Tekla Structures Hints & Tips
plus my standard connections V17 service release 6
Select component(s) by connection code so change can be made to a batch of components
Ensure the component symbols are turned on in the model (the cones)
Create an object group (or select filter) containing the following information
Category = Component Property = Connection Code Condition = Equals
Value = Enter the connection code you provided By clicking MODIFY should remove all other connections from the model view
You can then use the Select component switch (green cone at bottom of screen)
Then window the model – it will only select the components with the filtered connection code
This should let you select only the connections with the supplied code. Double click on one of them, make the change and do a modify to change them all.
If you really want to change the base plates on ALL columns, and not just the ones with a particular connection code, you could open the connection dialog box and change the setting from “modify connection type” to “ignore other types”. Then, if you are feeling brave, you can select the whole model and click “modify”. If “ignore other types” is set, all instances of this connection , and only this connection, should be modified. You can use the checkboxes to control which parameters are updated. This is faster than creating a selection filter, but more dangerous for obvious reasons. Just double check your settings before clicking “modify”.
Lifting brackets
From the forum:- I use these components to put holes in the top flange and/or web for lifting brackets:
Manlock Beam(1033)
Manlock Column (1032)
Press alt and select the beam this will select the full assembly (main part, plates and fittings), right click and enquire centre of gravity. this will give you a point. Then use the component by first click the beam and then the point you just created settings in the component will let u adjust it to how you want. hope that helps
Bolts and bolt groups
I’ve just discovered if you want to copy / mirror one must have the same section that you are attaching to.
Assembly and Super assembly information
http://www.3dsteel.ie/download/Subandsuperassemblys.pdf
Number of chamfers on a radius
This is controlled by the advanced option “XS_CHAMFER_ACCURACY_FACTOR” under “Speed and Accuracy” 0.25 give a really smooth line. When I looked at this it was set to 4 by default
Grid Layout
When this has to be altered instead of moving individual grid lines it’s better to re-position origin in grid layout box. This is especially when it’s the first grid lines that are to be altered. When you do a modify to grid box added grids disappear and moved grids go back to their original position. After altering grid delete all previously made grid views and make new ones.
to model in an elliptical tube
In cad change value pellipse from 0 to 1. Pick ellipse and draw in o/d of ellipse. ‘Offset’ o/d to give i/d. Draw in small slot from inside to outside. Use pedit to make shape into single polyline. Use ‘wblock’ to made single drawing of part. Open tekla model and import cad drawing into profile catalogue. By modelling>profiles>define cross section using .dwg file>profile attributes set to ?>parameters>input .dwg file, section name, profile name>apply>okay insert section. The profile doesn’t always go to others section. You ay have to do a search for it. Once it’s imported you must model in right away. for more detailed info. go to https://extranet.tekla.com/FORUM/default.aspx?g=posts&t=8303
The problem we have is that even if you can model a true ellipse you cannot get it rolled. Therefore we can change the ellipse into a series of best fit radius which can be rolled and joined. this is interesting.
Tekla BIMsight This was showing dwg. tread profile as a UC with model open Modelling>profile catalogue>others>tread292>profile type in ‘Modelling > profile catalogue’ to read ‘? unknown section’ update
Con 27 right hand side
For all ‘end plate’ sizes go to bolt tab. I presume the marco makes up the missing ‘front plate’ and ‘shear plate’ info. the macro doesn’t appear to put on the shear plate chamfer for beam radius. One has to set the bolt tolerance to 2 mm to get the correct hole diameter.
-122 mm is to be put in the bolt offset from c.l. of column to bolt group centre. -65 mm is from c.l. plate to bolt centre. column is 80×80 shs beam is 254×146. Note that with this connection one has to set bolt tolerance to 2 mm or holes come out at 16 dia. Although the diagram in the catalogue shows 2 top horizontal beams this connection works okay with one. I’ve just discovered that this works okay if one needs to do an opposite hand.
Split
I had a ledge angle welded to a beam, did a split and one off the parts became unassembled from beam.
Column Base Plates
I’ve drawn my inclined column at say 3deg off vertical, how do I get my base plate to remain level with the slab below? The macro automatically puts it on the same slope as the column.
Do I need to explode the component and rotate? Is there an easy way?
In the General tab, change the “Up direction” from “auto” to +x or +y.
GOOD TO KNOW
For a 3 holed base plate use 1004 go to bolts, play about with delete hole using 1,2,3 & 4
Filters
Filters in Tekla.
Selection Filter : It will highlight only the objects based on your conditions. Before you do cross selection, keep the particular switch on in selection switches. Otherwise it will show the wrong quantities.
view Filter : It will display only those members based on your condition in object filter.
Drawing Filter : It works in drawing similar to view filter.
Representation Filter
If you need more information, you can drop a mail to me.
sriram05in@yahoo.co.in
To reduce the size of a Tekla Model Folder
Just delete the dump file
Selecting assembly in drawing
The only thing that I can think of that may help, in model view open drawing list, highlight assembly part ie “A”. click select objects under model
yes , ctrl+G works in drawing also
To help Tekla run better
In computer control panel go to user account control, turn user account control on or of, unclick box.
To change material spec of part
I accidentally called a 260 pfc C35/45 instead of S275 and had to remove end plate connections before it would allow me to change it to S275. Thinking back on this It would probably be easier just to explode all components.
TO CHANGE GRID LABEL COLOUR
Con 115 through beam
When I recently used this the bolts did not go through all 3 plates. I had select bolts, right click, click bolts, hold down arrow key above Ctrl, pick all 3 plates then hit mouse wheel.
Development, or as Tekla call it “unfold” drawings
I was asked to supply the above for some winder treads on a job I had done. However I had used an angle section from the “others” catalogue Now Tekla have informed me that that their software cannot produce development drawings from this type of section. They say I should have used a poybeam section. But how one can do that I haven’t a clue. So I am now In a situation of having to go back to the customer and tell him that the software I have is not capable of producing development drawings. I’ve now tried it with a polybeam and got it to work The developed length is taken to the middle of the plate.
