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Tekla Structures
System Manual
Product version 16.0
December 2009
2010 Tekla Corporation
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2010 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved.
This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referenced Software. Use of the Software, and use of thisSoftware Manual are governed by a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement sets certainwarranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, defines
permitted uses of the Software, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software. All informationset forth in this manual is provided with the warranty set forth in the License Agreement. Please refer to the License
Agreement for important obligations and applicable limitations and restrictions on your rights. Tekla does notguarantee that the text is free of technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Tekla reserves the right to makechanges and additions to this manual due to changes in the software or otherwise.
In addition, this Software Manual is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. Unauthorizedreproduction, display, modification, or distribution of this Manual, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil andcriminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the full extent permitted by law.
Tekla, Tekla Structures, Xcity, Xengineer, Xpipe, Xroad, Xpower, Xsteel, and Xstreet are either registered trademarksor trademarks of Tekla Corporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other countries. Other productand company names mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. By referring to athird-party product or brand, Tekla does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or endorsement by such third partyand 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. All rights reserved.
EPM toolkit 1995-2004 EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rights reserved.
XML parser 1999 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights reserved.
Project Data Control Library 2006 - 2007 DlhSoft. All rights reserved.
DWGdirect, DGNdirect and OpenDWG Toolkit/Viewkit libraries 1998-2005 Open Design Alliance. All rightsreserved.
FlexNet Copyright 2006 Flexera Software Limited. All Rights Reserved. This product contains proprietary andconfidential technology provided by and owned by Flexera Software Limited Of Schaumburg, IL, USA. Any use,copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission of such technology in whole or in part in anyform or by any means without the prior express written permission of Flexera Software Limited is strictly prohibited.Except where expressly provided by Flexera Software Limited in writing, possession of this technology shall not be
construed to confer any license or rights under any of Flexera Softwares intellectual property rights, whether byestoppel, implication, or otherwise.
The software is protected by U.S. Patent 7,302,368. Also elements of the software described in this Manual may bethe subject of pending patent applications in the European Union and/or other countries including U.S. patentapplications 2004031231, 2004267695, 2005285881, 2006000484 and 200613639.
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Conventions used in this guide
Typographicalconventions
The following typographical conventions are used in this guide:
Noteboxes The following types of noteboxes are used in this guide:
Font Usage
Bold Any text that you see in the user interface appears in bold. This fontis used, for example, for window and dialog box titles, box and
button names, and list items.
I tal ic bo ld New terms are in i tal ic bo ldwhen they appear in the current contextfor the first time.
Monospace Extracts of program code, HTML, or other material that you wouldnormally edit in a text editor, appear in monospaced font.
This font is also used for file names and folder paths, and for anytext that you should type yourself.
A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of doingthings.
A note draws attention to details that you might easily overlook. It canalso point you to other information in this guide that you might finduseful.
You should always read very important notes and warnings, like thisone. They will help you avoid making serious mistakes, or wasting yourtime.
This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical information thatis usually of interest only to advanced or technically-oriented readers.
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Contents
Conventions used in this guide ........................................................................................................................... 3
1 Using Tekla Structures effectively ......................................................... 151.1 General................................................................................................................................................. 15
Firm and project folders................................................................................................................... 16
Catalogs........................................................................................................................................... 16
Options............................................................................................................................................. 16
Profile names ............................................................................................................................ 16
Connections .............................................................................................................................. 17
Edge distance ............................................................................................................................ 17
Units and decimals........................................................................................................................... 17
Updating units and decimals in dialog boxes ............................................................................ 17
Recording and running macros........................................................................................................ 17
Warning messages.......................................................................................................................... 19
1.2 Modeling............................................................................................................................................... 19
Automating the detailing process..................................................................................................... 19
Predefining part properties............................................................................................................... 20
Modeling tools.................................................................................................................................. 20
AutoDefaults..................................................................................................................................... 21
AutoConnection................................................................................................................................ 21
1.3 Drawings and printers........................................................................................................................... 21
Drawing properties........................................................................................................................... 21
Layouts and templates..................................................................................................................... 22
Reports and symbols....................................................................................................................... 22
Selection filters................................................................................................................................. 22
Wizards............................................................................................................................................ 22
Defining print devices....................................................................................................................... 22
1.4 Autosave............................................................................................................................................... 22
Setting Autosave interval ................................................................................................................. 23
Autosave file location....................................................................................................................... 24
Keeping Autosave files..................................................................................................................... 24
Usernames....................................................................................................................................... 24
Application error............................................................................................................................... 25
Fatal: Model memory corrupted by read. ................................................................................... 25
1.5 Customizing the interface..................................................................................................................... 25
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Toolbars........................................................................................................................................... 25
Managing toolbars ..................................................................................................................... 26
Icons .......................................................................................................................................... 27
Creating a user-defined toolbar........................................................................................................ 27
Adding customized icons for macros ......................................................................................... 27
Creating a user-defined menu.......................................................................................................... 27
Defining shortcuts............................................................................................................................ 28
1.6 Optimizing system performance........................................................................................................... 29
Virtual memory................................................................................................................................. 29
Display adaptor................................................................................................................................ 29
Solid buffer size................................................................................................................................ 29
How Tekla Structures handles solids............................................................................................... 30
1.7 Customizing Tekla Structures with Tekla Open API............................................................................. 30
2 Multi-user mode....................................................................................... 332.1 General information on the multi-user mode........................................................................................ 33
When to use multi-user mode.......................................................................................................... 34
Switching between single-user and multi-user modes .............................................................. 34
Changing the server of a multi-user model ................................................................................ 34
Overview of the multi-user system................................................................................................... 35
The Tekla Structures server ..................................................................................................... 35
How multi-user works....................................................................................................................... 36
Locking ...................................................................................................................................... 36Setting up the multi-user system...................................................................................................... 37
Saving in multi-user mode................................................................................................................ 38
Save .......................................................................................................................................... 38
Autosave ................................................................................................................................... 38
Saving model revision comments .................................................................................................... 38
Shutting down the model.................................................................................................................. 40
Copying multi-user models............................................................................................................... 40
Displaying active multi-users............................................................................................................ 40
Clearing locks................................................................................................................................... 41
Error messages................................................................................................................................ 41
