Tekla Structural Modeling 140 Enu

Tekla Structures
Modeling Manual
Product version 14.0 April 2008

2008 Tekla Corporation
2008 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved. This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referenced Software. Use of the Software, and use of this Software Manual are governed by a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement sets certain warranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, defines permitted uses of the Software, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software. Please refer to the License Agreement for important obligations and applicable limitations and restrictions on your rights. In addition, this Software Manual is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. Unauthorized reproduction, display, modification, or distribution of this Manual, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the full extent permitted by law. Tekla, Tekla Structures, Xcity, Xengineer, Xpipe, Xpower, Xsteel, and Xstreet are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Tekla Corporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. By referring to a thirdparty product or brand, Tekla does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or endorsement by such third party and disclaims any such affiliation or endorsement, except where otherwise expressly stated. Portions of this software: D-Cubed 2D DCM 2008 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software III (GB) Ltd. EPM toolkit 1995-2004 EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rights reserved. XML parser 1999 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights reserved. Project Data Control Library 2006 - 2007 DlhSoft. All rights reserved. DWGdirect, DGNdirect and OpenDWG Toolkit/Viewkit libraries 1998-2005 Open Design Alliance. All rights reserved. FLEXnet Copyright 2006 Macrovision Corporation and/or Macrovision Europe Ltd. All Rights Reserved. This product contains proprietary and confidential technology provided by and owned by Macrovision Europe Ltd., UK, and Macrovision Corporation of Santa Clara, California, U.S.A. Any use, copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission of such technology in whole or in part in any form or by any means without the prior express written permission of Macrovision Europe Ltd. and Macrovision Corporation is strictly prohibited. Except where expressly provided by Macrovision Europe Ltd. and Macrovision Corporation in writing, possession of this technology shall not be construed to confer any license or rights under any of Macrovision Europe Ltd. and Macrovision Corporations intellectual property rights, whether by estoppel, implication, or otherwise. Elements of the software described in this Manual may be the subject of pending patent applications in the European Union and/or other countries.
Contents
Preface .............................................................................................................11
Audience ........................................................................................................................................................... 11 Additional help resources .................................................................................................................................. 11 Conventions used in this guide ......................................................................................................................... 12 Related guides .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Introduction.............................................................................................. 15
1.1 General information .............................................................................................................................. 15 Languages and environments.......................................................................................................... 16 Single-user mode vs multi-user mode.............................................................................................. 18 Tekla Structures editors ................................................................................................................... 18 1.2 Screen layout........................................................................................................................................ 19 Screen components ......................................................................................................................... 20 Using windows ................................................................................................................................. 22 1.3 Toolbars................................................................................................................................................ 23 Managing toolbars............................................................................................................................ 23 Basic toolbars................................................................................................................................... 24 1.4 Inputting information ............................................................................................................................. 28 Components in dialog boxes............................................................................................................ Tabs ................................................................................................................................................. Common buttons.............................................................................................................................. Save, Load, Save as, Help............................................................................................................... Modify filter checkboxes................................................................................................................... Special keys ..................................................................................................................................... 1.5 Snap switches.................................................................................................................................. Snap settings ................................................................................................................................... Snap switch settings .................................................................................................................. Xsnap ........................................................................................................................................ Binding objects to planes .......................................................................................................... 1.6 30 31 31 31 32 32 33 35 35 35 36
Specifying points................................................................................................................................... 33
Selecting model objects........................................................................................................................ 36 How to select objects ....................................................................................................................... 36 Controlling the selection................................................................................................................... 38 Canceling object selection ............................................................................................................... 41
TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0
1.7
Using commands .................................................................................................................................. 41 Executing commands ....................................................................................................................... Repeating commands ................................................................................................................ Creating objects ............................................................................................................................... Modifying objects.............................................................................................................................. Using commands simultaneously..................................................................................................... Ending commands............................................................................................................................ 41 41 41 42 42 42
Getting Started ........................................................................................ 43

2.1 Basics.................................................................................................................................................... 43 Opening a model .............................................................................................................................. Switching between single-user and multi-user modes ..................................................................... Creating a new model ...................................................................................................................... Project setup .................................................................................................................................... Defining the work area and shifting the work plane.......................................................................... Saving a model and exiting Tekla Structures ................................................................................... 2.2 Grid properties.................................................................................................................................. Grid line properties ........................................................................................................................... Working with grids ............................................................................................................................ Creating grids ............................................................................................................................ Creating grid lines ...................................................................................................................... Using select switches on grids ................................................................................................... Modifying grids ........................................................................................................................... Modifying grid lines .................................................................................................................... Changing grid color .................................................................................................................... Deleting grids and grid lines ...................................................................................................... 2.3 View plane........................................................................................................................................ View properties................................................................................................................................. View type ................................................................................................................................... Representation .......................................................................................................................... Projection ................................................................................................................................... Defining grid view properties ............................................................................................................ Creating and modifying views .......................................................................................................... Opening, closing, and deleting named views ................................................................................... Refreshing the screen display .......................................................................................................... 2.4 45 46 47 47 49 50 51 52 52 53 53 53 53 54 54 55 56 56 57 57 58 59 59 60 60
Grids...................................................................................................................................................... 50
Views..................................................................................................................................................... 55
Points .................................................................................................................................................... 61 Point properties ................................................................................................................................ 61 Creating points ................................................................................................................................. 61
2.5
Construction planes, lines, and circles.................................................................................................. 62
Parts.......................................................................................................... 65
3.1 Part properties ...................................................................................................................................... 66 Profile ............................................................................................................................................... Selecting a profile............................................................................................................................. Using standardized values for profile dimensions............................................................................ Material ............................................................................................................................................ Defining the material of a part.......................................................................................................... User-defined attributes..................................................................................................................... 3.2 Assembly examples ......................................................................................................................... Working with assemblies.................................................................................................................. Adding objects to assemblies........................................................................................................... Adding parts to assemblies ....................................................................................................... Nesting assemblies ................................................................................................................... Joining assemblies .................................................................................................................... Creating sub-assemblies of assembly parts .................................................................................... Removing objects from assemblies ................................................................................................. Exploding assemblies ................................................................................................................ Exploding sub-assemblies ......................................................................................................... Working with cast units .................................................................................................................... Cast unit type ............................................................................................................................ Defining and showing the top-in-form face ................................................................................ Changing the assembly or cast unit main part ................................................................................. Changing the main assembly........................................................................................................... 3.3 67 67 69 69 69 71 73 74 75 75 75 76 76 76 76 77 77 77 78 79 79
Cast units and assemblies.................................................................................................................... 72
Numbering parts ................................................................................................................................... 79 Defining numbers to be used for parts ............................................................................................. 79 What affects numbering ................................................................................................................... 80
3.4
Part location.......................................................................................................................................... 82 Position on work plane ..................................................................................................................... Position depth .................................................................................................................................. Rotation............................................................................................................................................ Vertical position................................................................................................................................ Horizontal position............................................................................................................................ End offsets ....................................................................................................................................... Levels............................................................................................................................................... Bending ............................................................................................................................................ 83 84 85 87 87 88 88 88
3.5
Surface treatment ................................................................................................................................. 89 Adding surface treatment to parts .................................................................................................... 89 Defining surface treatment properties .............................................................................................. 91 Defining custom properties ........................................................................................................ 93
Adding tiled surface treatment to parts............................................................................................. 93 Defining tile patterns......................................................................................................................... 93 Defining your own tile patterns .................................................................................................. 98 Adding surface treatment to parts with cuts and recesses............................................................... 98 Adding surface treatment to chamfered parts ................................................................................ 100 Creating and editing surface treatment options.............................................................................. 100 Adding surface treatment information to report templates ............................................................. 101 3.6 3.7 Steel part commands .......................................................................................................................... 102 Concrete part commands.................................................................................................................... 103
Detailing ................................................................................................. 105

4.1 Bolts .................................................................................................................................................... 105 Creating a bolt group...................................................................................................................... Creating by modifying..................................................................................................................... Changing bolted parts .................................................................................................................... Creating holes ................................................................................................................................ Creating round holes ............................................................................................................... Creating slotted holes .............................................................................................................. Creating oversized holes ......................................................................................................... Bolt group shape ............................................................................................................................ Bolt length ...................................................................................................................................... Bolt group location.......................................................................................................................... 4.2 Creating welds................................................................................................................................ Weld symbols in drawings.............................................................................................................. Weld properties .............................................................................................................................. Weld types...................................................................................................................................... Weld position.................................................................................................................................. Weld preparation ............................................................................................................................ 4.3 Chamfer.......................................................................................................................................... Fitting.............................................................................................................................................. Cuts ................................................................................................................................................ Polygon shape................................................................................................................................ 4.4 106 107 107 107 107 108 109 109 110 111 112 113 115 116 117 119 120 120 121 123
Welds .................................................................................................................................................. 112
Fine-tuning part shape ........................................................................................................................ 119
Detailing commands............................................................................................................................ 124
Settings and Tools ................................................................................ 125

5.1 Examining the model........................................................................................................................... 125 Zoom commands............................................................................................................................ 125 Zooming with mouse ...................................................................................................................... 126 3-button mouse ........................................................................................................................ 126
Wheel mouse .......................................................................................................................... Using keystrokes ..................................................................................................................... Zoom settings................................................................................................................................. Creating a zoom window................................................................................................................ Magnifier ........................................................................................................................................ Moving the model in the view window............................................................................................ Move ........................................................................................................................................ Pan .......................................................................................................................................... Rotating the model ......................................................................................................................... Flying through the model................................................................................................................ Start flying ............................................................................................................................... Stop flying ................................................................................................................................ Adjust speed ............................................................................................................................ Change direction ..................................................................................................................... Changing the level of flying ..................................................................................................... Changing the camera angle .................................................................................................... Creating clip planes........................................................................................................................ 5.2 Inquire ............................................................................................................................................ Measure ......................................................................................................................................... Clash check.................................................................................................................................... Compare ........................................................................................................................................ Part labels ...................................................................................................................................... Finding distant objects ................................................................................................................... 5.3 Copy............................................................................................................................................... Move .............................................................................................................................................. Copy Special .................................................................................................................................. Move Special.................................................................................................................................. Drag and Drop................................................................................................................................ 5.4 Object representation settings ....................................................................................................... Creating object representation settings ................................................................................... Colors ...................................................................................................................................... Transparency .......................................................................................................................... Object representation files ....................................................................................................... Object groups................................................................................................................................. Creating object groups ............................................................................................................ Object group files .................................................................................................................... Object group rules ................................................................................................................... Using dates in the object group rules ...................................................................................... Object representation example ......................................................................................................
126 127 127 127 127 128 128 129 129 130 130 130 130 130 130 130 130 132 132 134 135 136 137 138 140 141 141 142 143 144 145 146 146 146 147 147 148 149 150
Querying objects................................................................................................................................. 132
Copying and moving objects............................................................................................................... 138
Displaying and hiding objects ............................................................................................................. 143
5.5
Filter .................................................................................................................................................... 152 View filter........................................................................................................................................ Selection filter................................................................................................................................. Selection filter dialog box ......................................................................................................... Standard selection filters ......................................................................................................... Converting old selection filters ................................................................................................. Defining your own filters .......................................................................................................... Filtering techniques ........................................................................................................................ Filtering examples .......................................................................................................................... Using wildcards .............................................................................................................................. Filter in dialog boxes ...................................................................................................................... 152 153 153 154 155 156 157 158 160 161 161 162 163 163 163 163 164 164 164 166 166 167 167 168 168 170 171 173 173 174 175 176 176 177 177 178 179 179
5.6
Settings ............................................................................................................................................... 161 Units and decimals ......................................................................................................................... Imperial units ........................................................................................................................... Mouse and pointer settings ............................................................................................................ Pan .......................................................................................................................................... Drag and drop .......................................................................................................................... Xmouse .................................................................................................................................... Xsnap ....................................................................................................................................... Rollover highlight ..................................................................................................................... Phases ........................................................................................................................................... Options ........................................................................................................................................... Colors ............................................................................................................................................. General settings ............................................................................................................................. Snap grid ................................................................................................................................. Beep ........................................................................................................................................
5.7
Numbering........................................................................................................................................... 168 Numbering settings ........................................................................................................................ Family numbering........................................................................................................................... Assigning family numbers for series ........................................................................................ Assigning family numbers for parts .......................................................................................... Assembly position numbers ........................................................................................................... Numbering examples ..................................................................................................................... Applying numbering........................................................................................................................ Assigning control numbers to parts ................................................................................................ Locking and unlocking control numbers .........................................................................................
5.8
Tools ................................................................................................................................................... 177 Snapping ........................................................................................................................................ Numeric snapping .................................................................................................................... Orthogonal snapping ............................................................................................................... Tracking ................................................................................................................................... Temporary reference points .....................................................................................................
Snapping examples........................................................................................................................ Exact lines...................................................................................................................................... Hide lines ....................................................................................................................................... Show component ........................................................................................................................... Show assembly .............................................................................................................................. Lotting ............................................................................................................................................ Creating a lot ........................................................................................................................... Adding parts to an existing lot ................................................................................................. Deleting parts from an existing lot ........................................................................................... Deleting an existing lot ............................................................................................................ Sequencer...................................................................................................................................... Creating a report ..................................................................................................................... Checking the sequence value ................................................................................................. Using Sequencer ..................................................................................................................... Creating a new sequence ........................................................................................................ Adding parts to a sequence ..................................................................................................... Project status visualization............................................................................................................. Project status visualization files ............................................................................................... Project status visualization example ........................................................................................ Screenshot ..................................................................................................................................... 5.9
179 181 181 182 183 183 183 184 185 185 185 185 185 185 186 186 186 188 188 191
Settings and tools reference ............................................................................................................... 192
Advanced Modeling............................................................................... 195

6.1 Sketching and using cross sections.................................................................................................... 195 Sketching cross sections................................................................................................................ Using constraints to lock cross section shape ............................................................................... Deleting constraints ................................................................................................................. Defining chamfers .......................................................................................................................... Adding dimensions to cross sections ............................................................................................. Using planes to position parts and connections............................................................................. Using variables to define cross section properties......................................................................... Example: Symmetric C ............................................................................................................ Creating a picture of a cross section.............................................................................................. Naming, saving, and closing cross sections .................................................................................. Testing your cross section ............................................................................................................. Modifying sketched cross sections................................................................................................. Modifying chamfers ................................................................................................................. Copying and moving ................................................................................................................ Extruding sketched polyline ........................................................................................................... Using sketched cross sections in models ...................................................................................... Importing and exporting sketches .................................................................................................. 6.2 196 197 198 199 199 200 201 202 205 205 205 206 206 207 207 209 209
Sketching tools ................................................................................................................................... 210
6.3
Parametric modeling ........................................................................................................................... 212 Creating dependencies .................................................................................................................. 212 Creating variables .......................................................................................................................... 213
6.4
Warping, cambering, and shortening parts ......................................................................................... 214 Warping concrete parts .................................................................................................................. Warping concrete beams using the Deforming options ........................................................... Warping concrete slabs using end offsets (S62) ..................................................................... Using the Move Special tool to warp concrete slabs ............................................................... Warping concrete slabs using chamfers .................................................................................. Cambering parts............................................................................................................................. Shortening parts ............................................................................................................................. 214 214 215 215 216 216 217
6.5
Modeling tips...................................................................................................................................... 217 General tips .................................................................................................................................... 217 Detailing ......................................................................................................................................... 218 Working with custom components.................................................................................................. 218
Parametric Profiles................................................................................ 221
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Preface
Tekla Structures includes complete documentation in an accessible help system. Our online help is a detailed guide to Tekla Structures concepts, tools, commands, and features, with plenty of examples. The documentation is also available in PDF format. Topics in the Preface are:
Audience (p. 11) Additional help resources (p. 11) Conventions used in this guide (p. 12) Related guides (p. 13)
Audience
This guide is aimed at structural engineers, detailers and designers who model, analyze, and design concrete and steel structures. We assume that you are familiar with the processes of structural engineering.
Additional help resources

The following resources also provide information about Tekla Structures:
Web site E-mail
http://www.tekla.com Contact your local helpdesk via e-mail:
Area office China Finland
E-mail address TeklaStructures.Support.CHI@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.FI@Tekla.com
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Area office France Germany Japan Malaysia Middle East Sweden UK US
E-mail address TeklaStructures.Support.FR@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.GER@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.JPN@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.MY@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.ME@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.SWE@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.UK@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.US@Tekla.com
If you believe you have discovered a problem with this software, please report it to your Tekla Structures Reseller using the maintenance request form provided at Help > Tekla on the Web > Maintenance request.... Please send any comments or suggestions about Tekla Structures documentation to BetC_Documentation@tekla.com.
Tekla Extranet
Anyone with a current maintenance contract can use Tekla Extranet. Register now to get free access to our online discussion forums, hints & tips, software downloads, tutorials, and more. To register, go to https://extranet.tekla.com. You can also access Tekla Extranet from Tekla Structures by clicking Help > Online Support > Tekla Extranet.
Conventions used in this guide

Typefaces
We use different typefaces for different items in this guide. In most cases the meaning is obvious from the context. If you are not sure what a certain typeface represents, you can check it here.
Convention Bold
Usage Bold indicates the names of keyboard keys. Bold is also used for general emphasis in text.
Arial bold
Any text that you see in the user interface appears in Arial bold. Items such as window and dialog box titles, field and button names, combo box options, and list box items are displayed in this typeface. New terms are in italic bold when they appear in the current context for the first time. Extracts of Tekla Structuress program code, HTML, or other material that you would normally edit in a text editor, appears in monospaced font. Filenames and folder paths appear in monospace. Also all the text you enter yourself appears in monospaced font.
Italic bold Monospace
Noteboxes
We use several types of noteboxes, marked by different icons. Their functions are shown below:
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A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of doing things. A tip never contains information that is absolutely necessary.
A note draws attention to details that you might easily overlook. It can also point you to other information in this guide that you might find useful.
You should always read very important notes and warnings, like this one. They will help you avoid making serious mistakes, or wasting your time.
This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical information that is usually of interest only to advanced or technically-oriented readers. You are never required to understand this kind of information.
Related guides
Tekla Structures includes a comprehensive help system in a series of online books. You will also receive a printed installation guide with your Tekla Structures installation DVD.
Modeling Manual How to create a physical model. Analysis Manual How to create loads and run structural analysis. Detailing Manual How to create reinforcement, connections, and details. Drawing Manual How to create and edit drawings. System Manual Covers advanced features and how to maintain the Tekla Structures environment. TplEd Users Guide How to create and edit report and drawing templates. SymEd Users Guide How to use the SymEd graphical interface to manipulate symbols.
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Installation Troubleshooting Guide Printed booklet explaining how to install Tekla Structures.
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Introduction
In this chapter Audience Contents
This chapter provides an overview of the Tekla Structures user interface, and its basic features. It also explains how to use common commands. This chapter has been written for beginners. This is the best chapter to start with to gain a basic understanding of Tekla Structures. This chapter is divided into the following sections:
General information (p. 15) Screen layout (p. 19) Toolbars (p. 23) Inputting information (p. 28) Specifying points (p. 33) Selecting model objects (p. 36) Using commands (p. 41)
1.1 General information

Tekla Structures is a tool for structural engineers, detailers, and fabricators. It is an integrated model-based 3D solution for managing multi-material databases (steel, concrete, timber, etc.). Tekla Structures features interactive modeling, structural analysis and design, and automatic drawing creation.
3D model
Using Tekla Structures, you can create a real-life model of any structure, including information necessary for manufacture and construction. The 3D product model includes the structures geometry and dimensions, and all the information about profiles and cross sections, connection types, materials, structural analysis, etc.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction
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Up-to-date drawings
You can automatically produce drawings and reports from the 3D model, at any time. Drawings and reports react to modifications in the model, and are always up to date. Tekla Structures includes a wide range of standard drawing and report templates. You can also create your own templates using the Template Editor.
Sharing models
Tekla Structures supports multiple users working on the same project. You and your partners can work together on the same model, at the same time, even in different locations. This increases accuracy and quality, because you always use the most up-to-date information. Tekla Structures includes:
Main features

Easy to use
Useful modeling tools, such as 3D grids, adjustable work area, and clash checking. Catalogs of available material grades, profiles, and bolts. Modeling tools to create complex structures, such as staircases and trusses. Intelligent connections, such as end plates and clip angles, to automatically connect main members. A custom component editor that you can use to create your own parametric connections, details, and parts. Links to transfer data between Tekla Structures and other software, such as AutoCAD, STAAD, and MicroStation. Drawing wizards to create several drawings with one click. Data output for CNC machines.
If you need assistance when working with Tekla Structures, use the F1 key to quickly access the context-sensitive online help. The online help is a comprehensive source of information, with full-text search and easy navigation. Tekla Structures also supports undo and redo, so you can test solutions, and revert to the original, if needed.
Global but localized
Tekla Structures is used worldwide. It is available in a wide range of languages, and adapted to local requirements.
Languages and environments

When you install Tekla Structures, you can choose the language(s) and the environment(s) you want to use.
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Language
Tekla Structures 14.0 software is available in the following languages:
Chinese simplified (chs) Chinese traditional (cht) Czech (csy) Dutch (nld) English (enu) French (fra) German (deu) Hungarian (hun) Italian (ita) Japanese (jpn) Polish (plk) Portuguese (ptg) Portuguese Brazilian (ptb) Russian (rus) Spanish (esp)
Some language-dependent file and folder names include the abbreviations listed above.
The language in which you install Tekla Structures will be the default language of the user interface. To change the language of the user interface, click Tools > Change Language... , select a language, and then click OK. Restart Tekla Structures for the change to take effect.
See also Environment
Changing the language of the user interface The environment means region-specific settings and information. It defines which profiles, material names, default values, connections, wizards, variables, reports, and templates you use. The environments available in Tekla Structures 14.0 are:
Australasia Brazil China Europe Finland France Germany India Italy Japan
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Korea Netherlands Norway Portugal South Africa South-East Asia Spain Sweden Switzerland (French) Switzerland (German) Switzerland (Italian) Taiwan United Kingdom United States (Imperial) United States (Metric)
Single-user mode vs multi-user mode

Tekla Structures can be used in either single-user or multi-user mode. During the installation you are asked whether you want to install the multi-user facility.
Single-user mode Multi-user mode
When one user at a time is to work with a model, Tekla Structures should be run in single-user mode. In single-user mode, only one user can work with each model at any time. If several users will work with a model simultaneously, you can choose to run Tekla Structures in multi-user mode. We recommend that you only run Tekla Structures in multi-user mode if the users will make use of the additional features of multi-user mode. To run Tekla Structures in multi-user mode, one machine in the network has to be set up as a server running the Tekla Structures server program. For more information, see Multi-user mode in the online help.
Tekla Structures editors

Tekla Structures includes the following editors: Model, Drawing, Symbol, Template, Custom Component.
Model Drawing Symbol
The Model Editor is the main and starting mode of Tekla Structures. You create and analyze models, and initiate drawing and report creation using the Model Editor. In the Drawing Editor, you work with drawings. Tekla Structures opens the Drawing Editor when you open any drawing. In the Symbol Editor (SymEd), you can create and modify symbols for use in drawings, reports, and templates. To open the Symbol Editor, click Tools > Symbols... in the Model or Drawing Editor. Use the Template Editor (TplEd) to create and modify templates used in drawings and reports. To open the Template Editor, click Tools > Templates... in the Model or Drawing Editor.
Template
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Custom Component
In the Custom Component Editor, you can create your own connections, details, and parts, and define their properties. You can build in dependencies between objects to make custom components parametric and have them adapt to changes in the model. To open the Custom Component Editor, select a component and click Detailing > Edit custom component.
1.2 Screen layout

When you start Tekla Structures, a new window appears on the screen. The following illustration identifies the various areas of the Tekla Structures Model Editor window:
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Status bar displays the prompt and the status of some settings Snap settings control which points you can snap to and pick Select switches determine selectable objects Pull-down menus contain all commands Steel beams, columns, plates Concrete footings, beams, columns Commands for creating views Toolbars can either be docked or floating Initially, most of the menu options and all the icons are gray indicating that they are inactive. When you open or create a model, the icons and available menu options will become active.
Screen components
This section briefly describes several important screen components.
Menu bar Toolbars
The menu bar located under the blue title bar has pull-down menus containing all the Tekla Structures commands. To select a command, click a menu title and then select the command. The toolbars are located under the menu bar. They contain icons which give easy access to the most frequently-used commands. To execute a command, click the appropriate icon. Use the icon as an alternative to selecting commands from a pull-down menu. For more information, see Toolbars (p. 23). When you move the mouse pointer over an icon, a tooltip displays the name of the icon:
Tooltips
If the enhanced tooltips are switched on, the tooltips are not displayed. The enhanced tooltips are switched on by default.
Enhanced tooltips
The enhanced tooltips give more information about the command and how it can be executed. They also give examples, hints and tips:
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On the basis of the information in the enhanced tooltip you are able to decide whether the command is the one that you need for your current task. You can also open the related online help topic by clicking the More... button. To hide or display the enhanced tooltips, click Tools > Options > Enhanced Tooltips.
Menu tooltips
The menu tooltips provide the same functionality as the enhanced tooltips, but for menu commands. The menu tooltips are displayed in a separate window, which you can drag and drop to any position on the screen:
To hide or display the menu tooltips, click Tools > Options > Menu Tooltips.
Dialog boxes
Tekla Structures displays a dialog box if you select a command whose name has three dots after it, e.g. Select.... You can also double-click an object or icon. For more information, see Inputting information (p. 28).
To display the current properties of an object type, double-click the corresponding icon. Tekla Structures displays a properties dialog box, and you can change the properties before applying the command. To display the properties dialog box of an individual object, double-click the object.
Switches Select switches and Snap settings are special toolbars containing switches which control the selection of objects, and snapping to points.
Use select switches to define which object types can be selected. With them you can limit selection. For example, if only the Select welds switch is active, Tekla Structures only selects welds, even if you select the entire model area. For more information, see Selecting model objects (p. 36).
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The two circled pairs of switches control whether you can select:
Components or objects created by components, or Assemblies or objects in assemblies.
You need to activate snap switches to pick different positions and points, e.g. line ends and intersections. For more information, see Specifying points (p. 33).
The two circled switches define whether you can pick reference points or any other points on objects, e.g. part corners. Either or both of these switches must be active for the other switches to work.
Status bar
Tekla Structures displays prompts and messages on the status bar located at the bottom of the Tekla Structures window. The status bar also displays the following information:

Warning messages
The status of Xsnap (T), SmartSelect (S), and Drag and drop (D) The level in assembly or component hierarchy (09) The middle mouse button mode (Pan or Scroll) The current phase The number of selected objects and handles
For more information, see Settings (p. 161). Tekla Structures displays warning messages when necessary, for example when you are about to copy or move objects outside the work area. To prevent Tekla Structures from displaying the warning messages again, select the Do not show this message again checkbox.
To re-display the warning messages, press Shift when the warning message should appear, for example when you are copying or moving objects outside the work area, and Tekla Structures displays the warning message again.
Using windows
A typical Windows workspace can contain many windows. You can stack windows on the workspace, just like sheets of paper on a desk. Windows may partially or completely hide other windows. Only one window is active at a time, but Tekla Structures may also produce information in the inactive windows.
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Use the commands on the Window menu and View menu to control the windows.
Command
Window > Cascade
Icon
Description Shows all open windows in a cascaded arrangement. Shows all open windows tiled horizontally. Shows all open windows tiled vertically. Closes all the windows on the screen. Updates and displays the contents of all windows. Recalculates and redraws the contents of all windows.
Window > Tile Horizontally Window > Tile Vertically
Window > Close All
View > Update All
View > Redraw All
You cannot use the Cascade, Tile Horizontally, and Tile Vertically commands for windows that you can move outside the Tekla Structures window. For more information on moving part and component basic views and zoom windows across the entire Windows desktop, see XS_MDIVIEWPARENT, XS_MDIZOOMPARENT, and XS_MDIBASICVIEWPARENT in the online help. You can control the representation of a model in the windows using the commands on the View menu. See Representation (p. 57) and Views (p. 55).
1.3 Toolbars
The toolbars contain icons which give easy access to some of the most frequently-used commands.
Using icons
Most of the Tekla Structures icons work as follows:
A single-click executes the command. A double-click displays the properties dialog box of the object type, and executes the command.
Managing toolbars
Toolbars can either be floating or docked, i.e. located at the edge of the program window. To move toolbars, click the handle on the left or upper edge of a docked toolbar (or the title bar of a floating toolbar), and drag the toolbar to a new location.
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To drag toolbars beyond the program window, hold down the Ctrl key while dragging. The toolbars remain floating. You can resize floating toolbars by grabbing any edge with the mouse pointer. To display or hide a toolbar, click Tools > Toolbars and click the toolbar name. Visible toolbars have a check mark against their name. For more information on menus and toolbars, and how to customize them, see Customizing the user interface in the online help.
Basic toolbars
This section describes the most important toolbars and their icons in the Tekla Structures Model Editor. These toolbars are visible by default. To display or hide a toolbar, click Tools > Toolbars and click the toolbar name. Visible toolbars have a check mark against their name. To get more information about an icon, move the mouse pointer over it. For more information, see Enhanced tooltips (p. 20) and Menu tooltips (p. 21).
General
The General toolbar contains basic commands for creating, opening and saving a model, printing, creating reports, creating views, copying and moving objects, and so on.
New Open Save Undo Redo Reports AutoDrawing Open drawing list Print drawings Create basic 3D view Create view by two points Create basic 3D view of a part Open named view list Create clip plane
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Concrete
Fit work area using two points Set work plane Set work plane to view plane Set work plane by three points Set work plane to part top Insert reference model Copy Move Inquire object Measure horizontal distance Measure vertical distance Measure free distance Measure angle Measure bolt spacing Number modified objects Clash check Project status visualization Create a screenshot of a view without borders Publish as Web page Show macros Open model folder Customize
The Concrete toolbar contains commands for creating concrete parts and reinforcements.
Create pad footing Create strip footing Create concrete column Create concrete beam Create concrete polybeam Create concrete slab Create concrete panel Create reinforcing bar Create reinforcing bar group
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Steel
Create reinforcement mesh
The Steel toolbar contains commands for creating steel beams, columns, and plates.