Show exact shape of section
right click, properties, click show exact along with arrow above cltr. or set permanently go to C:\TeklaStructures\16.0\environments\common
AND OPEN THE FILE NAMED AS : env_global_default IN :Section 3 – Speed and Accuracy settings SET XS_SOLID_USE_HIGHER_ACCURACY=TRUE
Tick boxes
that when I choose a group of parts to change their grade for example , if I missed to remove
all checkbox except grade all the parts attribute will be modified , not only grade.
set XS_DIALOG_ENABLE_STATE=FALSE
to your user.ini, or any other .ini file that Tekla will encounter on start-up, the check-boxes will all be un-ticked by default rather than ticked.
Keep old number in modified parts
Drawings and reports, numbering set up, Modified:- keep number if possible. Looks like a good idea.
To alter the way a bolt is pointing
go to bolt properties, position, below, rotation, 180 deg, modify one may have to play about with ucs at the same time. That’s what I was trying to explain to Amol. There is no way to change the bolt orientation within the system component. From the Forum You have to select Objects in components > Bolt > Right click > Properties > Bolt rotation. Once you have changed the bolt orientation to the desired position select Modify. You have to do this for Every Bolt or filter the model in such a way that you are only selecting bolts within component 143 and modify the rotation. Even then dependent on the orientation of the component you need to change the rotation (Front for North/South, Top for East/West, etc.). I would prefer this be an option but Tekla has not yet released this as a part of any system components that I am aware of and you can not access these properties within a custom component. Would be nice. Amol; The save as settings would do you no good as you would need to ascertain the orientation of the component prior to loading the properties. You could save the settings based on Top, Front, Back and Below but why not just load that from the orientation drop down. Less chance of introducing errors into the model that way.
HAGD!!
Compound angled “batten” beam
With standard ucs after picking start point insert say 2000<45<30 gives an overall length of 2000 mm and 45 degrees in ‘x’ and 30 degrees in ‘y’ could be useful in the future.
helix in tekla copied from the forum
Draw a circle and divide it by X segments in degrees and array construction lines around the centre point to represent these divisions 10 is a good round number (eg 360/10=36 so say 36 degrees). next work out the rise of one full rotation and divide that by X (eg 3000/10=300 so 300mm gap per circle) array your circles in the Z now drop your lines that divide your original circle to intersect your new circles you have arrayed in the Z, each intersection point represents a point on your poly beam. i would do one polybeam per full rotation and copy it up, this is the best way I have found to draw a helix in tekla. As I thought loads of construction lines and use polybeam.
Custom Component .uel
To export open model, go to detailing, component catalogue, right click on .uel, export to required destination. A custom component can contain standard connections. It also mirrors okay.
Sriram Santhanam has just given me some Tekla help / tuition. I feel I must express my gratitude and say how impressed I am at Sriram’s knowledge and expertise of Tekla. All topics covered were backed up by Sriram “e” mailing me precise written instructions. To sum up, Sriram has helped me tremendously in my knowledge of the wide range of Tekla’s operating features and I would recommend him to anybody who wants to improve their efficiency at Tekla modelling. One has to download and install Skype. Team Viewer 7 and CamStudio lets you record the session for future reference. Sriram “e” mail address is sriram05in@yahoo.co.in
John Park
Scotland
Wire frame
QUESTION
now, we are working on tekla 18.0 & we are surprised when we found no option for wire frame view,
generally we have made wire frame view from double click & go to view type & select wire frame.
then wire frame is come, but in 18.0 version i was surprised i did not found any option for wire frame.
please solve my problem.
ANSWER
in advanced options in model view I guess u can find xs_enable wire frame set it as true Sriram has advised that ctrl + 1 to 5 is object representation not wire frame.
Connection 103
I use this connection a lot but on the last job ie 150 pfc to inside of 150 pfc
but for some reason in a row of the same cross members there is 2 off them coming up
with a different notch depth and therefore different mark nos. In the notch box I have BCSA
box ticked as no and all others left as default. I think what I should do is produce drawing of first one and note notch sizes. Put notch sizes into macro and save. It should keep all mark nos. the same then.
Hoop Ladder
First view through the elevation where you will model the ladder: using S60 macro just click on the top and bottom level floor where the ladder will be placed. double click on the “circled M” and edit the properties, as visually shown ( rung spacing , type of cage, ladder spacing .etc.) I’ll have to try this on the next one I get.
Force Numbering
There are some tricks you have to perform. First: tools->compare->parts, look on the message line on the bottom, it will show you a possible reason if it is not identical. Try to re-create part or fix it. Second: you have to clear part number your new detail: select your new part and Numbering&drawings->numbering->clear number->part number. Third: run numbering, but do not forget to select After_Creating_Drawings option, if you have already created shop drawings, otherwise you will have to re-create your drawings.
I managed to change assembly number of part by way of the following.
Holding down ‘atl’ picked all parts in assembly. Went to drawings & reports, numbering, change number, assembly number to PF1
It’s also interesting to note that at drawings & reports, numbering, Numbering Settings, there is a re-use old number tick box.
To undo ‘cut part with part’
Go to view properties and ensure all cut boxes are ticked. ensure pick cuts box only is on. It’s the ninth from left hand side The outline of the cutting part comes up a little dotted. Delete this and that’s it. You can also delete the part the cut is associated with and press undo or ctrl+z and all that parts cuts, fittings, welds, holes etc will show even if you have them turned off in view properties.
Odd ball profiles
Go to modelling, profiles, profile catalogue, select nearest section to the one you want, right click and do copy, change section to sizes you want and re-name, update, then okay, save changes to model folder okay. “profdb.bin” can be put into firm folder if it’s to be used a lot.
Select assemblies
As a alternative to ‘select assemblies’ icon one can hold ‘alt’ key down as you click on part. this selects all parts in the assembly individually. This should be particularly good for creating drawings from selected parts.
this web page may help strucad users who have to adopt Tekla this is why I inserted the key words ‘strucad to tekla’
A sample of custom components below
http://www.atlanticdetailservice.com/tekla_structures/tekla_structures.htm
Ken Brown is the contact there
To set assembly no. to same no. as main part.
go to Tools – options – advanced options – numbering – XS_ASSEMBLY_NUMBER_FOR set value to MAIN_PART and implement. If I have to use both drawings I save the assembly “A” as say B1 ASSY.pdf
Select part from model
Create drawing if required. Go to drawing list. Highlight drawing of part. Click on “select objects” part(s) is now highlighted in model.
Red Cone
Have you played with the up direction under the general tab in the macro. Try changing it to + or – x, y, z.