Recommendations........................................................................................................................... 42
2.2 Modeling in multi-user mode................................................................................................................. 43
Working with a master model........................................................................................................... 43
Numbering setup.............................................................................................................................. 47
Synchronizing numbering with the master model ............................................................................ 48
2.3 Drawings in multi-user mode................................................................................................................ 49
About drawing files........................................................................................................................... 49
Guidelines for multi-user drawings................................................................................................... 49
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Locks for drawings ........................................................................................................................... 50
2.4 Maintenance procedures....................................................................................................................... 50
Checking multi-user databases........................................................................................................ 50
Deleting unnecessary drawing files.................................................................................................. 51
2.5 Access rights......................................................................................................................................... 51Locking objects................................................................................................................................. 51
Controlling access to attributes........................................................................................................ 52
Restricting access to model ............................................................................................................. 53
Controlling access to numbering setup............................................................................................ 53
3 Files and Folders ..................................................................................... 553.1 Initialization files.................................................................................................................................... 55
Storing advanced options settings................................................................................................... 56
Setting advanced options .......................................................................................................... 56
Using the Advanced Options dialog box .................................................................................... 56
Editing the user.ini file ................................................................................................................ 57
Disabling advanced options in an initialization file ..................................................................... 58
Structure........................................................................................................................................... 58
Initialization file reading order .................................................................................................... 58
Creating customized initialization files ....................................................................................... 59
Including other initialization files ................................................................................................ 59
Creating shortcuts............................................................................................................................ 59
3.2 File types and function.......................................................................................................................... 60
Input files.......................................................................................................................................... 61
Component description files ...................................................................................................... 61
Data files.......................................................................................................................................... 62
Data files and modeling tools ..................................................................................................... 62
DSTV connection properties............................................................................................................ 64
Messages......................................................................................................................................... 65
Profiles............................................................................................................................................. 65
inp (ASCII) ................................................................................................................................. 65
cnv (ASCII) ................................................................................................................................ 65lis (ASCII) ................................................................................................................................... 65
Binary files ................................................................................................................................. 66
Bin.................................................................................................................................................... 66
Fonts................................................................................................................................................ 66
Symbols............................................................................................................................................ 66
System............................................................................................................................................. 67
File extensions ................................................................................................................................. 67
3.3 Folders.................................................................................................................................................. 70
Folder search order.......................................................................................................................... 70
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Open a model first............................................................................................................................ 94
The filter ........................................................................................................................................... 94
Saving a modified catalog................................................................................................................ 94
What is the difference between Update and OK?............................................................................ 95
4.2 The profile catalog................................................................................................................................. 95
Working with rules............................................................................................................................ 96
Defining the material of profiles ................................................................................................. 97
Adding a rule .............................................................................................................................. 99
Adding a next level rule ............................................................................................................. 99
Editing a rule ............................................................................................................................ 100
Organizing rules ....................................................................................................................... 100
Deleting a rule .......................................................................................................................... 100
Example: Adding user attributes to rules ................................................................................ 100
Viewing or modifying the profile catalog......................................................................................... 102
Using standardized values for profile dimensions.......................................................................... 103
Adding a profile.............................................................................................................................. 103
Copy an existing profile ........................................................................................................... 103
Creating a new standard profile ............................................................................................... 104
Creating a cross section................................................................................................................. 104
Cross section with no inner contours ....................................................................................... 104
Cross section with inner contours ............................................................................................ 105
Modifying a cross section............................................................................................................... 105
Different types of chamfer ........................................................................................................ 105
Deleting a cross section................................................................................................................. 106
Profiles with variable cross sections............................................................................................... 106
Creating a profile with variable cross sections ......................................................................... 107
Modifying a profile with variable cross sections ....................................................................... 108
Adding a standard (fixed) user-defined profile............................................................................... 108
Adding user-defined attributes to a profile...................................................................................... 110
Merging profile catalogs................................................................................................................. 110
Exporting the profile catalog........................................................................................................... 111
Exporting elements from the profile catalog................................................................................... 111
Importing from previous versions................................................................................................... 112Importing the profile catalog........................................................................................................... 112
What happens to existing profiles? .......................................................................................... 112
User-defined fixed cross section definitions ............................................................................ 113
User-defined attributes ............................................................................................................ 113
4.3 The material catalog............................................................................................................................ 113
Viewing or modifying the material catalog...................................................................................... 113
Adding a user-defined attribute to a material grade....................................................................... 114
Units of measure ...................................................................................................................... 115
Adding a material type.................................................................................................................... 115
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Adding a new material grade......................................................................................................... 115
Deleting a material grade............................................................................................................... 115
Defining your own symbols for materials....................................................................................... 116
Export and import........................................................................................................................... 116
4.4 The bolt and bolt assembly catalogs.................................................................................................. 117
Viewing or modifying the bolt catalog............................................................................................. 117
Saving a modified bolt catalog....................................................................................................... 119
Viewing or modifying bolt assemblies............................................................................................ 119
Creating studs................................................................................................................................ 121
Merging bolt catalogs..................................................................................................................... 122
