Tekla Structures: Modeling Manual
Tekla Structures: Modeling Manual
Modeling Manual
Preface......................................................................................................... 1
1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 7
1.1 General information ................................................................................. 7
1.2 Screen layout ........................................................................................ 12
1.3 Toolbars ............................................................................................... 15
1.4 Inputting information .............................................................................. 20
1.5 Specifying points ................................................................................... 25
1.6 Selecting model objects ......................................................................... 28
1.7 Using commands................................................................................... 31
4 Detailing...................................................................................................... 79
4.1 Bolts ..................................................................................................... 79
4.2 Welds ................................................................................................... 86
4.3 Fine-tuning part shape ........................................................................... 93
4.4 Detailing commands............................................................................... 98
Introduction
This is the Tekla Structures Modeling Manual, a comprehensive guide to
Tekla Structures modeling, analysis, and design software. The following para-
graphs explain how this guide is organized, suggest different paths for different
types of user, describe the other guides provided in the package, and tell you how
to report any problems you have with the software or guides.
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.
Web site
http://www.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 [email protected].
Organization
This guide is divided into the following chapters and appendices:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Introduces you to Tekla Structures and its user interface. This is the best chapter
to start with to gain a basic understanding of Tekla Structures.
Chapter 3: Parts
Explains how to create and modify parts using different materials and profiles.
You should read Chapters 1 and 2, and have already created grids and views to
use this chapter.
Glossary
Provides concise definitions of the central terms and concepts we use in these
guides.
In this chapter This chapter provides an overview of the Tekla Structures user interface, and its
basic features. It also explains how to use common commands.
Audience This chapter has been written for beginners. This is the best chapter to start with
to gain a basic understanding of Tekla Structures. If you are already familiar with
Tekla Xsteel, you can move on to Chapter 3, Parts, to read about materials other
than steel.
Contents This chapter is divided into the following sections:
• General information (p. 7)
• Screen layout (p. 12)
• Toolbars (p. 15)
• Inputting information (p. 20)
• Specifying points (p. 25)
• Selecting model objects (p. 28)
• Using commands (p. 31)
Up-to-date You can automatically produce drawings and reports from the 3D model, at any
drawings 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 dif-
ferent locations. This increases accuracy and quality, because you always use the
most up-to-date information.
Main features Tekla Structures includes:
• Useful modeling tools, such as 3D grids, adjustable work area, and
clash checking.
• Catalogs of available material grades, profiles, and bolts.
• Macros to create complex structures, such as staircases and trusses.
• Intelligent connections, such as end plates and clip angles, to auto-
matically connect main members.
• Integrated analysis and design with STAAD.Pro.
• Links to transfer data between Tekla Structures and other software,
such as AutoCAD, STAAD, and MicroStation.
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. For addi-
tional definitions of terms, see the Glossary (p. 149).
Menu bar 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.
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. 28).
The two circled switches control whether you can select model objects and/or
objects created by components. Either or both of these switches must be active
for the other switches to work.
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. 25).
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.
Using windows
A typical Windows workspace can contain many windows. You can stack win-
dows on the workspace, just like sheets of paper on a desk. Windows may par-
tially or completely hide other windows. Only one window is active at a time, but
Tekla Structures may also produce information in the inactive windows.
Use the commands on the Window menu to control the windows.
You cannot use the Cascade window, 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 the environment variables
XS_MDIVIEWPARENT, XS_MDIZOOMPARENT, and
XS_MDIBASICVIEWPARENT in the online help.
You can control the representation of a model in the windows using the com-
mands on the View menu. See Representation (p. 45) and Views (p. 43).
14 TEKLA STRUCTURES - MODELING MANUAL
Introduction
1.3 Toolbars
The toolbars contain icons which give easy access to some of the most fre-
quently-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.
To drag toolbars beyond the program window, hold down the Ctrl key while
dragging. The toolbars remain floating. You can resize floating toolbars by grab-
bing any edge with the mouse pointer.
To display or hide a toolbar, click Window > 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.
• Create a grid
• Create a point array
• Create an extension point
• Create a line-line intersection point
• Create a projection point
• Create parallel points
• Divide a line
• Create arc points
• Create an arc by three points
• Create a tangent point
• Create a plane-line intersection point
• Create part-line intersection points
• Create circle-line intersection points
• Create an axis intersection point
• Create a point to any position
• Create a user-defined plane
• Create a construction line
• Create a construction circle
• Create a construction circle by three points
Steel parts The Steel toolbar contains commands for creating steel beams, columns, and
plates.
• Create a beam
• Create a column
• Create a curved beam
• Create a polybeam
• Create an orthogonal beam
• Create a twin profile
• Create a contour plate
• Create bolts
• Create a weld
• Create a reference object
• Create a fitting
• Create a line cut
• Create a part cut
• Create a polygon cut
Loads The Loads toolbar contains commands for creating loads in the model.
• Create an x measure
• Create a y measure
• Create a free measure
• Create an angle measure
• Create a bolt measure
• Open the model folder
• Inquire an object
Components All the Tekla Structures connections, details, and macros are presented by icons
on the Components toolbars. Use the arrow icons to move from toolbar to tool-
bar.
List box
Tabs for saved
properties
Fields
Modify
filter
Buttons
check-
boxes
Retains the proper- Modifies the Toggles all the Closes the
ties and closes the selected modify filter check- dialog box
dialog box. object(s) boxes on and off. without
without retaining the
Retains the proper- retaining the Fills the dialog box properties or
ties without closing properties. with the properties of modifying
the dialog box. the selected object. objects.
Component Is used to
Display, enter, and modify information. To
select the field, point to it and click. An I-
shaped blinking cursor appears at the begin-
Field ning 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.
Radio buttons
Group settings that can be set in any combi-
nation, 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
List box the desired option, and then single-click.
Run a command immediately.
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:
• Point to the item you want to select and
click.
Multiple selection list • Use the Down and Up arrow keys to
move the highlight to the item you want
to select, and press Enter.