When applying a macro it also helps to have the UCS set to the view you are working in.
Check the handle positions in both the connecting part and the part you are fixing to, also beam position to middle top behind .
Con 105 brace
I just been using the above and the only way I could get all “tee webs” to be the same was to go to parts and make the “tee webs” “b” to 150 mm in marco.
If I open an old model and view a “green coned” connection which has a name in, the say 101 list, is there a quick way of finding out the connection name.
Now if you go to your View Properties > Display > Advanced tab and select the Connection text tick box and modify your view properties, the Connection code will appear in your model view. One can use the same advanced view box to insert profiles, material ect but the label box must be ticked. I did this and it worked a treat. from Forum.
Assemblies to learn about them go to
To add a welded sub assembly to main assembly click “pick assembly” icon then right click, assemblies the the add to main assembly.
Fin plate con 103 on RSA
I couldn’t get this to work initially. Changed the orientation of the RSA from back to below and general / to + Z another useful command I came across was tools / swap handles. This last cropped up on a job for Calder Fabrications. Watson street stairs job Cad.91 I’ve just had to use this again on job Wel.30 the rsa was at 45 deg. and initially I couldn’t get the depth on notch correct. Go to notch page in component , first line r.h.s. , change picture to give c.l. beam to edge of notch and overall depth and it worked fine. Also if it won’t work you can try inserting the beam in the other direction. Tools>macros
Batch changing connection macros
When you first start connecting in the model give your macro a connection code. It’s in general pages of the macro. Then when you want to change all the particular macros in the model you can just filter for that connection code by view properties, object group, components, connection code equals ??? modify. Then you will have all the connections shown and then you can select connections only, window full model, click Alt + enter modify them all at once. One can also use ‘selection filter’ to do the same job. (CB)* means all parts starting with a C and B. C? means all parts starting with a C from 1 to 9. When one does a filter from “object group” The connections that don’t have the connection code searched for disappear. From the forum.
Slot in 2 parts
|
Tekla Structures Hints & Tips plus my standard connections V17 service release 6
Select component(s) by connection code so change can be made to a batch of components If you really want to change the base plates on ALL columns, and not just the ones with a particular connection code, you could open the connection dialog box and change the setting from “modify connection type” to “ignore other types”. Then, if you are feeling brave, you can select the whole model and click “modify”. If “ignore other types” is set, all instances of this connection , and only this connection, should be modified. You can use the checkboxes to control which parameters are updated. This is faster than creating a selection filter, but more dangerous for obvious reasons. Just double check your settings before clicking “modify”.
Lifting brackets From the forum:- I use these components to put holes in the top flange and/or web for lifting brackets: Bolts and bolt groups I’ve just discovered if you want to copy / mirror one must have the same section that you are attaching to.
Assembly and Super assembly information http://www.3dsteel.ie/download/Subandsuperassemblys.pdf
Number of chamfers on a radius This is controlled by the advanced option “XS_CHAMFER_ACCURACY_FACTOR” under “Speed and Accuracy” 0.25 give a really smooth line. When I looked at this it was set to 4 by default Grid Layout When this has to be altered instead of moving individual grid lines it’s better to re-position origin in grid layout box. This is especially when it’s the first grid lines that are to be altered. When you do a modify to grid box added grids disappear and moved grids go back to their original position. After altering grid delete all previously made grid views and make new ones. to model in an elliptical tube In cad change value pellipse from 0 to 1. Pick ellipse and draw in o/d of ellipse. ‘Offset’ o/d to give i/d. Draw in small slot from inside to outside. Use pedit to make shape into single polyline. Use ‘wblock’ to made single drawing of part. Open tekla model and import cad drawing into profile catalogue. By modelling>profiles>define cross section using .dwg file>profile attributes set to ?>parameters>input .dwg file, section name, profile name>apply>okay insert section. The profile doesn’t always go to others section. You ay have to do a search for it. Once it’s imported you must model in right away. for more detailed info. go to https://extranet.tekla.com/FORUM/default.aspx?g=posts&t=8303 The problem we have is that even if you can model a true ellipse you cannot get it rolled. Therefore we can change the ellipse into a series of best fit radius which can be rolled and joined. this is interesting.
Tekla BIMsight This was showing dwg. tread profile as a UC with model open Modelling>profile catalogue>others>tread292>profile type in ‘Modelling > profile catalogue’ to read ‘? unknown section’ update
Con 27 right hand side
For all ‘end plate’ sizes go to bolt tab. I presume the marco makes up the missing ‘front plate’ and ‘shear plate’ info. the macro doesn’t appear to put on the shear plate chamfer for beam radius. One has to set the bolt tolerance to 2 mm to get the correct hole diameter.
Con 27 cap left hand side
-122 mm is to be put in the bolt offset from c.l. of column to bolt group centre. -65 mm is from c.l. plate to bolt centre. column is 80×80 shs beam is 254×146. Note that with this connection one has to set bolt tolerance to 2 mm or holes come out at 16 dia. Although the diagram in the catalogue shows 2 top horizontal beams this connection works okay with one. I’ve just discovered that this works okay if one needs to do an opposite hand.
Split I had a ledge angle welded to a beam, did a split and one off the parts became unassembled from beam. Column Base Plates I’ve drawn my inclined column at say 3deg off vertical, how do I get my base plate to remain level with the slab below? The macro automatically puts it on the same slope as the column. GOOD TO KNOW For a 3 holed base plate use 1004 go to bolts, play about with delete hole using 1,2,3 & 4 Filters Filters in Tekla.
To reduce the size of a Tekla Model Folder Just delete the dump file
Selecting assembly in drawing Is there any known way to select the assembly in the drawing like the way we hold ALT and click to select the assembly in model? The only thing that I can think of that may help, in model view open drawing list, highlight assembly part ie “A”. click select objects under model yes , ctrl+G works in drawing also
To help Tekla run better In computer control panel go to user account control, turn user account control on or of, unclick box.
To change material spec of part I accidentally called a 260 pfc C35/45 instead of S275 and had to remove end plate connections before it would allow me to change it to S275. Thinking back on this It would probably be easier just to explode all components.