Exporting the bolt catalog............................................................................................................... 123
Importing the bolt catalog............................................................................................................... 123
Upgrading to a new version ..................................................................................................... 123
4.5 The reinforcing bar catalog................................................................................................................. 124
4.6 For the advanced user........................................................................................................................ 124
A closer look at the export file........................................................................................................ 125
Dos & donts of editing the export file............................................................................................ 126
Importing part of the bolt catalog.................................................................................................... 126
Units used in export and import ..................................................................................................... 127
Bolt length calculation.................................................................................................................... 128
Polybeam length calculation.......................................................................................................... 131
5 AutoConnect ion ..................................................................................... 1335.1 AutoConnection setup........................................................................................................................ 133
AutoConnection setup.................................................................................................................... 134
AutoConnection rule groups........................................................................................................... 135
AutoConnection rule sets............................................................................................................... 135
Rules.zxt ....................................................................................................................................... 137
Changing a connection.................................................................................................................. 137
5.2 AutoDefaults setup............................................................................................................................. 137
AutoDefaults setup......................................................................................................................... 137
Connection properties files............................................................................................................. 138Saving connection properties .................................................................................................. 139
Access to properties files ........................................................................................................ 139
Defaults.zxt.................................................................................................................................... 139
Priority of rule sets......................................................................................................................... 140
Editing connection properties......................................................................................................... 140
5.3 AutoConnection and AutoDefaults rules............................................................................................. 141
Combining and iterating properties................................................................................................ 143
Limitations ............................................................................................................................... 144
Combining properties..................................................................................................................... 144
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Iteration with connection check...................................................................................................... 145
Reaction forces and UDL............................................................................................................... 147
6 CNC......................................................................................................... 149
6.1 NC files................................................................................................................................................ 149Setting up NC files.......................................................................................................................... 150
Defining destination machines for parts......................................................................................... 151
Defining selection criteria............................................................................................................... 152
Maximum size .......................................................................................................................... 153
Profile type ............................................................................................................................... 153
Maximum size of holes ............................................................................................................ 153
Defining hole properties................................................................................................................. 154
Creating NC files............................................................................................................................ 157
Creating tube NC files.................................................................................................................... 157
Defining the output format and folder............................................................................................. 158
6.2 DSTV................................................................................................................................................... 159
Fittings affect NC data.................................................................................................................... 159
6.3 DXF..................................................................................................................................................... 160
Converting DSTV files to DXF ....................................................................................................... 161
6.4 Pop-marks.......................................................................................................................................... 161
Creating pop-marks........................................................................................................................ 161
Pop-mark settings .......................................................................................................................... 162
Pop-marking options ................................................................................................................ 163
6.5 Hard stamps........................................................................................................................................ 164
Creating hard stamps..................................................................................................................... 164
Hard stamp properties.................................................................................................................... 164
Information contained in hard stamps ...................................................................................... 165
Position of hard stamps ........................................................................................................... 165
Hard stamps for secondary parts ............................................................................................. 165
7 Import and export .................................................................................. 1677.1 Import and export basics..................................................................................................................... 167
Using import and export ................................................................................................................. 168
Available formats............................................................................................................................ 168
Importing into Tekla Structures ................................................................................................ 168
Exporting from Tekla Structures .............................................................................................. 172
7.2 Conversion files................................................................................................................................... 175
Converting twin profiles.................................................................................................................. 176
Creating conversion files................................................................................................................ 177
Locating conversion files................................................................................................................ 177
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Sample conversion files................................................................................................................. 177
Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................. 178
7.3 Importing models................................................................................................................................ 178
Import tools.................................................................................................................................... 179
Overview of importing models........................................................................................................ 179Finishing the import ................................................................................................................. 179
Re-importing a model..................................................................................................................... 180
Revision control options .......................................................................................................... 181
Creating reports of import .............................................................................................................. 182
Importing DWG/DXF files............................................................................................................... 182
IFC import ...................................................................................................................................... 182
Importing an IFC model ........................................................................................................... 183
Converting IFC objects into native Tekla Structures objects ................................................... 183
CIS import...................................................................................................................................... 185
CAD import..................................................................................................................................... 186
CAD specific information ......................................................................................................... 186
Creating log files ...................................................................................................................... 186
CAD import file types..................................................................................................................... 186
SDNF specific options ............................................................................................................. 186
FEM import..................................................................................................................................... 187
FEM specific information ......................................................................................................... 187
FEM import file types ............................................................................................................... 188
DSTV files...................................................................................................................................... 188
About DSTV ............................................................................................................................ 189
STAAD files.................................................................................................................................... 189
Stan 3d files................................................................................................................................... 190
Bus import...................................................................................................................................... 191
Yield stress in FEM import ............................................................................................................. 191
Model dump import ........................................................................................................................ 191
ASCII import................................................................................................................................... 191
ASCII format description................................................................................................................ 192
