Analysis Guide 180 Enu

Tekla Structures
Analysis Guide
Product version 18.0

February 2012
2012 Tekla Corporation
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Contents
Conventions used in this guide ..............................................................................................................3
Getting Started with Analysis....................................................................... 7
1.1
Basics...................................................................................................................................... 7
Carrying out structural analysis .............................................................................................................. 10
Members, bars and area objects.............................................................................................................. 10
Nodes and rigid links .................................................................................................................................. 11
Determining member properties........................................................................................ 12
Member analysis class................................................................................................................................ 13
Support conditions ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Defining support conditions ..................................................................................................................... 15
Support condition symbols ....................................................................................................................... 16
Analyzing composite beams ..................................................................................................................... 18
Viewing analysis results ..................................................................................................................... 18
Manual method - limitations ........................................................................................................... 19
Design information...................................................................................................................................... 19
Member position.......................................................................................................................................... 20
Analysis member offsets............................................................................................................................ 21
Analysis properties of components......................................................................................................... 22
Analysis properties of slab components................................................................................................ 23
Properties of intermediate members...................................................................................................... 24
Defining buckling lengths (columns) ..................................................................................................... 24
Effective buckling length ................................................................................................................... 25
Kmode options ...................................................................................................................................... 25
Analysis information and settings..................................................................................... 26
A closer look at the analysis model........................................................................................................ 26
Objects ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
Nodes connecting members and elements ................................................................................... 27
Loads in analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 28
Load modeling code .................................................................................................................................... 29
Analysis method........................................................................................................................................... 30
Additional information resources...................................................................................... 30
1.2
1.3
1.4
Contents
2
Loads.............................................................................................................. 33
2.1
Basics.................................................................................................................................... 33
Automatic loads and load groups ........................................................................................................... 34
Grouping loads .................................................................................................................... 34
Load group properties................................................................................................................................. 34
Load group compatibility........................................................................................................................... 35
Working with load groups......................................................................................................................... 36
Checking loads and load groups ...................................................................................................... 36
Changing the load group ................................................................................................................... 37
Importing and exporting load groups ............................................................................................ 37
Load types and properties .................................................................................................. 37
Load types...................................................................................................................................................... 38
Load forms ..................................................................................................................................................... 39
Load magnitude............................................................................................................................................ 40
Temperature loads and strain................................................................................................................... 41
Distributing loads................................................................................................................ 41
Attaching loads to parts or locations .................................................................................................... 41
Applying loads to parts .............................................................................................................................. 42
Loaded length or area................................................................................................................................. 43
Modifying load distribution ...................................................................................................................... 43
Working with loads............................................................................................................. 44
Changing loaded length or area.............................................................................................................. 45
Scaling loads in model views ................................................................................................................... 45
Defining varying wind loads ..................................................................................................................... 46
Load reference..................................................................................................................... 47
Load Groups... .............................................................................................................................................. 47
Create Point Load ........................................................................................................................................ 49
Create Line Load........................................................................................................................................... 50
Create Area Load.......................................................................................................................................... 51
Create Uniform Load................................................................................................................................... 53
Create Temperature Load .......................................................................................................................... 54
Create Wind Load ........................................................................................................................................ 55
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
Contents
3
Analysis and Design...................................................................................... 57
3.1
3.2
Analysis part properties...................................................................................................... 57

Analysis model properties .................................................................................................. 62
Objects in an analysis model.................................................................................................................... 62
Analysis model filter ............................................................................................................................ 64
Member axis.................................................................................................................................................. 64
Member end connectivity.......................................................................................................................... 65
Model merging with analysis applications........................................................................................... 65
Analysis method........................................................................................................................................... 65
Seismic analysis ........................................................................................................................................... 66
Modal analysis.............................................................................................................................................. 67
Design codes and methods ....................................................................................................................... 68
Design properties ................................................................................................................................. 68
Contents of STAAD.Pro results files and reports................................................................................. 68
Load combination ............................................................................................................... 69
Load combination properties.................................................................................................................... 69
Load combination factors.......................................................................................................................... 69
Load combination types............................................................................................................................. 70
Creating load combinations...................................................................................................................... 72
Automatic load combination.................................................................................................................... 73
Automatically including loads in combinations ................................................................................. 74
Manual load combination ......................................................................................................................... 74
Working with analysis and design models........................................................................ 75
Checking objects contained in an analysis model.............................................................................. 75
Changing model creation method .......................................................................................................... 75
Adding or removing analysis objects ..................................................................................................... 76
Viewing analysis results............................................................................................................................. 76
Exporting an analysis model..................................................................................................................... 77
Copying an analysis model........................................................................................................................ 77
Copying an analysis part ........................................................................................................................... 77
Analysis and design reference ........................................................................................... 78
Analysis > Analysis & Design Models... ................................................................................................. 78
Create Node................................................................................................................................................... 80
Create Rigid Link.......................................................................................................................................... 80
Merge Selected Nodes................................................................................................................................ 81
New.................................................................................................................................................................. 82
Creating analysis model rules ........................................................................................................... 85
Add selected objects ................................................................................................................................... 86
Remove selected objects ........................................................................................................................... 87
Load combinations... ................................................................................................................................... 87
Get results...................................................................................................................................................... 88
Reset Editing Of Selected Parts ............................................................................................................... 88
3.3
3.4
3.5
Getting Started with Analysis
Introduction
Audience
Assumed
background
Contents
This chapter explains how to prepare a Tekla Structures model for structural analysis and design. It
includes a general description of the principles of analysis and design and discusses the theoretical
basis of the analysis method used in Tekla Structures. This chapter also explains what is included in
the analysis model, and how it is included. You will also learn how to define support conditions for
parts.
This chapter is for engineers and designers who run structural analysis on concrete and steel
structures.
We assume that you have created parts.
This chapter is divided into the following sections:
Basics (7)
Determining member properties (12)
Analysis information and settings (26)
1.1 Basics
In this section
This section presents the basic vocabulary and concepts we use to describe structural analysis in
Tekla Structures. The illustrations below show the analysis concepts and procedures.
Basics
Basics
Parts
Loads
Node
Analysis bar and member
Analysis model
Physical and load models
Physical model
A physical model includes the parts you have created in the model, and information related to them.
Each part in the physical model exists in the completed structure.
Load model
The load model contains information about loads and load groups. It also contains information
about the building code Tekla Structures uses in load combination. To create a load model, see Loads
(33).
Analysis model
An analysis model is used when structural analysis is run.Tekla Structures generates the required
analysis members automatically for the physical model parts when you have an analysis model
selected in the Analysis & Design models dialog box. The following analysis objects are generated:
Nodes and analysis members and elements of the physical parts

Support conditions for nodes
Connectivity between the members and nodes
Loads to members and elements
The analysis model also includes load combinations.

Analysis
application
Tekla Structures links with a number of analysis applications and also supports export with them in
several formats. The analysis application you use to run structural analysis uses data from the
analysis model to generate analysis results.
For more information on the analysis applications that you can use with Tekla Structures, visit Tekla
Extranet at https://extranet.tekla.com. You can also access Tekla Extranet from Tekla Structures at
Help > Online Support > Tekla Extranet.
Tekla Structures analyzes parts using properties in the profile and

material catalogs, including user-defined properties. If there are no
profile or analysis properties in the catalog, Tekla Structures
calculates them using the profile dimensions in the model.
Topics
Carrying out structural analysis (10)

Members, bars and area objects (10)
Nodes and rigid links (11)
Basics
Carrying out structural analysis

To carry out structural analysis in Tekla Structures:
1. Create the main load-bearing parts to form the physical model. See About parts. There is no
need to detail or create connections at this stage.
To create accurate analysis models, make sure that connected parts

have common handles, for example, at grid line intersections.
2. Create the load model. See Loads (33).

3. Create a new analysis model and define its properties. See Analysis model properties (62) and
New... (82). The analysis parts are created automatically for the analysis model.
4. Set the support conditions for parts and connections, as well as other analysis properties for
individual members. See Determining member properties (12).
5. Create load combinations. See Load combinations... (87).
6. Check the analysis model in a Tekla Structures model view. See Checking objects contained in
an analysis model (75).
7. Check the analysis parts and modify their properties if needed.
Now you are ready to run the analysis by exporting the analysis model. See Exporting an analysis
model (77).
See also
The following sections discuss the theoretical basis of the analysis method used in Tekla Structures.
They also explain what is included in the analysis model, and how it is included.
Members, bars and area objects (10)

A closer look at the analysis model (26)
Loads in analysis (28)
Load modeling code (29)
Analysis method (30)
Members, bars and area objects

Every physical part that you select to include in the analysis model is represented by an analysis
part, containing various analysis properties.
(beams, columns, bracings) consist of one or more bars, and each bar object consists
of one or more members. Specifically, a bar consists of one or more members which lie along the
same line. In the most typical case, an analysis part consists of one bar, and one or more members if
split positions need to be created on the bar. Split positions are created to create proper
connectivity with intersections with other parts. An analysis part contains more than one bar if it is
a polybeam, or if it is tapered in a way that members do not lie on the same line.
Frame objects
Some analysis engines work on members whereas others work on bars. This affects also the drawing
of the analysis model. Either member or bar numbers are drawn in the view.
Slabs and walls are modeled as area objects. When transferred to the analysis engine, meshing
creates the individual elements of the area object.
See also
10
Basics
Nodes and rigid links

Nodes
Nodes
connect analysis members and elements. Tekla Structures creates nodes at:
The ends of members

The intersection points of member axes
The corners of elements
The following properties affect the exact location of nodes:
Part profiles, i.e. neutral axis and orientation

Part reference lines (see Part handles)
Location of member axes (see Member position (20) and Member axis (64))
Location and shape of elements
To force members to meet in the analysis model, Tekla Structures may need to merge nodes, shift or
extend member axes, create rigid links between nodes, ignore minor members, etc.
You can create additional nodes when needed. Sometimes, intermediate nodes are needed along a
member, for example, in frequency analysis.
The methods used to create a physical model affect the analysis

model. Because of this, you may need to try different modeling
methods and analysis model properties in order to create an
accurate analysis model of a complex physical model.
For more information on where and how Tekla Structures creates nodes, members, and elements,
see A closer look at the analysis model (26).
Rigid links
Rigid links are links between nodes that do not permit relative motion between them.
Rigid links have the following properties in the analysis model:
Profile = PL300.0*300.0
Material = RigidlinkMaterial
Density = 0.0
Modulus of elasticity = 100*109 N/m2

Poissons ratio = 0.30
Thermal dilatation coefficient = 0.0 1/K
The analysis engine may model rigid links by dedicated rigid link
objects.
See also
Create Node (80)

Create Rigid Link (80)
11
Basics
1.2 Determining member properties

You can define analysis properties for individual parts, or for an entire analysis model. This section
describes the properties of the individual analysis members. To define these, use the Analysis, Start
releases, End releases, Composite, Spanning, Loading, Design, Position, Bar Attributes and Area
Attributes tabs in the analysis part properties dialog boxes, or the Analysis tab in the connection
and detail dialog boxes.
To display the analysis part properties dialog box, select the part and click Analysis > Analysis Part
Properties.
You can set analysis properties for parts before creating an analysis
model. The analysis properties are applied when the parts are added
in an analysis model.
For more information on using common properties for the parts in an analysis model, see Analysis
model properties (62).
Topics
Member analysis class (13)

Member position (20)
Analysis member offsets (21)
Analysis properties of components (22)
Analysis properties of slab components (23)
Analyzing composite beams (18)
Support conditions (14)
Defining support conditions (15)
Design information (19)
12
Determining member properties
Properties of intermediate members (24)

Defining buckling lengths (columns) (24)
Member analysis class

Use the Analysis tab in the analysis part properties dialog boxes to define how Tekla Structures
handles individual members in the analysis. The following table lists the options in the Class list.
Tekla Structures shows the member analysis class of parts using different colors in the analysis
model. The Color column lists these colors.
Option
Beam
Description
Color
Line object of two nodes.
Dark red
Member can take any load, including temperature.

Column
Vertical line object of two nodes. Modeled from bottom

to top.
Dark red

Secondary
Line object of two nodes.
Dark red

Members that are classified as SecondaryKeep axis
position always is off by default and secondary parts
snap to nearest nodes instead of part end nodes.
Wall
Polygon object of three or more nodes.
Aqua
For rectangular concrete panels and concrete slabs using

design codes ACI and BS 8110 only.
Tekla Structures analyzes the concrete panel or slab as a
shear wall that does not take any direct loads.
Slab
Polygon object of three or more nodes.
Aqua

The options above combined with one of the following:
Truss
Member can only take axial forces, not bending or

torsion moments, or shear forces. Usually used for brace
members.
Green
Truss - Tension
only
Member can only take tensile axial forces, not moments

or shear forces. If this member goes into compression, it
is ignored in the analysis.
Pink
Truss Compression only
Member can only take compressive axial forces, not

moments or shear forces. If this member goes into
tension, it is ignored in the analysis.
Yellow
Ignore
Member ignored in the analysis.
Member is
not shown
in the
model.
Self weight load is taken into account, if you have set

the Generate self weight load to Yes on the Loading
tab.
Shell
Member can take any load, except temperature. Use to

analyze slabs, panels, and plates.
13
Aqua
Option
Description
Rigid diaphragm
Color
Only applies to contour plates and concrete slabs

parallel to the global xy plane.
Lilac
Nodes that belong to a part matching the filter will be

connected with rigid links which together affect
displacement. For example, you can use column_filter
to connect only column nodes to rigid diaphragms.
Plate
Same as Shell but plate, membrane, or mat foundation

elements are used in the analysis application.
Membrane
Mat foundation
Aqua
Aqua
Aqua
The analysis application that you use may not support all options.
For more information on members with the Truss, Tension only, or Compression only setting, see A
closer look at the analysis model (26).
To indicate the member analysis class of parts in an object group using colors:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Click View > Representation > Object Representation....