TO CHANGE GRID LABEL COLOUR Tools > Options > Advanced options > Advanced Options > Model view > XS_GRID_COLOR = (YOUR COLOR HERE) Con 115 through beam When I recently used this the bolts did not go through all 3 plates. I had select bolts, right click, click bolts, hold down arrow key above Ctrl, pick all 3 plates then hit mouse wheel. Development, or as Tekla call it “unfold” drawings I was asked to supply the above for some winder treads on a job I had done. However I had used an angle section from the “others” catalogue Now Tekla have informed me that that their software cannot produce development drawings from this type of section. They say I should have used a poybeam section. But how one can do that I haven’t a clue. So I am now In a situation of having to go back to the customer and tell him that the software I have is not capable of producing development drawings. I’ve now tried it with a polybeam and got it to work The developed length is taken to the middle of the plate.
Show exact shape of section right click, properties, click show exact along with arrow above cltr. or set permanently go to C:\TeklaStructures\16.0\environments\common Tick boxes that when I choose a group of parts to change their grade for example , if I missed to remove set XS_DIALOG_ENABLE_STATE=FALSE Keep old number in modified parts Drawings and reports, numbering set up, Modified:- keep number if possible. Looks like a good idea.
To alter the way a bolt is pointing go to bolt properties, position, below, rotation, 180 deg, modify one may have to play about with ucs at the same time. That’s what I was trying to explain to Amol. There is no way to change the bolt orientation within the system component. From the Forum You have to select Objects in components > Bolt > Right click > Properties > Bolt rotation. Once you have changed the bolt orientation to the desired position select Modify. You have to do this for Every Bolt or filter the model in such a way that you are only selecting bolts within component 143 and modify the rotation. Even then dependent on the orientation of the component you need to change the rotation (Front for North/South, Top for East/West, etc.). I would prefer this be an option but Tekla has not yet released this as a part of any system components that I am aware of and you can not access these properties within a custom component. Would be nice. Amol; The save as settings would do you no good as you would need to ascertain the orientation of the component prior to loading the properties. You could save the settings based on Top, Front, Back and Below but why not just load that from the orientation drop down. Less chance of introducing errors into the model that way.
Compound angled “batten” beam With standard ucs after picking start point insert say 2000<45<30 gives an overall length of 2000 mm and 45 degrees in ‘x’ and 30 degrees in ‘y’ could be useful in the future. helix in tekla copied from the forum Draw a circle and divide it by X segments in degrees and array construction lines around the centre point to represent these divisions 10 is a good round number (eg 360/10=36 so say 36 degrees). next work out the rise of one full rotation and divide that by X (eg 3000/10=300 so 300mm gap per circle) array your circles in the Z now drop your lines that divide your original circle to intersect your new circles you have arrayed in the Z, each intersection point represents a point on your poly beam. i would do one polybeam per full rotation and copy it up, this is the best way I have found to draw a helix in tekla. As I thought loads of construction lines and use polybeam. Custom Component .uel To export open model, go to detailing, component catalogue, right click on .uel, export to required destination. A custom component can contain standard connections. It also mirrors okay.
Sriram Santhanam has just given me some Tekla help / tuition. I feel I must express my gratitude and say how impressed I am at Sriram’s knowledge and expertise of Tekla. All topics covered were backed up by Sriram “e” mailing me precise written instructions. To sum up, Sriram has helped me tremendously in my knowledge of the wide range of Tekla’s operating features and I would recommend him to anybody who wants to improve their efficiency at Tekla modelling. One has to download and install Skype. Team Viewer 7 and CamStudio lets you record the session for future reference. Sriram “e” mail address is sriram05in@yahoo.co.in
Wire frame QUESTION now, we are working on tekla 18.0 & we are surprised when we found no option for wire frame view, ANSWER in advanced options in model view I guess u can find xs_enable wire frame set it as true Sriram has advised that ctrl + 1 to 5 is object representation not wire frame.
Connection 103 I use this connection a lot but on the last job ie 150 pfc to inside of 150 pfc Hoop Ladder First view through the elevation where you will model the ladder: using S60 macro just click on the top and bottom level floor where the ladder will be placed. double click on the “circled M” and edit the properties, as visually shown ( rung spacing , type of cage, ladder spacing .etc.) I’ll have to try this on the next one I get.
Force Numbering There are some tricks you have to perform. First: tools->compare->parts, look on the message line on the bottom, it will show you a possible reason if it is not identical. Try to re-create part or fix it. Second: you have to clear part number your new detail: select your new part and Numbering&drawings->numbering->clear number->part number. Third: run numbering, but do not forget to select After_Creating_Drawings option, if you have already created shop drawings, otherwise you will have to re-create your drawings. I managed to change assembly number of part by way of the following.
To undo ‘cut part with part’
Go to view properties and ensure all cut boxes are ticked. ensure pick cuts box only is on. It’s the ninth from left hand side The outline of the cutting part comes up a little dotted. Delete this and that’s it. You can also delete the part the cut is associated with and press undo or ctrl+z and all that parts cuts, fittings, welds, holes etc will show even if you have them turned off in view properties.
Odd ball profiles Go to modelling, profiles, profile catalogue, select nearest section to the one you want, right click and do copy, change section to sizes you want and re-name, update, then okay, save changes to model folder okay. “profdb.bin” can be put into firm folder if it’s to be used a lot.
Select assemblies As a alternative to ‘select assemblies’ icon one can hold ‘alt’ key down as you click on part. this selects all parts in the assembly individually. This should be particularly good for creating drawings from selected parts.
this web page may help strucad users who have to adopt Tekla this is why I inserted the key words ‘strucad to tekla’
A sample of custom components below
http://www.atlanticdetailservice.com/tekla_structures/tekla_structures.htm Ken Brown is the contact there
To set assembly no. to same no. as main part. go to Tools – options – advanced options – numbering – XS_ASSEMBLY_NUMBER_FOR set value to MAIN_PART and implement. If I have to use both drawings I save the assembly “A” as say B1 ASSY.pdf Select part from model Create drawing if required. Go to drawing list. Highlight drawing of part. Click on “select objects” part(s) is now highlighted in model.
Red Cone Have you played with the up direction under the general tab in the macro. Try changing it to + or – x, y, z. When applying a macro it also helps to have the UCS set to the view you are working in. Check the handle positions in both the connecting part and the part you are fixing to, also beam position to middle top behind .