Detailing
Create column Create beam Create polybeam Create curved beam Create contour plate Create bolts Create weld
The Detailing toolbar contains commands for trimming parts.

Points
Open component catalog Create current connection Display the AutoConnection setup dialog box Create face surface treatment Create fitting Create line cut Create polygon cut Create part cut
The Points toolbar contains commands for creating points, construction planes, distance variables, and construction objects you can use to place structural objects in a model.
Add point along extension of two picked points Add points on line Add points parallel to two picked points Add projected points on line Add points at intersection of two lines Add points at any position Add construction line
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Selecting
Add construction circle using center point and radius
The Selecting toolbar contains commands for selecting objects.

Snapping
Select all Select connections Select parts Select surface treatments Select points Select grid Select grid line Select welds Select cuts and fittings Select views Select bolts Select single bolts Select reinforcing bars Select loads Select planes Select distances Select component Select objects in components Select assemblies Select objects in assemblies Select tasks Available select filters Select filter
The Snapping toolbar contains commands for picking different positions and points.
Snap to points and grid intersections
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Snap to end points Snap to center points Snap to mid points Snap to intersection points Snap to perpendicular points Snap to nearest points Snap to any position Snap to reference lines/points Snap to geometry lines/points Auto Outline planes
1.4 Inputting information

You can use dialog boxes to enter and view information in Tekla Structures. If you click any command or button that has three dots in its name, e.g. Select..., Tekla Structures displays the appropriate dialog box. This section describes the components of dialog boxes. The following illustration also identifies the most common components:
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List box for saved properties Tabs Modify filter check-boxes Retains the properties and closes the dialog box Retains the properties without closing the dialog box Modifies the selected object(s) without retaining the properties Fills the dialog box with the properties of the selected object Toggles all the modify filter check-boxes on and off Closes the dialog box without retaining the properties or modifying objects
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Buttons Fields
Components in dialog boxes

Dialog boxes may have following components for described purposes:
Component
Is used to Display, enter, and modify information. To select the field, point to it and click. An Ishaped blinking cursor appears at the beginning of the field and marks your typing position. Group related settings that allow only one selection at a time. To select an option, click the appropriate button.
Field
Radio buttons Group settings that can be set in any combination, and are usually displayed as small square buttons.
Checkboxes Present a collection of options in a list. To select an option, point to the list you want to display, click, drag the pointer to highlight the desired option, and then single-click. Run a command immediately.
List box
Button Select options from a list. A list can have both horizontal and vertical scrollbars for scrolling the visible portion of the list items. When you select a list item, it is highlighted. There are two ways to select an item on the list:
Multiple selection list
Point to the item you want to select and click. Use the Down and Up arrow keys to move the highlight to the item you want to select, and press Enter.
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Tabs
Information in some Tekla Structures dialog boxes has been divided up on several tabs. This makes the dialog boxes easier to use. Moving from tab to tab does not affect the information they contain. The common buttons located at the top and bottom of a dialog box affect all the tabs in the dialog box. For example, when you click Save before closing the dialog box, Tekla Structures saves all information on all tabs. See also Common buttons (p. 31) and Save, Load, Save as, Help (p. 31).
Press Ctrl+Tab to switch between tabs.
Common buttons
Most of the Tekla Structures dialog boxes contain common buttons. These buttons mean the same thing in all dialog boxes. The common buttons are:
Button
Description Retains the properties in the dialog box and closes the dialog box. Tekla Structures uses these properties the next time you create an object of this type. Retains the properties in the dialog box without closing the dialog box. Tekla Structures uses these properties the next time you create an object of this type. Closes the dialog box without retaining the properties in the dialog box or modifying objects. Modifies the selected object(s) using the properties in the dialog box, but does not retain the properties in the dialog box. See also Modify filter checkboxes (p. 32). Fills the dialog box with the properties of the selected object. When you select several objects, Tekla Structures takes the properties at random from one of the selected objects. Creates a new object using the properties in the dialog box. Toggles all the modify filter checkboxes in the dialog box on and off. See also Modify filter checkboxes (p. 32).
Save, Load, Save as, Help

Many Tekla Structures dialog boxes have the Save, Load, Save as, and Help... buttons. You can use these buttons to save the information from the dialog box to a file, and reload it later from the file.
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Button
Save as
Description Stores the dialog box properties with the name given in the field. The Save as button also updates the Load list box. This is important if you add or delete files manually. Tekla Structures stores the properties files in the model folder. The files also include the properties in subdialog boxes. The file extensions are different for different dialog boxes. See Appendix D, File extensions, in the online help.
Load
Loads all previously stored properties to the dialog box. Tekla Structures also loads the properties of subdialog boxes, even if they are not open. You can select the name of the file you want to use from the list box. Stores the modifications of properties. Tekla Structures saves the properties in the file shown in the list box. Displays the help topics for the dialog box.
Save Help...
Modify filter checkboxes

The checkboxes located in front of the dialog box fields are modify filter checkboxes. They indicate the properties Tekla Structures modifies when you click the Modify button. When a checkbox is selected, Tekla Structures changes only the corresponding value.
This means you can modify a single property common to several objects. For example, to change the material of all parts in the model:
Select all the parts. Open a part properties dialog box, e.g. Beam properties. Check only the Material field. Click Modify.
Special keys
You can use the keyboard to enter and modify text in dialog boxes, and to move the pointer in dialog boxes.
Key Arrow keys
Description Move the pointer within fields.
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Key Tab Del, Backspace
Description Moves the pointer to the next field or button in the dialog box. You can also scroll through lists using Tab. Delete characters.
See also Appendix E, Reserved shortcuts, in the online help.
1.5 Specifying points

Most Tekla Structures commands ask you to pick points to position objects in a model. Snap priority, snap switches, and snap settings all affect picking.
Snap zone
Each object has a snap zone. It defines how close you need to pick to hit a position. When you pick within the snap zone of an object, Tekla Structures automatically snaps to the closest pickable point on that object.
You can set the snap zone using the variable XS_PIXEL_TOLERANCE. Enter the snap zone dimension in pixels.
Snap priority
If you pick and hit several positions simultaneously, Tekla Structures snaps to the position with the highest snap priority. To control which positions you can pick, use snap switches. They also define the snap priority of positions. See Snap switches (p. 33).
Snap switches
Snap switches specify exact locations on objects, for example, end points, midpoints, and intersections. Snap switches help you to pick points to position objects precisely without having to know the coordinates or create additional lines or points. You can use snap switches any time Tekla Structures prompts you to specify a point, for example, if you are creating a beam.
Main snap switches
The two main snap switches illustrated in the following table define whether you can pick reference points or any other points on objects, e.g. part corners. These switches have the highest priority. If both these switches are off, you cannot pick any positions, even if all the other switches are on.
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Icon
Positions to pick Reference points
Description You can pick the object reference points, i.e., the points that have handles. See Part location (p. 82).
Symbol Large
Geometric points
You can pick any points on objects.
Small
Other snap switches
The following table lists the remaining snap switches. You can have Tekla Structures display the snap symbols in the model when you move the mouse pointer over objects. See Snap settings (p. 35).The snap symbol is green for objects inside components, and yellow for model objects.
Icon
Positions to pick Points
Description Snaps to points and grid line intersections. Snaps to end points of lines, polyline segments, and arcs. Snaps to centers of circles and arcs. Snaps to midpoints of lines, polyline segments, and arcs. Snaps to intersections of lines, polyline segments, arcs, and circles. Snaps to points on objects that form a perpendicular alignment with another object. Snaps to the nearest points on objects, e.g. any point on part edges or lines. Snaps to any position.
Symbol
End points
Centers
Midpoints
Intersections
Perpendicular
Nearest point
Free
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If there is more than one point available to snap to, use the Tab key to cycle forward through the snap points, and Shift+Tab to cycle backwards through them. Click the left mouse button to select the appropriate point.
Overriding snap switches
To temporarily override current snap switch settings, do one of the following:
Right-click and select the appropriate snap option from the pop-up menu. Click an icon on the Snap override toolbar.
This will only override the snap settings for the next point you pick.
Numeric snap locations
You can also key in position coordinates to snap to using the Enter a numeric location toolbar. For more information, see Snapping (p. 177).
Snap settings
The first list box on the Snapping toolbar defines the depth of each position you pick. The following options are available:
3D
Tekla Structures picks positions in 3D space.

View plane
Tekla Structures projects picked positions onto the view plane.

Auto
In perspective views, this option works like the 3D option. In non-perspective views, it works like the View plane option.
Snap switch settings

Click Tools > Options > Options... > Mouse settings. Use the Mouse settings dialog box to:
Set Tekla Structures to display snap symbols and tooltips for the available snap points when you move the mouse pointer over objects. Define a snap grid and switch it on.
Xsnap
To make it easier to snap to points and position, you can use Xsnap and have Tekla Structures display visual cues when you pick. Click Tools > Options > Xsnap, or use the shortcut T. The cursor turns into a magenta crosshair. As you move the cursor over objects, you can see it snap to positions.
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Binding objects to planes

When you create distances to bind model objects together, use the second list box on the Snapping toolbar to select the plane to bind the object to. The options are boundary, center, outline, and cut planes of parts, and grid planes. Grid planes are available only in the Model Editor.
Grid plane For more information on other plane types, see Plane types in the online help.
1.6 Selecting model objects

To use Tekla Structures effectively, you need to know how to select objects and use select switches. Selection filter settings also affect which objects you can select. See Selection filter (p. 153).
How to select objects

You need to select objects to carry out many Tekla Structures commands. You can select objects as a sequence of single selections and/or area selections. Tekla Structures highlights the selected objects. You can use the following techniques to modify the current selection:
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Technique Single objects
Description When you select objects using the mouse button, without pressing any other keys, every pick or drag selects objects. All previously selected objects are deselected. Drag the mouse from left to right to select all objects totally within that rectangular area.
Enclosing window selection
Crossing window selection
Drag the mouse from right to left to select all objects totally or partly within that rectangular area.
Right-click
To select an object and open its pop-up menu, click the object with the right mouse button. This feature is active if you have a check mark next to
Select on Right-Click in Tools > Options.
Nested components
To examine and work with nested components, hold down the Shift key and scroll with the mouse wheel. See also Main select switches (p. 38).
Nested assemblies
To examine and work on different assembly levels, hold down the Shift key and scroll with the mouse wheel. An orange box indicates the assembly which you can select.
See also Main select switches (p. 38). Assembly or cast unit Press the Alt key while clicking a part to select the entire cast unit or assembly containing that part.
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Technique Handles
Description When you want to select only the handles of a part, select the part, press the Alt key and select the part again with enclosing window selection.
See also Handles (p. 82). Adding Modifying Press the Shift key and select objects, to add to the current selection. To toggle the current selection on and off, press the Ctrl key during selection. Tekla Structures deselects the objects, which are already selected and selects those, which are not previously selected.
Controlling the selection

Main select switches
The main select switches shown in the following table set whether you can select objects in component or assembly hierarchy. These switches have the highest priority.
Icon
Selectable objects Components
Description When you click any object belonging to a component, Tekla Structures selects the component symbol and highlights (does not select) all component objects. Objects created automatically by a component can be selected. When you click any object in an assembly or a cast unit, Tekla Structures selects the assembly or cast unit and highlights all objects in the same assembly or cast unit. You can select single objects in assemblies and cast units.
Component objects Assemblies and cast units
Objects in assemblies and cast units
You can use the Select components
switch to select reference
models, and the Select objects in components switch to select reference model objects. For more information, see Selecting reference models and reference model objects.
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Shift + scroll
To define the level on which to select objects in nested components or assemblies, hold down the Shift key and scroll with the mouse wheel. See also How to select objects (p. 36). The active select switch defines on which level you start and toward which direction you move in the component or assembly hierarchy. The status bar shows the steps you take in the hierarchy. See Status bar (p. 22).
Example
If the Select assemblies switch is active, you can select objects in assembly hierarchy, starting from the assemblies on the highest level, move to their sub-assemblies, and finally select single parts, bolts, and so on.
is active, you start selecting from single If the Select objects in assemblies switch objects and move to bigger and bigger nested assemblies.
Other select switches
The following table lists the remaining select switches. Use these switches to set which object types you want to select. For example, you can decide to select only welds and bolts, but no parts.
Icon
Selectable objects Any objects Components
Description Turns all switches on. You can select all object types, except for single bolts. You can select component symbols.
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Icon
Selectable objects Parts Surface treatments Points Grids Grid lines Welds Cuts and fitting Views Bolt group Single bolts Reinforcing bars Loads Planes Distances
Description You can select parts, i.e. columns, beams, plates, etc. You can select surface treatments. You can select points. You can select entire grids by selecting one line in the grid. You can select single grid lines. You can select welds. You can select line, part, and polygon cuts, and fittings. You can select model views. You can select entire bolt groups by selecting one bolt in the group. You can select single bolts. You can select reinforcing bars and bar groups. You can select point, line, area, and uniform loads. You can select planes. You can select distances.
Selection filter
In addition to the select switches, selection filter settings control which objects can be selected. To set the selection filter, click the Selection Filter icon on the Selecting toolbar. There are also predefined filters available in the Available selection filters list box:
For more information, see Selection filter (p. 153).
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Canceling object selection

You can cancel the object selection process if the selection takes over a defined period of time. For example, if you are working on a large model and you accidentally select all or part of the model, you can cancel the selection if it takes over 5000 milliseconds to complete.
Usage
1. 2.
Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options > Modeling Properties. Set the cancellation value for the variable XS_OBJECT_SELECTION_CONFIRMATION. The default value is 5000 milliseconds.
1.7 Using commands

As you become familiar with Tekla Structures, you will find that there are several ways to do some operations. This section introduces most of the ways. Later in this manual, we refer to this section or present only the way(s) most useful for a first-time user. After some practice, you may choose a different way.
Executing commands
There are several ways to execute commands in Tekla Structures.
Icon
You can use icons:

Pull-down menu
Single-click an icon just to execute the command. Double-click an icon to display the properties of the object type, and to execute the command.
You can execute commands using pull-down menus. Tekla Structures contains two types of menus for basic objects:

Pop-up menu
The commands on the Properties menu set the properties of different object types. The commands on the Points, Parts, and Create menus, for example, create objects using the properties of each object type.
A pop-up menu appears when you click the right mouse button. If you have an object selected, the commands on the pop-up menu relate to that object.
Repeating commands
To repeat the last command, do one of the following:
Click Edit > Repeat Last Command. Press Enter.
Creating objects
Most of the commands you run in Tekla Structures create objects. To create an object, or multiple objects:

For example
Open the object types properties dialog box and set the object properties. Place the object(s) in the model.
You can carry out these steps in any order. To create objects:
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1. 2. 3. 4.
Double-click the icon of the object type you want to create. Tekla Structures displays the properties dialog box. Enter or modify the object properties. Click Apply or OK. See also Common buttons (p. 31). Pick points to place the object(s).
To position objects without defining their properties: 1. 2. Single-click an icon, or a menu command. Pick points to place the object(s). Tekla Structures creates the object using the current properties of the object type. See also Modifying objects (p. 42).
To create several objects with the same properties, pick multiple points. The object commands in Tekla Structures run until you end them or use another command. See also Ending commands (p. 42).
Modifying objects
To modify the properties of an object, or multiple objects:

For example
Select the object(s) to modify. Open the properties dialog box and modify the object properties.
You can carry out these steps in any order. To modify objects: 1. 2. 3. 4.
See also
Double-click one of the objects you want to modify to open the object properties dialog box. Modify the properties. See also Modify filter checkboxes (p. 32). Select the remaining object(s) to modify. See also How to select objects (p. 36). Click Modify.
For information on how to resize and move objects, see Handles (p. 82) and Copying and moving objects (p. 138).
Using commands simultaneously

Transparency
You can use some Tekla Structures commands transparently. This means that you can execute these commands while another command is still running. For example, the commands on the Zoom and Points toolbars are transparent.
Ending commands
To cancel or end commands, do one of the following:
On the Edit menu, click Interrupt. Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu. Press the Esc key.
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Getting Started
Introduction
When you start a new Tekla Structures model, the first objects you create are grids, views, and points. This chapter explains the basic skills you need to create a new model, grids, views, and points in Tekla Structures. We will begin with the basic concepts, followed by general descriptions of the grid, view, and point properties. Finally we will show you how to create and manage these modeling aids in practice.
Assumed background Contents
If you are new to Tekla Structures, we recommend that you first read Chapter 1, Introduction (p. 15), to gain a basic understanding of Tekla Structures. This chapter is divided into the following sections:

How to use this chapter
Basics (p. 43) Grids (p. 50) Views (p. 55) Points (p. 61) Construction planes, lines, and circles (p. 62)
You can start by creating either Views (p. 55) or Grids (p. 50).
2.1 Basics
In this section
This section presents basic Tekla Structures vocabulary and concepts so that you can start modeling. The illustration below shows the modeling guides you use in Tekla Structures windows.
TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Getting Started
43
Points are red outside the view plane Grid is on the view plane Green dashed lines outline the work area Points are yellow on the view plane Arrow symbol indicates the work plane The coordinates symbol indicates the direction of the model
View
To see your Tekla Structures model from virtually any angle, you can move and rotate the model. See Examining the model (p. 125). You can also create views. A view is a representation of a model from a specific location. Each view is displayed in its own window inside the Tekla Structures window. The symbol with three axes (x, y, and z) represents the local coordinate system and indicates the direction of the model. It is located in the lower right corner of the model view. The coordinate symbol follows the work plane.
Coordinate system
The green cube in a wire frame view (see View type (p. 57)) represents the global coordinate system and lies at the global point of origin.
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Work plane
The red coordinate arrow symbol indicates the work plane, which is the current local coordinate system of the model. The arrow symbol shows the xy plane. The z direction follows the righthand rule. You can reset the work plane so as to ease modeling and placing objects. Most of the commands, which are dependent on the coordinate system, use work plane coordinates; e.g. creating points, part positioning, and copying always comply with the work plane coordinate system. The work plane is the same in all views. Tekla Structures indicates the work area of a view using green, dashed lines. Defining the work area makes it faster and easier to work with the model. Objects outside the work area still exist, but they are not visible. So you can confine to a substructure, for example, and the views to the model are simpler and quickly updated. Dash-and-dot lines show the projections of the grids which are visible on the view plane. The appearance of points also shows which view plane you are using. Points located in the view plane are yellow. Points outside the view plane are red.
Work area
Grid and view plane
Opening a model
To open a Tekla Structures model: 1. . Click File > Open... or You can only have one model open at a time. If you already have a model open, Tekla Structures prompts you to save that model. In the Open dialog box, select the model. By default, Tekla Structures searches for models in the folder you specified when you installed Tekla Structures. If your model is in another folder, click Browse... to browse for the model folder, or use the Look in list box with the recently used folders.
2.
3.
Click OK to open the model.
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If no views are visible after you have opened a model, Tekla Structures prompts you to select one. For more information, see Opening, closing, and deleting named views (p. 60).
You can also double-click a model on the list to open it, or use the Model
name list box to open a recently used model.
You can sort models by clicking the column titles. When the models are sorted alphabetically by their names, you can use the keyboard to select models. For example, when you type N, Tekla Structures selects the first model starting with an N. The Open dialog box provides you with the following information:
Whether the model was last saved in single-user
or multi-user
mode (Model type)
The version of Tekla Structures the model was created or last saved in Designer Description Template that was used as a basis when creating this model Environment
The Designer and Description columns show information from the Project properties dialog box. See Project setup (p. 47).
Switching between single-user and multi-user modes

You can easily switch between single-user and multi-user modes by using the different options in the Open dialog box. To open a multi-user model in single-user mode: 1. 2. In the Open dialog box, select the multi-user model. Right-click and select Open as single-user model from the pop-up menu.
To open a single-user model in multi-user mode: 1. 2. 3.

Changing the server
In the Open dialog box, select the single-user model. Right-click and select Open as multi-user model from the pop-up menu. Tekla Structures asks for the name of the server. In the Open as multi-user model dialog box, enter the server name or select it from the list box, and then click OK.
To change the Tekla Structures server of a multi-user model: 1. 2. 3. In the Open dialog box, select the multi-user model. Right-click and select Change server from the pop-up menu. Tekla Structures asks for the name of the new server. In the Change server dialog box, enter the server name or select it from the list box, and then click OK.
If you change the server of a model, but the connection to the new server cannot be established, the old connection is restored.
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The file .This_is_multiuser_model located in the model folder defines whether the model is a multi-user or a single-user model. The file includes also the name of the server. You can open the file using any standard text editor.
See also
For more information on the multi-user mode, see Multi-user Mode.
Creating a new model

When you first open Tekla Structures, only some icons such as New and Open are active. To create a new Tekla Structures model: 1. Click File > New... or . The New dialog box appears. You can only have one model open at a time. If you already have a model open, Tekla Structures prompts you to save that model. In the New dialog box, define the folder to save the model in. By default, Tekla Structures saves models in the folder you specified when you installed Tekla Structures. If you want to save the model in another folder, click Browse... to browse for the model folder, or use the Save in list box with the recently used folders. For more information on how to change the default model folder, see XS_RUNPATH in the System Manual. 3. 4. 5. 6. Enter the model name. In the Model type list box, select either Single-user or Multi-user. If you select Multi-user, enter the server name, or select a recently used server from the Server name list box. See also Overview of the multi-user system in the System Manual. Click OK to create the new model. The remaining icons become active and the model name appears in the title bar of the Tekla Structures window.
2.
Every model must have a unique name. Tekla Structures does not allow duplicate model names. Do not use special characters ( / \ ; : | ) in model names.
You can use model templates as a basis when you create new models. For more information on creating model templates, see the Tekla Structures 14.0 Administrators Guide.
Project setup
Update the project information at the beginning of a project to make reports and drawings to display the correct information automatically.
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To update the project information, click File > Project Properties.... The Project Properties dialog box appears. Tekla Structures displays this information in different reports and drawing titles.
The names in the image below refer to template fields, which you can use when designing your own reports and templates.
PROJECT_NUMBER PROJECT_NAME BUILDER PROJECT_OBJECT ADDRESS DESIGNER START_DATE END_DATE
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INFO1 INFO2 Before starting a new project, read also Using effectively in the online help.
Defining the work area and shifting the work plane

Work area
You can define the work area to suit particular situations, for example, to concentrate on a particular area of the model. You can shrink and expand the work area by picking the corner points of the new work area, or size the work area to include selected parts, or all model objects. You can define the work area in a selected view, or in all visible views. To define the work area, use a command from the View menu:
Command
Fit Work Area Using Two Points
Icon
Description Sets the work area based on two corner points you pick on the view plane. The depth of the work area is the same as the view depth. Fits the work area to include all model objects in all visible views. Fits the work area to include all model objects in the selected views. Fits the work area to include the selected model objects in all views. Fits the work area to include the selected model objects in the selected views.
To Entire Model in All Views To Entire Model in Selected Views To Selected Parts in All Views To Selected Parts in Selected Views Work plane
The current work plane defines the local coordinate system of a Tekla Structures model. You can set the work plane to any position by picking points, parallel to one of the global basic planes, or on a part or view plane. The current work plane is model-specific, so it relates to all views. When modeling sloped parts, shifting the work plane helps you to place parts accurately. To shift the work plane, use the icons on the View toolbar, or select a command from the View menu. The following table lists the commands for setting the work plane, and gives a short description of each one:
Command
Parallel To XY(Z) Plane... Using One Point
Icon
Description Sets the work plane parallel to xy, xz, or yz plane. Sets the work plane according to one picked point. Sets the work plane according to two picked points.
Using Two Points
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Command
Using Three Points
Icon
Description Sets the work plane according to three picked points. Sets the work plane to be equivalent to the view plane of a picked view. Sets the work plane parallel to the front plane of a part. Sets the work plane parallel to the top plane of a part. Sets the work plane parallel to the back plane of a part. Sets the work plane parallel to the bottom plane of a part.
Parallel To View Plane
To Part Front Plane
To Part Top Plane
To Part Back Plane
To Part Bottom Plane
Saving a model and exiting Tekla Structures

To save a model, click File > Save or
Save as Autosave
Click File > Save as... to save a model with a new name, or to give a new model a specific name. Tekla Structures automatically saves the model at set intervals. To set the interval and define the location of autosave files, see Autosave in the online help.
Saving models differs in multi-user mode. See Multi-user mode in the online help.
Exit
To exit Tekla Structures, close the Tekla Structures window, or click File > Exit. A confirmation dialog box appears and you can choose whether or not to save the model.
2.2 Grids
Introduction
So that you can easily locate objects in your model, we strongly advise that you create a modular grid. The Tekla Structures grid is shown on the view plane by dash-and-dot lines. See also View plane (p. 56). You can have more than one grid in a model. You may want to create a large-scale grid for the entire structure, and smaller grids for some detailed sections. Grids are rectangular. You can also create single grid lines and attach them to an existing grid.
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To position objects in a radial or circular pattern:
Create one grid line and use the Edit > Copy Special > Rotate command to copy it. Use construction lines and circles. See Construction planes, lines, and circles (p. 62).
You can pick grid lines and grid line intersections. See also Specifying points (p. 33).
Grid properties
To access the Grid dialog box, do one of the following:

Grid coordinates
Click Modeling > Create Grid.... Use the Select grid switch and double-click an existing grid.
The x and y coordinates of a grid are relative. This means that the entries for x and y are always relative to the previous entry. The z coordinates are absolute meaning that entries for z are absolute distances from the work plane origin. There are two ways to enter the x or y coordinates of grid lines:
individually, e.g. 0 4000 4000, or several grid lines with equal spacing, e.g. 0 2*4000.
Both create three lines with the spacing of 4000.
Use a zero at the start to represent a grid on the 0,0 coordinate and spaces as separators for coordinates. You can have a maximum of 1024 grid characters in the co-ordinates field.
Labels
Labels are the names of the grid lines shown in views. The names in the X field are associated with the grid lines parallel to the y axis and vice versa. The Z field is for the names of levels parallel to the work plane. If you wish, you can leave the label fields empty.
When working with very large grids, having the grid labels always visible might slow down Tekla Structures. To hide the grid labels when you zoom in, use the variable XS_ADJUST_GRID_LABELS.
Line extensions
You can also define the Line extensions over the given grid coordinates and the Origin of the grid.
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Line extensions Work plane origin Grid labels

Magnetism
You can make grids and grid lines act magnetically so that the objects on the grid lines follow if you move the grid line. To bind objects to grid lines, select the Magnetic grid plane checkbox. In the Extension for magnetic area field, enter a distance from the grid line to extend the area within which the objects are bound to the grid lines.
Grid line properties

You can also create and modify single grid lines. To access the Grid Line Properties dialog box:
Use the Select grid lines switch
and double-click an existing grid line.
Working with grids

Automatic grid See also
When you create a new model, Tekla Structures automatically creates a grid and a view according to the saved standard properties. Creating grids (p. 53) Creating grid lines (p. 53) Using select switches on grids (p. 53) Modifying grids (p. 53) Modifying grid lines (p. 54)
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Changing grid color (p. 54) Deleting grids and grid lines (p. 55)
Creating grids
To manually create a grid: 1. 2. 3. . Select Modeling > Create Grid... or click Fill in the properties described in Grid properties (p. 51). To create the grid, click the Create button.
Tekla Structures prompts you to pick the origin when you create the grid. Pick a point in a view, and the coordinates of the picked point appear in the Grid dialog box as X0, Y0, and Z0. If you do not pick, Tekla Structures positions the origin according to the values you entered for X0, Y0, and Z0.
Creating grid lines

To manually create a grid line: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Modeling > Add Grid Line. Select an existing grid to which to attach the grid line. Pick the starting point of the grid line. Pick the end point of the grid line.
Using select switches on grids

Tekla Structures includes separate select switches for entire grids and single grid lines. The active select switch affects the objects you can select, modify, and delete.
Select grids Select grid lines
Modifying grids
To modify a grid: 1. 2. Ensure that the Select grids switch is selected. Double-click any of the grid lines. The Grid dialog box appears, and you can modify the properties.
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If you modify a grid and have the checkboxes against the coordinate fields selected in the Grid dialog box, Tekla Structures deletes all single grid lines attached to the grid.
3.
See also
Click the Modify button to save the changes.
XS_ADJUST_GRID_LABELS
Modifying grid lines

To modify a grid line: 1. 2. 3.
Moving grid lines using handles
Ensure that the Select grid lines switch is selected. Double-click the grid line. The Grid Line Properties dialog box appears, and you can modify the properties. Click the Modify button to save the changes.
Single grid lines have handles. When you select a grid line, the handles appear magenta. You can use handles to move the grid lines.
If you want to move the grid lines using the handles to make a skewed grid, you can do this on the local XY plane of the grid only.
See also
XS_ADJUST_GRID_LABELS Working with grids (p. 52)
Changing grid color

Use the variable XS_GRID_COLOR to change the color of the grid in rendered views. 1. 2. Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options > Model View. Set the RGB value for the variable XS_GRID_COLOR.
Define the color using RGB values on a scale of 0 to 1. For example, to change the color to red, set the value to 1.0 0.0 0.0.
3.
Close and reopen the view for the change to take effect.
To find RGB values for colors: 1. 2. 3. Log on to Tekla Extranet. Select Tekla Structures - Hints & Tips - General and go to the How to find perfect background color for your needs page. Download the application.
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Deleting grids and grid lines

To delete a grid: 1. 2. Ensure that the Select grids switch is selected. Click any grid line, then right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu.
When you delete a grid, ensure that you do not have any other object(s) selected. If you have also other objects selected, Tekla Structures only deletes the objects, not the grid.
To delete a grid line: 1. 2. 3.