Select the object group.
In the Color column, select Color by analysis type.
Click Modify.
For more information on object representation and object groups, see Object representation
settings and Object groups.
See also
Support conditions
In structural analysis, the stresses and deflections of a part depend on how it is supported by, or
connected to, other parts. You normally use restraints or springs to model connections. These
determine how analysis members move, deflect, warp, deform, etc., in relation to each other, or to
nodes.
Member ends and nodes have degrees of freedom (DOF) in three directions. The displacement of a
member end can be free or fixed, and the rotation can be pinned or fixed. If the degree of
connectivity is between free, or pinned, and fixed, use springs with different elastic constants to
model them.
Tekla Structures uses part, connection, or detail properties to determine how to connect members in
the analysis model. To define the member end conditions, use the Start releases and End releases
tabs in the analysis part properties dialog boxes. The connection and detail dialog boxes have
Analysis tabs.
The analysis properties of a member determine the degrees of freedom for each end of a main part
or member. The first end of a part has a yellow handle, the second end has a magenta handle. See
also Part handles.
See also
14
Defining support conditions

Parts
Plates
Connections and
details
Support
conditions
Use the Start releases and End releases tabs in the analysis part properties dialog boxes to define
support conditions. The Start releases tab relates to the first part end (yellow handle), the End
releases tab to the second part end (magenta handle).
To define the support conditions of contour plates, concrete slabs, and concrete panels, use the
Supported list box on the Area attributes tab in the analysis part properties dialog box.
Use the Analysis tab in the connection or detail dialog boxes to define the support conditions for
the members and node in a connection. Use the Member selection list box to associate the support
conditions with each connection part (Primary, 1. secondary, 2. secondary, etc.).
Tekla Structures includes four predefined combinations for member ends, and an option for userdefined settings. The predefined combinations (the first four in the following table) automatically
set the appropriate support conditions and degrees of freedom. The combinations are:
Combination
Support
condition
Translational
DOFs
Rotational DOFs
Supported
Fixed
Fixed
Supported
Fixed
Pinned
Connected
Fixed
Fixed
Connected
Fixed
Pinned
Use this option to define your own settings for the

supports and connections at member ends. You can use
springs and almost any combination of degrees of
freedom.
To ensure that the part remains stable, and that all loads applied to
it pass through to the other structures, avoid using combinations
with too many degrees of freedom.
The support conditions of a member end can be:
15
Option
Description
Connected
Member end is
connected to an
intermediate analysis
node (another part).
Indicate degrees of
freedom for the node.
Supported
Member end is the

ultimate support for a
superstructure (for
example, the foot of a
column in a frame).
Indicate degrees of
freedom for the support.
Displacements
and rotations
U denotes translational degrees of freedom (displacement). R denotes rotational degrees of

freedom (rotation). Define the degrees of freedom in the global coordinate system. The options are:
Option
More information
Free
Only applies to translational degrees of

freedom.
Pinned
Only applies to rotational degrees of freedom.
Fixed
Spring
Enter translational and rotational spring

constants. The units Tekla Structures uses
depend on the programs unit settings.
Partial release
Only applies to rotational degrees of freedom.

Use to specify the degree of connectivity, if it is
between fixed and pinned. Enter a value
between 0 (fixed) and 1 (pinned).
See also

Analysis part properties (57)
Support condition symbols

Tekla Structures displays symbols for nodes that indicate the support conditions of a node.
16
Symbol
Support condition
No supports
Pinned connection
Fixed connection
Translational direction fixed
Translational direction spring
17
Symbol
Support condition
Rotational fixed
Rotational spring
See also

Analyzing composite beams

Composite beams consist of a beam and studs, with a concrete slab on top of the beam. You can
define the analysis properties of the slabs in composite beams, and define the width of the slab
manually or automatically.
To define the properties of the concrete slab in a composite beam:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Open the Beam Analysis Properties dialog box and go to the Composite tab.
Select the Composite beam option in the Composite beam list.
Select a Material and enter the Thickness of the slab.
To define the effective slab width:
See also
Manual method: Select the To the left from the beam and/or To the right of the beam
option button and enter a value in the field next to these buttons. See also Manual method
- limitations (19).
Automatic method: For the left and right side, select the Automatic, half of span length
divided by option button and enter a value in the field next to these buttons. When you run
the analysis, Tekla Structures calculates the effective slab width by dividing the span length
of the beam by the value you enter.
Viewing analysis results (18)

Viewing analysis results
To view the analysis results for composite beams, right-click the beam and select Inquire on the
pop-up menu. The analysis results include:
Element and node IDs

Effective width
Slab thickness
Slab material
Concrete strength
Rib width and height
18
Stud diameter and length
Manual method - limitations

Effective width cannot exceed the distance to the nearest beam.
Effective width cannot be more than half the distance to the nearest composite beam.
If there is no beam on either side of the composite beam, the slab width is zero. Use the
Automatic composite beam option to have Tekla Structures calculate the slab width.
Design information
Use the Design tab in the part properties dialog boxes to view and modify the design properties of
individual parts in an analysis model. Design properties are properties which can vary, according to
the design code and the material of the main part (for example, design settings, factors, and limits).
The properties you see when you first open the dialog box are the properties that apply to the entire
analysis model you have selected in the Analysis & Design Models dialog box. See also Design
codes and methods (68).
To set different design properties for specific parts, modify the values in the appropriate analysis
part properties dialog box.
For example, if the analysis model contains parts with different material grades, define the most
common material grade using the analysis model properties. Then change the material grade of
specific parts using the appropriate analysis part properties dialog box.
To omit individual members from the design check when you run the analysis, set the following
properties to No:
Steel parts: Check design - Enable design check of member

Concrete parts: Calculate required area - Enable design check of member
19
See also

Defining buckling lengths (columns) (24)
Effective buckling length (25)
Kmode options (25)
Member position
Location of
member axes
The locations of the member axes of parts define where the analysis members actually meet, and
their length in the analysis model. They also affect where Tekla Structures creates nodes. See
Members, bars and area objects (10) and A closer look at the analysis model (26).
Use the options in the Axis list on the Position tab in the analysis part properties dialog boxes to
define the member axis location of individual parts for analysis purposes. The options are:
Option
Description
Neutral axis
The neutral axis is the member axis for this

part. The location of the member axis changes
if the profile of the part changes.
Reference axis
The part reference line is the member axis for

this part. See also Part handles.
Reference axis
(eccentricity by
neutral axis)

this part. The location of the neutral axis
defines axis eccentricity.
Top plane
The member axis is bound to the top plane.
Middle plane
The member axis is bound to the middle plane.
Bottom plane
The member axis is bound to the bottom plane.
Left plane
The member axis is bound to the left plane.
Right plane
The member axis is bound to the right plane.
Middle plane (of

left/right)
The member axis is bound to the middle plane

of left/right.
Tekla Structures uses the options above for each part when you select the Model default option for
the member axis location in the analysis model properties. See New... (82) and Member axis (64).
If you select the Neutral axis option, Tekla Structures takes the part
location and end offsets into account when it creates nodes. See
End offsets. If you select either of the Reference axis options,
Tekla Structures creates nodes at part handles.
Keeping axis
position
Use the options in the Keep axis position list to define whether the axis position is changed
according to changes in the physical model. The options are:
20
Option
Connectivity
Description
No
The axis is free to move when snapping end positions to

nearby objects. Use this option for secondary members.
Partial - keep in major

direction
The axis is free to move partially, but the member is not

moved in major direction.
Partial - keep in minor

direction
The axis is free to move partially, but the member is not

moved in minor direction.
Yes
The axis are not moved, but end positions can move along
axis (thus extending or shortening the member).
Yes - Keep end

positions also
The axis and the end positions of the member are not
changed.
Use the Connectivity options to define the snapping conditions.

Option
Bound member
location
Description
Automatic
The member snaps or connects with rigid

links to other members.
Manual
The member does not snap or connect

with rigid links to other members.
Automatic connectivity to other
members is created only if the member
position matches exactly the other
member.
Use the options in Axis modifier X, Y and Z to define whether the member location is bound to
global coordinates, grid line or neither. The options are:
Option
Offset
Description
None
The member location is not bound.
Fixed coordinate
The member location is bound to the

coordinate you enter in the X, Y or Z box.
Nearest grid
The member is bound to the nearest grid

line (the snap zone is 1000 mm).
Use the Offset X, Y and Z boxes to define the member location in global coordinates.
Use the options in the Longitudinal offset mode list to define if the part end offsets of the physical
part are considered when Tekla Structures creates the analysis part. For more information see
Analysis part properties (57).
See also
Analysis member offsets

Use offsets at the ends of analysis members to shorten or lengthen members in their local x
directions, for analysis purposes and to take the eccentricity effects into account.
21
For example, if a beam only actually spans the clear distance between two supporting columns, you
can use offsets to only include the clear distance in the analysis, instead of the distance between
the center points of the columns.
Another example is an eccentric connection between a precast concrete column and beam. To take
the eccentricity of the load from the beam into account, use the analysis offsets of the beam.
Use the Bar attributes tab in the analysis part properties or connection dialog boxes to define the
offset at each end of a member. For more information, see Analysis part properties (57).
See also

Analysis properties of components

Use the Analysis tab in the connection or detail dialog boxes to define how Tekla Structures handles
connections and details in the analysis.
The analysis properties of connections and details are:
22
Property
Description
Use analysis
restraints
Set to Yes to use the analysis properties of the

connection or detail in the analysis, instead of
the analysis properties of the parts in the
connection.
You must also select Yes in the Member end
release method by connection list box in the
Analysis Model Properties dialog box when
you create the analysis model. See Member end
connectivity (65).
Member selection
Use to associate the analysis properties with

each connection part (Primary, 1. secondary,
2. secondary, etc.).
Restraint
combination
See Support conditions (14) and Defining

support conditions (15).
Support condition
See also
Longitudinal
member offset
See Analysis member offsets (21).
Analysis profile
Tekla Structures uses this profile in the

analysis, instead of the one in the physical
model, in order to take the stiffness of the
connection or detail into account.
Analysis profile
length
This means that in the analysis, Tekla

Structures overrides the profile of the part in
the physical model, for this length.
Analysis properties of slab components

Use the Analysis tab in the Slab generation with polygon plate (61) and Slab generation with
points (62) dialog boxes to define the analysis properties of parts created using these components.
The following table lists the analysis properties of slab components. The option you select in the
Analysis type list box limits the other properties you can define (see the Only use for column).
Property
Analysis type
Description
Only use for
How Tekla Structures analyzes the slabs.
Ignore: Slabs are not analyzed.

Beam: Analyze each slab as a beam.
Plate: Analyze each slab as a plate.
Rigid diaphragm: Analyze slabs as a
rigid diaphragm.
See also Member analysis class (13).

Beam axis
The location of the beam axis. See also

Member position (20).
23
Beam
Property
Description
Only use for
Restraints
The support conditions of beam ends.

The options are Pinned and Fixed.
Beam
Plate plane
The plane on which to create the

elements and nodes. If you select Top
plane, Tekla Structures creates the
elements on the top surface of the slab.
Plate
Element type
The shape of the elements.
Plate
Element size
x and y: The approximate dimensions of

the elements, in the local x and y
direction of the slab. For triangular
elements, the approximate dimensions
of the bounding box around each
element.
Plate
Holes: The approximate size of the

elements around openings.
Filter
Nodes that belong to a part matching

the filter will be connected to the rigid
diaphragm. For example, you can use
column_filter to connect only column
nodes to rigid diaphragms.
Rigid
diaphragm
Properties of intermediate members

When creating an analysis model, Tekla Structures may need to produce more than one analysis
member for each physical part. This can result in intermediate members and member ends.
Tekla Structures determines the analysis properties of intermediate members as follows:
1. The member analysis type and member axis location of the analysis members are the same as of
the original part.
2. The analysis offsets of the part ends apply to the corresponding analysis member ends.
Intermediate member ends do not have analysis offsets.
3. The support conditions of all intermediate member ends are Connected. The translational and
rotational degrees of freedom are all Fixed. This reflects the nature of the physical part, which
is a continuous length.
4. The effective buckling length of each analysis member is K*L. K is the length factor for buckling.
L is length, a value described by the Kmode design property. For more information, see Defining
buckling lengths (columns) (24).
5. The other design properties are the same for the analysis members as for the original part.
See also
Defining buckling lengths (columns)

Tekla Structures allows you to define buckling lengths for column segments, which represent the
building levels. Tekla Structures automatically divides columns into segments at the point where a
support in the buckling direction exists, or where the column profile changes.
See also
Effective buckling length (25)

Kmode options (25)
24
Effective buckling length

Effective buckling length is K*L, where K is the length factor and L is the buckling length. To
calculate a parts effective buckling length:
1. Open the analysis part properties dialog box and go to the Design tab.
2. Select an option for Kmode. For more information about the available options, see Kmode
options (25).
3. Enter one or more values in the K - Length factor for buckling field. The number of values you
can enter depends on the option you selected in the Kmode field. For multiple values:
Enter a value for each column segment starting with the lowest segment, and
Use spaces to separate multiple values:
You can also use multiplication to repeat factors, for example, 3*2.00.
4. Go to the L - Buckling length field:

To automatically calculate length values, leave the fields blank.
To override one or more length values, enter values in the relevant buckling length fields.
The number of values you need to enter depends on the option you selected in the Kmode
field. You can use multiplication to repeat buckling lengths, for example, 3*4000.
5. Create the analysis model and use the Tools > Inquire > Object command on a part. The
Inquire Object dialog box opens and displays the member number and the effective buckling
length for each segment:
Kmode options
Use the Kmode options to define how Tekla Structures calculates buckling lengths. The options are:
Option
Description
Physical member
L is the length of the column.
Column segment
L is the length of one column segment.
25
Option
Description
Column segment,
multiple values
L is the length of one column segment

with user-defined factors and lengths for
each column segment.
Analytical member
L is the length of the member in the

analysis model.
Analytical member,
multiple values
L is the length of the member in the

analysis model with user-defined factors
and lengths for each member.
1.3 Analysis information and settings