Attribute import............................................................................................................................... 194
About input files ....................................................................................................................... 195Example input file for drawings ............................................................................................... 196
Example input file for parts ...................................................................................................... 197
Data types file .......................................................................................................................... 197
Steelfab import............................................................................................................................... 198
Steelfab specific information ................................................................................................... 198
Fabtrol XML import......................................................................................................................... 198
S-Frame import.............................................................................................................................. 199
About S-Frame imports ........................................................................................................... 199
MicasPlus import............................................................................................................................ 199
MicasPlus specific information ................................................................................................ 199
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Eureka LPM import......................................................................................................................... 199
Overview of ELiPLAN import and export........................................................................................ 199
Import ELiPLAN status data .................................................................................................... 200
7.4 Exporting files...................................................................................................................................... 201
Exporting 3D DWG/DXF................................................................................................................ 202Export as .................................................................................................................................. 202
Exporting 3D DGN.......................................................................................................................... 203
Exporting FEM................................................................................................................................ 204
Combine segments (MicroSAS) .............................................................................................. 204
STAAD ..................................................................................................................................... 204
DSTV ....................................................................................................................................... 204
Exporting CIMsteel......................................................................................................................... 205
Analysis model ......................................................................................................................... 205
Manufacturing model ............................................................................................................... 206
More CIMsteel information ....................................................................................................... 207
Exporting CAD................................................................................................................................ 208
PML ......................................................................................................................................... 209
SDNF ....................................................................................................................................... 209
XML ......................................................................................................................................... 210
PDMS ...................................................................................................................................... 211
Exporting MIS................................................................................................................................. 211
MIS types ................................................................................................................................. 211
MIS list file ............................................................................................................................... 212
Exporting ASCII.............................................................................................................................. 212
IFC export....................................................................................................................................... 212
Defining the resulting IFC entity for the exported model objects ............................................. 213
Exporting a Tekla Structures model into an IFC file ................................................................ 214
IFC base quantities .................................................................................................................. 214
Exporting user-defined attributes and template attributes as property sets into IFC models .. 215
Exporting a model dump................................................................................................................ 215
Exporting BVBS.............................................................................................................................. 216
Exporting reinforcement to BVBS format ................................................................................. 218
Export rebar BVBS (78) dialog box .......................................................................................... 218BVBS (78) specification ........................................................................................................... 220
Exporting Unitechnik...................................................................................................................... 221
Exporting cast units to Unitechnik format ................................................................................ 222
Unitechnik export reference ..................................................................................................... 225
Main ......................................................................................................................................... 225
Unitechnik configuration .......................................................................................................... 230
TS configuration ....................................................................................................................... 234
Line attributes .......................................................................................................................... 236
Reinforcement ......................................................................................................................... 239
Data specification .................................................................................................................... 243
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Overview of ELiPLAN import and export........................................................................................ 243
Exporting ELiPLAN .................................................................................................................. 243
7.5 Exporting drawings............................................................................................................................. 245
Layers............................................................................................................................................ 245
Advanced line type and layer conversion ................................................................................ 2477.6 Tekla WebViewer................................................................................................................................ 250
Publishing a model as a web page................................................................................................ 250
Customizing Web Viewer tooltips................................................................................................... 250
Web templates............................................................................................................................... 252
Emailing WebViewer models......................................................................................................... 252
Receiving WebViewer models....................................................................................................... 252
Sending WebViewer links.............................................................................................................. 252
Handling named views................................................................................................................... 253
Handling clip planes....................................................................................................................... 253Hiding and showing objects........................................................................................................... 255
Full content rendering.................................................................................................................... 255
How to move and zoom?............................................................................................................... 255
8 Reserved shor tcuts ............................................................................... 2578.1 Common shortcuts.............................................................................................................................. 257
8.2 Modeling commands........................................................................................................................... 258
8.3 Drawing commands............................................................................................................................ 259
8.4 UCS.................................................................................................................................................... 260
8.5 Representation for parts..................................................................................................................... 260
8.6 Representation for component parts.................................................................................................. 261
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Using Tekla Structures effectively
1 Using Tekla Structureseffectively
Introduction With Tekla Structures you do not have to do everything manually. There are many features youcan you use to automate your work processes. You will find it useful to read this chapter beforestarting a project in Tekla Structures.
In this chapter This chapter is a collection of practical suggestions from experienced Tekla Structures usersand service personnel on how to use Tekla Structures effectively. You will also find many linksto more detailed explanations of the various features discussed here and step-by-stepinstructions where appropriate.
Contents This chapter is divided into the following sections:
General (p. 15)
Modeling (p. 19) Drawings and printers (p. 21)
Autosave (p. 22)
Customizing the interface (p. 25)
Optimizing system performance (p. 29)
1.1 General
This section describes how to make the most of various Tekla Structures features when settingup a project.
Topics Firm and project folders (p. 16)
Catalogs (p. 16)
Options (p. 16)
Recording and running macros (p. 17)
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Firm and project folders
Before you customize any object properties for specific projects or organizations, create firmand project folders in which to store them. This will save you time setting up future projectsand also when you upgrade Tekla Structures.
See also Project and firm folders (p. 73)Folder search order (p. 70)
Predefining part properties (p. 20)
Catalogs
Before you start a project, check that the catalogs you are using conform to the projectrequirements. Ensure all users access the same catalogs.
See also Folder search order (p. 70)
Catalogs (p. 93)
Open a model first (p. 94)
The profile catalog (p. 95)
The material catalog (p. 113)
The bolt and bolt assembly catalogs (p. 117)
The reinforcing bar catalog (p. 124)
Options
Check that your option settings are set up correctly before you start modeling. ClickTools > Options > Options..., and see the different tabs. Component properties override these
settings. Tekla Structures only uses the values set in the Options dialog box if thecorresponding fields in the component dialog boxes are empty.
Tekla Structures uses the information in the Options dialog box when it creates parts usingcomponents.
Example It is important that profile names are set up correctly so that you can use filters and wizardseffectively.
If you change settings in the Options dialog box, Tekla Structures only applies the new settingsto components you subsequently create. Components you created prior to changing the
preferences are not affected.
Profile namesIn the Preferences tab, profile names are parametric profile prefixes. They must exist in the
profile catalog. If you want to use a parametric profile name that does not exist in the catalog,first add it to profile catalog, then enter it here. Tekla Structures uses the Folded plate prefixwhen you use the Polyplate command in macros.