See also
Ensure that the he Select grid lines switch is selected. Click the grid line you want to delete. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu.
Grids (p. 50)
2.3 Views
Introduction
There are several ways to create views in Tekla Structures. For example, you can create views:
of the entire structure of selected part(s) and component(s) along the grid lines
Each view has properties which define its appearance. You can change the appearance of a view after you create it so choose the creation method that suits you. This section describes the viewspecific properties. You can open the view properties dialog box for each view, to view or modify the properties.
Unnamed views disappear when you close them. See Naming views (p. 56).
You can have up to nine views on the screen at the same time. If you try to open more than nine views, Tekla Structures displays a warning. If the view does not appear, check how many views you have open.
To switch between views, press Ctrl+Tab.
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View plane
Each view has a view plane on which the grids are visible and points are represented as yellow crosses.
Basic view plane
Basic views are those parallel to the global basic planes, i.e. xy, xz, and zy. In basic views two axes always define the view plane and they appear in the plane name. The third axis is perpendicular to the view plane. It does not appear in the plane name. In the basic plane view, the model is shown from the direction of that third axis. The view plane options for basic views are:
View plane coordinate Other views
For basic views, you also define at which distance from the global origin the view plane is in direction of the third axis. The view plane coordinate equals this distance. For view types other than basic views, you define the view plane and coordinate by picking points, e.g. With three points, or they are defined automatically according to the chosen creation method/command, e.g. To work plane. You can change the view plane by moving it like any other object. Click anywhere on the plain background, right-click and select Move Special > Linear... from the pop-up menu. See Copying and moving objects (p. 138) and Move (p. 140).
Moving the view plane
Moving a view plane may result in a situation such that view depth and work area do not intersect and thus nothing can be seen in the window.
View properties
Naming views
Tekla Structures numbers views in order of creation, so you do not have to give each view a specific name. You should give a view a unique name if you need to open it in later sessions. See Opening, closing, and deleting named views (p. 60). When you exit the model, Tekla Structures only saves named views. Tekla Structures does not save unnamed views when you close them.
In multi-user mode, it is very important to give views unique names. If several users have different views with the same name, the view settings of one user may randomly override the settings of another user.
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View type
The view type defines the appearance of the view. It also affects what methods you can use to rotate the model. The view type options are:
Wire frame
Objects are transparent and their outlines are displayed. As the wire frame views use line graphics technique, redrawing views is quick.
Rendered
Objects look more realistic because they are non-transparent and their surfaces are displayed as shown in the illustrations below. However, you can also choose the Wireframe or Shaded Wireframe option in the rendered views. Rotating the model in the rendered views is very convenient with the mouse.
Representation
In rendered views, you can define how Tekla Structures displays parts and component objects separately. The following options are available:
Wireframe
Part outlines are displayed, surfaces are not, i.e. parts are transparent. (In this example, component objects are displayed as Rendered.)
Shaded Wireframe
Part outlines are displayed. Parts are transparent, and their surfaces are shaded. (In this example, component objects are displayed as Rendered.)
Hidden Lines
Parts are not transparent, i.e. underlying parts are not visible. Part surfaces are not displayed.
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Rendered
Part surfaces are displayed, i.e. parts are not transparent.
Rendered (Dark Colors)
Parts are not transparent. Part outlines are displayed with brighter color, and part surfaces with darker color than in the Rendered option.
In rendered views, use the shortcuts Ctrl+1...5 and Shift+1...5 to set the desired representation for parts in the model and components.
For more information on how objects are shown in views, see Displaying and hiding objects (p. 143).
Projection
If you choose the rendered view type, the projection can be:
Orthogonal
All objects are of equal size (no perspective). When you zoom, text and point size remains the same. In addition, the zoom remains on part surfaces.
Perspective
Distant objects appear smaller than close ones, as do text and points. You can zoom, rotate the model, or fly through it.
View angle
Views can be:
Plane 3D
Use the shortcut Ctrl+P or click View > Switch to 3D / Plane to switch between 3D and plane view.
Rotation
Rotation is view-specific. You can rotate the model in 3D views using the mouse and keyboard (see Rotating the model (p. 129)), or by defining the rotation angle in the View properties dialog box. You can specify rotation angles around the z axis and around the x axis.
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View depth
Every view has depth, which is the thickness of the displayed slice of model. You can define the depth separately upwards and downwards from the view plane. The objects within the displayed depth and the work area are visible in the model. However, objects created after the view are visible also outside the view depth. See Displaying and hiding objects (p. 143).
Defining grid view properties

Grid views are views along the grid lines. Before creating grid views, you can define how many views Tekla Structures will create, how it will name the views, and which view properties it will use.
Number of views
There are four options for the number of views:

View name prefix
None
Tekla Structures does not create any views.

One (First)
Tekla Structures only creates the view closest to the grid origin.
One (Last)
Tekla Structures only creates the view furthest from the grid origin.
All
Tekla Structures creates all views in grid planes in the relevant direction. View names consist of a prefix and a grid label, e.g. PLAN +3000. If the View name prefix field is left empty, no prefix is used. Tekla Structures adds a dash and a running number to the view name if view names are otherwise identical. Each view plane has its own view properties. See View properties (p. 56). You can load the properties from the current view properties with the option <applied values> or from saved view properties. The Show button displays the view properties.
View properties
Creating and modifying views

When you create a new model, you can select the Create default view and grid checkbox to have Tekla Structures automatically create a grid and a view according to the saved standard properties.
Creating
To create views, use the commands on the View menu. The following table lists the commands for creating views and gives a short description of each one:
Command
Create View of Model > 3D View... Create View of Model > Using Two Points Create View of Model > Using Three Points Create View of Model > On Work Plane
Icon
Description Displays the Create 3D View dialog box and creates a 3D view. Creates a view using two picked points. Creates a view using three picked points. Creates a view of the current work plane.
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Command
Create View of Model > Along Grid Lines...
Icon
Description Displays the Creation of Views Along Grid Lines dialog box and creates views along the grid lines of a selected grid. Creates a view on the front, top, back or bottom plane of the selected part. Creates a 3D view of the selected part. Creates four basic views of the part. Creates a view that shows a deformed part in undeformed form. Creates a 3D view of the component. Creates four basic views of the component.
Create View of Model > On Part Plane Create View of Part > 3D View Create View of Part > Default Views Create View of Part > Undeformed View Create View of Component > 3D View Create View of Component > Default Views Modifying
To modify a view, double-click anywhere on the plain background. The View Properties dialog box appears and you can modify the properties.
Opening, closing, and deleting named views

To view and open the existing named views, do one of the following:
Click
Click View > View List... to display the Views dialog box.
Tekla Structures lists all invisible named views on the left, and all visible views on the right. To display or hide views, select the view(s) and use the arrows between the lists. You can also double-click a view in the Views dialog box to open or close it. To select multiple views on lists, use the Shift and Ctrl keys when you select views. To deselect views, hold down the Ctrl key. To delete a named view, select the view and click Delete. See also Naming views (p. 56).
Refreshing the screen display

Active window
To update and display the contents of an active window, do one of the following:

All windows
Press Ctrl+U. Right-click, then select Update Window. Click View > Zoom > Active Window > Update.
To update the contents of all windows, click View > Update All. You can also use View > Redraw All to recalculate and redraw the contents of all the windows. Click Window > Close All to close all the windows on the screen at the same time.
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See also Using windows (p. 22).
2.4 Points
Introduction
To place an object in a model you may need to pick points. To place an object where no lines or objects intersect, you have the following options to place objects:
Use snapping commands. See Snapping (p. 177). Use construction planes, lines and circles. See Construction planes, lines, and circles (p. 62). Create points.
There are many ways to create points in Tekla Structures. Which method is the most convenient at each time, depends on what you have already created in the model and which locations you can easily pick. When you create points, Tekla Structures always places them according to the work plane coordinate system. Points located in the view plane are yellow and points outside the view plane are red.
Point properties
To view the properties of a point, double-click the point or click Tools > Inquire > Object and select the point. See also Inquire (p. 132).
Phase and ID
Just like any other object, each point has an ID number which is used in log files. Points and parts have phase numbers. You can filter objects by their phase and ID numbers. See Selection filter (p. 153). The point information you are most probably interested in is the local (work plane) and global x, y, and z coordinates of a point. Checking them convinces you of the correct location of the point or some other object related to it.
Coordinates
Creating points
To create points, use the icons on the Points toolbar, or select a command from Modeling > Add Points. The following table lists the commands for creating points and gives a short description of each one:
Command
Along Extension of Two Points Parallel to Two Points
Icon
Description Creates points as an extension of a line between two picked points. Creates two offset points, parallel to a line, between two picked points. This command also creates construction lines showing offset distances. Creates points which divide a line.
On Line
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Command
On Plane...
Icon
Description Displays the Point Array dialog box and creates a point array relative to the current work plane. Projects a picked point onto a picked line. Creates points along an arc. Creates points as an extension of an arc defined by three picked points. Creates a point where a circle and a line meet tangentially. Creates a point at the intersection of two lines. Creates a point where a line intersects with a plane. Creates points where a line intersects with a part surface. Creates points where a circle and a line intersect. Creates a point where the axes of two parts intersect, and projects the point onto the view plane. Creates a point to any position you pick. Creates points at the bolt center points of the picked bolt groups. Creates points at the intersections of grid lines on the view plane.
Projected Points on Line
Using Center and Arc Points Using Three Arc Points
Tangent to Circle
At Intersection > Of Two Lines At Intersection > Of Plane and Line At Intersection > Of Part and Line At Intersection > Of Circle and Line At Intersection > Of Two Part Axes At Any Position
Bolt Points
Grid Points
2.5 Construction planes, lines, and circles

Construction planes, lines, and circles help you place other objects. For example, you can easily pick the points at intersections of construction lines and circles. The snap priority of construction objects is the same as with the other lines. Construction objects remain in the model when you update or redraw views and windows. They do not appear in drawings. To create construction objects, use the icons on the Points toolbar or select a command on the Modeling menu. The following table lists the commands for creating construction objects and gives a short description of each one:
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Command Construction plane
Icon
Description Creates a plane. Creates a construction line between any two picked 3D points. Creates a construction circle in the view plane of the first view picked. Creates a construction circle defined by three picked 3D points.
Add Construction Line
Add Construction Circle Using Center Point and Radius Add Construction Circle Using Three Points
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Parts
Introduction
In Tekla Structures, we use the term parts to refer to the basic components of a model. These are the building blocks of the physical model. For structural analysis purposes, we use the term members to mean load-bearing parts. The main concrete parts are:

In this chapter
beam polybeam column pad footing strip footing panel slab
The main steel parts are: beam curved beam orthogonal beam polybeam column twin profile contour plate
This chapter explains how to create and modify parts using different materials and profiles. It also includes a general description of part properties and an overview of part commands. You can find step-by-step instructions for all these commands in the online help. We assume that you have read Chapter 1, Introduction (p. 15), or have comparable knowledge of Tekla Structures. Before you start to create parts, you need to create grids, views, and points, as explained in Chapter 2, Getting Started (p. 43). This chapter is divided into the following sections:
Assumed background Contents
TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Parts
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Part properties (p. 66) Cast units and assemblies (p. 72) Numbering parts (p. 79) Part location (p. 82) Surface treatment (p. 89) Steel part commands (p. 102) Concrete part commands (p. 103)
3.1 Part properties

Introduction
Every part has properties which define it (e.g. material, profile, location, etc.). This section describes the basic part-specific properties. Use the part properties dialog box to view or modify the properties of a part. You can use part properties in filters. For example, you can select, modify, or hide parts based on their properties. See Filter (p. 152). You can include part properties and user-defined attributes in drawing and report templates.
Filtering by properties In reports and drawings
Name
The name of the part is user-definable. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and drawing lists, and to identify parts of the same type, e.g. beams or columns.
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Finish Class
Finish is user-definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anticorrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc. Use Class to group parts. To display parts of different classes in different colors, click View > Representation > Object Representation... and select Color by class in the Color list box. See also Colors (p. 166).
Profile
Tekla Structures contains standard, parametric, and user-defined profiles.
Standard profiles
When you first start Tekla Structures, the profile catalog contains standard, environmentspecific profiles. The properties of these library profiles conform to industry standards, so you should not edit them. You can add profiles to the profile catalog. See The profile catalog in the online help. Parametric profiles are partly user-definable, they have a predefined shape, but you determine their size by giving one or more parameters. You can use parametric profiles to closely model profiles that are standard in specific environments, but do not exist in the Tekla Structures profile catalog. Parametric profile names have specific prefixes and include dimension values. These are described in Appendix A, Parametric Profiles (p. 221). If you want to define alternative prefixes for parametric profiles, see Customizing parametric profiles in the online help. Dimension values in parametric profile names are separated by standard separators -, X, /, or *. If you want to define additional separators, see XS_PARAMETRIC_PROFILE_SEPARATOR and XS_USER_DEFINED_PARAMETRIC_PROFILE_SEPARATORS in the online help. You can also create your own profiles and save them in the profile catalog. For example, you could create a user-defined profile pitched, with different cross sections at the beginning and end of the profile. You can also define cross sections. To create user-defined cross sections, you pick the points which define the cross section corners. To create your own profiles, see Sketching and using cross sections (p. 195) and Adding a standard (fixed) user-defined profile in the online help.
Parametric profiles
User-defined profiles
Selecting a profile
To select the profile of a part, click Select... next to the Profile field in the part properties dialog box. The Select Profile dialog box appears.
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Standard profile Parametric profile You can select a profile from the tree which lists profiles contained in the profile catalog. Profiles are grouped in the tree according to rules (such as profile type) which you can define and modify. Only the profile types that are relevant to the material of the part are shown. For more information on how to modify the profile catalog and rules, and how to associate profile types with materials, see The profile catalog and Working with rules in the online help. If you select a parametric profile, enter the profile dimensions in the Value column.
All profiles and details
If you select the Show all profiles checkbox, Tekla Structures includes all the profiles in the profile catalog in the tree. To see all the properties of profiles, select the Show details checkbox. For user-defined profiles Tekla Structures also displays cross section information. When you have selected a profile, click Apply or OK.
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You can also:
Use the Profile name list box in the Select profile dialog box to select a recently used profile. Enter a profile name in the Profile field in the part properties dialog box. Parametric profile names must be in the format shown in Appendix A, Parametric Profiles (p. 221).
Using standardized values for profile dimensions

You can define standardized values for the dimensions of parametric profiles in the industry_standard_profiles.inp file in the ..\environments\*your_environment*\system folder. To use these values, in the Select profile dialog box, select a parametric profile for which you have defined standardized values and select the Use industry standardized values only checkbox. You can select the profile dimensions from a list box in the Value column. You can edit the industry_standard_profiles.inp file using any standard text editor (for example, Notepad). Use the following format:

Example
Profile and profile subtype Parameters separated by spaces Units for each parameter Standardized values for each parameter (own row for each dimension combination)
In the following example we define standardized combinations of dimension values for a C profile:
industry_standard_profiles.inp
C h*b*t h b mm mm 75 35 75 35 75 35 100 40 100 40 100 40 t mm 5 6 7 7 8 9
Material
The material catalog contains standard, environment-specific materials. You can add, modify, and delete materials and grades.
Defining the material of a part

Select...
To select the material of a part, click Select... next to the Material field in the part properties dialog box. The Select material dialog box appears. You can select the material and grade from the tree, which displays all the materials in the material catalog.
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Aliases and details
To include aliases for material grades in the tree, in the Select material dialog box, select the Show aliases checkbox. Aliases are alternative names. For example, they can be former names, or names used in different countries or standards. Tekla Structures automatically translates aliases into the standard name when you select a material grade. To see all the properties of materials, select the Show details checkbox.
Analysis Design User attributes
The Analysis tab contains information on the properties used in structural analysis, including the modulus of elasticity, Poissons ratio, and thermal dilatation coefficient. The Design tab contains information on design-specific properties, such as strengths, partial safety factors, etc. Use the User attributes tab to view or modify the user-defined properties of materials. For example, this tab could contain the maximum grain size, porosity, or surface quality class of a concrete material type, or country-specific properties. When you have selected the material for a part, click Apply or OK.
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You can also enter a material name in the Material field in the part properties dialog box.
To modify the material catalog, see The material catalog in the online help.
User-defined attributes
User-defined attributes provide extra information about a part. Attributes can consist of numbers, text, or lists. The following table explains what you can use attributes for:
Attribute Comment Shorten
Can be used... In part and weld marks in Tekla Structures drawings, or in projects. When drawings of the parts are created, Tekla Structures decreases the true length of the part by this value. This is useful when creating assembly drawings of bracing bars which should always be under tension. In part marks in Tekla Structures drawings. To obtain preliminary marks for parts in reports. To assign part position numbers to preliminary marks, click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Save Preliminary Numbers when you number parts. To check the preliminary mark of a selected object, click Tools > Inquire > Object. To save reaction forces for AutoDefaults. See AutoDefaults settings and Reaction forces and UDL in the online help. You can enter forces separately for each end of a part. To protect objects from being accidentally changed. See Locking objects in the online help. User-defined fields. You can change the names of these fields and add new user-defined fields. See Adding properties in the online help. When importing information on connection types into Tekla Structures. You can then use the connection codes as rules in AutoConnection and AutoDefaults. Each end of a part can have a different connection code.
Camber Prelim mark
Shear, Tension, and Moment
Locked User field 1...4
Connection code
For more information on defining attributes using the objects.inp file, see Adding properties in the online help.
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3.2 Cast units and assemblies

Steel assemblies
Tekla Structures creates basic assemblies of steel parts when you use a workshop weld or bolt to join parts. Assemblies and their main parts are automatically defined when you:
Create single workshop welds or bolts. Apply automatic connections which create workshop welds or bolts.
See also Detailing (p. 105). You can also create nested assemblies by adding sub-assemblies to existing assemblies, or by joining assemblies together. See Working with assemblies (p. 74).
Concrete cast units
The concrete structures in Tekla Structures are modeled as single parts. By default, each part is considered a separate cast unit. For construction purposes you may need to merge several concrete parts into one cast unit. For example, a single cast unit could consist of a column with corbels. You need to specify which parts form the cast unit. Cast units can include reinforcement, as well as concrete parts. See Working with cast units (p. 77).
Main parts
The main part in a steel assembly has other parts welded or bolted to it. By default, the main part is not welded or bolted to any other parts. The main part in a concrete cast unit is the one with the largest volume of concrete. You can change the main part in an assembly or a cast unit. See Changing the assembly or cast unit main part (p. 79).
Checking contents
To visually check the objects in a cast unit or an assembly, click Tools > Inquire > Assembly Objects. Select a part in the cast unit or assembly. Tekla Structures highlights the other parts that belong to the same cast unit or assembly. See also Inquire (p. 132). Tekla Structures uses different colors to highlight different objects:
Object type Concrete main part Concrete secondary part Reinforcement Steel part main part Steel part secondary part
Highlight color magenta cyan blue orange yellow
To check the sub-assemblies in a nested assembly, right-click the assembly and select Assembly > Show Assembly from the pop-up menu. Tekla Structures draws an orange box around each assembly.
To select an entire cast unit or assembly:
Use the Select assemblies switch
, or
Hold down the Alt key and select one of the parts in the cast unit or assembly.
See also How to select objects (p. 36).
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Drawings and reports
You can also produce drawings and reports for cast units and assemblies. See Cast-unit drawing, Assembly drawing, and Printing reports in the Drawing Manual. Assembly hierarchy in nested assemblies affects drawings and reports. You can create separate drawings and reports of the sub-assemblies and the nested assembly, and still produce dimensions, marks, fabrication information, etc. for all assembly levels.
Assembly examples
A column corbel is fabricated in one workshop, and then attached to the column in another workshop. Model the corbel as a sub-assembly of the column. Then create an assembly drawing for each workshop: one assembly drawing showing how the corbel is welded together, another assembly drawing showing how the corbel and the other part are welded to the column.
Drawing 2, Workshop 2 Drawing 1, Workshop 1
Model the halves of a complex truss as assemblies. Create assembly drawings for the workshop to fabricate the truss halves. Then create another assembly drawing showing how the halves should be joined on site. In a frame of built-up columns and beams, each built-up profile can be a sub-assembly. You can create an assembly drawing showing the entire frame and separate drawings showing how the columns and beams are built up.
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Working with assemblies

You can modify assemblies by:
Adding objects to assemblies (p. 75) Creating sub-assemblies of assembly parts (p. 76) Removing objects from assemblies (p. 76) Exploding assemblies (p. 76) Exploding sub-assemblies (p. 77) Changing the assembly or cast unit main part (p. 79) Changing the main assembly (p. 79)
To work with nested assemblies, you need to know how to use the Shift key and mouse scrolling to select objects on different levels in assembly hierarchy. See How to select objects (p. 36) and Controlling the selection (p. 38). You can work on any level of a nested assembly, from single parts and bolts, through the basic and sub-assemblies, up to the highest level of the nested assembly:
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You can hide individual assemblies from model views. To do this: 1. 2. Select the assemblies to hide. Right-click and select Assembly > Hide from the pop-up menu.
To show the assemblies again in a model view, select the view, rightclick, and then select Redraw View from the pop-up menu. To redraw all model views at the same time, click View > Redraw All.
Adding objects to assemblies

You can add objects to assemblies in the following ways:
Assembly type Basic or nested assembly Basic assembly
Method Add parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts. Bolt or weld parts to an existing assembly as secondary parts. Bolt or weld assemblies to an existing assembly as subassemblies. Add assemblies to an existing assembly as subassemblies. Join existing assemblies together without adding any loose parts.
More information Adding parts to assemblies (p. 75) Bolt and Weld in the online help Bolt and Weld in the online help Nesting assemblies (p. 75) Joining assemblies (p. 76)
Nested assembly
Sub-assemblies in a nested assembly retain their own assembly information and main part. You can also open properties dialog boxes and define properties separately for the sub-assemblies and the nested assembly.
Adding parts to assemblies

To add secondary parts to a basic assembly or to any level of a nested assembly: 1. 2. 3. 4. Ensure that the Select objects in assemblies switch is active. Select the parts to add. Right-click and select Assembly > Add to Assembly from the pop-up menu. Select the assembly to add to.
Nesting assemblies
To create nested assemblies: 1. 2. Ensure that the Select assemblies switch is active. Select the assemblies you want to add to another assembly. They will become subassemblies in the nested assembly.
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3. 4.
Right-click and select Assembly > Add as sub-assembly on the pop-up menu. Select the assembly to add to.
Joining assemblies
To join existing assemblies without adding any loose parts: 1. 2. 3. Ensure that the Select assemblies switch is active. Select the assemblies you want to join. Right-click and select Assembly > Make into Assembly from the pop-up menu.
When you use this method to create a nested assembly, by default the assembly with the largest volume will become the main assembly. To change the main assembly, use the Set as New Main Object of Assembly command. See Changing the main assembly (p. 79)Changing the assembly or cast unit main part (p. 79).
Creating sub-assemblies of assembly parts

You can create sub-assemblies of parts that are already in an assembly.
Usage
1. 2. 3.
Ensure that the Select objects in assemblies switch is active. Select the parts you want to include in the sub-assembly. Right-click and select Make into Sub-Assembly from the pop-up menu.
Removing objects from assemblies

To remove parts from an assembly: 1. 2. Select the part to remove. Right-click and select Assembly > Remove from Assembly on the pop-up menu.
To remove sub-assemblies from an assembly: 1. 2. Select the sub-assembly to remove. Right-click and select Assembly > Remove from Assembly on the pop-up menu.
Exploding assemblies
To explode an assembly: 1. 2. Select the assembly. Right-click and select Assembly > Explode on the pop-up menu.
When you explode a nested assembly, Tekla Structures breaks the assembly hierarchy level by level, always starting from the highest level. You need to use the Explode command several times to break a nested assembly back to single parts.
Use the Explode Sub-Assembly command to explode sub-assemblies to single parts without breaking the entire assembly hierarchy.
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Exploding sub-assemblies
You can explode sub-assemblies to single parts without breaking the entire assembly hierarchy.
Usage
1. 2.
Select the sub-assembly you want to explode. Right-click and select Assembly > Explode Sub-Assembly from the pop-up menu.
Working with cast units

Creating cast units
To create a cast unit: 1. 2. 3. Click Modeling > Cast unit > Create. Select the objects to form the cast unit. Click the middle mouse button to create the cast unit.
Adding objects
To add objects to a cast unit: 1. 2. 3. Click Modeling > Cast unit > Add to. Select the object to add. Select an object in the cast unit.
You can also add custom components to cast units using the Add to command.
To add a custom part to a cast unit: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Removing objects
is active. Ensure that the Select components switch Click Modeling > Assembly > Add as Sub-Assembly. Select the custom part. Select the cast unit.
To remove objects from a cast unit: 1. 2. Click Modeling > Cast unit > Remove from. Select the object to remove.
Exploding cast units
To explode a cast unit: 1. 2. Click Modeling > Cast unit > Explode. Select an object in the cast unit. is
Copying cast units See also
When you select cast units for copying, ensure that the Select assemblies switch active. Changing the assembly or cast unit main part (p. 79) Cast units and assemblies (p. 72)
Cast unit type

To define whether a concrete part is precast or cast in place: 1. 2. Open the concrete part properties dialog box. Go to the Cast unit tab.
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3.
In the Cast unit type list box, select Precast or Cast in place.
Tekla Structures checks the cast unit type of the cast unit main part each time you create or modify a cast unit. Tekla Structures does not mix precast and cast-in-place parts inside a cast unit.
Defining and showing the top-in-form face

To indicate the casting direction of a concrete part, you can define the top-in-form face of the part and show it in model views. The top-in-form face will appear in the front view in drawings.
Preconditions Usage
Create the concrete part. To define the top-in-form face of a concrete part: 1. 2. Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Set Top in Form Face. Select the part face which will face upwards in the form.
To show the top-in-form faces of concrete parts in a model view: 1. 2. Click Modeling > Cast Unit > Show Top in Form Face. Select the parts. Tekla Structures highlights the top-in-form faces in red:
You can also right-click the part and then select Cast Unit > Set Top in Form Face or Cast Unit > Show Top in Form Face from the pop-up menu.
To hide the top-in-form faces from a model view, select the view, right-click, and then select Update Window from the pop-up menu.
In drawings, use the Fixed coordinate system to show the top-in-form face in the front view.
See also
Defining concrete part orientation Coordinate system
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Changing the assembly or cast unit main part