This section generally discusses the analysis process and describes analysis settings.
Topics
A closer look at the analysis model (26)

Loads in analysis (28)
A closer look at the analysis model

This section gives detailed information on how Tekla Structures creates analysis models of physical
models.
The methods used to create a physical model affect the analysis

model. Because of this, you may need to try different modeling
methods and analysis model properties in order to create an
accurate analysis model of a complex physical model.
26
Analysis information and settings
See also
Objects (27)
Nodes connecting members and elements (27)
Objects
Tekla Structures ignores the following objects in the analysis, even if you have included them in the
analysis model (see Objects in an analysis model (62)):
Truss members
Parts and loads that are filtered out (see Analysis model filter (64))
Component objects (minor parts, bolts, reinforcing bars, etc.)
Parts with the Ignore setting (see Member analysis class (13))
Tekla Structures does not split members with the Truss, Tension only, or Compression only setting
(truss members) when two or more truss members intersect with a normal member or with another
truss member.
Nodes connecting members and elements
Tekla Structures first creates analysis nodes:
On member axes at the ends of parts

At the intersection points of member axes
At the corners of elements
Tekla Structures then checks if the analysis members have common nodes.
Tekla Structures creates common nodes for members if a connection exists between the members.
Element nodes
This is how Tekla Structures creates nodes when plates connect with other parts:
Connected part
Node colors
Action
Beam
Tekla Structures splits the beam and creates nodes

in it at the element corners.
Column
Tekla Structures creates a node at the column.
Another plate
Tekla Structures creates the analysis elements so

that the plates have common nodes on the edges
of the plates.
The color of the node shows the status of the connectivity of the node and whether the node has
been selected.
Node color
Magenta
Connectivity
status
Selection
Disconnected
Example
Selected
27
Node color
Connectivity
status
Selection
Magenta
Disconnected
Not selected
Green
Connected
Selected
Green
Connected
Not selected
Example
Loads in analysis
These are the principles that Tekla Structures follows when it processes loads in the physical model
to create analysis model loads.
You define which loads are included in the analysis model. Tekla Structures applies these loads to
members and elements, based on each loads part name or selection filtering criteria, bounding box,
and load panel properties. See Applying loads to parts (42) and Modifying load distribution (43).
In load decomposition, the parts to which a load is applied are projected to the load plane. The load
is then applied to these parts according to the load panel properties, of which the loads spanning
properties and distance from each part are most important.
Point loads
A point load is applied to the nearest node, or member or element location. If the point load is not
located directly on any of these, it may either snap to the nearest location or it may be split into
several loads, depending on the filtering criteria, bounding box, and load panel properties.
Line loads
A line load is transferred to members and elements that are inside the bounding box of the line load,
and that match the part name or selection filtering criteria of the load. In special cases the line load
may be decomposed to point loads if it is not perpendicular to the part it is applied to. If several
members receive the load, the load is distributed based on the length of each member and the
distance between the load and member.
Area and uniform

loads
Area loads are decomposed to line loads, and in special cases to point loads if they are not
perpendicular to the part they are applied to. These decomposed loads are then applied to members
and elements. Members inside the bounding box of the load and that match the part name or
selection filtering criteria receive the load. Load panel properties, especially single or double
spanning and spanning direction, also affect load decomposition.
Nodal load
Tekla Structures binds loads to nodes or members in the analysis model. A load is a nodal load if:
28
It is between two nodes and the distance to the nearest node is less than 110 mm.
It is not between two nodes (even outside the member) but inside the bounding box and meets
the part name or selection filtering criteria.
Nodal loads do not cause parts to bend.

Member load
If a load does not meet the criteria for the nodal load, it is a member load. Member loads lie along
the length of the member and cause member deformations.
Other loads
Temperature loads are like line loads which affect an entire member. The left, right, top, and bottom
surfaces of the member a temperature load affects define the direction of the load.
Load modeling code

Use the Options dialog box to determine the building code and safety factors Tekla Structures uses
in load combination.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Click Tools > Options > Options... > Load modeling.

Go to the Current code tab.
Select the code in the Load modeling code list box.
Change load combination factors on the appropriate tab if needed:
Tab
Description
Current code
More information
The code to follow in analysis

and load combination.
29
Tab
Description
More information
Eurocode
The partial safety factors in

limit states and reduction
factors, for the Eurocode,
based on load group types.
British

limit states, for the British
code, based on load group
types.
AISC (US)

limit states, for the US code,
UBC (US)
Uniform building code,

American code.
CM66 (F)

limit states, for the French
code for steel structures,
BAEL91 (F)

limit states, for the French
code for concrete structures,
IBC (US)
International building code.

American code.
ACI
American Concrete Institute

publication 318.
Load combination
factors (69)
5. Click OK.
If you have to change the code during a project, you will also need
to change the load group types and check load combinations.
Analysis method
You can use either the linear (first order), or non-linear (second order, P-delta), analysis method in
Tekla Structures. The non-linear method considers the non-linear nature of the geometry. This takes
into account major deflections, but not the non-linear nature of materials. Tekla Structures treats
materials as linear. See also Analysis method (65).
1.4 Additional information resources

You can find additional information related to Analysis & Design in the following locations:
Analysis & Design related webinars: http://www.tekla.com/international/solutions/buildingconstruction/Pages/wednesdaywebinarcampaign.aspx
30
Additional information resources
Information on the analysis applications Tekla Structures links with: https://

extranet.tekla.com/BC/tekla-structures-en/product/interfaces/Pages/Default.aspx
31
32
Loads
Introduction
In this chapter
Assumed
background
Contents
Once you have modeled physical structures by creating parts you can start adding loads. In Tekla
Structures, you can create point loads, line loads, area loads with uniform or variable distribution.
You can also model temperature, wind, and seismic loads. Either attach loads to specific parts or to
locations.
This chapter explains how to create and group loads. It also includes a general description of load
groups, load types, and load properties. Load reference (47) contains step-by-step instructions for
all load commands.
We assume that you have created a Tekla Structures model and have a basic understanding of
modeling.
Basics (33)
Grouping loads (34)
Load types and properties (37)
Distributing loads (41)
Working with loads (44)
Load reference (47)
2.1 Basics
This section presents some Tekla Structures vocabulary and concepts to help you start to model
loads.
Load model
A load model is the portion of the Tekla Structures model that includes all loads, together with the
load group and building code information related to them. Each load in a load model has to belong
to a load group. Each load can only belong to one load group. A load group can contain one or more
loads.
Load group
A load group is a set of loads that are treated alike during load combination. Load groups should
contain loads caused by the same action and to which you want to refer collectively. Tekla
Structures assumes that all loads in a group:
Have the same partial safety and other combination factors

Have the same action direction
Occur at the same time and all together
See Grouping loads (34) and Load combination (69).
Loads
33
Basics
You need to create load groups because the same action can cause different types of loads, for
example, point loads and area loads. See Load types (38). You can include as many loads as you like
in a load group, of any load type.
Working with
loads
In Tekla Structures, you can attach each load to a part for modeling purposes. You can also create
floating loads that are bound to locations rather than parts. See Attaching loads to parts or
locations (41).
Use the loads bounding box and part name filter or a selection filter to define which parts carry the
load. See Applying loads to parts (42).
Topics
Automatic loads and load groups (34)
Automatic loads and load groups

Self-weight
Tekla Structures automatically calculates the self-weight of structural parts using the density of the
material and the dimensions of the part.
To automatically include the self-weight of parts in load combinations, select the Include selfweight check box when you create load combinations. See Creating load combinations (72).
Wind loads
Seismic loads
Use the Wind load generator (28) tool to define the effects of wind on a structure. See Create
Wind Load (55).
To automatically include seismic loads in the x and y directions in load combinations:
1. Define the code to follow in the seismic analysis.
2. Define the load groups to include in the seismic analysis and their factors.
For more information, see Seismic analysis (66).
See also
Load combination types (70)

Attaching loads to parts or locations (41)
2.2 Grouping loads

Load groups should contain loads caused by the same action and to which you want to refer
collectively. Tekla Structures assumes that all loads in a group:
Topics
Have the same partial safety and other combination factors

Have the same action direction
Occur at the same time and all together
Load group properties (34)

Load group compatibility (35)
Working with load groups (36)
Load group properties

To define the properties of a load group, click the Load groups icon on the Loads and Analysis
toolbar to open the Load Groups dialog box. The properties are:
Current
When you apply loads in the model, Tekla Structures applies the Current load group. You can only
define one load group as Current.
Loads
34
Grouping loads
Name
Type
Each load group must have a unique name. Use load group names to define the visibility and
selectability of loads. For example, you can select, modify, or hide loads based on their load group.
See Filtering objects.
The type of a load group is the type of action that causes the loads.
Actions causing loads are building code specific. See Load modeling code (29). Most building codes
use some or all of the following actions and load group types:
Permanent, dead, and/or prestressing loads

Live, imposed, traffic, and/or crane loads
Snow loads
Wind loads
Temperature loads
Accidental and/or earthquake loads
Imperfection loads
Tekla Structures automatically determines and applies the selfweight of parts. See Automatic loads and load groups (34).
Direction
The direction of a load group is the global direction of the action that causes the loads. Individual
loads in a load group retain their own magnitudes in the global or local x, y, and z directions. See
also Load magnitude (40).
Load group direction affects which loads Tekla Structures combines in load combination:
Color
See also
z direction groups are combined with both x and y direction groups.

x or y direction groups are not combined with each other.
Use different colors for different load groups.

Load Groups... (47)
Load group compatibility

When Tekla Structures creates load combinations for structural analysis, it follows the building code
you select in Tools > Options > Options... > Load modeling. See Load modeling code (29) and Load
combination (69).
To accurately combine loads which have the same load group type, you need to identify which load
groups:
Can occur at the same time (are compatible)

Exclude each other (are incompatible)
To define load group compatibility, click Load groups icon on the Loads and Analysis toolbar to
open the Load Groups dialog box. Enter numbers to indicate compatibility.
Loads
35
Grouping loads
Compatibility
Incompatibility
Compatible load groups can act together or separately. They can actually be one single loading, for
example, a live loading that needs to be split in parts acting on different spans of a continuous
beam. Tekla Structures then includes none, one, several, or all of the compatible load groups in a
load combination.
Incompatible load groups always exclude each other. They cannot occur at the same time. For
example, a wind loading from the x direction is incompatible with a wind loading from the y
direction. In load combination Tekla Structures only takes into account one load group in an
incompatible grouping at a time.
Tekla Structures automatically applies basic compatibility facts,

such as self-weight being compatible with all other loads, or live
loads being compatible with wind load.
Tekla Structures does not combine loads in the x direction with
those in the y direction.
Compatibility indicators are all 0 by default. It indicates that Tekla
Structures combines the load groups as defined in the building
code.
See also
Load Groups... (47)

Working with load groups

Use the Load groups dialog box to view, define, modify, and delete load groups. For example, this is
where you set load group properties and indicate load group compatibility.
Click the Load groups icon on the Loads and Analysis toolbar to open the dialog box:
Load group types vary according to the code defined in Tools >
Options > Options... > Load modeling. If you have to change the
code during a project, you will also need to change the load group
types and check load combinations.
Checking loads and load groups
To find out which load group a load belongs to, select the load in the model and click the Load
groups by loads button. Tekla Structures highlights the load group in the dialog box.
Loads
36
Grouping loads
To find out which loads belong to a load group, select the load group in the dialog box and click the
Loads by load groups button. The associated loads are highlighted in the model.
If you have many loads in the model, you can show the group name and magnitude in the model
view by right-clicking a load and selecting Inquire from the pop-up menu. Tekla Structures also
highlights the parts that carry this load.
Changing the load group
To move a load to a different load group, select the load in the model, then select a load group in
the dialog box and click the Change load group button.
Importing and exporting load groups
To use the same load groups in other models, you can import and export load groups.
See also
Right-click on a load group in the Load Groups dialog box and select Export... from the pop-up
menu to allow the load group to be used in other models.
Right-click on the load group list in the Load Groups dialog box and select Import... from the
pop-up menu to use load groups from another model.
Load Groups... (47)
2.3 Load types and properties

Introduction
Each load has a type and properties which define it (e.g. magnitude, direction, and distribution). This
section describes the different load types and the properties of each load type.
Use the load properties dialog box to view or modify the properties of a load. Click Analysis >
Properties > Loads and select a load type to open its properties dialog box.
Filtering by
properties
Topics
You can use load types and groups in filters. For example, you can select, modify, or hide loads based
on their type and load group. See Filtering objects.
Load types (38)
Loads
37
Load types and properties
Load forms (39)

Load magnitude (40)
Temperature loads and strain (41)
See also
Grouping loads (34)

Distributing loads (41)
Load types
Tekla Structures includes the following load types:
Uniform load
Area load
Point load
Line loads
Load type
Point load
Description
A concentrated force or bending moment
that can be attached to a part.
Loads
38
Load type
Description
Line load
A linearly-distributed force or torsion. By

default it runs from a point to another
point. You can also create a line load with
offsets from the points. A line load can be
attached to a part. Its magnitude can vary
linearly across the loaded length.
Area load
A linearly-distributed force bounded by a

triangle or quadrangle. You do not have to
bind the boundary of the area to parts. Area
loads can have openings.
Uniform load
A uniformly-distributed force bounded by a

polygon. Uniform loads can have openings.
You do not have to bind the polygon to
parts.
Wind load
An area load that can be defined for zones

in the structure.
Temperature load
Strain
A uniform change in temperature, that

is applied to specified parts, and that
causes axial elongation in parts.
A temperature difference between two
surfaces of a part that causes the part
to bend.
An initial axial elongation or shrinkage of a

part.
To ensure that load analysis is correct, use area and uniform loads
for loads on floors. For example, when the layout of beams changes,
Tekla Structures recalculates the loads to the beams. It will not do
this if you use point or line loads on individual beams.
Load forms
Distributed loads (line and area loads) can have different load forms.
Line load
The load form of a line load defines how the load magnitude varies along the loaded length. The
options are:
Option
Description
The load magnitude is uniform across the
loaded length.
The load has different magnitudes at the ends
of the loaded length. The magnitude changes
linearly between the ends.
Loads
39
Option
Description
The load magnitude changes linearly, from zero
at the ends of the loaded length, to a fixed
value in the middle of the loaded length.
The load magnitude changes linearly, from zero
at one end of the loaded length, through two
(different) values, back to zero at the other end.
Area load
The load form of an area load defines the shape of the loaded area. It can be:
Option
Description
Quadrangular
Triangular
For information on how to define the length or area a load affects, see Loaded length or area (43).
See also
Load magnitude (40)
Load magnitude
Load magnitude can occur in x, y, and z directions. The coordinate system is the same as the current
work plane, so positive coordinates indicate a positive load direction. See Work plane.
For example, when you create loads perpendicular to sloped parts, shifting the work plane helps you
to place loads accurately. See Defining the work area.
Some types of loads can have several magnitude values. For example, the magnitude of line loads
may vary along the loaded length. See Load forms (39).
In the load properties dialog boxes, the following letters denote magnitudes of different types:
P is for a force acting on a position, along a line, or across an area.