Con 105 brace I just been using the above and the only way I could get all “tee webs” to be the same was to go to parts and make the “tee webs” “b” to 150 mm in marco.
If I open an old model and view a “green coned” connection which has a name in, the say 101 list, is there a quick way of finding out the connection name.
Load the connection from the “load” list in your connection dialogue, then go to the “Save as” window & select the text there ( the saved name) and copy the text there to the clip-board. Then go to your “General” tab and paste the text into your Connection code window. Hit the “Save as” button to save the update (Connection code added). You will need to do this for all of your saved connections that you wish to display. I usually do this for all of my base plate connections. It’s easiest, obviously, if you do this before you apply any connections. If you’ve already connected then you will then need to rerun your connections in order to add the connection code to the connections in the model. Now if you go to your View Properties > Display > Advanced tab and select the Connection text tick box and modify your view properties, the Connection code will appear in your model view. One can use the same advanced view box to insert profiles, material ect but the label box must be ticked. I did this and it worked a treat. from Forum.
Assemblies to learn about them go to
To add a welded sub assembly to main assembly click “pick assembly” icon then right click, assemblies the the add to main assembly.
Fin plate con 103 on RSA I couldn’t get this to work initially. Changed the orientation of the RSA from back to below and general / to + Z another useful command I came across was tools / swap handles. This last cropped up on a job for Calder Fabrications. Watson street stairs job Cad.91 I’ve just had to use this again on job Wel.30 the rsa was at 45 deg. and initially I couldn’t get the depth on notch correct. Go to notch page in component , first line r.h.s. , change picture to give c.l. beam to edge of notch and overall depth and it worked fine. Also if it won’t work you can try inserting the beam in the other direction. Tools>macros<swap handles would be useful here. The beam position ended up middle, below, behind. I think it is also relevant to have the ucs in the standard position in the view that you do the connection.
Batch changing connection macros When you first start connecting in the model give your macro a connection code. It’s in general pages of the macro. Then when you want to change all the particular macros in the model you can just filter for that connection code by view properties, object group, components, connection code equals ??? modify. Then you will have all the connections shown and then you can select connections only, window full model, click Alt + enter modify them all at once. One can also use ‘selection filter’ to do the same job. (CB)* means all parts starting with a C and B. C? means all parts starting with a C from 1 to 9. When one does a filter from “object group” The connections that don’t have the connection code searched for disappear. From the forum.
Slot in 2 parts
I made a dwg of an 50×18 & 100×18 slot imported into profile catalogue then cut part with part to each angle and it does the job. These are now in my firm folder. one could use a contour plate instead of the imported dwg To make slot go to detailing / weld / prepare for weld, click on main part and when you click on the cutting part the aperture is made and the cutting part is deleted.
Views Make a 2 point view. Double click on view. View property box will appear with view name in name field. remove brackets and re-name. Click on modify. Save as ‘new name’. View will now be in drop down view list for use anytime. V18.1 is same as V17
Numbering & Material Spec. I’ve just done a job where the second part was a separate model from the first part. Went to tools> options> options> components and started all F numbers at 100. Modify. I think this changes all connection macros but when you insert beams, columns etc you have to change start number. No I think It’s best to change standard to the new start number. This option can also change material spec. which would have been handy on a previous job I did for Atholl House where I had to use J275-J2 material for all steelwork.
View from inside of model Be careful of this especially the view depth. When doing holes if you are not viewing the correct part the edge distance error appears.
Shackles The easiest way to do these are with a contour plate, then highlight a corner handle, properties, insert a radius, modify, then put a hole in. The radius dimension is then on the detail drawing.
Stair handrailing basic handrailing 1024 multiple beam railing S84 railing beam to beam 88 railing beam to to plane 89 railing beam double curve 95 railing beam plane to beam 94 railing plane to plane Railings 90 post to stringer 29 The forum said a lot that to get some of these to work the UCS had to be set to standard XYZ positions.
Connections, Handles One has to be careful where the handles are. If the handle is the other side of where you are trying to connect to it won’t work. The connection picks it up as no section there and a red cone appears.
When you “save as” model or just out of the blue Sometimes when you “save as” or it can just can happen, you open the model and it’s as if it’s new model with all your stuff disappeared. Well it’s to do with the db1 file. I had to open model folder delete the db1 and remove the “back up” from the other file. If you do a “save as” you have to alter the db1 to the same name as has your new model folder.
Importing an odd ball section
Draw out section in auto-cad, make sure it’s a continuous polyline in model space with nothing else on drawing. Save it say in model folder. open Tekla go to modeling, profiles, define cross section using .DWG file, Parameters, add section name, click browse icon next to input .dwg click on dwg file, input into model with start and finish point, Ensure you give the profile a name or “invalid profile” error appears, click on part just inputted, property box will appear, change (features) properties as required. Open model folder, copy prof.db file, go to C, Tekla structures, company settings, firm folder and paste prof.db file into this folder. do not over write re-name the one in folder save say as prof.db2 Make sure the section has gone into the profile catalogue before you copy the prof.bd file. Sometimes this can be a bit tricky, use a unique profile name, all capitals with no spaces. The important thing here is to re-name the existing profdb.bin file in the firm folder and then insert the new file as the basic profdb.bin file. Weird isn’t it?
V17 SERVICE RELEASE 3 I’ve just installed above. Then UK environments. The drawing templates wouldn’t appear. On the Tekla log in box the middle line must read “Role :- Steel Detailer” picked from the drop down menu.
Numbering I’ve just discovered that “repair model” will sort out any discrepancies in the numbering. I recently had a model with 2 different parts having the same number and it sorted it out.
Safegrid Macro I drew down a 1M wide piece of this and it had 94 parts in it. So one would have to be very care full of the 2000 parts memory of the Tekla Light version. I multi-copied the grid to see what happens when this is over and all they have done put in a “cannot save” feature. So if you minimised the model and left your computer on I suppose you work with it over the limit. Most people seem to use a contour plate for grid. One could change the density weight and “see throughness” or transparency
Connection macros If you don’t want, for example a plate to show up put the thickness in as zero 0
Snapping In order to get this to always work make sure the “select objects in components” is set to “on”
Slotted holes
The slot length in the bolt properties is not the overall length of slot. It’s the hole centres. M12 with 2 mm tolerance and 14 long slot gives an overall slot length of 28 mm. A standard slot punch seems to be an overall length of twice the dia. ie 18×36 for a M16
Open Treads from plain plate, durbar and perforated plate.