Common buttons
Most of the Tekla Structures dialog boxes contain common buttons. These but-
tons 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 dia-
log box, but does not retain the properties in the dialog box.
See also Modify filter checkboxes (p. 24).
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.
Button Description
Save as Stores the dialog box properties with the name given in the
field. 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.
Save Stores the modifications of properties. Tekla Structures saves
the properties in the file shown in the list box.
Help... Displays the help topics for the dialog box.
Special keys
You can use the keyboard to enter and modify text in dialog boxes, and to move
the pointer in dialog boxes.
You can set the snap zone using the environment 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. 25).
Snap switches
Snap switches specify exact locations on objects, for example, end points, mid-
points, 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.
Other snap The following table lists the remaining snap switches. You can have Tekla Struc-
switches tures display the snap symbols in the model when you move the mouse pointer
over objects. See Snap settings (p. 28).The snap symbol is green for objects
inside components, and yellow for model objects.
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 To temporarily override current snap switch settings, do one of the following:
switches
• 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 You can also key in position coordinates to snap to using the Enter a numeric loca-
locations tion toolbar. For more information, see Snapping (p. 128).
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. On the Setup menu, click
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.
Technique Description
Single objects When you select objects using the mouse button, with-
out pressing any other keys, every pick or drag selects
objects. All previously selected objects are deselected.
Enclosing win- Drag the mouse from left to right to select all objects
dow selection totally within that rectangular area.
Crossing window Drag the mouse from right to left to select all objects
selection totally or partly within that rectangular area.
2
Assembly or cast Press the Alt key while clicking a part to select the
unit entire cast unit or assembly containing that part.
Adding Press the Shift key and select objects, to add to the cur-
rent selection.
Modifying 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.
Other select The following table lists the remaining select switches. Use these switches to set
switches which object types you want to select. For example, you can decide to select only
welds and bolts, but no parts.
Cuts and fitting You can select line, part, and polygon cuts,
and fittings.
Select filter In addition to the select switches, select filter settings control which objects can
be selected. To set the select filter, click the Display select filter dialog box icon on
the Select switches toolbar. There are also predefined filters available in the list
box on the Select switches toolbar.
Executing commands
There are several ways to execute commands in Tekla Structures.
Icon You can use icons:
• 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.
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:
• Open the object type’s properties dialog box and set the object prop-
erties.
• Place the object(s) in the model.
You can carry out these steps in any order.
For example To create objects:
1. Double-click the icon of the object type you want to create. Tekla Structures
displays the properties dialog box.
2. Enter or modify the object properties.
3. Click Apply or OK. See also Common buttons (p. 23).
4. Pick points to place the object(s).
To position objects without defining their properties:
1. Single-click an icon, or a menu command.
2. 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. 33).
Modifying objects
To modify the properties of an object, or multiple objects:
• 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.
For example To modify objects:
1. Double-click one of the objects you want to modify to open the object prop-
erties dialog box.
2. Modify the properties. See also Modify filter checkboxes (p. 24).
3. Select the remaining object(s) to modify. See also How to select objects
(p. 28).
4. Click Modify.
See also For information on how to resize and move objects, see Handles (p. 70) and
Copying and moving objects (p. 109).
Ending commands
To cancel or end commands, do one of the following:
• Click the Interrupt icon (next to the Undo and Redo icons).
• Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu.
• Press the Esc key.
• On the Edit menu, click Interrupt.
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, fol-
lowed 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 If you are new to Tekla Structures, we recommend that you first read Chapter 1,
background Introduction, to gain a basic understanding of Tekla Structures.
Contents This chapter is divided into the following sections:
• Basics (p. 35)
• Grids (p. 41)
• Views (p. 43)
• Points (p. 51)
• Construction lines and circles (p. 53)
How to use this You can start by creating either Views (p. 43) or Grids (p. 41).
chapter
2.1 Basics
In this section This section presents basic Tekla Structures vocabulary and concepts so that you
can start modeling. For additional definitions of terms, see the Glossary (p. 149).
The illustration below shows the modeling guides you use in Tekla Structures
windows.
Cyan grid is on
the view plane.
View To see your Tekla Structures model from virtually any angle, you can move and
rotate the model. See Examining the model (p. 99). You can also create views.
A view is a representation of a model from a specific location. Each view is dis-
played in its own window inside the Tekla Structures window.
Coordinate The green cube in a model view represents the global coordinate system and lies
system at the global point of origin. In Tekla Structures, both the global and local coordi-
nate systems are cartesian, with three axes (x, y, and z) perpendicular to each
other.
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 right-hand 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 posi-
tioning, and copying always comply with the work plane coordinate system. The
work plane is the same in all views.
Work area 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 con-
fine to a substructure, for example, and the views to the model are simpler and
quickly updated.
Opening a model
To open an Tekla Structures model:
1. Click File > New... or . The New model 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.
2. In the New model dialog box, click after the path, for example C:\Tekla
Structures_Models, in the field at the bottom of the dialog box. Then type \
and the model name in the field.
3. Select the Create default view and grid checkbox if you want Tekla Structures
to automatically create a grid and a view using the standard properties. See
Working with grids (p. 42).
Project setup
Update the project information at the beginning of a project to make reports and
drawings to display the correct information automatically.
To update the project information, click Properties > Project.... The Projectdialog
box appears. Tekla Structures displays this information in different reports and
drawing titles.
INFO2
Before starting a new project, read also Using Tekla Structures effectively 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.
You can pick grid lines and grid line intersections. See also Specifying points
(p. 25).
Grid properties
Grid coordinates The x and y coordinates of a grid are relative. This means that the entries for x
and y are always relative to the previous entry. The z coordinates are absolute
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.
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.
Line extensions You can also define the Line extensions over the given grid coordinates and the
Origin of the grid.