M is for bending moments acting on a position or along a line.
T is for torsional moments acting along a line.
Loads
40
Temperature loads and strain

Temperature loads can be caused by:
An increase or decrease in temperature

A difference in temperature between the top and bottom surfaces of a part
A difference in temperature between the sides of a part
Temperature changes cause axial elongation or uniform volume expansion in parts.

Different surface temperatures cause parts to bend.
Strain
Strain is an initial axial elongation (+) or shrinkage (-) of a part.

To define the temperature loads and strain that affect parts, click Analysis > Properties > Loads >
Temperature Load... and use the Magnitude tab.
See also
Create Temperature Load (54)
2.4 Distributing loads

This section explains how to attach loads and how to define which parts, or lengths and areas of
parts, carry loads.
Topics
Attaching loads to parts or locations (41)

Applying loads to parts (42)
Loaded length or area (43)
Attaching loads to parts or locations

You can attach loads to parts or locations for modeling purposes.
Attaching a load to a part binds the load and the part together in the model. If the part is moved,
copied, deleted, etc., it affects the load. For example, a prestressing load moves with the part to
which it is attached, and disappears if the part is deleted.
If you do not attach a load to a part, Tekla Structures fixes the load to the position(s) you pick when
you create the load.
To attach a load to parts or locations, open the load properties dialog box. On the Distribution tab,
select an option in the Load attachment list box:
Option
Description
Attach to member
Attaches the load to a specific part. If the

part is moved, copied, deleted, etc., it
affects the load.
Dont attach
The load is not attached but it is considered

a floating load. This load is bound to the
position you pick when you create the load,
not to parts.
Loads
41
Distributing loads
If you select the Attach to member option, you must select the
part before picking the position for the load.
To define which parts carry a load, see Applying loads to parts (42).
Applying loads to parts

In order to apply loads in the structural analysis model, Tekla Structures searches for parts in the
areas that you specify. For each load, you can define the load-bearing parts by name or selection
filter, and the search area. To do this, open the loads properties dialog box and click the
Distribution tab.
Load-bearing
parts
To define the load-bearing parts by name:

1. In the Load-bearing parts list box:
Select Include parts by name to define the parts that carry the load.
Select Exclude parts by name to define the parts that do not carry the load.
2. Enter the part names.
You can use wildcards when listing the part names. See Wildcards.
To define the load-bearing parts by selection filter:

1. In the Load-bearing parts list box:
Select Include parts by filter to define the parts that carry the load.
Select Exclude parts by filter to define the parts that do not carry the load.
Loads
42
Distributing loads
2. Select the selection filter in the second list box.

For more information on selection filters and filtering, see Filtering objects.
Bounding box
Use the loads bounding box to define the area to search for the parts that carry the load. The
bounding box is the volume around the load that Tekla Structures searches for load-bearing parts.
Each load has its own bounding box. You can define the dimensions of a bounding box in the x, y,
and z directions of the current work plane. The dimensions are measured from the reference point,
line, or area of the load. See also Handles (45).
Offset distances from the reference line or area do not affect the size of the bounding box. See
Loaded length or area (43).
See also
Each loads load panel properties also affect which parts receive the load. See Modifying load
distribution (43).
Loaded length or area

If a line, area, or uniform load affects a length or area which is difficult to select in the model, select
one close to it. Then use the values in the Distances fields in the load properties dialog boxes to
pinpoint the length or area. You can shorten or divide the loaded length, and enlarge or reduce the
loaded area.
Line load
To shorten or divide the length of a line load, enter positive values for a and b.
Area load
To enlarge the area an area load affects, enter a positive value for a. To reduce the area, enter a
negative value.
Modifying load distribution

By default, Tekla Structures distributes loads using the panel method. To modify the way loads are
distributed, modify the properties on the Load panel tab in the load properties dialog box. The
properties are:
Property
Spanning
Description
Single: in the direction of the primary axis only
Double: along the primary and secondary axes
Primary axis
direction
If Spanning is set to Single, you can define the

primary axis direction by selecting a part in the
model and setting this option to Parallel to
part or Perpendicular to part.
To manually define the primary axis weight
when Spanning is set to Double, you must also
define the primary axis direction.
Loads
43
Distributing loads
Property
Automatic primary
axis weight
Description
Yes: Tekla Structures automatically calculates
the load portions for primary and secondary
directions.
No: Enter the weight for the primary direction
in the Weight field. Tekla Structures calculates
the weight for the secondary direction by
subtracting this value from 1.
Load dispersion
angle
The angle by which the load is projected onto

the surrounding elements.
Use continuous
structure load
distribution
Yes: for uniform loads on continuous slabs. For

the first and last spans, the distribution of
support reactions is 3/8 and 5/8, instead of 1/2
and 1/2.
No
Example
When using double spanning, automatic primary axis weight and the weight value affect the
proportions of the load which is applied to the primary axis and to the perpendicular axis.
If Automatic primary axis weight is Yes, the proportions will be in proportion to the third
power of the span lengths in these two directions, i.e. the shorter the span, the bigger the
proportion of the load. The Weight value does not matter.
If Automatic primary axis weight is No, the given Weight value (0.50 in this example) is used
to divide the load.
2.5 Working with loads

To modify the properties of a load, double-click it in the model to open the relevant load properties
dialog box.
Loads
44
Working with loads
When you have finished, click Modify to update the properties of the load in the model.
Topics
Changing loaded length or area (45)

Scaling loads in model views (45)
Defining varying wind loads (46)
Changing loaded length or area

As well as changing load properties, you can modify loads by:
Handles
Moving line load ends

Moving uniform load corners
Changing the shape of openings in loads
Adding corners to uniform loads
Tekla Structures indicates the ends and corners of line, area, and uniform loads using handles. When
you select a load, the handles are magenta.
You can use these handles to move load ends and corners:
1. Select the load to display its handles.
2. Click the handle you want to move. Tekla Structures highlights the handle.
3. Move the handle(s) like any other object. See Moving an object. If you have Drag and drop on,
just drag the handle to a new position. See Moving an object using drag-and-drop.
To add corners to uniform loads, use the Modify Polygon Shape command. See Modifying the
shape of a polygon.
Scaling loads in model views

You can have Tekla Structures scale loads when you are modeling. This ensures that loads are not
too small to see, or so large that they hide the structure.
To scale loads in model views, click Tools > Options > Options... > Load modeling and go to the
Arrow length tab:
Loads
45
Working with loads
Example
You define that point loads with magnitude of 1 kN or less are 250 mm high in the model, and point
loads with magnitude of 10 kN or more are 2500 mm high. Tekla Structures linearly scales all point
loads that have a magnitudes between 1 kN and 10 kN between 250 mm and 2500 mm.
Defining varying wind loads

The Create Wind Load (55) command allows you to define which zones have concentrated wind
load. Each zone is the height of the wall. Define the width of the zone using either dimensions or
proportions. You can define up to five zones for each wall.
In the example below, the loads in the global x direction are multiplied by 3 at both corners of wall
1.
Loads
46
Working with loads
The Wind load generator (28) dialog box contains one tab for each wind direction.
2.6 Load reference

This section consists of the reference pages for the load commands.
To create loads, use the icons on the Loads and Analysis toolbar or select a command from the
Analysis > Loads menu. The following table lists the commands for creating loads and gives a short
description of each one.
Command
Icon
Description
Load Groups... (47)
Displays the Load Groups dialog

box.
Create Point Load (49)
Creates a point load at a picked

position.
Create Line Load (50)
Creates a line load between two

picked points.
Create Area Load (51)
Creates an area load using three

picked points.
Create Uniform Load

(53)
Creates a uniformly-distributed
polygonal area load using at least
three picked points.
Create Wind Load (55)
Creates wind loads on a structure.
Create Temperature
Load (54)
Defines a temperature change in a

part, or a temperature difference
between two part surfaces.
Load Groups...
Synopsis
This command displays the Load Groups dialog box that you can use to manage load groups.
Loads
47
Load reference
Description
Tekla Structures lists all the existing load groups in the Load Groups dialog box. Use the dialog box
to view, define, modify, and delete load groups.
Column
Usage
Description
More information
Current
The @ symbol identifies the

current load group. To change
the current load group, select
a load group and click the Set
current button.
Name
Unique name of the load

group.
Type
Load group type, based on the

action that causes the loads
in the group.
Direction
Direction of the action that

causes the loads in the load
group.
Compatible
A number that identifies all

the load groups that are
compatible with each other.
Incompatible
A number that identifies all

the load groups that are
incompatible with each other.
Color
The color that Tekla

Structures uses to show the
loads in the group.
Load group
properties (34)
Load group
compatibility (35)
Load group
properties (34)
Click Analysis > Loads > Load Groups....

To define a new load group:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Add.
Select the default load group from the list.
Click the load group name to modify it.
Click the load group type and select a type from the list box.
Click the load group direction to modify it.
To indicate compatibility with existing load groups:
In the Compatible column, enter the number you have used for the load groups that are
compatible with this load group.
In the Incompatible column, enter the number you have used for the load groups that are
incompatible with this load group.
7. Click OK to close the dialog box.

To modify an existing load group:
1. Select the load group from the list.
2. Change the name, direction, group type, or compatibility indicators.
3. Click OK to close the dialog box.
To delete a load group:
1. Select the load group from the list.
Loads
48
Load reference
2. Click Delete.
3. Click OK in the warning dialog box. This also deletes the loads in the load group.
When you delete a load group, Tekla Structures also deletes all the
loads in the load group.
If you try to delete the only load group, Tekla Structures will warn
you. At least one load group must exist.
To find out which loads belong to a load group:
1. Open the Load Groups dialog box.
2. Select a load group in the dialog box.
3. Click the Loads by load groups button. Tekla Structures highlights the loads in the model.
To find out which load group a load belongs to:
1. Open the Load Groups dialog box.
2. Select a load in the model.
3. Click the Load groups by loads button. Tekla Structures highlights the load group in the dialog
box.
To move a load to a different load group:
1. Select the load in the model.
2. Select a load group in the Load Groups dialog box.
3. Click the Change load group button.
To export load groups:
1. Select the load groups to export in the Load Groups dialog box.
2. Right-click and select Export... from the pop-up menu.
3. In the Export Load Groups dialog box, browse for a folder and enter a name for the load group
file.
4. Click OK.
To import load groups:
1. In the Load Groups dialog box, right-click on the load group list and select Import... from the
pop-up menu.
2. In the Import Load Groups dialog box, browse for the load group files (.lgr) to import.
3. Click OK.
You can include several load groups in one load group file.
See also

Grouping loads (34)
Create Point Load

Synopsis
This command creates a point load at a position you pick.
Loads
49
Load reference
Preconditions
Description
Shift the work plane to create loads perpendicular to sloped parts.

Tekla Structures creates the point load using the properties in the Point Load Properties dialog box.
The filename extension of a point load properties file is lm1.
Field
Usage
See also
Description
More information
Load group
name
The load group to which the

load belongs.
Grouping loads (34)
Magnitude
tab
Load magnitudes in the x, y,

and z directions of the work
plane.
Load magnitude
(40)
Load
attachment
Indicates if the load is

attached to a part.
Attaching loads to
parts or locations
(41)
Load-bearing
parts
Parts to which the load is

applied, or not applied, on the
basis of part names or
selection filters.
Applying loads to
parts (42)
Bounding
box of the
load
Dimensions of the bounding

box in the x, y, and z
directions.
Load panel
tab
Properties used in the load

panel load distribution
method.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Load Groups... (47)
Modifying load
distribution (43)
Double-click the Create point load icon.

Enter or modify the load properties.
Click Apply or OK to save the properties.
If you have selected the Attach to member option, select the part to attach the load to.
Pick the position of the load.
Points
Creating a point
Using commands
Create Line Load

Synopsis
Preconditions
Description
This command creates a line load between two picked points.