Use the Inquire commands on the pop-up or pull-down menu to check which is the main part in an assembly or cast unit. See Inquire (p. 132) and Checking contents (p. 72). To change the main part in an assembly or a cast unit: 1. 2. Click Modeling > Assembly > Set as New Main Object of Assembly. Select the new main part.
You can also select the part first and then select Assembly > Set as New Main Part of Assembly from the right-click pop-up menu.
Changing the main assembly

You can also change the main assembly in a nested assembly: 1. 2. Click Modeling > Assembly > Set as New Main Object of Assembly. Select the new main assembly.
You can also select the assembly first and then select Assembly > Set as New Main Sub-Assembly from the right-click pop-up menu.
3.3 Numbering parts

Introduction
This section discusses the principles you need to consider when planning numbering. Tekla Structures uses numbers to identify parts, cast units, and assemblies when producing drawings and reports, and exporting models. You must have Tekla Structures number the model parts before you can create single-part, assembly, cast unit, and multdrawings, or some export files from a model. Tekla Structures uses part numbers in many tasks, for example:
Connecting a drawing with the right part, cast unit, or assembly. Reporting the properties of identical parts, cast units, and assemblies. Identifying part information for export another program.
See Numbering (p. 168) for information on how to set up and carry out numbering.
Defining numbers to be used for parts

Numbering series
You use a numbering series to divide steel part, cast unit, and assembly numbers into groups. For example, you can allocate separate numbering series to different phases or part types. You can name the numbering series to which a part, cast unit, or assembly belongs, using the part properties dialog box. The numbering series name consists of a prefix and a starting number.
Example
For example, if you define a numbering series with the prefix P and starting number 1001, Tekla Structures numbers that series P1001, P1002, P1003, ...
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By default, the steel part mark prefix is P, the concrete part prefix is Concrete, and the starting number is 1. You do not have to specify a part prefix (for example, you may want to omit the part prefix for minor parts). When you run numbering (see Numbering (p. 168)), Tekla Structures compares parts that belong to the same series with each other. All identical parts in the same numbering series are given the same part number.
By default, a part retains its number, as long as only one part has that particular number, regardless of the settings in the Numbering setup dialog box.
Cast units andassemblies
Tekla Structures numbers concrete cast units and steel assemblies using the same principles as it follows when numbering parts. The default starting number is 1. The prefix varies based on the part type.
Assembly and cast unit numbering may affect part numbering, if the variable XS_USE_ASSEMBLY_NUMBER_FOR is set.
Part numbering does not affect cast unit and assembly numbering. For more information on cast units and assemblies, see Cast units and assemblies (p. 72).
Overlapping series
When planning numbering, ensure that you reserve enough numbers for each series. If one series overflows into another, Tekla Structures might allocate the same number to different parts. Tekla Structures warns you about series overlaps. View the numbering history log to check which numbers overlap. See Log files in the online help.
What affects numbering

Identical parts
Tekla Structures treats parts as identical, and so gives them the same number, if the following basic part properties are the same:
Part property Part geometry
Condition Including the location, size, and number of holes, if you select the Holes checkbox in the Numbering setup dialog box. Tekla Structures gives parts the same number if the parts are identical in the fabrication or casting. If a part is deformed after fabrication or casting (for example if the part is cambered, shortened, or warped), the final geometry on site and in the model may be different.
Numbering series Name Profile If you select the Part name checkbox in the Numbering setup dialog box.
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Part property Material Finish
Condition
Class and phase do not affect numbering. Tekla Structures gives the same number to identical parts that belong to different classes or phases.
You can set the degree of tolerance for part geometry in the Numbering setup dialog box. If the geometry of parts differs within this degree of tolerance, Tekla Structures treats the parts as identical for numbering purposes.
Additional properties
Tekla Structures treats parts as different, and so numbers them differently, if the following properties differ:
Property User-defined attributes
Condition If a user-defined attribute has the variable special_flag 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 and Interpreting objects.inp in the online help.
Pop marks
E.g. if two parts have different pop marks, or one part has pop marks and the other one does not, Tekla Structures gives the parts different numbers. See Pop marks in the online help. If you select the Beam orientation checkbox in the Numbering setup dialog box. If you select the Column orientation checkbox in the Numbering setup dialog box. If otherwise identical concrete parts have different reinforcement and if you select the Reinforcing bars checkbox in the Numbering setup dialog box, Tekla Structures gives the parts different numbers. See Reinforcement and Numbering reinforcement. If you select the Embedded objects checkbox in the Numbering setup dialog box. If you select the Surface treatment checkbox in the Numbering setup dialog box.
Beam orientation Column orientation Reinforcement
Cast-in embeds Surface treatment
Cast units and assemblies See also
Tekla Structures numbers cast units and assemblies in the same way as it does parts. The orientation of assemblies also affects numbering if you select the Beam orientation and Column orientation checkboxes in the Numbering setup dialog box. For more information on numbering settings, see Numbering (p. 168).
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3.4 Part location

In this section Part reference point Part reference line
This section describes the part position properties that vary according to the part type. When you create a part, you position it by picking points. These are the part reference points. The position of a part is always relative to its reference point(s). If you pick two points to position a part, these points form the part reference line, and handles appear at the line ends.
When creating horizontal parts, it is worth being consistent and always picking points from left to right, and from bottom to top. This ensures that Tekla Structures places and dimensions the parts in the same way in drawings, and that part marks automatically appear at the same part end. To see the part reference line in the model: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click View > View Properties.... Click the Display... button to open the Display dialog box. On the Advanced tab, select the Part reference line checkbox. Click Modify and OK.
You can use part reference lines to help snapping to the middle points of parts, for example.
Handles
Tekla Structures indicates the direction of a part with handles. When you select a part, the handle at the first end is yellow, and the handle at the second end is magenta.
You can use handles to move the part end: 1. Select the part to display the handles.
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2. 3.
Click the handle you want to move. Tekla Structures highlights the handle. Move the handle(s) like any other object. See Move (p. 140). If you have Drag and drop on, just drag the handle to a new position. See Drag and Drop (p. 142).
By default, the handles of contour plates and concrete slabs are not visible. To show them, set the variable XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLES to HANDLES.
See also
For more information on selecting handles, see How to select objects (p. 36).
Position on work plane

You can define the position of a part on the work plane as:
Middle Right Left
You can also define the distance of a part from its original reference line. See Part reference point (p. 82).
Beam
An example of the options for beams:
Middle Left Right Middle 200 Left 200 Right 200
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Position depth
You can define the position of a part in terms of its depth, perpendicular to the work plane, as:

Beam
Middle Front Behind
An example showing the options for beams:
Work plane Middle Front Behind Middle 100 Front 100 Behind 100
Contour plate
An example showing the options for contour plates:
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Work plane Middle Front Behind
Rotation
You can define the rotation of a part around its axis on the work plane as:
Front Top Back Below
You can also define the angle of rotation. Tekla Structures measures positive values clockwise around the local x axis.
Beam
An example of the options for beams:
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Front Top Back Below Positive (10 degrees) rotation around local x axis
Column
An example of the options for columns:
Front Top Back Below
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Vertical position
You can define the vertical position of a part, relative to its reference point, as:

Column
Middle Down Up
Middle Down Up Middle 100 Down 100 Up 100
Horizontal position
You can define the horizontal position of a part, relative to its reference point, as:

Column
Middle Left Right
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Middle Left Right Middle 100 Left 100 Right 100
End offsets
Use end offsets to move the ends of a part, relative to its reference line. You can enter positive and negative values. The options are:
Field
Dx Dy Dz
Result Changes the length of the part by moving the part end point along the reference line Moves the part end perpendicular to the reference line Moves the part end in the z direction of the work plane
Levels
For parts that you create by picking only one point (e.g. columns), you can enter the positions of the part ends, relative to the picked point, in the global z direction. Use Bottom to define the position of the first end. Use Top to define the position of the second end.
Bending
In Tekla Structures, you create curved parts by defining a radius and the plane of curvature.
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Radius
When you create a curved part, you pick three points to define the radius. You can also enter a specific value for the radius in the part properties dialog box.
The sector angle must be less than 180 degrees.
Plane
The plane of curvature is relative to the current work plane. The options are:

Number of segments
xz plane xy plane
To have Tekla Structures draw a curved part, you need to specify a number of segments. Tekla Structures does not show curved surfaces exactly in views, instead the number of segments determines how realistic the curved part looks: the more segments, the less angular the part appears. If you specify a large number of segments it affects how quickly Tekla Structures draws the model. See also How handles solids in the online help.
3.5 Surface treatment

This section explains how to create various surface treatments and finishes for steel and concrete parts. It contains the following topics:
Adding surface treatment to parts (p. 89) Defining surface treatment properties (p. 91) Adding tiled surface treatment to parts (p. 93) Defining tile patterns (p. 93) Adding surface treatment to parts with cuts and recesses (p. 98) Creating and editing surface treatment options (p. 100) Adding surface treatment information to report templates (p. 101)
Adding surface treatment to parts

Use the surface treatment tools to add surface treatment to parts. Surface treatment for concrete parts include flat finishes, surface mixes, and tiles. Surface treatment for steel parts include fireproofing and unpainted areas.
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Tekla Structures includes the following surface treatment tools in Detailing > Create Surface Treatment:
Command
To Part Face
Icon
Description Adds a surface treatment to an entire face of a part. Adds a surface treatment to a selected area on the face of a part. Adds a surface treatment to all faces of a part.
To Selected Area on Part Face To All Faces of Part
Overlapping surface treatments
When you create overlapping surface treatments, the smaller surface treatment overrides the larger one. The overlapping area is recognized in reports: only the topmost (visible) surface treatment is calculated.
Numbering
To have Tekla Structures include surface treatment in numbering, click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings..., and select the Surface treatment checkbox on the Numbering tab.
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See also
Defining surface treatment properties (p. 91)
Defining surface treatment properties

To define the properties of a surface treatment: 1. Click Detailing > Properties > Surface Treatment... to open the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box:
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2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
In the Type list box, select the type of surface treatment to use. In the Surface treatment name list box, select the specific surface treatment. Click the Select... button against Material to select a material from the catalog. Enter the Thickness of the surface treatment. Set the Color to use to display the surface treatment in rendered views. In the At depth list box, select the location of the surface treatment. The options are Middle, Front, and Behind. Click Apply or OK to save the surface treatment properties.
To define the properties of a tiled surface treatment, continue as follows: 1. 2. 3. On the Attributes tab, select Tile surface from the Type list box. On the Pattern tab, select the pattern from the Pattern type list box. The Definition table lists the properties of the pattern type. See Defining tile patterns (p. 93) for more information.
To change the properties of existing surface treatments, or define new ones, see Creating and editing surface treatment options (p. 100).
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When you redefine the properties of a part (e.g. you change the size of a part), Tekla Structures automatically modifies the surface treatment to fit the part.
Defining custom properties

To define your own surface treatment properties to use in reports and drawings, click the Userdefined attributes... button and go to the Parameters tab. Adding properties in the online help explains how to add user-defined properties.
See also
Adding surface treatment to parts (p. 89)
Adding tiled surface treatment to parts

Tekla Structures includes complex tile and brick surface treatment options, such as basketweave and herringbone patterns. Tiled surface treatment options are based on repeating tile patterns that are stored in XML format. For more information creating tile patterns, see Defining tile patterns (p. 93).
See also
Adding surface treatment to parts (p. 89) Defining surface treatment properties (p. 91)
You cannot use previous versions to edit surface treatments created in Tekla Structures version 11.2 or newer.
Defining tile patterns

Information about the predefined tile patterns in the Surface treatment properties dialog box are stored in the following files:
File TilePatternCatalog.xml
Description
Contains the tile pattern definitions. Located in the models attributes folder, project folder, firm folder, and system folder.
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File TilePatternCatalog.dtd
Description
Document Type Declaration (DTD) file that defines the elements allowed in the TilePatternCatalog.xml file. Located in the same folder as the TilePatternCatalog.xml file. The images that appear in the Picture field in the Surface treatment properties dialog box. Located in the ..\nt\bitmaps folder. Filenames identify the pattern types, for example, herringbone.bmp illustrates the herringbone pattern type.
Thumbnail images
Example pattern definition
This example explains how the Basketweave tile pattern is defined in the TilePatternCatalog.xml file and shows how the pattern options appear on the Pattern tab of the Surface treatment properties dialog box:
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The name of the pattern The size of the pattern block in the x direction, after which the pattern repeats The size of the pattern block in the y direction, after which the pattern repeats The Basketweave pattern block is made up of eight tiles:
Tile width Mortar width VOffset HOffset Red marks indicate TileOrigin. Angle value for vertical tiles is 90 Tile height Mortar height The pattern is repeated in the x and y direction of the surface treatment, starting from the origin of the surface treatment. You can run the pattern in different x directions:
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Defining your own tile patterns

XML file
To define your own tile patterns: 1. Open the TilePatternCatalog.xml file using any text editor. The file is located in the ..TeklaStructures\*version*\environments\*your_environment*\s ystem folder. Add a new <TilePattern> element to the file. A <TilePattern> element must have <HOffset> and <VOffset> elements and at least one <Tile> element. Other elements are optional. You may find it easier to copy one of the existing elements, then change it suit your needs. See Example pattern definition (p. 94). The TilePatternCatalog.xml file can contain the following elements:
2.
Element
TilePatternCatalog TilePattern
Description The container for tile patterns. Required. Tile pattern element. Required. This element can contain the following elements listed in this table. Horizontal offset of the tile pattern. Required. Vertical offset of the tile pattern. Required. The individual tiles used in a tile pattern. At least one required. Color of the tile or mortar, defined by the RGB values (0255). Optional. Creates an attribute for any element in the TilePattern. Optional. The label that identifies a parameter in the dialog box. Optional. The origin of an individual tile, defined from the origin of the pattern. Optional.
HOffset VOffset Tile Color Parameter Label TileOrigin
3. 4.
Repeat adding <TilePattern> elements for all the patterns you want to define. Save the TilePatternCatalog.xml file.
Adding surface treatment to parts with cuts and recesses

To force Tekla Structures to consider openings and recesses in parts when adding surface treatment, select the Cut by father part cuts checkbox in the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box:
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The green surface treatment has the Cut by father part cuts checkbox selected The tiled surface treatment is not cut by the cut in the part: Cut by father part cuts is not selected.
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Surface treatment to cut faces
To add surface treatment to cut faces: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment, and then click either To Part Face or To Selected Area on Part Face. Pick the origin of the surface treatment. Pick the direction. Select the cut face on which to apply the surface treatment:
5.
For the To Selected Area on Part Face option, pick the points to define the area of the surface treatment.
If you use the To All Faces of Part command and select the Cut by father part cuts checkbox, Tekla Structures automatically adds surface treatment also to the cut faces.
Cutting surface treatment
To define the cut depth of a polygon cut, for example, to cut thick surface treatment, use the variable XS_POLYGON_CUT_EXTRA_THICKNESS: 1. 2. Click Tools > Advanced options..., and go to the Modeling properties category. Set the cut thickness for the variable XS_POLYGON_CUT_EXTRA_THICKNESS. The default value is 5.0 mm.
Adding surface treatment to chamfered parts

Take these things into account when adding surface treatment to chamfered parts:
Surface treatment does not work on sketched profiles with chamfers. Add surface treatment before chamfering the part. If surface treatment is applied to a chamfered part, the surface treatment chamfer cannot be modified later on. The chamfers for the main part and surface treatment are separate. Modifying the main part chamfer does not affect the surface treatment chamfer. The orientation of unsymmetric chamfers depends on the face where it was created (such as top, bottom, left, or right). To change the orientation of an unsymmetric chamfer, you must swap the chamfer's x and y values.
Creating and editing surface treatment options

To create new options in the Surface treatment name list box in the Surface treatment properties dialog box, or to edit existing names, edit the product_finishes.dat file, located in the ..environments\*your_environment*\system folder.
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The first section of the file defines the available types of surface treatment. Do not edit this section:
// Product finishes // ------------------------// // Type : Type of surfacing // 1 = concrete finish // 2 = special mix // 3 = tile surface // 4 = steel finishes
The remaining sections define the options for each type of surface treatment. This is where you can edit existing options, or add rows to define new options:
// // // // // 1 1 1
========================================= *** Concrete Finish ========================================= WET FINISH ---------MF "Magnesium Float" SMF "Smooth Magnesium Float" WT "Wet Trowel"
In this example:
1 is the surface treatment type (concrete finish) MF is the code for the surface treatment option "Magnesium Float" is the full name of the surface treatment option (remember to enclose the name in double quotes " ")
Here is how this option appears in the dialog box:
Code Full name Adding surface treatment information to report templates (p. 101)
See also
Adding surface treatment information to report templates

You can include the following surface treatment specific fields in report templates:
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Name
CODE
Explanation Code for the surface treatment defined in the product_finishes.dat file. For example, TS1. Volume of mortar used in surface treatment. Text in the Name field in the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box. Number of tiles used in a tile pattern. Surface treatment name defined in the product_finishes.dat file. Surface treatment type number defined in the product_finishes.dat file. Volume of tiles used in surface treatment (without mortar volume). Surface treatment type in the Surface Treatment Properties dialog box.
MORTAR_VOLUME NAME NUMBER_OF_TILE_TYPES SURFACING_NAME SURFACING_TYPE_NUMBER TILE_VOLUME TYPE
To find out more about the product_finishes.dat file, see Creating and editing surface treatment options (p. 100). For more information on template attributes, see Appendix F, Template attributes in the System Manual.
3.6 Steel part commands

To create steel parts, use the icons on the Steel toolbar, or select a command from the Modeling menu. The following table lists the commands used to create steel parts and gives a short description of each one. For detailed instructions, see the online help.
Command
Beam
Icon
Description Creates a steel beam between two picked points. Creates a steel beam orthogonal to the work plane in a picked position. Creates a steel beam with its radius defined by three picked points. Creates a steel beam consisting of straight and curved segments. Creates a steel column at a picked position.
Orthogonal beam
Curved beam
Polybeam
Column
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Command
Twin profile
Icon
Description Creates a twin profile between two picked points. A twin profile consists of two beams. Creates a contour plate based on picked positions forming a contour.
Contour plate
3.7 Concrete part commands

To create concrete parts, use the icons on the Concrete toolbar, or select a command from the Modeling menu. The following table lists the commands you can use to create concrete parts and gives a short description of each one.
Command
Pad Footing
Icon
Description Creates a pad footing at a picked position. Creates a strip footing that traverses the picked points. Creates a concrete column at a picked position. Creates a concrete beam between two picked points. Creates a concrete beam consisting of straight and curved segments. Creates a concrete slab based on picked positions forming a contour. Creates a concrete panel that traverses the picked points.
Strip Footing
Column
Beam
Polybeam
Slab
Panel
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Detailing
Introduction
After you have created a frame of parts in your Tekla Structures model, you will need to complete the model by connecting these parts and adding minor parts and details. This section explains how to create details (bolts, welds, etc.) using Tekla Structures. It also gives you some techniques for fine-tuning part shape and an overview of detailing commands. You can find step-by-step instructions for all these commands in the online help.
Contents
This section includes the following topics:
Bolts (p. 105) Welds (p. 112) Fine-tuning part shape (p. 119) Detailing commands (p. 124)
4.1 Bolts
Introduction
There are two ways to create bolts:
Create a single bolt group Apply a component that automatically creates bolt groups.
This section concentrates on creating single bolt groups. For more information on using components to automatically create bolt groups, see Defining bolts and welds in the Detailing Manual. You can create different part marks for holes and bolts in drawings. You cannot use bolt elements (such as screws, washers, and nuts) while you are creating holes, as Tekla Structures uses the same command to create bolts and holes.
Creating assemblies
You can use bolts to create and connect assemblies. You can create nested assemblies by connecting sub-assemblies to an existing assembly, or you can just connect more parts to assemblies using bolts. Use the Connect part/assembly and Bolt type list boxes in the Bolt properties dialog box to control how Tekla Structures creates assemblies. The order in which you select parts when
TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Detailing
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creating the connection determines the main and secondary parts of the assembly, or the assembly hierarchy.
Connect part/ assembly As sub-assembly As sub-assembly
Bolt type Workshop Site
Result Nested assembly with the assembly you are bolting as a sub-assembly. The first part you pick determines the assembly to which you are bolting.
As secondary part
Workshop
Basic assembly with the part you are bolting as a secondary part. The first part you pick usually becomes the main part in the assembly.
As secondary part
Site
No assembly created.
For more information on creating assemblies, see Cast units and assemblies (p. 72).
Bolt catalog
Tekla Structures treats bolts as pre-defined assemblies made up of individual elements (bolts, washers, nuts, etc.). Tekla Structures stores bolt assemblies in the bolt assembly catalog. The individual elements (bolts of different size and length, nuts, washers, etc.) are contained in the bolt catalog. For more information on catalogs, see Bolt and bolt assembly catalogs in the online help.
Creating a bolt group

See Bolt in the online help for detailed instructions on how to create a bolt group.
Work plane Bolted parts
The work plane only affects the rotation of the bolt group. The points you pick determine the position of the bolt group. It is important that the points you pick to create the bolt group are close enough to the parts you want to connect. The cut length property of a bolt group defines how far along the bolt axis the parts must be in order to hit the bolt group. Dimensions are relative to the bolt group origin, which is the first point you pick when creating a bolt group. Tekla Structures sets the x direction of a bolt group using the second point picked. These points are shown as crosses in the illustration below. The dashed line indicates the x direction.
Bolt group origin
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Array

See also
Bold dist X: 150
Bold dist Y: 100 xy list Bold dist X: 75 175 Bold dist Y: 100 100
Creating by modifying (p. 107)
Creating by modifying
You can also create a new bolt group by modifying an existing one. In most cases it is easier to create bolt groups by applying a component including bolt groups, using the following method: 1. 2. 3. Apply a component. Explode the component. Modify the bolt group.
Changing bolted parts

You can change which parts a bolt group connects using the command Detailing > Bolts > Edit Bolted Parts. This command prompts you to reselect the main and secondary parts. Tekla Structures automatically updates bolt length to suit these changes. For more information, see Bolt length calculation in the online help.
Creating holes
Tekla Structures creates holes in the same way as bolts, but you do need to change some of the properties in the Bolt properties dialog box. You can create the following types of holes:
Round Oversized Slotted Tapped
Creating round holes

To create a round hole, follow the steps in Creating a bolt group (p. 106). Tekla Structures calculates the diameter of a round hole as the sum of:
Bolt size Tolerance (hole)
To only create a hole, clear all bolt element checkboxes in the Bolt properties dialog box, as shown below:
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Clean these checkboxes to create a mere hole
Creating slotted holes

You also use the Bolt properties dialog box to create slotted holes. 1. Select the checkboxes against Parts with slotted holes to indicate which parts should be slotted. Tekla Structures counts the pieces of steel from the head of the bolt down. For example, if you select the second checkbox from the head of the bolt, Tekla Structures slots the second piece of steel from the head of the bolt.
2. 3. 4.
To only create a slotted hole, clear all the Include in bolt assembly checkboxes. Select Slotted in the Hole type list box. Enter the allowance for the slotted hole in the x and y directions of the bolt group using the
Slotted hole X or Slotted hole Y fields.
Tolerance Slotted hole X or Y Bolt size
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You indicate the x direction of the bolt group when you create the bolt group (see Creating a bolt group (p. 106)).
5.
If the bolt connects several parts, you may want to rotate alternate holes by 90 degrees. This allows the bolt to move in different directions. To do this, select Even or Odd in the Rotate slots list box.
Crossing slotted holes to odd or even parts Parallel slotted holes
Creating oversized holes

Use the Bolt properties dialog box to create oversized holes. 1. 2. 3. 4. Select the checkboxes against Parts with slotted holes to indicate which plies of connection get oversized holes. To only create a hole, clear all the Include in bolt assembly checkboxes. Select Oversized in the Hole type list box. Enter the allowance for the oversized hole in the Oversize field. You can also use a negative value to create smaller (tapped) holes.
Bolt group shape

You have the following options for bolt group shape:
Array for rectangular xy list for any shape Circle for circular
Tekla Structures uses the values in Bolt dist X and Bolt dist Y to determine how many bolts the bolt group contains, as shown in the table below:
Shape Array xy list
Bolt dist X Spacing between bolts, in the x direction of the bolt group. x coordinate of each bolt, from the bolt group point of origin. Number of bolts.
Bolt dist Y Spacing between bolts, in the y direction of the bolt group. y coordinate of each bolt, from the bolt group point of origin. Diameter of the bolt group.
Circle
Single bolt
To create a single bolt, set Bolt group Shape to Array and enter "0" for both bolt distances.
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Bolt properties
The bolt properties are:
Field Bolt size Bolt standard Bolt type
Description Bolt sizes available in the selected bolt standard. Bolt assembly standard, which is defined in the bolt catalog. Indicates if bolts are assembled on-site or in the shop.
Bolt length
Tekla Structures calculates bolt length automatically, using the material thicknesses of the connected parts, and other factors. The following settings in the Bolt group properties dialog box affect bolt length calculation:
Thread in material Cut length Extra length
Thread in material indicates if the thread of the bolt can extend beyond the bolted parts. Tekla
Structures does not use this value when calculating the length of full-threaded bolts.
Cut length indicates the area Tekla Structures should search for parts that belong to the bolt group. Using cut length you can determine whether the bolt will go through one flange or two. In the illustration below, A is the cut length and B is the bolt origin. Tekla Structures calculates the search area as A/2 in both directions from point B.
Tekla Structures warns you if the cut length is too small (i.e. the bolt group contains no parts) and makes the bolt length 100 mm.
If you want to force a bolt to be a certain length, enter a negative value for length (e.g. -150).
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Using Extra length to increase the material thickness Tekla Structures uses when calculating bolt length. For example, you might need extra bolt length to allow for painting. You can also build additional lengths into bolt assemblies .
If there are large gaps between connected parts, the gap is added to the length of the bolt. Tekla Structures calculates bolt length using the the total distance between the first and last surfaces.
See also
Bolt catalog Bolt length calculation Clash check (p. 134)
Bolt group location

Tekla Structures determines the location of the bolt group using the following values:
Bolt group x axis Work plane
The two points you pick to create the bolt group determine the bolt group point of origin and its x direction.
Position on plane Position on plane moves the bolt group perpendicular to the bolt group x axis.
Position at depth Rotation
Position at depth moves the bolt group perpendicular to the current work plane. Rotation defines how far the bolt group is rotated around the x axis, relative to the current work
plane. For example, you can use this field to indicate on which side of the connected parts you want the bolt head to be.
Front Top
Offsets
You can also use offsets to change the position of the bolt group. Offsets move the bolt group by moving the x axis of the bolt group. The starting point values Dx, Dy and Dz move the first end of the bolt group, relative to the bolt group x axis. The end point values move the second end of the bolt group.
A positive Dx value moves the starting point towards the end point.
Dy moves the end point perpendicular to the bolt group x axis on the current work plane.
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Example
Dz moves the end point perpendicular to the current work plane.
An example showing the parameters of a bolt group.
Bolts created using the bolt properties:
Bolt group Shape = Array, Bolt dist X = 100 100, Bolt dist Y = 200
Slotted hole X = 28, Bolt size = 20, Tolerance = 2 (overall dimension = 50)
Starting point, Dx = 100.0
4.2 Welds
Introduction
To create welds in Tekla Structures, you can:

Creating assemblies
Create single welds Apply components that automatically create welds
Tekla Structures forms assemblies based on where the weld should be made. You can create:
Workshop welds Site welds
The Connect part/assembly setting in the Weld properties dialog box also affects assemblies. See Weld properties (p. 115).
Tekla Structures uses the order in which you select the parts when creating the weld to determine the primary and secondary parts of the assembly. This affects drawings. The first part you select becomes the primary part of the assembly. Tekla Structures dimensions secondary part(s) relative to the primary part in assembly drawings. The largest primary part in the weld becomes the main part of the assembly. When you connect assemblies, the first part you select determines the assembly to which you weld sub-assemblies.
Visibility in views
To have welds visible in views, open the Display dialog box and set weld visibility to Exact. See Displaying and hiding objects (p. 143). Tekla Structures displays all weld types in a similar way.
Creating welds
You can create the following types of welds:
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Regular welds. Tekla Structures welds the two parts together using the weld position in the Weld properties dialog box. The length of the weld depends on the length of the connection between the welded parts. Polygon welds. You define the exact position of the weld by picking the points you want the weld to traverse. Single part welds.
If you move welded parts, polygon welds move with the primary part.
For detailed instructions on how to create welds, see:
Weld symbols in drawings