Line
extensions
Work plane
origin
Creating grids
To manually create a grid:
1. Click Points > Grid... or .
2. Fill in the properties described in Grid properties (p. 41).
3. To create the grid, click the Create or OK button.
This is all you need to do so far if you have started your model by creating the
grid manually. As you do not have any views yet, you cannot see the grid. See
Views (p. 43).
If you have already created views as described in Views (p. 43), Tekla Structures
prompts you to pick the origin after 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.
Initially, a small grid appears in the bottom left corner of the view. To enlarge the
grid, click in the view to activate it. Then, click View > Fit work area.
42 TEKLA STRUCTURES - MODELING MANUAL
Getting Started
Modifying grids
To modify a grid, double-click any of the grid lines. The Grid dialog box appears,
and you can modify the properties. Click the Modify button to save the changes.
Deleting grids
To delete a grid, click any grid line, right-click and select Delete from the popup
menu.
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 view-specific properties. You can open the view
properties dialog box for each view, to view or modify the properties.
You can have up to nine views on the screen at the same time. If the view does
not appear, check how many views you have open.
XY XZ ZY
View plane For basic views, you also define at which distance from the global origin the
coordinate view plane is in direction of the third axis. The view plane coordinate equals this
distance.
Other views 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.
Moving the view You can change the view plane by moving it like any other object. Click any-
plane where on the plain background, right-click and select Move > Translate... from the
popup menu. See Copying and moving objects (p. 109) and Move (p. 111).
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. 49). When you exit the
model, Tekla Structures only saves named views. Tekla Structures does not save
unnamed views when you close them.
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 sur-
faces are displayed as shown in the illustrations below. However, you can
also choose the Wire frame or Shaded wire frame option in the rendered
views. Rotating the model in the rendered views is very convinient with the
mouse.
Representation
In rendered views, you can define how Tekla Structures displays parts and com-
ponent objects separately. The following options are available:
• Wire frame
Part outlines are dis-
played, surfaces are not,
i.e. parts are transparent.
(In this example, compo-
nent objects are displayed
as Rendered.)
• Rendered
Part surfaces are dis-
played, i.e. parts are not
transparent.
Rotation Rotation is view-specific. You can rotate the model in 3D views using the mouse
and keyboard (see Rotating the model (p. 104)), 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.
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 in views (p. 49).
Modifying To modify a view, double-click anywhere on the plain background. The View
properties dialog box appears and you can modify the properties.
• Click .
• Click View > Named views... 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 move selected views between both lists using the middle arrow.
To delete a named view, select the view and click Delete.
See also Naming views (p. 44).
Point properties
To view the properties of a point, double-click the point or click
Inquire > Object... and select the point. See also Inquire (p. 106).
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 Select filter (p. 114).
Coordinates The point infomation 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.
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 analy-
sis purposes, we use the term members to mean loading-bearing parts.
The main concrete parts are:
• beam
• column
• pad footing
• strip footing
• panel
• slab
The main steel parts are:
• beam
• curved beam
• orthogonal beam
• polybeam
• column
• twin profile
• contour plate
In this chapter 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 over-
view of part commands. You can find step-by-step instructions for all these com-
mands in the online help.
Assumed We assume that you have read Chapter 1, Introduction, or have comparable
background knowledge of Tekla Structures. Before you start to create parts, you need to cre-
ate grids, views, and points, as explained in Chapter 2, Getting Started.
Profile
Tekla Structures contains standard, parametric, and user-defined profiles.
Material
The material catalog contains standard, environment-specific materials. You can
add, modify, and delete materials and grades.
Analysis The Analysis tab contains information on the properties used in structural analy-
sis, including the modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio, and thermal dilatation
coefficient.
Design The Design tab contains information on design-specific properties, such as
strengths, partial safety factors, etc.
User attributes Use the User attributes tab to view or modify the user-defined properties of mate-
rials. 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.
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.
For more information on defining attributes using the objects.inp file, see Add-
ing properties in the online help.
To select an entire cast unit or assembly, hold down the Alt key
and select one of the parts in the cast unit or assembly. See also
How to select objects (p. 28).
Drawing and You can also produce drawings and reports for cast units and assemblies.
reports
When you run numbering (see Numbering (p. 125)), 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.
Cast units and Tekla Structures numbers concrete cast units and steel assemblies using the same
assemblies principles as it follows when numbering parts. By default, A is the prefix for
assembly marks. The default starting number is 1.
Part numbering does not affect cast unit and assembly numbering. For more
information on cast units and assemblies, see Cast units and assemblies (p. 65).
Overlapping When planning numbering, ensure that you reserve enough numbers for each
series 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.
Class and phase do not affect numbering. Tekla Structures gives the same num-
ber 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.
Property Condition
User-defined attributes If a user-defined attribute has the variable
consider_in_numbering set to yes, Tekla
Structures takes this user-defined attribute into
account when numbering.
For more information on defining user-defined
attributes, see Adding properties 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.
Beam orientation If you select the Beam orientation checkbox in
the Numbering setup dialog box.
Column orientation If you select the Column orientation checkbox in
the Numbering setup dialog box.
Reinforcement If otherwise identical concrete parts have differ-
ent reinforcement and if you select the Reinforc-
ing bars checkbox in the Numbering setup
dialog box, Tekla Structures gives the parts dif-
ferent numbers. See Reinforcement and Num-
bering reinforcement.
Cast-in fittings If you select the Components checkbox in the
Numbering setup dialog box.
Cast units and Tekla Structures numbers cast units and assemblies in the same way as it does
assemblies parts. The orientation of assemblies also affects numbering if you select the
Beam orientation and Column orientation checkboxes in the Numbering setup dia-
log box.
See also For more information on numbering settings, see Numbering (p. 125).
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.
Position depth
You can define the position of a part in terms of its depth, perpendicular to the
work plane, as:
• Middle
• Front
• Back
Beam An example showing the options for beams:
Work plane
Middle 100 Front 100 Back 100
Work plane
Work plane
Rotation
You can define the rotation of a part around its axis on the work plane as:
• Front
• Top
• Back
• Bottom
You can also define the angle of rotation. Tekla Structures measures positive val-
ues clockwise around the local x axis.