Go to profile catalogue>others pick BLZ insert these values BLZ280*100*5 this is assuming plate is 5 mm thick. |
This has cropped up a couple of times and I’m pleased to have got to the bottom of it. I had to change the 240 and the 70 round to get it to work. part size is 15 300 150. It’s a handy macro to know. On the actual job the centre of the plate is sitting on the top of a column.
Brace connection 105
I couldn’t get this to work with a saved connection but when I went to one I had done previously on the same job
and applied it. It worked okay strange I thought. Also when connections are playing up sometimes it’s best not to use modify.
Custom Components Connections
I’ve got this working now. I think the secret is to make sure you pick all the parts that make the custom component ie the cut line, the plate, the bolts and the weld. Note this will be a .uel file located in the attributes folder. When you window the parts that make up the custom component start at left hand side and work to right hand side. I was copying a top plate con 1002 but forgot to remove from assembly this may be the reason the custom component wouldn’t work.
For turnbuckles and all sorts of connections go to
http://www.mconnect-systems.de/downloads/components-for-tekla-structures.html
Also available for downloads in .dwg format
End cap con 1002
To offset this say make it flush on one side when the “situated central” overhang is say 55 insert +55 to one side and -55 to the other. I don’t know why but it works. I would have thought one should have put in 0, 110. connection macros are funny things. For some reason this doesn’t always work so explode move plate and if necessary make into a custom component.
Handrailing post holes
I just finished a job where as usual I just do the holes only. I put stubs on and con. 29 at base it was so much easier than doing holes only. To copy and mirror all one needs to do is highlight the stub. I got the idea from a stru-cad drawing.
Transparency ie Glass
Click on part , material , miscellaneous , glass , modify. Also glass panels are in the material catalogue under others in V17
Please find an extract taken from the help file (object representation typed in search)
Create object representation settings to define the color and transparency of objects in a model.
To create object representation settings:
- Click View > Representation > Object Representation…
- Click Add row.
- Select a predefined object group from the Object group list box.
- Use the Color list box to define the color of the objects in the object group.
- Use the Transparency list box to define the transparency of the objects in the object group.
- Repeat steps 3–5 for each row you add.
- Use the Move up and Move down buttons to change the order of the rows.If an object belongs to several object groups, the coloring and visibility of the objects defined on the top row is applied to that object.
- Type a unique name in the field next to the Save as button
- Click Save as to save the set of object representation settings.
Non stock box section
Go to the last section in the others catalogue it’s like this ()depth*width*thickness
Haunches
con 102 and 40 seem to be the most common. If you want to alter the length say you have also to put in a depth ie you can’t leave the depth as default. con 40 seems the best you can put in as many bolts as you like and also change the shape of the haunch.
Bolts
Once you add bolts to a model you have to copy screw.db and ass.db from that folder and paste them into the firm folder to get them to appear in every other job. prof.db does the same with the profile catalogue. There’s a list in the help section.
To make a circular ring
In polybeam mode draw a rectangle put a point 1 mm from your start point. Draw a square and close it on the point you previously made. put the correct radius at each corner to give a circle. Or one can import a .dwg file and that will do the same job.
Kingspan Cold rolled
I’ve just done a job with above where the cladding is horizontal. Tekla supplied the following info. “King” in front of the part means it’s Irish “Metl-con” means it’s UK. They gave me the following macros 21, 11 & 10 for side rail diagonals. With con 11 for vertical section to columns between side rails the long leg has to be in the centre of column selection is G/140, column, position on column for cleat. It wouldn’t accept a 70×15 flat until I changed material to S275. Data transfer is con.18 To put in a wire rope between to bolts use co 15 pick objects in component (do not pick single bolt). Icon. 21 is for vertical eaves section to underside of eaves beam. auto in 20 is for any vertical side rail to horizontal.
chs chamfer go to
C:\TeklaStructures\17.0\environments\common\components_sketches\steel
copy and paste into browser. It’s in the V17 package in the C drive.
HANDLES
When a handle won’t highlight (fill up) you can still move and increase the section length. Go to properties / ??? alter origin plus or minus by required size.
Con 41
I use this one quite a lot especially for stair stringers. This morning it wouldn’t work I thought because it was going through the middle of a tread. So I moved the level flat up approximately 100 mm where con.41 did work and when I moved it down into it’s correct position it was okay. Strange I thought.
Con 49
The above macro wouldn’t work for me. Went to general, up direction and changed from auto to something else and by trial and error it worked okay. The same thing happened yesterday with a pan tread connection con. 116
Mirroring bolted parts.
If you are going to mirror manually bolted parts put the bolt positions exactly where you want them don’t use offsets. I tried this again and it did work. As I can’t recollect any differences from the last time I tried it I find this confusing.
Make Tekla pick up new custom component(S) on all models.
add “CUSTOM_COMPONENT” folder to C:\Tekla structures Paste uel custom component file to it. go to C:\Tekla Structures\17\environments\UK open file “en.UK.ini” add new bottom line to read as below
“set XS_UEL_IMPORT_FOLDER=C:\TeklaStructures\CUSTOM_COMPONENTS”
Portal Frame building
I don’t do these that often, so when I get one to do I tend to need a reminder about things.
Just watched a Tekla Webinar about it and thought it would be worth keeping a note of a
few points. The columns and rafters are not a problem so assume these are done. Go to the 3d view
and have the grid corner A, 1, at bottom left hand side. Go to view, set work plane, to part top plane
click on rafter. Go to beam, purlins and pick make of purlin and load, check size, insert at ridge from
left to right Before you pick a start point hold “ctrl” down then press “r” enter @500?,0,0 (check on xyz tab) as you move over to next rafter click on snap to perpendicular. Then click highlighted orange handle, do do a move to the end of the building using outside of grid lines. Still in the 3d view he did “spit” as required. Then inserted the
connections and copied all purlins down the slope. On plan view at floor level insert side rails same as
above ie left to right. click to centre outside of columns. draw in the eaves beam from right to left line
up with purlin and side rails and split and connect in the same way as purlins. Always window drawing to
produce data files. One can do an insert from one view to another. Along with split there is a “combine”
which could come in handy. Regarding chs bracing use connection 105 portal bracing. this gives an easy to make rectangular plates rather than angled. Also, connection at top of gable columns is better done with 103 rather than 105. On this job the eaves beams were a 89 chs. When I put on an 101 end plate it was was slanting because there as a rotation on the chs properties. Steadman (and presume other makes are the same) Z section wall rails long flange leg should be facing down. Tekla has advised that there isn’t a macro for connecting bottom roof purlin to eaves rail. I recently tried putting chs bracings in with construction lines but it wouldn’t work. I had to use xyz ref points.