Weld properties
Tekla Structures shows the properties of the weld in the weld symbol in drawings, as shown below. See also Weld properties (p. 115).
Contour Weld no Reference text Size Type Weld around Length Angle Finish
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Site weld Pitch (c-to-c spacing) Lenght Stitch weld
Effective throat Root opening

Reference line and arrow Arrow and other side
The weld symbol also contains a reference line and an arrow. The arrow connects the reference line to the arrow side of a connection. When parts are welded together, you can place welds on:
The arrow sides only The other sides only Both the arrow and other sides
The welds on the arrow and other sides of a part can have different weld properties. By default, the properties you define for a weld on the arrow side appear above the reference line in drawings. The properties of an other-side weld appear below the reference line in the weld symbol.
To show the arrow-side weld properties below the reference line in a weld symbol and the other-side properties above, use the variable XS_AISC_WELD_MARK.
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Weld properties
This section describes weld properties.
Size
See the image below.
Size Root face thickness (RFT) If you enter a zero or negative weld size, Tekla Structures creates the weld, but does not display it drawings.
Type Weld preparation groove angle
See Weld types (p. 116) When parts are prepared for welding, their edges can be beveled to produce a groove for the weld. This type of weld preparation is commonly used for V-type welds. You can define the angle of bevels and grooves. Tekla Structures displays the angle between the weld type symbol and the fill type contour symbol. For more information on weld preparation, see Weld preparation (p. 119). The fill type contour of a weld can be:
Contour

Finish
None Flush Convex Concave
Tekla Structures displays the finish symbol above the weld type symbol in drawings. The options are:

Length
G (Grind) M (Machine) C (Chip)
The length of a regular weld depends on the length of the connection between the welded parts. You can set the exact length of a polygon weld by, for example, defining the start and end points of the weld. To create a non-continuous weld, define the center-to-center spacing and the pitch of the welds. Tekla Structures calculates the distance between the welds as the pitch minus the length of the weld.
Pitch
By default, Tekla Structures uses the character - to separate weld length and pitch, e.g. 50100. To change the separator to @, for example, set the variable: XS_WELD_LENGTH_CC_SEPARATOR_CHAR=@.
Root face and RFT
Root face is the height of the narrowest part inside the root opening. The RFT fields in the connection dialog boxes also refer to the root face (thickness).
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Neither root face nor RFT values appear in drawings, but you can use the WELD_ROOT_FACE_THICKNESS field in reports to show the root face dimension in the weld list.
Effective throat Root opening Edge/Around Workshop/Site
Effective throat is the weld size used in weld strength calculation. Root opening is the space between the welded parts. Either one edge (Edge) or the entire perimeter of a face (Around) can be welded. A circle in the weld symbol in drawings indicates the Around option has been used. Tekla Structures indicates site welds in the weld symbol using a flag.
Where weld is to be made (workshop or site), affects assemblies and drawings.
Connect part/ assembly
Use the Connect part/assembly and Workshop/Site list boxes in the Weld properties dialog box to control how Tekla Structures creates assemblies. The order in which you select parts when creating the connection determines the main and secondary parts of the assembly, or the assembly hierarchy.
Connect part/ assembly As sub-assembly As sub-assembly
Workshop/ Site Workshop Site
Result Nested assembly with the assembly you are welding as a sub-assembly. The first part you pick determines the assembly to which you are welding.
As secondary part
Workshop
Basic assembly with the part you are welding as a secondary part. The first part you pick usually becomes the main part in the assembly.
As secondary part
Site
No assembly created.
See also Cast units and assemblies (p. 72)

Position Stitch
See Weld position (p. 117). To create stitch welds, select Yes in the Stitch weld list box. Stitch welds are staggered on both sides of the part being welded. Tekla Structures shows the weld type symbols as staggered in weld symbols. Create additional properties for welds with user-defined attributes. See Adding properties in the online help. To enter additional text for the weld symbol, use the Reference text and Wtext fields. For example, information on the weld specification or process, etc.
User-defined attributes Reference text and Wtext
Weld types
The table below shows the available weld types. Some weld types also automatically prepare the parts to be welded. For more information on weld preparation, see Weld preparation (p. 119).
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Weld type
Name None Fillet weld Bevel-groove (single-V butt weld) Bevel-groove (single-bevel butt weld) Square-groove (square butt weld) Single-V butt weld with broad root face Single-bevel butt weld with broad root face U-groove weld (single U-butt weld) J-groove weld (single J-butt weld) Flare V-groove weld Flare-bevel-groove weld Edge-flange weld Corner-flange weld Plug weld Bevel backing weld Spot weld Seam weld Slot weld Partial penetration weld (single-bevel butt + fillet) Partial penetration weld (square groove + fillet)
Number 0 10 3 4 2 5 6 7 8 16 15 1 17 11 9 12 13 14 18 19
Preparation No No Both parts Secondary part No Both edges Secondary part Both parts Secondary part Both parts Secondary part No No No No No No No Secondary part No
Weld position
You define the position of a weld relative to the work plane. The type and position of the parts to be welded affect the position of the weld. The options for weld position are:
x y
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These can all be in a positive or negative direction. Tekla Structures creates the weld on the face or side of the part that faces in the selected direction (x, y, or z). See the illustrations below:
Secondary part Main part If there are no faces that touch in the specified direction, Tekla Structures places the weld relative to the center point of the secondary part.
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Assembly main part Assembly main part Welding order secondary primary
Weld preparation
When preparing welds, Tekla Structures bevels the parts to be welded using an anti-material cutting part. Tekla Structures subsequently deletes this cutting part. Tekla Structures displays weld preparations using cyan dash-and-dot lines. Some weld types and connections also automatically prepare the parts to be welded. See Weld types (p. 116).
To prevent automatic weld preparation, set the variable XS_DISABLE_WELD_PREP_SOLID=TRUE.
4.3 Fine-tuning part shape

Introduction
This section describes the various tools you can use to fine-tune the shape of a part.
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Chamfer
Some part corners can be chamfered. You can use the Chamfer command to shape the following parts: polybeam, contour plate, strip footing, concrete polybeam, concrete slab, and concrete panel. Tekla Structures creates chamfers using the current properties in the Chamfer Properties dialog box. Click Detailing > Properties > Chamfer... to open the dialog box, or double-click an existing chamfer.
Default chamfer Modified chamfers When Tekla Structures creates a part, by default it has a rectangular chamfer at each corner, which does not change the geometry of the part. To change the shape of a part corner: 1. 2. 3. Set the chamfer properties. Click Detailing > Create Chamfer. Pick the corner(s) of the part to be chamfered.
See the online help for more information on using this command.
Fitting
Use the Fitting command to fit the part end to a picked plane. You can use fitting to make part shorter, for example.
We recommend to move part Handles (p. 130) to make the part longer.
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Fitting symbol This command adjusts the end of a beam on a plane, perpendicular to the view plane, which passes through the cutting line you pick. Tekla Structures displays the fitting in the model using a blue fitting symbol. This command has no effect on contour plates.
Cuts
Use cut to shape parts. Cut is not meant for cutting the entire part end. Either move part Handles (p. 82) or use the Fitting (p. 120) command instead. You can create the following types of cuts for a part:

Line cut
Line cut Polygon cut Part cut
A line cut shapes end of the beam or column. Line cut cuts the end of a beam on a plane, perpendicular to the view plane, which passes through the cutting line you pick. Tekla Structures displays the cut in the model using a blue cut symbol.
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Exact representation (without symbol) Fast representation (Cut symbol) By default, line cuts do not affect beam length in NC files. To change this, see Fittings affect NC datathe online help. See the online help for more detailed information on using this command.
Polygon cut
This command cuts a part using a polygon. Tekla Structures displays the cut using dot-dash lines. You must create cuts in a plane view.
Exact representation (without symbol) Fast representation Polygon-shaped cut
You should always define the polygon so that there is some tolerance between the edges. If the edge of a cutting polygon is in exactly the same position as the edge of the part to be cut, it can be unclear whether the edge should be cut away. See online help for more detailed information on using this command.
Part cut
This command creates an anti-material cutting part. Tekla Structures does not delete the original cutting part. An anti-material part only cuts the selected main part. Tekla Structures displays the anti-material part using dot-dash lines. You can cut parts that already have cuts. For example, you can cut anti-material parts to create more sophisticated cut shapes.
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Cut symbol Hidden lines Hidden lines (cutting part deleted)
Do not create cuts with the same planes or vertices. This makes it unclear what should be cut away.
See online help for more detailed information on using this command.
Polygon shape
You can modify the shape of a polygonal part using the Detailing > Modify Polygon Shape command. You can use this command on the following parts:
polybeam contour plate strip footing concrete polybeam concrete slab concrete panel
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See the online help for more information on using this command.
4.4 Detailing commands

To fine-tune or detail your model, use the icons on the Detailing and Steel toolbars, or select commands from the Detailing menu. The following table lists the commands for detailing and gives a short description of each one.
Detailing command
Create Bolts
Icon
Description Creates a bolt group in a part/parts. Changes the parts a bolt group connects. See Changing bolted parts (p. 107).
Edit Bolted Parts
Create Weld between Parts Create Polygon Weld
Creates a weld between two parts.
Welds parts together using a polygon. Creates a weld to a part without connecting any other parts. Prepares the parts to be welded. Chamfers part corners. Creates a fitting to a part. Cuts the end of a beam on a plane, perpendicular to the work plane, which passes through the picked line. Cuts a part using a polygon. Cuts a part with another part. Modifies the shape of a polygonal part.
Create Weld to Part
Prepare Part for Welding Create Chamfer
Fit Part End
Cut Part > With Line
Cut Part > With Polygon
Cut Part > With Another Part Modify Polygon Shape
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Settings and Tools
In this chapter Contents
This chapter explains the ways in which you can manipulate models and change program settings. It also describes how to use many of the tools in Tekla Structures. It is divided into the following sections:
Examining the model (p. 125) Querying objects (p. 132) Copying and moving objects (p. 138) Displaying and hiding objects (p. 143) Filter (p. 152) Settings (p. 161) Numbering (p. 168) Tools (p. 177) Settings and tools reference (p. 192)
5.1 Examining the model

Introduction
This section describes a variety of tools you can use to view your model by changing its position and orientation within the view window. It also covers flying through the model.
Zoom commands
The zoom tools allow you to focus in on a particular area, or pull out for a wider view. You can use a mouse, or keystrokes, or a combination of both. You use the majority of these tools within an existing view. However, a zoom window must be open to use the Magnifier and Pan tools. The Zoom commands are:
TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Settings and Tools
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Zoom command Zoom in Zoom out Zoom original Zoom previous
Icon
Description Works within the existing view. Works within the existing view. Restores the original level of zoom. Works within the existing view. Restores the previous zoom. Use this to switch between the last two zooms. Works within the existing view. Creates a new zoom window from an existing view. You can only create zoom windows from wire frame views. The zoom window contains two additional commands, Magnifier and Pan. The commands below Active window automatically zoom the active window. So you do not need an extra click to complete the command. See Magnifier (p. 127). Only available in a zoom window. See Pan (p. 129). Only available in a zoom window.
Create zoom window
Active window
Magnifier Pan
Zooming with mouse

Use the Zoom in tool to focus in on a specific area of the model. The Zoom out tool pulls out for a wider view. Both work within an existing view window. How you use the zoom tools depends on the pointing device you are using: a 3-button mouse, or a wheel mouse.
3-button mouse
To use zoom with a 3-button mouse: 1. 2. 3. 4. Open the model. Click the zoom in or zoom out icon on the Zoom toolbar. Click the area of the model that you want to examine. Continue to click to zoom further in or out.
Wheel mouse
Tekla Structures has two zoom modes you can use with a wheel mouse:

1. 2.
In mouse-wheel mode, scroll the wheel to zoom in and out. In scroll mode, you can also hold down the wheel when scrolling.
To use zoom with a wheel mouse: Open the model. Click the zoom in or zoom out icon on the Zoom toolbar.
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3. 4.
Click the area of the model that you want to examine. Scroll forward to zoom in, scroll backward to zoom out.
Using keystrokes
To zoom using keystrokes: 1. 2. Open the model. With the mouse cursor over the model, press Page Up to zoom in, Page Down to zoom out.
Zoom settings
Centered zooms
To keep the center point of the view in the middle of the view window, regardless of the position of the pointer, check Centered zooms on the Setup menu. If Centered zooms is not checked, the pointer does not move.
Zoom ratio 3-button mouse Wheel mouse
The following variables control how much you zoom in or out with each click. Use the variable XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO to control the zoom ratio when using a 3-button mouse. The default value is 0.25. Increase this value to zoom in or out more with each click. See also Wheel mouse (p. 126). To set the zoom ratio when scrolling (not holding down) the wheel, use the variable XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO_IN_MOUSEWHEEL_MODE. To set the zoom ratio when scrolling and holding down the wheel, use the variable
XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATION_IN_SCROLL_MODE.
Creating a zoom window

Opening a zoom window gives you access to additional tools, the Magnifier (p. 127) and Pan (p. 129). These appear on the toolbar within the zoom window.
You can only create zoom windows from wire frame views.
To create a zoom window: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. In the View Properties dialog box, click Wire frame in the View type list box. Click Modify. Click View > Zoom > Create Zoom Window. Click a starting corner for the zoom window, then drag the pointer to size the window. Release the mouse button to create the window. Move the zoom window to a convenient location on the screen. Resize the zoom window by dragging the window boundaries.
Magnifier
The Magnifier is useful when you need to keep a general view of the model open, and examine particular areas in detail, at the same time. To use theMagnifier, you must have both a general view window containing the model and a zoom window open. See Creating a zoom window (p. 127).
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Click the Magnifier icon in the zoom window. As you move the pointer in the general view, the zoom window displays the area around the pointer in detail, as shown in the example below. Change the level of magnification by zooming in and out in the zoom window.
Moving the model in the view window

In Tekla Structures you can move, pan, rotate or fly through a model, in the view window.
Move
The Move commands move the viewpoint (or camera) rather than the model itself. Use the up, down, left and right arrows on the keyboard to move the viewpoint. You can also click View > Move to use the move commands.
Center by cursor
To center the model on a particular point, click View > Move > Center by Cursor, then click anywhere in the view to center the view on that point.
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Pan
The Pan command moves the model itself. Activate dynamic panning using the P key on your keyboard, or click View > Move > Pan. The pointer will change to a hand. Click and drag the mouse to move the model anywhere within the view window. You can also pan while using the Fly command. To do this, activate the Fly command, and use the middle mouse button to pan when needed.
See also
Flying through the model (p. 130)
Rotating the model

You can use keystrokes, menu commands, the mouse, or a combination of these techniques to rotate the model.
Rendered view
In rendered views, you can rotate the model around the existing center of rotation. Hold down the Ctrl key and click and drag with the middle mouse button. To relocate the center of rotation: 1. 2. Or: 1. 2. 3. 4. Use the keystrokes Ctrl+R. Click to pick the new center of rotation. Click and drag with the left mouse button to rotate the model. Use the Esc key or Interrupt to end rotation. Press the V key. Click to pick the new center of rotation.
Keyboard technique
You also have the following keyboard options to rotate the model around the existing center of rotation:
Wire frame Automatic rotation
In wire frame view, you can only use the keyboard technique to rotate a model. The center of rotation is fixed in the center of the work area. Click View > Rotate. You have the following options:
Click Esc to stop rotation.
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Snap switches affect model rotation. For example, with Free active, you can click anywhere to define the center of rotation. If Free is inactive, you need to pick an intersection point, or the end of a part. See also Specifying points (p. 33).
Disable view rotation
To disable or enable view rotation, click Window > Rotate > Disable view rotation, or use F8.
Flying through the model

In Tekla Structures, you can travel through a model, changing direction and varying speed as you go.
Start flying
To fly through a model, you must have a rendered view open, with Projection set to Perspective. See View properties for more infromation on how to change view properties. Use the keyboard shortcut Shift+F to start flying though the model, or click View > Fly. Pick the view to fly in.Tekla Structures displays an arrow symbol to indicate the flying direction.
See also
View properties
Stop flying
Use Interrupt to stop flying. See Ending commands (p. 42).
Adjust speed
To adjust your flying speed, move the mouse to the desired flying direction. The flying speed grows exponentially when you are approaching the model from a distance.
Change direction
To fly forward, move the mouse forward. To change the flying direction, move the mouse to the desired direction.
Changing the level of flying

1. To change the level you are flying on and to go straight up or down, hold down the Ctrl key and move the mouse forward to go up, and backwards to go down. Release the Ctrl key to continue flying on a level.
Changing the camera angle

1. To change the camera angle, scroll with the mouse wheel. To fly in the in the direction of the camera angle, hold down the Shift key and scroll forwards to go down or backwards to go up.
Creating clip planes

In Tekla Structures, you can create up to six clip planes in any rendered model view. Using clip planes enables you to focus in on the required detail in the model. To create a clip plane: 1. Select a rendered model view.
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2.
Start the Create clip plane command:

3. 4. 5.
Right-click and select Create clip plane from the pop-up menu, or Click View > Create clip plane. To select the position of the clip plane, click a plane. To finish, right-click and select Interrupt. The clip plane symbol appears in the model:
Selected plane Clip plane symbol
To move the clip plane, click the symbol, and drag it to a new location.
To delete a clip plane, click the clip plane symbol and press Delete.
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5.2 Querying objects

Introduction
This section describes the various tools in Tekla Structures that you can use to query the properties of your model.
Inquire
The Inquire tool displays the properties of a particular object, or group of objects, within the model. Click Tools > Inquire, and then pick an object in the model to access the following options:
Option
Object Center of gravity
Action Displays the properties of the object. Tekla Structures creates a point at the center of gravity of the picked part(s) and displays information on the center of gravity in a separate window. Highlights the selected part and all the parts that are welded to it. Highlights the primary part when you select a secondary part. Highlights all the parts in the same assembly or cast unit as the selected part. See also Checking contents (p. 72). Highlights the objects that form part of the selected component. Displays the object properties of the different phases in the model, in a separate window. Displays the quantity of all object quantities of the current model, in a separate window.
Welded parts Primary Welded Part Assembly Objects
Component Objects Phases... Model size...
To display the properties of a part, assembly, or cast unit using a customized report template when you use the Tools > Inquire > Object command, modify the following templates to suit your needs:
TS_Report_Inquire_Part.rpt (for parts) TS_Report_Inquire_Assembly.rpt (for assemblies) TS_Report_Inquire_Cast_Unit.rpt (for cast units)
Measure
Use the Measure tool to measure angles, the distance between two points and between bolts. All measurements are temporary.
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Measurements appear in the rendered view window, until you update or redraw the window.
Click Tools > Measure to access the following options. Remember to follow the prompts on the status bar. The steps for each option are listed below the table.
Option
Distance
Icon
Action Measures a user-defined distance between any two points. You can use this option to measure inclined or aligned distances in the current view plane. Measures the x distance between two points on the view plane. Measures the y distance between two points on the view plane. Measures angles. Measures bolt spacing and edge distances in the selected part.
Horizontal Distance Vertical Distance Angle
Bolt Spacing
Horizontal, vertical and userdefined
To measure horizontal, vertical and user-defined distances: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Tools > Measure and select one of the options. Pick the starting point. Pick the end point. Click to indicate on which side of the dimension line you want the number to appear.
Angles
To measure angles: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Tools > Measure > Angle. Pick the center point. Pick the starting point. Pick the end point. (Counterclockwise from the starting point.)
Bolts
Use this option to measure the distances between bolts in a bolt group. Tekla Structures also gives you the edge distances between the bolts and a selected part. To measure bolt spacing: 1. 2. 3. Click Tools > Measure > Bolt Spacing. Pick a bolt group. Pick a part.
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See also
XS_VIEW_FREE_MEASURE_PLANE
Clash check
When you have completed your model, run the Clash check to find parts, bolts, or reference model objects that collide.
Clashes of objects that are only touching one another are not included in the clash check log.
Steps
1. 2. 3.
Select the objects you want to check. Click Tools > Clash check. The clash check progress is displayed in the status bar. You can continue working during the clash check. If there are no colliding parts, Tekla Structures displays the message No collisions
detected on the status bar.
If parts, bolts, or reference model objects collide, Tekla Structures highlights them in yellow and displays the clash check log in the List dialog box. If you start clash checking while another clash check is still running, you can choose whether to continue checking, restart the operation and check the currently selected parts, or stop checking. 4. To quickly locate and view colliding parts in the model, select the line containing the ID numbers of colliding parts from the list. Tekla Structures highlights the parts in the model. Hold down the F key while you do this to have Tekla Structures fit the work area.
Set bolt clearance
To define bolt clearance for clash checking, click Tools > Options > Options... > Clash check. Enter the values in the Bolt clash check settings dialog box.
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d is the larger value of the bolt head or nut diameters Clash check clearence The clash checking clearance area is grey. Select the checkbox in front of the field if you want to use the clearance value. If you clear the checkboxes, the clearance will be zero.The clearance in front of the bolt head is equal to the bolt length. If you do not enter values for clearances, Tekla Structures uses the default value of 1.00. You need to save the clearance values to use them in future sessions. Click Tools > Defaults >
Save Defaults.
If Tekla Structures cannot find the bolt head or nut diameter in the bolt catalog, it uses the shank diameter.
Reference models
The following reference model file types are supported in clash checking:
IFC DWG DGN
If you are working on a large model, running the clash check may sometimes be slow. In that case you can use the old clash checking functionality, which does not recognize clashes with reference models. For more information, see XS_USE_NEW_CLASH_CHECK and XS_CLASH_CHECK_BETWEEN_REFERENCES.
Compare
Use this tool to compare two assemblies or parts.
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To compare parts, select two parts in the model. Click Tools > Compare > Parts. To compare assemblies, click on a part in each assembly. Click Tools > Compare >
Assemblies.
Tekla Structures displays the results on the status bar.
If you need more detailed information on assemblies or parts, use Inquire (p. 132).
Part labels
Use the Part label option to display selected part properties, user-defined attributes, and template attributes in a model view:
To use the Part label option in a model view: 1. 2. 3. Double-click the view to open the View properties dialog box. Click Display.... The Display dialog box appears. Click the Advanced tab and select the Part label checkbox.
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To add a property to the part label: 1. 2. Select a property on the Properties list. Click Add to add it to the Part label list.
To add a user-defined attribute or template attribute to the part label: 1. 2. Select User-defined attribute on the Properties list. Click Add. The Part label dialog box appears:
3.
Enter the attribute name and click OK.
For more information on the Display dialog box, see Display in the online help.
Finding distant objects

When the work area is huge, the model may contain some distant objects that are not easy to find. Use the Find Distant Objects command to find these objects.
You cannot use this command to find parts (such as beams, columns or plates).
To find distant objects:
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1. 2. 3.
Click Tools > Diagnose & Repair Model > Find Distant Objects. Tekla Structures displays a list of object IDs. Select an object in the list. Right-click and select a command from the pop-up menu. You can, for example, inquire or delete the object.
See also
XS_DISTANT_OBJECT_FINDER_TOLERANCE
5.3 Copying and moving objects

Use the Copy and Move tools to copy and move objects linearly, with rotation, or with mirroring.
Copy creates a new object, leaving the existing object in its original position. Move relocates the existing object. Copy Special and Move Special provide additional options for copying and
moving objects. You can also move the view plane of a selected view. When you move a view, Tekla Structures only uses the vector perpendicular to the view plane.
Limitations Duplicate objects
Tekla Structures does not mirror connection properties, so Mirror does not fully mirror objects if they include connections that contain, for example, asymmetrically positioned parts. When you copy or move objects, Tekla Structures checks for duplicate objects in the location where you are about to copy or move the objects to. Tekla Structures also checks for duplicates if you create new parts in the same location with an existing part.
Tekla Structures considers two objects duplicates if they have the same orientation and the same size of bounding box.
Use the variable XS_DUPLICATE_CHECK_LIMIT_FOR_COPY_AND_MOVE to define the maximum number of objects that are checked for duplicates while copying or moving objects. If duplicates are found, you can choose whether to keep or delete the duplicate objects.
This functionality does not apply to objects that you copy by using a modeling tool, such as the Array of Objects (29) component.
Copy
To create copies of selected object(s): 1. 2. 3. Select the objects to copy. Click the Copy icon, or click Edit > Copy. Pick the origin for copying.
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4.
Pick one or more destination points.
The objects are copied immediately. 5. To stop copying, click Edit > Interrupt.
I f you click Edit > Undo, the latest copy operation is undone, but the Copy command remains active.
Tekla Structures copies all objects connected to the objects you copy. Tekla Structures also tries to copy connections. Connections must be surrounded by similar parts to be copied successfully.
See also
Copy Special (p. 141)
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Move
To move selected object(s) to a new position: 1. 2. 3. Select the objects to move. Click the Move icon, or click Edit > Move. Pick the origin for moving.
4.
Pick the destination point.
The objects are moved immediately. The Move command does not remain active. To move selected object(s) to a new position at a specified distance: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Select the objects to move. Click Edit > Move. Pick the origin for moving. Move the cursor in the direction you want to move the objects, but do not pick the point. Type in the distance. When you start typing, Tekla Structures displays the Enter a numeric location dialog box automatically. 6. Click OK.
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Tekla Structures also moves the objects connected to the objects you move. For example, if you move points, Tekla Structures also moves the parts or assemblies that use those points.
See also
Move Special (p. 141) Moving the view plane (p. 56)
Copy Special
The Copy Special command provides additional options for copying objects. 1. 2. Select the objects you want to copy. Click Edit > Copy Special. You have the following options:
Command
Linear...
Icon
Description Creates copies of selected object(s) at a specified distance from the original. Creates copies of selected object(s), either rotated around a line you specify on a work plane, or around the work plane z axis. Creates a mirrored copy of selected object(s) through a plane you specify. Creates a copy of selected object(s) on another plane, which you specify by picking three points. Copies selected objects(s) from an object to other, similar objects. Creates a copy of model objects in phases you specify.
Rotate...
Mirror...
To Another Plane
To Another Object From Another Model...
Tekla Structures copies all objects connected to the objects you copy. Tekla Structures also tries to copy connections. Connections must be surrounded by similar parts to be copied successfully.
See also
Copy (p. 138)
Move Special
The Move Special command provides additional options for moving objects. 1. 2. Select the objects you want to move. Click Edit > Move Special.
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You have the following options:
Command
Linear...
Icon
Description Moves selected object(s) to a new position at a specified distance from the original. Rotates selected object(s) either around a line you specify on a work plane, or around the work plane z axis. Mirrors selected object(s) using a line you specify. Moves selected object(s) to another plane, which you specify by picking three points. Moves selected object(s) from an object to another, similar object.
Rotate...
Mirror...
To Another Plane
To Another Object
Tekla Structures also moves the objects connected to the objects you move. For example, if you move points, Tekla Structures also moves the parts or assemblies that use those points.
See also
Move (p. 140)
Drag and Drop

You can move and copy objects using drag-and-drop. 1. 2. 3. Click Tools > Options > Drag and Drop to activate it. Select the object to move or copy. You have the following options:
To move the part, drag it to the new position To copy the part, hold down the Ctrl key and drag it to the new position To move the part end, click the handle and drag it to the new position
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5.4 Displaying and hiding objects

The visibility of objects in views depends on the following settings:
work area view depth view setup view filter object representation settings
Work area and view depth are like two virtual boxes. Objects which have their center line partially or totally inside both boxes are visible. Newly created objects are visible also outside the view depth but never outside the work area. Redrawing a view only shows the objects inside the view depth (for redrawing, see also Refreshing the screen display (p. 60).
Object visibility
To define which objects are visible and how they are displayed in a view: 1. 2. 3. Double-click the view. In the View properties dialog box, click Display.... The Display dialog box appears. Set the visibility and representation for different object types and for components.
For information on advanced view settings and different display options, see Display in the online help. See also View type (p. 57)). For more information on hiding lines, see Hide lines (p. 181) and for information on hiding selected parts, see Hide parts (p. 182).
Object representation Filtering objects
To create customized presentation of objects, use object representation settings. For more information on using the Object representation dialog box, see Object representation settings (p. 143). To more precisely define which objects are displayed in a view, use the view filter: 1. 2. 3. Double-click the view. In the View properties dialog box, click Object group.... Use the Object Group - View Filter dialog box to define which objects are displayed in the view.
See also View filter (p. 152) and Filter (p. 152).
Object representation settings

Use object representation settings to modify the color and transparency of objects in the model view and create customized presentation of defined object groups. For example, the following images show the same model with different object representation settings:
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Standard object representation: Only parts with profile name starting with IPE* or HEA* are visible: Objects with user-defined attribute Planned erection date set to 01/05/ 2006 are displayed in blue, while all other parts are 90% transparent.
Topics
Creating object representation settings (p. 144) Colors (p. 145) Transparency (p. 146) Object representation files (p. 146)
Creating object representation settings

To create new representation settings: 1. Click View > Representation > Object representation.... The Object Representation dialog box has the following buttons:
Button Add row, Delete row
Description Use to specify the coloring and visibility of several object groups.
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Button Move up, Move down
Description Use to change to order of the rows. If an object belongs to several object groups, the coloring and visibility of the objects defined on the top row is applied to that object. Click to open the object group of the selected row in the object group dialog box.
Object group
2. 3. 4.
Enter the name of the setting in the text box next to the Save as button and click Save as. The object representation setting is saved in the models attributes folder. Click the Add row button to add a new row. In the Object group column, select a predefined object group from the list box. OR Select Create new group... to create a new object group. See Object groups (p. 146).
5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Select coloring for the objects in the object group, in the Color column. See Colors (p. 145). Select the Transparency setting. See Transparency (p. 146). Use the Add row button to add more rows. Click Save to save the object representation settings. Click Modify to preview the settings in the views.
10. Click Apply and OK.
If you click Modify, Apply, or OK, Tekla Structures adds a row All to lowest down, if the object representation settings did not contain the group All. The default values for row All are Color by class and Visible.
Colors
To define the color of some model objects, click View > Representation > Object representation.... The Color settings are:
Option
As is
Description The current color is used. If the object belongs to one of the object groups defined in the following rows, its color is defined by the settings that the object group in question has on that row.
Colors
Color by class Color by lot
Select color from the list. See also Colors (p. 166). All parts of the model are colored according to their Class property. See also Colors (p. 166). Parts belonging to different lots get different colors. See also Lotting (p. 183).
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Option
Color by phase Color by analysis type Color by analysis utility check Color by attribute
Description Parts belonging to different phases get different colors. See also Phases (p. 164). Displays parts according to the member analysis type. See also Member analysis type in the Analysis Manual. Displays parts according to the utilization ratio in analysis. See also Viewing analysis results in the Analysis Manual. Displays parts in different colors according to the values of a user-defined attribute.
Transparency
The Transparency settings are:
Option
As is
Description The current visibility. If the object belongs to any object group for which the visibility and color settings have been defined, the settings will be read from that object group.
Visible 50% transparent 70% transparent 90% transparent Hidden
Object is shown in the views. Transparent in rendered view.
Does not show in the views.
For color settings, see Colors (p. 145).
Object representation files

Tekla Structures saves object representation settings with filename extension *.rep in the current models attributes folder.
You can copy the object representation setting file to another models attributes folder. To make the object representation setting available to all models, copy the file to the system folder.
Tekla Structures searches for the object representation files in the standard search order. For more information, see Folder search order in the online help.
Object groups
Object groups are sets of rules with which you can group objects by selected properties and conditions. Use the object groups:
In view filter, to define which objects are displayed in the selected view. In select filter, to define which objects can be selected. In the Object Representation dialog box, to control the transparency and coloring of objects in all views.
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Topics
In the Project Status Visualization tool.
Creating object groups (p. 147) Object group files (p. 147)
Creating object groups

To create a new object group: 1. 2. 3. Click View > Representation > Object Representation... to open the dialog box. Select Create new group... in the list box in the Object group column, and the Object group - representation dialog box opens. Enter the name of the object group and click Save as.
4.
The object group you create is saved in the models attributes folder. See Object group files (p. 147). Click Add row to define a rule. Rule is based on selected Category, Property, Condition, and Value. See Object group rules (p. 148) for more information on creating rules. Use the Add row button to add rows for more rules. Use the Delete row and Delete all buttons when needed. When the set of rules is ready, click Save. Click Close. The new object group is shown in the Object representation dialog box.