Back Bottom
Vertical position
You can define the vertical position of a part, relative to its reference point, as:
• Middle
• Down
• Up
Horizontal position
You can define the horizontal position of a part, relative to its reference point, as:
• Middle
• Left
• Right
Column An example of the options for columns:
Field Result
Dx Changes the length of the part by moving the part end point
along the reference line
Dy Moves the part end perpendicular to the reference line
Dz 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 direc-
tion. 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.
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.
Plane The plane of curvature is relative to the current work plane. The options are:
• xz plane
• xy plane
Number of To have Tekla Structures draw a curved part, you need to specify a number of
segments 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 num-
ber of segments it affects how quickly Tekla Structures draws the model. See
also How Tekla Structures handles solids in the online help.
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 Struc-
tures. It also gives you some techniques for “fine-tuning” part shape and an over-
view 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. 79)
• Welds (p. 86)
• Fine-tuning part shape (p. 93)
• Detailing commands (p. 98)
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 the Defining bolts
and welds section in the Detailing Manual.
You can create different part marks for holes and bolts in drawings.
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
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. To only create a slotted hole, clear all the Include in bolt assembly check-
boxes.
3. Select Slotted in the Hole type list box.
4. 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
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.
Single bolt To create a single bolt, set Bolt group Shape to Array and enter "0" for both bolt
distances.
Field Description
Bolt size Bolt sizes available in the selected bolt standard.
Bolt standard Bolt assembly standard, which is defined in the
bolt catalog.
Bolt type Indicates if bolts are assembled on-site or in the
shop.
Bolt length
Tekla Structures calculates bolt length automatically, using the material thick-
nesses 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 direc-
tions from point B.
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.
Position at depth Position at depth moves the bolt group perpendicular to the current work plane.
Rotation 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.
4.2 Welds
Introduction To create welds in Tekla Structures, you can:
• Create single welds
• Apply components that automatically create welds
Creating Tekla Structures forms assemblies based on where the weld should be made. You
assemblies can create:
• Workshop welds
• Site welds
Creating welds
You can create the following types of welds:
• Regular welds. Tekla Structures welds the two parts together using
the weld position in the Weld properties dialog box. The length of the
weld depends on the length of the connection between the welded
parts.
• Polygon welds. You define the exact position of the weld by picking
the points you want the weld to traverse.
For detailed instructions on how to create welds, see the online help.
Size Weld
Type around
Stitch weld
Reference line The weld symbol also contains a reference line and an arrow. The arrow connects
and arrow the reference line to the arrow side of a connection.
Arrow and other When parts are welded together, you can place welds on:
side
• 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 proper-
ties.
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.
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 See Weld types (p. 90)
Root face and Root face is the height of the narrowest part inside the root opening. The RFT
RFT fields in the connection dialog boxes also refer to the root face (thickness).
Neither root face nor RFT values appear in drawings, but you can use the
WELD_ROOT_FACE_THICKNESS field in reports to show the root face dimension
in the weld list.
Edge/Around 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.
Workshop/Site Tekla Structures indicates site welds in the weld symbol using a flag.
Weld types
The table below shows the available weld types. Some weld types also automati-
cally prepare the parts to be welded. For more information on weld preparation,
see Weld preparation (p. 92).
Edge-flange weld 1 No
Plug weld 11 No
Spot weld 12 No
Seam weld 13 No
Slot weld 14 No
Weld position
You define the position of a weld relative to the work plane. The type and posi-
tion of the parts to be welded affect the position of the weld.
The options for weld position are:
• x
• y
• z
These can all be in a positive or negative direction. Tekla Structures creates the
weld on the face or side of the part that faces in the selected direction (x, y, or z).
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.
Assembly
main part
Assembly
main part
Welding
secondary
order
primary
Weld preparation
When preparing welds, Tekla Structures bevels the parts to be welded using an
antimatter 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. 90).
Chamfer
Some part corners can be chamfered. You can use the Chamfer command to
shape the following parts: polybeam, contour plate, strip footing, concrete beam,
concrete slab, concrete panel.
Tekla Structures creates chamfers using the current properties in the Chamfer
properties dialog box. Click Properties > Chamfer... to open the dialog box, or
double-click an existing chamfer.
Modified
chamfers
Fitting
Use the Fitting command to fit the part end to a picked plane. You can use fitting
to make part shorter, for example.
Fitting symbol
Cuts
Use cut to shape parts. Cut is not meant for cutting the entire part end. Either
move part Handles (p. 70) or use the Fitting (p. 94) command instead.
You can create the following types of cuts for a part:
• Line cut
• Polygon cut
• Part cut
Line 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 a blue cut symbol.
Exact representation
(without symbol)
Fast representation
Cut symbol
By default, line cuts do not affect beam length in NC files. To change this, see
online help.
See 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 as
an antimatter part indicated by dot-dash lines. You must create cuts in a plane
view.
Fast representation
Antimatter part
You should always define the polygon so that there is some tol-
erance 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 antimatter cutting part. Tekla Structures does not delete
the original cutting part. An antimatter part only cuts the selected main part.
Tekla Structures displays the antimatter part using dot-dash lines.
You can cut parts that already have cuts. For example, you can cut antimatter
parts to create more sophisticated cut shapes.
Hidden lines
Cut symbol
Hidden lines
(cutting part deleted)
See online help for more detailed information on using this command.
Part add
Click Detailing > Partadd to model complex parts (e.g. folded plates) that are oth-
erwise difficult to model.
You can also use Part add to model prefabricated parts that are delivered to the
workshop already attached to profiles.
Part adds can also be nested, i.e., a part add can be added to an part add. Cuts and
fittings can also be applied to part adds.
The Part add command creates a part to be attached to the selected main part.
Tekla Structures deletes the part you use to create the attached part when it cre-
ates the part add. The Part add only gets one mark in drawings. The attached part
is shown in magenta.