Tekla Structures creates the line load using the properties in the Line Load Properties dialog box.
The filename extension of a line load properties file is lm2.
Loads
50
Load reference
Field
Usage
See also
Description
More information
Load group
name

load belongs.
Grouping loads (34)
Load form
Defines how the load

magnitude varies along the
loaded length.
Load forms (39)
Magnitude
tab

plane.
Load magnitude
(40)
Load
attachment

attached to a part.
Attaching loads to
parts or locations
(41)
Load-bearing
parts

selection filters.
Applying loads to
parts (42)
Bounding
box of the
load

directions.
Distances
Offsets from the load end

points, used to shorten or
lengthen the loaded length.
Loaded length or
area (43)
Load panel
tab

method.
Modifying load
distribution (43)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Load Groups... (47)
Double-click the Create line load icon.

Pick the starting point.
Pick the end point.
Points
Creating a point
Using commands
Create Area Load

Synopsis
Preconditions
This command creates an area load using three picked points.

Loads
51
Load reference
Description
Area loads affect triangular or quadrangular areas. If you select the triangular load form, the points
you pick define the loaded area. To create a quadrangular load form, pick three points and Tekla
Structures automatically determines the fourth corner point.
Tekla Structures creates the area load using the properties in the Area Load Properties dialog box.
The filename extension of an area load properties file is lm3.
Field
Usage
Description
More information
Load group
name

load belongs.
Grouping loads (34)
Load form
Defines the shape of the

loaded area.
Load forms (39)
Magnitude
tab

plane.
Load magnitude
(40)
Load
attachment

attached to a part.
Attaching loads to
parts or locations
(41)
Load-bearing
parts

selection filters.
Applying loads to
parts (42)
Bounding
box of the
load

directions.
Distances
Offset used to enlarge or

reduce the loaded area.
Loaded length or
area (43)
Load panel
tab

method.
Modifying load
distribution (43)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Load Groups... (47)
Double-click the Create area load icon.

Pick three corner points.
Tekla Structures automatically takes openings in plates, slabs, and

panels into account.
See also
Points
Creating a point
Using commands
Loads
52
Load reference
Create Uniform Load

Synopsis
Preconditions
Description
This command creates a uniformly-distributed, polygonal area load using at least three picked
points.
Uniform load is an area load distributed uniformly on a polygonal area. The bounding polygon is
defined by at least three corner points you pick. Uniform loads can have openings.
Tekla Structures creates a uniform load using the properties in the Uniform Load Properties dialog
box. The filename extension of a uniform load properties file is lm4.
Field
Usage
Description
More information
Load group
name

load belongs.
Grouping loads (34)
Magnitude
tab

plane.
Load magnitude
(40)
Load
attachment

attached to a part.
Attaching loads to
parts or locations
(41)
Load-bearing
parts

selection filters.
Applying loads to
parts (42)
Bounding
box of the
load

directions.
Distances
Offset used to enlarge or

reduce the loaded area.
Loaded length or
area (43)
Load panel
tab

method.
Modifying load
distribution (43)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Load Groups... (47)
Double-click the Create uniform load icon.

Pick three corner points.
(Pick the other corner points.)
Pick the first point again and click the middle mouse button to finish picking.
Loads
53
Load reference
Tekla Structures automatically takes openings in plates, slabs, and

panels into account.
See also
Points
Creating a point
Using commands
Create Temperature Load

Synopsis
Description
This command defines a temperature change in a part, or a temperature difference between two
part surfaces.
Tekla Structures creates the temperature load using the properties in the Temperature Load
Properties dialog box. The filename extension of a temperature load properties file is lm6.
Field
Description
More information
Load group
name

load belongs.
Grouping loads (34)
Magnitude
tab
Temperature change in the

part.
Temperature loads
and strain (41)
Load Groups... (47)
Difference in temperature
between the left and right
sides of the part.
Difference in temperature
between the top and bottom
surfaces of the part.
Axial strain of the part.
A positive value indicates
elongation, a negative value
indicates shrinkage.
Usage
Load
attachment

attached to a part.
Attaching loads to
parts or locations
(41)
Load-bearing
parts

selection filters.
Applying loads to
parts (42)
Bounding
box of the
load

directions.
1. Double-click the Create temperature load icon.
Loads
54
Load reference
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Pick the starting point.
Pick the end point.
To apply temperature load to an entire structure, enter the load in

the Temperature change for axial elongation field and adjust the
bounding box to surround all the beams and columns in the
structure.
See also
Points
Creating a point
Using commands
Create Wind Load

Synopsis
This modeling tool creates wind loads on a structure.
Preconditions
Description
Tekla Structures creates wind loads using the properties in the Wind load generator (28) dialog
box. The properties are:
Field
Wind load
direction
Description
More information
The options are:
Global X
Global -X
Global Y
Global -Y
Global X, -X, Y, -Y (for
all directions)
Nominal
wind pressure
Top level
The highest level of the wind

loads.
Bottom level
The lowest level of the wind

loads.
Ground level
The level of the ground

around the building.
Part names

applied, or not applied.
Loads
55
Applying loads to
parts (42)
Load reference
Field
Front
Left side
Back
Right side
Description
More information
The external exposure factors

for the windward, leeward,
and side walls.
A positive value indicates
pressure, a negative value
indicates suction.
Internal
The internal exposure factor.
Z profile tab
The distribution of wind load

along the height of the
building, in terms of pressure
factors. Starts from the
ground level.
Global X,
Global Y,
Global -X,
Global -Y
tabs
Zones for concentrated corner

loads for each wall. You can
define up to five zones for
each wall.
Defining varying
wind loads (46)
Tekla Structures automatically includes wind loads in load combinations.

Wind load generator (28) automatically takes openings in plates, slabs, and panels into account.
Usage
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Double-click the Create wind load icon.

Enter or modify the properties.
Pick points to indicate the shape of the building on the bottom level.
Click the middle mouse button to finish.
Wind load generator (28) creates area loads using the load panel
distribution method. For more information, see Modifying load
distribution (43).
See also
Automatically including loads in combinations (74)
Loads
56
Load reference
Analysis and Design
Introduction
Audience
Assumed
background
Contents
This chapter includes a general description of analysis and design model properties and an overview
of analysis commands. You will also learn how to create load combinations.
This chapter is for engineers who run structural analysis on concrete and steel structures.
We assume that you have read the Chapter 1, Getting Started with Analysis (7), first and defined the
support conditions for parts.

Analysis model properties (62)
Load combination (69)
Working with analysis and design models (75)
Analysis and design reference (78)
3.1 Analysis part properties

An analysis part is a representation of analysis properties applied to a physical part. It indicates, for
example, the location of the member axis.
To access the properties of an analysis part:
1. Select the part and right-click.
2. Select Analysis Propertiesfrom the pop-up menu.
The analysis part properties dialog box is displayed.
You can set analysis properties for parts before creating an analysis
model. The analysis properties are applied when the parts are added
in an analysis model.
The table below describes the analysis part properties. They correspond to the user-defined
attributes (UDA) of parts used in the previous versions of Tekla Structures.
Property
Description
Analysis tab
Analysis and Design
57
Analysis part properties
Property
Description
Class
Defines how different members are handled in the

analysis. For more information see Member analysis
class (13).
The selected Class defines which analysis properties are
available. For example, plates have different properties
from columns.
Built-up section mode
Indicates the role of the part in a built-up section that

consists of a main part and one or more sub-parts. In the
analysis, sub-parts are merged to the main part.
The options are:
Automatic
Not part of built-up section: Disconnects the part
from a built-up section.
Main part of built-up section: Always use to
define the main part of a built-up section.
Sub-part of built-up section
Beam sub-part of built-up section: Defines that
the part is a part of the built-up when the main part
of the built-up is a beam.
Column sub-part of built-up section: Defines that
the part is a part of the built-up when the main part
of the built-up is a column.
Design group
Defines which design group the part belongs to. Used

inoptimization.
Automatic update
Defines if the analysis part is updated according to the

changes in the physical model. The options are:
Yes - Physical model changes are considered

No - Physical model changes are ignored
Start releases and End releases tabs

Start or End
Defines which of the predefined or user-defined

combinations for support conditions is used for member
start or end. For more information see Defining support
conditions (15).
Support condition
Defines the support condition. The options are

Supported or Connected. For more information see
Defining support conditions (15).
Ux, Uy, Uz, Rx, Ry or Rz
Defines the displacement and rotation for member start

or end. For more information see Defining support
conditions (15).
Composite tab
Composite beam
Analysis and Design
Defines whether the composition is a Non-composite

beam, Composite beam or Automatic composite beam.
For more information see Analyzing composite beams
(18).
58
Property
Description
Material
Defines the material of the slab.
Thickness
Defines the thickness of the slab.
Effective slab width
Defines if the effective slab width is calculated

automatically or based on the values you enter. For more
information see Analyzing composite beams (18).
Spanning tab
Spanning
Defines which parts carry loads. The options are:

Single spanning plates carry loads in the direction of the
primary axis. Beams or columns parallel to the spanning
direction are not connected to the part, and will not
carry the load from part.
Double spanning parts carry loads along the primary and
secondary axes. Beams or columns in both directions will
carry the load from part.
Primary axis direction
Defines the direction of the primary axis in one of the

following ways:
Show direction on
selected members
Enter 1 in the axis field which is parallel to the

primary axis direction.
Click Parallel to part, and then select the beam in
the model that is parallel to the direction.
Click Perpendicular to part, and then select the
beam in the model that is perpendicular to the
direction.
A red line indicates the primary spanning direction of

the part carrying the load.
Loading tab
Generate self weight
load
The analysis model includes the part weight, for example

a deck, as a load even if the part is not otherwise
included in the analysis model.
If the part is included in the analysis model, so is its selfweight. The option No works only with the analysis types
Ignore and Rigid diaphragm.
List boxes for additional

loads
Analysis and Design
Enter slab live load or additional self-weight (screed,

services) using three additional loads with load group
name and magnitude. The directions of these loads
follow the direction of the load group to which they
belong.
59
Property
Description
Part names
Use this filter to ensure that area load from a slab is

transferred to the correct parts, for example, beams
supporting the slab. Typically you would enter the beam
name as the filter value.
Use continuous
structure load
distribution
Use to assign most of the load to the middle supports on

continuous structures.
Design tab
Use the Design tab in the part properties dialog boxes to view and modify the design
properties of individual parts in an analysis model. Design properties are properties
which can vary, according to the design code and the material of the main part (for
example, design settings, factors, and limits).
For more information see Design information (19).
Position tab
Use the Position tab to define the position of the analysis part. For more information
on the options, see Member position (20).
Bar attributes tab
Start offset, End offset
Calculates offsets to account for longitudinal

eccentricity at the member end (resulting in bending
moment).
These offsets have no effect on the topology on the
analysis model. Offset value is only passed as a member
attribute to the analysis.
Replacement profile
name
Select a profile from the profile catalog. You can use

different analysis profiles at the start and end of parts if
the analysis application you use supports it.
To use different profiles at part ends, enter two profiles
separated by a pipe character, for example:
HEA120|HEA140
If part is a builtup section in the analysis model, the

name of the builtup section can be entered here. Any
name can be entered, but if the name matches an
existing catalog profile name, the physical properties of
the section will be the same as the catalog profile
properties.
Analysis and Design
60
Property
Description
Curved beam mode
Defines whether a beam is analyzed as a curved beam or

as straight segments. Select either:
Use curved member

Split into straight segments
Use the advanced option

XS_AD_CURVED_BEAM_SPLIT_ACCURACY_MM in
Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Analysis &
Design to define how closely straight segments follow
the curved beam.
No. of split nodes
Use to create additional nodes or analyze a beam as

straight segments, for example, a curved beam.
Enter the number of nodes.
Split distances
To define additional nodes in the member, enter

distances from the part starting point to the node.
Enter distances, separated by spaces, for example:
1000 1500 3000
Bar start number,

Member start number
Defines the start number for bars and analysis members.

