5. 3 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
18.1 Finding clashes in a model.................................................................................................................... 47
Changing the status of clashes ........................................................................................................ 48
Changing the priority of clashes....................................................................................................... 48
Symbols used in clash checking ...................................................................................................... 48
Grouping and ungrouping clashes ................................................................................................... 49
Adding comments to a clash ............................................................................................................ 49
Opening and saving clash check sessions....................................................................................... 49
18.2 Flying through the model....................................................................................................................... 50
18.3 Checking using reports ......................................................................................................................... 51
19 Inquiring the model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
19.1 Inquiring object properties..................................................................................................................... 52
19.2 Inquiring assembly objects.................................................................................................................... 53
Displaying all objects connected to a part........................................................................................ 53
19.3 Inquiring welded parts........................................................................................................................... 54
19.4 Inquiring the center of gravity................................................................................................................ 54
20 Representing objects in model views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
20.1 Creating object representation settings................................................................................................. 55
20.2 Defining your own colors to model object groups ................................................................................. 56
21 Project status visualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
21.1 Adding planned erection dates.............................................................................................................. 58
21.2 Creating object groups and object representation settings................................................................... 59
21.3 Using project status visualization.......................................................................................................... 61
22 Phase Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
22.1 Dividing the model into phases............................................................................................................. 64
23 Lotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
23.1 Creating a lot......................................................................................................................................... 64
23.2 Adding parts to a lot.............................................................................................................................. 65
23.3 Removing parts from a lot..................................................................................................................... 65
23.4 Deleting a lot......................................................................................................................................... 66
24 Watch how to use BIM in a live project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
LESSON 4 67
25 Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
25.1 Searching drawings............................................................................................................................... 68
25.2 Filtering Drawing List contents.............................................................................................................. 69
25.3 Opening a drawing................................................................................................................................ 69
6. TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 4
25.4 Editing a drawing................................................................................................................................... 70
25.5 Printing a drawing.................................................................................................................................. 70
26 Screenshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
26.1 Creating a screenshot ........................................................................................................................... 70
26.2 Screenshot settings............................................................................................................................... 71
27 WebViewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
27.1 Publishing a model as a web page........................................................................................................ 72
28 Tekla Structures Model Reviewer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
28.1 Opening a model in Model Reviewer..................................................................................................... 73
LESSON 5 75
29 Using Tekla Structures Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
29.1 Opening Tekla Structures Help ............................................................................................................. 76
29.2 Browsing Help topics by subject............................................................................................................ 76
29.3 Finding Help topics using the index....................................................................................................... 77
29.4 Searching for Help topics ...................................................................................................................... 77
Viewing the search results................................................................................................................ 77
Using search filters ........................................................................................................................... 78
29.5 Saving favorite Help topics.................................................................................................................... 78
7. TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 1
Introduction
Tekla Structures is Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that enables the creation
and management of accurately detailed and highly constructable 3D structural models
regardless of material or structural complexity. Tekla models can be used to cover the entire
building process from conceptual design to fabrication, erection, and construction
management.
The 3D structural model includes the geometry and design of the structure, and all the
information about profiles and cross sections, connection types, materials, structural analysis,
etc. Tekla Structures drawings and reports are integrated with the models. Consequently,
dimensions and marks are always correct. Drawings and reports can be created at any stage of
the project and updated according to the changes in the model.
Tekla helps all new Tekla Structures users to get started and to maintain their development.
Our well-defined training course is a jump start to Tekla Structures software and helps to
maximize using Tekla Structures to its full potential. During the basic training course, you will
be taught the basic principles of Tekla Structures. Each training day contains several exercises
so you will learn to apply what you have learned in theory. The instructor will show the correct
solution to each exercise. You can freely ask the the instructor questions to make sure you have
understood each point correctly.
This training manual is intended to be used during a basic Tekla Structures training course, but
you can also use it on your own after the training course. In addition, Tekla provides online
learning material so the users can learn how to benefit from version improvements and adapt to
using the new features.
The following learning and support material is available on the Tekla Extranet (https://
extranet.tekla.com) for all our customers with a valid maintenance agreement. When the
material is available also in the Tekla Structures software via the help menu, it is separately
indicated.
Type Material Language Location
Training manuals Steel Detailing,
Modeling
English, French,
German, Dutch, Italian,
Spanish, Russian,
Japanese, Chinese
Extranet:
Self-learning > Manuals &
instructionsSteel Detailing,
Drawings
Precast Concrete
Detailing, Modeling
Precast Concrete
Detailing, Drawings
Engineering, Modeling
Engineering, Drawings
Construction
Management
Cast-in-place Concrete
Detailing, Modeling
Cast-in-place Concrete
Detailing, Drawings
8. 2 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Product
documentation
Help file English, French,
German, Dutch, Italian,
Spanish, Russian,
Japanese, Chinese
Help > Tekla Structures Help
Manuals in PDF
format
Extranet:
Self-learning > Manuals &
instructions
Release Notes Help > Release Notes
Quick reference guide
to Tekla Structures
Extranet:
Self-learning > Manuals &
instructions
Keyboard shortcuts Extranet:
Self-learning > Manuals &
instructions
Videos and
tutorials
First Steps with Tekla
Structures - Interactive
Tutorial
English, Finnish,
Swedish, German,
Dutch, French, Spanish,
Italian, Russian,
Japanese, Chinese
Help > Learning Center > First Steps
with Tekla Structures
Extranet:
Self-learning > Interactive tutorials
& videos
http://www.tekla.com/firststeps
Top New Features
Videos
English, German,
Dutch, French, Spanish,
Italian, Russian,
Japanese, Chinese
Help > Learning Center > Top New
Features
Extranet:
Self-learning > Interactive tutorials
& videos
http://www.tekla.com/
topnewfeatures
First steps with BIM -
interactive tutorials
English http://www.tekla.com/bimlessons
More videos and
tutorials
English Extranet:
Self-learning > Interactive tutorials
& videos
Other support
material
Frequently Asked
Questions
English Extranet:
Self-learning > Questions & answers
Tekla Structures
Glossary
Extranet:
Self-learning > Tekla Structures
Glossary
Start-up checklist Extranet:
Self-learning > Start-up checklist
Discussion Forum Extranet:
Discussion Forum
Product Information English, French,
German, Japanese,
Chinese
Extranet:
Product
Type Material Language Location
9. >
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 3
LESSON1
LESSON 1
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
• how to start Tekla Structures
• how to open and save a model
• how to move around in the model
• what views are and how they are created
• what the work area is
• how to create plane views along grid lines
• how to use the common buttons in the dialog boxes
10. 4 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
LESSON1
Savingamodel
1 Starting Tekla Structures
To start Tekla Structures:
1. Click the Windows Start button.
2. Click All Programs.
3. Go to the Tekla Structures 17.0 menu item and click Tekla Structures 17.0.
The Tekla Structures - Login dialog box opens.
4. In the dialog box, select the license, role and environment you want to use.
5. Click OK to start Tekla Structures.
2 Saving a model
Tekla Structures prompts you to save the open model when you close Tekla Structures. You
should also save your model regularly to avoid losing any work. Autosave also automatically
saves your work at regular intervals.
To save the model, click File > Save, or click . Tekla Structures saves the model and the
message database stored appears on the status bar.
2.1 Saving a model with a different name
To save a copy of a model with a different name:
1. Click File > Save as... to open the Save as dialog box.
2. Enter the new model name in the Model name box.
3. If you want to save the model in a different folder, click Browse... to browse for the
folder.
4. In the Save as dialog box, click OK to save the model.
Autosave automatically saves your model and drawings at set intervals.
To set the autosave interval, click Tools > Options > Options... >
General.
11. LESSON1
Openingamodel
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 5
3 Opening a model
To open a model:
1. Click File > Open..., or click .
The Open dialog box opens.
2. Select the model.
By default, Tekla Structures searches for models in the
..TeklaStructuresModels folder. If your model is in another folder, click
Browse... to browse for the model folder, or use the Look in list with the recently used
folders.
3. Click OK to open the model.
3.1 Model created in a previous version
Tekla Structures displays a warning when you open a model that was created in a previous
Tekla Structures version.
The information in the Designer and Description columns comes from
the Project Properties dialog box.
The Model name list contains the recently used models.
