom component browser (see above
illustration). "m" is also a field in the custom component dialog box. When a user enters a value
in the "m" field in the dialog box for plates, Tekla Structures saves the value to the part
properties in the model.
Popup menu You can also use the popup menu in the Custom component browser to copy names, values,
and references from main and secondary parts in the component. Then use them in the
Variables dialog box to define the properties of custom components.
For example, to report how many secondary parts to pick when applying a component, you can
use a variable called Number of secondaries. You can then use the variable in formulas,
and copy the name, value and reference to other custom components.
Custom Components
Copies just the value the object currently has
Copies the link to the property. Link is dynamic, so when the property
later changes the reference reflects the change
Using custom If you have created a custom part in to your model, you can access the object properties of the
part properties custom part when the custom part is used an input part. You can access the name, profile,
material and class of the input custom part, and use the properties of the input part in the
component objects. This is useful in cases where the material for a new part needs to be taken
from the inner or outer layer of an existing part.
See also Defining variables (p. 73)

Creating parameter variables (p. 80)
Creating parameters that use formulae (p. 81)
2.3 Defining variables

Variables are the properties of a custom component. Some of them appear in the custom
component dialog box, others are hidden and are only used in calculations.
There are two types of variable:
Custom Components
Variable type Description See also
Distance Distance between two planes or Creating distance
between a point and a plane. variables (p. 75)
Binds parts together or works as
Creating reference
a variable reference distance. distances (p. 77)
Parameter All other properties, including Creating parameter
name, material grade, bolt size, variables (p. 80)
etc. Also used in calculations.
Creating parameters
that use formulae (p.
81)
Viewing variables To see all distance and parameter variables in a component, in the custom component editor,
click the Display variables icon

The Variables dialog box appears:
• The Component parameters category lists all distances and parameters that belong to the
current custom component.
• The Model parameters category lists all distances and parameters in the current model.
When you select a distance variable from a list, Tekla Structures highlights it in the model.
To delete the selected distance or parameter, click Delete.
To add a new parameter variable, click Add.
For more information to other properties, see Display variables (p. 115).
Topics Creating distance variables (p. 75)

Creating reference distances (p. 77)
Custom Components
Using magnetic construction planes (p. 79)
Creating parameter variables (p. 80)
Creating parameters that use formulae (p. 81)
Creating distance variables

Use distance variables to bind handles, fittings, cuts, and so on, to planes so that the custom
component can adapt to different situations, such as different main profile shapes and sizes.
You can create a distance variable from point to plane or from plane to plane. These distances
can be visible or hidden. Use visible distances when you want the user to enter a distance value
in the custom component dialog box. To simply bind objects to planes, use hidden distances.
You can bind the corners of polygon plates also in directions other than the plane of the plate.
You can, for example, bind the corner of a contour plate in the z direction.
Use the automatic distances command to automatically create distances

for the handles of picked components:
For more information, see Automatic distances (p. 125).
How In this example we will create a distance variable that binds the upper edge of the end plate to
the upper flange of the secondary part. Whenever you create this custom component in the
model, the end plate will follow the upper flange, regardless of the profile or size the secondary
part.
To create the distance variable:
1. Select the object from which to measure the distance. This object will follow the plane to
which you bind it. In this example, select the plate’s topmost reference point (magenta or
yellow)
2. Click the Create distance icon or right-click the reference point and select Bind to
Plane from the pop-up menu.
3. Move the mouse cursor over a view to see the available planes.
Custom Components
Highlighted boundary plane
You can change plane types before selecting the plane
You can also use the Hide Part command if the plane is not accessible.
4. To create the distance, click when the plane you want to use is highlighted. Tekla
Structures draws a distance symbol in the views of the custom component editor. Tekla
Structures displays a distance symbol in the custom component editor views. You can bind
one object to a maximum of three planes.
5. To end the command, right-click and select Interrupt.
Distance object
6. Double-click the distance object. The Distance properties dialog box appears.
7. Enter a descriptive Name for the distance.
To test the distance variable, enter different values and click Modify to
see the changes in the model.
8. Click Cancel.
Custom Components
9. To hide or show the distance variable in the dialog box and to set the other properties, click
to open the Variables dialog box. For more information, see Display variables (p.
115).
Limitations You cannot pick points in secondary or primary parts.

You cannot change an existing distance binding. You must delete the distance and then rebind
it.
To be able to select distances, make sure the Select distances switch is
active.
See also Create distance (p. 123)
Creating reference distances

Use reference distances to measure the distance between two points or a point and a plane. You
can then use the reference distance in calculations, for example, to determine the spacing of
rungs on a ladder.
A reference distance changes as you move the objects it refers to. Tekla Structures displays
reference distances in orange.
You cannot move objects by changing their reference distances.
To be able to select reference distances, make sure the Select distances
switch is active.
Custom Components
Example In this example we will define several variables: distances, reference distances, and parameters,
and use them in a custom component that creates a ladder with rungs spaced at set intervals, for
any length of ladder. Here is how the variables appear in the Variables dialog box:
1. Create a ladder frame with one rung 285 mm from the bottom of the frame.
2. To make the ladder a custom component, select Detailing > Define custom component...
and follow the steps in the Custom component wizard.
3. Right-click the ladder and select Edit custom component... from the popup menu.
4. In the Custom component editor, use the Array of objects (29) component to create the
rest of the rungs.
Use the Create distance tool to bind the bottom rung to the bottom of the ladder frame
(D1 and D2 in the in the Variables dialog box).
See Create distance (p. 123) for step-by-step instructions.
5. Use the Create reference distance tool to create a reference distance from a handle on the
bottom rung to the plane at the top of the ladder.
• Select a rung handle
• On the Custom component editor toolbar, click the Create reference distance
icon
• Bind the handle to the horizontal plane at the top of the ladder frame.
This distance appears as D3 in the Variables dialog box.
6. Go to the Variables dialog box.
7. Add a parameter (P1) to define rung spacing. Give it the value 250.
8. Add another parameter (P2) to define the distance from the bottom of the ladder to the first
rung. Give it the value 285.
9. Give the distances D1 and D2 the formula =P2. This forces both distances to be the value
defined by P2. 285 in this case.
10. Add a new parameter (P3) to define the number of rungs. Give it the formula =(D3-P2)/P1.
11. We want the number of rungs to be an integer, so add a new parameter (P4) and give it the
formula =ceil (15.52).This rounds P3 up to the nearest integer.
Custom Components
12. Add a new parameter (P5) to calculate the distance between the rungs. Give it the formula
=(D3-P2)/P4.
This formula subtracts the distance from the bottom of the ladder to the bottom rung from
the reference distance (D3) and divides the result by the number of rungs (P4).
13. Go to the Custom component browser and link the following properties of the Array of
objects (29) component to parameters P4 and P5, as shown below:
When you use this custom component to create a ladder in a model, Tekla Structures
automatically calculates the correct spacing for the rungs.
See also Create reference distance (p. 124)

Defining custom components (p. 62)
Using magnetic construction planes

You can bind several objects at one time using magnetic construction planes. The objects
directly on a magnetic plane will move with the plane. So you only need to create a distance
variable for the plane and not for each object separately.
As you can see from the example below, it is much easier and faster to use magnetic user planes
than to bind handles with individual distance variables.
Example Different methods of binding chamfers to the inner face of a flange:
Custom Components
Option 1: Control the stiffeners by using 4 magnetic construction planes
- one in each direction. Then you only bind each magnetic plane with one
distance variable
Option 2: Bind each chamfer separately - a total of 32 bindings
For more information on magnetic construction planes, see Construction plane (p. 121).
By default, the handles of contour plates are not visible. To show them,
set the advanced option XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLES to
HANDLES.
Creating parameter variables

You can use parameter variables to set basic properties for objects that custom component
creates, for example, name, material, profile, position number, etc.
Example In this example we create a parameter variable "Weldsize" that sets all welds in a custom
component to a given size:
1. On the Custom component editor toolbar, click to open the Variables dialog box.
2. Click the Add button.
3. Enter following information:
• Name = Weldsize
• Formula =
• Value = 0.0
• Variable type = parameter
• Value type = length
• Visibility = Show (this makes Weldsize visible in the dialog box)
• Label in dialog box = WeldSize
4. Click OK button to close the dialog box.
5. In the Custom component browser, click Component objects > Weld > General
properties and right-click Size above line and select Add equation. Type after the equal
sign "Weldsize". Repeat this step for all welds.
Custom Components
6. Click Save.
7. Click Close icon to exit the Custom component editor.
Your custom component dialog box should now contain the field WeldSize. When anyone
creates the component, all welds are of the size you enter in the WeldSize field.
Creating parameters that use formulae

This example shows how to create a hidden parameter variable that includes a formula to set
weld size to half the thickness of the secondary part flange. This variable will not be visible in
the custom component dialog box. When you create the component, Tekla Structures uses the
thickness of the secondary part flange to calculate the size of the weld(s).
1. In the Custom component browser, click Input objects > Secondary parts > Part >
Profile properties and right-click Flange thickness 1 and then select Copy reference.
Tekla Structures copies the reference to secondary part flange thickness to the Windows
Clipboard.
2. In the Custom component editor toolbar, click to open the Variables dialog box.
3. Click Add button.
4. Set Variable name to w.
5. Click the Formula field, type =, then right-click and select Paste. Tekla Structures pastes
the reference to flange thickness from the Clipboard. Now enter *0.5. Formula should now
read:
=fP(Flange thickness 1.1525)*0.5.
Custom Components
6. Set other values:
• Variable type = Parameter
• Value type =Length
• Visibility = Hide
7. In the Custom component browser, click Component Objects > Weld > General
properties and right-click Size above line and select Add equation. Type in after the
equal sign "w".
8. Click OK button to close the dialog box.
2.4 Functions to use in formulas

This section lists all the functions you can use in formulas in custom components. Formulas
always begin with the equals character (=). You can use the following functions in formulas:
• Reference function (p. 83)
• Mathematical functions (p. 84)
• Statistical functions (p. 85)
• Data type conversions (p. 86)
• String operations (p. 86)
• Trigonometric functions (p. 88)
• Framing condition functions (p. 88)
Arithmetic operators
You can use the following arithmetic operators:
Operator Description Notes

+ addition Use also to create strings of
parameters.
- subtraction
Custom Components
Operator Description Notes
* multiplication Multiplication is faster than division,
so it is faster to use
=D1*0.5
rather than
=D1/2.
/ division
Logical statement
You can use if-then-else statements to test a condition and set the value according to the result:
=if (D1>200) then 20 else 10 endif

You can also use the operators && (the logical AND operator) and || (the logical OR operator)
inside the if statement.
• && - both conditions must be true
• || only one condition must be true
For example to use a value 6:
• =if (D1==200 && D2<40) then 6 else 0 endif
D1 must be 200 and D2 must be less than 40.
• =if (D1==200 || D2<40) then 6 else 0 endif
D1 must equal 200, or D2 must be less than 40.
Reference function
A reference function refers to the property of another object, such as the plate thickness of a
secondary part. Tekla Structures refers to the object on the system level, so if the object
property changes, so does the reference function value.
fP(propertyname, ObjectId)
To ensure the function includes the correct parameters, cut and paste it from the Custom
component browser:
1. Right-click the property in the Custom component browser and select Copy reference.
2. Right-click the Formula cell in the Variables dialog box and select Paste.
Note that template attribute and user-defined attribute names must be written inside double
quotation marks:
Custom Components
Name Description Example
fTpl("template Returns the value of fTpl("WEIGHT",6290)
attribute", object template attribute with returns the weight of
ID) given object ID.
object, whose ID is 6290.
For a list of available
template attributes, see
Template attributes
reference.
fP("user-defined Returns the value of user- fP("comment", 741)
attribute", object defined attribute with
returns the user-defined
ID) given object ID.
attribute comment of
object, whose ID is 741.
Mathematical functions
The mathematical functions are:

fabs(parameter) Returns the absolute fabs(D1) returns 15
value of the specified
if D1 = -15
parameter.
exp(power) Returns e raised to the exp(D1) returns 7.39
specified power.
if D1=2
ln(parameter) Natural logarithm of the ln(P2) returns 2.71
specified parameter (base
if P2=15
number neper).
log(parameter) Returns the logarithm of log(D1) returns 2
the specified parameter
if D1=100
(base number 10).
sqrt(parameter) Returns the square root sqrt(D1) returns 4
of the specified
if D1=16
parameter.
mod(dividend, Modulo mod(D1, 5) returns 1
divider)
if D1=16
pow(base number, Returns base number pow(D1, D2) returns 9
power) raised to the specified
if D1=3 D2=2
power.
Custom Components
hypot(side1,side2) hypot(D1, D2) returns 5
if D1=3 D2=4
side1
hypotenuse
side2
n!() Factorial n!(4) returns 24
(=1*2*3*4)
round(parameter, Round off according to round(P1, 0.1) returns
accuracy) given accuracy. 10.600
if P1=10.567
fMarketSize(materi Returns the next fMarketSize("S235JR",
al, thickness, available market size for 10, 0)
extrastep) the material from the See also Using market
marketsize.dat sizes.
file, based on the
thickness you specify.
Insert the material in the
parentheses.
For extrastep enter a
number to define the
increment to the next size
(default is 0).
Statistical functions
The statistical functions are:
Example (P1=1.4
Name Description P2=2.3)
ceil() Returns the smallest whole ceil(P1) returns 2
number greater than or equal to
the specified parameter.
floor() Returns the largest whole floor(P1) returns 1
number less than or equal to the
specified parameter.
min() Returns the smallest of specified min(P1, P2) returns 1.4
parameters.
max() Returns the largest of specified max(P1, P2) returns 2.3
parameters.
sum() Sum of specified parameters sum(P1, P2) returns 3.7
Custom Components
Example (P1=1.4
Name Description P2=2.3)
sqsum() Sum of squared parameters: sqsum(P1, P2) returns 7.25
(parameter1)2 + (parameter2)2
ave() Average of parameters ave(P1, P2) returns 1.85
sqave() Average of squared parameters. sqave(P1, P2) returns 3.625
Data type conversions

