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2010 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved. This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referenced Software. Use of the Software, and use of this Software Manual are governed by a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement sets certain warranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, defines permitted uses of the Software, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software. All information set forth in this manual is provided with the warranty set forth in the License Agreement. Please refer to the License Agreement for important obligations and applicable limitations and restrictions on your rights. Tekla does not guarantee that the text is free of technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Tekla reserves the right to make changes and additions to this manual due to changes in the software or otherwise. In addition, this Software Manual is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. Unauthorized reproduction, display, modification, or distribution of this Manual, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the full extent permitted by law. Tekla, Tekla Structures, Xcity, Xengineer, Xpipe, Xroad, Xpower, Xsteel, and Xstreet are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Tekla Corporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. By referring to a third-party product or brand, Tekla does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or endorsement by such third party and disclaims any such affiliation or endorsement, except where otherwise expressly stated. Portions of this software: D-Cubed 2D DCM 2008 Siemens Industry Software Limited. All rights reserved. EPM toolkit 1995-2004 EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rights reserved. XML parser 1999 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights reserved. Project Data Control Library 2006 - 2007 DlhSoft. All rights reserved. DWGdirect, DGNdirect and OpenDWG Toolkit/Viewkit libraries 1998-2005 Open Design Alliance. All rights reserved. FlexNet Copyright 2010 Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. All Rights Reserved. This product contains proprietary and confidential technology, information and creative works owned by Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. and their respective licensors, if any. Any use, copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission of such technology in whole or in part in any form or by any means without the prior express written permission of Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. is strictly prohibited. Except where expressly provided by Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. in writing, possession of this technology shall not be construed to confer any license or rights under any Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. intellectual property rights, whether by estoppel, implication, or otherwise. The software is protected by U.S. Patent Nos. 7,302,368 and 7,617,076. Also elements of the software described in this Manual may be the subject of pending patent applications in the European Union and/or other countries including U.S. patent applications 2004267695, 2005285881, 20060004841, 20060136398, 20080189084, and 20090189887.
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Noteboxes
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TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Contents
Conventions used in this guide ........................................................................................................................... 3
Getting Started........................................................................................... 9
1.1 Basics of components............................................................................................................................. 9 Component concepts ....................................................................................................................... Component dialog box ..................................................................................................................... Selection order ................................................................................................................................. Up direction ...................................................................................................................................... Automatic and default properties ..................................................................................................... General tab ...................................................................................................................................... Design and Design type tabs ........................................................................................................... 1.2 Using the component catalog........................................................................................................... Symbols ..................................................................................................................................... Pop-up menus ........................................................................................................................... Thumbnail images............................................................................................................................ Descriptions and keywords .............................................................................................................. Grouping components...................................................................................................................... Copying components to another folder ............................................................................................ Customizing and saving components .............................................................................................. 1.3 Creating components ....................................................................................................................... Example: Adding an end plate ......................................................................................................... Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods .............................................................................. Example: Adding a beam to column connection .............................................................................. Viewing components ........................................................................................................................ Modifying components ..................................................................................................................... Conceptual components .................................................................................................................. Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component .................................................. Tips on working with components .................................................................................................... 1.4 Using the dialog box......................................................................................................................... Dimensioning parts .......................................................................................................................... Plates ........................................................................................................................................ Beams ....................................................................................................................................... 10 11 13 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 21 22 22 22 24 24 25 26 27 27 27 28 29 29 30 30 30
Component catalog............................................................................................................................... 17
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Part position number ................................................................................................................. Using the Components tab ........................................................................................................ Defining materials ............................................................................................................................ Using the Components tab ........................................................................................................ 1.5 Using the Bolts tab ........................................................................................................................... Defining bolts ................................................................................................................................... Increasing bolt length ................................................................................................................ Creating holes.................................................................................................................................. Number of bolts and spacing ........................................................................................................... Bolt group orientation ....................................................................................................................... Bolt group pattern............................................................................................................................. Edge distance .................................................................................................................................. Bolt position...................................................................................................................................... Vertical bolt position .................................................................................................................. Horizontal bolt position .............................................................................................................. Defining slotted holes....................................................................................................................... Deleting bolts ................................................................................................................................... Defining bolt assemblies .................................................................................................................. Welds ............................................................................................................................................... 1.6 1.7
31 31 32 33 33 35 35 35 36 36 37 37 37 38 38 39 40 41 41
AutoConnection .................................................................................................................................... 42 Using AutoConnection ..................................................................................................................... 42 AutoDefaults ......................................................................................................................................... 45 Using AutoDefaults .......................................................................................................................... How to use AutoDefaults effectively................................................................................................. Checking AutoDefaults properties.................................................................................................... Checking AutoDefaults rules............................................................................................................ 45 46 46 46 47 47 47 48 48 48 50 50 50 51 51 52 55 56
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1.8
Using the joints.def file.......................................................................................................................... 46 About joints.def ................................................................................................................................ How joints.def works ................................................................................................................. How to read joints.def ................................................................................................................ Entering values .......................................................................................................................... Connections that use joints.def ........................................................................................................ Defining general defaults ................................................................................................................. Defining bolt diameter and number of rows ..................................................................................... Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections ................................................................... Gusset connections ................................................................................................................... Diagonal connections ................................................................................................................ Defining other bolt and part properties............................................................................................. Gusset connection properties .................................................................................................... Diagonal connection properties ................................................................................................. Profile type-dependent bolt dimensions ....................................................................................
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
How Tekla Structures uses joints.def ............................................................................................... 57 1.9 Using Excel in connection design ......................................................................................................... 58 Setting up Excel files ........................................................................................................................ 59 Sample implementation.................................................................................................................... 59 Indicating component status............................................................................................................. 62
Editing custom components.................................................................................................................. 73 Custom component editor ................................................................................................................ 74 Custom component browser ............................................................................................................ 76
2.3
Defining variables.................................................................................................................................. 78 Creating distance variables .............................................................................................................. Creating reference distances ........................................................................................................... Using magnetic construction planes................................................................................................. Creating parameter variables ........................................................................................................... Creating parameters that use formulae............................................................................................ 79 81 84 85 86 87 88 88 89 90 91 91 93 93
2.4
Functions to use in formulas ................................................................................................................. 87 Arithmetic operators ......................................................................................................................... Logical statement ............................................................................................................................. Reference function ........................................................................................................................... Mathematical functions..................................................................................................................... Statistical functions........................................................................................................................... Data type conversions...................................................................................................................... String operations .............................................................................................................................. Trigonometric functions .................................................................................................................... Framing condition functions .............................................................................................................
2.5
Defining custom component properties................................................................................................. 95 Adding an option to create parts ...................................................................................................... 95 Defining bolt size and standard ........................................................................................................ 96 Defining bolt group location.............................................................................................................. 97 Replacing a sub-component............................................................................................................. 99 Changing the properties file ........................................................................................................... 101 Defining meshes in custom components........................................................................................ 102 Creating surface treatments in custom components ...................................................................... 105
2.6
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Custom component dialog box....................................................................................................... Customizing the dialog box ............................................................................................................ Changing the order of fields .................................................................................................... Changing the location of fields ................................................................................................ Renaming tabs ........................................................................................................................ Adding more tabs .................................................................................................................... Adding pictures ........................................................................................................................ Preventing modifications ......................................................................................................... Using a custom component............................................................................................................ Managing custom components ...................................................................................................... Exporting and importing .......................................................................................................... Protecting custom components with passwords ............................................................................ Performing actions on custom components ................................................................................... Using Excel with custom components............................................................................................ Using ASCII files with custom component ..................................................................................... Tips on working with custom components ..................................................................................... 2.7 Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... ................................................................ Position type................................................................................................................................... Display variables ............................................................................................................................ Browser .......................................................................................................................................... Plane types .................................................................................................................................... Construction plane ........................................................................................................................ Custom component settings........................................................................................................... Create distance ............................................................................................................................. Create reference distance ............................................................................................................. Automatic distances ......................................................................................................................
105 107 108 108 109 109 110 110 111 111 112 113 113 114 114 115 117 119 120 124 125 126 127 128 129 130
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Using reinforcement handles ................................................................................................... Using adaptivity ....................................................................................................................... Ungrouping a reinforcement .................................................................................................... Grouping reinforcements ......................................................................................................... Adding points to a reinforcement ............................................................................................. Removing points from a reinforcement .................................................................................... Splitting reinforcing bar groups ................................................................................................ Splitting reinforcing bars in a group ......................................................................................... Combining two reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups into one ......................................... Exploding reinforcement .......................................................................................................... Reinforcement geometry validity .................................................................................................... Conceptual reinforcements ............................................................................................................ Converting conceptual reinforcements to detailed reinforcements .......................................... Customizing reinforcement meshes ............................................................................................... Defining custom reinforcement components .................................................................................. 3.4 Reinforcing bar ............................................................................................................................... Reinforcing bar group..................................................................................................................... Curved reinforcing bar group.......................................................................................................... Circular reinforcing bar group......................................................................................................... Reinforcement mesh ...................................................................................................................... Reinforcement strand pattern......................................................................................................... Reinforcement splice......................................................................................................................
142 143 145 147 148 149 150 150 150 150 151 151 151 151 153 155 156 158 160 161 163 166
4 5
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
Getting Started
Introduction
Once you have created a frame of parts in your Tekla Structures model, you will need to connect those parts to complete the model. Tekla Structures contains a wide range of components that you can use to automate the process of creating a model. This chapter explains the basics about components - what they are and how to create them using Tekla Structures. We will begin with the basic concepts, followed by a general description of components properties. Finally, we will show you how to use components in practice.
Contents
Basics of components (p. 9) Component catalog (p. 17) Using components (p. 23) Defining parts and plates (p. 29) Defining bolts and welds (p. 33) AutoConnection (p. 42) AutoDefaults (p. 45) Using the joints.def file (p. 46) Using Excel in connection design (p. 58)
Components are tools that you can use to automatically create the parts, welds, and bolts required to connect parts. They are linked to main parts, so, when you modify a main part, the associated component also changes. The main benefits of working with components are: 1. You can save the properties of a component using an easily-identifiable name and keep it for future use. For example, you could save the properties of a W12x65 column base plate connection as W12x65.j*, and use it for several projects. When you modify the size of a profile, Tekla Structures automatically modifies the relevant components.
Benefits
2.
3.
Topics
When you copy or move objects, Tekla Structures automatically includes all the associated components.
Component concepts (p. 10) Component catalog (p. 17) Component dialog box (p. 11) Selection order (p. 13) Up direction (p. 13) Automatic and default properties (p. 14) General tab (p. 15) Design and Design type tabs (p. 16)
Component concepts
Components are tools that automate tasks and group objects so that Tekla Structures treats
them as a single unit. Components adapt to changes in the model, so that Tekla Structures automatically modifies a component if you modify the parts it connects. This is an example of how to apply a connection:
Select the main part. Select the secondary part. To see information about the connection, click the connection symbol. The connection automatically creates the required parts, fittings, bolts, etc.
Component types
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Description Connects two or more parts, and creates all the required objects such as cuts, fittings, parts, bolts, and welds. Adds a detail or a reinforcement to a main part. A detail is only connected to one part. When you create a detail, Tekla Structures prompts you to select a part, followed by a point to locate the detail. Automatically creates and assembles the parts to build a structure, but does not connect the structure to existing parts. Modeling tools can include connections and details.
Examples Two-sided clip angle, bolted gusset. Corbel connection (14) Stiffeners, base plates, lifting hooks Beam reinforcement, pad footing reinforcement Stairs, frames, towers
Symbol
Detail
Modeling tool
Tekla Structures contains hundreds of system components by default. You can also create your own components, custom components. They have following subtypes:
All components are stored in the Component catalog (p. 17). To open the component catalog, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F.
See also
Use the upper section of the dialog box to save and load predefined settings. For more information, see Save, Load, Save as buttons. For some components the upper section also contains buttons for accessing the bolt, weld and DSTV dialog boxes. For information on handling the saved properties, see Connection properties files.
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Tabs Tekla Structures uses the automatic property value The parts the component creates appear in yellow The green symbol indicates the correct direction for the connection or detail. The parts you select appear in blue. Tekla Structures uses the default property value
Lower part
The lower section of the dialog box is divided into tabs. This is where you define the properties of the parts and bolts that the component creates. The most common tabs that appear here are:
Picture illustrates the component. It shows just one example, but you can usually use one
rules
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See also
Defining parts and plates (p. 29) Defining bolts and welds (p. 33)
Selection order
To create a connection you need to select or pick existing parts or points. The default selection order for a connection is: 1. 2. 3. Main part Secondary part(s) If there is more than one secondary part, click the middle mouse button to finish selecting parts and create the connection.
Some connection dialog boxes illustrate the selection order for parts using numbers, as shown below. Select the parts in the order shown in the picture:
Details
The default selection order for a detail is: 1. 2. Main part. A point in the main part to show the location of the detail.
Modeling tools
The default picking order for a modeling tool is: 1. Pick one to three point(s) to show the location of the objects the modeling tool creates.
Up direction
The up direction of a connection or a detail indicates how the connection is rotated around the secondary part, relative to the current work plane. If there are no secondary parts, Tekla Structures rotates the connection around the main part. The options are: +x, -x, +y, -y, +z, -z. The Picture tab in the dialog box shows the up direction Tekla Structures will use. Tekla Structures also indicates the up direction in the connection symbol:
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To manually define the up direction: 1. 2. 3. Double-click the connection symbol to open the connection dialog box. On the General tab, change the x, y, or z direction. Try positive directions first. Click Modify to use the new values.
If you leave fields in connection dialog boxes blank, Tekla Structures uses the system default properties. Manual entries, default, automatic and properties in the joints.def file, all override these system defaults. You cannot change system default properties.
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Icon
Description To have Tekla Structures use a default property in a connection, select the option marked with this symbol. If you use AutoDefaults for the connection, Tekla Structures uses the property defined in the AutoDefaults rules. If you are not using AutoDefaults, Tekla Structures creates the connection using the system default property. If AutoDefaults have been used, the actual picture in the default option does not necessairly match the outcome. To have Tekla Structures automatically determine which option to use for a property, select the option marked with this symbol. Example, Boomerang bracing connection (60):
Structures determine how the clip angle is connected to the gusset plate and beam.
See also
General tab
Connections and details have the same General tab. It contains the following properties:
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Field
Up direction
Description Rotates the connection around the secondary part or detail around the main part. The fields next to the image define rotation angle around the x- and y-axis of the secondary. The upper one is for y- and the lower one for x.
Available only for details. Select a checkbox next to the images to indicate the position of the definition point of the detail, relative to the main part. Use the Horizontal offset and Vertical offset fields to define the horizontal and vertical alignment of the detail, relative to the main part.
Locked Class
Prevents modifications. A number given to all parts the connection creates. You can use class to define the color of parts in the model. Identifies the connection. Tekla Structures can display this connection code in connection marks in drawings. Automatically sets connection properties according to the selected rule group. To switch AutoDefaults off, select the rule group None. Automatically switches the connection to another according to the selected rule group.
Connection code
Use AutoDefaults rule groups to automatically modify component properties to take the calculated load. To define which AutoDefaults rule group to use, go to the General tab and select the rule in the AutoDefaults rule group list box. For more information, see Reaction forces and UDL.
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Use information in an Excel spreadsheet to check connection design and automatically update component properties to bear the UDL. This is useful when you want to check connection design according to other design codes. See Using Excel in connection design (p. 58).
Design tab
To check the design of a component that has a Design tab page: 1. 2. 3. 4. Go to the Design tab and select Yes in the Use UDL listbox. To use information in an Excel spreadsheet in the UDL calculation, select Excel in the External design listbox. Enter the information you want to use in the calculation in the remaining fields. Select a connection in the model and click Modify. To view the results of the check, rightclick the component symbol and select Inquire from the pop-up menu.The inquire object window opens, which contains a summary of the design checks and related information.
To check the design of a component that has a Design type tab page: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Open the component properties dialog box. Go to the Design type tab and select Yes in the Check connection list box. Tekla Structures will check the connection each time it is used or changed in a model. Enter the information you want to use in the calculation in the remaining fields. Select a connection in the model and click Modify. Tekla Structures checks the component. A green component symbol indicates that the connection will bear the UDL, red indicates it will not. To view the results of the check, right-click the component symbol and select Inquire from the pop-up menu.The inquire object window opens, which contains a summary of the design checks and related information, for example:
Primary angle, Gross shear [AISC ASD F4-1 (p5-49)] applied = 250.00, allowable = 190.80, capacity = 1.31 FAIL (t = 0.5000, tmin = 0.6551) Example of design check information in the Inquire object dialog box.
The first row shows the part checked, the name of the check and a reference to the AISC specification. The second row shows the applied and allowed force and how much capacity has been used. The third row shows the results and possible solutions. In this example the primary angle plate was not thick enough. Tekla Structures has indicated the minimum thickness required to bear the UDL.
Using the component catalog (p. 18) Thumbnail images (p. 21) Descriptions and keywords (p. 21)
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Grouping components (p. 22) Customizing and saving components (p. 22)
You can do the following with components and sketched cross sections:
Component catalog example
search using name, number, or keywords start creating view properties collect your own favorites define keywords edit or add descriptions import/export
This example shows the search results for the search term "Part":
Search View folders View details View thumbnails Show/ hide descriptions
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Create a component using the component tool you used last with its current properties. Double-click the name to set the properties and create the component. Component description Custom components have yellow symbols. System components have blue symbols. To sort a column, click the header cell.
You can create a list of favorite components. To add a component to your list, right-click the component name in the component catalog, and then select Add to Favorites in the pop-up menu.
By default, components are grouped in folders based on their type and framing condition. You can add and remove components, and create folders and subfolders. To create new folders in the Folders tree view, right-click a level in the tree and select an option from the pop-up menu:
Create New Folder to create folder at the same level Create New Sub-folder to create a folder one level below
Information on the folders you create is stored in the ComponentCatalogTreeView.txt file that is located in the ..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>\attributes\ folder. For more information, see Copying components to another folder (p. 22).