12. 6 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
LESSON1
Openingamodel
You can open the model by clicking OK.
If you edit the model and want to save it, the following warning appears:
You have two options:
• If you click Yes, the model is saved and it cannot be opened with the previous Tekla
Structures version anymore.
• If you click No, the model is not saved. You can open and edit the model with the Tekla
Structures version in which the model was initially created.
3.2 Importing a model
If you receive a detailed model, you can import it to Tekla Structures. Importing a model
retains the numbering information and eases the file sharing because you do not need to upload
or e-mail large model folders.
To import a model:
1. Enable the model import.
a Open the user.ini file in a text editor, for example Microsoft Notepad. The
file is located in the ..Users<username>AppDataLocalTekla
Structures<version>UserSettings folder.
b Add the advanced option set XS_ENABLE_MODEL_IMPORT=TRUE to the file.
c Restart Tekla Structures to activate the advanced option.
2. Click File > Import > Model....
3. Browse to the correct model folder to locate the model database (.db1) file that you
want to import.
4. Click Yes to continue.
5. Click Yes to import all drawings that are associated with the mdoel.
We recommend that you complete any models you have started using
your current Tekla Structures version. Custom components and drawings
created in an older version may not work properly in the new Tekla
Structures version.
13. LESSON1
Movingaroundintheview
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 7
4 Moving around in the view
There are several tools you can use to change what you see in a view. This topic introduces
some of them.
4.1 Zooming
The zoom tools allow you to focus in on a particular area, or pull out for a wider view.
Use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out in the model: scroll forward to zoom in, scroll
backward to zoom out.
You can also zoom by clicking View > Zoom and selecting an option.
4.2 Panning
To pan, hold down the middle mouse button. When the pointer changes to a hand symbol, click
and drag the model to move it anywhere in the view window.
To activate or disable the middle button pan, click Tools > Options > Middle Button Pan, or
Shift + M. There is a checkmark next to the menu option when the middle button pan is active.
4.3 Rotating
To rotate the model:
1. To set the center of rotation, press the V key.
2. Pick the center of rotation.
3. Hold down the Ctrl key and drag with the middle mouse button to rotate the model.
5 Views
A view is a representation of a model from a specific location. Each view is displayed in its
own window in the Tekla Structures. There are several types of views. For example, you can
create views
• of the entire model
• of selected parts and components
• of selected assemblies and cast units
• along grid lines.
14. 8 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
LESSON1
Views
5.1 View properties
To define the view properties, click View > View Properties.... The View Properties dialog
box opens.
The View Properties dialog box contains the following options:
Option Description
Name Name of the view. You should give a view a unique name if
you need to open it in later sessions. When you exit the
model, Tekla Structures only saves named views.
Angle Switch between the 3D and Plane angle.
Projection Switch between the Orthogonal and Perspective projection.
The options are available only in the rendered view type.
Rotation around Z Rotation angle around the z axis.
Rotation around X Rotation angle around the x axis.
View type View type defines the appearance of the view. The view type
options are Rendered and Wire frame.
Color and transparency
in all views
Color and transparency settings that are applied to object
groups in all views.
View depth: Up View depth upwards from the view plane. The objects within
the displayed depth and the work area are visible in the
model
15. LESSON1
Views
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 9
5.2 Display
You can define visibility and representation settings of object types in the Display dialog box.
To open the Display dialog box, click View > View Properties..., and then click Display... in
the View Properties dialog box.
The Display dialog box contains the Settings and Advanced tabs.
Settings tab You can define the visibility of object types on the Settings tab. You can also define the
representation settings of model parts and components.
View depth: Down View depth downwards from the view plane. The objects
within the displayed depth and the work area are visible in
the model
Visibility of object types Define the visibility and representation of object types.
Visible object group Define the visibility of object groups.
Option Description
16. 10 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
LESSON1
Views
The default representation mode for bolts is Exact. It shows bolts, washers, and nuts as solids.
The Fast option displays the axis and a cross to represent the bolt head. Fast is the
recommended representation mode for bolts, because it increases display speed significantly
and consumes less system memory.
Advanced tab You can define the visibility of a part center line, part reference line, part labels and connection
texts on the Advanced tab.
You can also define the size of points in views. In model increases the point size on the screen
when you zoom in. In view does not.
17. LESSON1
Views
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 11
5.3 Creating a basic view
Basic views are views parallel to the global basic planes, i.e. xy, xz, and zy. In basic views two
axes always define the view plane and they appear in the plane name. The third axis is
perpendicular to the view plane. It does not appear in the plane name. In the basic plane view,
the model is shown from the direction of that third axis.
To create a basic view:
1. Click View > Create View of Model > Basic View... or .
The Create Basic View dialog box opens.
2. Select the plane parallel to the view plane.
3. Enter the level coordinate of the view plane.
4. Click Create.
Tekla Structures creates the basic view. The active properties of the View Properties dialog
box are used in the view.
5.4 Creating a top view
To create a top view:
1. Click View > View Properties... to open the View Properties dialog box.
2. Select plane from the list next to the Load button. Click Load.
The properties are changed.
3. Click OK.
4. Click View > Create View of Model > Basic View... or to open the Create Basic
View dialog box.
5. Enter the level distance in the Coordinate box.
For example, if you want that the plane view is at level +4500, enter 4500 in the box.
Sometimes the work area in the model can be huge because points are
positioned far away from the origin of the model. To easily locate these
points for deletion, change the Point size to 1000 or 1500.
18. 12 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
LESSON1
Views
6. Click Create to create the top view.
Moving a plane in a top view
To move a plane in a top view:
1. Click the view.
A red frame appears in the edge of the view. The view is now selected.
2. Right-click and select Move Special > Linear....
The Move - Linear dialog box opens.
3. Enter the moving distance in the dZ box and click Move.
The Confirm View Move dialog box opens.
4. Click Yes.
The plane moves.
If you want to change the name of the view, double-click the view and enter the name in the
View Properties dialog box.
5.5 Creating a grid view using two points
To create a grid view using two points:
1. Hold down the Shift key and click View > Create View of Model > Using Two Points
or click .
The View Properties dialog box opens.
2. Select plane from the list next to the Load button and click Load.
The view properties are changed.
3. Click OK.
4. Pick the first point on a grid line.
Two arrows appear. The arrows indicate the direction of the view.
19. LESSON1
Views
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 13
5. When the direction is correct, pick the second point on the grid line.
A new view is created.
5.6 Creating a view using three points
You can use the Create View of Model > Using Three Points command to create, for
example, views perpendicular to a plane of a part.
To create a view:
1. Hold down the Shift key and click View > Create View of Model > Using Three Points
to open the View Properties dialog box.
2. Define the properties and click OK.
3. Pick the first point to indicate the origin of the view plane.
4. Pick the second point to indicate the direction of the view x axis.
5. Pick the third point to indicate the direction of the view y axis.
21. LESSON1
Views
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 15
5.7 Opening, closing, and deleting named views
You can open, close, and delete named views in the Views dialog box. To open the dialog box,
click View > View List... or .
The Named views list contains the named views that are closed.
Opening views To open views, select them and click the arrow to move the views to the Visible views list.
Closing views To close a view, move the view to the Named views list.
Deleting views To delete a view, select the view and click Delete.
5.8 Changing part representation in model views
In rendered views, you can define separately how Tekla Structures displays parts and
component objects.
Use the shortcuts Ctrl + 1...5 and Shift + 1...5 to set the desired representation for parts in the
model and components.
The number of the named views is unlimited, but the maximum number
of open views is nine.
To select multiple views on lists, use the Shift and Ctrl keys when you
select views. To deselect views, hold down the Ctrl key.
22. 16 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
LESSON1
Workarea
Example
6 Work area
The work area is the main area where you can edit the model. Tekla Structures indicates the
work area of a view using green dashed lines.
You can define the work area to suit particular situations, for example, to concentrate on a
particular area of the model. Defining the work area makes it faster and easier to work with the
model. Objects outside the work area still exist, but they are not visible.
Shaded wireframe (Ctrl + 2)
Rendered (Ctrl + 4)
23. LESSON1
Creatingplaneviewsalonggridlines
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 17
7 Creating plane views along grid lines
To create plane views along grid lines:
1. Click View > Create View of Model > Along Grid Lines....
The Creation of Views Along Grids Lines dialog box opens.