Conversion functions perform conversions between the three supported data types, integers,
doubles and strings.
Name Description
int() Conversion to integer. This is
useful especially for calculating
profile dimensions:
100.0132222000 -> 100
double() Converts data to a double
string() Converts data to string
imp() Converts imperial units to imp (1,1,1,2) meaning 1 foot
millimeters 1 1/2 inches returns 342.90
mm
imp(1,1,2) meaning 1 1/2
inches returns 38.10 mm
imp(1,2) meaning 1/2 inches
returns 12.70 mm
imp(1) meaning 1 inch
returns 25.40 mm
vwu(value Converts the value to vwu(4.0, "in") returns 101.6
, unit) millimeters. The available units mm
are:
• "ft" ("feet", "foot")
• "in" ("inch", "inches")
• "m"
• "cm"
• "mm"
• "rad"
• "deg"
String operations
Include string parameters inside double quotation marks within the argument list of string
operations.
Custom Components
Example
Name Description (P1="PL100*10")
match(parameter1 Returns 1 if parameters match(P1, "PL100*10")
, parameter2) are equal and 0 if returns 1
different. Accept all profiles
You can also use starting with PFC:
wildcards *, ?, and [ ] match(P4, "PFC*")
with the match function. Accept profiles starting
with PFC, and height
starts with 2,3,4 or 5:
match(P4,
"PFC[2345]*")
Accept profiles starting
with PFC, heights are
200,300,400 or 500 and
width starts with 7:
match(P4,
"PFC[2345]00?7")
length(parameter) Returns the number of length(P1) returns 8
characters in the
parameter.
find(parameter, Returns the order number find(P1, "*") returns 5
string) (starting at zero) of the
specified string and -1 if
the specified string is not
found from the parameter.
getat(parameter, Returns the n:th (starting getat(P1, 1) returns "L"
n) at zero) character from the
parameter.
setat(parameter, n, Sets the n:th (starting at setat(P1, 0, "B") returns
character) zero) character to the "BL100*10"
specified character in the
parameter.
mid(string, n, x) Returns x characters from mid(P1,2,3) returns
the given string starting "100"
from n:th (starting at zero)
character. If you leave out
the last argument (x),
returns the last part of the
string.
reverse(string) Reverses the given string. reverse(P1) returns
"01*001LP"
When you handle strings in formulas, you must use quotation marks. For example, to define
profile size PL100*10 with two variables P2=100 and P3=10 enter the formula as follows:
="PL"+P2+"*"+P3
Tekla Structures handles bolt spacings as strings. To define bolt spacing,

select variable type to distance list and enter the formula like this:
=P1+" "+P2
This results in 100 200, if P1=100 (length) and P2=200 (length).
Custom Components
Trigonometric functions
You can include trigonometric functions in the formulae. Be sure to include the unit using the
following prefixes. If you do not include a prefix, Tekla Structures uses radians as the default
unit:
• d is degree. For example sin (d180)
• r is radians (Default). For example sin (r3.14) or sin (3.14)
Name Description
sin() Sine
cos() Cosine
tan() Tangent
asin() Inverse function of sin(), return value in radians
acos() Inverse function of cos(), return value in radians
atan() Inverse function of tan(), return value in radians
sinh() Hyperbolical sine
cosh() Hyperbolical cosine
tanh() Hyperbolical tangent
atan2(,) Returns the angle whose tangent is the quotient of
two specified numbers. Return value in radians
Framing condition functions

The following functions return the skew, slope, and cant angle of the secondary beam relative
to the primary part (column or beam).

fAD("skew", ID) Returns the skewed angle fAD("skew", 12345)
of the secondary part, returns 45
whose ID is given. where 12345 is the ID
of the secondary part,
which is in 45 degree
angle to primary part.
Custom Components
fAD("slope", ID) Returns the sloped angle fAD("slope", 12345)
of the secondary part,
whose ID is given.
fAD("cant", ID) Returns the cant angle of fAD("cant", 12345)

rotated secondary part,
whose ID is given.
Beam to column Note that slope and skew are relative to a beam framing into a column.
Side view
Top view
Slope
Skew
Column
Beam
Beam to beam If you are working with two beams, "slope" is actually the skew of the beam framing into the
other beam, and the vertical slope of the beam relative to the primary is actually the "skew"
angle.
Custom Components
Side view
Top view
Skew
Slope
Beam
Limitations • These functions do not return positive and negative "slope" and "skew" values. So it is not
possible to determine up or down "slope" and left or right "skew" with these functions.
• Maximum skew angle to return is 45 degrees.
2.5 Defining custom component properties

This section explains how to add different properties for custom components.
Topics Adding an option to create parts (p. 90)

Defining bolt size and standard (p. 91)
Defining bolt group location (p. 92)
Replacing a sub-component (p. 94)
Changing the properties file (p. 96)
Defining meshes in custom components (p. 97)
Adding an option to create parts

To include an option to create or not create parts in a custom component properties dialog box:
1. In the Variables dialog box, add a new property
2. Set the Value type to Yes/No,
3. Set Visibility to Show
4. Enter a Label to display in the custom component dialog box:
Custom Components
5. In the custom component browser, link the property to a part:
6. Save the custom component and exit the custom component editor.
When you open the custom component properties dialog box, you now have the option to
create or not create the part:
Defining bolt size and standard

To add an option for selecting the bolt size in the custom component, you must add two
options:
• Bolt size
• Bolt standard
They work together and cannot be used separately.
Custom Components
To define the bolt size and standard options:
1. Click the Variables icon on the Custom Component editor toolbar to open the
Variables dialog box.
2. Click Add twice. Now you have two variables P1 and P2.
3. In the Value Type field, select Bolt size for P1 and Bolt standard for P2. Tekla Structures
automatically adds the extensions "_diameter" and "_screwdin" to the name of the
variables. Do not change these extensions.
4. Change P2_screwdin to P1_screwdin.The prefix must be the same, otherwise the variables
do not work.
5. Modify P1_diameter label to "Bolt size" and P1_screwdin label to"Bolt standard".
6. In the custom component browser, link the parameters to the bolt:
Defining bolt group location

To define the vertical distance from the secondary beam top flange to the first bolt, we add the
following option to the custom component dialog box.
Custom Components
This option requires a distance that binds the bolt group handle to the secondary beam top
flange and a parameter for inputting the value in the user interface.
1. Double-click bolts in the custom component editor view. The Bolt properties dialog box
appears. Remove any dimensions from the Offset fields, then click Modify. Bolts will
move to the same level with the first handle of the bolt group.
2. Select the bolts, then select the top handle. Right-click and select Bind to plane from the
popup menu.
3. Select the top flange of the secondary beam.
4. A new distance parameter D1 appears in the Variables dialog box.
Custom Components
5. Click Add to add a new parameter P1. In the Formula field, change the distance value. In
the Label in dialog box field, enter a suitable label, for example: "Vertical distance to
bolt".
6. In the Formula field of D1, type in the equation "=-P1".
Replacing a sub-component
Use the Name property in the Custom component browser to replace a sub-component inside
a custom component with another sub-component.
In this example we have created a custom component that contains a pair of cast-in embeds as
sub-components (castin1 and castin2):
Castin 1
Then we will replace castin1 with castin2.

To do this:
1. Select the custom component.
2. Right-click and select Edit custom component from the pop-up menu to open the custom
component editor.
3. In the Variables dialog box, add a new parameter.
• In the Formula field, enter the name of the sub-component, castin1.
• Set Value type to Component name.
• Enter a name for the parameter in the Label in dialog box field and set Visibility to
Show.
Custom Components
4. In the Custom component browser, add the equation P1_name for both sub-
components:
The field Cast-in plate will appear in the dialog box of our custom component.
Custom Components
To change the sub-component:
1. Click the ... button next to the name field. The Select component dialog box opens.
2. Select the component to use (in our case castin2) and click OK.
3. In the custom component dialog box, click Modify. Tekla Structures changes the
component in the model.
Castin 2
Changing the properties file

Use the Attribute file property in the Custom component browser to use different properties
files for sub-components in a custom component.
To add the properties file field to the custom component dialog box:
Custom Components
1. Select the custom component.
2. Right-click and select Edit custom component from the pop-up menu to open the custom
component editor.
3. In the Variables dialog box, add a new parameter.
• In the Formula field, enter the name of the properties file (in our example, prop1).
• Set Value type to Component attribute file. Tekla Structures automatically adds the
extension _attrfile to the parameter name. Do not change this extension, but make sure
that the prefix is the same as for the component name (in our example, P1).
• Enter a name for the parameter (in our example, Properties file) in the Label in
dialog box field and set Visibility to Show.
4. In the Custom component browser, add the equation P1_attrfile for Attribute file.
To use another properties file for a sub-component, in the component’s dialog box, click the ...
button next to the Properties file field, and then select the properties file from a list:
Defining meshes in custom components

You can include rectangular meshes and change the mesh in your custom components.
Custom Components
To define a rectangular mesh type in a custom component:
1. Create the mesh in the model or in the Custom component editor. See Reinforcement
mesh (p. 149) for more information.
2. In the Custom component editor, select the mesh, right-click, and select Properties... to
open the Reinforcement properties dialog box.
3. Click the Select button next to the Mesh: field to open the Select mesh dialog box:
4. Copy the name of the mesh you want to use.
5. Click the Variables icon on the Custom component editor toolbar to open the
6. Click Add.
7. In the Value Type field select the Text option.
8. Paste the mesh you copied into the Formula field.
Custom Components
9. In the Custom component browser, add "=P1" after Catalog name in Component >
Component objects > Reinforcement mesh > General properties.
10. Click the Close editor icon to close the Custom Component editor. Tekla
Structures prompts you to save your changes. Click Yes to save your changes. You have
now defined the mesh in the Custom Component editor.
Custom Components
If the mesh is defined in the custom component, other mesh properties,
for example, longitudinal diameters, override the properties defined in
the mesh catalog, so do not use Catalog name and other mesh properties
at the same time.
To change the mesh in the custom component:

1. Select the mesh in the 3d view.
2. Right-click and select Properties....
3. Copy and paste another mesh into the Parameter 1 field (in our example, the Mesh field).
4. Click Modify to save your changes.
Creating surface treatments in custom components

To create surface treatments in the Custom component editor:
1. Select Outline planes on the toolbar instead of Boundary planes (which is the default).
2. Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment and select the command to create the surface
treatment.
3. Optional: To select the surface treatment, set on the Select surface treatmentsselection
switch. This switch is set off in the Custom component editor by default.
2.6 Managing and using custom components

This section describes the custom component dialog box and explains how to use and manage
custom components.
Topics Custom component dialog box (p. 100)

Customizing the dialog box (p. 102)
Performing actions on custom components (p. 108)
Using Excel with custom components (p. 109)
Using ASCII files with custom component (p. 109)
Custom component dialog box

Tekla Structures automatically creates a dialog box when you define a custom component. By
default the dialog box has a General tab for connections, details, and seams and a Position tab
for parts.