See online help for more detailed information on using this command.
Polygon shape
To modify the shape of a part, click Edit > Polygon shape. You can use this com-
mand on the following parts:
• polybeam
• contour plate
• strip footing
• concrete beam
• concrete slab
• concrete panel
Tekla Structures prompts you to Pick polygon corner:
1. Pick one of the corners of the part.
2. Pick a new location for the corner.
3. End the command by picking any existing corner.
See online help for more detailed information on using this command.
In this chapter 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 Struc-
tures.
Contents It is divided into the following sections:
• Examining the model (p. 99)
• Querying objects (p. 106)
• Copying and moving objects (p. 109)
• Filter (p. 112)
• Settings (p. 116)
• Numbering (p. 125)
• Tools (p. 128)
• Settings and tools reference (p. 139)
3-button mouse
To use zoom with a 3-button mouse:
1. Open the model.
2. Click the zoom in or zoom out icon on the View toolbar.
3. Click the area of the model that you want to examine.
4. Continue to click to zoom further in or out.
Wheel mouse
Tekla Structures has two zoom modes you can use with a wheel mouse:
• 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:
1. Open the model.
2. Click the zoom in or zoom out icon on the View toolbar.
3. Click the area of the model that you want to examine.
4. Scroll forward to zoom in, scroll backward to zoom out.
Using keystrokes
To zoom using keystrokes:
1. Open the model.
2. Click Window > Zoom.
3. Click 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.
You can only create zoom windows from wire frame views.
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 the Magnifier, you must have both a general view window containing the
model and a zoom window open. See Creating a zoom window (p. 102).
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 view-
point. You can also click Window > Move to use the move commands.
Center by cursor To center the model on a particular point, click Window > Move > Center by cur-
sor, then click anywhere in the view to center the view on that point.
Wire frame 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.
Disable view To disable or enable view rotation, click Window > Rotate > Disable view rotation,
rotation or use F8.
Start flying
To fly through a model, you must have a rendered view open, with Projection set
to Perspective. See View properties (p. 44) for more on how to change view
properties. Use the keystrokes Shift+F to start flying though the model, or click
Window > Fly. Tekla Structures displays an arrow symbol to indicate the flying
direction.
Stop flying
Use Interrupt to stop flying. See Ending commands (p. 33).
Adjust speed
Keystrokes To adjust your flying speed, use the Page Up key to accelerate, and Page Down
to decelerate.
Wheel mouse To adjust your flying speed using a wheel mouse, scroll forward to accelerate and
backward to decelerate.
Change direction
Move the mouse to change direction.
With the middle button scroll active (see Mouse and pointer settings (p. 118)),
hold down the middle mouse button and drag to change the flying center point.
Release the middle button to continue flying.
Inquire
The Inquire tool displays the properties of a particular object, or group of objects,
within the model. Click Inquire, and then pick an object in the model to access
the following options:
Option Action
Object Displays the properties of the object.
Assembly Highlights all the parts in the same assembly or
cast unit as the selected part.
Welded parts > To Highlights the primary part when you select a sec-
ondary part.
Welded parts > All Highlights the selected part and all the parts that
are welded to it.
Center of gravity Tekla Structures creates a point at the center of
gravity of the picked part(s) and displays informa-
tion on the center of gravity in a separate window.
Component content Highlights the objects that form part of the
selected component.
Phases... Displays the object properties of the different
phases in the model, in a separate window.
Model size... Displays the quantity of all object quantities of the
current model, in a separate window.
Measure
Use the Measure tool to measure angles, the distance between two points and
between bolts. All measurements are temporary.
Clash check
clearance
Compare
Use this tool to compare two assemblies or parts.
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.
Filtering techniques
Filter by multiple You can define filters containing several properties. You can also have multiple
properties filtering criteria for each property. If you use multiple criteria, separate the
strings with blank spaces (e.g. 12 5).
Set filtering on To set filtering on for a particular property, select the checkbox next to the prop-
erty name.
Example You can use the select filter to create a report of parts in particular phases. To
select all parts in phases 1 and 2, set the select filter as follows:
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:
Select filter
Use the Select filter to define which objects can be selected. Tekla Structures also
contains several switches that control whether you can select an object (see Con-
trolling the selection (p. 30)).
Displays the
Select filter
dialog box.
To apply a filter,
select one from the
list. Standard fil-
ters always
appears first
on the 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 Select 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 Select filter to select them.
Use the Select filter to select the parts you want to carry loads.
View filter
Use the View filter to define which objects are displayed in a view, according to
object properties. View setup, work area, and display depth also affect whether
an object is visible. See Displaying and hiding objects in views (p. 49).
To display the View filter dialog box:
1. Double-click the view to open the View properties dialog box, or click
Properties > View.
2. Click Filter.
5.5 Settings
In this section This section explains how to modify various settings in Tekla Structures.
Modeling The settings on the Model data tab affect the data you use when using modeling
functions commands, such as copy, move, create grid, create point, part location, and
dimensions.
Catalogs Settings on the Sections and materials tab affect the data stored in the profile and
material catalogs.
No effect Settings in the Units and Decimals dialog box have no effect on drawings, reports,
or the Inquire and Measure tools.
Pan
Pan toggles the function of the middle mouse button between panning and scroll-
ing. To switch between scrolling and panning, click Setup > Middle button pan, or
Ctrl+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.
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 Setup > 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 fol-
lowing 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. 103).
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 keystroke T or Setup > 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. 25).
Phases
In Tekla Structures, you can use phases to break up a model into different sec-
tions. 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.
The following table explains how to use the buttons in the Phases dialog box.
Button Description
Filter Lists the phases by the number and/or name criteria
you enter. See Filter in dialog boxes (p. 116).
Set current 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.
Additional You can add more phase properties, which will appear as extra columns on the
properties 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.