See also The profile catalog (p. 95).
In multi-user mode, all users working in the same model have the sameoption settings as well as other properties, catalogs, etc.
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Using Tekla Structures effectively
ConnectionsTo define the default bolt properties to use in connections, select a Bolt standard and Bolt size.
Enter part start numbers in fields Pos1 to Pos4. Cross-check these settings against thenumbering series you define to make sure they cannot overlap. If they overlap, Tekla Structuresmay create two non-identical parts with the same part number. This generates an error in thelog file numbering.history .
Edge distanceWhen you use components, Tekla Structures uses the Factor of bolt edge distance andElement considered fields to check that the bolts it creates are not too close to the edge of a
part. Tekla Structures warns you if they are.
Check that bolt edge distance is set according to the standard you are using. Use the Elementconsidered field to base edge distance checks on bolt or hole diameter.
Default edge distance settings depend on the environment. If you change the default settings,use Save defaults (p. 81) command to save settings in the current model folder.
Units and decimalsTo configure how units and decimals are input, output, stored and displayed, clickTools >Options > Options... > Units and decimals.
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 Analysisresults tab (output data only relates to structural analysis).
The settings on the Modeling tab affect the data you use when using modeling commands, suchas 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 theInquire and Measure tools.
You can use positive exponent notation, but not negative exponent notation.
See also Updating units and decimals in dialog boxes (p. 17)
Updating units and decimals in dialog boxes
To update the units and decimals in a dialog box:1. Click Tools > Options > Options...
2. Click Units and decimals in the list of available options.
3. Modify the values on the different tab pages as required.
4. Click OK. Tekla Structures updates the format of units and decimals in all open dialogboxes.
See also Units and decimals (p. 17)
Recording and running macros
Tekla Structures enables you to record a series of actions from menus, dialog boxes, andshortcuts.
The number of decimals affects input and storage accuracy. Always usea sufficient number of decimals.
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Recording amacro
To record a macro:
1. Click Tools > Macros... to open the Macros dialog box.
2. Enter a Macro name.
3. Click Record.
4. Perform the actions you want to record.
5. Click Stop to stop recording.
Macros are saved as *.cs files, in the folder defined with the advanced optionXS_MACRO_DIRECTORY in the environment-specific initialization files.
Creating a macromanually
To manually create a macro file, clickCreate in the Macros dialog box. This creates an emptymacro file, which you can manually edit, or copy and paste commands to it from other macrofiles.
Running a macro To run a macro:
1. Click Tools > Macros... to open the Macros dialog box.
2. Select the macro and clickRun.
Editing macros To view or edit a macro:
1. First check that the file type .cs is associated with suitable text editor.
2. Click Tools > Macros... to open the Macros dialog box.
3. Select the macro and clickEdit.
The recorded macro is saved in the drawings ormodeling folders,depending on in which mode the macro was recorded in.
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4. The macro opens in the associated text editor.
Timestamp If you want to examine the time spent on different tasks while recording macros, use theadvanced option XS_MACRO_ENABLE_TIMESTAMP.
Warning messages
Some third party applications may cause unexpected complications, such as unnecessarywarning messages, when working with Tekla Structures. Applications that are known to causecomplications are anti-spyware programs.
1.2 Modeling
This section explains how to make the most of the various modeling tools and features in TeklaStructures.
Topics Automating the detailing process (p. 19)
Predefining part properties (p. 20)
Modeling tools (p. 20)
AutoDefaults (p. 21)
AutoConnection (p. 21)
Automating the detailing process
If you have a standard way of configuring connections, save time by saving the connectionproperties once. Store them in firm or project folders for future use. See Firm and projectfolders (p. 16).
Tekla Structures includes AutoConnection and AutoDefaults tools to automate the modelingprocess. So you can customize Tekla Structures to suit a particular project and the way youwork. See AutoConnection and AutoDefaults and also AutoConnection (p. 133).
There are three levels of automation that you can help you work faster and more accurately.
Macros are based on C# commands and in case you want to edit macros,knowledge of C# programming is needed.
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Predefining part properties
If you have additional information you need to include for particular parts, create user-definedattributes. Tekla Structures saves all customized object properties in the current model folder.
You can also copy the attribute files to project or firm folders for future use. See Firm andproject folders (p. 16) and Parts.
Example For beam properties, this technique guarantees that part names are correct. This means you caneasily use a wizard to create drawings. See Using AutoDrawings to create drawings andCreating AutoDrawings wizard files (p. 83).
Consider developing a naming policy for files containing customized object properties. Thenyou can easily cut and paste them to firm and project folders. This also makes it easier tomanage objects in view filters, selection filters, drawing properties, etc.
Using predefinedproperties
You can set the properties for macros, connections, and other objects (columns, beams, bolts,etc.) then save them. It is then simple to reload these properties either for current or future
projects.
Modeling tools
Customize the properties of modeling tools you use to create objects, rather than changing theproperties manually each time.
Example You know you will use the same type of stairs in several projects. Set up and save the stairmodeling tool properties once.
When you next need to use that particular stair modeling tool you can just load the pre-definedproperties, as shown below. When you apply the modeling tool, Tekla Structures createsexactly the same stairs.
In multi-user mode, all users working on the same model use the samepreferences and attribute files.
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See also Getting Started.
AutoDefaults
Use AutoDefaults to automatically apply the correct properties to existing connections.
Using this technique you are also building your own expertise into the Tekla Structuresdatabase, so the entire company benefits from it.
See AutoConnection and AutoDefaults, and also AutoConnection (p. 133).