For more information see Defining numbering series.
Area attributes tab

You can use the options on this tab when the Class of the analysis part is set to Plate
on the Analysis tab.
Element type
The shape of the elements.
Rotation of local XY
Defines the rotation of the local XY plane.
Element size
x and y: The approximate dimensions of the elements, in

the local x and y direction of the slab. For triangular
elements, the approximate dimensions of the bounding
box around each element.
Holes: The approximate size of the elements around
openings.
Area start number
Defines the start number for the plate. For more

information see Defining numbering series.
Simple area (ignore cuts

etc)
Select Yes to create a simpler analysis model of plates,

where cuts and openings are not considered.
Smallest hole size to

consider
Use to ignore small openings in plates in the analysis.
Supported
Use to define supports for plates and beams.
Enter the size of the bounding box around the opening.
You can create supports for the bottom edge of a wall,

for all edge nodes of a slab, or for all nodes of a beam.
For walls the bottom edge can be inclined.
The options are:
Analysis and Design
Simply: only translations are fixed

Fully: both translations and rotations are fixed
61
Property
Description
Rigid diaphragm
properties
Defines the filter used when filtering objects for rigid

diaphragms.
3.2 Analysis model properties

This section explains the properties that Tekla Structures uses to create analysis members and
analyze them. These properties apply to all members in an analysis model.
Tekla Structures also takes into account the individual analysis properties defined in the parts
properties. See Determining member properties (12).
Defining analysis
model properties
To set the properties for a new analysis model:

1. Click Analysis > Analysis & Design Models....
2. Click New....
To view or modify the properties of an existing analysis model:
2. Select the model.
3. Click Properties....
Analysis
application
Tekla Structures links with a number of analysis applications and also supports export with them in
several formats. The analysis application you use to run structural analysis uses data from the
analysis model to generate analysis results.
Model name
Each analysis model must have a unique name, which you can define. For example, you could use a
name that describes the portion of the physical model you want to analyze.
Topics
Objects in an analysis model (62)

Member axis (64)
Member end connectivity (65)
Model merging with analysis applications (65)
Seismic analysis (66)
Modal analysis (67)
Design codes and methods (68)
Contents of STAAD.Pro results files and reports (68)
Objects in an analysis model

You can define which objects to include in an analysis model. For example, you can create analysis
models of:
Creation method
The entire physical and load models

A particular sub structure under a specific loading
A single part
To define which objects to include in an analysis model, open the Analysis Model Properties dialog
box. On the Analysis model tab, select an option from the Creation method list box. The options
are:
Analysis and Design
62
Analysis model properties
Option
Description
Full model
Includes all main parts and loads, except for

parts whose analysis type is set to Ignore on
the Analysis tab of part dialog box. Tekla
Structures automatically adds physical objects
to the analysis model when they are created.
By work area
Includes all the main parts and loads that are

inside or partly inside the work area when you
create the analysis model.
By selected parts
Only includes selected parts.
By selected parts
and loads
Only includes selected parts and loads, and

parts created by components. To later add or
remove parts and loads, use the following
buttons in the Analysis & Design Models
dialog box:
Floor model by
selected parts and
loads
Add selected objects

Remove selected objects
Only includes selected columns, slabs, floor

beams, and loads. Tekla Structures replaces
columns in the physical model with supports.
Tekla Structures ignores some objects in the analysis. See A closer

look at the analysis model (26).
Even if you select Full model, Tekla Structures does not include
parts created by most components in the analysis model. The
following components set the analysis properties of the parts they
create, so these parts are included in the analysis model:
Truss (S78)
Shed (S75)
Building (S58) and (S91)
Slab generation (61) and (62)
When you create an analysis model using the Full model option,
the number of objects in the Analysis & Design Models dialog box
changes only when you update the analysis model.
See also
Analysis model filter (64)
Analysis and Design
63
Analysis model filter

To use the analysis model filter to select objects to include in an analysis model, select a filter from
the Filter list box on the Analysis model tab in the Analysis Model Properties dialog box. The
analysis model filter works in similar way to the selection filter (see Filtering objects using a
selection filter), but Tekla Structures saves the settings with the analysis model properties. So you
can go back and check the criteria you used to select objects.
Tekla Structures automatically adds new objects you create in the physical model to the analysis
model if they fulfill the criteria in the analysis model filter.
Use the analysis model filter to filter out non-structural parts, such
as railings, from the analysis model.
See also
To add individual objects to an analysis model, or to remove them, see Adding or removing analysis
objects (76).
To check which objects are included in an analysis model, see Checking objects contained in an
analysis model (75).
Member axis
The locations of the member axes of parts define where the analysis members actually meet, and
their length in the analysis model. They also affect where Tekla Structures creates nodes.
To define member axis locations for all members in an analysis model, open the Analysis Model
Properties dialog box. On the Analysis model tab, select an option from the Member axis location
list box. The options are:
Option
Description
Neutral axis
The neutral axis is the member axis for all

parts. The location of the member axis changes
if the profile of the part changes.
Reference axis

all parts. See also Part handles.
Reference axis
(eccentricity by
neutral axis)

all parts. The location of the neutral axis
defines axis eccentricity.
Model default
The member axis of each part is defined

individually according to the parts properties.
See Member position (20).
If you select the Neutral axis option, Tekla Structures takes the part
location and end offsets into account when it creates nodes. See
End offsets. If you select either of the Reference axis options,
Tekla Structures creates nodes at part reference points.
Analysis and Design
64
See also
Member end connectivity

You can choose to define the support conditions of individual analysis members according to the
parts properties, or the support conditions of connections between parts. See Support conditions
(14).
To have Tekla Structures use the support conditions of connections:
1. For each connection or detail, open the properties dialog box. On the Analysis tab, select Yes in
the Use analysis restraints list box. See Analysis properties of components (22).
2. Open the Analysis Model Properties dialog box for an analysis model. On the Analysis model
tab, select Yes in the Member end release method by connection list box.
Select No in the Member end release method by connection list box to have Tekla Structures use
the support conditions of individual parts.
See also
Model merging with analysis applications

Updating changes
You can merge analysis models with some analysis applications, which means that existing models
in Tekla Structures analysis models can be updated when changes occur in the remote A&D
application.
To use model merging, select Enabled in the Model merging with analysis applications list box in
the Analysis Model Properties dialog box.
In analysis applications that support model merging, you can, for example, add special loads to
analysis models, in addition to the loads created in Tekla Structures, then make changes in Tekla
Structures, and still keep the model in the analysis application up to date.
Keeping node and

member numbers
With all analysis applications, model merging helps in keeping the node and member numbers
unchanged when changes occur in the analysis model.
Resetting models
Node numbers are kept if the node coordinates stay the same.
Member numbers are kept if the start and end node numbers stay the same.
Old numbers are not re-used.
To renumber nodes and members, or to remove a Tekla Structures analysis model from an analysis
application, click the Reset button next the Model merging with analysis applications list box in
the Analysis Model Properties dialog box.
Analysis method
To define the analysis method for the model, open the Analysis Model Properties dialog box. On
the Analysis tab, select an option from the Analysis method list box. The options are:
Option
Description
1st order
Linear analysis method.
P-delta
A simplified second order analysis method. This method

gives accurate results when deflections are small.
Non-linear
Non-linear analysis method
Analysis and Design
65
If you select P-delta, Tekla Structures takes into account the additional stresses induced by the
deflections of the structure. This leads to the iteration of deflection.
Iteration
The accuracy of the second order analysis depends on the number of iterations; the longer the
iteration goes on, the more accurate the analysis. Increasing the number of iterations also increases
processing time and analysis model size. To limit the number of iterations in second order analysis,
enter a value in the Maximum number of iterations field. You can also set the accuracy, which is
the relative tolerance used to control the iteration of deflection.
Iteration stops when the analysis reaches the accuracy or the maximum number of iterations you
define on the Analysis tab.
See also
Seismic analysis
Type
To define which building code to use to generate seismic loads, use the Seismic tab in the Analysis
Model Properties dialog box. You can create lateral seismic loads in the x and y directions
according to several codes using a static equivalent approach (z is the direction of the gravity
loads). Select one of the following options in the Type list box:
Option
Properties
Description
None
Seismic analysis not run.
UBC 1997
Uniform Building Code 1997
UBC 1994
Uniform Building Code 1994
IBC 2000
International Building Code 2000
IS 1893-2002
Indian Standard. Criteria for Earthquake Resistant

Design of Structures
IBC 2003
IBC 2006
IBC 2006 (ZIP)
International Building Code 2006, with an option to add

a ZIP code in the properties.
IBC 2006 (Longitude/

Latitude)
International Building Code 2006, with an option to add

longitude and latitude information in the properties.
AIJ
Japanese code
Response spectrum
Response spectrum specification
Depending on the code you select, you can define some or all of the following:
Whether to calculate the accidental torsion

Seismic zone coefficient (Zone)
Importance factor
Numerical coefficients Rw for the lateral loads in x and y directions
Soil profile type
Soil factor
Site class
Analysis and Design
66
Seismic loads
SDS, SD1, S1
Near source factors NA and NV
CT value to calculate time period
Periods of structure (in seconds) in the x and y directions
Response reduction factor
Type of structure
Damping ratio
Depth of foundation below ground level
Use the Seismic masses tab in the Analysis Model Properties dialog box to define the load groups
and load group factors to include in the seismic analysis.
To include the self-weight of parts in the seismic analysis, select the Include self-weight as seismic
mass check box.
To use the same load groups from the modal analysis in the seismic analysis, click the Copy modal
analysis masses button.
To move load groups between the Selected load groups and Not selected load groups lists, select
a load group and use the arrow buttons between the lists.
See also
Modal analysis
To use modal analysis properties (resonant frequency and the associated pattern of structural
deformation called mode shapes) instead of static load combinations:
1. Open the Analysis Model Properties dialog box. Select Yes in the Modal analysis model list on
the Analysis tab. This forces Tekla Structures to ignore static load combinations.
2. On the Modal analysis tab, define the following properties:
Property
Description
Count of modes
The number of natural mode shapes in the

structure.
Max frequency
The maximum natural resonant frequency of

the structure.
Include selfweight
Select check boxes to indicate the directions

for which Tekla Structures includes the selfweight of parts in the modal analysis.
Copy seismic
masses
Select to include the same load groups in the

modal analysis as in the seismic analysis.
3. To move load groups between the Selected load groups and Not selected load groups lists,
select a load group and use the arrow buttons between the lists.
4. For each load group, enter a load factor and set the mass direction, the options are:
See also
XYZ to include the load in all three directions.

Model default to include the load only in the direction of the load.
Analysis and Design
67
Design codes and methods

Use the Design tabs in the Analysis Model Properties dialog box to define the code and method to
use in structural design. The design options available vary depending on the material.
The design code options available vary depending on the analysis application you use.
The design method options of different materials are:
Option
Description
None
Check design
Calculate
required area
Material
Tekla Structures only runs a structural

analysis and creates data on stresses, forces,
and displacements.
Steel
Tekla Structures checks whether the

structures fulfill the criteria in the design
code (i.e. whether cross sections are
adequate).
Steel
Tekla Structures defines the required area of

reinforcement.
Concrete
Concrete
Timber
Timber
Design properties
When you select a design code and method for a material, Tekla Structures lists the design
properties in the lower part of the Design tab in the Analysis Model Properties dialog box. Click on
an entry in the Value column to change the value of a particular property.
To change the design properties of specific parts, use the Design tab in the appropriate part
properties dialog box. See Design information (19).
See also
Contents of STAAD.Pro results files and reports

If STAAD.Pro is the analysis application you use, you can define the contents of the analysis results
files and reports in the Analysis Model Properties dialog box in Tekla Structures.
Use the Output tab to define the contents of the analysis results files.
Use the Job tab to define the contents of the STAAD.Pro reports. The properties you can include in
reports are:
Property
Name
Client
Field in STAAD.Pro reports

Job title, Client, Job Number, Part, and
Reference fields in the report header
(displayed on each page).
Number
Part
Reference
Comment
Comments field in Job information item in

the report.
Analysis and Design
68
Property
Engineer
Checker
Approved
Field in STAAD.Pro reports

Engineer and Checker names appear in the
report header and in the Job information
field.
Acceptor name, appears in the Job
information field.
3.3 Load combination

Introduction
Load combination is a process in which some simultaneously acting load groups are multiplied by
their partial safety factors and combined with each other according to specific rules.
Load combination rules are specific to a design process and are defined in building codes. One of the
most typical design processes is the limit state design.
The result of the load combination process is a load combination.
You can have Tekla Structures automatically create load combinations, or you can create and modify
them manually.
Topics
Load combination properties (69)

Load combination factors (69)
Creating load combinations (72)
Automatic load combination (73)
Manual load combination (74)
Load combination properties

Load combination properties define how Tekla Structures combines loads. The following properties
control the load combination process:
Name and ID

Load combination factors (69)
Each load combination must have a unique name. Use names that describe the load situation.
Each load combination has an ID. This is an incremental number, based on order in which load
combinations are created in the analysis model.
See also
Load combination factors

You can use values for load combination factors that are building-code specific or user-defined. To
use building-code specific factors, click Tools > Options > Options... > Load modeling. On the
Current code tab, select an option from the Load modeling code list box. See Load modeling code
(29).
Analysis and Design
69
Load combination
If you change any values on the code-specific tabs, save the properties using a new name. To do
this, enter a name in the field next to the Save as button and click the Save as button.
You should not need to change these settings during the project. If
you have to, you will also need to change the load group types and
check load combinations.
Partial safety
factors
Reduction factors
See also
The partial safety factors needed in the limit state design appear on the code-specific tabs. They are:
Unfavorable partial safety factor in the ultimate limit state (?sup)

Favorable partial safety factor in the ultimate limit state (?inf)
Unfavorable partial safety factor in the serviceability limit state (?sup)
Favorable partial safety factor in the serviceability limit state (?inf)
Depending on the codes you use, you may need to use other combination factors. For example, the
Eurocode contains three reduction factors (?0, ?1, ?2). Reduction factors exclude the impractical
effects of simultaneous loads.
Load combination types

You can perform several types of load combination, which vary according to the building code you
use. The options are:
Combination type
Description
Applies to
Load groups (LG)
Each load group forms a load

combination. All partial safety
factors equal 1.00.
All codes
Ultimate limit state

(ULS)
Combines load groups that

occur persistently and
transiently. Uses the partial
safety factors of the ultimate
limit state when combining
loads.
Eurocode,
British,
AISC
Serviceability limit
state Rare (SLS RC)

occur quasi-permanently and
rarely. Uses the partial safety
factors of the serviceability limit
state when combining loads.
Eurocode
state Quasipermanent (SLS QP)

occur quasi-permanently. Uses
the partial safety factors of the
serviceability limit state when
combining loads.
Eurocode
Analysis and Design
70
Load combination
Combination type
Description
Applies to
state (SLS)

occur quasi-permanently. Uses
the partial safety factors of the
serviceability limit state when
combining loads.
AISC
Normal loads
Combines load groups and uses

factors according to the French
codes CM66 or BAEL91.
CM66,
BAEL91
Extreme loads
CM66
Displacement loads
CM66
Accidental loads
CM66
Ultimate loads
BAEL91
Ultimate accidental
loads
BAEL91
Earthquake loads
Combines load groups and uses

factors according to the
Eurocode.
Eurocode
Loads for public

structures
Combines load groups according

to the US IBC code
(International Building Code)
IBC (US)
Loads for public

structures with
drifted snow
IBC (US)
Loads for non public

structures
IBC (US)
Loads for non public

structures with
drifted snow
IBC (US)
Analysis and Design
71
Load combination
Combination type
Loads for public non
concrete and masonry
structures
Description
Applies to

to the US UBC code (Uniform
Building Code)
UBC (US)
Loads for public non

structures with
drifted snow
UBC (US)
Loads for non

structures
UBC (US)
Loads for non

structures with
drifted snow
UBC (US)
Loads for public

structures
UBC (US)
Loads for public

structures with
drifted snow
UBC (US)
Loads for concrete

and masonry
structures
UBC (US)
Loads for concrete

and masonry
structures with
drifted snow
UBC (US)
ACI Table 1 - ACI

Table 8

to the ACI code (American
Concrete Institutions
publication 318)
ACI
Use the Load Combination Generation dialog box to define the load combination type.
See also