Cloning help from forum
http://xsteeler.net/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=4724
POLYGON (cutting)
The handles on this is the same as below ie can alter the properties to give various shapes
Contour Plate
I’ve just discovered that one can radius, chamfer and do other peculiar shapes via the properties of the handles re above.
Small & Large dia. holes
One can tolerance the bolt holes with a minus dimension. This gives one the ability to insert very small holes. I needed a 6.5 dia used a M8 with a tolerance of -1.5. This also works at the other end of the scale. I had a 62 dia hole to do. Used a M30 bolt with a tolerance of 32 and no bother. Why doesn’t tekla tell people about these things?
Custom components
One must import the .uel file into custom components. In the component catalogue click inside then click import on drop down menu, browse and select .uel file.
Tapered beam
spiral treads is the main reason for me looking into this. In fact that is what this example shows. Click on this link.http://xsteeler.net/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=19
Reports
Material list by profile (and all other reports) produces a .xrs file change this by re-naming to a .txt file and it will open on any computer. As was pointed out to me on the Tekla Forum one can change this in the file name box before you create the report.
Repair Model
Tools / diagnose and repair / repair model
All this command does that I am aware of is find numbering conflicts in the database and corrects them as well as clearing the unused points/attributes. Copied from the help forum. http://xsteeler.net/viewforum.php?f=37
Slotted holes
Bolt properties / parts with slotted holes / 5 tick boxes available therefore 5 layers can be slotted. This would also allow one to change the layer that is slotted. I think the “Part bolt to” will be the first layer.
Splice Web only Does Flat bar con 56
Bolt Groups
After entering 3 equi-spaced holes on 77 pcd and rotating them by 90 deg the hole group changed to shape xy list “bolt dist” x 38.5 2*-19.25 Bolt dist y -0.00 -33.4 33.4. I was able to copy this up the stringer but couldn’t copy the rotated pcd group. The bolt positions just given had to be reversed (x and y changed over) when going up the next flight.
Bolts in connections
If you can’t get the bolts in a connection to work properly check the following. standard:- 8.8xox tolerance:- 4.00 Thread in mat.:- “lower box” site Bolts / studs:- bolts
Cranked stringers drawings
Always use the long leg as the main part in the assembly. Tekla always automatically creates the main drawing view for the main part with the start handle (yellow) on the left with the end handle to the right.
Tools / Sequencer
As name suggests it is used to create a sequence (i.e. a number sequence)
so that lists/reports can be created to indicate priority This can also be
used to indicate the same priority in GA drg to make sure items are
placed/erected in the req’d order I doubt if this would have any real use
in your specialist field of work, more for major construction projects.
Radial Grid
Go to component catalogue and type in RadialGrid and do a search.
Con 1024 Balustrading
This does both base and side palm mounting. With the palm mounting the first part you pick is the top of the flat bar sloping stringer the second is where you want bottom of the centre of the connecting plate. Con 29 is std. sloping base plate Mono AM. Palm mount is Mono SC Con 83. Con 88 Joins inside stringers top and mid rail. Railing level chs to sloping is con 89. For handrailing to wall go to component catalogue type in wallrails and do a search.
INSERT AN RSA
Set position right, back, behind. In plan view go from 0,0 upwards. The from right to left. This put it in with top and vertical face flush with grids and toe down and facing inside of grid.
Adding sub-assemblies to main assemblies.
Have sub and main assemblies ready. Ensure select assembly switch is active. Right click and select Assembly > Make into Assembly fro the pop down menu. The assembly with the largest volume becomes the main assembly.
From Forum
I only use the “Add to Assembly” and “Remove from Assembly” when I have a complicated assembly and want to change the main part from one member to another. The biggest draw back, besides having to remove welds/bolts to do anything, is when you copy the members to another object or an identical object, you have to re-add it to the assembly, unlike welds, which will automatically weld the pieces to it’s new part.
Copying members from one model to another model.
Create grid lines for all phases in master model
Create grid lines from starting point of the phase2 in a separate model
Go to Tools Phase manager
Add a phase set phase2 as current
Start applying members
Make members dummy at intersection of phase 1 and phase 2
ensure dummy members should not be in phase 2
Close the model
Open the master model
Go to Edit copy special from another model
Select location of phase 2 model and type phase number to be copied from another model in the field
provided for phase numbers and click copy
I copied this from the Tekla xsteeler help forum
To save grid layout to another model
save grid / go to attributes file and copy .grd and .grd.more files / paste into attribute file in other model
all holes dia 22 USO
To change the above note on the drawing. Go to drawings and reports / drawing settings / single part drawing /
single part drawing properties / click on bolt mark box / single-bolt mark properties / general / bolt size limit /
change from 22 to 18 then click modify. Initially the modify was shaded over therefore not available for
selection when first tried it. I am waiting on tekla to contact me about it.
Beam and column insertion info
column and brace middle / top / middle. standard beam middle / top / behind. z-steadman-purlins middle 1.0. top 0.0. front 6.0. z-ayrshire-purlin middle 1.0. top 0.0. front 7.0. yellow handle – start. crimson handle – end.
View Depth
I was doing a connection today which I thought wasn’t working. It turned out I had the view depths set at 10,10 and it wouldn’t let you see the parts.
Options
In order not to see notification report go to tools/options/advanced/ modelling properties set XS_SHOW_NOTIFICATION_REPORT to FALSE then copy standard options from model folder and paste into firm folder.
Grids
When you change grids and need to redo grid views it’s better to delete all existing grids and redo the create grids.