Modifying Search and Folders views
The default view settings for the Search view are stored in the ComponentCatalog.txt file that is located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder. If you modify the file, the Search view and the Search results branch in the Folders view change. The default tree settings for the Folders view are stored in the ComponentCatalogTreeView.txt file that is located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder. If you modify the file, the Folders view changes.
Symbols
The first column in the catalog indicates the component types with following symbols:
Symbo l
Component type System connections System detail System modeling tool Custom connections and seams
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Symbo l
Pop-up menus
System components
Right-click a system component in the Search view list to open a pop-up menu containing the following commands:
Custom components
Properties... Edit Keywords... Add to Favorites Add to Search Result... Remove from Search Result Change picture... AutoDefaults... Import...
Right-click a custom component in the Search view list to open a pop-up menu containing the following commands:
Sketched cross sections
Properties... Edit keywords... Add to Favorites Add to Search Result... Remove from Search result Change Picture... Export... Import... Edit Custom Component Delete Custom Component
Right-click a sketch in the Search view list to open a pop-up menu containing the following commands:
See also
Properties... Edit Keywords... Add to Favorites Add to Search Result... Remove from Search Result Export... Import... Change Picture... Delete
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Grouping components (p. 22) Managing custom components (p. 111) Sketched cross sections
Thumbnail images
Most system components have a default thumbnail image in the component catalog, which shows you a typical situation where the component can be used. For example, this is what the thumbnail image for Bolted gusset (11) connection looks like:
To edit a thumbnail image for a component: 1. Create an image and save it in bmp format in ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\nt\bitmaps folder. To create the image, you can use Create View > Default Views of Component and Screenshot commands, for example.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Press Ctrl + F to open the component catalog. Right-click the component and select Change picture... Locate the thumbnail and select it. Click OK. Tekla Structures links the thumbnail to the component.
To view a component description, select the component in the Component catalog. Use the button to show or hide descriptions.
Keywords
The default component descriptions are stored in the xslib.db1 file, located in the model folder. To add or edit a description, type text in the description field. When you select another component in the component catalog, Tekla Structures prompts you to save the description you added or edited. After you have saved the description, save the model also. Edited component descriptions are model-specific.
To add or edit keywords, right-click a component in the component catalog, and select Edit
keywords...
Keywords you add or edit are saved in ComponentCatalog.txt file in the current model folder. You can combine ComponentCatalog.txt files and move them to the system folder:..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system.
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Grouping components
To create a new folder based on the results of a search:
1. 2. 3. 4.
Removing components from groups
In the Component catalog, enter your search criteria and click Search. To group the search results in a new folder, click Store. In the Store search result dialog box, enter a name for the folder and click OK. The new folder appears in the tree.
or
Remove from search result if the folder was created from a search.
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1.
To save a copy of the component, well right-click the component symbol in the model, and select Publish in catalog.... The Publish in catalog dialog box appears.
2. 3.
We can add the component to a specific group. By default, the component is added to the All group. By default the component uses the same thumbnail image as the original component. To change the thumbnail, see Thumbnail images (p. 21).
This section explains how to use components. It also includes examples. Creating components (p. 24) Example: Adding an end plate (p. 24) Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods (p. 25) Example: Adding a beam to column connection (p. 26) Viewing components (p. 27) Modifying components (p. 27) Conceptual components (p. 27) Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component (p. 28) Tips on working with components (p. 29)
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Creating components
You create different types of component in different ways. For example, you select existing parts to indicate which members a connection or a detail is attached to. You need to pick points to indicate the location or length of a detail or a modeling tool. See also Selection order (p. 13). When you create connections, Tekla Structures prompts you to select the main part (the part secondary parts connect to), then the secondary part(s). For an example of using a connection, see Example: Adding an end plate (p. 24).
Status
Tekla Structures uses different-colored component symbols to show the status of connections and details:
Color
Tip
Green Component created, but has problems. Yellow Component failed. A common reason is that the up direction is not appropriate. See Up direction (p. 13). Often occurs when bolts or holes have an edge distance less than the default value for that component.
Red
When applying a component that you are unfamiliar with, accept the default properties and apply the component. Then look to see what needs to be modified. This is quicker than trying to set the values for the component before seeing what the component actually creates.
24
5.
If you need to change the number of bolts or plate dimensions, for example, you need to modify the component. For more information, see Modifying components (p. 27). If you use incorrect properties, Tekla Structures may fail to create the component. For more information, see Creating components (p. 24).
1. 2. 3.
create a column create an elevation view Open an elevation view. Open the component catalog. Enter base plate in the Search field and click Search.
4.
To view pictures of the components in the search results, click the Thumbnails icon
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5. 6. 7.
Click Base plate (1004). This component creates a base plate with anchor bolts. The prompt Pick part appears on the status bar. Select the column. The prompt Pick position appears on the status bar. Pick the point at the base of the column to indicate where to create the base plate. 8. Tekla Structures creates the base plate. 9. Examine the component to see if you need to make any changes. 10. Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection was created successfully. 11. Change the dimensions of the anchor rods. To make it easier to select components, click the Select component icon .
12. Double-click the component to open the Tekla Structures Base plate (1004) dialog box. 13. Go to the Anchor rods tab. Change the dimensions of the anchor rods. 14. To change only this base plate, select Ignore other types in the list in the top section of the dialog box:
Click Modify. Tekla Structures changes the dimensions of the anchor rods. Click OK to close the dialog box. Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to end the command. Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection was created successfully.
1.
create a beam and a column create an elevation view Open the component catalog.
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Select Beam to column connections in the list. The list of beam to column connections appears in the main pane. 3. Select Column with stiffeners (186). 4. The prompt Pick main part appears on the status bar. Select the column. 5. The prompt Pick secondary part appears on the status bar. Select the beam. 6. Tekla Structures creates the connection. 7. Click OK to close the dialog box. 8. Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to end the command. 9. Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection was created successfully. 10. Examine the component to see if you need to make any changes.
2.
Viewing components
You can create several views of a component to view it from different viewpoints. To create views of a component: 1. 2. Click the component symbol to select the component. To create views, right-click and select Create View > Default Views of Component from the pop-up menu. Tekla Structures creates four views: front, end, top, and perspective.
To check dimensions, such as bolt locations and edge distances, work in the Component front view and use the Measure tool.
Modifying components
To modify a component, double-click the component symbol in the model. The component dialog box appears. This is where you modify the component properties.
If you have Select component switched on , you do not have to pick component symbol, but you can just pick any object belonging to a component. This is the only method for selecting custom parts, because they do not have any symbol. You can also indicate which connections and details are affected by the modifications:
Modify connection type: If you have selected several connections details, clicking the Modify button modifies all the selected connections and details irrespective of their type. If
the connection type is not the same as in the dialog box, Tekla Structures changes the connection type. Ignore other types: Tekla Structures only modifies connections and details of the type shown in dialog box.
Conceptual components
Conceptual components are meant to be used as reference information for further fabrication detailing. Conceptual components look similar to detailed components but do not include the option to change part numbering or assembly numbering settings.
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Conceptual components can be created only with Engineering and Reinforced Concrete Detailing configurations. However, you can edit conceptual components in Full, Steel Detailing, or Precast Concrete Detailing configurations. Conceptual components can be converted to detailed components that include all the information needed for fabrication, such as assemblies, cast units, and reinforcing bars. The conversion to detailed components can be done in Full, Steel Detailing, or Precast Concrete Detailing configurations. Modifying part properties, such as the size of the component main part, does not automatically convert a detailed component to a conceptual one, or vice versa. For example, if you use the Engineering configuration and modify the model, detailed components do not convert back to conceptual components.
Component Conceptual
Symbol
Description Conceptual component does not create assemblies or cast units. The dialog box is the same as in detailed component, but does not contain fields for part and assembly positions.
Detailed component contains part and assembly numbering fields, and creates needed assemblies and cast units.
Round
Detailed components can be converted to conceptual components in Engineering and Reinforced Concrete Detailing configurations.
See also
See also
28
If you have difficulty applying a component, check the status bar for prompts. For example, you may need to click the middle mouse button to stop selecting parts, before Tekla Structures creates the component. If you are applying a connection that only allows for one secondary part, you may see the message Many parts found on the status bar. This means that Tekla Structures cannot determine which parts to connect. You may have several parts in the same location, or the view may be set too deep. If the component does not create the parts you need by default (for example, stiffener plates), look for a switch to turn them on. If there is no switch, try entering a value in the thickness field for that part (for example, on the Stiffeners tab). If the component creates parts you do not need, look for the switch to turn them off. If there is no switch, enter a zero (0) in the thickness field for that part.
Default: Tekla Structures creates stiffeners or uses value retrieved from AutoDefaults. Automatic: Tekla Structures creates or omits stiffeners depending on the situation in the model.
You need to specify profiles for some components. If a component fails, try entering a valid profile.
Using the dialog box (p. 29) Dimensioning parts (p. 30) Defining materials (p. 32)
29
Parts can also appear on separate tabs. For example, in connection 56, Corner tube gusset, the parts appear on both the Gusset and Brace conn tabs.
Dimensioning parts
Use the Parts tabs to dimension specific part types in components.
Plates
Enter the following dimensions for plates:
Dimension
t b h
You do not have to enter these dimensions for every component type, as Tekla Structures determines the plate shape differently for different components. For example, in end plate connections, Tekla Structures calculates width and height using the number of bolts and bolt edge distances. Click Help in a component dialog box to check which dimensions you need to enter.
Beams
To specify a library or parametric profile to use for beams:
30
Enter the profile name. Or click , and select a profile from the profile catalog.
Prefix Start number Some component dialog boxes have a second row of Pos_no fields for you to enter the assembly position number.
31
Defining materials
To define the materials for the parts that components create, click against the Material field. Tekla Structures opens the Select Material dialog box. Click a material type, then click the material to use for the part.
32
Using the Bolts tab (p. 33) Defining bolts (p. 35) Creating holes (p. 35) Number of bolts and spacing (p. 36) Bolt group orientation (p. 36) Bolt group pattern (p. 37) Edge distance (p. 37) Bolt position (p. 37) Defining slotted holes (p. 39) Deleting bolts (p. 40) Defining bolt assemblies (p. 41) Welds (p. 41)
33
Slotted hole dimensions Slotted to create slotted hole in part Check bolt components to include (bolt, washer, screw). Shank length protruding from the nut Bolt spacing - vertical Number of bolts
34
Enter bolt order number of bolt to delete. Edge distance Bolt spacing (horizontal) Number of bolts Bolt group pattern Horizontal Vertical
Defining bolts
Use the following fields on the Bolts tab to specify the type of bolts to use in individual components:
Description Must be defined in the bolt assembly catalog. See also The bolt and bolt assembly catalogs. The bolt standard to use inside the component. Must be defined in the bolt assembly catalog. Gap between bolt and hole. Indicate if the thread can be inside bolted parts when using bolts with a shaft. Has no effect if using full-threaded bolts. Location where bolts should be attached.
Site/Workshop
Tekla Structures uses this value in bolt length calculation. See Bolt length calculation.
Creating holes
To only create a hole, deselect all the components in the illustration on the Bolts tab.
35
Number of bolts Bolt spacing The settings above result in this bolt group layout:
Option
36
Option
Edge distance
Edge distance is the distance from the center of a bolt to the edge of the part. Enter top, bottom, left, and right edge distances on the Bolts tab. A dimension line on the illustration shows each dimension. See also Using the joints.def file (p. 46).
Bolt position
In the list box on the Bolts tab, select an option to indicate how to measure dimensions for vertical and horizontal bolt position. Then enter the dimension in the fields indicated below. If you leave this field blank, Tekla Structures uses a system default value.
37
Option
Top
Illustration
Middle
Bottom
38
Option
Left
Illustration
Middle
Centerline of bolts.
Right
39
For some components you can specify which parts have slotted holes using the Bolts tab. For example, Clip angle (141), Shear plate simple (146).
You can also use the Bolt command to modify bolt groups after creating components. For more information, see Holes.
Deleting bolts
To delete bolts from a bolt group: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Example
Double click the component symbol to open the component dialog box. Go to the Bolts tab. Check Delete. Enter the bolt number(s) of the bolt(s) to delete, separated by a space. Bolt numbers run left to right and top down. Click Modify to change the selected component. Click OK to exit the component dialog box.
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To change the bolt assemblies in the current component: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click the component symbol to select it. Check the pieces to use. Check Effect in modify. Click the Modify button.
Welds
To define the properties of the welds Tekla Structures uses in a component, click the Welds button in the component properties dialog box. Tekla Structures displays the appropriate weld dialog box. The illustration identifies each weld using a number. For each weld, use row 1 to define the arrow side of the weld, and row 2 for the other side.
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See also
Welds
1.6 AutoConnection
Introduction
Use AutoConnection to automatically select and apply connections with predefined properties to selected parts. Use AutoConnection to have Tekla Structures automatically create similar connections for similar framing conditions. Using AutoConnection (p. 42)
Topics
Using AutoConnection
Use AutoConnection to have Tekla Structures automatically create connections using a predefined set of rules, or rule group.
Creating connections
To create connections using AutoConnection: 1. 2. 3. Pick the parts to connect. Click Detailing > AutoConnection... to display the AutoConnection dialog box. Select a rule group in the first list box on the Rule groups tab as shown below.
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Rule group for AutoConnection Rule group for AutoDefaults 4. Click the Create connections button.
When you use AutoConnection, Tekla Structures ignores the properties in the connection dialog boxes and creates connections using the properties defined in the rule group. Tekla Structures does not modify existing connections. You can change the properties of connections you create using AutoConnection.
Additional options
Use the options on the Advanced tab to indicate which rule groups you want to use for each Framing condition (beam to beam web, beam to beam flange, etc.). You also have the option not to apply a rule group, or to apply a specific connection.
43
Example
You can use a rule group for all framing types other than beam to column flange, and indicate a particular connection to use for that framing type. Use Connection selection to indicate your preferences for each framing condition. You have the following options:
Options
Option
None AutoConnection
Result Tekla Structures does not create a connection. Tekla Structures applies the connection defined in the rule group you have indicated in the first list box on the Rule groups tab. Click Select to pick from a list of available connections. Click a connection, then OK. Tekla Structures creates the connection you specify using the default properties. See Automatic and default properties (p. 14).
A named connection
Use Parameters selection to indicate which connection properties you want to use. The options are:
Option AutoDefaults
Result Tekla Structures applies the properties of the rule group you have indicated in the first list box on Rule groups tab. Tekla Structures applies the default connection properties. See Automatic and default properties (p. 14).
No AutoDefaults
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1.7 AutoDefaults
Introduction
Use AutoDefaults to automatically apply connections. When you use AutoDefaults, Tekla Structures automatically creates connections with predefined properties. For example, you can use AutoDefaults to automatically adjust the thickness of each base plate you create, according to the main part profile. If the main part profile changes, Tekla Structures will also automatically adjust the thickness of the base plate.
Topics
Using AutoConnection (p. 42) Using AutoDefaults (p. 45) How to use AutoDefaults effectively (p. 46) Checking AutoDefaults properties (p. 46) Checking AutoDefaults rules (p. 46)
Using AutoDefaults
With AutoDefaults you can have Tekla Structures apply connection properties using a predefined set of rules. You can use AutoDefaults together with AutoConnection to define connection properties, or separately to define the properties of a single connection. To use AutoDefaults for a single connection: 1. 2. 3. 4. Open the connection dialog box. On the General tab, select a rule group (the rule group cannot be None). On all the tabs, set the fields that you want AutoDefaults to override to Default by selecting the options marked with the arrow symbol. Click Apply to create the connection using AutoDefaults.
To quickly set all the fields in a dialog box to Default, load <Defaults> in the connection dialog box.
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Tekla Structures shows the rule group and rule sets that the connection passed. You can also see all the properties files used for that connection.
If you are new to using joints.def, we suggest you read each of the topics in this section thoroughly before making any changes.
Topics
About joints.def (p. 47) Defining general defaults (p. 48) Defining bolt diameter and number of rows (p. 50) Defining other bolt and part properties (p. 51) How Tekla Structures uses joints.def (p. 57) Connections that use joints.def (p. 48)
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About joints.def
Changing the joints.def file changes the default values for different connection types. You can open the joints.def file in any standard text editor.
Tekla Structures only uses the values in joints.def for blank fields. AutoDefaults and manual entries override joints.def.
If you use joints.def, you can still use some system default properties. To force Tekla Structures to use the system default for a particular property, give it the value -2147483648 in joints.def. By default, Tekla Structures includes the joints.def file in the system folder. Tekla Structures searches for joints.def in the standard search order.
Connection type Clip angle Shear plate End plate Gusset Diagonal 2.
Tekla Structures uses bolt diameter to assign other bolt and part properties.
To have Tekla Structures use the default values in joints.def, set the following line to 1. Set it to 0 to have Tekla Structures use the system defaults.
Properties for each connection type appear in individual sections, as shown below. Each section begins with a header row containing the column labels. Do not add columns to the file.
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Entering values
When you edit joints.def:
Enter absolute values or names Do not use feet and inch symbols Ensure that profiles exist in the profile catalog Ensure bolts exist in the bolt catalog.