Custom Components
Tekla Structures automatically creates tabs containing the parameters and distances you set to
visible in the custom component editor. Tabs are named Parameter 1, Parameter 2, etc. Each
tab can contain up to 25 fields. If you have more than 25 visible fields, Tekla Structures creates
another tab.
A typical custom component dialog box looks like this:
This information relates only to details
For seams you can select whether to place a seam at the point you pick, or let Tekla Structures
automatically place the seam.

Custom Components
To place the seam at the point you pick, select the Place to picked
positions checkbox
To automatically place the seam, clear the Place to picked positions
checkbox, and select one of the positioning options
Tekla Structures creates an input file with the extension .inp for each dialog box in the model
folder. You can modify the input file. See Customizing the dialog box (p. 102).
If you modify the input file, then edit and save the custom component
dialog box using the custom component editor, you will lose the changes
you made to the input file.
Customizing the dialog box

To customize the dialog box that Tekla Structures creates for the custom component you need
to modify the input file which defines the dialog box. The input file has the same name as the
custom component and file extension inp. It is located in the model folder.
This topic is for advanced users. Take care when modifying an input file.
Errors may cause the dialog box to disappear.
The input file is a text file that you can edit using any text editor, for example Notepad.
You can customize the dialog box by:
• Changing the order of fields (p. 103)
• Changing the location of fields (p. 103)
• Renaming tabs (p. 104)
• Adding more tabs (p. 104)
• Adding pictures (p. 105)
• Preventing modifications (p. 105)

Custom Components
To use the modified custom component dialog box, save the input file,
then close and restart Tekla Structures.
Changing the order of fields

To change the order of fields, in the input file, change the last number in the parameter
definition, as shown below:
Change these numbers to change the order of fields (listed from to bottom
of dialog box)
Changing the location of fields

To change the location of fields, in the input file, change the last number in the parameter
definition. Enter three numbers to define the exact location of the field in the dialog box: the x
coordinate, y coordinate, and length of field. The example below shows these values for the
second field in the dialog box:
x = 374

Custom Components
y = 25
length = 160
Renaming tabs
To rename a tab, change the tab definition in the input file. You can rename any tab except the
General tab. In the example below, you would change the text Parameters 1 to the new tab
name (for example, Parts):
Adding more tabs

Each tab can contain 25 fields. If there are more than 25 visible fields, Tekla Structures creates
another tab. You can also add tabs by modifying the input file.
To add a second tab, edit the input file as shown below. Remember to adjust the location of the
fields, if necessary.
Remember to adjust the field location

Custom Components
The fourth tab is reserved for the General properties, so you cannot add
your own parameter to it.
Adding pictures
Add images to make your custom component easier to use. First create the image and save it as
a bitmap file (file extension bmp) in the ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\nt\bitmaps folder. To add the image to the custom
component dialog box, edit the input file as shown below:
y = 100
x = 50
height = 75
width = 100
The first pixel in the top left corner of a bitmap must be the same color
(gray) as the background of the dialog box.
Preventing modifications
Once the dialog box is ready, you can make the input file read-only to prevent accidental
modifications. If the input file is not read-only, and someone else updates the custom
component in the custom component editor, all your modifications to the input file will be lost.
To make the input file read-only:
1. In Windows Explorer, browse to find the input file.
2. Right-click the file and select Properties... .

Custom Components
3. Select the Read-only checkbox.
When an input file is read-only, and you try to update the custom component, Tekla Structures
displays a warning message saying that the *.inp file is read-only and changes to it will not
be saved. You have the following options:
• Click Cancel to return to the custom component editor.
• Click Continue to skip updating the *.inp file, but make all the other updates.
Using a custom component

To use a custom component in a model:
1. Use the keystrokes Ctrl + F to open the Component catalog dialog box.
2. In the Search results list box, select Custom. Tekla Structures lists all custom
components in the bottom pane.
3. Double-click a custom component in the list to open it’s properties dialog box.
4. Enter the properties you want to use and click Apply.
5. Tekla Structures prompts you to pick the parts or points and parts needed to create the
component.
Managing custom components

Use the Component catalog to manage custom components. To open the Component
catalog, use:
• keystrokes Ctrl + F or
• the Find a component icon on a components toolbar

Custom Components
To find all custom components, select Custom in the Search result list
box
All custom components have the Number -1
To view the properties of a custom component, double-click its name
Exporting and importing

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

1. Select the custom components in the component catalog.
2. Right-click and select Export.... The Export components dialog box opens.
3. Enter a name for the file in the Selection field. By default, the file extension is .uel and
the file is located in the current model folder.
Importing To import custom components from a file:

1. Right-click the list of custom components in the component catalog and select Import....
The Import components dialog box opens.
2. Browse to find the exported file (*.uel), click the file name and then click OK.
If the custom component contains sketched cross sections, you need to

export and import both the sketches and the component.
To automatically import all *.uel files from a folder when creating a new model, use the
advanced option XS_UEL_IMPORT_FOLDER.
After importing custom components, you can check from the Log file how many
components were succesfully imported. To open the log file, click Tools > Display log file >
Session History...

Custom Components
See also Performing actions on custom components (p. 108)
Protecting custom components with passwords

You can protect custom components with passwords. Password protection allows you to share
components while protecting your work.
To specify a password for a custom component:
Usage 1. Select the custom component you wish to protect and right-click.
2. To open the Custom component editor, select Edit Custom Component on the pop-up
menu.
3. In the Custom component editor, click the Display variables icon to display the
4. In the Variables dialog box, add a new parameter by clicking the Add button.
5. In the Name column, enter Password.
6. In the Formula column, enter the desired password.
Result
After you have added this parameter, every time you try to edit this custom component Tekla
Structures asks for the password. Tekla Structures informs you about an incorrect password. If
you enter an incorrect password, you cannot use the custom component editor to modify the
component.
Example
Performing actions on custom components

Information regarding custom components is stored in the ComponentCatalog.txt file,
located in the model folder. If the properties of the file are set to read-only, the following
actions are not possible:
• adding to favorites
• adding to search results
• changing picture
• deleting the custom component
• editing keywords
• importing the custom component
• removing from search results
In these cases Tekla Structures displays a warning dialog box and the action is cancelled.
To change the properties of the file:
1. In Windows Explorer, browse to find the file.
2. Right-click the file and select Properties....
3. Clear the Read-only checkbox.

Custom Components
Using Excel with custom components
You can link Excel spreadsheets to custom components, for example, to check connections.
For custom components, you need to add the property Use external design to the custom
component dialog box.
1. Select the component, then right-click and select Edit custom component.
2. In the custom component editor, click to open the Variables dialog box.
3. Click Add and enter the following information:
4. Save the component and close the custom component editor. The custom component
dialog box now contains the Use external design property.
Spreadsheet The template spreadsheets are located in folder ..\Tekla

location Structures\<version>\environments\common\exceldesign.
By default, Tekla Structures searches for the spreadsheet in the following order:
• From the model folder: ..\<model>\exceldesign\.
• From folder defined with advanced option XS_EXTERNAL_EXCEL_DESIGN_PATH
Spreadsheet The name of the file must be component_*component name*.xls. For example
name component_custom1.xls for a custom component named custom1.
For more information on the required Excel files, file locations and how to perform the
connection check with Excel, see Using Excel in connection design (p. 56).
Using ASCII files with custom component

You can use ASCII format files to get the default values from cold rolled files for custom
components, for example.
The format for reading files is following:
• fVF(filename, key value of row, column number)
• Key value for row is a unique text value (for example, HEA300).
• Column value is an index (integer) starting from 1.
• Function returns value as text.
• User will define the correct type for parameter in editor.
Example For example, in the custom component editor, add function fVF("Overlap.dat", "MET-
202Z25", 4) in the Variables dialog box.
The function gets the default value for bolt diameter 16.0 for profile MET-202Z25, from the
Overlap.dat file.

Custom Components
Key value of row
Column number
File search order Tekla Structures searches for the files as system files in the following order:
• model
• ..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>\CustomComponentDialogFiles\
• project (set with advanced option XS_PROJECT)
• firm (set with advanced option XS_FIRM)
• system (set with advanced option XS_SYSTEM)
Tips on working with custom components

These tips will help you to efficiently create, save, and share parametric and non-parametric
custom components:
General Use library profiles when possible. So you do not have to copy user-defined profiles when
you copy the component to other locations.
Use short, logical names. Use the description field to describe the component and explain
what it does.
Store custom components together. It makes them easy to find and export. Consider creating
a component model. Use this model to create and test custom components.
Provide essential information. If you distribute your component to other users, remember to
list the profiles it works with.
Remember to copy user-defined profile cross sections with your custom component.
Creating non- Use the simplest part you can. For example, if all you need is a rectangular shape, use a
parametric rectangular plate, not a contour plate. Rectangular plates only have 2 handles, so you only need
components
to create a few bindings or magnetic planes to manipulate them. Contour plates require more
because they have 4 chamfers and handles, when you set the advanced option
XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLES to CHAMFERS or HANDLES.

Custom Components
Rectangular plate
Contour plate
Only model parts as accurately as you need. If the only part information required is a part
mark on the GA drawing and a quantity on the materials list, create a simple bar or plate. If,
later, you need to include it in a detailed view, simply re-model the part more accurately.
Creating Plan to use magnetic planes to bind objects together. This makes intelligent components
intelligent simpler, and easier to use, because it reduces the number of dimensions and parameters the user
(parametric)
components must enter. Model as many parts on the same plane as you can, and then use offsets to position
them accurately.
Not using magnetic planes:

Pick all 10 handles to bind the parts together
Using 3 magnetic planes:
Pick 3 points to bind the parts together (pick 1 point on each magnetic
plane)
Model embeds as custom parts and include them in components.

Create simple components for specific situations. It is faster and easier to model simple
components. They are also much easier to use. Avoid creating a ’super’ component to use in
every possible situation.
2.7 Custom components reference

This section consists of the reference pages for the custom component commands.
The following table lists the commands used to define, create, and manage custom components.

Custom Components
Command Icon Description
Detailing > Component Starts the custom component wizard
> Define Custom which guides you through defining a
Component... (p. 112) custom component.
Display variables (p. Displays a list of distance and
115) parameter variables.
Browser (p. 119) Displays the custom component

browser that shows the contents of a
custom component in a hierarchical,
tree-like structure.
Plane types (p. 120) Defines which planes can be selected.
Construction plane (p. The command to create your own plane.
121)
Custom component Allows you to edit the type or the

settings (p. 122) position of a custom component or add
notes after you have created the
component
Create distance (p. 123) The command to create distance
variables.
Create reference The command to create variable

distance (p. 124) reference distancies.
Automatic distances (p. Automatically generates distance

125) variables for custom component
objects.
Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component...

Synopsis This command defines a new custom component and saves it to a library for later use.
Preconditions All the necessary objects (parts, cuts, fittings, bolts, etc.) must exist in the model, because you
will need to select different objects, points etc. to define the custom component. See also
Exploding components (p. 62).
Description This command defines a simple custom component, which you can use in similar locations to
where it was originally created. This component is not parametric and Tekla Structures does not
adjust dimensions to suit any changes in the model. To create a parametric custom component,
see Editing custom components (p. 69).

Type Affects how the user inserts the custom Component types (p. 10)
component into the model. Also defines
if the custom component connects to
existing parts.
Name Unique name for the custom
component. If the name already exists,
the Next button is grayed out.
Description Short description of the custom
component. This will be shown in the
component browser.

Custom Components
Component To include this in drawings, include Mark content
identifier Code in the connection mark.
Up direction The default up direction. Used only in
connections and details.
Position type Position (or origin) of the connection, Position type (p. 114)
relative to the main part.
Detail type Determines on which side of the main Only affects asymmetric
part the detail is located. The options details (for example a
are: one-side stiffener).
Intermediate detail - Tekla Structures
creates all details on the same side of
the main part.
End detail - Tekla Structures creates all
details on the side of the main part
closest to the detail.
Definition point The position you pick to create the Only available for details
position in detail, relative to the main part. and connections.
relation to
primary part For connections, this determines where
the connection is created, relative to the
secondary part.
Allow multiple When checked, allows you to create Only available for
instances of many connections to the same main connections.
connection part, in different locations.
between same This is always possible
parts for details.
Exact positions When you select this checkbox, Tekla Only available for seams.
Structures positions the seam based on
the positions you pick in the model.
If you clear this checkbox, Tekla
Structures uses automatic seam
recognition to position the seam. This is
useful especially with warped seams.
Use the center of When you select this checkbox, Tekla Only available for parts.
the bounding box Structures positions the custom part
in positioning based on the center of its bounding box
(the box which surronds the actual part
profile).
Usage 1. Click Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... to start the Custom
component wizard.
2. Select a Type and enter the other properties, then click Next.
3. Select the objects that the custom component will create.
4. Click Next.
5. The next step differs depending on the Type you select in step 2:
• For connections, select the main part, click Next, then select the secondary part(s).
• For details, select the main part, and click Next.
To position the detail by the main part, select Main part, and go to step 6.
To position the detail by a reference point, select Reference point, and then pick a
point.
• For seams, select the main part, click Next, then select the secondary part, click Next,
then pick two points to indicate the seam location.
• For parts, pick one or two points.