2. Define the settings you need.
For instance, you can define the number of views and the view name prefixes.
Work area
The arrow symbol indicates the work plane.
The green cube in a model view represents the global coordinate system. It is located
at the global point of origin.
24. 18 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
LESSON1
Creatingplaneviewsalonggridlines
3. Click Create.
The Views dialog box opens.
4. Move views from the Named views list to the Visible views list.
The direction of all views is -x, +y, and -z.
25. LESSON1
Commonbuttons
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 19
8 Common buttons
Most of the Tekla Structures dialog boxes contain common buttons. These buttons mean the
same thing in all dialog boxes. The common buttons are:
Button Description
Retains the properties in the dialog box without closing the
dialog box. Tekla Structures uses these properties the next
time you create an object of this type.
Closes the dialog box without retaining the properties in the
dialog box or modifying objects.
Creates a new object using the properties in the dialog box.
Fills the dialog box with the properties of the selected object.
When you select several objects, Tekla Structures takes the
properties at random from one of the selected objects.
Displays the help topics for the dialog box.
Modifies the selected objects using the properties in the dialog
box, but does not retain the properties in the dialog box.
Retains the properties in the dialog box and closes the dialog
box. Tekla Structures uses these properties the next time you
create an object of this type.
Switches all the check boxes in the dialog box on and off.
27. >
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 21
LESSON2
LESSON 2
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
• how to snap on points
• how to check distances and angles
• how to use and customize the Mini Toolbar
• how to control the selection of objects.
• how to modify the work area
• how to create, move, and delete clip planes
28. 22 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
LESSON2
9 Snapping
Most Tekla Structures commands ask you to pick points to position objects.
Snap switches specify exact locations on objects, for example, end points, midpoints, and
intersections. Snap switches help you to pick points to position objects precisely without
having to know the coordinates or create additional lines or points. You can use snap switches
any time Tekla Structures prompts you to specify a point, for example, if you are creating a
beam.
9.1 Snap switches
The snap switches are located in the Snapping toolbar.
Main snap
switches
The two main snap switches define whether you can snap to reference points or any other
points on objects. If both these switches are off, you cannot snap to any positions, even if all the
other switches are on.
Other snap
switches
You can have Tekla Structures display the snap symbols when you move the mouse pointer
over objects. The snap symbol is yellow for model objects and green for objects inside
components.
Button
Snap
positions Description Symbol
Reference lines
and points
You can snap to
object reference
points (points that
have handles).
Large
Geometry lines
and points
You can snap to any
points on objects.
Small
29. LESSON2
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 23
9.2 Orthogonal snapping
Use the shortcut O or click Tools > Ortho to activate orthogonal snapping. The mouse pointer
locks to the closest orthogonal point on the plane (0, 45, 90, 135, 180 degrees, and so on). The
mouse pointer automatically snaps to positions at even distances in the given direction.
9.3 Numeric snapping
Use the Enter a numeric location toolbar to enter position coordinates you want to snap to.
Button
Snap
positions Description Symbol
Points Snaps to points and grid line
intersections.
End points Snaps to end points of lines,
polyline segments, and arcs.
Centers Snaps to centers of circles and
arcs.
Midpoints Snaps to midpoints of lines,
polyline segments, and arcs.
Intersections Snaps to intersections of lines,
polyline segments, arcs, and
circles.
Perpendicular Snaps to points on objects that
form a perpendicular
alignment with another object.
Line extensions Snaps to the line extensions of
nearby objects, and reference
and geometry lines of drawing
objects.
Free Snaps to any position.
Nearest point Snaps to the nearest points on
objects, e.g. any point on part
edges or lines.
Lines Snaps to grid lines, reference
lines, and the edges of existing
objects.
30. 24 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
LESSON2
To display the toolbar, initiate a command that requires you to pick positions, and then do one
of the following:
• Start entering the coordinates using the keyboard
• Click Tools > Enter a Numeric Location and select an option.
See Numeric location coordinates (p. 24) for information on location coordinates.
9.4 Numeric location coordinates
The following table explains the types of information you can enter in the Enter a Numeric
Location toolbar.
You can
enter Description Example
Cartesian
coordinates
The x, y, and z coordinates of a position
separated by commas.
Polar
coordinates
A distance, an angle on the xy plane, and an
angle from the xy plane separated by angle
brackets.
Angles increase in the counterclockwise
direction.
Absolute
coordinates
The coordinates based on the origin of the
work plane.
Relative
coordinates
The coordinates relative to the last position
picked.
One value A distance to an indicated direction.
Two
coordinates
If you omit the last coordinate (z) or angle,
Tekla Structures assumes that the value is 0.
Three
coordinates
In drawings, Tekla Structures ignores the third
coordinate.
31. LESSON2
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 25
9.5 Creating a temporary reference point
You can create a temporary reference point to use as a local origin when snapping in models.
To create a temporary reference point:
1. Initiate a command that requires you to pick positions. For example, create a beam.
2. Pick the start point.
3. Hold down the Ctrl key and pick a position.
A green cross indicates that this position is now a temporary reference point.
4. Repeat step 3 to create as many reference points as needed.
5. Release the Ctrl key and pick the end point.
Tekla Structures creates the object between the starting point and the end point.
9.6 Measuring distances, angles, and bolt spaces
You can measure distances, angles, radius and length of an arc, and bolt spaces. All
measurements are temporary. The measurements appear in the rendered view window until you
update or redraw the window. Before you start measuring, make sure that you are using
appropriate snap settings.
The following measurement options are available:
• Horizontal distance
• Vertical distance
• Distance
• Angle
• Arc
32. 26 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
LESSON2
MiniToolbar
• Bolt spaces
To measure distances, angles, arcs, and bolt spaces:
1. Click Tools > Measure, or click one of the measurement buttons.
2. Follow the instructions that vary according to the measurement option you selected.
10 Mini Toolbar
You can use the Mini Toolbar to inquire objects and check the properties of the objects.
The Mini Toolbar appears next to the mouse pointer when you select an object and fades out
when you move the mouse further away or change the selection. You can change the position
of the toolbar by dragging it and locking it to a new position with the lock button in the top
right corner.
10.1 Customizing Mini Toolbar
You can customize the Mini Toolbar by selecting which commands are visible, and by adding
macros and user-defined attributes to the toolbar.
To customize the Mini Toolbar:
1. Move the mouse pointer on the Mini Toolbar to display it.
2. Click to open the Customize Mini Toolbar dialog box.
3. Select the elements you wish to show or hide.
The Preview field shows what the toolbar will look like.
4. Include macros and user-defined attributes in the Mini Toolbar.
When you measure horizontal and vertical distances, use a plane view.
To switch to a plane view, press Ctrl + P.
33. LESSON2
Selectionswitches
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 27
a Select a macro or user-defined attribute in the list of macros and user-defined
attributes.
b Click Add to Mini Toolbar after each selected macro and user-defined attribute.
The added macros and user-defined attributes are shown in the list of visible
elements.
c To remove macros and user-defined attributes from the Mini Toolbar, unselect
them in the list of visible elements.
5. Click OK.
11 Selection switches
You can control object selection by using the selection switches. The selection switches are
located in the Selecting toolbar.
The selection switches are described below:
34. 28 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
LESSON2
Selectionswitches
Button Description
Turns all switches on. Select all object types, except for
single bolts.
Select component symbols.
Select parts, such as columns, beams, and plates.
Select surface treatments.
Select points.
Select entire grids by selecting one line in the grid.
Select single grid lines.
Select welds.
Select line, part, and polygon cuts, and fittings.
Select model views.
Select entire bolt groups by selecting one bolt in the group.
Select single bolts.
Select reinforcing bars and bar groups.
Select planes.
Select distances.
When you click any object belonging to a component, Tekla
Structures selects the component symbol and highlights (does
not select) all component objects.
Objects created automatically by a component can be
selected.
When you click any object in an assembly or a cast unit,
Tekla Structures selects the assembly or cast unit and
highlights all objects in the same assembly or cast unit.
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11.1 Selection filters
By using selection filters you can select particular objects. Tekla Structures contains several
selection filters by default. If you use, for example, the columns filter, you can only select
columns in the model. The Selection Filter list lists the standard and user-defined filters.