Connections Two sided angle cleat (25) Beam with stiffener (129) Column with shear plate (131) Bolted moment connection (134) Clip angle (141) Two sided end plate (142) Two sided clip angle (143) End plate (144) Shear plate simple (146) Welded to top flange (147) Welded to top flange S (149) Moment connection (181) Column with stiffeners W (182) Full depth (184) Full depth S (185) Column with stiffeners (186) Column with stiffeners S (187) Column with stiffeners (188) Bent plate (190) Shear plate tube column (189)
Connections Boomerang bracing cross (60) Corner bolted gusset (57) Boomerang tube diagonal (59) Corner tube gusset (56) Boomerang wrapped diagonal (58) Corner wrapped gusset (63) Bolted gusset (11) Bracing cross (19) Tube gusset (20) Tube crossing (22) Gusset wrapped cross (62) Wrapped cross (61) Welded gusset (10)
In clip angles, Tekla Structures uses the default bolt diameter in the General section if the secondary beam height is larger than the highest value in the Clip angle section of joints.def. The properties in the General section of joints.def are:
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Properties
boltdia pitch clipweld angle-cc-inc
Description Bolt diameter. Distance from the center of one bolt to the center of the next. Weld size. Tekla Structures adds bolt to bolt distance and web thickness, then rounds the result up by this value. Complies with US AISC standard. Tekla Structures rounds the angle profile gap up by this value. Complies with US AISC standard. Size of the angle profile. Determines notch size. Determines notch size. Edge distance. Haunch plate height (h). Haunch plate width (b). Distance from the upper edge of the angle profile to the top of the secondary beam. No longer used. Edge distance for bolts (clip angles only). No longer used. Shear plate thickness. End plate thickness. Size of weld. Size of angle profile (clip angles only). Flange cut clearance. Size of slotted hole. Which part gets slotted holes: 1 for beam 2 for angle profiles 3 for both Refers to the Slots in list box options on the Bolts tab. See individual connection help for details.
lprofgapinc lsize copedepth copelength boltedge webplatelen webplatewid beamedge knifeclr clipedge gap shearplatethk endplatethk shearweld cliplsize flangecutclear slotsize clipslots
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Properties
clipattach
Description How the clip angle is attached to the secondary and main parts: 1 is Both bolted 2 is Main bolted / Secondary welded 3 is Main not welded 4 is Main welded / Secondary bolted 5 is Both welded 6 is Main not bolted 7 is Secondary not welded 8 is Secondary not bolted 9 is Both bolted / welded Refers to the attachment type list box options on the Bolts tab. See individual connection help for details.
copedepthinc copelengthinc
Tekla Structures rounds cope depth up using this value. Tekla Structures rounds cope length using this value.
Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections (p. 50) Gusset connections (p. 50) Diagonal connections (p. 51)
Property
name part sec.beam.height diameter number_of_bolts
Description Use the name BOLTHEIGHT Use the part name ANGLECLIP Maximum height of secondary beam for a certain number of bolts Bolt diameter. Must exist in the bolt catalog. Number of bolts vertically
Gusset connections
Tekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of bolt rows horizontally according to the length of the angle profile. You can enter the following properties:
50
Property
name part lproflength
Description Use the name BOLTHEIGHT Use the part name GUSSET Length of angle profile
or
angleproflength diameter number_of_bolts
Diagonal connections
Tekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of bolt rows horizontally according to the profile height. You can enter the following properties:
Property
name part conn.pl.height
Description Use the name BOLTHEIGHT Use the part name DIAGONAL Profile height
or
profileheight diameter number_of_bolts
Enter the default properties for bolts and parts in clip angle connections in the rows beginning ANGLECLBOLTPART in the CLIP ANGLE section of joints.def. The table below lists the properties you assign for bolts and parts for each connection type. Gusset and diagonal connections have additional properties. See Gusset connection properties (p. 52) and Diagonal connection properties (p. 55).
Connection type
C S E G D
Full name Clip angle Shear plate End plate Gusset Diagonal
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Description Identifies the connection type. Example GUSSETBOLTPART for gusset connections.
C *
S *
E *
G *
D *
bolt diameter
Bolt diameter. Must exist in the bolt catalog. See also Profile typedependent bolt dimensions (p. 56)
shear plate thickness end plate thickness gusset thickness conn. plate thickness angle profile
Thickness of shear plate Thickness of end plate Thickness of the gusset Thickness of the connection plate Name of the angle profile to use: *
* * * * * *
or L profile
number
Must exist in the profile catalog Enter the exact name Example:
L100*100*10
pitch
vertically horizontally * * * * *
Distance between bolts from the center of each bolt. For vertical and horizontal bolts Distance from the center of a bolt to the edge of the part. For vertical and horizontal bolts Position of the first vertical row of bolts
edge distance
vert.bolt firsthole
52
Option
name boltdia_def
Description
GUSSETDEFDIM
Bolt diameter for all bolt groups. Leave the Bolt size field blank in the dialog box to have Tekla Structures use the value in joints.def. See illustration. See illustration. Clearance between the first secondary part selected and the main part. Perpendicular distance from last secondary part selected to the nearest secondary. See illustration. See illustration. Clearance between braces. Bolt edge distance for the bolt groups on the Gusset tab. See illustration. See illustration. On the Gusset tab: Yes Yes
tol_prim tol_sec dist_diag_prim dist_diag_sec angle_first_corner angle_sec_corner dist_between_diag first_bolt_from_lin e corner_dx corner_dy movey
movey movez
The length of the edge of the gusset plate that is perpendicular to the lowest brace. The length of the edges of the gusset plate perpendicular to the braces. The length of the edge of the gusset plate perpendicular to the uppermost brace. See illustration. Tolerance of stiffener. Dimensions of stiffener chamfer on the Gusset tab:
chamfer_corner_dx
chamfer-corner_dy
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Option
side_length diafit_length
Description
Fit length in Bracing cross (19) connection. Leave this field empty on the Parameters tab to have Tekla Structures use the value in joints.def.
The illustration below shows the properties on the Picture tab of the Boomerang wrapped diagonal (58) connection dialog box.
54
Property
name boltdia_def
Description
DIAGDEFDIM
Bolt diameter for all bolt groups. Leave the Bolt size field blank in the dialog box to have Tekla Structures use the value in joints.def. Gap between the gusset plate and the brace. If tube profiles are closed with end plates, the gap between the gusset plate and the end plate. Depth of the cut in the brace. Enter a negative value to prevent the connection plate from being inside the tube brace. Distance from the edge of the brace to the edge of the connection plate. This dimension changes the width of the connection plate. On the Brace conn tab:
dist_gus_diag
dist_in
dist_dv
sec_cut_tol slot_length_tol
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Property
round_plate_tol
end_plate_thk
This illustration shows the properties that appear on the Picture tab of the Tube crossing (22) connection:
56
Option
width one bolt firsthole two bolts firsthole pitch
Description Width of the profile For single bolts, distance from the heel of the profile angle to the first hole. For two bolts, distance from the heel of the profile angle to the first hole. Distance between bolts from the center of each bolt. For vertical and horizontal bolts.
Example
To find the bolt dimensions to be used with an L6X6X1/2 profile in a clip angle connection: 1. 2. Tekla Structures searches the rows beginning PROFILEBOLTDIM for L6X6X1/2 in the PROFILE TYPE-DEPENDENT BOLT DIMENSIONS section of joints.def. If there is no match, Tekla Structures searches the rows beginning ANGLECLBOLTPART in the CLIP ANGLE section of joints.def.
Tekla Structures calculates bolt size and number of bolts according to profile height. It searches the BOLTHEIGHT rows for a profile height of 10". The profile height is greater than 8.0 but less than 12.0, so Tekla Structures uses the row with the profile height 8.0. This sets the bolt diameter to 0.75.
Tekla Structures assigns the bolt and part properties according to the bolt diameter. It searches the DIAGBOLTPART rows for a bolt diameter of 0.75.
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Result
Property Bolt diameter Number of bolts horizontally Edge distance horizontally Edge distance vertically Distance between bolts horizontally Distance between bolts vertically
Tekla Structures does not use the connection plate thickness or angle profile properties in this connection.
You can use Excel in connection design for all steel components that have the Design tab in their properties dialog box.
Tekla Structures includes sample spreadsheet for connection design and a template spreadsheet you should use to create your own spreadsheet applications to use with Tekla Structures components. Before you start:
Create the connections and parts. Create the Excel spreadsheet for connection type, or use a predefined file. See more in Setting up Excel files (p. 59). Double-click the connection to open the connection properties dialog box. Go to the Design (or Design type) tab and select Excel in the External design list box. Click Modify. The connection properties are transferred from Tekla Structures to a connection type specific Excel spreadsheet, where the properties are calculated. The calculated properties are saved to an output file. The modified properties are transferred back to Tekla Structures and the connection is modified according to the changes.
Setting up Excel files (p. 59) Sample implementation (p. 59) Indicating component status (p. 62)
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Visual Basic script file linking Tekla Structures with external software. Excel spreadsheet containing calculations.
Component type specific spreadsheet, which contains predefined calculations. When you run the connection design, the connection properties and information of the main and secondary parts are transferred to the Input and Component sheets of the spreadsheet.
Connection specific result file, which displays the modified connection properties is stored to model folder.
File names and locations
This file is created automatically from the Calculation sheet of the spreadsheet. The file is updated each time you modify the connection. Calculation results can be stored as Excel spreadsheet, HTML or PDF format, depending on how calculation spreadsheet is configured.
Excel.vb file (located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\common\exceldesign folder) defines the Excel spreadsheet file names and the locations. Excel searches for the spreadsheet in the following order and with following name: 1. File named component_ + number or name + .xls, from the current model folder: ..\<model>\exceldesign For example, ..\test_model\exceldesign\component_144.xls File name and path defined with advanced option XS_EXTERNAL_EXCEL_DESIGN_PATH: XS_EXTERNAL_EXCEL_DESIGN_PATH (=%XS_DIR%\environments\common\exceldesign\) + "component_" + number + ".xls" By default, the result file is stored in the model folder and named with component ID. For example, component_9502_res.xls.
2.
Sample implementation
Below is descibed the contents of an Excel spreadsheet which is used for End plate (144) connection: When user clicks Modify in the End plate (144) properties dialog box, Excel.vb file calls Excel spreadsheet named component_144.xls.
Contents
Tekla Structures transfers the component properties from the component properties dialog box to this sheet.
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Component
Tekla Structures transfers the component geometry and information on the main and secondary parts (for example, part profiles) into this sheet. The component attributes in the spreadsheet are the same as in the corresponding .inp file. See more about .inp files in Input files. This sheet includes calculations (the calculations can be as Visual Basic macros in the sheet).
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Calculation
Summary of calculation is collected to the Calculation sheet. This page or full Excel spreadsheet can be stored as a report of the calculation.
61
Outputs
Excel adds the modified values to the Output sheet. These values are tranferred back to the connection and connection in the model is modified accordingly.
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Value
1
Color Green
Status Bolt edge distances are sufficient. Passes the connection design check using the UK and US design codes embedded in the system.
Yellow
Bolt edge distances are insufficient according to the value in Tools > Options > Options... > Components. Tekla Structures cannot calculate the component properties. Possible reasons include:
Red
Incorrect connection direction Incorrect workplane Inappropriate connection selected The connection design check was carried out using the embedded UK and US design codes and the connection cannot support the loading defined by the user.
63
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Custom Components
Introduction
Tekla Structures contains a set of tools for defining intelligent connections, parts, seams, and details, called custom components. You can create your own components, similar to Tekla Structures system components. Tekla Structures creates a dialog box for the custom component, which you can easily customize, if required. You can then use custom components in the same way as any Tekla Structures system component.
You can also edit custom components to create parametric custom components that automatically adjust to changes in the model.
Audience Contents
This chapter is aimed at people who know how to use Tekla Structures components. This chapter includes the following topics, which are the steps you follow to create custom components:
Defining custom components (p. 66) Editing custom components (p. 73)
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Defining variables (p. 78) Functions to use in formulas (p. 87) Defining custom component properties (p. 95) Managing and using custom components (p. 105) Custom components reference (p. 116)
You can build custom components either by exploding and modifying an existing component, or by creating the component objects individually. You then define a custom component by selecting the objects to include in the custom component, and specifying the information the user needs to input, for example, main part, secondary parts, or points they need to pick. You can now apply the custom component in a similar location in the model to where it was originally created.
To create a parametric custom component, you need to do some more editing. For more information, see Editing custom components (p. 73).
Go to Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component to define the properties of a new custom component. To browse a list of custom components, 1. 2.
Topics
Press Ctrl + F to open the Component catalog. Select Search results > Custom.
Exploding components (p. 66) Defining a custom component (p. 66) Custom component types (p. 70) Custom component basic properties (p. 72)
Exploding components
Explode Component is a very useful command to use when defining custom components. It
ungroups the objects in an existing component, you can then remove and modify parts and other objects in the component. To explode a component: 1. 2. 3. Click Detailing > Component > Explode component. Select the component to explode. Tekla Structures ungroups the objects in the component.
66
To quickly create a custom component, explode a similar existing component, then change it to suit your needs. See Exploding components (p. 66).
Use the Custom Component Wizard on the Detailing menu to define the properties of a new custom component. See the following example.
Follow the steps in the custom component wizard. Some steps are different for different types of custom component.
Example
In the following example we will create a custom component based on an existing end plate component that we have exploded.
To explode a component, select the component, right-click and select Explode Component from the pop-up menu.
1.
Click Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... to open the Custom Component Wizard dialog box.
2. 3.
4. 5.
On the Type/Notes tab, set Type to Connection. Enter a Name for the custom component. On the Position and Advanced tabs, set the Position type and other properties for the custom component. For more information on other properties, see Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... (p. 117). Click Next. Select the objects to use in the custom component and click Next.
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You can use area select to select the objects to include. Tekla Structures ignores the main part, secondary parts, grids and component symbols when you are selecting objects to include in the custom component. 6. Select the main part and click Next.
68
7.
Select the secondary part(s). To select several secondary part(s), hold down the Shift key while you select the parts. The maximum number of secondary parts in a custom component is 30. Pay attention to the order in which you select secondary parts. The custom component will use the same selection order when you use it in a model.
8.
Click Finish.
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9.
You have now defined a simple custom component, which you can use in similar locations to where it was originally created. This component is not parametric and Tekla Structures does not adjust dimensions to suit any changes in the model. To create a parametric custom component, see Editing custom components (p. 73).
See also
Custom component basic properties (p. 72) Custom component types (p. 70)
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Type
Connectio n
Description Creates connection objects and connects secondary part(s) to a main part. Component symbol is green.
Example
Detail
Creates detail objects and connects them to a main part at a picked location. Component symbol is green.
Seam
Creates seam objects and connects parts along a line picked with two points. Component symbol is green.
Part
Creates a group of objects which may contain connections and details. Gets no symbol, has same position properties as beams.
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Press Ctrl + F to open the Component catalog. In the Search result listbox, select Custom. A list of custom components appears in the lower pane. Double-click a custom component on the list to open its properties dialog box.
Custom connections, seams, and details have the following basic properties:
Field
Up direction Position in relation to secondary part
Description Rotates the component. The creation point of the component relative to the main part. Available for details by default. To use this property in connections and seams, select the Allow
multiple instances of connection between same parts checkbox on the Advanced tab when you create
the component.
Class Connection code
The class of the parts that the custom component creates. Identifies the connection. Tekla Structures can display this connection code in connection marks in drawings. The rule group used for setting the connection properties. The rule group Tekla Structures uses to select the connection.
AutoDefaults rule group AutoConnection rule group Basic properties of custom parts
Field
On plane Rotation
Description Changes part location on work plane. Rotates part in steps of 90 degrees.
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Field
At depth Show third handle
Description Changes part location perpendicular to work plane. Sets the third handle of a nested custom part to be visible in the desired direction. You can bind the third handle in the desired direction and thus force the part to follow the rotation of another part. You have the following options:
See also
above the first handle in custom part local coordinate system. On the left: the handle is shown on the left-hand side of the first handle in custom part local coordinate system. No: the third handle is not shown.
Defining a custom component (p. 66) Using a custom component (p. 111) Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... (p. 117)
To make a simple custom component parametric, so that it adapts to changes in the model, you must edit it in the Custom component editor. Here you can build dependencies between component objects and model objects. For example, you could specify that the size of a stiffener depends on the size of the beam. So, if you change the size of the beam, the size of the stiffener also changes. You can also add distance variables, for example to specify the gap between a plate and a beam. Custom component editor (p. 74) Plane types (p. 125)
Topics
73
To open the custom component editor: 1. 2. Click Detailing > Component > Edit Custom Component. Select the custom component. The Custom component editor opens. It shows the Custom component editor toolbar, the Custom component browser and four views of the custom component.
Custom parts do not have a component symbol. To be able to select custom parts, make sure the Select components switch is active.
Description Creates a distance. Creates a reference distance. Creates distances automatically. Creates a construction plane. Creates a construction line.
Plane types
Displays plane types you can use when defining distance variables. For more information, see Plane types (p. 125). Define the position (or origin) of the custom component, relative to the main part. For more information, see Position type (p. 119). Allows you to edit the type or the position of a custom component or add notes after you have created the component. Shows all created variables. Displays Custom component browser.
Position types
74
Description Saves the custom component with another name. Saves and updates the existing component(s) in the model. Closes the editor.
For more information on these tools, see Custom components reference (p. 116).
Editing properties
Editing task Create fields for material grade, profile, bolt size, and other properties that will be visible in the custom component dialog box. Define part dimensions, spacings, gaps, etc. that will be visible in the custom component dialog box. Bind component objects to model objects so that component objects adjust for new beam size or profile. Create formulas to calculate values, for example for calculating bolt edge distance using bolt size.
Library component vs. model component
Creating distance variables (p. 79) Automatic distances (p. 130) Creating distance variables (p. 79) Creating parameters that use formulae (p. 86)
Use the custom component editor to modify custom component. You can open a custom component in the editor even if you have already used it in a model. When you have edited the custom component, you can choose to apply the changes to all copies of the custom component, or to save the component with a new name.
To apply your changes to the library and to all copies of the custom component in the model, use the Copy component to library command. To save the edited custom component with a new name, use the Copy component to library with new name command and enter a new name for the custom component.Tekla Structures does not apply the changes to the other copies of the custom component in the model.
To close the custom component editor: 1. 2. . Click the Close icon Tekla Structures asks if you want to save the custom component with its original name.
If you click Yes, Tekla Structures will overwrite the copies of the custom component in the library and the model.