Custom Components
6. Click Finish.
See also Defining a custom component (p. 62)

Editing custom components (p. 69)
Position type
Synopsis Defines the position (or origin) of the custom component, relative to the main part. This
command is available in the custom component wizard. Position type affects which type of
main parts you can use the custom component with.
Preconditions
Description Determines the location of the objects the custom component creates, relative to main part. The
options are:
• Middle
Where the center lines of the
main and secondary parts
intersect.
• Box plane
Where the main part box and
the center line of the
secondary part intersect.
• Collision plane
Where the main part and the
center line of the secondary
part intersect.

Custom Components
• End end plane
Where the center line of the
secondary part hits the end of
the main part.
• Gusset plane
Where the center lines of the
main part and the first
secondary part intersect. The
x direction is perpendicular
to the center line of the main
part.
Display variables
Synopsis Shows all variables and lets you to add new parameter variables. You can also use it to manage
distance and parameter variables.
Tekla Structures uses variables with the following features:
• Custom Components (p. 61)
• Sketched cross sections
• Parametric modeling
Preconditions To use this command, you must:
Feature Preconditions
Custom components • define a custom component, see Defining a
custom component (p. 62)
• open the Custom component editor, see Custom
component editor (p. 69)
Sketched cross • open the Cross section sketch editor, see
sections Sketched cross sections
Parametric modeling -
Description Variables are the properties of a custom component/sketch/parametric model.

Use the Add button to add parameter variables.
To add new distance variables, use the commands
• Create distance (p. 123) or Automatic distances (p. 125) for custom components.
• Sketch free distance, Sketch horizontal distance, or Sketch vertical distance for
sketched cross sections.
Use the Delete button to delete selected parameters and distances.
You define the following properties for a variable:

Custom Components
Variable name A unique name for variable. Use Custom component
this name to refer to the variable browser (p. 71)
in the custom component/sketch/
Sketch Browser
model browser.
Formula Can contain a value or a Creating parameters
formula. Copy values using the that use formulae (p.
popup menu in the browser. See 81)
Custom component browser
Functions to use in
(p. 71). formulas (p. 82)
Formulae begin with =
Variable value Shows the current value from
the formula field.
Variable type Distance or parameter. Defining variables
(p. 73)
Adding dimensions
to a sketched cross
section
Value type Defines the type of information Display variables (p.
to input. 115)
Visibility Shows or hides the variable in Custom component
the custom component/Select dialog box (p. 100)
profile dialog box.
Label The field name in the custom
component/Select profile dialog
box. Maximum length is 30
characters.
Usage Usage depends on the feature:
Feature Usage
Custom components • Creating distance variables (p. 75)
• Creating reference distances (p. 77)
• Creating parameter variables (p. 80)
Sketched cross • Variables
sections
Parametric modeling -
Value types The options are:
Value type Description

Number A whole (integer) number. Used for quantity and multiplier.
Length A decimal (floating point) number. User for lengths and
distances. Length numbers have unit (mm, inch etc.) and are
rounded to two places of decimals.
Tekla Structures enables millimeter to inch conversion for
the Length and Distance list types.
Text A text (ascii) string.

Custom Components
Factor A decimal value without a unit. You can set the number of
decimals for the value type in Tools > Options > Options...
> Units and decimals.
Angle A special decimal number type for storing angles, stored to 1
place of decimals, in radians.
Material A special data type linked to the material catalog. On input
you can select material from the standard material dialog.
Profile A special data type linked to the profile catalog. On input
you can select profile from the standard profile dialog.
Bolt size Special data types linked to the bolt catalog. Bolt size works
with Bolt standard. They have fixed naming:
Bolt standard
Px_diameter and Px_screwdin. Do not change the
fixed name.
To automatically show values for these in the component’s
dialog box, x must be the same for both, for example,
P1_diameter and P1_screwdin.
Bolt type For defining the bolt type (site/workshop) in the custom
component dialog box. Linked to the Bolt type property of
bolts in the Custom component browser.
Stud size Special data types linked to the bolt catalog. Stud size
works with Stud standard. They have fixed naming:
Stud standard
Px_size and Px_standard. Do not change the fixed
name.
To automatically show values for these in the component’s
P9_size and P9_standard.
Distance list For fields with several length values, such as bolt spacings.

Custom Components
Weld type A special data type for selecting weld type.
Weld types
Chamfer type A special data type for defining the shape of a chamfer.
Welding site A special data type for defining the welding place: workshop
or building site.
Rebar grade Special data types linked to reinforcement catalog. Rebar
grade, Rebar size, and Rebar bending radius work
Rebar size
together. They have fixed naming format: Px_grade,
Rebar bending Px_size, and Px_radius where the x is a number. Do
radius not change the fixed name.
To automatically show values for these in the component's
dialog box, x must be the same for all, for example,
P1_grade, P1_size, and Px_radius.
Reinforcement For defining meshes in custom components. Linked to the

mesh Catalog name property of reinforcement meshes in the
Custom component browser.
Component For replacing a subcomponent inside a custom component
name with another subcomponent. Linked to the Name property of
objects in the Custom component browser.

Custom Components
Component For setting the properties of a subcomponent inside a custom
attribute file component. Works with Component name using the format
Px_name and Px_attrfile, where the x is a number.
Do not change the fixed name.
To automatically show values for these in the component's
P2_name and P2_attrfile.
Yes/No For defining whether or not Tekla Structures creates an

object in a custom component. Linked to the Creation
property of objects in the Custom component browser.
Browser
Synopsis This command shows the browser for the following features.
• Custom component: Custom component browser
• Sketched cross section: Display sketch browser
• Parametric modeling: Model browser
Preconditions To open the browser:
Feature Preconditions
Custom components • Define a custom component, see Defining a
custom component (p. 62)
• Open the Custom component editor, see
Custom component editor (p. 69)
Sketched cross Open the Cross section sketch editor, see Opening
sections the cross section sketch editor
Parametric modeling
Click the Display model browser icon in the
Tools toolbar.
Description The browser shows the objects, their properties, and hierarchy included in the:
• Custom component
• Sketched cross section

Custom Components
• Parametric model
Usage Usage depends on the feature:
Feature Usage
Custom components Custom component browser (p. 71)
Sketched cross Sketch Browser
sections
Parametric modeling Parametric modeling
Plane types
Synopsis This command changes the plane type.
Preconditions Open the Custom component editor. See Custom component editor (p. 69).
Description You need planes to define distance variables. For example, you can bind the reference point of
a plate to the top plane of a beam.
You can change the plane type when the Create distance command is active. See Create
distance (p. 123).
The table below shows an example of each plane type:
Plane type Example Definition

Boundary planes The edges of a box
surrounding a profile.
Center planes The center planes of a

profile

Custom Components
Plane type Example Definition
Outline planes The outer and inner
surfaces of a profile.
Cut planes If parts contain line, part,

or polygon cuts, this
option selects the cut
surfaces. Fittings cannot
be selected.
Component Depends on which

planes Position type the custom
component originally
had.
Grid planes Shows grid planes.

This plane type is only
available in models and
sketches.
Boundary and component planes work for most profile types, so try to
use them whenever you can.
Usage To see which planes are available in each group:

1. Select a plane type from the Custom component toolbar.
2. Move the mouse cursor over a component view. Tekla Structures highlights the available
planes.
See also Creating distance variables (p. 75)
Construction plane
Synopsis This command creates a construction plane. If the plane is magnetic, the objects directly on it
move with the plane.

Custom Components
Preconditions
Description You may occasionally need to define your own planes. For example, when you create special
model parameters for floor height, building width, etc.
Magnetic planes are also useful. You can use them to bind and move groups of objects. Rather
than binding lots of handles and chamfers to faces, simply create a user plane that goes through
all the handles and chamfers. Then make this plane magnetic and bind the plane to the
appropriate face. When you move the plane, the attached handles and chamfers move with it.
The custom component editor contains many default planes, for more information see Plane
types (p. 120).
Usage To add a construction plane:

1. Click the Create construction plane icon.
2. Pick four points.
3. Click the middle mouse button. Tekla Structures draws the plane.
4. Double-click the plane in the model. The Construction plane properties dialog box
appears.
5. Type a name for the plane.
6. Select Magnetic, if you want Tekla Structures to bind touching objects to the plane. When
you move a magnetic plane, objects directly on that plane automatically move with it.
Tekla Structures only binds objects to the plane whose reference points
are directly on the plane. By default the magnetic distance is 0.05 mm.
To change this use the variable XS_MAGNETIC_PLANE_OFFSET.
7. Click Modify.
See also Plane types (p. 120)
Custom component settings
Synopsis With this command you can go back and change the settings which you have used for defining
a custom component.
Preconditions To use this command in the Custom component editor, you must:
• Define a custom component, see Defining a custom component (p. 62).
• Open the Custom component editor, see Custom component editor (p. 69).
Description You can do the following changes after you have created a custom component:
• Add notes
• Change the position
• Allow multiple instances
Usage To add notes:

1. In the Customer component editor, click the Custom component settings icon.

Custom Components
2. On the Type/Notes tab, insert the notes you want to add to the Description field.
To change the position type:
2. On the Position tab, change the Position type. Tekla Structures repositions the planes.
The objects retain their relative position to the component planes, and they must be moved
back into position manually.
In many cases you need to use a component inside another component, or make a complex
connection out of simple connections. To apply multiple connections to the same main part,
select the Allow multiple instances of connection between same parts checkbox. By default
this checkbox is not selected.
To allow multiple instances:
2. On the Advanced tab, select the Allow multiple instances of connection between same
parts checkbox.
Create distance
Synopsis Creates a distance variable. You can create a distance variable from any of the following
objects to a plane:
• construction plane
• reference points of parts (only custom component objects)
• reference points of bolt groups
• chamfers
• part cut handles
• line cuts
• fittings
• define a custom component, see Defining a custom component (p. 62)
• open the Custom component editor, see Custom component editor (p. 69)
To use this command in a model, click Modeling > Add Distance > Fixed.
Description Distances are dependencies that bind two parts together. You can also use distances to define
part dimensions, bolt edge distances, gaps, etc. For example:

Custom Components
Distances
These distances bind plate’s reference points to the top and bottom plane
of a beam
You define the following properties for distance variables:

Name Name of the distance variable.
Shown in the custom component
dialog box.
Value Numeric value of distance.
Usage See Creating distance variables (p. 75).

To see all distances included in the custom component, open the Variables dialog box. For
more information, see Defining variables (p. 73).
See also Automatic distances (p. 125)

Plane types (p. 120)
Create reference distance
Synopsis Creates a variable reference distance between objects.
• define a custom component, see Defining a custom component (p. 62)
• open the Custom component editor, see Custom component editor (p. 69)
To use this command in a model, click Modeling > Add Distance > Reference.
Description Use reference distances in calculations, for example, for determining the spacing of rungs in a
ladder.

Custom Components
Usage See Creating reference distances (p. 77).
To see all distances included in the custom component, open the Variables dialog box. For
more information, see Defining variables (p. 73).
See also Plane types (p. 120)

Creating distance variables (p. 75)
Automatic distances (p. 125)
Automatic distances
Synopsis Creates distance variables for picked objects.

The distance variables are created between the picked objects and the main and the secondary
parts of a connection or a detail.
The command does not work with custom parts since they do not have a
main part.
Preconditions Open the Custom component editor (p. 69).
Description This command attaches picked objects, or their reference points or handles, to existing planes,
if the objects, or their reference points or handles, are located exactly on the plane. Tekla
Structures creates distance variables from a maximum of three direction to existing planes.
Tekla Structures selects planes in the following order:
• Construction plane (p. 121)
• Custom Components (p. 61)
• Plane types (p. 120)

Custom Components
Usage 1. Click the Automatic distances icon.
2. Pick any type of an object that has handles.
3. Click the middle mouse button to complete the command.
4. To check the created distances, open the Display variables (p. 115) dialog box.
For reinforcement you may have to remove some distances. If the last
handle is bound to too many planes and the concrete cross-section
enlarges, the other end of the reinforcement might not react to changes.