Defining your
own filters
To define your own filters:
Select single objects in assemblies and cast units.
Select tasks.
Select selection filters. The list lists both standard and user-
defined selection filters.
Create your own selection filters.
Button Description
Selection filters
Click to open the Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box
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Selectionswitches
1. Click the Selection Filter button, or click Edit > Selection Filter... to open the
Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box.
2. Find a filter which has close to the same settings as you need.
3. Modify the settings, then enter a new name in the Save as box.
4. Click Save as, then OK to exit.
You can now choose the new filter from the list.
Selection filter example
In this example we create a selection filter that selects parts whose class is two:
1. Click the Selection Filter button, or click Edit > Selection Filter... to open the
Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box.
2. Select a row and click Delete row to remove the row.
Repeat this to every row.
3. Click Add row.
Now the Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box contains one row where you can
define the filter.
4. In the Property list, select Class.
5. In the Value list, enter 2.
6. Enter a unique name in the box next to the Save as button.
7. Click Save as to save the selection filter.
Use the selection filter to select the parts whose class is two.
11.2 Selection examples
Scrolling
assembly levels
Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active.
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To define the level on which to select objects in nested components or assemblies, hold down
the Shift key and scroll with the mouse wheel. Level 0 is the highest assembly level.
The level of the selected assembly is displayed in the status bar.
Level 0:
Level 1:
Selecting objects
for reports and
drawings
A beam has two end plates.
When you generate reports, drawings, NC files or other types of output of the beam, ensure that
the Select objects in components switch is active. You can then select all the objects.
The report displays information of the beam and the end plates.
Level 0
Level 1
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Modifyingtheworkarea
The Select components switch selects objects at the highest level. The end plates
created by a component are highlighted but are not selected, and the information of them is not
displayed in the report.
12 Modifying the work area
You can modify the work area to suit particular situations. You can fit the work area and it is
also possible to hide the work area lines.
12.1 Fit work area to selected parts
To fit work area to selected parts:
1. Select the model objects you want to see in the work area.
2. Click View > Fit Work Area > To Selected Parts in Selected Views.
The work area includes the selected objects. The objects outside the work area still exist,
but they are not visible.
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12.2 Fit work area using two points
You have to be working with a plane view in order to fit work area using two points. If you are
currently working in 3D view, press Ctrl + P to switch to plane view.
To fit work area using two points:
1. Click View > Fit Work Area > Using Two Points or click .
2. Pick the two points you want as corner points for the work area.
12.3 Fit work area to entire model in selected views
To fit the work area to the entire model, click View > Fit Work Area > To Entire Model in
Selected Views. The work area includes all model objects in selected views.
12.4 Hiding the work area
If you want, you can hide the green work area box. This can be useful, for example, when
creating screenshots.
To hide the work area:
1. Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View.
2. Set the XS_HIDE_WORKAREA advanced option to TRUE.
3. Click OK or Apply.
4. Click View > Redraw All. Tekla Structures hides the work area.
5. To make the work area visible again, set the advanced option to FALSE.
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Creatingaclipplane
13 Creating a clip plane
To create a clip plane:
1. Click View > Create Clip Plane, or click .
2. Select a plane.
The clip plane symbol appears in the model.
3. Repeat step 2 to create as many clip planes as needed.
4. To finish creating clip planes, press Esc, or right-click and select Interrupt.
13.1 Moving a clip plane
To move a clip plane:
Alternatively, hold down the Ctrl and Shift keys when clicking View >
Redraw All to hide the green work area box. To make the box visible
again, click View > Redraw All again.
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1. Select the clip plane you want to move.
2. Click the clip plane symbol and drag it to a new location.
13.2 Deleting a clip plane
To delete a clip plane:
1. Select the clip plane you want to delete.
2. Click the clip plane symbol and press Delete.
You can change the location of the clip plane symbol by holding
down the Shift key and dragging the symbol.
43. >
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LESSON3
LESSON 3
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
• how to enter project information
• how to switch between single and multi-user modes
• how to use reference models
• how to use the Model Organizer
• how to check the model
• how to make inquiries about objects
• how to represent objects in model views
• how to use the project status visualization tool
• how to use the phase manager
• how to create and define lots
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14 Entering project information
When you start a project, enter project information to display the information automatically in
reports and drawings.
To enter the project information:
1. Click File > Project Properties... to open the Project Properties dialog box.
2. Enter the project information you want to use. All the boxes are optional.
3. Click User-defined attributes to open the Tekla Structures Project (1) dialog box,
where you can enter additional information.
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TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 39
4. Click OK to save your changes and close the Tekla Structures Project (1) dialog box.
5. Click OK to save your changes and close the Project Properties dialog box.
15 Switching between single-user and
multi-user modes
You can switch between single-user and multi-user modes by using the different options in the
Open dialog box.
Opening multi-
user model in
single-user mode
To open a multi-user model in single-user mode:
1. Click File > Open... to open the Open dialog box.
2. Select the multi-user model.
3. Right-click and select Open as single-user model from the pop-up menu.
Opening single-
user model in
multi-user mode
To open a single-user model in multi-user mode:
1. Click File > Open... to open the Open dialog box.
2. Select the single-user model.
3. Right-click and select Open as multi-user model from the pop-up menu.
4. Tekla Structures prompts for the name of the server. In the Open as multi-user model
dialog box, enter the server name or select it from the list, and then click OK.
16 Reference models
A reference model is a file which helps you to build a Tekla Structures model. A reference
model is created in Tekla Structures or another software or modeling tool and imported to
Tekla Structures.
For example, an architectural model, a plant design model, or a heating, ventilating and air-
conditioning (HVAC) model can be used as a reference model. Reference models can also be
simple 2D drawings that are imported and then used as a layout to directly build the model on.
The contents of the Tekla Structures Project (1) dialog box depend on
the Tekla Structures environment. The default tabs and options of the
dialog box are different in different Tekla Structures environments.
The Model type column indicates whether the model is a single-user or a
multi-user model. The button with three men indicates a multi-user
model.
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Referencemodels
The following file types are supported:
• AutoCAD (*.dxf)
• AutoCAD (*.dwg)
• MicroStation (*.dgn, *.prp)
• Cadmatic models (*.3dd)
• IFC files (*.IFC)
• IGES files (*.igs, *.iges)
• STEP files (*.stp, *.STEP)
• Tekla WebViewer XML files (*.xml)
You can snap to reference model geometry. Tekla Structures loads the reference model from
the file each time you open your model. It does not save the reference model when you save the
current model. The filename extension of a saved reference model properties file is *.rop.
16.1 Inserting a reference model
To insert a reference model in a Tekla Structures model:
1. Click File > Insert Reference Model..., or click .
The Reference Model Properties dialog box opens.
2. Click Browse... next to the File name box to browse for the reference model file.
3. Set the scale of the reference model, if it is different from the one in the Tekla Structures
(for example, if it uses different measurement units).
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4. Click OK.
5. Pick the position for the reference model origin.
Tekla Structures inserts the reference model.
16.2 Hiding a reference model
To hide a reference model:
1. Click File > Reference Model List... to open the Reference Models dialog box.
2. Select a reference model from the list.
3. Select Hidden from the Visibility list box.
16.3 Updating a reference model
You can update the reference models in your Tekla Structures model if there have been
changes in the original reference models after you have imported them to Tekla Structures.
To update a reference model:
1. Double-click a reference model.
2. In the Reference Model Properties dialog box, browse for the modified file by clicking
the Browse... button next to the File name field.
Set the scale for a DWG or a DXF file already in AutoCAD. When you
define the measurement unit for a DWG or a DXF file and save the file
in AutoCAD, the unit is recognized in Tekla Structures and the reference
model is scaled correctly.
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Referencemodels
3. In the Import dialog box, select the updated file and click OK.
4. Click Modify.
16.4 Detecting changes in reference models
Reference models are often updated, but the changes are rarely documented. You can see the
changes between an old and new reference model by using commands in the Reference Object
Properties dialog box. You can detect changes in reference models that are of the following
file formats:
• IFC (.ifc)
• Cadmatic (.3dd)
• WebViewer (.xml)
• DWG (.dwg)
To detect changes in a reference model:
1. Select the reference model and double-click it to display the Reference Object
Properties dialog box.