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When you modify a custom component, Tekla Structures automatically creates a backup file of the custom component. The backup files have the extension .inp_bak, and they are located in the model folder. Tekla Structures displays a notification when the backup file is created. See also Custom component browser (p. 76)
Model objects, to which custom component is attached The objects the custom component creates You can create links between custom component variables and component object properties You can create links between custom component parameter variables and component object properties. For example, variable "m" defines the material grade for all plates in your component. It appears as "Material = m" in the Custom component browser (see above illustration). "m" is also a field in the custom component dialog box. When a user enters a value in the "m" field in the dialog box for plates, Tekla Structures saves the value to the part properties in the model.
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Popup menu
You can also use the popup menu in the Custom component browser to copy names, values, and references from main and secondary parts in the component. Then use them in the Variables dialog box to define the properties of custom components. For example, to report how many secondary parts to pick when applying a component, you can use a variable called Number of secondaries. You can then use the variable in formulas, and copy the name, value and reference to other custom components.
Copies just the value the object currently has Copies the link to the property. Link is dynamic, so when the property later changes the reference reflects the change
Using custom part properties
If you have created a custom part in to your model, you can access the object properties of the custom part when the custom part is used an input part. You can access the name, profile, material and class of the input custom part, and use the properties of the input part in the component objects. This is useful in cases where the material for a new part needs to be taken from the inner or outer layer of an existing part. Defining variables (p. 78) Creating parameter variables (p. 85) Creating parameters that use formulae (p. 86)
See also
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Variable type
Distance
Description Distance between two planes or between a point and a plane. Binds parts together or works as a variable reference distance. All other properties, including name, material grade, bolt size, etc. Also used in calculations.
See also Creating distance variables (p. 79) Creating reference distances (p. 81) Creating parameter variables (p. 85) Creating parameters that use formulae (p. 86)
Parameter
Viewing variables
To see all distance and parameter variables in a component, in the custom component editor, click the Display variables icon The Variables dialog box appears:
The Component parameters category lists all distances and parameters that belong to the current custom component. The Model parameters category lists all distances and parameters in the current model.
When you select a distance variable from a list, Tekla Structures highlights it in the model.
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To delete the selected distance or parameter, click Delete. To add a new parameter variable, click Add. For more information, see Display variables (p. 120).
Topics
Creating distance variables (p. 79) Creating reference distances (p. 81) Using magnetic construction planes (p. 84) Creating parameter variables (p. 85) Creating parameters that use formulae (p. 86)
Use the automatic distances command to automatically create distances for the handles of picked components:
In this example we will create a distance variable that binds the upper edge of the end plate to the upper flange of the secondary part. Whenever you create this custom component in the model, the end plate will follow the upper flange, regardless of the profile or size the secondary part. Before you start, ensure that the part representation is set to rendered. Part surfaces and available planes can be selected only in rendered views. To create the distance variable: 1. Select the object from which to measure the distance. This object will follow the plane to which you bind it. In this example, select the plates topmost reference point (magenta or yellow) Click the Create distance icon or right-click the reference point and select Bind to Plane from the pop-up menu. Move the mouse cursor over a view to see the available planes.
2. 3.
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Highlighted boundary plane You can change plane types before selecting the plane
You can also use the Hide Part command if the plane is not accessible.
4.
To create the distance, click when the plane you want to use is highlighted. Tekla Structures draws a distance symbol in the views of the custom component editor. Tekla Structures displays a distance symbol in the custom component editor views. You can bind one object to a maximum of three planes.
Distance object 5. 6. To end the command, right-click and select Interrupt. Double-click the distance object. The Distance properties dialog box appears.
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7.
Enter a descriptive Name for the distance. To test the distance variable, enter different values and click Modify to see the changes in the model.
8. 9.
Click Cancel. To hide or show the distance variable in the dialog box and to set the other properties, click to open the Variables dialog box. For more information, see Display variables (p. 120).
Limitations
You cannot pick points in secondary or main parts. You cannot change an existing distance binding. You must delete the distance and then rebind it.
To be able to select distances, make sure the Select distances switch is active.
See also
To be able to select reference distances, make sure the Select distances switch is active.
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Example
In this example we will define several variables: distances, reference distances, and parameters, and use them in a custom component that creates a ladder with rungs spaced at set intervals, for any length of ladder. Here is how the variables appear in the Variables dialog box:
1. 2. 3. 4.
Create a ladder frame with one rung 285 mm from the bottom of the frame. To make the ladder a custom component, select Detailing > Define custom component... and follow the steps in the Custom component wizard. Right-click the ladder and select Edit custom component... from the popup menu. In the Custom component editor, use the Array of objects (29) component to create the rest of the rungs. Use the Create distance tool to bind the bottom rung to the bottom of the ladder frame (D1 and D2 in the in the Variables dialog box). See Create distance (p. 128) for step-by-step instructions.
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5.
Use the Create reference distance tool to create a reference distance from a handle on the bottom rung to the plane at the top of the ladder. Select a rung handle
6. 7. 8.
On the Custom component editor toolbar, click the Create reference distance icon
Bind the handle to the horizontal plane at the top of the ladder frame.
This distance appears as D3 in the Variables dialog box. Go to the Variables dialog box. Add a parameter (P1) to define rung spacing. Give it the value 250. Add another parameter (P2) to define the distance from the bottom of the ladder to the first rung. Give it the value 285. 9. Give the distances D1 and D2 the formula =P2. This forces both distances to be the value defined by P2. 285 in this case. 10. Add a new parameter (P3) to define the number of rungs. Give it the formula =(D3-P2)/P1. 11. We want the number of rungs to be an integer, so add a new parameter (P4) and give it the formula =ceil (15.52).This rounds P3 up to the nearest integer. 12. Add a new parameter (P5) to calculate the distance between the rungs. Give it the formula =(D3-P2)/P4. This formula subtracts the distance from the bottom of the ladder to the bottom rung from the reference distance (D3) and divides the result by the number of rungs (P4). 13. Go to the Custom component browser and link the following properties of the Array of objects (29) component to parameters P4 and P5, as shown below:
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When you use this custom component to create a ladder in a model, Tekla Structures automatically calculates the correct spacing for the rungs.
See also
Create reference distance (p. 129) Defining custom components (p. 66)
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Option 1: Control the stiffeners by using 4 magnetic construction planes - one in each direction. Then you only bind each magnetic plane with one distance variable Option 2: Bind each chamfer separately - a total of 32 bindings For more information on magnetic construction planes, see Construction plane (p. 126).
By default, the handles of contour plates are not visible. To show them, set the advanced option XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLES to HANDLES.
In this example we create a parameter variable "Weldsize" that sets all welds in a custom component to a given size: 1. 2. 3. On the Custom component editor toolbar, click Click the Add button. Enter following information: Name = Weldsize to open the Variables dialog box.
4. 5.
Formula = Value = 0.0 Variable type = parameter Value type = length Visibility = Show (this makes Weldsize visible in the dialog box) Label in dialog box = WeldSize
Click OK button to close the dialog box. In the Custom component browser, click Component objects > Weld > General properties and right-click Size above line and select Add equation. Type after the equal sign "Weldsize". Repeat this step for all welds.
6. 7.
Click Save. Click Close icon to exit the Custom component editor.
Your custom component dialog box should now contain the field WeldSize. When anyone creates the component, all welds are of the size you enter in the WeldSize field.
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2. 3. 4. 5.
Click Add button. Set Variable name to w. Click the Formula field, type =, then right-click and select Paste. Tekla Structures pastes the reference to flange thickness from the Clipboard. Now enter *0.5. Formula should now read: =fP(Flange thickness 1.1525)*0.5.
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6.
7.
8.
In the Custom component browser, click Component Objects > Weld > General properties and right-click Size above line and select Add equation. Type in after the equal sign "w". Click OK button to close the dialog box.
Reference function (p. 88) Mathematical functions (p. 89) Statistical functions (p. 90) Data type conversions (p. 91) String operations (p. 91) Trigonometric functions (p. 93) Framing condition functions (p. 93)
Arithmetic operators
You can use the following arithmetic operators:
Operator + *
Notes Use also to create strings of parameters. Multiplication is faster than division, so it is faster to use =D1*0.5 rather than =D1/2.
division
Logical statement
You can use if-then-else statements to test a condition and set the value according to the result:
=if (D1>200) then 20 else 10 endif
You can also use the operators && (the logical AND operator) and || (the logical OR operator) inside the if statement.
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Reference function
A reference function refers to the property of another object, such as the plate thickness of a secondary part. Tekla Structures refers to the object on the system level, so if the object property changes, so does the reference function value. fP(propertyname, ObjectId) To ensure the function includes the correct parameters, cut and paste it from the Custom
component browser:
1. 2.
Right-click the property in the Custom component browser and select Copy reference. Right-click the Formula cell in the Variables dialog box and select Paste.
Note that template attribute and user-defined attribute names must be written inside double quotation marks:
Description Returns the value of template attribute with given object ID. For a list of available template attributes, see Template Attributes Reference Guide.
fP("comment", 741) returns the user-defined attribute comment of object, whose ID is 741.
Mathematical functions
The mathematical functions are:
Name fabs(parameter)
Description Returns the absolute value of the specified parameter. Returns e raised to the specified power. Natural logarithm of the specified parameter (base number neper).
Example fabs(D1) returns 15 if D1 = -15 exp(D1) returns 7.39 if D1=2 ln(P2) returns 2.71 if P2=15
exp(power) ln(parameter)
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Name log(parameter)
Description Returns the logarithm of the specified parameter (base number 10). Returns the square root of the specified parameter. Modulo Returns base number raised to the specified power.
Example log(D1) returns 2 if D1=100 sqrt(D1) returns 4 if D1=16 mod(D1, 5) returns 1 if D1=16 pow(D1, D2) returns 9 if D1=3 D2=2 hypot(D1, D2) returns 5 if D1=3 D2=4
sqrt(parameter)
side1 hypotenuse side2 n!() round(parameter, accuracy) fMarketSize(materi al, thickness, extrastep) Factorial Round off according to given accuracy. Returns the next available market size for the material from the marketsize.dat file, based on the thickness you specify. Insert the material in the parentheses. For extrastep enter a number to define the increment to the next size (default is 0). n!(4) returns 24 (=1*2*3*4) round(P1, 0.1) returns 10.600 if P1=10.567 fMarketSize("S235JR", 10, 0) See also Using market sizes.
Statistical functions
The statistical functions are:
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Name ceil()
Description Returns the smallest whole number greater than or equal to the specified parameter. Returns the largest whole number less than or equal to the specified parameter. Returns the smallest of specified parameters. Returns the largest of specified parameters. Sum of specified parameters Sum of squared parameters: (parameter1)2 + (parameter2)2 Average of parameters Average of squared parameters.
floor()
floor(P1) returns 1
min(P1, P2) returns 1.4 max(P1, P2) returns 2.3 sum(P1, P2) returns 3.7 sqsum(P1, P2) returns 7.25 ave(P1, P2) returns 1.85 sqave(P1, P2) returns 3.625
Name int()
Description Conversion to integer. This is useful especially for calculating profile dimensions: 100.0132222000 -> 100 Converts data to a double Converts data to string
double() string()
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Name imp()
Description Converts imperial units to millimeters imp (1,1,1,2) meaning 1 foot 1 1/2 inches returns 342.90 mm imp(1,1,2) meaning 1 1/2 inches returns 38.10 mm imp(1,2) meaning 1/2 inches returns 12.70 mm imp(1) meaning 1 inch returns 25.40 mm
vwu(value , unit)
"ft" ("feet", "foot") "in" ("inch", "inches") "m" "cm" "mm" "rad" "deg"
String operations
Include string parameters inside double quotation marks within the argument list of string operations.
Description Returns 1 if parameters are equal and 0 if different. You can also use wildcards *, ?, and [ ] with the match function.
Example (P1="PL100*10") match(P1, "PL100*10") returns 1 Accept all profiles starting with PFC: match(P4, "PFC*") Accept profiles starting with PFC, and height starts with 2,3,4 or 5: match(P4, "PFC[2345]*") Accept profiles starting with PFC, heights are 200,300,400 or 500 and width starts with 7: match(P4, "PFC[2345]00?7")
length(parameter)
length(P1) returns 8
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Description Returns the order number (starting at zero) of the specified string and -1 if the specified string is not found from the parameter. Returns the n:th (starting at zero) character from the parameter. Sets the n:th (starting at zero) character to the specified character in the parameter. Returns x characters from the given string starting from n:th (starting at zero) character. If you leave out the last argument (x), returns the last part of the string. Reverses the given string.
mid(string, n, x)
reverse(string)
When you handle strings in formulas, you must use quotation marks. For example, to define profile size PL100*10 with two variables P2=100 and P3=10 enter the formula as follows: ="PL"+P2+"*"+P3
Tekla Structures handles bolt spacings as strings. To define bolt spacing, select variable type to distance list and enter the formula like this: =P1+" "+P2 This results in 100 200, if P1=100 (length) and P2=200 (length).
Trigonometric functions
You can include trigonometric functions in the formulae. Be sure to include the unit using the following prefixes. If you do not include a prefix, Tekla Structures uses radians as the default unit:
d is degree. For example sin (d180) r is radians (Default). For example sin (r3.14) or sin (3.14)
Description Sine Cosine Tangent Inverse function of sin(), return value in radians Inverse function of cos(), return value in radians Inverse function of tan(), return value in radians
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Description Hyperbolical sine Hyperbolical cosine Hyperbolical tangent Returns the angle whose tangent is the quotient of two specified numbers. Return value in radians
Description Returns the skewed angle of the secondary part, whose ID is given.
Example fAD("skew", 12345) returns 45 where 12345 is the ID of the secondary part, which is in 45 degree angle to main part. fAD("slope", 12345)
fAD("slope", ID)
fAD("cant", ID)
fAD("cant", 12345)
Beam to column
Note that slope and skew are relative to a beam framing into a column.
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If you are working with two beams, "slope" is actually the skew of the beam framing into the other beam, and the vertical slope of the beam relative to the main is actually the "skew" angle.
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Limitations
These functions do not return positive and negative "slope" and "skew" values. So it is not possible to determine up or down "slope" and left or right "skew" with these functions. Maximum skew angle to return is 45 degrees.
Adding an option to create parts (p. 95) Defining bolt size and standard (p. 96) Defining bolt group location (p. 97) Replacing a sub-component (p. 99) Changing the properties file (p. 101) Defining meshes in custom components (p. 102)
5.
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6.
Save the custom component and exit the custom component editor. When you open the custom component properties dialog box, you now have the option to create or not create the part:
To define the bolt size and standard options: 1. 2. 3. on the Custom Component editor toolbar to open the Click the Variables icon Variables dialog box. Click Add twice. Now you have two variables P1 and P2. In the Value Type field, select Bolt size for P1 and Bolt standard for P2. Tekla Structures automatically adds the extensions "_diameter" and "_screwdin" to the name of the variables. Do not change these extensions. Change P2_screwdin to P1_screwdin. The prefix must be the same, otherwise the variables do not work. Modify P1_diameter label to "Bolt size" and P1_screwdin label to"Bolt standard".
4. 5.
6.
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7.
Save the custom component and exit the custom component editor.
This option requires a distance that binds the bolt group handle to the secondary beam top flange and a parameter for inputting the value in the user interface. 1. Double-click bolts in the custom component editor view. The Bolt properties dialog box appears. Remove any dimensions from the Offset fields, then click Modify. Bolts will move to the same level with the first handle of the bolt group.
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2.
Select the bolts, then select the top handle. Right-click and select Bind to plane from the popup menu.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Add to add a new parameter P1. In the Formula field, change the distance value. In the Label in dialog box field, enter a suitable label, for example: "Vertical distance to bolt". In the Formula field of D1, type in the equation "=-P1".
7.
Save the custom component and exit the custom component editor.
Replacing a sub-component
Use the Name property in the Custom component browser to replace a sub-component inside a custom component with another sub-component. In this example we have created a custom component that contains a pair of cast-in embeds as sub-components (castin1 and castin2):
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Castin 1 Then we will replace castin1 with castin2. To do this: 1. 2. 3. Select the custom component. Right-click and select Edit custom component from the pop-up menu to open the custom component editor. In the Variables dialog box, add a new parameter. In the Formula field, enter the name of the sub-component, castin1.
Set Value type to Component name. Enter a name for the parameter in the Label in dialog box field and set Visibility to Show.
4.
In the Custom component browser, add the equation P1_name for both subcomponents:
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The field Cast-in plate will appear in the dialog box of our custom component.
To change the sub-component: 1. 2. 3. Click the ... button next to the name field. The Select component dialog box opens. Select the component to use (in our case castin2) and click OK. In the custom component dialog box, click Modify. Tekla Structures changes the component in the model.
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Castin 2
Set Value type to Component attribute file. Tekla Structures automatically adds the extension _attrfile to the parameter name. Do not change this extension, but make sure that the prefix is the same as for the component name (in our example, P1). Enter a name for the parameter (in our example, Properties file) in the Label in dialog box field and set Visibility to Show.
4.
In the Custom component browser, add the equation P1_attrfile for Attribute file.
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To use another properties file for a sub-component, in the components dialog box, click the ... button next to the Properties file field, and then select the properties file from a list:
To define a rectangular mesh type in a custom component: 1. 2. 3. Create the mesh in the model or in the Custom component editor. See Reinforcement mesh (p. 161) for more information. In the Custom component editor, select the mesh, right-click, and select Properties... to open the Reinforcement properties dialog box. Click the Select button next to the Mesh: field to open the Select mesh dialog box:
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4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Copy the name of the mesh you want to use. on the Custom component editor toolbar to open the Click the Variables icon Variables dialog box. Click Add. In the Value Type field select the Text option. Paste the mesh you copied into the Formula field.
9.
In the Custom component browser, add "=P1" after Catalog name in Component > Component objects > Reinforcement mesh > General properties.
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10. Click the Close editor icon to close the Custom Component editor. Tekla Structures prompts you to save your changes. Click Yes to save your changes. You have now defined the mesh in the Custom Component editor.