Custom Components
3 Reinforcement
Introduction Once you have created a model of concrete parts, you will need to reinforce the parts.
This chapter explains how to create reinforcement in Tekla Structures. It also includes a general
description of reinforcement properties and an overview of reinforcement commands.
Audience This chapter is aimed at concrete detailers and designers.
Assumed Before you start to create reinforcement, you need to have concrete parts in your model, as
background explained in Part types and in Concrete Detailing.
Running the structural analysis as explained in Analysis and Design gives you the required
area of reinforcement. Read Loads for instructions on how to create loads.
3.1 Getting started with reinforcement

In Tekla Structures, you can use different methods to create reinforcement. You can create:
• Single reinforcing bars
• Reinforcing bar groups
• Reinforcement meshes
• Reinforcement components.
Concepts We recommend that you use reinforcement components to create reinforcement whenever
possible. They are adaptive, attached to a concrete part, and updated automatically if the
dimensions of the reinforced part change, for example. Then create additional reinforcing bars
using other tools.
Reinforcing bar groups consist of several identical, or very similar, bars. Tekla Structures
always treats these bars as a group, modifies them in the same way, deletes them all at the same
time, etc.
Reinforcement meshes include bars in two perpendicular directions, i.e. main bars and
crossing bars. Tekla Structures treats mesh bars as one unit but distinguishes the main and
crossing bars.

Reinforcement
Reinforcement Every reinforcement object has properties which define it (for example, grade, diameter or size,
properties minimum bending radius). Use the reinforcement properties dialog boxes to view or modify the
properties of reinforcement. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement to open
reinforcement properties dialog boxes, or double-click an existing reinforcement object in the
model.
Filtering by You can use reinforcement properties in filters. For example, you can select, modify, or hide
properties reinforcing bars based on their properties.For more information, see Filtering objects.
In reports and You can include reinforcement properties and user-defined attributes in drawing and report
drawings templates.
See also Basic reinforcement properties (p. 128)

Reinforcement properties
Getting Started (p. 9) with Detailing
3.2 Basic reinforcement properties

This section explains properties that are common to most types of reinforcement in Tekla
Structures.
Name You can enter names for reinforcing bars. Tekla Structures uses names in reports and drawing
tables.
Grade The strength of the steel used in reinforcing bars. Can also indicate other factors, such as the
weldability or surface deformations of the bar.
Size Depending on the environment, the nominal diameter of the bar, or a mark that defines the
diameter.
Bending radius Complies with the design code you are using. Main bars, stirrups, ties, and hooks usually have
their own minimum internal bending radii, which are proportional to the diameter of the
reinforcing bar. The actual bending radius is normally chosen to suit the size of the mandrels on
the bar-bending machine.
Bending types Tekla Structures reinforcing bar bending types are recognized using internal bending type
definitions. Internal bending types are hard coded to the software. However, these internal
bending types are mapped to area specific reinforcing bar bending type codes in the
rebar_schedule_config.inp file in the ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system\ folder. This
file can be localized to match local requirements.
For more information on internal bending types, see Reinforcing bar bending types.
Reinforcement Grade–size–radius combinations are predefined in the reinforcement catalog. You can select
catalog which catalog to use, and add, modify, and delete the information it contains. See The
reinforcing bar catalog.
Select... To define the grade, size, and bending radius of a reinforcing bar, click Select... next to the
Grade, Size, and Bending radius fields in the Reinforcing bar properties dialog box. The
Select reinforcing bar dialog box appears, showing the available bar sizes for the chosen
grade. You can also define whether the bar is a main bar or a stirrup or tie:

Reinforcement
You can also enter the grade, size, and bending radius of individual
reinforcing bars using the appropriate fields in the Reinforcing bar
properties dialog box.
Class Use Class to group reinforcement. To display reinforcing bars of different classes in different
colors, click View > Representation > Object Representation... and select Color by class
from the Color list box. For more information, see Colors.
Bar groups Reinforcing bar groups mainly have the same properties as single reinforcing bars. They can
also have the following extra properties:
• Number of bars
• Spacing (see Spacing reinforcing bars (p. 132))
• Tapering (see Tapered bar group (p. 146))
Topics Hooks (p. 129)

Concrete cover (p. 130)
Spacing reinforcing bars (p. 132)
Omitting reinforcing bars (p. 132)
User-defined attributes of reinforcement (p. 133)
Meshes (p. 133)
See also Numbering reinforcement (p. 142)
Hooks
To add hooks to the ends of reinforcing bars for anchoring purposes, use the Hooks section of
the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box, or the Hooks tab in the Reinforcement Mesh
Properties dialog box:

Reinforcement
The options for the hook at the beginning and end of the bar are:
Option Description
No hook
Standard 90-degree hook
Custom hook
The reinforcement catalog contains predefined dimensions for all standard hooks (minimum
bending radius, minimum hook length). See The reinforcing bar catalog.
Custom hook To manually define the angle, radius, and length of a hook, select the Custom hook option and
enter values to the following fields in the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box:
Field Description
Angle Enter a value between –
180 and +180 degrees.
Radius Internal bending radius of
the hook.
Use the same radius for
the hook and for the
reinforcing bar. If the
hook and the reinforcing
Angle
bar have different
radiuses, Tekla Structures
does not recognize the Length
shape of the reinforcing
bar.
Radius
Length Length of the straight part
of the hook.
Concrete cover
Reinforcing bars need a concrete cover, to protect them against harmful elements, such as the
weather and fire. When you create single bars, Tekla Structures uses the thickness of concrete
cover to determine the position of the bar. You pick points to define the shape and plane of the
bar.

Reinforcement
Cover thickness Use the Cover thickness fields in the reinforcement properties dialog boxes to define concrete
cover.
Example To create a beam stirrup, pick the corner points on the cross-sectional end plane of the beam to
define the bar shape and plane. The cover thickness on the plane is the distance from beam’s
bottom, top, and side surfaces to the stirrup. The cover thickness from the plane is the distance
from the end surface of the beam to the stirrup, and perpendicular to the bar plane.
Concrete cover Description

Concrete cover on the plane
For example, the distances from a beam’s bottom,
top, and side surfaces to a stirrup.
To specify different concrete covers on the
different legs of a reinforcing bar, enter a thickness
value for each leg in the On plane field, in the
order you pick points to create the bar. If you enter
less values than there are bar legs, Tekla Structures
uses the last value for remaining legs.
Concrete cover from the plane
For example, the distance from a beam’s end
surface to the closest stirrup, perpendicular to the
stirrup plane.
Leg length At the start and end point of a reinforcing bar, you can also define the concrete cover in terms
of cover thickness or leg length.
Option Description
Cover thickness Defines the distance from the bar end to
the concrete surface.
Leg length Defines the length of the ultimate leg of
the bar.
To define the length of an ultimate leg of a bar, use the Leg length
option and the Snap to nearest points switch. Then pick anywhere on a
part edge or line to indicate the direction for the bar leg.
Reinforcement When you use reinforcement components, Tekla Structures places the reinforcement using the
components dimensions of the part and the values in the Cover thickness field, or the graphic fields shown
below:

Reinforcement
Spacing reinforcing bars
Bar groups There are several ways to distribute bars in a reinforcing bar group.
To create a bar group, open the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box. On the Group tab,
select an option from the Creation method list box. The options are:
Option Description
By exact spacing Creates fixed, equal spaces between the bars. The
value with flexible first space adjusts to even out bar distribution.
first space Enter the spacing value in the Exact spacing value
field. If the first space is less than 10% of the exact
spacing value, Tekla Structures removes one bar.
By exact spacing Same as the first option, but the last space adjusts
value with flexible to even out bar distribution.
last space
By exact spacing Same as the first option, but the middle space
value with flexible adjusts to even out bar distribution. If there are an
middle space odd number of bars (two middle spaces), the other
middle space adjusts to even out bar distribution.
By exact spacing Same as the first option, but both the first and last
value with flexible spaces adjust to even out bar distribution.
first and last space
By exact spacings Distributes the bars using the information you
specify in the Exact spacing values field, so you
can enter every spacing value manually. Use the
multiplication character to repeat spacings, e.g.
5*200, to create five spaces of 200.
Equal distribution by Tekla Structures determines the spacing value
number of based on the fixed number of bars. Enter the
reinforcing bars number in the Number of reinforcing bars field.
Equal distribution by Tekla Structures aims the spacing value as closely
target spacing value as possible at the value in the Target spacing
value field and determines the number of bars
compatibly.
See also Omitting reinforcing bars (p. 132)
Omitting reinforcing bars

You may occasionally need to omit specific reinforcing bars. For example, when several
reinforced areas intersect, causing reinforcing bars to overlap, or when you want to start bar
distribution at a specific distance from the end of a part.
To indicate which bars to omit, select an option from the Reinforcing bar(s) not to be created
to the group list box:
• None (all reinforcing bars included)
• First
• Last
• First and last
See also Spacing reinforcing bars (p. 132)

Reinforcement
User-defined attributes of reinforcement
Create user-defined attributes to add information about reinforcing bars, bar groups, or
reinforcement meshes. Attributes can consist of numbers, text, or lists.
To create user-defined attributes, click the User-defined attributes button in the reinforcement
properties dialog box. Use the User field 1...4 fields to define the attributes you need.
You can also change the name of these fields, and add new ones, by editing the
objects.inp file. For more information, see Adding properties.
Meshes
A reinforcement mesh consists of reinforcing bars in two directions. You can define the
following properties.
Diameter 2
Spacing 2
Overhang
Spacing 1
Diameter 1
Length
Overhang
Width
Create mesh Create mesh using the Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcement Mesh command
or a component.
Mesh shape Reinforcement meshes can be:

• Rectangular
• Polygonal
• Bent
Distribution You can create meshes with unevenly-spaced bars. You can also define a different bar size or
pattern of bars multiple different bar sizes for the longitudinal bars and the crossing bars.

Reinforcement
Multiple bar sizes enable pattern creation. For example, if you enter bar diameters 20 2*6 in
the longitudinal direction, Tekla Structures creates a pattern with one size 20 bar and two size 6
bars. This pattern can be repeated in the mesh along the longitudinal direction.
For more information, see Customizing reinforcement meshes (p. 140).
Mesh size The way you define the size of the mesh depends on the shape of the mesh and how it was
created:
• Evenly-spaced rectangular meshes - manually define the size
• Polygonal and bent meshes - Tekla Structures automatically calculates the width and
length
• Unevenly-spaced meshes - Tekla Structures calculates the size of the mesh using the
values in the Distance(s), Left overhang, and Right overhang fields.
See also Reinforcement mesh (p. 149)
3.3 Working with reinforcement

This section explains how to create, place, attach, and modify reinforcement.
Topics Placing reinforcement (p. 134)

Attaching reinforcement to parts (p. 134)
Modifying reinforcement (p. 135)
Customizing reinforcement meshes (p. 140)
Defining custom reinforcement components (p. 141)
Numbering reinforcement (p. 142)
Placing reinforcement
To place a reinforcing bar group, pick two sets of points:
1. The first set of points defines the plane of the first bar and the shape of a single bar in the
group. Click the middle mouse button to end picking.
2. Pick a second set of points to indicate the distribution direction and length of the bars.
To place reinforcement components, select the part to reinforce.
See also Using reinforcement handles (p. 135).
Attaching reinforcement to parts

Attach reinforcement to a part or cast unit when you want the reinforcing bars to follow the part
or cast unit if it is moved, copied, deleted, etc.