5. 6. 7. 8.
Object group files

Filenames
Tekla Structures saves object group representation files with filename extension *.PObjGrp. Tekla Structures has three different object group types: view filter, selection filter, and object representation. All these use different object group files, so you cannot, for example, use selection filter object groups in the view filter.
Filename extension
Object group filename extensions depend on the purpose the group was created for:
Filename exten-sion *.PObjGrp *.VObjGrp *.SObjGrp

File location
Created in dialog box Object group - representation Object group - view filter Object group - select filter
Object groups are saved in the current models attributes folder.
To make an object group available in another model, copy its file to the attributes folder of the destination model. To make an object group available in all models, copy its file to the system folder.
You must restart Tekla Structures to apply the changes. Tekla Structures searches for the object group files in the default order. For more information, see Folder search order in the online help.
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A consistent naming policy for created object groups is important, as handling the object group files is done manually in the model, project, firm, and system folders.
Deleting an object group See also
To delete an object group, delete the object group representation file located in the attributes folder. Displaying and hiding objects (p. 143) Object representation settings (p. 143) Object group rules (p. 148)
Object group rules

In the object group dialog box, you can add, delete, and modify the rules on which the object group is based. The object group rules include the following options:
Column Checkboxes Parentheses
Options
Description
Select the checkbox to include the row in the rule. By default each new row is disabled.
empty () (( )) ((( )))

Part Component Bolt Weld Reinforcing bar Assembly Load Object
Use parentheses to create nested rules.
Category
Use the Object category with userdefined attributes or, for example, if you need to create a selection filter based on ID numbers.
Property
Various properties, depending on the selected category. Various conditions to define the rules.
You can use most of the available properties in the object group rules. All user-defined attributes are selectable too. Numeric, textual, and date properties all have different set of conditions.
Condition
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Column Value
Options Enter the value manually.
Description Enter the value to define the rule. You can use wildcards in the Value column. See Using wildcards (p. 160). See Using dates in the object group rules (p. 149). Select the value from the model by picking the object. For example, if you chose Part as Category, and Name as Property, by clicking a part in the model, you get its Name property in the object group rule.
Select date... Select from model...
And/Or
empty (= And)
And Or
Use the And/Or column when you create rules with several rows. An empty field is the same as if it had the And option selected.
To add a rule: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. In the object group dialog box, click Add row. Select Category from the list box. Select Property from the list box. Select Condition. Enter the value in the Value column, or select the value from the model. Add more rows and use And/Or column and parentheses to create more complex rules.
Using dates in the object group rules

To use date rules in the object groups: 1. 2. 3. 4. Open the Object group - representation dialog box and add a row to the group. Select, for example, Object in the Category column. Select, for example, user-defined attribute Actual erection date in the Property column. Select Condition. With date properties, you can use the following conditions:

5.
Equals Does not equal Later than Later than or equal Earlier than Earlier than or equal
In the Value column, click Select date... to open the Select date dialog box. The dialog box includes the following options:
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Option Date Review date
Description Select a date from the calendar. The date defined by the computer running Tekla Structures. This is the same as Review date in the Project Status Visualization dialog box.
day(s) before the review date day(s) after the review date 6.
See also
Define the number of days before/after the review date.
Select the date option and click OK.
Displaying and hiding objects (p. 143) Object representation settings (p. 143) Object groups (p. 146) Project status visualization (p. 186)
Object representation example

In this example, we create a visualization for parts with different value for the user-defined attribute Planned erection date. The parts will have the following colors:
Blue if the planned date is earlier than the review date. Green if the planned date is the same as the review date. Yellow if the planned date is one day after the review date. Red if the planned date is two days after the review date.
This is how the model looks with standard object representation settings:
To create object representation settings and object groups that define which objects should get the coloring defined above: 1. 2. Click Setup > Object representation... to open Object representation dialog box. Name the empty object representation, for example, as plan_test. By default, the object representation dialog box includes an object group All. Do not delete this group, but keep it last in the list. Click Add row to add a new row. Select the newly added row, and click Create new group... in the Object group list box. The Object group - representation dialog box opens.
3. 4.
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5. 6. 7.
Enter a name for the group, for example, plan_before_review_date. Click Save as. Modify the rule. This rule includes objects that have user-defined attribute Planned erection date set earlier than the review date.

8. 9.
Select Object in the Category column. Select Planned erection date in the Property column. Select Earlier than in the Condition column. Click Select date... in the Value list box and select Review date in the Select date dialog box and click OK. Click Save and Close. In the Object representation dialog box, select blue in the Color list box of the plan_before_review_date row and check that the object group is set to Visible. Repeat steps 3 to 9 and create three more object groups with different rules:
Object group plan_review_date, with the following rule: Object Planned erection date Equals Review date. Object group plan_one_day_after, with the following rule: Object Planned erection date Equals 1 day(s) after the review date. Object group plan_two_days_after, with the following rule: Object Planned erection date Equals 2 day(s) after the review date. For more information on creating rules with dates, see Using dates in the object group rules (p. 149).
10. When all object groups are created, set the color and visibility of the object groups, in the Object representation dialog box, to be the following:
11. Select Hidden in the Transparency column for the All object group and check that it is last in the list. 12. Click Save and Modify. The model is now shown with the defined colors:
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See also
Object representation settings (p. 143) Object groups (p. 146) Object group rules (p. 148) Project status visualization (p. 186)
5.5 Filter
Introduction
The Filter option is useful when you want to perform an operation on several objects or properties at the same time. This section describes the Selection and View filters.
Use the Selection Filter to avoid making errors when selecting objects. Use the View Filter to define which objects appear in each view. This is particularly useful for complicated models containing a large number of objects.
The view and selection filters are based on the object group functionality. Fore more information, see Object groups (p. 146).
View filter
Use the View filter to define which objects are displayed in a view, according to object properties. Work area, view depth, view setup, and the object representation settings also affect whether an object is visible. See Displaying and hiding objects (p. 143). To display the View filter dialog box: 1. 2. Double-click the view to open the View properties dialog box, or click View > View
Properties....
Click the Object group... button.
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Selection filter
Use the Selection Filter to define which objects can be selected. Tekla Structures also contains several switches that control whether you can select an object (see Controlling the selection (p. 38)).
To use the Selection Filter on an object, the object must be visible in the relevant view. See View filter (p. 152) for more information.
Selection filter dialog box

To display the Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box:
Click the Selection Filter icon click Edit > Selection Filter....
, or
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Use object properties to define whether or not an object can be selected. To use the Selection Filter dialog box that was available in previous versions, set the variable XS_USE_OLD_FILTERING to TRUE.
Using the variable XS_USE_OLD_FILTERING affects only the appearance of the dialog box. Internally Tekla Structures uses the new filters in all filtering.
See also
XS_USE_OLD_FILTERING
Standard selection filters

Tekla Structures contains several standard selection filters. The selection filter list box on the Selecting toolbar lists both standard and user-defined filters.
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To apply a filter, select one from the list. Standard filters always appear first on the list.
Converting old selection filters

The selection filter list box is divided into two parts:
New selection filters (file extension .SObjGrp), which you can use in selection filtering Old filters (file extension .msf)
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When you select an old filter, Tekla Structures automatically converts it to a new filter and saves the new filter. The old filter is then removed from the list box.
Defining your own filters

To define your own filters: 1. 2. 3. 4. , or click Edit > Selection Filter... to open the Object Click the Selection Filter icon Group - Selection Filter dialog box. Find a filter which has close to the same settings as you need. Modify the settings, then enter a new name in the Save as field. Click Save as, then OK to exit. You can now choose the new filter from the dropdown list.
To have the filters you define appear at the top of the list, right after the standard filter, use capital letters in the filter name.
Examples
The Selection Filter is very useful when using the drawing wizard to automatically create drawings. For example, if you only want to produce drawings of the beams in the model, use the Selection Filter to select them. Use the Selection Filter to select the parts you want to carry loads.
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Filtering techniques
Filter by multiple properties
You can define filters containing several properties. You can also have multiple filtering values for each property. If you use multiple values, separate the strings with blank spaces (for example, 12 5). If a value consists of multiple strings, enclose that particular value in quotation marks (for example, "custom panel"). By using conditions, parentheses, and the And/Or option you can create filters that can be as complex as needed.
When you create rules between objects that represent different categories, use the And option when possible to avoid potential problems with more complex rules.
Set filtering on
To set filtering on for a particular property, select the corresponding checkbox. The checkboxes define which rows of the filter are enabled and effective. In the following example, only the second row affects filtering:
Complement filtering Template properties
To use complement filtering (in other words, defining which parts not to select), select Does
not equal in the Condition column.
You can select objects according to template properties. To do this, select Template in the Category column, and then select the desired property in the Property column.
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In the Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box, use the following units for template properties, even when using the US Imperial environment:
mm for lengths mm2 for areas kg for weights degree for angles
To check which units Tekla Structures uses for certain template properties, use the Select from model... option in the Value column.
Assembly types
If the category you have selected is Assembly, the property you have selected is Assembly type, and you use the option Select from model... in the Value column, Tekla Structures returns the value as a number. The number indicates the type of assembly in question. The following table lists the numbers and the corresponding assembly types:
Value 0 1 2 3 6
See also
Assembly type precast cast in place steel timber miscellaneous
Using wildcards (p. 160)
Filtering examples
Beams and columns
To create a selection filter for beams and columns: 1. 2. Click Add row twice to add two new rows. Fill in the part names, BEAM and COLUMN.
To select the value directly from the model, click Select from model... and pick an object.
3.
Select the Or option. The filter is now looking for an object that has the Name BEAM or COLUMN.
The same result is accomplished if you write BEAM COLUMN in the Value column in the first row. If you use multiple values, you must separate the strings with blank spaces.
4.
Enter the filters name next to the Save as button, and click Save as.
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Phases
To create a selection filter for all parts in phases 1 and 2: 1. 2. 3. Click Add row. Fill in the part phases, 1 and 2. Separate the strings with a blank space. Enter the filters name next to the Save as button, and click Save as.
Complement filter
If you only want to select certain parts, use complement filter to filter out the remaining parts.
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Select switches also affect the selection of objects. See Controlling the selection (p. 38).
To create a filter that selects all parts except for those with the profile BL200*20: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Add row. Fill in the profile, BL200*20. In the Condition column, select Does not equal. Enter the filters name next to the Save as button, and click Save as.
Using wildcards
You can use wildcards to shorten filter strings. A wildcard is a symbol that stands for one or more characters. Tekla Structures uses the following wildcards:
Wildcard * (asterisk)
Description Matches any number or characters
Example HE* matches all parts with a profile name that begins with the characters "HE". You can also this symbol at the beginning of a word: *BRAC*.
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Wildcard ? (question mark)
Description Matches a single character
Example HE?400 matches parts with profile names such as HEA400, HEB400, and HEC400 L[78]X4X1/2 matches parts with the profile names L7X4X1/2 and L8X4X1/2
[ ] (square brackets)
Matches whatever is enclosed in the brackets
The characters * and ? can also be used in object names. If the object name you want to filter contains * or ?, enclose * or ? in square brackets. E.g., to find the profile P100*10, enter P100[*]10 in the filter field.
Filter in dialog boxes

The Filter also appears in many dialog boxes. In a Filter field you can enter characters from the name of the object you are looking for, and then click the Filter button to find the matching names. See also Using wildcards (p. 160).
5.6 Settings
In this section
This section explains how to modify various settings in Tekla Structures.
Units and decimals

To configure how units and decimals are input, output, stored and displayed, click Tools >
Options > Options... > Units and decimals. Update Input and output data
When you click OK in the Units and decimals dialog box, Tekla Structures updates the format of units and decimals in all open dialog boxes. Different types of data are separated onto three tabs in the Units and decimals dialog box. Input data appears on the Modeling and Catalogs tabs. Output data appears on the Analysis results tab (output data only relates to structural analysis).
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Modeling functions Catalogs No effect
The settings on the Modeling tab affect the data you use when using modeling commands, such as copy, move, create grid, create point, part location, and dimensions. Settings on the Catalogs tab affect the data stored in the profile and material catalogs. Settings in the Units and Decimals dialog box have no effect on drawings, reports, or the Inquire and Measure tools.
The number of decimals affects input and storage accuracy. Always use a sufficient number of decimals.
The decimal point symbol is always a period (.). It cannot be changed.

Exponent notation
You can use positive exponent notation, but not negative exponent notation.
Imperial units
You can input length in imperial units in the following ways:

Fractional notation
Inches in decimals (e.g. 300.5") Feet in decimals (e.g. 62.7') Fractional notation (e.g. 60'-6")
In fractional notation, all input is shown in feet (') and inches ("). If you are using imperial units and want to use fractions, you must use fractional notation.
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Mouse and pointer settings

You can configure your mouse and pointer settings to suit the way you work using:
Pan (p. 163) Drag and drop (p. 163) Xmouse (p. 163) Xsnap (p. 164) Rollover highlight (p. 164)
Pan
Pan toggles the function of the middle mouse button between panning and scrolling. To switch between scrolling and panning, click Tools > Options > Middle Button Pan, or press Shift+M.
Scrolling moves the viewer, and panning moves the model. Hold down the middle button and drag the pointer away from the origin of the object. To scroll faster, drag the pointer farther from the origin mark; drag closer to slow down. You can use Scroll and Pan when other commands are active.
Drag and drop

With Drag and drop active, you can use drag and drop to move or copy parts. You can also modify polygon shape using drag and drop. You cannot drag and drop components, component parts, bolts, or welds.
Activate
To toggle Drag and drop on and off, use the keystroke D, or Tools > Options > Drag and Drop. It remains active until you switch it off. Tekla Structures remembers this setting between sessions by user name.
To avoid accidentally dragging and dropping parts, de-activate drag and drop when you are not using it.
Smart Select
With both Drag and Drop and Smart Select active, you can drag and drop handles without selecting them first. To toggle SmartSelect on and off, use the keystroke S, or select Tools> Options > Smart Select. It remains active until you switch it off. Tekla Structures remembers this setting by session and user name.
Xmouse
With Xmouse active, moving the pointer over a view activates the view. Without Xmouse you have to click on a view to activate it. To toggle Xmouse on or off, click Tools > Options > Xmouse. A checkmark appears next to the menu option if Xmouse is already active.
Using Xmouse
Xmouse is useful when you are using two views that partly overlap. See the following examples:
If you want to pick beam positions from two overlapping views, with Xmouse active you simply move the pointer over the view to activate it. With Xmouse active, you can also use the Page Up, Page Down and arrow keys in overlapping views, without having to click a view to activate it first. See Moving the model in the view window (p. 128).
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Xsnap
Xsnap helps you to snap to the correct points by giving you visual cues. As you move the pointer
over an object, Tekla Structures automatically highlights the points it suggests you snap to.
Activate
To toggle Xsnap on and off, use the keystroke T or Tools > Options > Xsnap. It will stay active until you turn it off. Tekla Structures remembers this setting by session and user name.
Snap switches
Use snap switches to control the kind of items to which the cursor reacts. See Specifying points (p. 33).
Rollover highlight
As you move the mouse pointer over objects in rendered model views, Tekla Structures highlights the objects in yellow, so that you can easily see which objects you can select.
Activate
To turn Rollover highlight on and off, press H or click Tools > Options > Rollover highlight.
Phases
In Tekla Structures, you can use phases to break up a model into different sections. Phases are often used to indicate erection sequences. You can create reports and views, hide objects, and copy objects from other models, according to their phase number.
Example
For example, you have a large project on which several users will work simultaneously in singleuser mode. First create a basic model which includes, for example, the columns. This is phase 1. You then copy this basic model to all users. Each user then works on a separate part of the building. As each part of the model is completed, you can copy it back to the basic model as a separate phase (phase 2, 3, etc.).
Working with phases
To work with phases, click Tools > Phase Manager.... The Phase manager dialog box appears.
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The following table explains how to use the buttons in the Phases dialog box.
Button
Filter Set current
Description Lists the phases by the number and/or name criteria you enter. See Filter in dialog boxes (p. 161). Makes the selected phase the current phase. Tekla Structures assigns all objects you create after setting a phase to current to the current phase. The @ character in front of the phase number indicates the current phase. Highlights the phases associated with the objects currently selected in the model. Use this button to identify the phase of an object. Creates a new phase. Deletes the phases you select from the list. Selects and highlights the corresponding objects in the model if you have selected associated phases on the list. Changes the phases of the selected objects to the phase selected on the list.
Select by objects
Add Delete Select by phase
Modify phase
Additional properties
You can add more phase properties, which will appear as extra columns on the list. Tekla Structures considers phase properties to be user-defined attributes, so you can define the names of phase properties in the objects.inp file. See Adding properties. To use phase properties in reports and templates, use the syntax PHASE.ATTRIBUTE_NAME in the phase property field name.
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Options
Use the Components dialog box to set various default values for numbering, coefficients, profile names and connections. To open the Components dialog box, click Tools > Options > Options... > Components.
To save your settings, click Apply or OK.

See also
Preferences in the online help Orientation marking settings in the online help
Colors
You can specify the color of some model objects by defining their class with a number. You can also use the object representation settings to specify colors for defined object groups. For more information, see Object representation settings (p. 143). You have the following color options:
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Color black light gray or white red bright green blue cyan yellow magenta gray pink lime aqua lilac orange light blue
Number
1 2 or 0 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
You may also need to use the numbers of colors with some variables, for example XS_CLASH_CHECK_COLOR. For more information, see the online help.
General settings
Tekla Structures also includes the following general settings:
Snap grid
Use Snap grid when picking a point using the Snap to any position snap switch. See Specifying points (p. 33). To define a snap grid, click Tools > Options > Options... > Mouse settings. Enter the following information:
Field Activate snap grid when free snap is on

Spacing x, y Origin dx, dy
Description Check to make the snap grid active.
Snap grid spacing Offsets for grid origin
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Beep
With this switch active, Tekla Structures warns you with a beep when an error occurs. Click Tools > Options > Beep to toggle this switch on and off.
5.7 Numbering
This section explains how to change numbering settings and apply numbering in Tekla Structures.
Numbering settings
To open the Numbering Setup dialog box, click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings...:
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You can use various numbering options:
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Option
Renumber all Reuse old numbers
Action if checked Tekla Structures renumbers all parts. All information on previous numbers is lost. Tekla Structures reuses numbers assigned to parts that have subsequently been deleted. These numbers may be used to number new or modified parts. If a separate standard part model has been set up, Tekla Structures compares the parts in the current model to those in the standard part model. If the part to be numbered is identical to a part in the standard model, Tekla Structures assigns it the number of the part in the standard model.
Check for standard parts
New parts
Options when numbering new parts:
Option
Compare to old Take new number
Action A new part gets the same number as a previously numbered similar part. A new part gets a number not used in previous numbering, even if a similar numbered part already exists.
Modified parts
Options when numbering modified parts:
Option
Compare to old Take new number Keep number if possible
Action Same as for new parts (above) Same as for new parts (above) Modified part maintains its previous number if possible.
Always carry out full numbering on the model after you have changed numbering settings. See Number All Partsthe online help.
Family numbering
With family numbering you can group objects within the same numbering series into different families. When you use family numbering, the cast unit position numbers consist of family number and qualifier. For example:
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Family number Qualifier

See also
The family number is the same for assemblies and cast units which match the criteria you define in the Numbering setup dialog box. Assemblies or cast units which have the same family number but different exact geometry or materials get unique qualifier numbers.
Assigning family numbers for series (p. 171) Assigning family numbers for parts (p. 173)
Assigning family numbers for series

On the Family numbering tab, you can assign family numbers for series. For example, the following two beams both have the numbering series prefix B:
Assembly position: B/1 Assembly position: B/2 The beams are otherwise similar, but the connections used are different. To assign family numbering for the series:
Usage
1. 2.
Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings... to open the Numbering Setup dialog box. On the Family numbering tab, click Add series to open the Add series dialog box, which lists all the assembly and cast unit numbering series in the model.
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3.
Select the numbering series B/1 and click Add. The numbering series appears in the family numbering list.
4.
Use the Compare section of the dialog box to define what to compare for the numbering series. Define the compare criteria for each numbering series separately. a Select at least one checkbox, but not all of them. b If you select all checkboxes, the family number will be the same as the normal assembly position, and the qualifier number will be 1 for all. If you do not select any checkboxes, only one family number per series is assigned. Click Apply or OK. Update the numbering in the model. Tekla Structures assigns the beams family numbering.
5. 6. 7.
Result
Tekla Structures considers beams different according to the compare criteria you defined, and they get different family numbers:
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Assembly position: B/1-1 Assembly position: B/2-1
Assigning family numbers for parts

To assign a family number and/or family qualifier for parts:
Usage
1. 2. 3. 4.
Select the objects whose family numbers you want to change. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Change Number > Family Number.... In the Assign Family Number dialog box, enter the desired values in the Family number and Family qualifier fields. Click Assign.
Assembly position numbers

You can sort the order in which assemblies are given their position numbers. To do this, use the options in the Numbering Setup dialog box:
You can sort the position numbers in ascending or descending order.
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The sort order can be based on the following criteria:
The x, y or z coordinates of the main part of the assembly. The user-defined attribute of an assembly. The user-defined attribute of the main part.
If your sorting is based on user-defined attributes, Tekla Structures displays a list box that includes all the available user-defined attributes.
When sorting by x, y or z coordinates, the sorting is based on the center of gravity of the reference axis.
Sorting by user-defined attributes or by location does not affect the part position.
If you add new parts, already numbered objects are not renumbered to suit the sorting order by, for example, the x coordinate. In this case you should renumber the parts.
See also
Numbering Settings...
Numbering examples
Part numbers
This example explains how different numbering settings result in different part numbers when you modify a part. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Create three identical beams with the numbering series prefix P and start number 1. Number the model. All the beams have the part position number P1. Modify one of the beams. Number the model. You should now have two beams P1 and one P2. Change beam P2 to be identical to the others. Number the model.
Tekla Structures assigns different part position numbers to this part, according to which numbering settings you used, as follows:

Project phases
Compare to old: P1 Keep number if possible: P2 Take new number: P3
When you start modeling a project, the required numbering settings may be totally different from what they are after the project has been issued for the first time and you start revising the model.
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To control numbering settings on different phases of the project, create pre-defined numbering settings for the different phases of the project. Save the settings with the Save as button. For example:
Phase 1 - Stick modeling Doing only modeling before any drawings are released. At this stage you may even want to select Renumber all, or at least Re-use old numbers. Phase 2 - Drawing issue When the first set of drawings is issued, but modeling continues, you may want to minimize the effects to already issued drawings. You can do this for example by selecting Keep number if possible in the Modified list box.
Phase 3 - Revisions At some point the project is more or less finalized, and any changes to the model should be handled in a different way than before. You may want to take a new number for all modified parts, not comparing them to any of the existing parts. To do this, select Take a new number in the Modified list box.
When you reach the next step in a project, you can load pre-defined settings, and then save them as standard. This way the standard settings are always automatically loaded from that point on when someone opens the model.
Applying numbering
When you apply numbering, Tekla Structures assigns marks to parts and assemblies. Numbering is carried out according to the settings in the Numbering Setup dialog box (see Numbering settings (p. 168)).
Pop-marking Example Interrupt numbering Log file
Pop-marking for NC files also affects numbering. When pop-marking is activepop-marks, Tekla Structures will assign different numbers to identical parts if they have different pop marks. Two main parts in different assemblies are identical, apart from a difference in the position of the plates welded to them. In this case, Tekla Structures assigns them different numbers. You can safely interrupt numbering before it is complete by clicking Cancel in the dialog box Tekla Structures displays while it is running. If you interrupt numbering, parts and assemblies retain their original numbers. Click Tools > Display Log File > Numbering History... for a report showing the numbering history.
For information on how to interpret the log file, see Log files in the online help.
Applying numbering
To apply numbering, click Drawings & Reports > Numbering. You have the following options:
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Option
Number Modified Objects Number All Parts Change Number Clear Numbers Save Preliminary Numbers Assign Control Numbers... Lock/Unlock Control Numbers
Result Assigns marks to all modified and new parts and assemblies. Assigns marks to all parts and assemblies. Changes final position number. Deletes position numbers. Saves current part position number as preliminary marks for selected parts. Assigns control numbers to parts. Locks or unlocks control numbers. See Locking and unlocking control numbers (p. 176).
Assigning control numbers to parts