If the mesh is defined in the custom component, other mesh properties, for example, longitudinal diameters, override the properties defined in the mesh catalog, so do not use Catalog name and other mesh properties at the same time. To change the mesh in the custom component: 1. 2. 3. 4. Select the mesh in the 3d view. Right-click and select Properties.... Copy and paste another mesh into the Parameter 1 field (in our example, the Mesh field). Click Modify to save your changes.
2.
Click Detailing > Create Surface Treatment and select the command to create the surface treatment.
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3.
Optional: To select the surface treatment, set on the Select surface treatments selection switch . This switch is set off in the Custom component editor by default.
Custom component dialog box (p. 105) Customizing the dialog box (p. 107) Using a custom component (p. 111) Managing custom components (p. 111) Performing actions on custom components (p. 113) Using Excel with custom components (p. 114) Using ASCII files with custom component (p. 114)
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This information relates only to details For seams you can select whether to place a seam at the point you pick, or let Tekla Structures automatically place the seam.
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To place the seam at the point you pick, select the Place to picked positions checkbox To automatically place the seam, clear the Place to picked positions checkbox, and select one of the positioning options Tekla Structures creates an input file with the extension .inp for each dialog box in the model folder. You can modify the input file. See Customizing the dialog box (p. 107).
If you modify the input file, then edit and save the custom component dialog box using the custom component editor, you will lose the changes you made to the input file.
This topic is for advanced users. Take care when modifying an input file. Errors may cause the dialog box to disappear.
The input file is a text file that you can edit using any text editor, for example Notepad. You can customize the dialog box by:
Changing the order of fields (p. 108) Changing the location of fields (p. 108) Renaming tabs (p. 109) Adding more tabs (p. 109) Adding pictures (p. 110) Preventing modifications (p. 110)
To use the modified custom component dialog box, save the input file, then close and restart Tekla Structures.
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Change these numbers to change the order of fields (listed from to bottom of dialog box)
Renaming tabs
To rename a tab, change the tab definition in the input file. You can rename any tab except the General tab. In the example below, you would change the text Parameters 1 to the new tab name (for example, Parts):
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The fourth tab is reserved for the General properties, so you cannot add your own parameter to it.
Adding pictures
Add images to make your custom component easier to use. First create the image and save it as a bitmap file (file extension bmp) in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\nt\bitmaps folder. To add the image to the custom component dialog box, edit the input file as shown below:
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The first pixel in the top left corner of a bitmap must be the same color (gray) as the background of the dialog box.
Preventing modifications
Once the dialog box is ready, you can make the input file read-only to prevent accidental modifications. If the input file is not read-only, and someone else updates the custom component in the custom component editor, all your modifications to the input file will be lost. To make the input file read-only: 1. 2. 3. In Windows Explorer, browse to find the input file. Right-click the file and select Properties... . Select the Read-only checkbox.
When an input file is read-only, and you try to update the custom component, Tekla Structures displays a warning message saying that the *.inp file is read-only and changes to it will not be saved. You have the following options:
Click Cancel to return to the custom component editor. Click Continue to skip updating the *.inp file, but make all the other updates.
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To find all custom components, select Custom in the Search result list box All custom components have the Number -1 To view the properties of a custom component, double-click its name
To export custom components to a file: 1. 2. 3. Select the custom components in the component catalog. Right-click and select Export.... The Export components dialog box opens. Enter a name for the file in the Selection field. By default, the file extension is .uel and the file is located in the current model folder.
Importing
To import custom components from a file: 1. 2. Right-click the list of custom components in the component catalog and select Import.... The Import components dialog box opens. Browse to find the exported file (*.uel), click the file name and then click OK.
If the custom component contains sketched cross sections, you need to export and import both the sketches and the component.
To automatically import all *.uel files from a folder when creating a new model, use the advanced option XS_UEL_IMPORT_FOLDER. After importing custom components, you can check from the Log file how many components were succesfully imported. To open the log file, click Tools > Display log file >
Session History... See also
1. 2.
Select the custom component you wish to protect and right-click. To open the Custom component editor, select Edit Custom Component on the pop-up menu. In the Custom component editor, click the Display variables icon to display the Variables dialog box. In the Variables dialog box, add a new parameter by clicking the Add button. In the Name column, enter Password. In the Formula column, enter the desired password.
3. 4. 5. 6. Result
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After you have added this parameter, every time you try to edit this custom component Tekla Structures asks for the password. Tekla Structures informs you about an incorrect password. If you enter an incorrect password, you cannot use the custom component editor to modify the component.
Example
adding to favorites adding to search results changing picture deleting the custom component editing keywords importing the custom component removing from search results
In these cases Tekla Structures displays a warning dialog box and the action is cancelled. To change the properties of the file: 1. 2. 3. In Windows Explorer, browse to find the file. Right-click the file and select Properties.... Clear the Read-only checkbox.
4.
Spreadsheet location
Save the component and close the custom component editor. The custom component dialog box now contains the Use external design property.
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By default, Tekla Structures searches for the spreadsheet in the following order:
Spreadsheet name
From the model folder: ..\<model>\exceldesign\. From folder defined with advanced option XS_EXTERNAL_EXCEL_DESIGN_PATH
The name of the file must be component_*component name*.xls. For example component_custom1.xls for a custom component named custom1. For more information on the required Excel files, file locations and how to perform the connection check with Excel, see Using Excel in connection design (p. 58).
Example
Key value for row is a unique text value (for example, HEA300). Column value is an index (integer) starting from 1.
Function returns value as text. User will define the correct type for parameter in editor.
For example, in the custom component editor, add function fVF("Overlap.dat", "MET202Z25", 4) in the Variables dialog box. The function gets the default value for bolt diameter 16.0 for profile MET-202Z25, from the Overlap.dat file.
Tekla Structures searches for the files as system files in the following order:
model ..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>\CustomComponentDialogFiles\ project (set with advanced option XS_PROJECT) firm (set with advanced option XS_FIRM) system (set with advanced option XS_SYSTEM)
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Use library profiles when possible. So you do not have to copy user-defined profiles when you copy the component to other locations. Use short, logical names. Use the description field to describe the component and explain what it does. Store custom components together. It makes them easy to find and export. Consider creating a component model. Use this model to create and test custom components. Provide essential information. If you distribute your component to other users, remember to list the profiles it works with. Remember to copy user-defined profile cross sections with your custom component.
Use the simplest part you can. For example, if all you need is a rectangular shape, use a rectangular plate, not a contour plate. Rectangular plates only have 2 handles, so you only need to create a few bindings or magnetic planes to manipulate them. Contour plates require more because they have 4 chamfers and handles, when you set the advanced option XS_DRAW_CHAMFERS_HANDLES to CHAMFERS or HANDLES.
Rectangular plate Contour plate Only model parts as accurately as you need. If the only part information required is a part mark on the GA drawing and a quantity on the materials list, create a simple bar or plate. If, later, you need to include it in a detailed view, simply re-model the part more accurately.
Creating intelligent (parametric) components
Plan to use magnetic planes to bind objects together. This makes intelligent components simpler, and easier to use, because it reduces the number of dimensions and parameters the user must enter. Model as many parts on the same plane as you can, and then use offsets to position them accurately.
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Not using magnetic planes: Pick all 10 handles to bind the parts together Using 3 magnetic planes: Pick 3 points to bind the parts together (pick 1 point on each magnetic plane) Model embeds as custom parts and include them in components. Create simple components for specific situations. It is faster and easier to model simple components. They are also much easier to use. Avoid creating a super component to use in every possible situation.
Command Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... (p. 117) Display variables (p. 120) Browser (p. 124)
Icon
Description Starts the custom component wizard which guides you through defining a custom component. Displays a list of distance and parameter variables. Displays the custom component browser that shows the contents of a custom component in a hierarchical, tree-like structure. Defines which planes can be selected. The command to create your own plane.
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Icon
Description Allows you to edit the type or the position of a custom component or add notes after you have created the component The command to create distance variables. The command to create variable reference distancies. Automatically generates distance variables for custom component objects.
Create distance (p. 128) Create reference distance (p. 129) Automatic distances (p. 130)
This command defines a new custom component and saves it to a library for later use. All the necessary objects (parts, cuts, fittings, bolts, etc.) must exist in the model, because you will need to select different objects, points etc. to define the custom component. See also Exploding components (p. 66). This command defines a simple custom component, which you can use in similar locations to where it was originally created. This component is not parametric and Tekla Structures does not adjust dimensions to suit any changes in the model. To create a parametric custom component, see Editing custom components (p. 73).
Description
Field
Type
Description Affects how the user inserts the custom component into the model. Also defines if the custom component connects to existing parts. Unique name for the custom component. If the name already exists, the Next button is grayed out. Short description of the custom component. This will be shown in the component browser. To include this in drawings, include Code in the connection mark. The default up direction. Used only in connections and details. Position (or origin) of the connection, relative to the main part.
Name
Description
Mark elements
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Field
Detail type
Description Determines on which side of the main part the detail is located. The options are:
Intermediate detail - Tekla Structures
More information Only affects asymmetric details (for example a one-side stiffener).
The position you pick to create the detail, relative to the main part. For connections, this determines where the connection is created, relative to the secondary part. When checked, allows you to create many connections to the same main part, in different locations.
Only available for connections. This is always possible for details. Only available for seams.
When you select this checkbox, Tekla Structures positions the seam based on the positions you pick in the model. If you clear this checkbox, Tekla Structures uses automatic seam recognition to position the seam. This is useful especially with warped seams.
When you select this checkbox, Tekla Structures positions the custom part based on the center of its bounding box (the box which surronds the actual part profile).
Usage
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Click Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... to start the Custom component wizard. Select a Type and enter the other properties, then click Next. Select the objects that the custom component will create. Click Next. The next step differs depending on the Type you select in step 2: For connections, select the main part, click Next, then select the secondary part(s).
For details, select the main part, and click Next. To position the detail by the main part, select Main part, and go to step 6. To position the detail by a reference point, select Reference point, and then pick a point.
6.
See also
For seams, select the main part, click Next, then select the secondary part, click Next, then pick two points to indicate the seam location. For parts, pick one or two points.
Click Finish.
Defining a custom component (p. 66) Editing custom components (p. 73) Using a custom component (p. 111) Managing custom components (p. 111)
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Position type
Synopsis
Defines the position (or origin) of the custom component, relative to the main part. This command is available in the custom component wizard. Position type affects which type of main parts you can use the custom component with.
Preconditions Description
Determines the location of the objects the custom component creates, relative to main part. The options are:
Middle
Where the center lines of the main and secondary parts intersect.
Box plane
Where the main part box and the center line of the secondary part intersect.
Collision plane
Where the main part and the center line of the secondary part intersect.
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Where the center line of the secondary part hits the end of the main part.
Gusset plane
Where the center lines of the main part and the first secondary part intersect. The x direction is perpendicular to the center line of the main part.
Display variables
Synopsis
Shows all variables and lets you to add new parameter variables. You can also use it to manage distance and parameter variables. Tekla Structures uses variables with the following features:
Preconditions
Preconditions
define a custom component, see Defining a custom component (p. 66) open the Custom component editor, see Custom component editor (p. 74) open the Cross section sketch editor, see Sketched cross sections
Variables are the properties of a custom component/sketch/parametric model. Use the Add button to add parameter variables. To add new distance variables, use the commands
Create distance (p. 128) or Automatic distances (p. 130) for custom components.
Sketch free distance, Sketch horizontal distance, or Sketch vertical distance for
sketched cross sections. Use the Delete button to delete selected parameters and distances. You define the following properties for a variable:
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Field
Variable name
Description A unique name for variable. Use this name to refer to the variable in the custom component or in the sketch browser. Can contain a value or a formula. Copy values using the popup menu in the browser. See Custom component browser (p. 76). Formulae begin with = Shows the current value from the formula field. Distance or parameter.
More information Custom component browser (p. 76) Sketch Browser Creating parameters that use formulae (p. 86) Functions to use in formulas (p. 87)
Formula
Defines the type of information to input. Shows or hides the variable. The field name. Maximum length is 30 characters.
Display variables (p. 120) Custom component dialog box (p. 105)
Usage
Usage
Creating distance variables (p. 79) Creating reference distances (p. 81) Creating parameter variables (p. 85) Variables
Value type
Number Length
Description A whole (integer) number. Used for quantity and multiplier. A decimal (floating point) number. User for lengths and distances. Length numbers have unit (mm, inch etc.) and are rounded to two places of decimals. Tekla Structures enables millimeter to inch conversion for the Length and Distance list types.
A text (ascii) string. A decimal value without a unit. You can set the number of decimals for the value type in Tools > Options > Options... > Units and decimals. A special decimal number type for storing angles, stored to 1 place of decimals, in radians.
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Value type
Material Profile Bolt size Bolt standard
Description A special data type linked to the material catalog. On input you can select material from the standard material dialog. A special data type linked to the profile catalog. On input you can select profile from the standard profile dialog. Special data types linked to the bolt catalog. Bolt size works with Bolt standard. They have fixed naming: Px_diameter and Px_screwdin. Do not change the fixed name. To automatically show values for these in the components dialog box, x must be the same for both, for example, P1_diameter and P1_screwdin.
Bolt type
For defining the bolt type (site/workshop) in the custom component dialog box. Linked to the Bolt type property of bolts in the Custom component browser.
Special data types linked to the bolt catalog. Stud size works with Stud standard. They have fixed naming: Px_size and Px_standard. Do not change the fixed name. To automatically show values for these in the components dialog box, x must be the same for both, for example, P9_size and P9_standard.
Distance list
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Value type
Weld type
Weld types
Chamfer type Welding site Rebar grade Rebar size Rebar bending radius
A special data type for defining the shape of a chamfer. A special data type for defining the welding place: workshop or building site. Special data types linked to reinforcement catalog. Rebar grade, Rebar size, and Rebar bending radius work together. They have fixed naming format: Px_grade, Px_size, and Px_radius where the x is a number. Do not change the fixed name. To automatically show values for these in the component's dialog box, x must be the same for all, for example, P1_grade, P1_size, and Px_radius.
For defining meshes in custom components. Linked to the Catalog name property of reinforcement meshes in the Custom component browser. For replacing a subcomponent inside a custom component with another subcomponent. Linked to the Name property of objects in the Custom component browser.
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Value type
Component attribute file
Description For setting the properties of a subcomponent inside a custom component. Works with Component name using the format Px_name and Px_attrfile, where the x is a number. Do not change the fixed name. To automatically show values for these in the component's dialog box, x must be the same for both, for example, P2_name and P2_attrfile.
Yes/No
For defining whether or not Tekla Structures creates an object in a custom component. Linked to the Creation property of objects in the Custom component browser.
Browser
Synopsis
Preconditions
Custom component: Custom component browser Sketched cross section: Display sketch browser
Preconditions
Define a custom component, see Defining a custom component (p. 66) Open the Custom component editor, see Custom component editor (p. 74)
Open the Cross section sketch editor, see Opening the cross section sketch editor
The browser shows the objects, their properties, and hierarchy included in the:
Usage
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Plane types
Synopsis Preconditions Description
This command changes the plane type. Open the Custom component editor. See Custom component editor (p. 74). You need planes to define distance variables. For example, you can bind the reference point of a plate to the top plane of a beam. You can change the plane type when the Create distance command is active. See Create distance (p. 128). The table below shows an example of each plane type:
Plane type
Boundary planes
Example
Center planes
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Plane type
Outline planes
Example
Cut planes
If parts contain line, part, or polygon cuts, this option selects the cut surfaces. Fittings cannot be selected.
Component planes
Grid planes
Shows grid planes. This plane type is only available in models and sketches.
Boundary and component planes work for most profile types, so try to use them whenever you can.
Usage
To see which planes are available in each group: 1. 2. Select a plane type from the Custom component toolbar. Move the mouse cursor over a component view. Tekla Structures highlights the available planes.
See also
Construction plane
Synopsis
This command creates a construction plane. If the plane is magnetic, the objects directly on it move with the plane.
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Preconditions Description
You may occasionally need to define your own planes. For example, when you create special model parameters for floor height, building width, etc. Magnetic planes are also useful. You can use them to bind and move groups of objects. Rather than binding lots of handles and chamfers to faces, simply create a user plane that goes through all the handles and chamfers. Then make this plane magnetic and bind the plane to the appropriate face. When you move the plane, the attached handles and chamfers move with it. The custom component editor contains many default planes, for more information see Plane types (p. 125).
Usage
To add a construction plane: 1. 2. 3. Click the Create construction plane icon. Pick four points. Click the middle mouse button. Tekla Structures draws the plane.
4. 5. 6.
Double-click the plane in the model. The Construction plane properties dialog box appears. Type a name for the plane. Select Magnetic, if you want Tekla Structures to bind touching objects to the plane. When you move a magnetic plane, objects directly on that plane automatically move with it. Tekla Structures only binds objects to the plane whose reference points are directly on the plane. By default the magnetic distance is 0.05 mm. To change this use the variable XS_MAGNETIC_PLANE_OFFSET.
7.
See also
Click Modify.
With this command you can go back and change the settings which you have used for defining a custom component. To use this command in the Custom component editor, you must:
Preconditions
Description
Define a custom component, see Defining a custom component (p. 66). Open the Custom component editor, see Custom component editor (p. 74).
You can do the following changes after you have created a custom component:
Usage
To add notes: 1. In the Customer component editor, click the Custom component settings icon.
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2. 1. 2.
On the Type/Notes tab, insert the notes you want to add to the Description field. In the Customer component editor, click the Custom component settings icon. On the Position tab, change the Position type. Tekla Structures repositions the planes. The objects retain their relative position to the component planes, and they must be moved back into position manually.
In many cases you need to use a component inside another component, or make a complex connection out of simple connections. To apply multiple connections to the same main part, select the Allow multiple instances of connection between same parts checkbox. By default this checkbox is not selected. To allow multiple instances: 1. 2. In the Customer component editor, click the Custom component settings icon. On the Advanced tab, select the Allow multiple instances of connection between same parts checkbox.