AutoConnect ion
Use the AutoConnection feature to automatically apply connections.
You can use AutoConnection to quickly add connections individually, in phases, or project-wide. This is a useful technique when you are working on a large project using manyconnections, modifying a model, or importing modified profiles.
See AutoConnection and AutoDefaults, and also AutoConnection (p. 133).
1.3 Drawings and printers
This section explains how to make the most of the selection filters, wizards and printer catalogsettings to standardize drawing creation and printing.
Topics Drawing properties (p. 21)
Layouts and templates (p. 22)
Reports and symbols (p. 22)Selection filters (p. 22)
Wizards (p. 22)
Defining print devices (p. 22)
Drawing properties
Using well-prepared drawing settings and wizards can dramatically reduce the time it takes tocreate and edit drawings. Define the settings for different types of parts and assembliescarefully. Then the drawings you create are as complete as possible, with little or no need forediting.
Predefined properties
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Examples Define different assembly drawing settings for columns, beams, secondary beams, plates,bracings and trusses.
Define single-part drawing settings for I and H profiles, tubes, round tubes (wrap-around) andplates.
Predefine drawing view properties to use additional views in drawings, such as detail, sectionor plan views.
See also Drawing Properties .
Layouts and templates
Plan and define the layouts and templates for drawings you will use before you start a project.See Drawing Layout.
Reports and symbols
Plan and define special reports and symbols you need for a project.
Selection fi lters
Create your own selection filters to use both when modeling and using wizards to automatedrawing creation.
You will find it useful to create selection filters for each part with a different name (column,beam, sec.beam, plate, brace, truss, etc.).
Use the Selection Filterdialog box to modify existing filters or create your own. See Creatinga selection filter.
WizardsUse wizards to create objects and drawings automatically.
See Creating AutoDrawings wizard files (p. 83) and Using AutoDrawings to createdrawings.
Defining print devices
Set up print devices before starting the project.
See The printer catalog.
1.4 Autosave
Tekla Structures includes the Autosave feature that backs up and saves your work automaticallyat set intervals. In addition, we strongly recommend that you implement and test a corporate
backup strategy. When restoring system backups, you should always restore an entire copy of amodel rather than parts of it. Autosave files have the extension .db1_.
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Topics Setting Autosave interval (p. 23)
Autosave file location (p. 24)
Keeping Autosave files (p. 24)
Usernames (p. 24)
Application error (p. 25)
Setting Autosave interval
You can define Autosave intervals separately for operations performed in drawings andmodels, and for automatic drawing creation.
ClickTools > Options > Options... > General.
The first value defines how often Tekla Structures automatically saves a model or drawing.This number represents the number of menu commands issued. If you create many beamswithout interrupting the Create > Beam command, it counts as one menu command. Likewise,in drawings, if you create many dimensions with the Create > Horizontal dimensioncommand without interrupting the command, it counts as only one command.
The second value is the number of drawings after which Tekla Structures automatically savesyour work.
In multi-user mode, Autosave is not equivalent to the Save command.Autosave only saves a single users version of the model and does notupdate the master model.
If the interval values are set to less than 2, autosave is disabled.
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Autosave fi le location
To have Tekla Structures store Autosave files in a specific folder, use the advanced optionXS_AUTOSAVE_DIRECTORY. Tekla Structures creates the folder automatically. You will findthe Autosave file in the autosave folder, in a subfolder with the same name as the model.
If you do not use this advanced option, Tekla Structures stores Autosave files in the currentmodel folder.
Autosave inmulti-user mode
If you are working with multi-user models, have Tekla Structures store Autosave files locally,not in the model folder that is located on a network drive. Set the advanced option
XS_AUTOSAVE_DIRECTORY=%XS_RUNPATH%\autosave. By saving autosave files locallyyou make sure that if there are problems in the network traffic, you are still able to save yourown work.
You will notice that in multi-user mode Autosave is much faster than using the Save command.This is because Autosave performs a local save, but the Save command updates the mastermodel.
Keeping Autosave files
By default Tekla Structures deletes Autosave files when you save and close a model.
To keep Autosave files, even if you exit Tekla Structures without saving the model, set theadvanced option XS_KEEP_AUTOSAVE_FILES_ON_EXIT_WHEN_NOT_SAVING=TRUE.
Usernames
Give all users a different username when working in both single- and multi-user mode. TeklaStructures identifies users by username.
To have the same autosave values for all models, enter the requiredvalues to the file standard.opt, located in the folder..\TeklaStructures\\environments\\system.
Open the file using a standard text editor, such as Notepad. Search forthe following rows:
dia_autosave.autos_interval
dia_autosave.autos_draw_interval
Enter the required autosave value for models in the first row, and fordrawings in the second row. For example, to have Tekla Structures savethe model after every 20 modeling commands and after creating every10 drawings, enter
dia_autosave.autos_interval 20
dia_autosave.autos_draw_interval 10
After you are done, save and close the file.
In multi-user mode, Autosave only saves a single users version of themodel and does does not update the master model.
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Single-user In single-user mode, if several users with the same username open a model, Tekla Structuresdoes not display a warning. So you risk conflicts when saving the model.
Multi-user In multi-user mode, Tekla Structures saves Autosave files in the master model folder by defaultwith the filename .db1_ . So, if several people are using the sameusername, conflicts are inevitable.
See also Multi-user mode (p. 33).
Application error
When you open a model, Tekla Structures automatically checks if the previous session exitednormally. If it did not, Tekla Structures prompts whether you want to continue using theAutosave model or the original model.