2. Browse for the name of the old file by clicking the Browse... button next to the Old file
name box.
3. Select an option in the Show list in the Change detection section.
For example, select Changed to see the changed objects in a reference model.
You can also update all the reference models in one go.
To update all reference models:
1. Click File > Reference Model List... to open the Reference Models
dialog box.
2. Click Reload All.
Tekla Structures goes through all the reference models and
regenerates the reference models that have a newer modified date
than the one already in the cache.
However, this is not the recommended way to update reference models
since it is time-consuming and affects the system performance.
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4. Click Display....
Tekla Structures highlights the changed reference model objects.
Example
The following example shows how the changes are displayed in the reference model:
The old file:
The new file:
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ModelOrganizer
The Show option has been set to Changed in the Reference Object Properties dialog box:
16.5 Handling large reference models
These are some tips for speeding up large reference models:
• Large, highly-detailed reference models contain lots of snap points. To speed up snapping,
activate only the snap switches you need.
• Split large reference models into smaller ones and display only the parts you need in the
model.
17 Model Organizer
Use Model Organizer to manage and view different logical areas and object types in your
model. You can classify information according to your needs.
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Model Organizer can be used in construction planning and management. You can divide a
large model into logical sections and floors to help create building schedules, lots, and erection
sequences, and categorize object types, for example, based on purchasing contracts. You can
categorize both native Tekla Structures objects and reference objects.
Each part can belong to only one section and one story, but to several object type categories.
To open the Model Organizer, click Tools > Model Organizer....
17.1 Creating logical areas
Logical areas may already have been defined for the model. You can create new logical areas
for your own needs and add objects to the logical areas.
To create logical areas and add objects to them:
1. Click Tools > Model Organizer....
2. Create a path structure.
a Right-click Logical Areas.
b Click New Building.
c Click New Section.
d Click New Story.
You may create as many sections and storys as you need. Note that sections and
storys are both created under buildings.
3. Select a section or story in Model Organizer.
4. In the model, select the area for the section or the story.
Each model object can belong to only one section and one story.
5. In Model Organizer, right-click the selected section or story, and select Add Selected to
Category.
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17.2 Creating object type categories
To create object type categories:
1. Click Tools > Model Organizer....
2. Create object type categories.
a Right-click Object Types.
b Click New Object Type.
You can also create subtypes for object types.
3. In the model, select the objects you want to add to an object type category.
4. In Model Organizer, right-click the object type category and select Add Selected to
Category .
17.3 Viewing logical areas and object type categories
To view logical areas and object type categories:
1. Click Tools > Model Organizer....
The Model Organizer opens.
2. Select a logical area or an object type category.
The logical area or objects belonging to the selected object type category are highlighted
in the model.
3. To view the classification information of an object, right-click the object in the model
and select Model Classification > Show Related Classification, or in the Model
Organizer, select an object and click .
You can also add objects to the selected section or story by right-clicking
the object in the model and selecting Model Classification > Add to
Selected Classification from the pop-up menu.
In large projects, you can create sites for your project by right-clicking
Logical Areas and selecting Show Site(s). You can hide the sites by
selecting Hide Site(s).
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18 Checking the model
When the model is complete, you need to check it. There are several methods available for
checking the model:
• Clash checking
• Flying through the model
• Checking using reports
• Checking the views
18.1 Finding clashes in a model
You can run a clash check to find parts, reinforcements, bolts, or reference model objects that
collide.
The following reference model file types are supported in clash checking:
• IFC
• DWG
• DGN
To find clashes in a model:
1. Click Tools > Clash Check Manager.
2. In the model, select the objects you want to include in the clash check.
Alternatively, if you are using Model Organizer, select the sections and storys for which
you want to run the clash check. Right-click and select Select in the Model.
3. Click to check the objects.
You can continue working during the clash check. When the clash check is complete,
the status bar message changes from Clash checking in progress to Ready.
4. To highlight a clash in the model, select a row in the list of clashes.
The related model objects are selected.
5. To zoom the active view so that the selected objects are shown in the center of the view,
double-click a row.
6. If you want to include more objects in the clash check, select the desired model objects
and re-run clash check.
New clashes are appended to the end of the list.
Do not run the clash check for the entire model. For best results, run the
clash check only for appropriate sections and storys.
If you cannot find the clashes in the model, change the representation of
objects to Show Only Selected (Ctrl+5) for better visibility.
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Changing the status of clashes
To change the status of clashes:
1. In Clash Check Manager, select the clashes whose status you want to change.
2. Right-click one of the selected rows to open a pop-up menu.
3. Select Status and then one of the status options:
• Assign
• Fix
• Approve
• Ignore
• Reopen
Changing the priority of clashes
To change the priority of clashes:
1. In Clash Check Manager, select the clashes whose priority you want to change.
2. Right-click one of the selected rows to open a pop-up menu.
3. Select Priority and then one of the status options:
• High
• Medium
• Low
Symbols used in clash checking
Clash Check Manager uses the following flags to indicate the state of clashes:
After removing or modifying objects, you can re-run clash check to see
if the clash still exists. To do this, select the desired rows in the list of
clashes and re-run clash check.
Flag State Description
(none) Active The default state. The clash is not new, modified,
resolved, or missing.
New All clashes are marked as new when they are
found for the first time.
Modified If the object has been modified (for example, if the
profile has changed), the state changes to modified
when you re-run clash check.
Only certain object properties affect this flag. To
see which properties have an effect, right-click one
of the column headings. Both visible and hidden
properties affect the flag.
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Grouping and ungrouping clashes
You can combine several clashes into a group so that the clashes are treated as a single unit.
You can also ungroup the grouped clashes.
Grouping clashes To group clashes:
1. In Clash Check Manager, select the clashes you want to group.
2. Right-click and select Group > Group from the pop-up menu.
3. If you want to add clashes to an already existing group, select the clashes and the group,
and then repeat step 2.
Ungrouping
clashes
To ungroup clashes:
1. In Clash Check Manager, select the clash group you want to ungroup.
2. Right-click and select Group > Unroup from the pop-up menu.
Adding comments to a clash
You can add comments to clashes and clash groups. For example, you might use comments as
reminders to yourself and other users.
To add a comment:
1. Select the clash or clash group you want to comment on.
2. Right-click and select Clash Information from the pop-up menu.
3. Go to the Comments tab.
4. Click to open the Add comment dialog box.
5. Enter your comment in the Comment box.
6. Click OK.
Opening and saving clash check sessions
To open or save sessions in Clash Check Manager, do any of the following:
Resolved If the objects no longer clash, the state changes to
resolved when you re-run clash check.
Missing If one or both of the clashing objects have been
removed from the model, the state changes to
missing when you re-run clash check.
Flag State Description
You cannot create nested groups of clashes.
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18.2 Flying through the model
Use the Fly command to travel through the model. You can change the direction and vary the
speed as you go.
To fly through a model:
1. Set view projection to Perspective.
a Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box.
b In the Projection list box, select Perspective.
To Do this
Open a session
1. Click .
2. In the Open dialog box, select a session.
3. Click OK.
Start a new session
Click .
Clash Check Manager clears the list of clashes
without running clash check.
Save the current session
Click .
Save the current session under a
different name or in a different
location
1. Click the arrow button next to the icon.
A pop-up menu appears.
2. Click Save as.
3. In the Save As dialog box, browse to the folder
where you want to save the session.
4. In the File name box, enter a new name.
5. Click Save.
Save only selected clashes 1. In the list of clashes, select the clashes you want
to save.
2. Click the arrow button next to the icon.
A pop-up menu appears.
3. Click Save selected.
By default, clash check sessions are stored as XML files in the
..TeklaStructuresModels<model>Clashes folder.
Tekla Structures creates the folder automatically when you open Clash
Check Manager for the first time.
The Fly command only works rendered views with Projection set to
Perspective.
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c Click Modify.
2. Click View > Fly.
3. Select a view. The mouse pointer changes into an arrow and a cross. The arrow indicates
the current flying direction.
4. Drag the mouse to move around in the model.
• To fly forward, move the mouse forward.
• To change the flying direction, drag the mouse in the desired direction.
The flying speed grows exponentially when you are approaching the model from a
distance.