Create distance
Synopsis
Creates a distance variable. You can create a distance variable from any of the following objects to a plane:
Preconditions
construction plane reference points of parts (only custom component objects) reference points of bolt groups chamfers part cut handles line cuts fittings
Description
define a custom component, see Defining a custom component (p. 66) open the Custom component editor, see Custom component editor (p. 74)
To use this command in a model, click Modeling > Add Distance > Fixed. Distances are dependencies that bind two parts together. You can also use distances to define part dimensions, bolt edge distances, gaps, etc. For example:
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Distances These distances bind plates reference points to the top and bottom plane of a beam You define the following properties for distance variables:
Field Name
Description Name of the distance variable. Shown in the custom component dialog box. Numeric value of distance.
Value
Usage
See Creating distance variables (p. 79). To see all distances included in the custom component, open the Variables dialog box. For more information, see Defining variables (p. 78).
See also
Creates a variable reference distance between objects. To use this command in the Custom component editor, you must:
Description
define a custom component, see Defining a custom component (p. 66) open the Custom component editor, see Custom component editor (p. 74)
To use this command in a model, click Modeling > Add Distance > Reference. Use reference distances in calculations, for example, for determining the spacing of rungs in a ladder.
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Usage
See Creating reference distances (p. 81). To see all distances included in the custom component, open the Variables dialog box. For more information, see Defining variables (p. 78).
See also
Plane types (p. 125) Creating distance variables (p. 79) Automatic distances (p. 130)
Automatic distances
Synopsis
Creates distance variables for picked objects. The distance variables are created between the picked objects and the main and the secondary parts of a connection or a detail.
The command does not work with custom parts since they do not have a main part.
Preconditions Description
Open the Custom component editor (p. 74). This command attaches picked objects, or their reference points or handles, to existing planes, if the objects, or their reference points or handles, are located exactly on the plane. Tekla Structures creates distance variables from a maximum of three direction to existing planes. Tekla Structures selects planes in the following order:
Usage
Construction plane (p. 126) Custom Components (p. 65) Plane types (p. 125) Click the Automatic distances icon.
1.
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2. 3. 4.
Pick any type of an object that has handles. Click the middle mouse button to complete the command. To check the created distances, open the Display variables (p. 120) dialog box.
For reinforcement you may have to remove some distances. If the last handle is bound to too many planes and the concrete cross-section enlarges, the other end of the reinforcement might not react to changes.
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Reinforcement
Introduction
Once you have created a model of concrete parts, you will need to reinforce the parts. This chapter explains how to create reinforcement in Tekla Structures. It also includes a general description of reinforcement properties and an overview of reinforcement commands.
This chapter is aimed at concrete detailers and designers. Before you start to create reinforcement, you need to have concrete parts in your model, as explained in Concrete Detailing. Running the structural analysis as explained in Analysis and Design gives you the required area of reinforcement. Read Loads for instructions on how to create loads.
See also
Numbering reinforcements
Concepts
Single reinforcing bars Reinforcing bar groups Reinforcement meshes Reinforcement components.
We recommend that you use reinforcement components to create reinforcement whenever possible. They are adaptive, attached to a concrete part, and updated automatically if the dimensions of the reinforced part change, for example. Then create additional reinforcing bars using other tools.
Reinforcing bar groups consist of several identical, or very similar, bars. Tekla Structures
always treats these bars as a group, modifies them in the same way, deletes them all at the same time, etc.
Reinforcement meshes include bars in two perpendicular directions, i.e. main bars and
crossing bars. Tekla Structures treats mesh bars as one unit but distinguishes the main and crossing bars.
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Reinforcement properties
Every reinforcement object has properties which define it (for example, grade, diameter or size, minimum bending radius). Use the reinforcement properties dialog boxes to view or modify the properties of reinforcement. Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement to open reinforcement properties dialog boxes, or double-click an existing reinforcement object in the model. You can use reinforcement properties in filters. For example, you can select, modify, or hide reinforcing bars based on their properties.For more information, see Filtering objects. You can include reinforcement properties and user-defined attributes in drawing and report templates. Basic reinforcement properties (p. 134) Getting Started (p. 9) with Detailing
You can enter names for reinforcing bars. Tekla Structures uses names in reports and drawing tables. The strength of the steel used in reinforcing bars. Can also indicate other factors, such as the weldability or surface deformations of the bar. Depending on the environment, the nominal diameter of the bar, or a mark that defines the diameter. Complies with the design code you are using. Main bars, stirrups, ties, and hooks usually have their own minimum internal bending radii, which are proportional to the diameter of the reinforcing bar. The actual bending radius is normally chosen to suit the size of the mandrels on the bar-bending machine. Tekla Structures reinforcing bar bending types are recognized using internal bending type definitions. Internal bending types are hard coded to the software. However, these internal bending types are mapped to area specific reinforcing bar bending type codes in the rebar_schedule_config.inp file in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system\ folder. This file can be localized to match local requirements. For more information on internal bending types, see Reinforcing bar bending types (p. 167).
Grade
Size
Bending radius
Bending types
Reinforcement catalog
Gradesizeradius combinations are predefined in the reinforcement catalog. You can select which catalog to use, and add, modify, and delete the information it contains. See The reinforcing bar catalog. To define the grade, size, and bending radius of a reinforcing bar, click Select... next to the Grade, Size, and Bending radius fields in the Reinforcing bar properties dialog box. The Select reinforcing bar dialog box appears, showing the available bar sizes for the chosen grade. You can also define whether the bar is a main bar or a stirrup or tie:
Select...
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You can also enter the grade, size, and bending radius of individual reinforcing bars using the appropriate fields in the Reinforcing bar properties dialog box.
Class
Use Class to group reinforcement. To display reinforcing bars of different classes in different colors, click View > Representation > Object Representation... and select Color by class from the Color list box. For more information, see Color settings for parts. Reinforcing bar groups mainly have the same properties as single reinforcing bars. They can also have the following extra properties:
Bar groups
See also
Number of bars Spacing (see Spacing reinforcing bars (p. 138)) Tapering (see Tapered bar group (p. 157))
Hooks (p. 135) Concrete cover (p. 137) Spacing reinforcing bars (p. 138) Omitting reinforcing bars (p. 138) User-defined attributes of reinforcement (p. 139) Meshes (p. 139) Numbering reinforcements
Hooks
To add hooks to the ends of reinforcing bars for anchoring purposes, use the Hooks section of the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box, or the Hooks tab in the Reinforcement Mesh Properties dialog box:
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The options for the hook at the beginning and end of the bar are:
Option
Description No hook Standard 90-degree hook Standard 135-degree hook Standard 180-degree hook Custom hook
The reinforcement catalog contains predefined dimensions for all standard hooks (minimum bending radius, minimum hook length). See The reinforcing bar catalog.
Custom hook
To manually define the angle, radius, and length of a hook, select the Custom hook option and enter values to the following fields in the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box:
Field
Angle Radius
Description Enter a value between 180 and +180 degrees. Internal bending radius of the hook. Use the same radius for the hook and for the reinforcing bar. If the hook and the reinforcing bar have different radiuses, Tekla Structures does not recognize the shape of the reinforcing bar.
Length
Length of the straight part of the hook. If the length is set to zero, no hooks are created.
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Concrete cover
Reinforcing bars need a concrete cover, to protect them against harmful elements, such as the weather and fire. When you create single bars, Tekla Structures uses the thickness of concrete cover to determine the position of the bar. You pick points to define the shape and plane of the bar.
Cover thickness
Use the Cover thickness fields in the reinforcement properties dialog boxes to define concrete cover. To create a beam stirrup, pick the corner points on the cross-sectional end plane of the beam to define the bar shape and plane. The cover thickness on the plane is the distance from beams bottom, top, and side surfaces to the stirrup. The cover thickness from the plane is the distance from the end surface of the beam to the stirrup, and perpendicular to the bar plane.
Example
Concrete cover
Description Concrete cover on the plane For example, the distances from a beams bottom, top, and side surfaces to a stirrup. To specify different concrete covers on the different legs of a reinforcing bar, enter a thickness value for each leg in the On plane field, in the order you pick points to create the bar. If you enter less values than there are bar legs, Tekla Structures uses the last value for remaining legs. Concrete cover from the plane For example, the distance from a beams end surface to the closest stirrup, perpendicular to the stirrup plane.
Leg length
At the start and end point of a reinforcing bar, you can also define the concrete cover in terms of cover thickness or leg length.
Option
Cover thickness Leg length
Description Defines the distance from the bar end to the concrete surface. Defines the length of the ultimate leg of the bar.
To define the length of an ultimate leg of a bar, use the Leg length option and the Snap to nearest points switch. Then pick anywhere on a part edge or line to indicate the direction for the bar leg.
Reinforcement components
When you use reinforcement components, Tekla Structures places the reinforcement using the dimensions of the part and the values in the Cover thickness field, or the graphic fields shown below:
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There are several ways to distribute bars in a reinforcing bar group. To create a bar group, open the Reinforcing Bar Properties dialog box. On the Group tab, select an option from the Creation method list box. The options are:
Option
By exact spacing value with flexible first space
Description Creates fixed, equal spaces between the bars. The first space adjusts to even out bar distribution. Enter the spacing value in the Exact spacing value field. If the first space is less than 10% of the exact spacing value, Tekla Structures removes one bar. Same as the first option, but the last space adjusts to even out bar distribution. Same as the first option, but the middle space adjusts to even out bar distribution. If there are an odd number of bars (two middle spaces), the other middle space adjusts to even out bar distribution. Same as the first option, but both the first and last spaces adjust to even out bar distribution. Distributes the bars using the information you specify in the Exact spacing values field, so you can enter every spacing value manually. Use the multiplication character to repeat spacings, e.g. 5*200, to create five spaces of 200. Tekla Structures determines the spacing value based on the fixed number of bars. Enter the number in the Number of reinforcing bars field. Tekla Structures aims the spacing value as closely as possible at the value in the Target spacing value field and determines the number of bars compatibly.
By exact spacing value with flexible last space By exact spacing value with flexible middle space By exact spacing value with flexible first and last space By exact spacings
Equal distribution by number of reinforcing bars Equal distribution by target spacing value
See also
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See also
Meshes
A reinforcement mesh consists of reinforcing bars in two directions. You can define the following properties.
Create mesh using the Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcement Mesh command or a component. Reinforcement meshes can be:
Mesh shape
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Distribution pattern of bars
You can create meshes with unevenly-spaced bars. You can also define a different bar size or multiple different bar sizes for the longitudinal bars and the crossing bars. Multiple bar sizes enable pattern creation. For example, if you enter bar diameters 20 2*6 in the longitudinal direction, Tekla Structures creates a pattern with one size 20 bar and two size 6 bars. This pattern can be repeated in the mesh along the longitudinal direction.
The way you define the size of the mesh depends on the shape of the mesh and how it was created:
See also
Evenly-spaced rectangular meshes - manually define the size Polygonal and bent meshes - Tekla Structures automatically calculates the width and length Unevenly-spaced meshes - Tekla Structures calculates the size of the mesh using the values in the Distance(s), Left overhang, and Right overhang fields.
Placing reinforcement (p. 140) Attaching reinforcement to parts (p. 141) Modifying reinforcement (p. 141) Customizing reinforcement meshes (p. 151) Defining custom reinforcement components (p. 153)
Placing reinforcement
To place a reinforcing bar group, pick two sets of points: 1. 2. The first set of points defines the plane of the first bar and the shape of a single bar in the group. Click the middle mouse button to end picking. Pick a second set of points to indicate the distribution direction and length of the bars.
To place reinforcement components, select the part to reinforce. See also Using reinforcement handles (p. 142).
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You must attach reinforcement to a part or cast unit to have Tekla Structures merge automatic reinforcing bar marks. See Merged reinforcement marks.
Attaching manually
To manually attach reinforcement to a part or cast unit: 1. 2. 3. Select the reinforcement to attach. Right-click and select Attach to Part from the pop-up menu. Select the part to attach the reinforcement to.
Detaching
To detach reinforcement from a part: 1. 2. Select the reinforcement to detach. Right-click and select Detach from Part from the pop-up menu.
Modifying reinforcement
To modify a single reinforcing bar, bar group, or reinforcement mesh, double-click the reinforcement to open the properties dialog box. To modify the properties of a reinforcement component, double-click the blue modeling tool symbol (M). To update the reinforcing bar, bar group, reinforcement mesh, or component you selected, click Modify.
Topics
Changing reinforcement shape (p. 141) Using reinforcement handles (p. 142) Using adaptivity (p. 143) Ungrouping a reinforcement (p. 145) Grouping reinforcements (p. 147) Adding points to a reinforcement (p. 148) Removing points from a reinforcement (p. 149) Splitting reinforcing bar groups (p. 150) Splitting reinforcing bars in a group (p. 150) Combining two reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups into one (p. 150) Exploding reinforcement (p. 150)
Add bar corners Remove bar corners Move bar and mesh corners Add points to reinforcing bars, bar groups, and bent meshes
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Remove points from reinforcing bars, bar groups, and bent meshes Change the direction of the longitudinal mesh bars Change the distribution length of bar groups
Examples
The ends and corners of a reinforcing bar The distribution length of a bar group The corners and main bar direction of a mesh
When you select a reinforcement, the handles turn magenta. Here are some ways to use handles to modify reinforcement:
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Handles to move mesh corners Handles to change main bar direction To use handles to modify reinforcement: 1. 2. 3. Select the reinforcement to display its handles. Click the handle you want to move. Tekla Structures highlights the handle. Move the handle(s) like any other object. If Drag and drop is active, just drag the handle to a new position.
For more information, see Moving an object, Moving an object using drag-and-drop and Polygon cuts.
Using adaptivity
Reinforcements follow the shape of the part also when their handles are located on the face or edge of the part. The following types of adaptivity are available:
Fixed adaptivity: handles retain their absolute distances to the nearest part faces. Relative adaptivity: handles retain their relative distances to the nearest part faces in relation to the parts overall size.
To modify the general adaptivity settings, go to Tools > Options > Options... > General. You can modify the adaptivity settings for each part separately. These modifications override the general settings.
Example
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Fixed adaptivity:
Relative adaptivity:
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Ungrouping a reinforcement
You can ungroup reinforcing bar groups and reinforcement meshes. Only reinforcements where each reinforcing bar is in one plane can be ungrouped. To ungroup a reinforcement: 1. 2. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Ungroup. Select one of the reinforcing bars in a reinforcing bar group or in a reinforcement mesh. The reinforcing bar group is replaced with single reinforcing bars. The single bars get the same properties and offsets as the group. If you ungroup a reinforcement mesh, the offsets for single bars are zero.
Limitations
145
Example
Before ungrouping:
After ungrouping:
See also
Grouping reinforcements (p. 147) Reinforcing bar (p. 155) Reinforcing bar group (p. 156) Reinforcement mesh (p. 161)
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Grouping reinforcements
You can group single reinforcing bars and reinforcing bar groups. Only reinforcements where each reinforcing bar is in one plane can be grouped. All groups are created with exact spacings. Single reinforcing bars need to have the same bending shape. To group single reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Group. Select all the reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups that you want to group. Click the middle mouse button. Select one reinforcing bar or reinforcing bar group to copy the properties from. The new group gets the same properties as the selected reinforcing bar.
The reinforcing bar or reinforcing bar group that you copy the properties from is also added to the group. This means, for example, that you cannot copy properties from a separate reinforcing bar group which you do not want to include in your new reinforcing bar group.
Limitations Example
Before grouping:
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After grouping:
See also
Ungrouping a reinforcement (p. 145) Reinforcing bar (p. 155) Reinforcing bar group (p. 156)
The new points are added to the reinforcement, and the shape of the reinforcement is modified.
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Limitations
You cannot modify the shape of polygonal or rectangular meshes, or the shape of tapered reinforcing bar groups by adding points. Removing points from a reinforcement (p. 149) Modifying the shape of a polygon
See also
The points are removed from the reinforcement, and the shape of the reinforcement is modified.
Limitations
You cannot modify the shape of polygonal or rectangular meshes, or the shape of tapered reinforcing bar groups by removing points. Adding points to a reinforcement (p. 148) Modifying the shape of a polygon
See also
149
See also
Splitting reinforcing bars in a group (p. 150) Combining two reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups into one (p. 150)
Splitting reinforcing bar groups (p. 150) Combining two reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups into one (p. 150)
Click Edit > Combine. Select the first single bar or bar group to be combined. Select the second single bar or bar group to be combined.
You cannot combine Tapered N reinforcing bar groups. Splitting reinforcing bar groups (p. 150) Splitting reinforcing bars in a group (p. 150)
Exploding reinforcement
Before you can modify or remove single bars in a reinforcement component, you need to use the Explode Component command to ungroup the bars that the reinforcement contains. To ungroup reinforcing bars: 1. 2. Click Detailing > Component > Explode Component. Select the blue modeling tool symbol (M) on the reinforcement. Tekla Structures ungroups the reinforcing bars.
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Reinforcement geometry validity check does not work with circular or curved reinforcing bar groups.
Conceptual reinforcements
Conceptual reinforcements can be created only with Steel Detailing, Reinforced Concrete Detailing and Engineering configurations. Engineers or detailers can model conceptual reinforcements that show the geometry of the reinforcements. Conceptual reinforcements look similar to detailed reinforcements but do not include the option to perform numbering. When you create a conceptual reinforcement, Tekla Structures displays a warning message noting that you cannot number the reinforcement. You can use the Inquire command to check whether the reinforcement is conceptual or detailed. Conceptual reinforcements can be converted to detailed reinforcements. You can convert individual conceptual reinforcements to detailed reinforcements in Full, Precast Concrete Detailing and Reinforced Concrete Detailing configurations. Detailed reinforcements can be converted to conceptual reinforcements in Steel Detailing and Engineering configurations. Modifying part properties does not automatically convert a detailed reinforcement to a conceptual one, or vice versa. For example, if you use the Engineering configuration and modify the model, detailed reinforcements do not convert back to conceptual reinforcements.