Fatal: Model memory cor rupted by read.When Tekla Structures displays the warning Fatal: Model memory corrupted by read, itmeans that hardware problems have damaged the model database. Your hard disk may bedamaged.
Use autosave or system backup files to restore the model.
1.5 Customizing the interface
Once you are familiar with Tekla Structures, you can create your own toolbars, menu andshortcuts containing the commands you use every day. This section explains how to do this.
Topics Toolbars (p. 25)
Creating a user-defined toolbar (p. 27)
Creating a user-defined menu (p. 27)
Defining shortcuts (p. 28)
Toolbars
In Tekla Structures, both customized toolbars and user-defined menus are user-specific.
You can create as many toolbars as you need.
Do not change existing toolbars, particularly the connection toolbars.Instead, create new ones. See Creating a user-defined toolbar (p. 27).
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Managing toolbarsTo open the Customize dialog box, clickTools > Customize....
Use the Toolbars tab to reorganize toolbars: move commands from one toolbar to another andeven create your own toolbars.
The tree on the right contains all available toolbars and displays the commands they include.
Action Description
Add or remove commands In the Customize dialog box, click on acommand to select it, then on the toolbaron which you want the command toappear. Click the right arrow to addcommands, the left arrow to removethem.
Delete commands or toolbars In the Customize dialog box, click acommand or toolbar to select it, thenclickDelete.
Restore original toolbar Click Reset to restore the originaltoolbar.
Display toolbar Check Visible to display the toolbar inTekla Structures. Tekla Structures usesthe following icons to indicate if atoolbar is visible or not:
Move command in toolbar tree Use arrow buttons.
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IconsTekla Structures displays the icon for the command you select. By default, the icon is 16x16
pixels. If the icons look too small, checkLarge icons which are 24x24 pixels. CheckTooltipsto see the command name when you hold the pointer over an icon.
Creating a user-defined toolbarTo create your own toolbar:
1. Open a Tekla Structures model.
2. Click Tools > Customize to open the Customize dialog box.
3. On the Toolbars tab, clickNew.... An new toolbar with the name User Toolbar 1 appearsin the toolbar tree. You can enter a new name for the toolbar.
4. Click commands on the list on the left, then the right arrow to add them to a toolbar. Usethe left arrow to remove commands from a toolbar.
5. Repeat step 3 until you have all the desired commands on the toolbar.
6. Click Close.
Limitations If you want to create a user-defined toolbar for drawing commands, create it in the modelingmode, otherwise the toolbar is not saved.
See also Toolbars (p. 25) and Creating a user-defined menu (p. 27).
Adding customized icons for macrosYou can add customized icons for macros in user-defined toolbars.
To add customized icons:
1. Create the bitmap you want to use as the icon. The size of the bitmap needs to be 16x16pixels.
2. Save the bitmap with the same name as the macro in the same folder as the macro.
For example, if you have a macro that is used in modeling, and the name of the macro is
RotatePart.cs, save the bitmap as RotatePart.bmp in the folder..\TeklaStructures\\environments\common\macros\modeling .
3. Click Tools > Customize to open the Customize dialog box.
4. Add a new user-defined toolbar. For more information, see Creating a user-definedtoolbar (p. 27).
5. Enter Macro in the Filterbox to display the available macros.
6. Select the desired macro from the list and click the right arrow to add it to the user-defined toolbar you created.
7. Restart Tekla Structures to load the bitmap.
Limitations You can use this functionality only with default-sized icons, not with large icons.
See also Creating a user-defined toolbar (p. 27)Recording and running macros (p. 17)
Creating a user-defined menu
Each user can create their own menu, which is always named User. You can only create oneuser menu per user.
To create your own menu:
1. Open a Tekla Structures model.
2. Click Tools > Customize to open the Customize dialog box.
3. Click the Menu tab.
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4. Click commands on the command list on the left, then the right arrow to add them to themenu. Tekla Structures displays the commands on the menu on the right of the dialog box.
5. Use the left arrow to remove commands from the menu.
6. Use the arrow buttons to move a command up or down the toolbar tree.
7. Use the line button to add a separator line above the selected command.
8. Repeat step 3 until you have added all the desired commands to the menu.
9. Click Close.10. You must restart Tekla Structures to activate the menu. The menu name is always User.
Limitations If you want to create a user-defined menu for drawing commands, create it in the modelingmode, otherwise the menu is not saved.
See also Creating a user-defined toolbar (p. 27).
Defining shortcuts
If you frequently use certain commands, assign keyboard shortcuts to them. You will find itfaster than using the icons and menus.
To assign a shortcut to a command:
1. Click Tools > Customize to open the Customize dialog box.
2. Click on the command on the list on the left of the dialog box. Use the Filterlist box tofind commands easily. Click to select subgroups of commands. ALL displays all thecommands available in Tekla Structures. You can also type in the command name to searchfor commands.
3. Use the Shortcut fields to assign a shortcut to the command. You can use a single letter, orcombine a letter with the Shift, Alt or Ctrl keys.
4. Copy the command to the Usermenu to activate the shortcut. See Creating a user-defined menu (p. 27).
5. Click Close to exit the Customize dialog box.
Valid shortcutkeys You can use the following keys in shortcuts: AZ
09
F1F24
Left, Right Up, Down
Backspace, Enter, Esc, Tab
Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down
Numpad 09
Numpad */+-, (Multiply, Divide, Add, Subtract, Decimal)
Tekla Structures also includes many predefined shortcuts. See Reserved shortcuts (p. 257).
To define, for example, + as a shortcut, enteradd in the Shortcut field:
Restart Tekla Structures. To execute the command, use the + key on theNumpad. The same procedure applies for Multiply, Divide, Subtract andDecimal.