Color Number
black 0
white 1
red 2
bright green 3
blue 4
cyan 5
yellow 6
magenta 7
gray 8
pink 9
lime 10
aqua 11
lilac 12
orange 13
light blue 14
You may also need to use the numbers of colors with some environment vari-
ables, for example XS_CLASH_CHECK_COLOR. For more on them, see the
online help.
General settings
Tekla Structures also includes the following general settings:
Snap grid
Use the Snap grid when picking a point with Free snap active. See Specifying
points (p. 25). To define a snap grid, click Setup > Snap grid to open the Snap
grid dialog box.
Field Description
Grid Check to make the snap grid active.
Spacing x, y Snap grid spacing
Origin dx, dy Offsets for grid origin
Options Description
White All parts are white.
Class All parts of the model are colored according to their
Class property.
Phase Parts belonging to different phases get different col-
ors. See also Phases (p. 119).
Lot Parts belonging to different lots get different colors.
See also Lotting (p. 134).
Attribute Displays parts in different colors according to the
values of a user-defined attribute. Select the
attribute from a list, but leave the Value field empty.
If you enter a value for the user-defined attribute,
Tekla Structures shows objects having that value in
green and other in white.
Analysis type Displays parts according to the member analysis
type. See also Member analysis type in the Analy-
sis Manual.
Analysis utility Displays parts according to the utilization ratio in
check analysis. See also Viewing analysis results in the
Analysis Manual.
Beep
With this switch active, Tekla Structures warns you with a beep when an error
occurs. Click Setup > Beep to toggle this switch on and off.
Numbering settings
To open the Numbering setup dialog box, click Setup > Numbering:
Option Action
Compare to old A new part gets the same number as a previ-
ously numbered similar part.
Take new number A new part gets a number not used in previous
numbering, even if a similar numbered part
already exists.
Option Action
Compare to old Same as for new parts (above)
Take new number Same as for new parts (above)
Keep number if possible Modified part maintains its previous number if
possible.
Always carry out full numbering on the model after you have
changed numbering settings. See the online help.
Numbering example
This example explains how different numbering settings result in different part
numbers when you modify a part.
1. Create three identical beams with the numbering series prefix P and start
number 1.
2. Number the model. All the beams have the part position number P1.
3. Modify one of the beams.
4. Number the model. You should now have two beams P1 and one P2.
5. Change beam P2 to be identical to the others.
6. Number the model.
Tekla Structures assigns different part position numbers to this part, according to
which numbering settings you used, as follows:
• Compare to old: P1
• Keep number if possible: P2
• Take new number: P3
For information on how to interpret the log file, see Log files in
the online help.
Applying To apply numbering, click Tools > Numbering. You have the following options:
numbering
Option Result
Modified Assigns marks to all modified and
new parts and assemblies.
Full Assigns marks to all parts and assem-
blies.
Assign number Changes final position number.
Unnumber selected Deletes current part and assembly
position number.
Unnumber selected (part only) Deletes current part position number.
Unnumber selected (assembly only) Deletes current assembly position
number.
Unnumber selected (rebar only) Deletes current reinforcing bar posi-
tion number.
Preliminary marks Saves current part position number as
preliminary marks for selected parts.
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. 25)
• Numeric snapping (p. 128)
• Orthogonal snapping (p. 129)
• Tracking (p. 129)
• Temporary reference points (p. 130)
See also Snapping examples (p. 130).
Numeric snapping
Use the Enter a numeric location toolbar to key in position coordinates you want
to snap to.
To display the toolbar, initiate a command that requires you to pick positions, and
then do one of the following:
• Start entering the coordinates using the keyboard.
• Click Setup > Enter a numeric location and select an option.
After you enter the coordinates, press Enter or click OK to snap to the position.
Orthogonal snapping
Use the shortcut O (Setup > 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 environment variables
XS_SEMI_ORTHO_ANGLE and XS_USE_SEMI_ORTHO. For more infor-
mation, see Appendix C, Environment Variables, in the System Manual.
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. 130).
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 dis-
plays 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. 129).
1000
You can also track beyond the snap point, for example, 4000 units from the last
point picked.
4000
-1000
Reference points In this example, we create a beam using a grid line midpoint as a temporary ref-
erence 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.
500
Exact lines
Use Tools > Exact lines to display selected parts with exact lines. Click Window >
Redraw all, to clear the exact lines effect.
1. Select the parts.
2. Click Tools > Exact lines.
132 TEKLA STRUCTURES - MODELING MANUAL
Settings and Tools
3. Click the window in which you want to display exact lines.
You can also right-click on the selected parts and choose Exact lines. Tekla Struc-
tures automatically applies Exact lines to the active window.
See View properties (p. 44) for more on the exact drawing
technique.
Hide lines
Use this command to display hidden lines in selected parts. Click Window >
Redraw all to clear the hidden lines effect.
1. Select the parts.
2. Click Tools > Hide lines.
3. 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. Select the parts to hide.
2. Right-click and select Hide.
• By default, hide changes parts to sticks
• To completely hide parts, use the Shift key with the hide com-
mand.
3. To make parts visible, use the command Window > Redraw all or right-click
the parts and select Exact lines.
Draw solid
You mainly use Draw solid for checking. Tekla Structures uses different color
lines to display:
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.
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. Click Tools > Show component.
2. 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. Click a part.
2. Right-click a part.
3. 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.
3. Enter new lot number, and then enter a number in Current lot, Number and
ensure Number is checked.
4. Enter a the maximum weight of the lot in Max weight. Click Add.
5. You now have an empty lot. To add parts to the lot see Adding parts to an
existing lot (p. 135).
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.
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.
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.
Using Sequencer
Click Tools > Sequencer to open a dialog box displaying existing sequences. You
can enter the following information:
Option Description
Sequence name 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.
Max number 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 Struc-
tures prompts if you want to override the existing
number. If you click Yes, Tekla Structures gives the
next available number to the object.
Delete Deletes the sequence. If there is only one sequence in
the list, the name of the empty sequence remains.