See also
151
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
In the Reinforcement Mesh Properties dialog box, click the Select button next to the Mesh field to open the Select Mesh dialog box. In the Select Mesh dialog box, select a standard mesh from the mesh catalog and use it as a basis for the customized mesh. Modify the mesh properties. Enter a name for the mesh in the Selected mesh field. The default name is CUSTOM_MESH. Click OK to close the Select Mesh dialog box and to save the properties. To save customized mesh properties for later use, enter a name in the Save as field in the Reinforcement Mesh Properties dialog box and click the Save as button. To later use saved mesh properties in the Reinforcement Mesh Properties dialog box, select the name of the mesh properties in the Load list box and click the Load button.
You can define the following properties for the customized reinforcement meshes:
Longitudinal distance Cross distance Longitudinal left overhang Longitudinal right overhang Cross left overhang Cross right overhang Length Width
152
Property
Spacing method
Description Defines how the mesh bars are distributed. The options are:
evenly-spaced bars. Tekla Structures distributes as many bars as possible for the length of Length or Width, using the Distance(s) and Left overhang values. The Right overhang is calculated automatically, and it cannot be zero.
unevenly-spaced bars. Tekla Structures calculates the Width and Length based on the Distance(s), the Left overhang and the Right overhang values. If you do not change any of the values, the spacing method changes back to Same distance for all.
Distance(s)
Spacing values of longitudinal or crossing bars. If you select the Multiple varying distances spacing method, enter all spacing values, separated by spaces. You can use multiplication to repeat spacing values. For example: 2*150 200 3*400 200 2*150
Extensions of longitudinal bars over the outermost crossing bars. Extensions of crossing bars over the outermost longitudinal bars.
Diameter
Diameter or size of longitudinal or crossing bars. You can define multiple diameters for the bars in both directions. Enter all the diameter values, separated by spaces. You can use multiplication to repeat diameter values. For example, 12 2*6 in longitudinal direction and 6 20 2*12 in crossing direction.
Length of crossing bars. Length of longitudinal bars. The steel grade of the bars in the mesh.
Create a concrete part and reinforce it in the way you want the reinforcement to appear in the custom component. You can create the reinforcement either by exploding and modifying an existing reinforcement component, or by creating the reinforcing bars individually. 1. Click Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component....
Usage
153
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Result
On the Type/Notes tab, select Detail in the Type list box, and enter a name for the custom reinforcement. Click Next. Select the reinforcing bars to use in the custom reinforcement and click Next. Select the main part and click Next. In DETAIL POSITION, select Main part to position the reinforcement by the main part. Click Finish.
You have now defined a simple custom reinforcement component, which you can use in locations similar to the one where it was originally created. This component is not parametric and Tekla Structures does not adjust dimensions to suit any changes in the model. To create a parametric custom component, see Editing custom components (p. 73).
See also
Using a custom component (p. 111) Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... (p. 117) Exploding components (p. 66)
Command Reinforcing bar (p. 155) Reinforcing bar group (p. 156) Curved reinforcing bar group (p. 158) Circular reinforcing bar group (p. 160) Reinforcement mesh (p. 161) Reinforcement strand pattern (p. 163) Reinforcement splice (p. 166) Reinforcement mesh array in area (89) Lifting anchor (80)
Icon
Description Creates a single reinforcing bar. Creates a reinforcing bar group. Creates a curved reinforcing bar group. Creates a circular reinforcing bar group. Creates a reinforcement mesh. Creates prestressed strands. Joins reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups together with reinforcement splices. Creates an array of overlapped reinforcement meshes. Creates two lifting anchors or anchor groups for a concrete part.
154
Reinforcing bar
Synopsis Preconditions
This command creates a reinforcing bar. Create the part to reinforce. Calculate the required area of reinforcement.
Description
Tekla Structures creates the reinforcing bar using the properties in the Reinforcing bar properties dialog box. The filename extension of a saved bar properties file is rbr.
Field
Series and Start no Name Size Grade Bending radius
Description The mark series of the bar. The user-definable name of the bar. The diameter of the bar or a mark defining it. The steel grade of the bar. The internal radius of the bends in the bar. You can enter a separate value for each bar bend. Separate the values with spaces.
Class Shape Angle Radius Length Cover thickness on plane Cover thickness from plane Start
Used to group reinforcement. The shape of the hook. The angle of the custom hook. The internal bending radius of the standard or custom hook. The length of the straight part of the standard or custom hook. The distances from the part surfaces to the bar on the same plane as the bar. The distance from the part surface to the bar, or bar end, perpendicular to the bar plane. The concrete cover thickness or leg length at the first end of the bar. The concrete cover thickness or leg length at the second end of the bar. User-defined reinforcement properties. User-defined attributes of reinforcement (p. 139) Concrete cover (p. 137) Hooks (p. 135)
End
User-defined attributes...
Usage
1. 2. 3. 4.
Double-click the Create reinforcing bar icon. Enter or modify the bar properties. Click Apply or OK to save the properties. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the bar to the part.
155
5. 6. 7.
See also
Pick the starting point of the bar. Pick the other bar reference points. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
Reinforcing bar group (p. 156) Working with reinforcement (p. 140)
This command creates a reinforcing bar group. Create the part to reinforce. Calculate the required area of reinforcement.
Description
A reinforcing bar group includes several identical, or very similar, reinforcing bars. You first define the shape of a single bar, then the direction in which Tekla Structures distributes the bars. Tekla Structures creates the reinforcing bar group using the properties in the Reinforcing bar properties dialog box. The filename extension of a saved bar group properties file is rbg.
Field
Series and Start no Name Size Grade Bending radius
Description The mark series of the bar. The user-definable name of the bar. The diameter of the bar or a mark defining it. The steel grade of the bar. The internal radius of the bar bends. You can enter a separate value for each bar bend. Separate the values with spaces.
Used to group reinforcement. The shape of the hook. The angle of the custom hook. The internal bending radius of the standard or custom hook. The length of the straight part of the standard or custom hook. Hooks (p. 135)
156
Field
Cover thickness on plane Cover thickness from plane Start
Description The distances from the part surfaces to the bar on the same plane as the bar. The distance from the part surface to the bar, or bar end, perpendicular to the bar plane. The concrete cover thickness or leg length at the first end of the bar. The concrete cover thickness or leg length at the second end of the bar. User-defined reinforcement properties.
End
User-defined attributes...
User-defined attributes of reinforcement (p. 139) Spacing reinforcing bars (p. 138) Omitting reinforcing bars (p. 138) Tapered bar group (p. 157)
Usage
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Double-click the Create reinforcing bar group icon. Enter or modify the bar group properties. Click Apply or OK to save the properties. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the bar group to the part. Pick the bar starting point. Pick the other bar reference points. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking. Pick the starting point of the bar group. Pick the end point of the bar group.
To create a tapered bar group: 1. 2. 3. Double-click the Create reinforcing bar group icon. Enter or modify the bar group properties. On the Group tab, select an option from the Bar group type list box:
Option
Normal Tapered Tapered ridge
Description Not tapered. One bar dimension changes linearly in the group. One bar dimension changes linearly. The dimension is longest in the middle of the group. One bar dimension changes along a curve. The dimension is longest in the middle of the group.
Tapered curved
157
Option
Tapered N
Description One bar dimension changes linearly between N ridges. Enter the number of ridges in the Number of cross sections field. The reinforcing bars rise in a polygonal or circular shape along the longitudinal axis of the part.
Spiral
1. 2. 3. 4.
Click Apply or OK. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the bar group to the part. Pick points to define the shape of the bar at the first cross section. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking. For the second and subsequent cross sections, pick points to define the shape of the bar. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
If you select the Normal option, you only need to define bar shape and bar distribution length.
If you change the type of a tapered bar group, Tekla Structures adjusts the number of handles. You can then drag handles to modify the group.
To create a spiral bar group: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Double-click the Create reinforcing bar group icon. Enter or modify the bar group properties. On the Group tab, select Spiral from the Bar group type list box: Click Apply or OK. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the bar group to the part. Pick points to define the shape of the bar at the first cross section. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking. For the second and subsequent cross sections, pick points to define the shape of the bar. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
See also
Reinforcement mesh (p. 161) Working with reinforcement (p. 140) Curved reinforcing bar group (p. 158) Circular reinforcing bar group (p. 160)
158
Preconditions
Description
Tekla Structures creates the curved reinforcing bar group using the properties in the Reinforcing bar properties dialog box. See Reinforcing bar group (p. 156) for more information on the common properties in this dialog box. To create a curved bar group: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Double-click the Create curved reinforcing bar group icon. Enter or modify the reinforcing bar group properties. Click Apply or OK. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the bar group to the part. Pick three points on an arc to define the curve:
Usage
6.
See also
Working with reinforcement (p. 140) Reinforcing bar group (p. 156) Circular reinforcing bar group (p. 160)
159
Preconditions
Description
Tekla Structures creates the circular reinforcing bar group using the properties in the Reinforcing bar properties dialog box. See Reinforcing bar group (p. 156) for more information on the common properties in this dialog box. To create a circular bar group: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Double-click the Create circular reinforcing bar group icon. Enter or modify the reinforcing bar group properties. Click Apply or OK. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the bar group to the part. Pick three points to define the circlular bars
Usage
6.
See also
160
Reinforcing bar group (p. 156) Curved reinforcing bar group (p. 158)
Reinforcement mesh
Synopsis Preconditions
This command creates a reinforcement mesh. Create the part to reinforce. Calculate the required area of reinforcement.
Description
Tekla Structures creates the reinforcement mesh using the properties in the Reinforcement Mesh Properties dialog box. The filename extension of a saved mesh properties file is rbm.
Field
Prefix and Start no Name Mesh
Description The mark series of the mesh. The user-definable name of the mesh. Select a mesh from the mesh catalog. You can also use a customized mesh.
More information Numbering reinforcements Basic reinforcement properties (p. 134) Meshes (p. 139) Customizing reinforcement meshes (p. 151) Basic reinforcement properties (p. 134) Meshes (p. 139)
The steel grade of the bars in the mesh. Used to group reinforcement. The shape of the mesh. Select Polygon, Rectangle, or Bent. For rectangular meshes, enter the width and length of the mesh. For bent meshes, enter the bending radius. Defines whether the crossing bars are located above or below the longitudinal bars. Defines whether the polygon or part cuts in the part cut also the mesh.
161
Field
Cover thickness on plane Cover thickness from plane Cover thickness start Cover thickness end User-defined attributes...
Description The distance from the part surface to the main bars on the same plane as the bars. The distance from the part surface to the bar, or bar end, perpendicular to the bar plane. Thickness of concrete cover or leg length from the mesh starting point. Thickness of concrete cover or leg length at the end point of the bar. Used for bent meshes. User-defined reinforcement properties.
Hooks tab
The shape, angle, radius, and length of hooks at the start and end of the crossing mesh bars.
The properties of standard meshes are defined in the mesh_database.inp file, located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\ profil folder.
Usage
Rectangular To create a rectangular mesh: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Set the work plane parallel to the plane where you want to create the mesh. Double-click the Create reinforcement mesh icon. In the Mesh type list box, select Rectangle. Enter or modify the mesh dimensions and the other properties. Click Apply or OK to save the properties. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the mesh to the part. Pick the starting point of the mesh. Pick a point to indicate the direction of the longitudinal bars. Tekla Structures creates the mesh parallel to the work plane, to the left of the points you picked.
Polygonal To create a polygonal mesh: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Double-click the Create reinforcement mesh icon. In the Mesh type list box, select Polygon. Enter or modify the mesh properties. Click Apply or OK to save the properties. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the mesh to the part. Pick the starting point of the mesh. Pick the corner points of the mesh. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking. Pick two points to indicate the direction of the longitudinal bars.
162
Double-click the Create reinforcement mesh icon to open the Reinforcement Mesh Properties dialog box. 2. In the Mesh type list box, select Bent. 3. Enter the bending radius. 4. Enter or modify the other mesh properties. 5. Click Apply or OK to save the properties. 6. Click the Create reinforcement mesh icon. 7. Select the part to reinforce. Tekla Structures attaches the mesh to the part. 8. Pick points to indicate the bending shape of the crossing bars. 9. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking points. 10. Pick two points to indicate the length and direction of the longitudinal bars.
See also
1.
Tekla Structures creates straight or deflected strands based on the strand profile you indicate using the properties in the Reinforcing bar properties dialog box.
Field
Series and Start no Name Size Grade Bending radius Class Pull per strand Number of cross sections User-defined attributes...
Description The mark series of the bar. The user-definable name of the bar. The diameter of the bar or a mark defining it. The steel grade of the bar. The internal radius of the bar bends. Used to group reinforcement. The pull per strand (kN). Defines the number of cross sections of the strand pattern. User-defined reinforcement properties.
163
Field
Debonded strands
Description Enter the strand number in this field. The strand number is the picking order number of the strand. Enter the length of the debonding. If you select the Symmetry checkbox, values in fields From start and From Middle to start are copied to From end and Middle to end fields. Defines if the end and start lengths are symmetrical.
Symmetry
Usage
To create prestressed strands for a concrete part: 1. 2. 3. Double-click the Create reinforcement strand pattern icon. Enter or modify the strand properties. In the Number of cross sections field, enter a number based on the strand profile. For example: Number of patterns 1
Strand profile
4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Define the lenghts of the debonding zones. Click Apply or OK. Click the Create reinforcement strand pattern icon. Pick the part you are creating strands for. Pick points to position the strands (for example, at the end of a part): The points you pick define the first cross section. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
164
9.
If you chose to create a single cross section, pick two points to define the length of the strands. Click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
10. If you chose to create two or more cross sections, for each cross section, pick points to indicate the strand positions. Pick the strand positions in the same order as for the first cross section. After each cross section, click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
Debonding strands
To debond strands: 1. 2. 3. 4. Double-click the Create reinforcement strand pattern icon. On the Debonding tab, enter the debonding properties. Click Add button to create a new row in the table. Enter the strand numbers in the Debonded strands field. The strand number is the picking order number of the strand: To set the same values for all the strands, enter all the strand numbers, separated by a space (e.g. 1 2 3 4). To set separate values for each strand, click Add to add a new row, then enter the strand number in the Debonded strands field. Define the debonded lengths: To set symmetrical lengths, select the End lengths = start lengths checkbox and only enter values in the From start or Middle to start fields. Debonding lengths:
5.
6.
Click Modify and Apply. Tekla Structures displays the debonded section of the strand in red in rendered views, or as a broken line in wire frame views.
Working with reinforcement (p. 140) Reinforcing bar group (p. 156)
165
Reinforcement splice
This command joins reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups together with reinforcement splices.
Preconditions Description
Create the reinforcing bars or bar groups to join. There can be a gap between them. Tekla Structures creates the reinforcement splice using the current properties in the Reinforcement Splice Properties dialog box. The filename extension of a saved splice properties file is rsp.
Field
Joint type
More information
Lap left creates the lap to the direction of the first reinforcing bar or bar group selected, Lap right to the direction of the second. Lap both centers the lap
Lap length Offset
Lap right Lap left Lap both Muff joint Welded joint
The length of the lap joint. The offset of the splice center point from the point where the bars originally met. Defines whether the lapping bars are on top of each other or parallel to each other.
Bar positions
Usage
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Click Detailing > Properties > Reinforcement > Reinforcement Splice.... Enter or modify the splice properties. Click Apply or OK to save the properties. Click Detailing > Create Reinforcement > Reinforcement Splice. Select the first reinforcing bar or bar group. Select the second reinforcing bar or bar group.
Tekla Structures indicates reinforcement splices in the model using blue splice symbols:
If needed, you can move the splice along reinforcing bars. To move the splice: 1. 2. 3. Select the splice symbol. Right-click and select Move. Pick an origin and a destination point for the splice.
166
Tekla Structures recognizes different reinforcing bar bending shapes and assigns bending type identifiers to them. The table below lists these reinforcing bar bending types. If Tekla Structures does not recognize the shape of a reinforcing bar, it assigns the UNKNOWN bending type to it. The bending type identifiers in the table below are internal, hard-coded types of Tekla Structures. The leg dimensions (D1, D2, etc.) and bending angles (A1, A2, etc.) of reinforcing bars are internal dimensions and angles. You can map internal types, for example, to countryor project-specific types, and internal dimensions and angles to specific template attributes. You do this in the rebar_schedule_config.inp file. See Reinforcement in templates (p. 188). Reinforcing bar bending dimensions are calculated so that the leg dimensions (D1, D2, etc.) follow the outer edge, or the edge extension, of the reinforcing bar. The total length is calculated according to the center line of the reinforcing bar. The magenta points in the images represent the points you pick in the model when you create reinforcing bars.
Type 1 2_1
Image
167
Type 3_1
Image
3_2
4_2
4_3
4_4
5_1
5_2
168
Type 5_3
Image
6_1
6_2
169
Type 11
Image
13
Can also be modeled using hooks at both ends (i.e. model D1 and D5 using 90 degree hooks). 14
170
Type 14_3
Image
14_4
Recognized when the start point and end point are in the same location and no hooks are used. If XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION is set to FALSE, reinforcing bars with hooks (types 14 and 48) are recognized as 14_5. 15
171
Type 16_1
Image
16_2
17
18
19
20_1
172
Type 20_2
Image
21
22
23
24
25
26
173
Type 27
Image
29_3
29_4
174
Type 29_5
Image
30
33
175
Type 34
Image
35
176
Type 37
Image
Requires 180 degree hook at one end and 90 degree hook at the other end. 38_2
39
40
177
Type 43
Image
43_2
44
178
Type 45_2
Image
179
Type 48_3
Image
49
50
180
Type 52
Image
56
57
58
181
Type 59
Image
60
61
Recognized if
XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION is set to FALSE.
61_3
Requires hook.
182
Type 63
Image
Requires hook. 64
Recognized if
XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION is set to FALSE.