Reinforcement
Tekla Structures automatically attaches a reinforcement to the part you pick before you place
the reinforcement. You can also manually attach reinforcement to a part or cast unit.
You must attach reinforcement to a part or cast unit to have Tekla

Structures merge automatic reinforcing bar marks. See Merging marks.
Attaching To manually attach reinforcement to a part or cast unit:

manually
1. Select the reinforcement to attach.
2. Right-click and select Attach to part from the pop-up menu.
3. Select the part to attach the reinforcement to.
Detaching To detach reinforcement from a part:

1. Select the reinforcement to detach.
2. Right-click and select Detach from part from the pop-up menu.
Modifying reinforcement
To modify a single reinforcing bar, bar group, or reinforcement mesh, double-click the
reinforcement to open the properties dialog box.
To modify the properties of a reinforcement component, double-click the blue modeling tool
symbol (M).
To update the reinforcing bar, bar group, reinforcement mesh, or component you selected, click
Modify.
Topics Changing reinforcement shape (p. 135)

Using reinforcement handles (p. 135)
Using adaptivity (p. 137)
Exploding reinforcement (p. 139)
Splitting reinforcing bar groups (p. 139)
Splitting reinforcing bars in a group (p. 139)
Changing reinforcement shape

To change the shape of the reinforcement, you can:
• Add bar corners
• Remove bar corners
• Move bar and mesh corners
• Change the direction of the longitudinal mesh bars
• Change the distribution length of bar groups
Using reinforcement handles

Tekla Structures uses handles to indicate:
• The ends and corners of a reinforcing bar
• The distribution length of a bar group
• The corners and main bar direction of a mesh
When you select a reinforcement, the handles turn magenta.
Examples Here are some ways to use handles to modify reinforcement:

Reinforcement
Handles to change group distribution length
Handles to move bar corners
Handles to move mesh corners
Handles to change main bar direction
To use handles to modify reinforcement:

Reinforcement
1. Select the reinforcement to display its handles.
2. Click the handle you want to move. Tekla Structures highlights the handle.
3. Move the handle(s) like any other object. If Drag and drop is active, just drag the handle
to a new position.
For more information, see Moving an object, Moving an object using drag-and-drop and
Polygon cuts.
Using adaptivity
Reinforcements follow the shape of the part also when their handles are located on the face or
edge of the part.
The following types of adaptivity are available:
• Fixed adaptivity: handles retain their absolute distances to the nearest part faces.
• Relative adaptivity: handles retain their relative distances to the nearest part faces in
relation to the part’s overall size.
To modify the general adaptivity settings, go to Tools > Options > Options... > General.
You can modify the adaptivity settings for each part separately. These modifications override
the general settings.
Example • Reinforcing bars in their original positions:
• Fixed adaptivity:

Reinforcement
• Relative adaptivity:

Reinforcement
Exploding reinforcement
Before you can modify or remove single bars in a reinforcement component, you need to use
the Explode Component command to ungroup the bars that the reinforcement contains.
To ungroup reinforcing bars:
1. Click Detailing > Component > Explode Component.
2. Select the blue modeling tool symbol (M) on the reinforcement. Tekla Structures ungroups
the reinforcing bars.
Splitting reinforcing bar groups

You can split normal and tapered reinforcing bar groups into two groups.
1. Click Edit > Split.
2. Select the reinforcing bar group.
3. Pick two points to indicate where to split the group.
You cannot split reinforcing bar groups diagonally.
See also Splitting reinforcing bars in a group (p. 139)
Splitting reinforcing bars in a group

You can split reinforcing bars in normal and tapered reinforcing bar groups using a split line.
1. Click Edit > Split.

Reinforcement
2. Select the reinforcing bar group.
3. Pick two points to indicate where to split the bars.
Once split, each new reinforcing bar group retains the properties of the
original group. For example, if the bars in the original group had hooks
at both ends, bars in the new groups also have hooks at both ends.
Modify the properties of the new groups if needed.
See also Splitting reinforcing bar groups (p. 139)
Conceptual reinforcements
Conceptual reinforcements can be created only with Steel Detailing and Engineering
configurations.
Engineers or detailers can model conceptual reinforcements that show the geometry of the
reinforcements. Conceptual reinforcements look similar to detailed reinforcements but do not
include the option to perform numbering. When you create a conceptual reinforcement, Tekla
Structures displays a warning message noting that you cannot number the reinforcement.
You can use the Inquire command to check whether the reinforcement is conceptual or
detailed.
Conceptual reinforcements can be converted to detailed reinforcements. You can convert
individual conceptual reinforcements to detailed reinforcements in Full, Precast Concrete
Detailing and Reinforced Concrete Detailing configurations.
Detailed reinforcements can be converted to conceptual reinforcements in Steel Detailing and
Engineering configurations.
Modifying part properties does not automatically convert a detailed reinforcement to a
conceptual one, or vice versa. For example, if you use the Engineering configuration and
modify the model, detailed reinforcements do not convert back to conceptual reinforcements.
See also Converting conceptual reinforcements to detailed reinforcements (p. 140)
Converting conceptual reinforcements to detailed reinforcements

Individual conceptual reinforcements that have been created with Steel Detailing or
Engineering configuration can be converted to detailed reinforcements in Full, Precast
Concrete Detailing, and Reinforced Concrete Detailing configurations.
To convert conceptual reinforcements to detailed reinforcements:
1. Select the reinforcement.
2. Right-click and select Convert to detailed reinforcement.
If you want to convert detailed reinforcements to conceptual reinforcements in Engineering or
Steel Detailing configuration, right-click and select Convert to conceptual reinforcement.
See also Conceptual reinforcements (p. 140)
Customizing reinforcement meshes

You can customize reinforcement meshes using the Select Mesh dialog box.
1. In the Reinforcement Mesh Properties dialog box, click the Select button next to the
Mesh field to open the Select Mesh dialog box.
2. In the Select Mesh dialog box, select a standard mesh from the mesh catalog and use it
as a basis for the customized mesh.
3. Modify the mesh properties.

Reinforcement
4. Enter a name for the mesh in the Selected mesh field. The default name is
CUSTOM_MESH.
5. Click OK to close the Select Mesh dialog box and to save the properties.
6. To save customized mesh properties for later use, enter a name in the Save as field in
the Reinforcement Mesh Properties dialog box and click the Save as button.
To later use saved mesh properties in the Reinforcement Mesh

Properties dialog box, select the name of the mesh properties in the
Load list box and click the Load button.
Custom mesh You can define the following properties for the customized reinforcement meshes:
properties
Spacing method Defines how the mesh bars are distributed. The options are:
• Same distance for all: Use to create meshes with
evenly-spaced bars.
• Multiple varying distances: Use to create meshes with
unevenly-spaced bars.
Distance(s) Spacing values of longitudinal or crossing bars.
If you select the Multiple varying distances spacing method,
enter all spacing values, separated by spaces. You can use
multiplication to repeat spacing values. For example:
2*150 200 3*400 200 2*150
Left overhang Extensions of longitudinal bars over the outermost crossing
bars.
Right overhang
Extensions of crossing bars over the outermost longitudinal
bars.
Diameter Diameter or size of longitudinal or crossing bars.
You can define multiple diameters for the bars in both
directions. Enter all the diameter values, separated by spaces.
You can use multiplication to repeat diameter values. For
example, 12 2*6 in longitudinal direction and 6 20 2*12
in crossing direction.
Width Length of crossing bars.
Length Length of longitudinal bars.
Grade The steel grade of the bars in the mesh.

Meshes (p. 133)
Defining custom reinforcement components

You can create customized reinforcement details and save them in the component catalog for
later use.
Preconditions Create a concrete part and reinforce it in the way you want the reinforcement to appear in the
custom component. You can create the reinforcement either by exploding and modifying an
existing reinforcement component, or by creating the reinforcing bars individually.

Reinforcement
Usage 1. Click Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component....
2. On the Type/Notes tab, select Detail in the Type list box, and enter a name for the
custom reinforcement.
3. Click Next.
4. Select the reinforcing bars to use in the custom reinforcement and click Next.
5. Select the main part and click Next.
6. In DETAIL POSITION, select Main part to position the reinforcement by the main part.
7. Click Finish.
Result
You have now defined a simple custom reinforcement component, which you can use in
locations similar to the one where it was originally created. This component is not parametric
and Tekla Structures does not adjust dimensions to suit any changes in the model. To create a
parametric custom component, see Editing custom components (p. 69).
See also Using a custom component (p. 106)

Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... (p. 112)
Exploding components (p. 62)
Numbering reinforcement
Tekla Structures numbers reinforcement in the same way as it numbers parts. For more
information, see Assigning a numbering series to a part. This section contains information
that you should consider when you plan reinforcement numbering.
For more information on how to set up and carry out numbering, see Numbering the Model.
Topics What affects reinforcement numbering (p. 142)

How reinforcement affects part numbering (p. 143)
What affects reinforcement numbering

Tekla Structures treats reinforcing bars as identical, and gives them the same number, if the
following properties are the same:
• Bar geometry
• Numbering series
• Size
• Grade
• Bending radius
Defining identical Tekla Structures uses the values in the rebar_config.inp file in the ..\Tekla
bar geometry Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system\ folder to
round bar dimensions up or down. For example, if you set the rounding accuracy for bar
dimensions to 5 and rounding direction to up, Tekla Structures rounds all bar dimensions up to
the nearest 5 mm. So, bars with dimensions of 131 mm and 133 mm would both round up to
135 mm. This gives them identical bar geometry. For more information, see Reinforcement
settings for drawings.
Class Class does not affect numbering. Tekla Structures gives the same number to identical
reinforcing bars that belong to different classes.
User-defined Tekla Structures treats reinforcing bars as different, and so numbers them differently, if the
attributes values of a user-defined attribute differ. If a user-defined attribute has the variable
consider_in_numbering set to yes, Tekla Structures takes this user-defined attribute into
account when numbering.
For more information on defining user-defined attributes, see Adding properties.

Reinforcement
How reinforcement affects part numbering
To force Tekla Structures to give otherwise identical concrete parts and cast units different
numbers if they have different reinforcement:
1. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings....
2. In the Numbering Setup dialog box, select the Reinforcing bars checkbox.
3. Click OK.
Cast unit numbering does not affect reinforcement numbering. For more information on cast
units, see Cast units.
3.4 Single bars, bar groups, and meshes

Tekla Structures includes the following tools to create single reinforcing bars, bar groups, and
reinforcement meshes.
Command Icon Description

Reinforcing bar (p. 143) Creates a single reinforcing bar.
Reinforcing bar group Creates a reinforcing bar group.

(p. 145)
Curved reinforcing bar Creates a curved reinforcing bar group.

group (p. 147)
Circular reinforcing bar Creates a circular reinforcing bar group.

group (p. 148)
Reinforcement mesh (p. Creates a reinforcement mesh.

149)
Reinforcement strand Creates prestressed strands.

pattern (p. 151)
Reinforcement splice (p. Joins reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar

154) groups together with reinforcement
splices.
Reinforcement mesh Creates an array of overlapped
array in area (89) reinforcement meshes.
Lifting anchor (80) Creates two lifting anchors or anchor

groups for a concrete part.
Reinforcing bar
Synopsis This command creates a reinforcing bar.
Preconditions Create the part to reinforce.

Calculate the required area of reinforcement.

Reinforcement
Description Tekla Structures creates the reinforcing bar using the properties in the Reinforcing bar
properties dialog box. The filename extension of a saved bar properties file is rbr.

Series and The mark series of the bar. Numbering
Start no reinforcement (p.
142)
Name The user-definable name of the Basic reinforcement
bar. properties (p. 128)
Size The diameter of the bar or a
mark defining it.
Grade The steel grade of the bar.
Bending The internal radius of the bends
radius in the bar.
Class Used to group reinforcement.
Shape The shape of the hook. Hooks (p. 129)
Angle The angle of the custom hook.
Radius The internal bending radius of
the standard or custom hook.
Length The length of the straight part of
Cover The distances from the part Concrete cover (p.
thickness on surfaces to the bar on the same 130)
plane plane as the bar.
Cover The distance from the part
thickness from surface to the bar, or bar end,
plane perpendicular to the bar plane.
Start The concrete cover thickness or
leg length at the first end of the
bar.
End The concrete cover thickness or
leg length at the second end of
the bar.
User-defined User-defined reinforcement User-defined
attributes... properties. attributes of
reinforcement (p.
133)
Usage 1. Double-click the Create reinforcing bar icon.

2. Enter or modify the bar properties.
3. Click Apply or OK to save the properties.
4. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the bar to the part.
5. Pick the starting point of the bar.
6. Pick the other bar reference points.
7. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
See also Reinforcing bar group (p. 145)

Working with reinforcement (p. 134)

Reinforcement
Reinforcing bar group
Synopsis This command creates a reinforcing bar group.

Description A reinforcing bar group includes several identical, or very similar, reinforcing bars. You first
define the shape of a single bar, then the direction in which Tekla Structures distributes the
bars.
Tekla Structures creates the reinforcing bar group using the properties in the Reinforcing bar
properties dialog box. The filename extension of a saved bar group properties file is rbg.

142)
mark defining it.
Bending The internal radius of the bar
radius bends.
Shape The shape of the hook. Hooks (p. 129)
Angle The angle of the custom hook.
Radius The internal bending radius of
Length The length of the straight part of
Cover The distances from the part Concrete cover (p.
thickness on surfaces to the bar on the same 130)
plane plane as the bar.
Start The concrete cover thickness or
leg length at the first end of the
bar.
End The concrete cover thickness or
leg length at the second end of
the bar.
reinforcement (p.
133)

Reinforcement
Creation How to create the bar group. Spacing reinforcing
method etc. bars (p. 132)
Additional Omitting reinforcing
actions bars (p. 132)
Tapered bar group
(p. 146)
Usage 1. Double-click the Create reinforcing bar group icon.