Control numbers are properties that identify the location of parts in a model. Use the Create control numbers (S9) macro to assign control numbers to parts. You can have Tekla Structures assign consecutive control numbers to all parts in the model, to selected parts, or only to parts in a specific numbering series. Each part gets a unique control number. To display control numbers in drawings, reports, or when you use the Tools > Inquire > Object command, select the property, ACN.
For more information on how to use this tool, see the online help.
See also
To find out how to display control numbers in drawings, see User-defined attributes in marks in the Drawing Manual. Locking and unlocking control numbers (p. 176)
Locking and unlocking control numbers

To prevent Tekla Structures from renumbering the control numbers of all parts in the model, or of specific parts, use the Lock/Unlock control numbers tool. To lock or unlock control numbers: 1. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Lock/Unlock control numbers:
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2.
To define which parts control numbers to lock or unlock:

3. 4.
To lock or unlock the control numbers of all parts, do not select any parts in the model OR To lock or unlock the control numbers of specific parts, select the parts in the model. Select Lock or Unlock in the Status list box. Click Apply, then Create.
The user-defined attribute ACN_STATUS tells you if a parts control number is locked or unlocked. For more information on control numbers, see Assigning control numbers to parts (p. 176).
5.8 Tools
Introduction
This section describes various tools in Tekla Structures that help you to model more effectively, as well as tools that you can use to check a model and prepare it for fabrication.
Snapping
Tekla Structures includes many tools you can use alone or together with other tools to snap to specific locations. These tools are:
Snap switches (p. 33) Numeric snapping (p. 177) Orthogonal snapping (p. 178) Tracking (p. 179) Temporary reference points (p. 179)
See also Snapping examples (p. 179).
Numeric snapping
Use the Enter a numeric location toolbar to key in position coordinates you want to snap to.
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To display the toolbar, initiate a command that requires you to pick positions, and then do one of the following:
Start entering the coordinates using the keyboard. Click Tools > Enter a Numeric Location and select an option. To access additional options, click Tools > Options > Shortcuts > Enter a Numeric Location.
The following table explains the types of information you can enter.
You can enter Cartesian coordinates
Description/Example The x, y, and z coordinates of a position separated by commas, e.g. 100,-50,-200. A distance, an angle on the xy plane, and an angle from the xy plane separated by angle brackets, e.g. 1000<90<45. Angles increase in the counterclockwise direction.
Special character , (comma)
Polar coordinates
<
Absolute coordinates
The coordinates based on the origin of the work plane. The coordinates relative to the last position picked, e.g. @1000,500 or @500<30. A distance to an indicated direction. If you omit the last coordinate (z) or angle, Tekla Structures assumes that the value is 0. In drawings, Tekla Structures ignores the third coordinate.
Set with the variable XS_KEYIN_ABSO LUTE_PREFIX Set with the variable XS_KEYIN_RELA TIVE_PREFIX
Relative coordinates
One value Two coordinates Three coordinates
After you enter the coordinates, press Enter or click OK to snap to the position.
Snapping mode See also
Tekla Structures has two snapping modes, relative and absolute. Use the variable XS_KEYIN_DEFAULT_MODE to indicate the default snapping mode. XS_KEYIN_ABSOLUTE_PREFIX XS_KEYIN_RELATIVE_PREFIX
Orthogonal snapping
Use the shortcut O (Tools > Ortho) to snap to positions in orthogonal directions on the work plane (0, 45, 90, 135, 180 degrees, etc.). To control orthogonal snapping, use the variables XS_SEMI_ORTHO_ANGLE and XS_USE_SEMI_ORTHO. For more information, see Appendix C, Variables, in the System Manual.
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Tracking
Tracking means that you follow a line and pick a point at a specified distance along the line. You usually use tracking in combination with other snapping tools, such as snap switches, or orthogonal and numeric snapping. See also Snapping examples (p. 179).
Temporary reference points

You can create a temporary reference point to use as a local origin when snapping in models or drawings. 1. 2. 3. Initiate a command that requires you to pick positions. Hold down the Ctrl key and pick a position. A green cross indicates that this position is now a temporary reference point. Use this temporary reference point with snap tools to define directions and distances.
See also Snapping examples (p. 179).
Snapping examples
When you have snap switches on and you use a command that requires you to pick positions, the mouse pointer locks onto a snap point. Tekla Structures displays a magenta line between the last point picked and the snap point.
You can track along the line towards a snap point, and use the Enter a numeric location toolbar to specify the distance from the last point picked. You can also track along an orthogonal direction. See Orthogonal snapping (p. 178). In the illustration below, we snapped to a grid line midpoint and tracked along the tentative line for 1000 units.
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You can also track beyond the snap point, for example, 4000 units from the last point picked.
Track in the opposite direction by entering a negative value, for example, -1000.
Reference points
In this example, we create a beam using a grid line midpoint as a temporary reference point and tracking along an orthogonal direction (shown as green dashed line) for 500 units. Click OK, and Tekla Structures creates the beam along the magenta line.
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Locking coordinates
You can lock the x, y, and x coordinates on a line. This is useful when you need to determine a point to pick and the needed point does not exist on the line. To lock the x coordinate, for example, press x on the keyboard. To unlock the coordinate, press x again.
Exact lines
With fast representation of parts, use View > Representation > Show Part with Exact Lines to display selected parts with exact lines. Click View > Redraw All to clear the exact lines effect. 1. 2. 3. Select the parts. Click View > Representation > Show Part with Exact Lines. Click the window in which you want to display exact lines.
You can also right-click on the selected parts and choose Exact lines.
See Display in the online help for more on drawing techniques.
Hide lines
Use this command to display hidden lines in selected parts in wire frame views. Click View >
Redraw All to clear the hidden lines effect.
The options in Tools > Options > Options... > General determine the way Tekla Structures displays hidden lines:
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Option No dotted
Example
Other parts dotted
All parts dotted
Solid bolts
No solid bolts
To display hidden lines: 1. 2. 3. Select the parts. Click View > Show > Hidden Lines. Click the window in which you want to display the hidden lines
You can also right-click a part, then click Hide Lines. Using this option there is no need to click the window to make it active.
Hide parts
You can quickly hide selected parts from a view. For example, you could use this feature in complex connections, to temporarily hide parts in order to see the parts behind them. 1. 2. Select the parts to hide. Right-click and select Hide.

3.
See also
By default, hide changes parts to sticks To completely hide parts, use the Shift key with the hide command. To make parts visible, use the command View > Redraw All or right-click the parts and select Show with Exact Lines.
View properties (p. 56)
Show component
Use Show component to display the contents of selected components (parts, bolts, etc.), even if Visibility in components is not checked in the View properties dialog box.
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If Visibility in components is not checked for the parts within the components, they are visible when you create them. When you redraw the view window, they are no longer visible. To use Show component: 1. 2. Click View > Representation > Show Component Content. Click a component symbol or select an area.
Show assembly
Use Show assembly to display the actual contents of a selected assembly, even if some objects are hidden in a view: 1. 2. 3. Click a part. Right-click a part. Select Show assembly from the pop-up menu.
Tekla Structures displays all parts, bolts, welds, cuts, fittings, and other details belonging to the assembly, even if they were hidden in the view properties.
Lotting
Lots are consignments of assemblies for transporting to site. You can use lot names and numbers in reports. To use lotting: Click Tools > Lotting to open Lotting dialog box. This displays the properties of existing lots. Lots can be changed.
Creating a lot
To create a lot: 1. 2. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Tekla Structures lists the existing lots. Click Properties to display the Lot properties dialog box.
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Enter new lot number here 3. 4. 5. Enter new lot number, and then enter a number in Current lot, Number and ensure Number is checked. Enter a the maximum weight of the lot in Max weight. Click Add. You now have an empty lot. To add parts to the lot see Adding parts to an existing lot (p. 184).
Adding parts to an existing lot

To add parts to a lot: 1. 2. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Click an existing lot on the list. Tekla Structures highlights the parts included in the lot. The total weight of the lot and the number of assemblies it contains in are displayed under Applied values. To add parts to an existing lot, use the Shift key and select the part(s). Click Apply selected. Tekla Structures displays the weight and number of the parts you add under Current values. Click OK to close the dialog box. When you re-open the lotting dialog box, the Applied values include the weight and number of the parts you added. Tekla Structures displays a warning message when the weight limit of the lot is exceeded.
3. 4. 5.
Always use the Shift key when adding parts to an existing lot. If you simply select parts you will overwrite the contents of the lot. You cannot select parts contained in other lots.
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Deleting parts from an existing lot

To delete parts from a lot: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Click an existing lot on the list. Tekla Structures highlights the parts included in the lot. Hold down the Ctrl key and select each part to remove. Click Apply to remove the parts from the lot. Click OK to exit the Lotting dialog box.
Deleting an existing lot

To delete an existing lot: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box. Click Properties. Click an existing lot on the list. Click the Delete key.
Sequencer
Use Sequencer to name sequences and assign incremental numbers to parts. There are many uses for the Sequencer, including defining erection sequences. You can define several sequences for different purposes. You can include the same parts in several sequences at the same time. The Sequencer works by assigning user-defined attributes to parts. So you can use the Sequencer to create user-defined attributes when you only need to use numeric values. With Sequencer you can also assign numeric values to existing user-defined attributes.
Creating a report
To include the sequence number in reports, enter the sequence name in the text field. You can also use the sequence number in a report by entering the sequence name in the table part row.
To create a list showing all the parts belonging to a sequence, use the following rule in a row or intermediate row in the Template Editor:
if(curr("SEQUENCENAME") != 0) then do()
Checking the sequence value

You can check the name and number of a sequence using the Inquire object command. To do this, the sequence name must appear as a user-defined attribute in the objects.inp file. For more information, see Adding properties in the System Manual.
Using Sequencer
Click Tools > Sequencer to open a dialog box displaying existing sequences. You can enter the following information:
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Option Sequence name
Description If you want to assign values for existing user-defined attributes with the sequencer, enter exactly the same name as in the objects.inp file. For example, PRELIM_MARK for preliminary marks. The highest number to use in the sequence. Objects are numbered from 1 up. If you select an object that has already been included in a sequence, Tekla Structures prompts if you want to override the existing number. If you click Yes, Tekla Structures gives the next available number to the object. Deletes the sequence. If there is only one sequence in the list, the name of the empty sequence remains.
Max number
Delete
Creating a new sequence

To create a new sequence: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Click Tools > Sequencer to display the Sequencer properties dialog box. Enter the Sequence name. Click OK or Apply. Select the parts you want to include in the sequence. The first part gets the sequence number 1, the second, number 2, etc. Finish adding parts to the sequence with the Interrupt or Esc key. The Sequencer
properties dialog box closes.
Adding parts to a sequence

To add parts to an existing sequence: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Tools > Sequencer to display the Sequencer properties dialog box. Click the Sequence name. Select the parts you want to add to the sequence. Finish adding parts to the sequence with the Interrupt or Esc key. The Sequencer
properties dialog box closes.
Project status visualization

Use the project status visualization tool to review the status of the objects in the model, in specific time frame, for example:
Display the erection schedule for groups of parts using colors. Identify the parts that are scheduled to be fabricated during a specific time period.
To create project status visualizations, you need predefined object representation settings which include object groups based on date rules. For more information, see Object representation settings (p. 143) and Creating object groups (p. 147).
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The 4D tool is included in the Project Management configuration only.
Usage
To use the project status visualization tool: 1. Click Tools > Project Status Visualization... to open the Project Status Visualization dialog box. You have the following options: Description By default, the current date. Change by selecting a new date in the calendar, by stepping backward or forward with the buttons, or by moving the slider.
Step buttons
Field
Review date
More information
Enter the time step in days. Use the backward and forward buttons to change the review date as many days as the time step defines. Move the slider to change the review date. Select the start and end date for the slider. Select object representation settings from the list box. Click Edit to modify the existing settings. Object representation settings (p. 143)
Time scale
Scale start Scale end Object representation
Refresh view automatically
Select the checkbox to automatically refresh the model view when you click the Step buttons, or use the slider. (To manually refresh the model view, click the Refresh button.)
Refreshing the screen display (p. 60) in the online help
Reporting
Create reports based on the latest time step or on the review date project status.
Printing reports in the online help
2. 3. 4.
Select the object representation settings from the list box. Select the Review date. Enter the time step.
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5. 6. 7. 8.
Select Scale start and Scale end. Select the Refresh view automatically checkbox. Click Save to save the properties. Use project status visualization tool by clicking the step buttons.
For more information on how to use project status visualization tool, see Project status visualization example (p. 188).
Project status visualization files

Tekla Structures saves the project status visualization settings with filename extension *.4d in the current models attributes folder.
You can copy the *.4d file to another models attributes folder. To make the *.4d file available to all models, copy the file to the system folder. Include also a copy of the object representation file (filename extension .rep) and object group files (filename extension .PObjGrp) when copying the *.4d file to the attributes or system folder to have all the files working correctly. For more information, see Object representation files (p. 146) and Object group files (p. 147).
Tekla Structures searches for the *.4d files in the standard search order. For more information, see Folder search order in the online help.
See also
Project status visualization example (p. 188) Displaying and hiding objects (p. 143) Object representation settings (p. 143) Object groups (p. 146)
Project status visualization example

In this example, we visualize when parts are erected. The project status visualization is based on object representation settings including an object group rule for the user-defined attribute Planned erection date. This is how the model looks with the standard object representation settings:
Object representation settings
To define which objects are shown in the model: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click View > Representation > Object representation... to open Object representation dialog box. Enter a name for the object representation settings. Click Add row to add a new row. Select the newly added row, and click Create new group... in the Object group list box.
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5. 6. 7.
In the Object group - representation dialog box, enter a name for the group, for example, "plan_same_or_before_review_date". Click Save as. Modify the rule. This rule should include all objects that have the user-defined attribute Planned erection date earlier than or equal to the review date.

8. 9.
Select Object in the Category column. Select Planned erection date in the Property column. Select Earlier than or equal in the Condition column. Click Select date... in the Value list box and select Review date in the Select date dialog box and click OK. Save the object group and click Close. In the Object representation dialog box, select Color by class for the new object group in the Color list box and check that the row is set to Visible.
10. Set the All object group to last, and select Hidden:
11. Click Save.

Project status visualization
To use the object representation settings in the project status visualization tool: 1. 2. Click Tools > Project Status Visualization... to open the Project Status Visualization dialog box. Modify the properties (the image below shows the Review date and other properties according to this example):
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3.
Click the step buttons to change the Review date and to view the changes in the model. The images below show how the objects are shown when you click the step button. The object group rule defines the visibility of the objects based to the time steps:
Review date 01/11/2006
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See also
Project status visualization (p. 186) Displaying and hiding objects (p. 143) Object representation settings (p. 143)
Screenshot
Use Screenshot to capture dialog boxes, views, or the entire Tekla Structures window. Tekla Structures saves the screenshot as a bitmap in the current model folder. This can be a useful tool. You can use screenshots in posters, brochures, or other material to show projects carried out using Tekla Structures. Tekla Structures technical support staff may ask you for a screenshot if you contact them with a question.
Function keys
Use the following function keys to create screenshots:
Key F9 F10 F11 F12

Print screenshot High resolution
Action Captures entire Tekla Structures windows Captures the last dialog box displayed Captures the active view Captures the active view, without borders
Select the Tools > Screenshot > Print Screenshot switch to have Tekla Structures automatically print out the screenshot. If you need high resolution screenshots, use the command Tools > Screenshot > Custom.... Tekla Structures opens a dialog box where you can define the properties of a screenshot, as follows:
From which view to take the screenshot Filename Include or omit view borders DPI, size, background color, line properties (only for rendered views)
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5.9 Settings and tools reference

This section consists of reference pages explaining how to change program settings and use many of the tools in Tekla Structures. To change settings and use the tools, select commands from the Edit menu, Drawings & Reports menu, and Tools menu. The following table lists the commands and gives a short description of each one:
Command
Copy Special > Linear
Icon
Description Creates copies of selected object(s) at a specified distance from the original. Creates copies of selected object(s), either rotated around a line you specify on a work plane, or around the work plane z axis. Creates a mirrored copy of selected object(s) through a plane you specify. Creates a copy of selected object(s) on another plane, which you specify by picking three points. Creates a copy of model objects in phases you specify. Moves selected object(s) to a new position at a specified distance from the original. Rotates selected object(s) either around a line you specify on a work plane, or around the work plane z axis. Mirrors selected object(s) using a line you specify. Moves selected object(s) to another plane, which you specify by picking three points. Deletes selected object(s). Divides one part into two parts. Combines two parts into one. Displays the properties of the selected object. Undoes the previous command(s).
Copy Special > Rotate
Copy Special > Mirror
Copy Special > To Another Plane Copy Special > From Another Model Move Special > Linear
Move Special > Rotate
Move Special > Mirror
Move Special > To Another Plane Delete
Split
Combine
Properties... Undo
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Command
Redo
Icon
Description Redoes actions previously undone. Defines the numbering settings. Assigns part position numbers to the parts and assemblies modified after previous numbering. Assigns part position numbers to all parts and assemblies. Changes final part position numbers. Has different commands for parts, assemblies, and multinumbers. Deletes assigned part position numbers. Saves part position numbers as preliminary marks for selected parts. Assigns control numbers to parts. Displays the Screenshot dialog box, which you can use to set screenshot properties and take a screenshot from a selected view.
Numbering Settings...
Number Modified Objects Number All Parts
Change Number
Clear Numbers Save Preliminary Numbers Assign Control Numbers Screenshot
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Advanced Modeling
Introduction Contents
This chapter introduces the advanced modeling techniques available in Tekla Structures. It also includes some modeling tips. This section includes the following topics: Sketching and using cross sections (p. 195) Parametric modeling (p. 212) Warping, cambering, and shortening parts (p. 214) Modeling tips (p. 217)
6.1 Sketching and using cross sections

Tekla Structures includes a cross section sketch editor, which you can use to create your own profile cross sections. Sketched cross sections are parametric, so you can change their dimensions each time you use them in a model. The Sketching toolbar is embedded in the Cross section sketch editor. It contains the tools you need to define and save cross sections:
This section explains how to create and edit your own cross sections, and use them in models. It contains the following topics:
Sketching cross sections (p. 196) Using constraints to lock cross section shape (p. 197) Defining chamfers (p. 199) Adding dimensions to cross sections (p. 199) Using planes to position parts and connections (p. 200) Using variables to define cross section properties (p. 201)
TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Advanced Modeling
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Creating a picture of a cross section (p. 205) Naming, saving, and closing cross sections (p. 205) Testing your cross section (p. 205) Modifying sketched cross sections (p. 206) Extruding sketched polyline (p. 207) Using sketched cross sections in models (p. 209) Importing and exporting sketches (p. 209) Sketching tools (p. 210)
Sketching cross sections

To sketch a cross section: 1. Click Modeling > Profiles > Define Cross Section in Sketch Editor.... Tekla Structures opens the:

2.
Cross Section Sketch Editor View and Sketching toolbar Variables and Sketch Browser dialog boxes
Use the following tools on the Sketching toolbar to sketch the outline of a cross section, and holes in the cross section:
Command
Sketch polyline
Icon
Description Sketch lines. Sketch an arc. Sketch a circle.
Sketch arc
Sketch circle
Ensure that you create a closed shape:
Try to start sketching at a point that is easy to pick, such as a gridline intersection. If necessary, use the Coincident constraint tool to close it.
Next you need to add constraints and dimensions, and save your sketch. See:
Using constraints to lock cross section shape (p. 197) Adding dimensions to cross sections (p. 199) Naming, saving, and closing cross sections (p. 205)
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Tekla Structures will not save a cross section that does not have dimensions.
Using constraints to lock cross section shape

After you have sketched the outline of a cross section, use the constraint tools to refine your sketch and lock the shape, for example, to straighten lines, create 90 angles, force lines to meet, and close the shape. The Sketching toolbar includes the following tools to create constraints:
Command
Sketch radial dimension
Icon
Description Creates a radial constraint for an arc or circle. Creates an angle constraint for an arc or circle. Force a line to be parallel to another line. Force a line to be perpendicular to another line. Force two lines to meet (extends or shortens one or both lines.) Useful when you need to close a shape. Tekla Structures automatically creates coincident constraints:
Sketch angle dimension
Parallel constraint
Perpendicular constraint Coincident constraint
Where 2 lines meet Between line segments when you draw them with the Sketch polyline tool. Between the start of the first line segment and the end of the last line segment in a shape, if they are within a certain distance of each other.
Fixed constraint
Locks the position and angle of a line, so that other constraints do not affect it.
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Command
Horizontal constraint
Icon
Description Force a line in the sketch to be parallel to the local x axis. Use with other constraints to straighten the entire profile. Tekla Structures automatically creates horizontal constraints for horizontal lines, and lines that are almost horizontal.
Vertical constraint
Force a line in the sketch to be parallel to the local y axis. Use with other constraints to straighten the entire profile. Tekla Structures automatically creates vertical constraints for vertical lines, and lines that are almost vertical.
See the online help for a step-by-step example on using these tools.
See also
Sketching cross sections (p. 196) You can choose to create chamfers in your cross section. Then you need to add dimensions, and save your sketch. See:
Defining chamfers (p. 199) Adding dimensions to cross sections (p. 199) Naming, saving, and closing cross sections (p. 205)
Tekla Structures will not save a cross section that does not have dimensions.
Deleting constraints
To delete a constraint: 1. 2. 3. Click the Sketch Browser icon . Select the constraint in the Sketch Browser dialog box. Right-click and select Delete from the pop-up menu:
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Defining chamfers
When you use the Create polyline tool to sketch a profile, Tekla Structures automatically creates coincident constraints between the line segments and displays a chamfer symbol where line segments meet .
To change the shape or dimensions of a chamfer: 1. 2. For each chamfer you want to change, double-click the chamfer symbol in the sketch. Tekla Structures opens the Chamfer properties dialog box. Change the shape and dimensions of the chamfer.
Select chamfer shape Enter chamfer dimensions 3. 4. 5. Click Modify to modify the chamfer. Click OK to close the Chamfer properties dialog box. Click the Save sketch icon to save the changes.
Adding dimensions to cross sections

After you have sketched a parametric cross section, use the dimension constraint tools on the Sketching tool bar to create dimensions for it. You can use these dimensions to define the size of the profile cross section when you use it in a model. Tekla Structures also adds the dimensions you create to the list of variables that you can use in calculations. See Using variables to define cross section properties (p. 201).
Tekla Structures will not save a parametric cross section that does not have dimension constraints.
The Sketching toolbar includes the following tools to create dimensions.
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Command
Sketch free distance
Icon
Description Creates a dimension between any two points. Creates a horizontal dimension. Creates a vertical dimension.
Sketch horizontal distance Sketch vertical distance
Using planes to position parts and connections

By default, Tekla Structures determines the position of parts using the outline of the part or connection, together with the options you select in the Positions section of the Position tab in the part properties dialog box. For example, the Middle option positions a part based on the geometric center of the part profile. See also Part location (p. 82).
Part positioning planes
You can have Tekla Structures use part positioning planes instead of the part profile outline to calculate the On plane and At Depth part position options. For example, you can create part positioning planes that define the Middle option of an asymmetrical profile:
Part positioning planes Middle option based on the intersection of part positioning planes, not part outline The part positioning planes appear as blue lines in the Cross section sketch editor view.
Connection positioning planes
Tekla Structures uses connection positioning planes to define the position of components relative to parts. Connection positioning planes appear as green lines in the Cross section sketch editor view. The following image shows the default connection positioning planes and locations where you can place details when the part is a double tee slab created as sketched cross section.
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The green line illustrates the default connection positioning planes When creating a detail to the slab, select the detail location using the following checkboxes on the General tab in the component dialog box.
If you want to place details as in the image below, you need to move connection positioning planes.
Tools
The Sketching toolbar includes the following tools to define positioning planes:
Command
Show or hide part positioning planes
Icon
Description Allows you to move part positioning planes. When you use the profile in a model, the On plane and At depth part position options are based on these planes, not the outline of the profile. Allows you to move connection positioning planes.
Show or hide connection positioning planes
Using variables to define cross section properties

You can define variables to define the properties of a sketched cross section. Variables can define fixed properties, or they can include formulas, so that Tekla Structures calculates the property value each time you use the profile in a model. For example, you can create a variable that calculates a dimension:
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The Sketching toolbar includes the following tools to create and use variables:
Command
Display variables
Icon
More information View, add or change variables in parametric model objects, including sketched cross sections. Works the same way as Display variables in the Custom component editor.
Display sketch browser
Opens the sketch browser, which shows the elements in a sketched parametric cross section. Works in the same way as Custom component browser.
Example: Symmetric C
This example shows how to use the Variables dialog box and Sketch Browser. We create a symmetric C-shaped cross section with b1 = b2 and h2 = h3. When you use the profile in the model, you can change the following dimensions:
Thickness (P1) Total height (h1) Height (h2) Width (b1)
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First, create the cross section and distances: 1. 2. 3. Click Modeling > Profiles > Define Cross Section in Sketch Editor... to open the sketch editor. Use the Sketch polyline command to create a C-shaped cross section. Use the Sketch horizontal distance and Sketch vertical distance commands to create all distances. All the created distances are automatically displayed in the Variables dialog box.
To change the distance value, click the Formula cell and enter a new value. To make the profile symmetric, type =h2 in the Formula cell of distance h3 and =b1 of distance b2.
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Distances from the sketch Add this parameter to enter varying values for profile thickness If you want to give variables different values when using the profile, set Visibility to Show To add the P1 variable for profile thickness: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. In the Variables dialog box, click the Add button. Click the Formula cell and enter a thickness value. In the Visiblity cell, select Show. Type Thickness in the Label in dialog box cell. In the Sketch Browser, right-click the Thickness object and select Add equation from the pop-up menu. Then type in =P1.
6.
Right-click the ExtrusionType object and select Add equation from the pop-up menu. Then type in =2. For more information about the ExtrusionType, see Extruding sketched polyline (p. 207).
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Creating a picture of a cross section

Library profiles include pictures which illustrate the shape and dimensions of each profile. To add pictures of sketched parametric cross sections: 1. 2. Using any image editor, e.g. Paint, create an image that shows the shape and dimensions of the profile. Save the image in the folder ..\TeklaStructures\*version*\nt\bitmaps, using the cross section name as the filename, with the file extension .bmp. For example, mysketch.bmp.
Using screenshot
To use a Tekla Structures screenshot as a picture: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Open the sketch in the cross section sketch editor view. If necessary, click in the sketch to ensure it is the active view. Press F12 on your keyboard to take a screenshot of the sketch, without the borders. In any file manager, e.g. Microsoft Explorer, rename the screenshot file to have the same name as the sketch, with the extension bmp. Copy the renamed file to the folder ..\TeklaStructures\*version*\nt\bitmaps. Tekla Structures displays a picture of the sketch when you browse for profiles.
Naming, saving, and closing cross sections

Tekla Structures saves sketched cross sections in the profile catalog in the current model folder.
Tekla Structures will not save a cross section that does not have dimensions. See Adding dimensions to cross sections (p. 199).
The Sketching toolbar includes the following tools to name and save sketched cross sections:
Command
Save sketch as
Icon
Description Saves the cross section. Prompts you to save the sketch. Option to close the sketch without saving.
Close sketch
Testing your cross section

To check that the constraints and dimensions in a sketched cross section work correctly, try this test:
Double-click a dimension line to open the Distance properties dialog box. Change the Value field then click the Modify button. Tekla Structures updates the cross section in the sketch editor. Check that the shape of the profile does not change and that the dimensions adjust correctly. Click the Cancel button to close the dialog box.
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Modifying sketched cross sections

To modify an existing sketched cross section: 1. 2. 3. Click Modeling > Profiles > Edit Cross Section in Sketch Editor.... The Component Catalog dialog box opens. Double-click the name of the cross section to open it in the Cross Section Sketch Editor
View.
The elements you can edit appear in yellow. For example, you can edit distances and chamfers. Double-click an element to edit its properties:
Double-click an element to edit its properties
You cannot change dimensions that have been calculated using formulas in the Variables dialog box. Constraints may also prevent you from changing dimensions. See Using constraints to lock cross section shape (p. 197).
Modifying chamfers
To modify the shape or dimensions of a chamfer in a sketch: 1. 2. Double-click the chamfer symbol . Modify the properties in the Chamfer properties dialog box:
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Select a chamfer shape from the Type dropdown list. According to the shape of the chamfer, use the x and y fields to define its dimensions:
Use the x field to define the radius of this convex chamfer 3. 4. Click the Modify button to change the chamfer. Click the OK button to close the Chamfer properties dialog box.
Copying and moving

You can also copy and move the entire sketch or parts of it with the copy and move commands. For more information, see Copy (p. 138) and Move (p. 140).
Extruding sketched polyline