• To move up or down, hold down Ctrl and drag the mouse forward or backward.
• To change the camera angle, scroll with the mouse wheel.
• To fly in the in the direction of the camera angle, hold down Shift and scroll
forward or backward.
5. To stop flying, press Esc.
18.3 Checking using reports
You can check models using reports. Reports can be lists of drawings, bolts, or parts. Reports
can contain information from selected parts or the entire model.
You can generate the following types of reports:
• Bolt, nut, washer, and material lists
• ID lists
The main feature of the ID lists is that the lines that contain profiles can be selected. As a
result, the accompanying profile will be highlighted in the model. This is useful if a profile
is hard to locate.
• User-defined attributes list
A user-defined attribute list can be used to check that the correct profiles are shortened.
To check using reports:
1. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Series of Selected Objects.
2. Click Drawings & Reports > Create Report..., or click .
The Report dialog box opens.
3. Select a report from the report templates
4. Click Create from all or Create from selected button.
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Inquiringthemodel
19 Inquiring the model
The inquire tool displays the properties of a particular object, or a group of objects, within the
model.
The Inquire Object dialog box displays information relevant to the objects you select.
19.1 Inquiring object properties
Use the Inquire object command to display the properties of a particular object, or group of
objects, within the model.
To inquire object properties:
1. Click Tools > Inquire > Object, or click .
2. Select an object.
The object can be, for example, a part, a bolt, a component, or a weld.
The Inquire object dialog box opens. It displays the relevant information regarding the
object. The information displayed depends on the selected object.
The selected object and all parts of the object are highlighted.
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19.2 Inquiring assembly objects
To inquire assembly objects:
1. Click Tools > Inquire > Assembly Objects.
2. Select the assembly.
Main parts are highlighted with red and secondary parts with yellow.
Displaying all objects connected to a part
In some cases it is useful to see all the objects that are connected to a part, such as components,
welds and fittings. You can then examine, for example, whether parts are welded correctly.
To display the objects connected to a part:
1. Select the part.
2. Delete the part.
3. Click Edit > Undo, or click .
The part and the accompanying objects are displayed.
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19.3 Inquiring welded parts
19.4 Inquiring the center of gravity
You can inquire an object’s center of gravity. The object can be a part or an assembly.
To inquire the center of gravity:
1. Select an object.
2. Click Tools > Inquire > Center of Gravity.
20 Representing objects in model views
Use object representation settings to modify the color and transparency of objects in the model
view. Objects are grouped by a set of rules and conditions which can be used to control how the
objects are displayed. Changing the object representation settings in the Object
Representation dialog box affect all model views.
To set object representation settings in a model view:
1. Click View > Representation > Object Representation....
The Object Representation dialog box opens.
2. Load the setting you want to use.
The objects are displayed according to the settings. By default, several standard settings
are included, but you can also create object representation settings yourself.
3. Click Modify and OK.
Click Tools > Inquire > Primary Welded Part to highlight the
main part when you select the secondary part.
Tools > Inquire > Welded Parts to highlight the selected part and
all the parts that are welded to it.
When calculating the center of gravity of an object, bolts and welds are
not taken into account whereas polygon cuttings, part cuttings, fittings,
and line cuts are taken into account in the calculation.
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20.1 Creating object representation settings
By default, several standard settings are included in the object representation, but you can also
create object representation settings by yourself.
This example shows how to create a new object group where all columns will be represented in
blue with 70% transparency.
To create object representation settings:
1. Click View > Representation > Object Representation....
The Object Representation dialog box opens.
2. Click the Add row button.
A second object group is added. Initially, the new object group has the same properties
as the first object group.
3. In the Object group list box, select All to activate the arrow button.
4. Click the arrow button to open a drop down menu.
The drop down menu contains all the default options for object groups.
5. Select Create new group... from the list.
The Object Group - Representation dialog box opens.
6. In the Category list box, select Part.
7. In the Property list box, select Name.
The part name is used for selecting columns.
8. In the Condition list box, select Equals.
9. In the Value list box, enter COLUMN.
Note that all the letters must be capitalized.
10. In the box next to the Save as button, enter a name for the group. For example,
column.
You will be able to reuse the new object condition in other models.
Changing the settings in the Object Representation dialog box affects
all model views.
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11. Click Close.
The Object Group - Representation dialog blox closes. Note that the Object
Representation dialog box is still open.
12. In the Object Representation dialog box, in the Color list box, click Color by class to
activate the arrow button.
13. Click the arrow button and select blue color from the drop down menu.
14. In the Transparency list box, click Visible list box to activate the arrow button.
15. Click the arrow button and select 70% transparent from the drop down menu.
16. Click Modify.
20.2 Defining your own colors to model object
groups
You can customize the color of model objects by selecting a specific color for each object
group. You can use an unlimited number of colors.
To define colors for object groups:
1. Click View > Representation > Object Representation.
The Object Representation dialog box is displayed.
2. Load the object representation settings that you want to change.
3. Click Add row to add a new object group or select an existing object group from the
Object Group list.
4. Click the Color list arrow and then click Choose color....
5. Do one of the following:
• Click a color in the Basic colors palette or in the color window.
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• Click Define Custom Colors and create a color of your own:
a Click a color in the color window and then click the desired color depth on the
color bar on the right, or enter RGB values.
b Click Add to Custom Colors.
c Click the color in the Custom colors palette to select it.
6. Click OK.
7. Select the desired Transparency option.
8. Click Save to save the changes.
9. Click Modify to change the representation of the objects.
When you open the Object Representation dialog box the next time, the Color list shows a
maximum10 colors that you last defined above the dashed line.
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Projectstatusvisualization
21 Project status visualization
Use the Project Status Visualization tool to review the status of modeling objects in a specific
time frame. For example, use this tool to:
• display the erection schedule for groups of parts using different colors
• identify the parts that are scheduled to be fabricated during a specific time period.
The following example demonstrates how the project status visualization tool works. In the
example, we
• add planned erection dates
• create object representation settings
• review the status of objects in the time scale with the project status visualization tool.
21.1 Adding planned erection dates
We add planned erection dates for parts.
To add planned erection dates:
1. Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box.
2. Click User-defined attributes...
3. On the Status tab, modify the value of the user-defined attribute Erection Scheduled.
You can define tasks for parts and assemblies with Task Manager.
Project status visualization can then be based on the tasks.
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TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 59
4. Ensure that all the check boxes are cleared.
5. Select the Erection Scheduled check box.
6. Select all the parts for which you want to use the same erection date.
7. Click Modify.
8. Repeat steps 1–7 for each group of parts in your model.
You can select the dates but allocate them at least for the time period of one month.
21.2 Creating object groups and object representa-
tion settings
Next we create several settings that define which objects are shown in the model and how they
are shown. The settings are:
• Objects which have been erected over a week before the review date will be displayed in
gray.
• Objects which have been erected in the previous week will be displayed in blue.
• Objects which are planned to be erected in the following week will be displayed in red.
• Objects which are planned to be erected in the future will be displayed in transparent
yellow.
• All objects without a set erection date will be displayed in transparent white.
To create the representation settings:
1. Click View > Representation > Object Representation... to open the Object
Representation dialog box.
2. Click Object group... button to open the Object Group - Representation dialog box.
3. Create an object group whose planned erection date is over a week before than the
review date:
• In the Category list box, select Task.
• In the Property list box, select Planned Start Date.
• In the Condition list box, select Earlier than.
• In the Value list box, select Select date... to open the Select Date dialog box. Enter
7 in the day(s) before the review date box and click OK.
To make it easier to select parts, create a separate selection filter for each
group of parts.
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LESSON3
Projectstatusvisualization
4. In the box next to the Save as button, enter a name for the group. For example,
Planned erection over week before review date.
5. Click Save as.
6. In the same way, define and save the settings for the Planned erection one
week before review date, Planned erection one week after
review date, and Planned erection two weeks after review date
object groups.
7. Define the color and transparency settings for the object groups in the Object
Representation dialog box.
a Click the Add row button.
b In the Object group list box, select the Planned erection over week
before review date object group.
c In the Color list box, select gray as the color.
d In the Transparency list box, select Visible.
8. Define the color and transparency settings for the rest of the object groups.
9. In the box next to the Save as button, enter a name for the object representation settings.
For example, Planned erection dates.