Snapshot
Use Snapshot to capture dialog boxes, views, or the entire Tekla Structures win-
dow. Tekla Structures saves the snapshot as a bitmap in the current model folder.
This can be a useful tool. You can use snapshots in posters, brochures, or other
material to show projects carried out using Tekla Structures. Tekla Structures
technical support staff may ask you for a snapshot if you contact them with a
question.
Function keys Use the following function keys to create snapshots:
Key Action
F9 Captures entire Tekla Structures windows
F10 Captures the last dialog box displayed
F11 Captures the active view
F12 Captures the active view, without borders
Print snapshot Check the Window > Snapshot > Print snapshot switch to have Tekla Structures
automatically print out the snapshot.
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
PLh*b h=height
b=thickness
(smaller=b)
Dd
ELDd1*r1*d2*r2
PDd*t
EPDd1*r1*d2*r2*t
Ph1*b-h2*b*t
HKh-s-t*b-c (symmetric)
HKh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2-c
HQh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2 (centered)
HQh-s-t1*b1-t2*b2-c
ZZh-t-e-b (symmetric)
ZZh-t-e1-b1-e2-b2
CCh-t-e-b (symmetric)
CCh-t-e1-b1-e2-b2
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
SPDd*t
SPDd1-d2*t
ECh-t-e-b-a (symmetric)
ECh-t-e1-b1-e1-b1-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
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
A
Alias
An alternative name, for example, of a material.
Analysis model
Tekla Structures generates an analysis model of the physical and load models
when you run structural analysis. The analysis model contains nodes, members,
elements, loads, and other related information. It also includes load combina-
tions.
Assembly
An entity fabricated in the workshop. All the parts connected by workshop welds
and workshop bolts form an assembly.
Attribute
See User-defined attribute (p. 163).
AutoConnection
A tool that automatically selects all the connected parts in the model, searches
for the appropriate connections, and gives them the correct default connection
properties.
AutoDefaults
A tool that compares selected connections with a predefined set of default values
and applies the correct ones to them.
Automatic cloning
A numbering setting that automatically copies an existing drawing to a modified
part.
AutoPick
A command that automatically snaps to locked points when you use numeric
snap in the Drawing Editor.
B
Base part
The longest main part in an assembly. Defines the direction of the assembly
drawing. See also Main part (p. 156).
Batch file
The startup file that launches Tekla Structures. Contains many environment vari-
ables that you can use to configure Tekla Structures for different standards and
your own style of working. Tekla Structures automatically creates the necessary
batch files during installation. The number of batch files it creates depends on
how many languages and country-specific environments you choose to install.
Bounding box
The area or volume around the load that Tekla Structures searches for load-bear-
ing parts. For each load you can define the dimensions of the bounding box in the
x, y, and z directions.
Bulge
The curved portion of a polyline.
C
Cast unit
An entity of concrete parts cast in one continuous process. You create a cast unit
by indicating the parts that belong to the same cast unit.
D
Database
The model database (the *.db1 files) contains all the information about the physi-
cal model. The *.db2 file is the numbering database.
Default
Any predefined setting or value.
In connections, default values have a specific meaning. AutoDefaults can only
replace fields that have default values with new values from the Autodefaults set-
tings.
Design group
A group of parts that have the same name and profile. Tekla Structures uses
design groups when it searches for the optimal profiles for parts. It assigns the
profile of the governing part to all parts in the design group.
Detail
Detail is a subtype of component. It connects to a part and automatically creates
the necessary plates, fittings, bolts, welds, etc. Examples of details: base plates,
stiffeners, lifting hooks. See also Component (p. 151) and Connection (p. 152).
E
Elevation dimension
A level mark.
Environment variable
The command line variables in the Tekla Structures startup batch file. You can
use these to define various settings, default folders, default values, etc.
Extrema
Rectanglular boundaries. For example, these might specify the content displayed
in drawing views.
G
Global coordinate system
Global origin and coordinate axes of a model. Shown by a green cube located at
the origin.
GOL
A specific dimension showing the gage of an outstanding leg.
Grid
A three-dimensional complex of planes. Tekla Structures shows its projection
onto the view plane using cyan dash-and-dot grid lines.
GUID
A globally unique identifier. Each Tekla Structures member has GUID, which is
unique across Tekla Structures models and across any software model. It assures
data integrity so that members are identified across projects.
K
Key plan
A small model view in a drawing that indicates the location of an assembly, a
cast unit, or part in the model. The key plan includes the grid and the assembly,
cast unit, or part shown in the drawing.
Knock-off dimension
A dimension line from a part end to the original creation point of the part.
L
Layout
Drawing style containing sheets and tables (drawing titles etc.).
Library profile
A section that is available in standard sizes, such as W21x45, HEA200. See also
Parametric profile (p. 158).
Load combination coefficient
See Partial safety factor (p. 158).
Load combination
Load combination is a process in which some simultaneously acting load groups
are multiplied by their partial safety factors and combined with each other
according to specific rules.
Load combination rules are specific to a design process and are defined in build-
ing codes.
M
Macro
Macro is a subtype of component. Macro creates the parts to build a structure,
such as stairs, but does not connect the structure to existing parts. Macros can
include connections and details. See also Component (p. 151).
Main part
An assembly part to which other parts are welded or bolted, but which is not
welded or bolted to any parts. Assemblies can have one or many main parts. The
welding and bolting order determines which part is the main part. The chords of
a truss are typical main parts. See also Assembly (p. 149).
O
Orientation mark
A symbol showing the position of an assembly (a triangle inside a circle).
Origin
The point where coordinate axes intersect.
Overall dimension
A dimension between the outermost positions of a part, or an assembly.
P
Pan
To shift the view of a model or drawing without changing the magnification.
Parametric profile
Profiles that have a predefined, hard-coded shape, with one or more parameters
that define the size of the profile. See also Library profile (p. 155)
Part
The basic component of a model. Parts are large members, such as beams and
columns, as well as smaller pieces, such as plates.