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1.6 Optimizing system performance
There are various settings in Tekla Structures that you can modify to improve systemperformance, which is particularly useful when you are handling large and complex models.
Topics Virtual memory (p. 29)Display adaptor (p. 29)
Solid buffer size (p. 29)
How Tekla Structures handles solids (p. 30)
Virtual memory
You will probably need to adjust the virtual memory settings in Windows to optimize systemperformance. The amount of virtual memory you need depends on the size of the model, andthe processes you are using. For example, saving in multi-user mode is more memory-intensivethan in single user mode.
Display adaptor
Tekla Structures makes use of OpenGL technology, if your display adaptor supports it. Youmay need to indicate that your display adaptor does not support OpenGL technology.
Indications can be: objects displayed incorrectly, or difficulty selecting objects.1. Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... to open the Advanced options dialog box.
2. In the Model view category, set the advanced option XS_USE_SOFTWARE_RENDERING toTRUE.
3. Restart Tekla Structures.
Solid buffer size
To improve performance in large models, try increasing the solid buffer size using theadvanced option XS_SOLID_BUFFER_SIZE. This results in Tekla Structures keeping moresolids in memory, so it does not have to continuously recreate them. This technique uses a littleextra memory, but can result in significant increases in speed. In one example, increasing thesolid buffer size from 5000 to 20000 decreased the time taken to run the numbering routine by80%.
This advanced option affects many aspects of modeling, drawings and numbering.
See also How Tekla Structures handles solids (p. 30).
To prevent data loss, always use identical values for the Initial size andMaximum size of virtual memory.
If you increase the solid buffer to a size that exceeds the availablememory, Tekla Structures uses the hard drive. This slows down thesystem significantly. Trial and error is the best way to optimize the solid
buffer size.
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How Tekla Structures handles solids
One of the factors that affect performance is the number of verteces in objects. For instance,tubes, particularly if they are curved, usually contain a large number of verteces, as can largenumbers of round cuts. The key to optimizing performance in these circumstances is tomanipulate the settings that affect how Tekla Structures handles solids. Techniques you can try
include: Minimize the number of curved segments in curved beams. A value of 20 or less is usually
adequate for the bottom chords. See Bending.
Maximize solid buffer size. See Solid buffer size (p. 29).
Minimize the number of views, when you create assembly drawings. For instance, avoidusing automatic section view creation in an assembly drawing with many tubes. WhenTekla Structures creates the cuts, the solids are are actually cut in the drawing, which istime-consuming.
When you create assembly drawings, minimize the number of dimensions, as searching fordimension points in tubes is time-consuming. Avoid using automatic dimensioning intrusses. See Dimensioning.
It is much faster to use fast, or reference line parts and fast hole and bolt representation.When you want an exact view of the parts, either minimize the work area first, or only theobjects you want Tekla Structures to draw with exact lines. See Display settings.
1.7 Customizing Tekla Structures with Tekla Open
API
You can customize Tekla Structures to suit your needs further by using the Tekla Open API.
Tekla Open API Tekla Open APIis a specialized Application Programming Interface (API) developed by Teklathat enables you to develop applications and additional functionality on the Tekla modeling
platform and integrate it into your own environment. Tekla Open API is implemented usingMicrosoft .NET technology.
Extendedapplications
Applications that are developed with Tekla Open API to work in conjunction with TeklaStructures are called extended appl icat ions.
Examples With Tekla Open API you can:
Record and run user interface actions.By recording and running user interface actions you can automate routine tasks such ascreating daily reports.
Create automation tools.You can create automation tools for frequently needed objects. With automation tools youcan for example create basic structures or add typical details to drawings.
Integrate Tekla Structures to other software.You can utilize the Tekla Open API and .NET in transferring information between TeklaStructures and other software, such as Analysis & Design software.
Create new functionality.
With Tekla Open API, you can create tools that add new functionality to Tekla Structures.
For moreinformation
Reference manuals for Tekla Open API, available in the folder..\TeklaStructures\\nt\help\enu :
Tekla.Structures.Analysis
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Tekla.Structures.Drawing
Tekla.Structures.Model
Tekla.Structures.Plugins
.NET startup package, available for download in the Extranet: https://extranet.tekla.com/BC/tekla-structures-en/product/openapi/Pages/Default.aspx
Extensions Downloads page in the Extranet: https://extranet.tekla.com/BC/tekla-structures-en/product/extended-applications/Pages/Default.aspx
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Multi-user mode
2 Multi-user mode
Introduction You can work on Tekla Structures models in either single-user or multi-user mode. Multi-usermode allows several users to access the same model at the same time. Several users can workon the same project and be aware of the others progress. This eliminates the need for copyingand merging models.
This chapter describes how to set up a multi-user system and how to work in multi-user mode.
Assumedbackground
You should have some experience of modeling in Tekla Structures.
Contents This chapter is divided into the following sections:
General information on the multi-user mode (p. 33)
Modeling in multi-user mode (p. 43) Drawings in multi-user mode (p. 49)
Maintenance procedures (p. 50)
Access rights (p. 51)
2.1 General information on the multi-user mode
This section explains how multi-user mode works, and how to set up and use Tekla Structures
in multi-user mode.
Topics When to use multi-user mode (p. 34)
Overview of the multi-user system (p. 35)
How multi-user works (p. 36)
Setting up the multi-user system (p. 37)
Saving in multi-user mode (p. 38)
Tekla Structures multi-user mode only runs on TCP/IP-based networks.
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Shutting down the model (p. 40)
Copying multi-user models (p. 40)
Error messages (p. 41)
Recommendations (p. 42)