CONNECTIONS TO FIRM FOLDER
Save connection with a unique name. Copy from “attributes folder” and paste into firm folder. I have just added the following treads 275 pan, 275 L or Z, 280 L or Z File type is .j116 ie connection no. 116. I think this “file type” is unique to Tekla. I have also added str. 150 lg.j103 to firm folder. this flat bar stringer to 150 pfc. note there is a size of 30.45 to top. This is the size one needs to play about with to get the 150 lg cleat to line up with the 150 deep pfc.
Connection 1052
This is for a square or round base plate on a chs post with gussets. Instructions on this from Fraser Pridmore are in my Townhill Waitrose file in the drawings “C” drive folder. Note hole centres, I think they are the diagonal size.
XS_USE_ASSEMBLY_NUMBER_FOR=MAIN_PART in an options folder. When one copies this “options folder” from a model folder where it’s been set and puts it in the firm folder it happens on all future jobs.
Existing Steelwork
I found an easy way to deal with this was to put the existing sections into phase 2 tools/ phase manager /add phase 2 Select the parts , select a phase. modify. When you do the report/material lists only have the parts in phase 1 highlighted. There is another way of doing this. Open a properties box, click on all or some of the existing steel, untick the bottom right hand side, type in existing steel, modify. Click on view, click on object group, new filter, does not equal, EXISTING, save as, modify, this makes all EXISTING parts disappear, window everything left, run report.
3D View disappeared
to add a View/ create view of model/ basic view
To change standard bolt size
Go to tools/options/options /components / bolt size then save. default in the connections will alter to suit. This is in the attributes file in the model folder under standard.opt. I have pasted this into my firm folder.
Adjust work plane & Swap Handles
go to tools/Macros / adjust work plane & swap handles. A useful extra on V 16.1
Tekla Structures Logo in drawing title box
To not to use this and put in customers name. Double click on it, ignore warning, add single line text(s), save as say company 1. When you want to use this again go project properties / advanced and pick company number. You can also use .jpeg and .giffs the should be put in the same folder as where metsecs and steadmans are.
tekla V131_Final
I’ve just managed to install the above. After downloading it and putting it on my computer I also had to download and run service release 3. I then had to go to C\tekla structures\13.1\Nt\bin\user file and paste in to notepad doc.
set XS_LICENSE_SERVER_HOST=27000@Tekla Structures\licence\sever
restart the computer and it worked. The important thing to note, one doesn’t need the C: drive after the @ above.
Add section to Profile catalogue
Modelling/Profiles/profile catalogue copy nearest section, change sizes in property box, update model folder.
To find weld symbols on a part
Pick the part and delete. Click on the undo and the weld symbol appears.
Cut part with Line.
when using this it leaves a cutting line which can be deleted and therefore restores part back to original shape.
BOLTS
Bolts too long. This sometimes caused by not bolting to all parts. Right Click on bolt go to drop down menu then parts to bolt to the click on ply that needs holed. click on mouse wheel.
attach a part
Be careful when using this. It can’t be undone.
UCS
While working on a model when I input a beam it was slightly angled. After scratching my head for a bit I realised that the X.Y Z were a bit out I must have accidentally done this the last time set the axises.
Mirroring
I’ve just done some mirroring as follows. In 3d view press control & P, set axises Z.X &Y. back to 3D click on select assemblies, when one mirrors you can see exactly if it’s worked.
Base Plate as 1042 including bolts
Parameters, btm. R.H. side , drop down, show bolts if required show holes only if not.
RADIAL GRID
I’ve just read in V16 SR 3 that this is available
Transparency
View properties, representation, object representation, object group representation, Value drop down, select from model, save as say “found”, move to top, back to “object representation” set % transparency
Part mark size and leader
To change size of part marks in drawing. Go to drawing properties de-click all boxes by clicking the ticked box on bottom right hand of the screen. Go to part marks click on assembly position change height on right hand side and click on modify. This also works if you want to remove leader line from all part marks and have the part mark run along the side of the part mark.
Reports – ‘Material parts grouped by profile’. ‘Bolt site summary (type 1)’ total qtys. for ordering. ‘Bolt summary’ tells which bolt is used for which part to which part. One must select all parts before running the bolt list.
re Drawing list click on “mark” along top of list to put drawings into mark number order.
When Starting V16.1 one must fill in role ie Steel Detailer. Also note if you want to use Incl. Beam Clamp, Incl. Fabtrol or incl. Fire Tex. one must pick the one you want to use.
Arrows in drawings
Using line with arrows in drawing. Make sure all snaps are on except “snap to extension lines” this is the fifth from the right hand side. I think this this a general rule for working with drawings where as when working with models all should be on but the 3rd 4th & 5th from right hand side. Well this is what I’ve been told anyway. Also note that one can change the end which has the arrow via the arrow property box.
Connection as 116 but using a “tee” is connection 32
“Attach” work a treat for the back upstand for a tapered spiral tread. ie use standard angle profile for the main part and attach flat bar lip.
When cutting part with polygon make sure you go a bit over the the edge of the object with the cutting line. Sometimes cuts can clash which can then cause members relating to the cut to disappear, normally referred to as a solid modelling error. The best advice I can give for when this happens is to adjust the cuts by a few millimetres at a time in either X, Y or Z direction (Z direction used in this case) and normally the disappearing item/member will reappear after adjusting the cut position(s)
View filters. double click on view, click on object group, click on box “does not equal, value AYR-ZELA11-22510, modify. This displays everything but value.
To find “service release number” go to “help” (top right hand side) then “about” from drop down menu.
toolbars – concrete for example third from right on top tools/toolbars/concrete
To check model size go to tools/inquire/model size then add quantities of parts and bolts groups together. The model size is slightly less than parts plus connections. The connections being a bolt group.
To mirror in 3d view set axises to standard position ie “y” to right, “x” across the way and “z” upwards.
To change size of part marks in drawing. Go to drawing properties de-click all boxes by clicking the ticked box on bottom right hand of the screen. Go to part marks click on assembly position change height on right hand side and click on modify. This also works if you want to remove leader from all part marks.
One can remove parts from a component if the “select parts in component” is selected and simply delete. Cutting polygon for example. But if you’ve got re-do the connection the parts re-appear.
The Tekla advanced training course I attended covered the Following
1 Changing drawing settings. Setting filters to select parts to detail.
2 Creating your own drawing wizards.
3 Intelligent drawing cloning. Cloning using wizards. Cloning GA drawings.
4 How layouts use drawing templates.