65
183
Type 65_2
Image
Recognized if
XS_REBAR_RECOGNITION_HOOKS_CONSIDERATION is set to FALSE.
66
67
67_2
68
184
Type 69_1
Image
69_2
70_1
70_2
71
72
185
Type 73_1
Image
73_2
73_3
74
75_1
186
Type 75_2
Image
76
77
78
79_1
187
Type 79_2
Image
80
UNKNOWN
For example:
This topic is aimed at Tekla Structures users who need to localize reinforcing bar bending types or to create templates for reinforcing bar bending schedules. You can show dimensions, bending angles, and bending types of reinforcing bars in drawings and reports by including reinforcement-specific attributes, such as DIM_A, ANG_S, SHAPE, and SHAPE_INTERNAL, in template fields. For more information on creating templates, see the Template Editor (TplEd) online help. Use the rebar_schedule_config.inp file in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder to map:
Reinforcement templates
Mapping dimensions
Tekla Structures internal reinforcing bar dimensions and angles with specific template attributes Tekla Structures internal reinforcing bar bending types with specific bending types
These mappings are environment-specific by default. You can modify them to suit your company or project needs. You can use equations, functions, and if statements to calculate the dimensions and angles you need to show.
188
Use any standard text editor (for example, Notepad) to edit the rebar_schedule_config.inp file.
Examples
The following example of the rebar_schedule_config.inp file maps the internal bending type 5_1 to the bending type identifier E, and the leg dimensions and bending angles to specific template attributes:
rebar_schedule_config.inp (Example 1)
BEND_TYPE_5_1[1]="E" BEND_TYPE_5_1[2]="DIM_A=D1" BEND_TYPE_5_1[3]="DIM_B=D5" BEND_TYPE_5_1[4]="DIM_C=D2" BEND_TYPE_5_1[5]="DIM_TD=TD" BEND_TYPE_5_1[6]="ANG_U=A1" BEND_TYPE_5_1[7]="ANG_V=A2"
With this mapping, the internal bending type 6_2 becomes XY, and the template attributes DIM_B and DIM_C will show the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the second leg D2, and DIM_E and DIM_F the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the fourth leg D4:
rebar_schedule_config.inp (Example 2)
BEND_TYPE_6_2[1]="XY" BEND_TYPE_6_2[2]="DIM_A=D1" BEND_TYPE_6_2[3]="DIM_B=D2*COS(A2*PI/ 180)" BEND_TYPE_6_2[4]="DIM_C=D2*SIN(A2*PI/ 180)" BEND_TYPE_6_2[5]="DIM_D=D3" BEND_TYPE_6_2[6]="DIM_E=D4*COS(A1*PI/ 180)" BEND_TYPE_6_2[7]="DIM_F=D4*SIN(A1*PI/ 180)" BEND_TYPE_6_2[8]="DIM_G=D5" BEND_TYPE_6_2[9]="DIM_TD=TD"
The following example maps the internal bending type 4 to the bending type identifier A if the dimensions D1 and D3 are the same. Otherwise it maps 4 to B:
rebar_schedule_config.inp (Example 3)
BEND_TYPE_4[1]=if (D1==D3) then ("A") else ("B") endif BEND_TYPE_4[2]="DIM_A=D1" BEND_TYPE_4[3]="DIM_B=D2" BEND_TYPE_4[4]="DIM_C=D3" BEND_TYPE_4[5]="DIM_TD=TD"
If Tekla Structures does not recognize a reinforcing bar bending shape, it uses the internal bending type UNKNOWN for it. In the rebar_schedule_config.inp file you can also define how unknown bending types appear in drawings and reports. For example, you may just want to use the bending type identifier ???, and list all leg dimensions and bending angles:
189
rebar_schedule_config.inp (Example 4)
BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[1]="???" BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[2]="DIM_A=D1" BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[3]="DIM_B=D2" BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[4]="DIM_C=D3" BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[5]="DIM_D=D4" BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[6]="DIM_E=D5" BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[7]="DIM_F=D6" BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[8]="ANG_S=A1" BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[9]="ANG_T=A2" BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[10]="ANG_U=A3" BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[11]="ANG_V=A4" BEND_TYPE_UNKNOWN[12]="DIM_TD=TD"
See also
DIM_A ... DIM_G, DIM_H1, DIM_H2, DIM_I, DIM_J, DIM_K1, DIM_K2, DIM_O, DIM_R, DIM_R_ALL, DIM_TD, DIM_X, DIM_Y ANG_S, ANG_T, ANG_U, ANG_V SHAPE SHAPE_INTERNAL Reinforcing bar bending types (p. 167)
190
You can define your own custom reinforcing bar bending shapes with the Rebar shape manager tool, and thus increase the amount of recognised reinforcing bar shapes. Custom bending shapes are useful when Tekla Structures does not recognize a reinforcing bar bending shape and assigns it UNKNOWN bending type. The custom bending shapes can be used in bending schedules and pull-out pictures in the same way as the predefined, Tekla Structures internal bending shapes. You can also import and export the custom bending shapes. When you define your custom shapes, an XML file called RebarShapeRules.xml is created in the currect model folder. By default, Tekla Structures installation package already contains an XML file called RebarShapeRules.xml. The file is located in ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder, and it contains the most typical reinforcing bar shapes of your environment. These catalog shapes can be appended with your custom shapes.
Defining your own custom bending shapes is meant for advanced users.
See also
191
4.
Click Run. Rebar shape manager opens, and lists the selected reinforcing bars in the Model rebars list. The Model rebars list shows the ID number and the bending shape code of the reinforcing bars. The Catalog shapes list shows the shapes that exist in the RebarShapeRules.xml file.
Alternatively, you can first open Rebar shape manager and then select reinforcing bars in the model. Click Get selected to add the reinforcing bars to the Model rebars list.
5. 6.
Select one unknown shape from the Model rebars list. Define the needed bending shape information. Use the Shape code box to enter a shape code for an unknown shape.
Bending shape rules lists the rules for the bending shape. You can add or a delete a rule by clicking the Add and Delete buttons. If you modify the Bending shape rules, the Reset button restores the original rules.
Select the Require hooks check box if you want to define different shape codes for two bars that otherwise have exactly the same geometry, but the other bar has hooks and the other one does not have hooks. By default, the hooks are not required and the check box is not selected. Use Bending schedule fields to define the content for a bending schedule. Rightclick a field to select the shape properties, or to enter a formula. If you have already defined the shape code for the selected reinforcing bar but have modified the shape code, bending shape rules or the bending schedule field definitions, click Update to update the existing shape code definition.
The names of the Bending schedule fields (A, B, and so on) are used in templates and reports. To make sure that also old reports work corrcetly, we recommend that you use the same DIM_XX fields as used in the rebar_schedule_config.inp file. 7. When you have finished defining the new shape, click Add to add the bending shape definition to the RebarShapeRules.xml file. To enable the Add button you need to change the bending shape rule, enter a shape code or require the hooks.
8.
Click Save to save the RebarShapeRules.xml file. By default, the file is located in the current model folder. Next time you create, for example, a bending schedule, Tekla Structures uses the updated bending shape information and recognizes the added bending shape and assigns a correct bending shape code to it.
Modeling direction
When the reinforcing bar shape is being defined, the start or end of the modeling direction is always sorted based on the bending angles and/or leg lengths. This means that the shape code will be the same regardless of the modeling direction. Bending radius is not taken into consideration in the sorting, and therefore it cannot be trusted that radius 1 is always less than radius 2 or vice versa.
192
See also
User-defined reinforcing bar bending shapes (p. 191) Defining rules for reinforcing bar bending shapes manually (p. 193) XS_USE_USER_DEFINED_REBARSHAPERULES
Defining additional rules for bending shapes is meant for advanced users.
See also
All the rule options are available in the New bending rule dialog box, even though only certain selections are valid, depending on the type of the conditions used. The left and right condition of a rule need to be of the same type.
Option
Angle
Description Bending angle between the legs. Bending angle is always between 0 and +180 degrees. The angle cannot be negative.
Twist angle
Angle around the reinforcing bar center axis before the bar is bent. For flat bars the twist angle is either 0 or +180 degrees. For other bars the twist angle is between -180 and +180 degrees.
193
Option
Radius
used in all bendings. Rule Radius * = Radius 1 means that all the bendings have equal radius.
Straight length
Straight length between the start and the end of adjacent bendings. The field is available when there is no straight part, for example, Straight length 2 = 0.
Length of the leg. Distance from the furthermost outer corner of a leg perpendicular to another leg. Leg direction as a vector value. Standard minimum bending radius. The bending radius depends on the size and the grade of the bar.
Diameter of the reinforcing bar. Constant value of the angle. Enter the value in the right-most box. Constant value of the radius. Enter the value in the right-most box.
Constant radius
194
User-defined reinforcing bar bending shapes (p. 191) Defining your own reinforcing bar bending shapes (p. 191) Defining rules for reinforcing bar bending shapes manually (p. 193)
195
Index
a
acos.............................................................................. 93 adaptivity reinforcement ...................................................... 143 add anchor rod ............................................................. 25 base plate.............................................................. 25 beam to column connection .................................. 26 adding points bent mesh ........................................................... 148 reinforcement ...................................................... 148 reinforcing bar ..................................................... 148 reinforcing bar group ........................................... 148 anchor rods add ........................................................................ 25 anchoring hooks ......................................................... 135 asin............................................................................... 93 assemblies defining.................................................................. 33 atan .............................................................................. 93 atan2 ............................................................................ 93 attaching reinforcement to parts ......................................... 141 AutoConnection using...................................................................... 42 automatic distances.................................................... 130 automatic properties..................................................... 14 ave................................................................................ 90 bending shapes defining................................................................191 reinforcing bars....................................................191 bending types defining................................................................191 reinforcing bars....................................................191 bent mesh adding points .......................................................148 removing points ...................................................149 bind to plane .................................................................79 binding using magnetic planes .....................................84 bolt assemblies defining in connections..........................................41 bolts bolt group orientation.............................................36 bolt group pattern ..................................................37 bolt position ...........................................................37 bolt spacing ...........................................................36 defining........................................................... 33, 35 deleting..................................................................40 edge distance ........................................................37 increasing bolt length ............................................35 number of ..............................................................36 overview of properties on the bolts tab..................33 Boundary plane ..........................................................125 box plane ....................................................................119 browser.......................................................................124
c
cast-in-place ............................. 145, 147, 148, 149, 150 cast-in-situ ................................ 145, 147, 148, 149, 150 ceil ................................................................................90 CIP............................................ 145, 147, 148, 149, 150 collision plane .............................................................119 columns connect to beam....................................................26 combining reinforcing bar groups .........................................150 reinforcing bars....................................................150 component catalog .......................................................17 component design checking ................................................................16
b
base plate add ........................................................................ 25 beam profiles selecting ................................................................ 30 beams connect to column ................................................. 26 bending radius............................................................ 134
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
196
components concepts................................................................ 10 conceptual............................................................. 27 copying.................................................................. 22 creating view ......................................................... 27 detailed.................................................................. 27 dialog box.............................................................. 11 publish in catalog .................................................. 22 symbols ................................................................. 19 thumbnails............................................................. 21 types...................................................................... 10 using excel ............................................................ 58 viewing .................................................................. 27 conceptual components .........................................27, 28 conceptual reinforcement ........................................... 151 concrete cover............................................................ 137 connect beam to column..................................................... 26 connection library, see component catalog .................. 17 Connection plane ....................................................... 125 connections beam to column..................................................... 26 defining bolt assemblies........................................ 41 construction planes ...................................................... 84 copying components........................................................... 22 cos................................................................................ 93 cosh.............................................................................. 93 creating distance............................................................... 128 custom component settings................................................................ 127 custom component browser ....................................... 124 custom component settings........................................ 127 custom component wizard............................................ 66 custom components browser ................................................................. 76 defining..........................................................66, 117 editor ..................................................................... 74 exporting and importing....................................... 112 interface .............................................................. 105 password............................................................. 113 properties .............................................................. 72 protecting ............................................................ 113 tips on working with............................................. 115 types...................................................................... 70 updating ................................................................ 73 using.................................................................... 111 custom connections...................................................... 66 custom details .............................................................. 66 custom reinforcement meshes ................................... 151 customizing reinforcement ..............................................151, 153
d
default properties..........................................................14 default values setting with the joints.def file .................................46 defining bending shapes ...................................................191 bending types ......................................................191 Design tab ....................................................................16 Design type tab.............................................................16 detailed components ............................................. 27, 28 detailed reinforcement ................................................151 distance ........................................................................79 reference distance.................................................81 distance variable.........................................................128 double...........................................................................91
e
edge distance bolts.......................................................................37 end end plane.............................................................119 Excel.............................................................................59 excel example.................................................................59 using for components ............................................58 using with custom components ...........................114 Excel.vb ........................................................................59 exp................................................................................89 exploding reinforcement ......................................................150 exploding components..................................................66
f
fabs...............................................................................89 fAD() .............................................................................93 find................................................................................91 floor...............................................................................90 formulae........................................................................86 fP()................................................................................88 functions for equations .................................................87
g
general tab....................................................................15
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
197
geometry reinforcement.......................................................151 getat..............................................................................91 grouping mesh....................................................................147 reinforcement.......................................................147 reinforcing bar group ...........................................147 gusset plane ...............................................................119
m
magnetic planes............................................................84 match ............................................................................91 materials defining ..................................................................32 max ...............................................................................90 mesh ...........................................................................161 bent......................................................................161 grouping...............................................................147 polygonal .............................................................161 ungrouping...........................................................145 min ................................................................................90 mod ...............................................................................89 model browser ............................................................124 modeling tips working with custom components........................115 modifying reinforcement.......................................................141 moving reinforcement splice.............................................166
h
handles of reinforcement...................................................142 holes creating..................................................................35 hypot .............................................................................89
i
In...................................................................................89 indicating component status with Excel design ............62 int..................................................................................91
n
n! ...................................................................................89
j
joints.def about......................................................................47 bolt and part properties..........................................51 bolt properties in clip angle connections................50 bolt properties in diagonal connections .................51 bolt properties in end plate connections ................50 bolt properties in gusset connections ....................50 bolt properties in shear plate connections .............50 connections that use joints.def ..............................48 defining bolt diameter and number of rows ...........50 defining global defaults..........................................48 entering values ......................................................48 example of how Tekla Structures uses..................57 how it works...........................................................47 interpreting.............................................................47
o
omitting reinforcing bars..............................................138 Outline plane...............................................................125
p
parameters....................................................................85 part position number .....................................................31 parts defining ..................................................................29 dialog box tabs.......................................................29 dimensioning..........................................................30 part position number ..............................................31 setting default prefix and start number ..................31 passwords custom component ..............................................113 plane types..................................................................125 plates defining ..................................................................29 dimensioning..........................................................30
l
length ............................................................................91 log .................................................................................89
198
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
pow............................................................................... 89 prestressed strands debonding ........................................................... 163 properties automatic............................................................... 14 default ................................................................... 14 system default ....................................................... 14 publish in catalog.......................................................... 22
r
rebar ........................................................................... 155 bending types...................................................... 167 rebar group................................................................. 156 rebar mesh ................................................................. 161 reference distances .................................................... 129 reference function......................................................... 88 reinforcement adaptivity ............................................................. 143 adding points....................................................... 148 basic properties................................................... 134 bending radius..................................................... 134 bending types...................................................... 134 conceptual........................................................... 151 customizing ......................................................... 153 defining as custom components.......................... 153 detailed................................................................ 151 exploding............................................................. 150 geometry ............................................................. 151 grouping .............................................................. 147 hooks................................................................... 135 in templates......................................................... 188 invalid geometry .................................................. 151 modifying............................................................. 141 omitting bars........................................................ 138 prestressed strands............................................. 163 removing points................................................... 149 spacing................................................................ 138 splice ................................................................... 166 strands ................................................................ 163 ungrouping .......................................................... 145 user-defined attributes ........................................ 139 reinforcement mesh.................................................... 161 customizing ......................................................... 151 reinforcement splice moving................................................................. 166 reinforcing bar ............................................................ 155 bending shapes................................................... 191 bending types...................................................... 191 reinforcing bar bending shape rules .................................................................... 193
reinforcing bar group ..................................................156 adding points .......................................................148 circular.................................................................160 combining ............................................................150 curved..................................................................158 grouping ..............................................................147 removing points ...................................................149 ungrouping ..........................................................145 reinforcing bar groups splitting ................................................................150 reinforcing bars adding points .......................................................148 bending types ......................................................167 combining ............................................................150 removing points ...................................................149 removing points bent mesh............................................................149 reinforcement ......................................................149 reinforcing bar .....................................................149 reinforcing bar group ...........................................149 reports on reinforcement .................................................188 round ............................................................................89 rules reinforcing bar bending shape.............................193
s
seam.............................................................................70 setat..............................................................................91 setting up Excel files.....................................................59 sin .................................................................................93 sinh ...............................................................................93 sketch browser ...........................................................124 slotted holes defining..................................................................39 spacing reinforcing bars .............................................138 spiral reinforcing bar groups .......................................156 splice ..........................................................................166 splitting reinforcing bar groups .........................................150 reinforcing bars in a group...................................150 sqave ............................................................................90 sqrt................................................................................89 sqsum ...........................................................................90 strand pattern reinforcement ......................................................163 string.............................................................................91 sum...............................................................................90 surface treatment in custom components ........................................105
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17
199
t
tan.................................................................................93 tanh...............................................................................93 tapered reinforcing bar groups....................................156 thumbnail images..........................................................21
updating custom components...............................................73 user-defined reinforcement attributes .........................139 using ASCII files with custom component...................114 using Excel with custom components .........................114
v
variables............................................................... 78, 120 viewing components ...........................................................27
u
ungrouping mesh....................................................................145 reinforcement.......................................................145 reinforcing bar group ...........................................145 up direction ...................................................................13
w
welds defining ........................................................... 33, 41
200
TEKLA STRUCTURES 17