10. Click Save as.
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11. Click OK to close the dialog box.
21.3 Using project status visualization
When you have defined the object representation settings, you can review the status of the
objects on a time scale.
To review the status:
1. Close all the other views except the 3D view to make updates faster.
2. Click Tools > Project Status Visualization to open the Project Status Visualization
dialog box.
3. Select suitable dates.
• Select a date that is just before the first planned erection date from the Review date
list .
• Select the scale start and end dates.
4. Select the Refresh view automatically check box
5. Select Planned erection dates from the Object representation list.
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LESSON3
PhaseManager
6. Click Refresh.
7. Click the step buttons to review the status changes in the model.
8. Click Close when you have finished reviewing the status changes.
22 Phase Manager
Use phases to break up a model into sections. Only parts can be split into phases.
Phases are often used to indicate erection sequences. You can create reports and views, hide
objects, and copy objects from other models, according to their phase number.
Used the Phase Manager dialog box to create phases. You can open the Phase Manager
dialog box from Tools > Phase Manager... or by using the shortcut Ctrl + H.
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TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 63
Option Description
The Number box You can enter the number of the phase
in the Number box.
The Name box You can enter the name of the phase in
the Name box.
The Filter button You can use the Filter button to filter
the listed phases by the number and/or
criteria that has been entered in the
Number and Name boxes.
The Set Current button The Set Current button determines to
which phase the object belongs. The
current phase is indicated by @
character.
The Add button The Add button can be used to create
new phases.
The Delete button The Delete button can be used to delete
phases.
The Phases by objects button The Phases by objects button can be
used to determine in which phase(s) the
selected object(s) belong to. If you
select objects that belong to several
phases, they are highlighted in the
Phase Manager.
The Objects by phases button The Objects by phases button can be
used to determine which objects belong
to the selected phase. The object will be
highlighted in the model.
The Modify phase button The Modify phase button can be used
to change the phase for one or more
objects.
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LESSON3
Lotting
22.1 Dividing the model into phases
To divide a model into phases:
1. Click Tools > Phase Manager....
The Phase Manager dialog box appears.
2. Click Add to create new phases.
3. Click Set current to make the selected phase the current phase.
From now on, Tekla Structures assigns all objects you create to the current phase. The @
character in front of the phase number indicates the current phase.
4. Divide the model into phases.
a To identify the phase of an object, select an object and click Phases by objects.
Tekla Structures selects the phase of the object.
b To see which objects belong to a certain phase, select a phase from the list and
then click Objects by phases.
Tekla Structures highlights the corresponding objects in the model.
c To change the phase of one or more objects, select the objects, select a phase from
the list, and then click Modify phase.
5. Click OK to save your changes.
23 Lotting
With lots you can group assemblies for transporting to site. Lotting means that you evaluate
specific model parts with respect to the number of units that can be carried by a transfer
vehicle. For example, you can calculate how many concrete truck deliveries are needed to pour
the footings or slabs for a specific portion of the model. With this information, it is easier to
determine area requirements and create an erection schedule.
When you define lots, you must take into account the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle,
because a lot cannot exceed the maximum total load capacity. You can calculate truck load
sizes based on material weights and model quantities. For most model parts, the weight is based
on the size, length, and material of the part.
The basic lotting process is the same for steel and concrete parts. However, if you are using
cast-in-place concrete, remember that the concrete is transported in a volumetric container (for
example, in a ten-cubic-yard truck). In that case, you must calculate the weight-carrying
capacity of the concrete vehicle before defining the number of lots.
23.1 Creating a lot
To create a lot:
To view the properties of a part, right-click the part and then select
Inquire > Part or Properties...
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TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 65
1. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box.
2. Click Properties... to display the Lot Properties dialog box.
3. Type a name in the field at the bottom of the dialog box.
4. Type a lot number in the Number field.
5. Type the maximum weight of the lot in the Max weight field.
6. Click Add.
Tekla Structures creates an empty lot with the defined properties.
23.2 Adding parts to a lot
After you have created the needed lots, you must select each part of the model and assign them
to a lot until the total load weight of the lot reaches the specified target.
To add parts to a lot:
1. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box.
2. Select an existing lot from the list.
Tekla Structures highlights the parts included in the lot. The total weight of the lot and
the number of assemblies it contains are displayed under Applied values.
3. Hold down Shift and select the parts that you want to add to the lot.
4. Click Apply selected.
The weight and number of the added parts is displayed under Current values. Tekla
Structures displays a warning message if the weight limit of the lot is exceeded.
5. Click OK to close the dialog box.
When you re-open the dialog box, the Applied values include the weight and number of
the parts you added.
23.3 Removing parts from a lot
To remove parts from a lot:
1. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box.
2. Select an existing lot from the list.
Tekla Structures highlights the parts included in the lot.
3. Hold down Ctrl and select the parts you want to remove from the lot.
Tekla Structures deselects the parts.
4. Click Apply selected.
5. Click OK to close the dialog box.
Always use the Shift key when adding parts to an existing lot. If you
simply select parts, you will overwrite the contents of the lot. When you
hold down Shift, you cannot select parts that already belong to another
lot.
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LESSON3
WatchhowtouseBIMinaliveproject
23.4 Deleting a lot
To delete a lot:
1. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box.
2. Click Properties...
3. Select an existing lot from the list.
4. Click Delete.
24 Watch how to use BIM in a live project
First steps with
BIM - Interactive
tutorials
Learn more about how to use Tekla Structures for Construction Management by watching
interactive video tutorials. The models used in the tutoriasl are from a live project, and you can
watch each of the nine videos or just the most interesting ones.
The First steps with BIM - Interactive tutorials are available on the Tekla website, at
www.tekla.com/bimlessons.
The videos are divided into three categories:
Getting started
• Bringing in project model
• Classifying models
• Investigating models
Clash detection & management
• Clash Check
• Clash Communication
• RFI management
Construction management
• Quantity take off and estimating
• Model based scheduling, part1
• Model based scheduling, part2
Top New Feature
videos
Do not forget to watch the Top New Feature videos that are published with each Tekla
Structures main version. Top New Feature videos introduce the new features and show how to
use them.
The Top New Feature videos are available on the Tekla website, at www.tekla.com/
topnewfeatures.
See also www.tekla.com/bimlessons
www.tekla.com/topnewfeatures
The videos are available only in English.
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LESSON4
LESSON 4
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
• how to display the drawings in the model
• how to create screenshots
• how to publish models as web pages
• how to open models in Model Reviewer
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LESSON4
25 Drawings
All drawings in a Tekla Structures model are displayed in the Drawing List dialog box. You
can open and print drawings, and search and sort drawings on the list according to different
criteria. You can also modify the drawings, but you cannot save your changes.
You can open the Drawing List in the model by selecting Drawings & Reports > Drawing List
(Ctrl + L) or, when a drawing is open, by clicking Drawing File > Open (Ctrl + O).
25.1 Searching drawings
1. Click Drawings & Reports > Drawing List....
The Drawing List dialog box opens. You can quickly find the drawings by using the
text-based search by entering the desired criteria in the Enter search criteria box.
2. Enter search criteria.
You can limit the search:
• by selecting an option from the Search in list
• by selecting the Search within the currently visible drawings check box.
You need to have the templates used in the drawings, otherwise the
drawings are not displayed correctly.
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25.2 Filtering Drawing List contents
In addition to using search, you can select which drawings you want to see in the list and in
which order.
To filter the Drawing List contents, do any of the following:
25.3 Opening a drawing
You can open drawings from the Drawing List. You can only have one drawing open at a time.
Do any of the following:
To Do this
Display a predefined set of drawings Select a set of drawings from the select drawing
set list.
Saved search results are also displayed in this list.
List all drawings Click Show all.
Invert the contents of the current list Click Invert.
This feature allows you to list the opposite of the
current content.
For example, if you had selected to display
Locked drawings, clicking Invert shows all
drawings except the locked ones.
List selected drawings only Select the drawings and click Selected.
List up-to-date drawings only Click Up to date.
List drawings that need to be updated 1. Click Up to date.
2. Click Invert.
Lists only drawings associated with the
objects you have selected in the model.
1. Select objects in the model.
2. Click By parts.
Selecting parts that have drawings.