Partial safety factor
A factor by which a characteristic value is multiplied to produce a design value.
A factor that takes into consideration the occurrence probability of loadings in
load combination. In some context, also referred to as load combination coeffi-
cient.
Physical model
The portion of the product model database that has direct or indirect counterpart
in the structure to be build. An example of physical model object is the beam.
158 TEKLA STRUCTURES - MODELING MANUAL
Glossary
Pick
To use the left mouse button to specify points, or select objects in the model.
Plan
A user-specific view of the master model. See also Master model (p. 157).
Polybeam
A continuous beam that you create by picking points to indicate the segments.
Segments are straight, but segment intersections can be curved. For example, a
beam that follows a zig-zag line is a polybeam.
Polyline
A continuous sequence of lines.
Pop mark
Small mark (hole) that the shop uses to weld or bolt secondary parts to the right
location on a main part.
Pop-up menu
Tekla Structures displays a pop-up menu when you right-click. The pop-up menu
contains the commands that you can perform on the selected object(s). See also
Right-click (p. 160).
Position dimension
A dimension that presents the location in which the connected part is attached.
Primary part
An assembly part that has something welded or bolted to it, and that is also
welded or bolted to another part. The welding and bolting order determines the
primary part. A primary part can simultaneously be the main part of one assem-
bly and a secondary part of another assembly. See also Assembly (p. 149).
Prompt
A message on the status bar that provides information or asks you to do some-
thing.
Property
A single value or characteristic associated with an object. See also User-defined
attribute (p. 163).
Pull-down menu
A menu located under the blue title bar in the Tekla Structures window. These
pull-down menus contain all the Tekla Structures commands.
Pull-out
A small drawing in the reinforcement mark that shows the dimensions of a rein-
forcing bar. See also Reinforcement pull-outs.
S
Secondary part
An assembly part that is welded or bolted to another part, and that does not have
parts welded or bolted to.
T
Table layout
Settings that define the appearance of drawing sheets. This includes margins,
spaces between drawing views, and the location of tables, such as title block,
revision table, material list, etc.
Template Editor
The Tekla Structures editor you use to create and modify templates used in draw-
ings and reports. The Template Editor is also referred to as TplEd.
Toolbar
A toolbar contains icons which give easy access to the most frequently-used
commands. Toolbars are located under the menu bar.
Tooltip
A small pop-up window that displays the name of an icon.
TplEd
See Template Editor (p. 162).
U
Ultimate limit state
A state beyond which the structure no longer satisfies the design performance
requirements and which is associated with collapse, or with other forms of struc-
tural failure which may endanger the safety of people.
V
View
A representation of a model from a specific location. To see your Tekla Struc-
tures model from virtually any angle, you can move and rotate the model, and
you can create views of it.
View depth
The thickness of the displayed slice of model. The objects within the view depth
and the work area are visible in the model.
View plane
The view-specific plane onto which the grids are projected and in which the grid
lines are visible. Points located in the view plane are yellow.
W
Web Viewer
A tool for viewing Tekla Structures models in Internet. Before viewing you need
to export the model from Tekla Structures to the Web Viewer format.
Wire frame view
A type of view in which Tekla Structures only displays object outlines, and
objects are transparent. Object surfaces are not displayed. See also Rendered
view (p. 160).
X
Xmouse
A feature that activates the view window when you move the pointer over the
view. Without Xmouse you should click the view to activate it.
Xsnap
A feature that helps you to snap to the correct points by giving you visual cues.
As you move the pointer over an object, Tekla Structures automatically high-
lights the points it suggests you snap to.
A color
of model objects ...........................123
assemblies .......................................... 65 color by class .............................123, 124
numbering..................................... 67 commands ..........................................31
ending ..........................................33
executing ......................................31
B repeating ......................................32
using simultaneously .......................33
beep ................................................ 124 compare ...........................................109
bolt clearance .................................... 108 concrete parts
bolt group shape .................................. 83 creating ........................................76
bolts construction circles ................................53
about ........................................... 79 construction lines ..................................53
creating .................................. 80, 81 coordinate system
length .......................................... 84 in model ........................................36
location ........................................ 85 copying ............................................110
button ................................................ 22 creating
common buttons ....................... 23, 24 bolts ......................................80, 81
radio button ................................... 22 cast units ......................................66
concrete parts ................................76
grids ............................................42
C holes ............................................81
models .........................................37
cast units ............................................ 65 objects .........................................32
numbering..................................... 67 points ...........................................52
working with .................................. 66 steel parts .....................................76
chamfer .............................................. 93 views ...........................................48
checkbox ............................................ 22 welds ...........................................87
modify filter checkboxes ................... 24 Custom Component Editor ......................11
clash check ....................................... 108 cuts ...................................................95
bolt clearance .............................. 108
class
color .......................................... 124
clearance
D
bolt ............................................ 108 decimals ...........................................117
closing point symbol ................................117
views ........................................... 49 default grid ..........................................42
closing models ..................................... 40 default view .........................................48
S T
Template Editor ....................................11
saving models ......................................40 temporary reference points....................130
screen components ...............................12 tolerate cursor, see Xsnap ....................119
screen layout toolbars ..............................................15
in Model Editor ...............................12 in Model Editor ...............................16
select filter moving .........................................15
defining ......................................115 tools
dialog box ...................................115 draw solid ....................................133
standard .....................................114 exact lines ...................................132
using..........................................114 hide lines ....................................133
select switches show component ...........................134
in Model Editor ...............................30 tooltip .................................................13
selecting objects tracking ............................................129
controlling the selection ....................30 transparent commands ...........................33
how to select .................................28
in model .......................................28
select switches, in Model Editor .........30
W
weld preparation................................... 92
welds
creating ........................................ 87
position ........................................ 91
properties ..................................... 88
symbols ........................................ 87
types ........................................... 90
wheel mouse ..................................... 101
wildcards .......................................... 113
windows, using .................................... 14
wire frame........................................... 45