Creating load combinations

To create load combinations:
2. In the Analysis & Design Models dialog box, select an analysis model and click Load
combinations... to open the Load Combinations dialog box. This lists the existing load
combinations, together with their ID, name, type, and the load groups they contain.
Analysis and Design
72
Load combination
Use the buttons in the Load Combinations dialog box to carry out various tasks. The buttons are:
Button
Description
New...
Displays the Load Combination Coefficients dialog

box, where you manually create load combinations.
See Manual load combination (74).
Generate...
Automatically generates load combinations based on

the code and factors in Tools > Options > Options...
> Load modeling. See Automatic load combination
(73).
Remove
Deletes the selected load combination.
Remove all
Deletes all load combinations.
Use the Save as and Load buttons to copy load combinations

between analysis models.
Automatic load combination

To automatically create load combinations:
1. In the Load Combinations dialog box, click Generate... to open the Load Combination
Generation dialog box.
2. In the upper part of the dialog box, select the check boxes against the combinations you want
to create. See Load combination types (70).
3. To automatically include the self-weight of parts, select the appropriate check box in the lower
part of the dialog box. See Automatically including loads in combinations (74).
4. Click Apply or OK.
Tekla Structures creates the load combinations for different load groups and limit states according
to the load modeling code you select, and uses the combination factors defined in Tools > Options
> Options... > Load modeling.
See also Creating load combinations (72) and Manual load combination (74).
Analysis and Design
73
Load combination
Automatically including loads in combinations

You can automatically include various loads in load combinations. To do this, select the appropriate
check boxes in the Load Combination Generation dialog box. The options are:
Check box
Description
Applies to
Include selfweight
Automatically includes the

self-weight of parts in load
combinations. This means
that you do not have to model
self-weight loads separately.
See Automatic loads and load
groups (34).
All codes
Minimum
permanent load
with lateral loads
only
Can be used to reduce the

amount of load combinations
when minimum permanent
loading only needs to be
considered in lateral loading
situations.
Eurocode
To automatically include seismic loads in load combinations, use

the Seismic and Seismic masses tabs in the Analysis Model
Properties dialog box. See also Seismic analysis (66).
If the analysis model has imperfection loads, Tekla Structures

automatically creates load combinations with both the positive and
negative directions (x and -x, or y and -y).
See also

Manual load combination

To create load combinations manually:
1. In the Load Combinations dialog box, click New... to open the Load Combination Coefficients
dialog box.
Analysis and Design
74
Load combination
2. Select a combination type. See Load combination types (70).

3. Enter a unique name for the load combination. Try to make the name as descriptive as possible.
4. Use the arrow buttons to move load groups between the Loads available list and the
Combinations table.
5. Modify the combination factors in the Combinations table by clicking a value.
6. Click Apply or OK.
See also Creating load combinations (72) and Automatic load combination (73).
3.4 Working with analysis and design models

This section explains how to examine and modify analysis models. Click Analysis > Analysis &
Design Models... and use the Analysis & Design Models dialog box.
Topics
Checking objects contained in an analysis model (75)

Adding or removing analysis objects (76)
Exporting an analysis model (77)
Copying an analysis model (77)
Copying an analysis part (77)
See also

Analysis > Analysis & Design Models... (78)
Checking objects contained in an analysis model

To check which parts and loads an analysis model contains:
2. In the Analysis & Design Models dialog box, select a model.
3. Click the Select objects button. Tekla Structures highlights and selects the parts and loads in
the physical model.
Changing model creation method

You can change the model creation method of existing analysis models.
To change the model creation method:
Analysis and Design
75
Working with analysis and design models

The Analysis & Design Models dialog box opens.
2. Select the model that you want to modify in the Analysis & Design Models dialog box.
3. Click Properties....
The Analysis Model Properties dialog box opens.
4. Select the Creation method option as required.
5. Click OK to change the creation method for the analysis model.
For example, you can copy an analysis model that has been created
using the Full model creation method . Change the creation
method for the copied analysis model to By selected parts and
then remove unwanted objects from the analysis model.
See also
Objects in an analysis model (62)
Adding or removing analysis objects

As well as changing the properties of an analysis model, you can also modify existing analysis
models by adding and removing objects.
To add or remove parts and loads:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
In the physical model, select the parts and loads to add or remove.
Click Analysis > Analysis & Design Models....
In the Analysis & Design Models dialog box, select a model.
To add the objects to the analysis model, click Add selected objects (86).
To remove the objects from the analysis model, click Remove selected objects (87).
Viewing analysis results

Once you have exported the analysis model, you can view the results. For information on analysis
results, see Get results (88) and Analysis > Analysis & Design Models... (78).
So that you can perform a visual check, you can have Tekla Structures use different colors to show
the utilization ratio of steel parts in the physical model. To do this:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Export the analysis model.

In the Analysis & Design Models dialog box, select an analysis model.
In the model, click View > Representation > Object Representation....
In the Object Representation dialog box, select the object group whose utilization ratios you
want to show.
6. In the Color column, select Color by analysis utility check....
7. In the Utility Ratio Ranges dialog box, set the ranges of ratio for each of the colors that Tekla
Structures uses to show safe and unsafe parts.
8. Click OK. Tekla Structures shows the utilization ratio of the steel parts in the selected analysis
model using the following colors:
Analysis and Design
76
To show the utilization ratio of steel parts in a report, add the

AD$$UtilityRatio template field in the report template you use.
Exporting an analysis model

When you export an analysis model, Tekla Structures runs structural analysis and exports the
analysis model into a folder. The export folder is the model folder by default.
To export an analysis model:
1.
2.
3.
4.
See also
Optional: Define the export folder in the Analysis Model Properties dialog box.
In the Analysis & Design Models dialog box, select a model.
Click Export.
Copying an analysis model

You can create copies of existing analysis models. You can then use the copies, for example, to
create multiple calculations with different settings.
To copy an analysis model:
1. Click Analysis > Analysis & Design Models...
2. Select an analysis model in the Analysis & Design Models dialog box.
3. Click Copy.
See also
Copying an analysis part

You can create copies of existing parts together with the applied analysis properties and node
offsets. You can then use the copies, for example, to create multiple calculations with different
settings.
Before you start, ensure that you have an analysis model selected in the Analysis & Design models
dialog box.
To copy an analysis part:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Select the physical part.

Click Edit > Copy, or right-click and select Copy from the pop-up menu.
Pick the origin for copying.
Pick one or more destination points.
Analysis and Design
77
Tekla Structures creates a physical part and an analysis part with identical settings to the
original.
5. To stop copying, click Edit > Interrupt.
See also
Copying an object
3.5 Analysis and design reference

This section consists of the reference pages for the analysis and design commands.
Use the commands on the Analysis menu to work with analysis and design models. The following
table lists the analysis and design commands and gives a short description of each one.
Command
Icon
Description
Analysis > Analysis &

Design Models... (78)
Displays the Analysis & Design

models dialog box so that you can
work with analysis and design
models.
Create Node (80)
Creates nodes to analysis

members.
Create Rigid Link (80)
Creates rigid links between nodes.
Merge Selected Nodes

(81)
Merges nodes that are located

close to each other.
Reset Editing Of Selected

Parts (88)
Resets the selected parts to the

default analysis settings. All
manual adjustments and editing
are removed.
Analysis > Analysis & Design Models...

Synopsis
Description
This command displays the Analysis & Design Models dialog box so that you can work with the
analysis and design models.
The Analysis & Design Models dialog box lists all existing analysis and design models. Use this
dialog box to view, add, modify, export, update, and delete analysis and design models. The
properties in the dialog box are:
Column
Description
More information
Analysis model
name
A unique name for the

analysis model. Userdefinable.
Analysis model
properties (62)
Analysis
application
The analysis application or

format used in the analysis
of the analysis model.
Analysis application
(9)
Analysis and Design
78
Analysis and design reference
Column
Description
More information
Creation
method
Defines which objects are

included in the analysis
model.
Objects in an
analysis model (62)
Number of
parts
The number of physical parts

model.
Members, bars and

area objects (10)
When you create an analysis model using the Full model option,
the number of objects in the Analysis & Design Models dialog box
changes only when you update the analysis model.
Usage
The following table explains the functions of the buttons in the Analysis & Design Models dialog
box:
Button
Description
New...
Displays the Analysis Model Properties dialog

box so that you can create new analysis models.
See New... (82).
Copy
Creates a copy of the selected analysis model.
Delete
Deletes the selected analysis model.
Properties...
Displays the properties of the selected analysis

model. See Analysis model properties (62).
Select objects
Highlights and selects the parts and loads that

are included in the analysis model in the
physical model. See also Checking objects
contained in an analysis model (75).
Display warnings
Displays warnings on errors that occurred during

analysis model creation.
Add selected
objects
Adds the parts and loads that are selected in the

physical model to the selected analysis model.
See Add selected objects (86).
Remove selected
objects
Removes the parts and loads that are selected in

the physical model from the selected analysis
model. See Remove selected objects (87).
Load
combinations...
Displays the load combinations in the selected

analysis model. Also use to create new load
combinations. See Load combinations... (87).
Refresh
Updates the information on the analysis model

list.
Rebuild
Reconstructs the whole analysis model.
Export
Exports the model to the analysis application.
Analysis and Design
79
Button
Description
Open application
Starts the analysis application and opens the

selected analysis model in it.
Close application
Use to exit the analysis application.
Get results
Saves the maximum axial force, shear force, and

bending moment at the part ends as userdefined attributes in the part properties. To view
these results, open a parts user-defined
attributes dialog box.
See Get results (88).
See also
Get results for

selected
Same as Get results but only saves results for

the selected parts.
Close
Closes the Analysis & Design Models dialog

box.
Create Node
Synopsis
Creates nodes to analysis members.

To create a node:
1. Click Analysis > Create Node.
2. Pick the location where you want to add the node.
The nodes are not moved along with the part when the part is
moved.
See also
Create Rigid Link

Synopsis
Creates rigid links between nodes.

To create a rigid link:
1. Click Analysis > Create Rigid Link.
2. Pick the start point for the rigid link.
Analysis and Design
80
3. Pick the end point for the rigid link.
See also
Merge Selected Nodes

You can merge nodes that are located close to each other.
To merge nodes:
1. Select the nodes you want to merge in the model.
2. Click Analysis > Merge Selected Nodes.

If the analysis part option Keep axis position always is set to Yes, Tekla Structures prompts you
to set it to No. Accept the change by clicking Set keep axis as No.
3. Pick the location which you want the nodes to be merged to.
When you do this, Tekla Structures merges the nodes into a single node and extends the
analysis parts accordingly.
Analysis and Design
81
See also
Create Node (80)
New...
Synopsis
Preconditions
This command displays the Analysis Model Properties dialog box and creates a new analysis model.
Create the physical and load models.
Define the support conditions for parts and connections.
Description
Tekla Structures creates the analysis model using the properties in the Analysis Model Properties
dialog box.
To automatically include all the objects in the physical and load models in the analysis model, use
the Full model creation option.
To create an analysis model for specific parts and loads, select the objects to include in the model,
or fit the work area to include them.
Field/Tab/
Button
Description
More information
Analysis
model name
A unique name for the

analysis model. Userdefinable.
Analysis model
properties (62)
Creation
method
Defines which objects are

model.
Objects in an
analysis model (62)
Defines which objects to

include in the analysis model,
based on the list of available
select filters.
Filtering objects
Filter
Analysis and Design
82
Analysis model filter

(64)
Field/Tab/
Button
Description
More information
Secondary
member
filter
Defines which of the included

objects are considered to be
secondary analysis members.
The nodes of secondary
analysis memberscan move
more freely than the ones of
primary analysis members.
Filtering objects
Analysis
application
The analysis application or

format used in the analysis of
the analysis model.
Analysis application
(9)
To use the same application or

format by default for other
new analysis models, select
the Set as the default check
box.
Auto-detect
secondary
members
Defines whether Tekla

Structures recognizes
automatically for example
skewed members as
secondary parts.
Default keep
axis for
secondary
members
Defines whether the axis is

free to move.
Member position
(20)
Analysis
model rules...
Creates rules to define how

Tekla Structures handles
individual parts when it
creates analysis models, and
how parts are connected with
each other in the analysis.
Creating analysis
model rules (85)
Curved
beams
Defines whether a beam is

analyzed as a curved beam or
as straight segments. Select
either:
Use curved member