Select parts that do not have drawings.
Select objects does not work in
general arrangement drawings.
1. In the Drawing List, press Ctrl + A to select
all drawings.
2. To highlight the parts that have drawings,
click Select objects.
After completing the previous step you can
highlight the parts that do not have drawings by
holding down the Ctrl key and selecting the entire
model (hold down the left mouse button and drag
all the way from left to right).
Sort the list according to Column name Click the column name.
To Do this
Open a drawing from the model
or when a drawing is open
While you have the Drawing List open, double-click the
drawing on the list.
Open the next or the previous
drawing on the list
Press Ctrl + Page Down (next) or Ctrl + Page Up
(previous).
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LESSON4
Screenshots
25.4 Editing a drawing
You can edit a drawing, but you cannot save it. Editing may sometimes be helpful, for example,
if you want to emphasize something in a printed drawing.
Do any of the following:
25.5 Printing a drawing
To print a drawing:
1. In the Drawing List, double-click the drawing you want to print.
2. Click Drawing File > Print Drawings... to open the Print Drawings dialog box.
3. Select the printer you want to use.
4. Click Print to print the drawing.
26 Screenshots
A screenshot is a picture of a dialog box, view, or the entire Tekla Structures window. You can
use screenshots in posters, brochures, or other material to show projects carried out using Tekla
Structures.
26.1 Creating a screenshot
To create a high resolution screenshot of a rendered view:
1. Ensure that the view type is set to Rendered.
2. Click Tools > Screenshot > Custom...
3. To define which view to create the screenshot from, click Pick view and select a view.
4. Under Capture, select Rendered view.
5. Click Options... The Screenshot Options dialog box appears.
6. Set the desired properties and click OK.
7. Click Capture.
To Do this
Add dimensions in the drawing Use the dimensioning commands on the toolbar.
Edit part properties 1. Double-click the part.
2. Edit the properties.
3. Click Modify.
Change the color mode Press B.
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TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 71
For more information on screenshot settings, see Screenshot settings (p. 71).
26.2 Screenshot settings
Use the Screenshot dialog box to view and modify the screenshot settings.
The following screenshot options are only available in rendered views:
27 WebViewer
You can publish your Tekla Structures models as web pages that can be viewed via the Internet
using a web browser. The WebViewer files can also be used as reference models.
Option Description
View name Shows the selected view name.
View Includes the view content and window borders in the
screenshot.
View without borders Includes only the view content in the screenshot.
Rendered view Use for high resolution screenshots from rendered views. The
Options... button displays the Screenshot Options dialog
box.
Place on clipboard Places the screenshot on the clipboard.
Print to file Saves the screenshot to a file.
Option Description
Final width The width of the screenshot.
Uses the same unit as other dimensions in modeling.
Final height The height of the screenshot.
Uses the same unit as other dimensions in modeling.
DPI The pixel density (DPI) of the screenshot.
There are limitations to pixel density. You can change the
DPI using a graphics editor.
White background Uses white background.
Smooth lines Uses smooth lines to decrease jagged edges.
Line width Sets the line width.
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LESSON4
WebViewer
27.1 Publishing a model as a web page
To publish a model as a web page:
1. Click File > Publish as Web Page... to open the Publish as Web Page dialog box.
2. If you want to publish a web page of selected parts, select Selected parts.
3. Change the page title if required.
4. In the File name box, enter the destination path and file name for the published model.
By default, Tekla Structures creates a PublicWeb folder with sub-folders in the
current model folder, and places the published model there.
5. Click Publish. If you select the Open in browser check box, the model opens in your
web browser.
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TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 73
28 Tekla Structures Model Reviewer
Tekla Structures Model Reviewer is a free and improved tool based on the Tekla Structures
Web Viewer. Model Reviewer includes excellent model navigation and mark up functionality.
With it you can:
• Easily pan, rotate, zoom, and fly through the model
• See important part information
• Fly through a set of saved locations in the model to present it to the project team
• Use clip planes to slice through walls and crowded areas of the model
• Email models easily to other parties
• Create and manage markups (redlines) of specific areas in the model
• Visually track project statuses with different colors in the model
You can use the Model Reviewer tool to improve project communication.
In Tekla Structures, you can publish a model in .wrm, .xml or .zsol format. You can then send
the published model to other project participants. After installing the tool, those involved in the
project can open the model and add comments to it.
You can download and install Model Reviewer from Tekla’s website. Go to http://
www.tekla.com/international/solutions/building-construction/Pages/web-models-model-
reviewer.aspx and click the Free Download link.
To learn more, watch the introductory video on the download page.
28.1 Opening a model in Model Reviewer
To open a model in Model Reviewer:
1. Click Windows Start > All Programs > Tekla Structures > Tekla Structures Model
Reviewer.
2. Browse for a published model file.
Supported file formats are: .wmr, .xml, and .zsol.
When you save the model and the markups in Model Reviewer, the file is saved in .wmr
format.
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LESSON5
LESSON 5
In this lesson, you will learn the following things:
• how to use Tekla Structures Help
• how to save your favorite Help topics
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LESSON5
29 Using Tekla Structures Help
Tekla Structures Help is a detailed guide to Tekla Structures concepts, tools, commands, and
features, with plenty of examples.
29.1 Opening Tekla Structures Help
To open Help, do one of the following:
• Click Help > Tekla Structures Help.
• Press F1.
If you have a dialog box open, pressing F1 takes you straight to the related topic.
If you want to quickly learn how to use Help and its seach functionalities efficiently, watch the
Using Help video tutorial on the Help homepage.
29.2 Browsing Help topics by subject
Use the Contents tab to browse through Help topics using a hierarchical list of topics.
To browse Help topics by subject:
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TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 77
1. Go to the Contents tab.
2. Click a Help topic to open it, or double-click a closed book icon to display the subtopics.
3. Use the red arrow buttons to move to the next or previous topic.
29.3 Finding Help topics using the index
Use the Index tab to search for Help topics using an alphabetical list of keywords.
To find a Help topic using the index:
1. Go to the Index tab.
2. Enter a keyword, or scroll through the list of keywords.
3. Double-click a title to display that topic, or click a topic title and then click Display.
If a keyword is associated with more than one topic, a list of topics appears and you are
prompted to select one of them.
29.4 Searching for Help topics
Use the Search tab to find Help topics based on search terms. You can refine your search using
wildcard characters, search operators, nested search terms, and search filters.
To search for a Help topic:
1. Go to the Search tab.
2. Enter the words to search for.
3. Click List Topics to start the search.
A list of results appears.
4. Double-click a title to display that topic, or click a topic title and then click Display.
Viewing the search results
To view and sort the search results, do any of the following:
To open or close all books on the Contents tab, right-click one of the
topics and select Open all or Close all from the pop-up menu.
If you want to find an exact phrase, or if the search term contains special
characters, enclose the phrase in double quotation marks. For example,
"bolt catalog" or "objects.inp".
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LESSON5
Using search filters
Use any of the following search filters to narrow or broaden your search results:
To enable or disable a search filter, select or clear the corresponding check box on the Search
tab.
29.5 Saving favorite Help topics
Use the Favorites tab to save Help topics that you might want to visit again.
To add a topic to your list of favorites:
1. Display the topic you want to save.
2. Go to the Favorites tab.
3. Optional: If you want to save the topic under a different name, enter a new name in the
Current topic box, and then press Enter.
4. Click Add.
To Do this
Display the search results in
alphabetical order
Click the Title column heading.
Display the location of a topic in
the hierarchical list of topics
Click Locate on the Help toolbar.
Find a specific word or phrase in
the open topic
Click the topic and press Ctrl + F.
Move forward and backward
through previously viewed topics
Click Forward or Back on the Help toolbar.
Show or hide the navigation pane Click Show or Hide on the Help toolbar.
Disable the highlighting of
search terms in the search results
Click Options > Search Highlight Off.
Return to the Help cover page Click Home on the Help toolbar.
Search filter Description
Search previous results Narrows down the search results. The next search will be
performed within the topics that were found in the
previous search.
Match similar words Includes topics that contain words similar to your search
term. For example, also the plural form of the word is
included in the search.
Search titles only Searches for words only in topic titles. If the search term
appears only in the body of a topic, it is not included in
the search results.