2. Enter or modify the bar group properties.
4. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the bar group to the part.
5. Pick the bar starting point.
6. Pick the other bar reference points.
8. Pick the starting point of the bar group.
9. Pick the end point of the bar group.
Tapered bar To create a tapered bar group:

group
1. Double-click the Create reinforcing bar group icon.
3. On the Group tab, select an option from the Bar group type list box:
Option 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.
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 field.
Spiral The reinforcing bars rise in a polygonal
or circular shape along the longitudinal
axis of the part.
1. Click Apply or OK.

3. Pick points to define the shape of the bar at the first cross section. Click the middle mouse
button to finish picking.
4. For the second and subsequent cross sections, pick points to define the shape of the bar.
Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
If you select the Normal option, you only need to define bar shape and bar distribution length.

Reinforcement
If you change the type of a tapered bar group, Tekla Structures adjusts
the number of handles. You can then drag handles to modify the group.
Spiral bar group To create a spiral bar group:

1. Double-click the Create reinforcing bar group icon.
3. On the Group tab, select Spiral from the Bar group type list box:
6. Pick points to define the shape of the bar at the first cross section. Click the middle mouse
button to finish picking.
7. For the second and subsequent cross sections, pick points to define the shape of the bar.
Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.

Working with reinforcement (p. 134)
Curved reinforcing bar group (p. 147)
Circular reinforcing bar group (p. 148)
Curved reinforcing bar group
Synopsis Creates a group of curved reinforcing bars.

Description Tekla Structures creates the curved reinforcing bar group using the properties in the
Reinforcing bar properties dialog box. See Reinforcing bar group (p. 145) for more
information on the common properties in this dialog box.
Usage To create a curved bar group:

1. Double-click the Create curved reinforcing bar group icon.
2. Enter or modify the reinforcing bar group properties.

Reinforcement
5. Pick three points on an arc to define the curve:
6. Pick two points to indicate the distribution direction of the bars:
See also Working with reinforcement (p. 134)

Reinforcing bar group (p. 145)
Circular reinforcing bar group (p. 148)
Circular reinforcing bar group
Synopsis Creates a group of circular reinforcing bars.

Description Tekla Structures creates the circular reinforcing bar group using the properties in the
Reinforcing bar properties dialog box. See Reinforcing bar group (p. 145) for more
information on the common properties in this dialog box.

Reinforcement
Usage To create a circular bar group:
1. Double-click the Create circular reinforcing bar group icon.
2. Enter or modify the reinforcing bar group properties.
5. Pick three points to define the circlular bars
6. Pick two points to indicate the distribution direction of the bars.

Curved reinforcing bar group (p. 147)
Reinforcement mesh
Synopsis This command creates a reinforcement mesh.

Description You can create the following types of reinforcement meshes:

• Rectangular
• Polygonal
• Bent
Tekla Structures creates the reinforcement mesh using the properties in the Reinforcement
Mesh Properties dialog box. The filename extension of a saved mesh properties file is rbm.

Reinforcement
Prefix and The mark series of the mesh. Numbering
142)
mesh. properties (p. 128)
Mesh Select a mesh from the mesh Meshes (p. 133)
catalog.
Customizing
You can also use a customized reinforcement
mesh. meshes (p. 140)
Grade The steel grade of the bars in the Basic reinforcement
mesh. properties (p. 128)
Mesh type The shape of the mesh. Select Meshes (p. 133)
Polygon, Rectangle, or Bent.
Width
For rectangular meshes, enter
Length
the width and length of the
Bending mesh.
radius
For bent meshes, enter the
bending radius.
Cross bar Defines whether the crossing
location bars are located above or below
the longitudinal bars.
Cut by father Defines whether the polygon or Meshes (p. 133)
part cuts part cuts in the part cut also the
mesh.
Cover The distance from the part Concrete cover (p.
thickness on surface to the main bars on the 130)
plane same plane as the bars.
Cover Thickness of concrete cover or
thickness start leg length from the mesh starting
point.
Cover Thickness of concrete cover or
thickness end leg length at the end point of the
bar. Used for bent meshes.
reinforcement (p.
133)
Hooks tab The shape, angle, radius, and Hooks (p. 129)
length of hooks at the start and
end of the crossing mesh bars.
The properties of standard meshes are defined in the

mesh_database.inp file, located in the ..\Tekla
Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\
profil folder.

Reinforcement
Usage Rectangular
To create a rectangular mesh:
1. Set the work plane parallel to the plane where you want to create the mesh.
2. Double-click the Create reinforcement mesh icon.
3. In the Mesh type list box, select Rectangle.
4. Enter or modify the mesh dimensions and the other properties.
6. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the mesh to the part.
7. Pick the starting point of the mesh.
8. Pick a point to indicate the direction of the longitudinal bars. Tekla Structures creates the
mesh parallel to the work plane, to the left of the points you picked.
Polygonal
To create a polygonal mesh:
1. Double-click the Create reinforcement mesh icon.
2. In the Mesh type list box, select Polygon.
3. Enter or modify the mesh properties.
6. Pick the starting point of the mesh.
7. Pick the corner points of the mesh.
9. Pick two points to indicate the direction of the longitudinal bars.
Bent
To create a bent mesh:
1. Double-click the Create reinforcement mesh icon to open the Reinforcement Mesh
Properties dialog box.
2. In the Mesh type list box, select Bent.
3. Enter the bending radius.
4. Enter or modify the other mesh properties.
6. Click the Create reinforcement mesh icon.
8. Pick points to indicate the bending shape of the crossing bars.
9. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking points.
10. Pick two points to indicate the length and direction of the longitudinal bars.
Reinforcement strand pattern
Synopsis This command creates prestressed strands for concrete parts.

Reinforcement
Preconditions
Description Tekla Structures creates straight or deflected strands based on the strand profile you indicate
using the properties in the Reinforcing bar properties dialog box.

142)
mark defining it.
Bending The internal radius of the bar
radius bends.
Pull per strand The pull per strand (kN).
Number of Defines the number of cross
cross sections sections of the strand pattern.
reinforcement (p.
133)
Debonded Enter the strand number in this Debonding strands
strands field. The strand number is the (p. 153)
picking order number of the
strand.
From start Enter the length of the
debonding. If you select the
Middle to start
Symmetry checkbox, values in
Middle to end fields From start and From
From end Middle to start are copied to
From end and Middle to end
fields.
Symmetry Defines if the end and start
lengths are symmetrical.
Usage To create prestressed strands for a concrete part:

1. Double-click the Create reinforcement strand pattern icon.
2. Enter or modify the strand properties.
3. In the Number of cross sections field, enter a number based on the strand profile. For
example:

Reinforcement
Number of
Strand profile patterns
1
4. Define the lenghts of the debonding zones.

6. Click the Create reinforcement strand pattern icon.
7. Pick the part you are creating strands for.
8. Pick points to position the strands (for example, at the end of a part):
The points you pick define the first cross section. Click the middle mouse button to finish
picking.
9. If you chose to create a single cross section, pick two points to define the length of the
strands. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
10. If you chose to create two or more cross sections, for each cross section, pick points to
indicate the strand positions. Pick the strand positions in the same order as for the first
cross section. After each cross section, click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
Debonding To debond strands:

strands
1. Double-click the Create reinforcement strand pattern icon.
2. On the Debonding tab, enter the debonding properties.
3. Click Add button to create a new row in the table.

Reinforcement
4. Enter the strand numbers in the Debonded strands field. The strand number is the picking
order number of the strand:
• To set the same values for all the strands, enter all the strand numbers, separated by a
space (e.g. 1 2 3 4).
• To set separate values for each strand, click Add to add a new row, then enter the
strand number in the Debonded strands field.
5. Define the debonded lengths:
• To set symmetrical lengths, select the End lengths = start lengths checkbox and only
enter values in the From start or Middle to start fields. Debonding lengths:
6. Click Modify and Apply.

Tekla Structures displays the debonded section of the strand in red in rendered views, or as
a broken line in wire frame views.
Debonded strands appear as broken lines in drawings.

Reinforcement splice
This command joins reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups together with reinforcement
splices.
Preconditions Create the reinforcing bars or bar groups to join. There can be a gap between them.
Description Tekla Structures creates the reinforcement splice using the current properties in the
Reinforcement Splice Properties dialog box. The filename extension of a saved splice
properties file is rsp.

Joint type The type of the splice. The options are: Lap left creates the lap to
the direction of the first
• Lap right
reinforcing bar or bar
• Lap left group selected, Lap right
• Lap both to the direction of the
second.
• Muff joint
Lap both centers the lap
• Welded joint
between the bars or bar
groups.
Lap length The length of the lap joint.

Reinforcement
Offset The offset of the splice center point
from the point where the bars originally
met.
Bar positions Defines whether the lapping bars are on
top of each other or parallel to each
other.
Usage 1. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcement Splice....
2. Enter or modify the splice properties.
4. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcement Splice.
5. Select the first reinforcing bar or bar group.
6. Select the second reinforcing bar or bar group.
Tekla Structures indicates reinforcement splices in the model using blue splice symbols:

Reinforcement
Reinforcement
4 Reinforcing bar bending
types
Tekla Structures recognizes different reinforcing bar bending shapes and assigns bending type
identifiers to them. The table below lists these reinforcing bar bending types.
If Tekla Structures does not recognize the shape of a reinforcing bar, it assigns the UNKNOWN
bending type to it.
The bending type identifiers in the table below are internal, hard-coded types of Tekla
Structures. The leg dimensions (D1, D2, etc.) and bending angles (A1, A2, etc.) of reinforcing
bars are internal dimensions and angles. You can map internal types, for example, to country-
or project-specific types, and internal dimensions and angles to specific template attributes.
You do this in the rebar_schedule_config.inp file. See Reinforcement in templates
(p. 178).
Reinforcing bar bending dimensions are calculated so that the leg dimensions (D1, D2, etc.)
follow the outer edge, or the edge extension, of the reinforcing bar. The total length is
calculated according to the center line of the reinforcing bar.
The magenta points in the images represent the points you pick in the model when you create
reinforcing bars.
Type Image
1
2_1
Requires standard bending radius.

2_2
Non-standard bending radius.

Reinforcing bar bending types
Type Image
3_1
3_2
4_2
4_3
4_4
5_1
5_2

Type Image
5_3
6_1
6_2
Requires 180 degree hook.

10

Type Image
11
D1 = Radius from center of circle to the center line of reinforcing

bar.
12
13
Can also be modeled using hooks at both ends (i.e. model D1 and
D5 using 90 degree hooks).
14
Requires hooks at both ends.

14_2

Type Image
14_3
14_4
Requires 90 degree hooks at both ends.

14_5
Recognized if
XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION is set to
FALSE.
15

16_1

Type Image
16_2
17
18
19
20_1
20_2

Type Image
21
22
23
24
25
26

27

Type Image
28

29

29_2
29_3
29_4
29_5

Type Image
30

31

32

32_2
33

34

Type Image
35

36

36_2
Can also be modeled using hooks at both ends.

36_3
Can also be modeled using hooks at both ends.

37

Type Image
38
Requires 180 degree hook at one end and 90 degree hook at the
other end.
38_2
39
40

41

42

43

Type Image
43_2
44

44_2

45

45_2
Requires 180 hooks at both ends.

Type Image
46

47

48

48_2

48_3

Type Image
49
D1 = Reinforcing bar center line diameter.