Split into straight
segments
Use the advanced option

XS_AD_CURVED_BEAM_SPL
IT_ACCURACY_MM in Tools
> Options > Advanced
Options... > Analysis &
design to define how closely
straight segments follow the
curved beam.
Analysis and Design
83
Field/Tab/
Button
Description
More information
Consider twin
profiles
Defines whether twin profiles

are taken into account in the
analysis.
Member axis
location
Defines which line is used as

the axis of each analysis
member.
Member axis (64)
Member end
release
method by
connection
Defines whether the support

conditions of connections or
parts are used.
Member end
connectivity (65)
Automatic
update
Defines if the analysis model

is updated according to the
changes in the physical
model. The options are:
Model
merging with
analysis
application
Yes - Physical model

changes are considered
No - Physical model
changes are ignored
Model merging with
analysis
applications (65)
When changes occur in the

analysis model, defines
whether:
The node and member

numbers are kept
unchanged.
The model in the analysis
application is updated.
Analysis
method
Defines whether second order

stresses are taken into
consideration.
Maximum
iterations
Tekla Structures repeats

second order iteration until it
reaches one of these values.
Accuracy of
the iteration
Analysis method
(65)
Modal
analysis
model check
box
Defines whether modal

analysis properties are used
instead of static load
combinations.
Modal analysis (67)
Job
Defines the job information in

reports.
Output
Defines the contents of the

analysis results file.
Contents of
STAAD.Pro results
files and reports
(68)
Analysis and Design
84
Field/Tab/
Button
Description
Seismic tab
Properties required by seismic

analysis.
Seismic analysis
(66)
Modal
analysis tab
Properties required by modal

analysis.
Modal analysis (67)
Design code
Design codes for different

materials.
Design codes and

methods (68)
Design
method
The material-specific principle

used to compare stresses and
material capacities.
Seismic
masses tab
Usage
More information
Click Analysis > Analysis & Design Model... to open the Analysis & Design Models dialog box.
To create a new analysis model of the entire physical and load models:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Click New....
In the Creation method list box, select Full model.
Enter or modify the remaining analysis model properties.
Click OK.
To create a new analysis model for specific parts and loads:

1. Select the objects you want to include in the analysis model, or fit the work area to include
them.
2. Click New....
3. In the Creation method list box, select By work area, By selected parts, By selected parts and
loads, or Floor model by selected parts and loads.
4. Enter or modify the remaining analysis model properties.
5. Click OK.
See also

Creating analysis model rules
You can create rules to define how Tekla Structures handles individual parts when it creates analysis
models, and how parts are connected with each other in the analysis.
Preconditions
Usage
Create the physical parts and define their individual analysis properties if needed.
To create analysis model rules:
1. Click the Analysis model rules... button in the Analysis Model Properties dialog box.
2. Click Add to add rules to define how two groups of parts are connected with each other in the
analysis.
3. In the Selection filter 1 column, select a filter to define the first part group.
4. In the Selection filter 2 column, select a filter to define the second part group.
5. In the Status column:
Select Disabled to prevent connections between the part groups.
6. In the Linkage column, select an option:
Analysis and Design
85
Option
Description
(blank)
Merges nodes or creates a rigid links.
Merge
Always merges nodes when parts matching the

selection filter 1 connect with parts matching the
selection filter 2.
Rigid link
Creates a rigid link when parts matching the

selection filter 1 connect with parts matching the
selection filter 2.
Rigid link, moment

release at node 1
Creates a rigid link and a moment release at the

nodes of parts matching the selection filter 1.
Rigid link, moment

release at node 2
Creates a rigid link and a moment release at the

nodes of parts matching the selection filter 2.
Rigid link, moment

release at both nodes
Creates a rigid link and moment releases at the nodes

of parts matching the selection filters 1 and 2.
To work with the rules:
Click Move up or Move down to change the order of rules.

Click Selection filter... to create a new selection filter that suits your needs.
Click Test selected part or Test selected parts to see how rules affect the parts selected in the
model.
Click Remove to delete the selected rules.
To save the settings:

1. To save the analysis model rules for later use, enter a name in the field next to the Save as
button, and then click Save as.
The filename extension of an analysis model rules file is adrules.
2. Click OK to save the rules and close the Analysis Model Rules dialog box.
See also
Filtering objects
Add selected objects

Synopsis
Preconditions
Description
Usage
See also
This command adds parts and loads to the selected analysis model.
Create an analysis model.
Use this command when you have created analysis models using the By selected parts or By
selected parts and loads method.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Select the analysis model you want to add objects to.
Select the objects to add.
Click Add selected objects.
Remove selected objects (87)

Analysis and Design
86
Remove selected objects

Synopsis
Preconditions
Description
Usage
See also
This command removes parts and loads from the selected analysis model.
Use this command when you have created analysis models using the By selected parts or By
selected parts and loads method.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Select the analysis model you want to remove objects from.
Select the objects to remove.
Click Remove selected objects.
Add selected objects (86)

Load combinations...
Synopsis
Preconditions
This command opens the Load Combinations dialog box so that you can work with load
combinations.
Set the code to follow in load combination in Tools > Options > Options... > Load modeling >
Current code.
Description
Usage
To create load combinations:

2. In the Analysis & Design Models dialog box, select an analysis model and click Load
combinations....
3. In the Load Combinations dialog box, click Generate... to open the Load Combination
Generation dialog box.
4. Select the check boxes against the combinations you want to create. See Load combination
types (70).
5. To automatically include the self-weight of parts, select the appropriate check box. See
Automatically including loads in combinations (74).
6. Click Apply or OK. Tekla Structures creates the load combinations based on the selected
building code.
To create your own load combinations and use combination factors

that are not code-specific, click the New... button in the Load
Combinations dialog box. See Manual load combination (74).
See also

Load combination (69)
Analysis and Design
87
Get results
Synopsis
The Get results and Get results for selected commands save the maximum axial force, shear force,
and bending moment at the part ends as user-defined attributes in the part properties.
When you click Get results or Get results for selected and then save the model, Tekla Structures
saves the analysis results of all load combinations in a database, analysis_results.db5, in the
current model folder.
Preconditions
Use the following advanced options in Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Analysis &
Design to define the analysis member points whose results are saved in the database:
XS_AD_MEMBER_RESULT_DIVISION_COUNT
XS_AD_MEMBER_RESULT_DISP_DIVISION_COUNT
XS_AD_MEMBER_RESULT_MIN_DISTANCE
XS_AD_MEMBER_RESULT_GRID_SIZE
Run the analysis.

Description
Command
Icon
Description
Get results
Saves the results for each part in the

selected analysis model.
Get results for

selected
Saves the results for the parts that

you select in the physical model.
To view the results, open the user-defined attributes dialog box for the part.
To access the analysis results database, use the .NET or Excel design interface.
If you do not want to create the analysis results database, set
XS_AD_RESULT_DATABASE_ENABLED to FALSE in Tools > Options > Advanced Options... >
Analysis & Design.
Usage
To save the results of an analysis model as user-defined attributes:

2. Select the analysis model.
3. Click Get results.
To save the analysis results of specific parts in an analysis model as user-defined attributes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
See also

Select the analysis model.
Select the parts in the physical model.
Click Get results for selected.
Reset Editing Of Selected Parts

Synopsis
Resets the selected parts to the default analysis settings. All manual adjustments and editing are
removed.
Analysis and Design
88
Preconditions
Usage
Use this command if you want to undo the modifications to the selected analysis parts.
1. Select the parts to reset.
2. Click Analysis > Reset Editing Of Selected Parts.
Analysis and Design
89
Index
a
analysis and design

additional information resources.........................30
overview ......................................................................57
prior to .........................................................................10
analysis and design models............................................78
analysis application............................................................ 7
merging models.........................................................65
analysis member offsets .................................................21
analysis members
properties ............................................................ 12, 24
analysis method ........................................................ 30, 65
analysis model rules.........................................................85
analysis models ................................................................... 7
a closer look ...............................................................26
adding or removing objects ...................................76
changing creation method.....................................75
checking objects........................................................75
copying ........................................................................77
creating................................................................ 62, 82
creating rules .............................................................85
exporting .....................................................................77
filtering objects .........................................................64
modifying ............................................................ 62, 76
objects..........................................................................62
properties ....................................................................62
resetting editing........................................................88
seismic loads ..............................................................66
viewing results...........................................................76
analysis parts
copying ........................................................................77
properties ....................................................................57
analysis settings................................................................26
applying loads to parts....................................................42
area load..............................................................................51
area objects ........................................................................10
attaching
loads to parts .............................................................41
automatic loads.................................................................34
in load combinations ...............................................74
seismic loads ..............................................................66
self-weight .................................................................34
wind load.....................................................................55
bars ....................................................................................... 10
bounding box ..................................................................... 42
buckling length ................................................................. 24
c
color by analysis class ..................................................... 13
color by analysis utilization check............................... 76
combination factors......................................................... 69
combining loads................................................................ 69
common nodes .................................................................. 27
compatibility of load groups ......................................... 35
components
in analysis ................................................................... 22
slabs in analysis ........................................................ 23
composite beam................................................................ 18
copying
analysis models ......................................................... 77
analysis parts ............................................................. 77
creating
analysis models ................................................. 62, 82
load combinations.................................................... 72
loads ............................................................................. 47
nodes............................................................................ 80
rigid links..................................................................... 80
creation method
changing for analysis model ................................. 75
d
defining
load groups................................................................. 36
nodes............................................................................ 26
support conditions ................................................... 15
degree of freedom ............................................................ 14
deleting
load groups................................................................. 36
design codes and methods............................................. 68
design information........................................................... 19
distributing loads.............................................................. 41
DOF
see degree of freedom............................................. 14
90
Index
e
editing
resetting ......................................................................88
effective buckling length................................................24
elements ..............................................................................10
exporting
analysis model ...........................................................77
line load............................................................................... 50
load combination.............................................................. 69
automatic.................................................................... 73
code .............................................................................. 29
creating combinations ............................................ 72
factors.................................................................. 29, 69
manual......................................................................... 74
properties.................................................................... 69
types ............................................................................. 70
load forms........................................................................... 39
load groups..........................................................33, 34, 47
automatic.................................................................... 34
compatibility.............................................................. 35
defining ....................................................................... 36
deleting........................................................................ 36
modifying.................................................................... 36
properties.................................................................... 34
load model .....................................................................7, 33
load modeling code.......................................................... 29
load types............................................................................ 38
loads ............................................................................. 33, 47
applying....................................................................... 42
attaching..................................................................... 41
automatic.................................................................... 34
bounding box ............................................................. 42
combining ................................................................... 69
creating ....................................................................... 47
distribution................................................................. 41
forms ............................................................................ 39
grouping ...................................................................... 34
in analysis ................................................................... 28
load panel ................................................................... 43
magnitude................................................................... 40
modifying.................................................................... 44
properties.................................................................... 37
scaling in model views ............................................ 45
seismic ......................................................................... 66
types ............................................................................. 38
wind load generator................................................. 55
longitudinal member offset ........................................... 21
f
filter
in analysis models.....................................................64
filtering
analysis model objects ............................................64
frame objects .....................................................................10
h
handles
of loads ........................................................................45
i
intermediate analysis members....................................24
intermediate nodes ..........................................................11
iteration...............................................................................65
k
Kmode ..................................................................................24
91
Index
m
member analysis class .....................................................13

member axis
of all parts in analysis model ................................64
of individual parts.....................................................20
member end connectivity...............................................65
member end release method .........................................65
member position ...............................................................20
members ..............................................................................10
keeping numbers.......................................................65
properties ............................................................ 12, 24
merging
models with analysis applications .......................65
nodes ............................................................................81
modal analysis ...................................................................67
modifying
analysis models ................................................. 62, 76
load groups.................................................................36
loads .............................................................................44
reduction factors .............................................................. 69

rigid links............................................................................. 11
s
safety factors ..................................................................... 69
scaling
loads in model views ............................................... 45
seismic analysis................................................................. 66
seismic loads ...................................................................... 66
self-weight ......................................................................... 34
slabs
components in analysis........................................... 23
spanning
of loads........................................................................ 43
split nodes........................................................................... 11
split position ...................................................................... 10
strain ............................................................................ 41, 54
support conditions............................................................ 14
defining ....................................................................... 15
symbols........................................................................ 16
n
nodes ....................................................................................27
creating........................................................................80
defining........................................................................26
keeping numbers.......................................................65
merging........................................................................81
t
temperature load ...................................................... 41, 54
uniform load....................................................................... 53
utilization ratio ................................................................. 76
partial safety factors........................................................69

parts
analysis properties....................................................57
physical model..................................................................... 7
point load............................................................................49
w
wind load generator................................................. 46, 55
92

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Tekla Structures

Product version 18.0

2012 Tekla Corporation

2012 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved.

Conventions used in this guide

The following typographical conventions are used in this guide:

Extracts of program code, HTML, or other material that you

The following types of noteboxes are used in this guide:

A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of

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This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical information

Getting Started with Analysis....................................................................... 7

Analysis and Design...................................................................................... 57

Analysis part properties...................................................................................................... 57

Getting Started with Analysis

Getting Started with Analysis

Getting Started with Analysis

Nodes and analysis members and elements of the physical parts

The analysis model also includes load combinations.

Tekla Structures analyzes parts using properties in the profile and

Carrying out structural analysis (10)

Getting Started with Analysis

Carrying out structural analysis

To create accurate analysis models, make sure that connected parts

2. Create the load model. See Loads (33).

Members, bars and area objects (10)

Members, bars and area objects

Determining member properties (12)

Getting Started with Analysis

Nodes and rigid links

The ends of members

The following properties affect the exact location of nodes:

Part profiles, i.e. neutral axis and orientation

The methods used to create a physical model affect the analysis

Modulus of elasticity = 100*109 N/m2

Create Node (80)

Getting Started with Analysis

1.2 Determining member properties

Member analysis class (13)

Getting Started with Analysis

Determining member properties

Properties of intermediate members (24)

Member analysis class

Line object of two nodes.

Member can take any load, including temperature.

Vertical line object of two nodes. Modeled from bottom

Member can take any load, including temperature.

Line object of two nodes.

Member can take any load, including temperature.

Polygon object of three or more nodes.

For rectangular concrete panels and concrete slabs using

Polygon object of three or more nodes.

Member can take any load, including temperature.

Member can only take axial forces, not bending or

Member can only take tensile axial forces, not moments

Truss Compression only

Member can only take compressive axial forces, not

Member ignored in the analysis.

Self weight load is taken into account, if you have set

Member can take any load, except temperature. Use to

Getting Started with Analysis

Determining member properties

Only applies to contour plates and concrete slabs

Nodes that belong to a part matching the filter will be