To easily create a cold-rolled cross section (of a consistent thickness), sketch an open polyline, and define the extrusion type and thickness of the profile in the Sketch Browser:
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The Extrusion type defines how the polyline is extruded. The options are:
Sketch editor view
Sketch Browser dialog box

Extrusion Type = 0
Description Default. Polyline is extruded symmetrically from the center of the sketched line.
Extrusion Type = 1
Polyline extruded to the outside of the sketched line.
Extrusion Type = 2
Polyline extruded to the inside of the sketched line.
To define the thickness: 1. 2. In the Variables dialog box, add a new length variable, for example P1, and enter the default thickness in the Formula cell. In the Sketch Browser, set Thickness = P1 (the new variable). If you define the thickness value directly in the Sketch Browser, it means that thickness has a fixed value (Thickness = 10). See also Example: Symmetric C (p. 202).
3.
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Using sketched cross sections in models

Once you have created a cross section and saved it in the profile catalog, you are ready to use it in the model. If you have applied constraints correctly, the shape of the profile will not change if you change its dimensions. See Testing your cross section (p. 205) for more information. To use the profile cross section in a model: 1. 2. Double-click the part icon to open the part properties dialog box. For example, double-click the Create beam icon to open the Beam Properties dialog box. To select a profile to use:

3. 4.
For steel parts, click the Select... button next to the Profile field. For concrete parts, click the ... button next to the Profile field. The Select Profile dialog box opens. Select the sketched parametric cross section. They appear under the Others profile type at the end of the profile tree:
5. 6. 7. 8.
See also
To change the dimensions of the profile, click a dimension in the Value column in the properties table in the lower part of the dialog box. Enter a new value, then click Apply. Click OK to close the Select Profile dialog box. In the part properties dialog box, click Modify to change the part profile in the model. Click OK to close the part properties dialog box.
Importing and exporting sketches (p. 209)
Importing and exporting sketches

To use a sketched cross section in other models, you have to export the cross section sketch to a file (.uel), and then import the file into another model.
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Exporting
To export a sketch: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Click Ctrl + F to open the component catalog. Select Sketches from the list. Tekla Structures shows all the sketches available in the current model. Select the sketches you want to export. If you want to export several sketches, hold down the Ctrl key when selecting sketches. Right-click and select Export... from the pop-up menu. The Export components dialog box appears. Enter the name for the export file. Tekla Structures writes the exported sketches to a file (.uel).
Importing
To import a sketch to another model: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Ctrl + F to open the component catalog. Select Sketches from the list. Tekla Structures shows all the sketches available in the current model. Right-click and select Import... from the pop-up menu. The Import components dialog box appears. Browse to find the folder which contains the exported .uel files. Select the file to import and click OK.
If you have modified the sketched profile to a library profile, you also need to import the profdb.bin file.
To automatically import all *.uel files from a folder when creating a new model, use the variable XS_UEL_IMPORT_FOLDER.
6.2 Sketching tools

The following table lists the sketching tools and gives a short description of each one. For the detailed instructions, see the online help.
Command
Sketch polyline
Icon
Description Sketch lines. Sketch an arc. Sketch a circle. Creates a dimension between any two points.
Sketch arc
Sketch circle
Sketch free distance
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Command
Sketch horizontal distance Sketch vertical distance
Icon
Description Creates a horizontal dimension. Creates a vertical dimension. Creates a radial constraint for an arc or circle. Create an angle constraint between two lines. Angle is calculated counterclockwise from the first selected line. Force a line to be parallel to another line. Force a line to be perpendicular to another line. Force two lines to meet (extends or shortens one or both lines.) Useful when you need to close a shape. Tekla Structures automatically creates coincident constraints:
Sketch radial dimension
Sketch angle dimension
Parallel constraint
Perpendicular constraint Coincident constraint
Where 2 lines meet Between line segments when you draw them with the Sketch polyline tool. Between the start of the first line segment and the end of the last line segment in a shape, if they are within a certain distance of each other.
Fixed constraint
Locks the position and angle of a line, so that other constraints do not affect it. Force a line in the sketch to be parallel to the local x axis. Use with other constraints to straighten the entire profile. Tekla Structures automatically creates horizontal constraints for horizontal lines, and lines that are almost horizontal.
Horizontal constraint
Vertical constraint
Force a line in the sketch to be parallel to the local y axis. Use with other constraints to straighten the entire profile. Tekla Structures automatically creates vertical constraints for vertical lines, and lines that are almost vertical.
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Command
Show or hide part positioning planes
Icon
Description Allows you to move part positioning planes. When you use the profile in a model, the On plane and At depth part position options are based on these planes, not the outline of the profile. Allows you to move connection positioning planes. View, add or change variables in parametric model objects, including sketched cross sections. Works the same way as Display variables in the Custom component editor.
Show or hide connection positioning planes Display variablesDis-
play variables
Display sketch browser
Opens the sketch browser, which shows the elements in a sketched parametric cross section. Use to copy absolute values or references and use them as variables in parametric calculations. Works in the same way as the Custom component browser.
Save sketch as
Saves the cross section. Prompts you to save the sketch. Option to close the sketch without saving.
Close sketch
6.3 Parametric modeling

Tekla Structures models are parametric, which means that each model object, such as a beam or column, has parameters which define various properties, including its geometry, location and relationship to other parts. You can use these parameters to:
Create dependencies, or relationships, between model objects, so the properties of one model object adjust if you change the related model object, Create variables that define the properties of the model object.
We call this technique parametric modeling. This section describes the parametric modeling tools in Tekla Structures. It contains the following topics: Creating dependencies (p. 212) Creating variables (p. 213)
Creating dependencies
Tekla Structures includes several tools that you can use to create dependencies, or relationships between model objects. For example, you might create a dependency that offsets a column a fixed distance from a plane on a wall, so that when you move the wall, the column follows.
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Click Modeling > Add Distance to access the following parametric modeling tools:
Command
Add Distance > Fixed-
Icon
Description Binds a handle on a model object to up to 3 planes on other model objects, at a fixed distance. Illustrates the distance in the model view. Works the same way as Create distance in the Custom component editor. For more information, see Defining variables and Creating distance variables in the Detailing manual.
Create distance
Add Distance > ReferenceCreate reference
distance
Creates a reference distance between model objects, which you can include in formulas in the Variables dialog box. Works the same way as Create reference distance in the Custom component editor. For more information, see Defining variables and Creating reference distances in the Detailing manual.
Creating variables
Use variables to define the properties of a model object, such as a beam or column. Variables can define fixed properties, for example, the name of a column. Or they include formulas, so that Tekla Structures calculates the property value each time you use the model object. The Modeling menu includes the following parametric modeling tools for defining and editing variables:
Command
Display Variables...
Icon
Description View, add or change variables in model objects. You can use these variables to calculate the properties of related model objects. See also Using variables to define cross section properties (p. 201). Works the same way as Display variables in the Custom component editor.
Model Browser...
Opens the model browser, which shows the elements in a model object. Use to copy absolute values or references and use them as variables in parametric calculations. Works the same way as Custom component browser in the Custom component editor.
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6.4 Warping, cambering, and shortening parts

This section explains how to using various deforming tools to warp, camber, or shorten concrete parts. It contains the following topics:
Warping concrete parts (p. 214) Using the Move Special tool to warp concrete slabs (p. 215) Cambering parts (p. 216) Shortening parts (p. 217)
Warping concrete parts

There are several ways to warp concrete parts:
Part type Concrete beams
Warping method Use the Deforming options in the part properties dialog box
More information Warping concrete beams using the Deforming options (p. 214) Warping concrete slabs using end offsets (S62) (p. 215) Using the Move Special tool to warp concrete slabs (p. 215)
Concrete slabs created using the Slab generation with points (62)
Use end offsets Use the Move tool
component
Concrete slabs created using the Concrete slab component
Move slab chamfers
Warping concrete slabs using chamfers (p. 216)
Warping concrete beams using the Deforming options

To warp a concrete beam: 1. 2. 3. Double-click the beam to open the Beam properties dialog box and go to the Deforming tab. In the Start field, enter the angle of the beam at its start point, relative to the part reference line. In the End field, enter the angle of the beam at its end point, relative to the part reference line. For example, to warp the beam 45 degrees at the end point, enter 0 in the Start angle field and 45 in the End angle field. Click Modify to warp the beam. Click OK to close the dialog box.
4. 5.
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Warping concrete slabs using end offsets (S62)

To warp a concrete slab created using the Slab generation with points (62) component:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Click the Select objects in components on the Selecting toolbar Double-click the slab to open the Beam properties dialog box and go to the Position tab. In the End offsets section, enter the Start and End offsets of the slab, in the x, y or z direction, relative to the part reference line. Click Modify to warp the slab. Click OK to close the dialog box.
Using the Move Special tool to warp concrete slabs

Use the Move Special command to warp slabs created using the Slab generation with points (S62)component, by picking a single point on the slab. To warp a slab using the Move Special tool: 1. Click the following icons on the Selecting toolbar:

2.
Select objects in components Select points
Use a Crossing window to select the point you want to move.
For example, select the corner point of a slab component to warp that end of the slab 3. 4. 5. Right-click and select Move Special > Linear from the pop-up menu. In the Move - Linear dialog box, enter a value in the appropriate direction field. For example, enter 100 in the dZ field to lift that corner up 100 mm. Click Move. Tekla Structures moves the point in the direction you selected, which warps the slabs.
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6. 7.
Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to finish. To see the warping angle of a slab, double-click a slab to open the Beam properties dialog box. Go to the Deforming section of the Position tab.
The Start field shows the warping angle at the start point of the part. The End field shows the warping angle at the end point of the part.
Warping concrete slabs using chamfers

To warp concrete parts created using the Concrete slab component on the Concrete toolbar: 1. Double-click a chamfer on the part to open the Chamfer properties dialog box. Enter values in the following fields:

2. 3.
dz1 to move the upper corner of the chamfer dz2 to move the lower corner of the chamfer
Click Modify to warp the concrete slab. Click OK to close the Chamfer properties dialog box.
If the chamfers on a concrete slab are invisible, set the variable XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLES=CHAMFERS.
Cambering parts
Use the cambering option to pre-camber parts, that is to curve long heavy sections that will settle on site and become flat.
Tekla Structures cambers parts in the local z direction. To camber a part: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Double-click the part to open the part properties dialog box. Go to the Deforming section of the Position tab. In the Cambering field, enter the degree of camber. Click Apply to modify the part. Click OK to close the dialog box.
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You can also use the warping and cambering tools together to model parts.
Limitations
For the cambering to work correctly, you need to bind the objects to a cambered part, and the objects need to be part of an assembly or cast unit. Parts assembled on-site cannot follow a cambered seam. Only embedded parts and custom parts follow the deformations of their parent part.
Shortening parts
When drawings of the parts are created, Tekla Structures decreases the true length of the part by this value. This is useful when creating assembly drawings of bracing bars which should always be under tension. To shorten a part: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Double-click the part to open the part properties dialog box. Go to the Deforming tab. In the Shortening field, enter the degree of shortening. Click Apply to modify the part. Click OK to close the dialog box.
To have a concrete part lengthened in cast unit drawings, type a negative value in the Shortening field.
6.5
Modeling tips
This section includes the following topics:
General tips (p. 217) Detailing (p. 218) Working with custom components (p. 218)
General tips
Keep the Move Special or Copy Special dialog boxes open if you are going to use them often, for example, when you creating the grids and levels in a new model. To keep a dialog box open, start the command, then right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu. Each time you want to use the command: 1. Click in the appropriate dialog box to activate it, then click an object in the model.
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2. 3.
Enter the values you want to use, then click the Move or Copy button in the dialog box. Tekla Structures moves or copies the object you selected.
Leaving dialog boxes open uses up system memory and may slow down processes on your computer.
Detailing
These detailing tips will help you to detail models more quickly and accurately, and avoid potential problems with templates, drawing, and exports. Always model beams in the same direction. Do not cut the end of a part to shorten it. This can cause shop errors, because cuts do not always affect part length when you export information to NC files. Move the part handles, or use Detailing > Fitting instead. Do not use fitting to lengthen parts. It can cause problems with connections and details. Move the part handles instead. Create a basic part view when you need to see a specific part clearly. This places the part in the center of the view. To further improve the view, use the Hide command to hide adjacent parts.
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 nonparametric components
Use the simplest part you can. For example, if all you need is a rectangular shape, use a rectangular plate, not a contour plate. Rectangular plates only have 2 handles, so you only need 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 variable XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLESto CHAMFERS or HANDLES.
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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 intelligent (parametric) components
Plan to use magnetic planes to bind objects together. This makes intelligent components simpler, and easier to use, because it reduces the number of dimensions and parameters the user 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.
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Parametric Profiles
These are the parametric profiles available in Tekla Structures:
HIh-s-t*b (symmetric) HIh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2
PHIh1-h2-s-t*b (symmetric) PHIh1-h2-s-t1*b1-t2*b2
BLLh*b*t
BLZh*b*t
BLUh*b*t
TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Parametric Profiles
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PLh*bh=height b=thickness (smaller=b)
Dd
ELDd1*r1*d2*r2
PDd*t
EPDd1*r1*d2*r2*t
Ph*t Ph*b*t
Ph1*b-h2*b*t
HKh-s-t*b-c (symmetric) HKh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2-c
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HQh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2 (centered) HQh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2-c
ZZh-t-e-b (symmetric) ZZh-t-e1-b1-e2-b2
CCh-t-e-b (symmetric) CCh-t-e1-b1-e2-b2
CWh-t-e-b-f-h1
CUh-t-h1-b-e (symmetric) CUh-t-h1-b1-h2-b2/e
EBh-t-e-b-a (symmetric) EBh-t-e1-b1-e2-b2-a Reference points:1=right 2=left 3=top BFh-s-b-h1
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SPDd*t SPDd1-d2*t
ECh-t-e-b-a (symmetric) ECh-t-e1-b1-e1-b1-a
EDh-t-b-e-h1-h2-f1-f2-a
EEh-t-e-b-f1-f3-h1-f2-a
EFh-t-e-b1-b2-f1-f2/h1-a
EZh-t-e-b-f1-f3-h1-f2-a
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EWh-t-e-b-b-f1-f2-h2-h1-a
RCDLs*h-d*t (symmetric) RCDLs*h-d*t1*t2
RCXXs*h-b*t*h1-h2-ex
RCLs*h-b*t
RCDXs*h-b*h2*h1 (symmetric) RCDXs*h-b*h4*h3*h2*h1 RCDXs*h-b*h4*h3*h2*h1-ex
RCXs*h-b*h2*h1
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Index
#
4D tool ........................................................................ 186 checkbox ......................................................................30 modify filter checkboxes ........................................32 clash ...........................................................................134 clash check.................................................................134 clearance bolt.......................................................................134 clip planes...................................................................130 closing views .....................................................................60 closing models..............................................................50 color grid ........................................................................54 of model objects ......................................... 145, 166 color by class..............................................................166 commands ....................................................................41 ending....................................................................42 executing ...............................................................41 repeating ...............................................................41 using simultaneously .............................................42 compare......................................................................135 concrete parts creating................................................................103 constraints in sketched cross sections ..................................197 construction circles .......................................................62 construction lines..........................................................62 construction planes.......................................................62 coordinate.....................................................................44 copying .............................................................. 138, 141 creating.............................................................. 106, 130 assemblies ............................................................75 bolts.....................................................................107 cast units ...............................................................77 concrete parts......................................................103 grids.......................................................................52 holes....................................................................107 models...................................................................47 objects ...................................................................41 points.....................................................................61 steel parts............................................................102 sub-assemblies of assembly parts ........................76 views .....................................................................59 welds ...................................................................112 creating zoom window ................................................127
a
about .......................................................................... 105 assemblies ................................................................... 72 adding objects ....................................................... 75 changing main part................................................ 79 creating ................................................................. 75 creating sub-assemblies of assembly ................... 76 exploding............................................................... 76 position numbers................................................. 173 removing objects ................................................... 76 working with .......................................................... 74
b
beep ........................................................................... 168 bolt.............................................................................. 134 bolt group shape......................................................... 109 bolts........................................................... 105, 106, 110 creating ............................................................... 107 location................................................................ 111 button ........................................................................... 30 common buttons.................................................... 31 radio button ........................................................... 30
c
canceling objects.......................................................... 41 cast units ...................................................................... 72 changing main part................................................ 79 top-in-form face ..................................................... 78 working with .......................................................... 77 chamfer ...................................................................... 120
226
Cross section sketch editor modifying sketches.............................................. 206 using sketched cross sections in......................... 209 cross section sketch editor ......................................... 195 close cross section.............................................. 205 defining chamfers................................................ 199 locking shape using constraints .......................... 197 name cross section ............................................. 205 save cross section............................................... 205 testing sketches .................................................. 205 using............................................................200, 201 cross sections sketching user-defined ........................................ 196 user-defined ........................................................ 195 Custom Component Editor ........................................... 19 custom components tips on working with............................................. 218 cuts............................................................................. 121
exploding assemblies ............................................................76 cast units ...............................................................77 sub-assemblies .....................................................77 exponent notation .......................................................162 exporting sketches ..............................................................209 extruding sketched polyline ........................................207 Extrusion type.............................................................207
f
family numbering ........................................................170 family numbers for parts ...............................................................173 for series..............................................................171 field ...............................................................................30 filtering complement.........................................................157 examples .............................................................158 in dialog box ........................................................161 techniques ...........................................................157 types....................................................................152 wildcards .............................................................160 finding distant objects .....................................................137 fitting ...........................................................................120 flying through model ...................................................130 adjusting speed ...................................................130 changing direction ...............................................130 changing the camera angle .................................130 changing the level of flying ..................................130
d
decimals ..................................................................... 161 point symbol ........................................................ 162 default view .................................................................. 59 deleting grids ...................................................................... 52 named views ......................................................... 60 dependencies in parametric modeling........................................ 212 dialog box common buttons.................................................... 31 components........................................................... 30 inputting information.............................................. 28 tabs ....................................................................... 31 using dialog boxes ................................................ 28 displaying objects ....................................................... 143 distances in parametric modeling........................................ 212 drag and drop .....................................................142, 163 Drawing Editor.............................................................. 18
g
grid color.......................................................................54 grid views......................................................................59 grids..............................................................................50 coordinates............................................................51 creating..................................................................52 deleting..................................................................52 labels .....................................................................51 line extensions.......................................................51 modifying ...............................................................52 properties ..............................................................51
e
editor cross section sketch editor.................................. 195 editors in Tekla Structures............................................ 18 enhanced tooltip ........................................................... 20 environment.................................................................. 16 exiting models .............................................................. 50
h
227
handles .........................................................................82 hiding parts.....................................................................182 hiding objects..............................................................143 holes creating................................................................107 hover, see rollover highlight........................................164
i
icons .............................................................................41 using ......................................................................23 imperial units...............................................................162 importing sketches ..............................................................209 inputting information .....................................................28 inquire .........................................................................132 interrupting commands .............................................................42
k
keyboard special keys ...........................................................32
l
language .......................................................................16 length ..........................................................................110 library profiles ...............................................................67 line ..............................................................................121 list box...........................................................................30 location of parts ............................................................82 lotting ..........................................................................183 adding parts to a lot .............................................184 creating................................................................183 deleting a lot ........................................................185 deleting parts from a lot .......................................185
magnifier .....................................................................127 material .........................................................................69 measure ......................................................................132 menu tooltip ..................................................................21 menus menu bar................................................................20 pop-up....................................................................41 pull-down ........................................................ 20, 41 model browser in parametric modeling ........................................213 Model Editor..................................................................18 basic toolbars.........................................................24 screen layout .........................................................19 select switches.......................................................38 modeling basics.....................................................................43 introduction ............................................................15 parametric modeling ............................................212 tips .......................................................................217 modeling tips detailing ...............................................................218 keep move or copy dialog boxes open ................217 working with custom components........................218 modify filter checkboxes................................................32 modifying assemblies.............................................................74 cast units................................................................77 grids .......................................................................52 objects ...................................................................42 polygonal part ......................................................123 sketched cross sections.......................................206 views......................................................................59 mouse settings............................................................163 moving .......................................................128, 140, 141 toolbars ..................................................................23 moving the model in the view window.........................128 multiple selection list .....................................................30 multiuser vs single-user ................................................18
n
nested assemblies ........................................................72
228
numbering .................................................................. 168 and pop-marking ................................................. 175 applying............................................................... 175 assigning control numbers .................................. 176 example............................................................... 174 family numbering................................................. 170 history log............................................................ 175 interrupting .......................................................... 175 locking and unlocking control numbers ............... 176 log file.................................................................. 175 modified parts...................................................... 170 new parts............................................................. 170 parts ...................................................................... 79 settings................................................................ 168 what affects ........................................................... 80
o
object groups.............................................................. 146 rules .................................................................... 148 object representation.................................................. 143 objects ........................................................................ 143 cancel.................................................................... 41 colors................................................................... 145 creating ................................................................. 41 finding.................................................................. 137 groups ................................................................. 146 modifying............................................................... 42 visibility transparency ................................................ 146 opening models................................................................... 45 views ..................................................................... 60 options........................................................................ 166
p
pan ............................................................................. 163 parametric modeling................................................... 212 creating dependencies ........................................ 212 creating variables ................................................ 213 model browser..................................................... 213 parametric profiles........................................................ 67 part ............................................................................. 122 part labels................................................................... 136
parts..............................................................................65 cambering............................................................216 concrete parts......................................................103 hiding...................................................................182 labels ...................................................................136 location ..................................................................82 numbering .............................................................79 position ..................................................................82 properties ..............................................................66 shortening............................................................217 steel parts............................................................102 user-defined attributes...........................................71 warping concrete parts ........................................214 warping, cambering, and shortening ...................214 phases ........................................................................164 adding properties.................................................165 example...............................................................164 working ................................................................164 picking points................................................................33 snap switches........................................................33 Xsnap ....................................................................35 planes positioning ...........................................................200 pointer................................................................ 163, 164 pointer settings ...........................................................163 drag and drop Smart Select.................................................163 rollover highlight ..................................................164 points ............................................................................61 coordinates............................................................61 creating..................................................................61 phase.....................................................................61 picking ...................................................................33 specifying ..............................................................33 polygon .......................................................................122 polygon shape ............................................................123 pop-up menu ................................................................41 position of parts ............................................................82 profile cross sections user-defined ........................................................195 profiles library profiles ........................................................67 parametric profiles.................................................67 part profile .............................................................67 sketching user-defined ........................................196 user-defined profiles..............................................67 using sketched cross sections in models ............209 project properties..........................................................47 project status visualization..........................................186 properties....................................................................115 pull-down menu ..................................................... 20, 41
229
q
querying objects..........................................................132
r
radio button...................................................................30 reference.......................................................................82 reference distance in parametric modeling ........................................212 reference points in snapping ..........................................................179 rendered view ...............................................................57 repeating commands ....................................................41 rollover highlight..........................................................164 rotating model .............................................................129 automatically........................................................129 in rendered view ..................................................129 in wire frame view................................................129 rotating view................................................................130 rules object groups .......................................................148
s
saving models...............................................................50 screen components ......................................................20 screen layout in Model Editor.......................................................19 screenshot ..................................................................191 function keys........................................................191 print......................................................................191 select filter converting ............................................................155 defining ................................................................156 dialog box ............................................................153 standard...............................................................154 using ....................................................................153 select switches in Model Editor.......................................................38 selecting objects controlling the selection .........................................38 how to select..........................................................36 in model .................................................................36 select switches, in Model Editor ............................38 selection......................................................................153 selection filter..............................................................153
sequencer ...................................................................185 adding parts .........................................................186 creating new sequence........................................186 how it works .........................................................185 using ....................................................................185 settings........................................................................161 show assembly ...........................................................183 showing objects .................................................................143 single-user vs multiuser ................................................18 sketched cross section importing and exporting .......................................209 sketching tools .....................................................................210 Smart Select ...............................................................163 snap grid .....................................................................167 snap settings.......................................................... 33, 35 snap switches ...............................................................33 overriding temporarily ............................................35 snapping .....................................................................177 to numeric coordinates ........................................177 to orthogonal directions .......................................178 using temporary reference points ........................179 using tracking.......................................................179 snapshot .....................................................................191 function ................................................................191 print......................................................................191 special keys ..................................................................32 specifying points ...........................................................33 start flying....................................................................130 status bar ......................................................................22 steel parts creating ................................................................102 stop flying....................................................................130 sub-assemblies .............................................................72 creating ..................................................................76 exploding ...............................................................77 surface treatment about......................................................................89 adding tiled surface treatment to parts ..................93 adding to chamfered parts ...................................100 adding to parts .......................................................89 adding to parts with cuts and recesses..................98 defining properties .................................................91 defining tile patterns...............................................93 editing existing .....................................................100 in reports and templates ......................................101 user-defined.........................................................100 Symbol Editor................................................................18
230
Template Editor ............................................................ 18 temporary reference points ........................................ 179 testing sketched cross sections ...................................... 205 thickness of a sketched polyline................................. 207 tips modeling.............................................................. 217 tolerate ....................................................................... 164 toolbars......................................................................... 23 in Model Editor ...................................................... 24 moving................................................................... 23 tools exact lines ........................................................... 181 hide lines ............................................................. 181 show.................................................................... 182 tooltip............................................................................ 20 top-in-form face ............................................................ 78 tracking....................................................................... 179 transparency objects................................................................. 146 transparent commands................................................. 42
views.................................................................... 55, 143 angle......................................................................58 closing ...................................................................60 creating..................................................................59 default view ...........................................................59 deleting named views............................................60 grid views ..............................................................59 modifying ...............................................................59 naming...................................................................56 opening..................................................................60 projection...............................................................58 properties ..............................................................56 rendered ................................................................57 representation .......................................................57 types......................................................................57 wire frame..............................................................57 visibility .......................................................................143 objects .................................................................146 visualization tool .........................................................186
u
units............................................................................ 162 units and decimals...................................................... 161 imperial................................................................ 162 no effect .............................................................. 162 user interface in Model Editor ...................................................... 19 user-defined part attributes .......................................... 71 user-defined profiles..................................................... 67 using in models ................................................... 209
w
warping concrete parts......................................................214 weld preparation .........................................................119 welds ..........................................................................115 creating................................................................112 position ................................................................117 symbols ...............................................................113 types....................................................................116 wheel mouse ..............................................................126 wildcards.....................................................................160 windows, using .............................................................22 wire frame.....................................................................57 work ..............................................................................45 work area......................................................................49 work plane ....................................................................49
v
view ........................................................................44, 45 view plane .................................................................... 56 basic view plane.................................................... 56
x
Xmouse ......................................................................163 Xsnap .................................................................. 35, 164
231
zooming ......................................................................127 3-button mouse....................................................126 centered zooms ...................................................127 commands ...........................................................125 keystrokes ...........................................................127 magnifier..............................................................127 settings ................................................................127 wheel ...................................................................126 zoom in ................................................................126 zoom out..............................................................126 zoom ratio............................................................127
232

Tekla Structural Modeling 140 Enu

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Tekla Structures

Product version 14.0 April 2008

Getting Started ........................................................................................ 43

Construction planes, lines, and circles.................................................................................................. 62

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0

Cast units and assemblies.................................................................................................................... 72

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0

Detailing ................................................................................................. 105

Welds .................................................................................................................................................. 112

Fine-tuning part shape ........................................................................................................................ 119

Detailing commands............................................................................................................................ 124

Settings and Tools ................................................................................ 125

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0

Querying objects................................................................................................................................. 132

Copying and moving objects............................................................................................................... 138

Displaying and hiding objects ............................................................................................................. 143

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0

Settings and tools reference ............................................................................................................... 192

Advanced Modeling............................................................................... 195

Sketching tools ................................................................................................................................... 210

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0

Parametric Profiles................................................................................ 221

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0

Additional help resources

http://www.tekla.com Contact your local helpdesk via e-mail:

Area office China Finland

E-mail address TeklaStructures.Support.CHI@Tekla.com TeklaStructures.Support.FI@Tekla.com

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0

Area office France Germany Japan Malaysia Middle East Sweden UK US

Conventions used in this guide

Italic bold Monospace

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0

In this chapter Audience Contents

1.1 General information

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction

Global but localized

Languages and environments

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction

Tekla Structures 14.0 software is available in the following languages:

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction

Single-user mode vs multi-user mode

Tekla Structures editors

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction

1.2 Screen layout

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction

Components or objects created by components, or Assemblies or objects in assemblies.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction

Window > Tile Horizontally Window > Tile Vertically

Window > Close All

View > Update All

View > Redraw All

Most of the Tekla Structures icons work as follows:

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction

Create reinforcement mesh

The Detailing toolbar contains commands for trimming parts.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 14.0 Introduction