49_2
50

51

52

53

Type Image
54

55
56
57
58
59
60

Type Image
61

61_2
61_3

62
Requires hook.
63
Requires hook.

Type Image
64

64_2
65

65_2

Type Image
66
67
67_2
68
69_1
69_2

Type Image
70_1
70_2
71
72
73_1
73_2

Type Image
73_3
74
75_1
75_2
76

Type Image
77
78
79_1
79_2

Type Image
80
UNKNOWN For example:
4.1 Reinforcement in templates

Audience This topic is aimed at Tekla Structures users who need to localize reinforcing bar bending types
or to create templates for reinforcing bar bending schedules.
Reinforcement You can show dimensions, bending angles, and bending types of reinforcing bars in drawings
templates and reports by including reinforcement-specific attributes, such as DIM_A, ANG_S, SHAPE, and
SHAPE_INTERNAL, in template fields. For more information on creating templates, see the
Template Editor (TplEd) online help.
Mapping Use the rebar_schedule_config.inp file in the ..\Tekla

dimensions Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder to
map:
• Tekla Structures internal reinforcing bar dimensions and angles with specific template
attributes
• Tekla Structures internal reinforcing bar bending types with specific bending types
These mappings are environment-specific by default. You can modify them to suit your
company or project needs.
You can use equations, functions, and if statements to calculate the dimensions and angles you
need to show.
Use any standard text editor (for example, Notepad) to edit the
rebar_schedule_config.inp file.
Examples The following example of the rebar_schedule_config.inp file maps the internal
bending type 5_1 to the bending type identifier E, and the leg dimensions and bending angles to
specific template attributes:

rebar_schedule_config.inp (Example 1)
BEND_TYPE_5_1[1]="E"
BEND_TYPE_5_1[2]="DIM_A=D1"
BEND_TYPE_5_1[3]="DIM_B=D5"
BEND_TYPE_5_1[4]="DIM_C=D2"
BEND_TYPE_5_1[5]="DIM_TD=TD"
BEND_TYPE_5_1[6]="ANG_U=A1"
BEND_TYPE_5_1[7]="ANG_V=A2"
With this mapping, the internal bending type 6_2 becomes XY, and the template attributes
DIM_B and DIM_C will show the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the second leg D2, and
DIM_E and DIM_F the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the fourth leg D4:
BEND_TYPE_6_2[1]="XY"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[2]="DIM_A=D1"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[3]="DIM_B=D2*COS(A2*PI/
180)"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[4]="DIM_C=D2*SIN(A2*PI/
180)"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[5]="DIM_D=D3"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[6]="DIM_E=D4*COS(A1*PI/
180)"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[7]="DIM_F=D4*SIN(A1*PI/
180)"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[8]="DIM_G=D5"
BEND_TYPE_6_2[9]="DIM_TD=TD"
The following example maps the internal bending type 4 to the bending type identifier A if the
dimensions D1 and D3 are the same. Otherwise it maps 4 to B:
BEND_TYPE_4[1]=if (D1==D3) then ("A")
else ("B") endif
BEND_TYPE_4[2]="DIM_A=D1"
BEND_TYPE_4[3]="DIM_B=D2"
BEND_TYPE_4[4]="DIM_C=D3"
BEND_TYPE_4[5]="DIM_TD=TD"
If Tekla Structures does not recognize a reinforcing bar bending shape, it uses the internal
bending type UNKNOWN for it. In the rebar_schedule_config.inp file you can also
define how unknown bending types appear in drawings and reports. For example, you may just
want to use the bending type identifier ???, and list all leg dimensions and bending angles:

BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[1]="???"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[2]="DIM_A=D1"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[3]="DIM_B=D2"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[4]="DIM_C=D3"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[5]="DIM_D=D4"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[6]="DIM_E=D5"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[7]="DIM_F=D6"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[8]="ANG_S=A1"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[9]="ANG_T=A2"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[10]="ANG_U=A3"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[11]="ANG_V=A4"
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[12]="DIM_TD=TD"
See also DIM_A ... DIM_G, DIM_H1, DIM_H2, DIM_I, DIM_J, DIM_K1, DIM_K2, DIM_O,
DIM_R, DIM_TD, DIM_X, DIM_Y
ANG_S, ANG_T, ANG_U, ANG_V
SHAPE
SHAPE_INTERNAL
Reinforcing bar bending types (p. 157)

Index
a bolts
bolt group orientation.............................................35
bolt group pattern ..................................................36
acos.............................................................................. 88 bolt position ...........................................................36
adaptivity bolt spacing ...........................................................35
reinforcement ...................................................... 137 defining........................................................... 32, 34
add deleting..................................................................39
anchor rod ............................................................. 24 edge distance ........................................................36
base plate.............................................................. 24 increasing bolt length ............................................34
beam to column connection .................................. 25 number of ..............................................................35
anchor rods overview of properties on the bolts tab..................32
add ........................................................................ 24 Boundary plane ..........................................................120
anchoring hooks ......................................................... 129 box plane ....................................................................114
asin............................................................................... 88 browser.......................................................................119
assemblies
defining.................................................................. 32
atan .............................................................................. 88
c
atan2 ............................................................................ 88
attaching ceil ................................................................................85
reinforcement to parts ......................................... 134 collision plane .............................................................114
AutoConnection columns
using...................................................................... 41 connect to beam....................................................25
automatic distances.................................................... 125 component catalog .......................................................16
automatic properties..................................................... 14 component design
ave................................................................................ 85 checking ................................................................15
components
b concepts ................................................................10
conceptual .............................................................26
copying ..................................................................21
base plate creating view .........................................................26
add ........................................................................ 24 detailed..................................................................26
beam profiles dialog box ..............................................................11
selecting ................................................................ 29 publish in catalog...................................................22
beams symbols .................................................................18
connect to column ................................................. 25 thumbnails .............................................................20
bending radius............................................................ 128 types......................................................................10
bind to plane................................................................. 75 using excel ............................................................56
binding using magnetic planes ..................................... 79 viewing ..................................................................26
bolt assemblies conceptual components......................................... 26, 27
defining in connections.......................................... 40 conceptual reinforcement ...........................................140
concrete cover ............................................................130
connect
beam to column.....................................................25
Connection plane........................................................120

connections
beam to column .....................................................25 e
defining bolt assemblies ........................................40
construction planes.......................................................79 edge distance
copying bolts .......................................................................36
components ...........................................................21 end end plane .............................................................114
cos ................................................................................88 Excel .............................................................................57
cosh ..............................................................................88 excel
creating example .................................................................57
distance ...............................................................123 using for components ............................................56
custom component using with custom components............................109
settings ................................................................122 exp ................................................................................84
custom component browser........................................119 exploding
custom component settings ........................................122 reinforcement.......................................................139
custom component wizard ............................................62 exploding components ..................................................62
custom components
browser..................................................................71
defining ......................................................... 62, 112 f
editor......................................................................69
exporting and importing .......................................107
interface...............................................................100 fabs ...............................................................................84
password .............................................................108 fAD()..............................................................................88
properties...............................................................68 find ................................................................................86
protecting.............................................................108 floor ...............................................................................85
tips on working with .............................................110 formulae ........................................................................81
types ......................................................................66 fP() ................................................................................83
using ....................................................................106 functions for equations..................................................82
custom connections ......................................................62
custom details...............................................................62
custom reinforcement meshes....................................140
g
customizing
reinforcement.............................................. 140, 141 general tab ....................................................................15
getat ..............................................................................86
d gusset plane................................................................114
default properties ..........................................................14

h
default values
setting with the joints.def file..................................45 handles
Design tab.....................................................................15 of reinforcement...................................................135
Design type tab.............................................................15 holes
detailed components.............................................. 26, 27 creating ..................................................................34
detailed reinforcement ................................................140 hypot .............................................................................84
distance ........................................................................75
reference distance .................................................77
distance variable.........................................................123 i
double ...........................................................................86
In ...................................................................................84
indicating component status with Excel design.............59
int ..................................................................................86

j n
joints.def n!...................................................................................84
about ..................................................................... 46 numbering
bolt and part properties ......................................... 49 reinforcement ......................................................142
bolt properties in clip angle connections ............... 48 reinforcement, what affects .................................142
bolt properties in diagonal connections................. 49
bolt properties in end plate connections................ 48
bolt properties in gusset connections.................... 49 o
bolt properties in shear plate connections............. 48
connections that use joints.def.............................. 55 omitting reinforcing bars .............................................132
defining bolt diameter and number of rows ........... 48 Outline plane ..............................................................120
defining global defaults ......................................... 47
entering values...................................................... 47
example of how Tekla Structures uses ................. 55
how it works .......................................................... 46
p
interpreting ............................................................ 46
parameters ...................................................................80
part position number.....................................................30
l parts
defining..................................................................28
dialog box tabs ......................................................28
length............................................................................ 86 dimensioning .........................................................29
log................................................................................. 84 part position number..............................................30
setting default prefix and start number ..................30
m passwords
custom component ..............................................108
plane types .................................................................120
magnetic planes ........................................................... 79 plates
match............................................................................ 86 defining..................................................................28
materials dimensioning .........................................................29
defining.................................................................. 31 pow ...............................................................................84
max............................................................................... 85 prestressed strands
mesh........................................................................... 149 debonding............................................................151
bent ..................................................................... 149 properties
polygonal............................................................. 149 automatic...............................................................14
min................................................................................ 85 default....................................................................14
mod .............................................................................. 84 system default .......................................................14
model browser............................................................ 119 publish in catalog..........................................................22
modeling tips
working with custom components ....................... 110
modifying r
reinforcement ...................................................... 135
rebar ...........................................................................143
bending types ......................................................157
rebar group .................................................................145
rebar mesh .................................................................149
reference distances ....................................................124
reference function.........................................................83

reinforcement spiral reinforcing bar groups .......................................145
adaptivity .............................................................137 splitting
basic properties ...................................................128 reinforcing bar groups..........................................139
bending radius .....................................................128 reinforcing bars in a group ...................................139
bending types ......................................................128 sqave ............................................................................85
conceptual ...........................................................140 sqrt ................................................................................84
customizing..........................................................141 sqsum ...........................................................................85
defining as custom components ..........................141 strand pattern
detailed ................................................................140 reinforcement.......................................................151
exploding .............................................................139 string .............................................................................86
hooks ...................................................................129 sum ...............................................................................85
in templates .........................................................178 surface treatment
modifying .............................................................135 in custom components.........................................100
numbering............................................................142 system default properties..............................................14
omitting bars ........................................................132
prestressed strands .............................................151
spacing ................................................................132 t
splice ...................................................................154
strands.................................................................151 tan .................................................................................88
user-defined attributes.........................................133 tanh ...............................................................................88
reinforcement mesh ....................................................149 tapered reinforcing bar groups....................................145
customizing..........................................................140 thumbnail images..........................................................20
reinforcement splice....................................................154
reinforcing bar.............................................................143
bending types ......................................................157
reinforcing bar group...................................................145
u
circular .................................................................148
curved..................................................................147 up direction ...................................................................13
reinforcing bar groups user-defined reinforcement attributes .........................133
splitting ................................................................139 using ASCII files with custom component...................109
reports using Excel with custom components .........................109
on reinforcement..................................................178
round.............................................................................84
v
s variables............................................................... 73, 115
viewing
seam .............................................................................66 components ...........................................................26
setat..............................................................................86
setting up Excel files .....................................................57
sin .................................................................................88
w
sinh ...............................................................................88
sketch browser............................................................119 welds
slotted holes defining ........................................................... 32, 40
defining ..................................................................38
spacing reinforcing bars..............................................132


Detailing 160 Enu

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Detailing 160 Enu

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Tekla Structures

Product version 16.0

© 2010 Tekla Corporation

Noteboxes The following types of noteboxes are used in this guide:

A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of doing

This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical information that

Conventions used in this guide ........................................................................................................................... 3

2 Custom Components .............................................................................. 61

3 Reinforcement ....................................................................................... 127

4 Reinforcing bar bending types ............................................................ 157

Contents This chapter is divided into the following topics:

1.1 Basics of components

Benefits The main benefits of working with components are:

Topics Component concepts (p. 10)

Select the main part.

Select the secondary part.

To see information about the connection, click the connection symbol.

Component types Components have the following subtypes:

Item Description Examples Symbol

See also Custom Components (p. 61)

Component dialog box

Tekla Structures uses the automatic property value

The parts the component creates appear in yellow

Tekla Structures uses the default property value

Details The default selection order for a detail is:

Automatic and default properties

Use the Automatic option

Field Description More information

Design and Design type tabs

Primary angle, Gross shear [AISC ASD F4-1 (p5-49)]

1.2 Component catalog

Topics Using the component catalog (p. 17)

Using the component catalog

Show/ hide descriptions

Custom components have yellow symbols.

System components have blue symbols.

To sort a column, click the header cell.

You can create a list of favorite components. To add a component to your

System modeling tool

Custom connections and seams

Sketched cross sections

See also Thumbnail images (p. 20)

To edit a thumbnail image for a component:

2. Press Ctrl + F to open the component catalog.

Descriptions and keywords

Use the button to show or hide descriptions.

Copying components to another folder

1.3 Using components

Topics Creating components (p. 23)

Color Status Tip

Example: Adding an end plate

5. Select the next main part or interrupt the command.

Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods

To make it easier to select components, click the Select component icon .

Example: Adding a beam to column connection

To check dimensions, such as bolt locations and edge distances, work in

If you have Select component switched on , you do not have to

Component Symbol Configuration Description

See also Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component (p. 27)

Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component

See also Conceptual components (p. 26)

Default: Tekla Structures creates stiffeners or uses