Tekla Structures v20 Basic Training Manual Steel - New

Basic Training
Steel
Tekla Structures 20.0

2014 Steel Basic Training
Copyright 2014 Tekla Corporation
Contents
Introduction to Tekla Structures Basic Training .................................... 1
Things you need to know .......................................................................... 1

Release Notes ......................................................................................................... 1
Localization Notes ................................................................................................... 1
Help Files ................................................................................................................. 2
Things you will learn .................................................................................. 2

Basic Modeling ........................................................................................................ 2
System Components............................................................................................... 3
Interactive Detailing................................................................................................. 3
Numbering and Reports .......................................................................................... 3
Principles of Drawings ............................................................................................ 4
Assembly and Single Part Drawings ...................................................................... 4
Multi-Drawings and Multi-Numbering ..................................................................... 4
General Arrangement Drawings ............................................................................. 4
Drawing Management ............................................................................................. 5
Project Deliverables ................................................................................................ 5
How to use this training material.............................................................. 6
Steel: Introduction
Copyright 2014 Tekla Corporation iii
Introduction to Tekla Structures
Basic Training
This training course will demonstrate how to create a 3D model of a building, and produce
drawings and reports from the model with Tekla Structures. The training is divided into
lessons, each of which covers a certain task of the design process and introduces the
commands and functions required to complete that particular task.
Things you need to know

Release Notes
Each version (including Service Releases) is created with a document that outlines most of the
changes that are included within that release. This document is available as part of the
programs Online Help, called the Tekla User Assistance. It contains information about the
general changes, additions, and improvements made to the program. It is important that you
read the Release Notes before incorporating a new Tekla Structures version into your
organization.
Localization Notes
Each version (but not Service Releases) includes a document that describes what specifics
have been made to the US environments. This document comes in PDF format and is located,
for example, in the TeklaStructures\20.0\environments\usimp folder. This document contains
valuable information about the US environment changes for that version. For example, it lists
which new files have been added to the usimp environment, what they are for, and how to use
them. In addition, it describes changes to existing files, such as catalogs, that have been made.
Plus, if a file has been removed or renamed, this document explains what has taken place. It is
important that you read the Localization Notes before incorporating a new Tekla Structures
version into your organization.
Steel: Introduction
Copyright 2014 Tekla Corporation 1
Help Files
Program Help
Tekla Structures is supported by an online Help through the Tekla User Assistance website
which can be accessed by using the F1 key or by going to Help > Tekla Structures Help
from inside the program. Many topics can be found using the Instructions section. Another
effective way to find the information you are seeking is to use the Search field. You can then
filter by the content type, specific tasks, and more.
Another important tip is, once you find the subject you are seeking, reference the See also
section at the bottom for related topics.
Did You Know? Many of the dialog boxes inside of Tekla Structures have been mapped to
the section of the online help that relates to them. For example, if the F1 key is pushed while
the Beam Properties dialog box is opened and the active window, then the Tekla User
Assistance will open to that corresponding section.
System Component Help
System Components included with Tekla Structures also have help topics available on the
Tekla User Assistance. This can be accessed when a system component dialog is opened by
using the F1 key or by clicking the Help button located in the top right corner.
US Custom Components
Custom Components that are created by the Tekla Inc office and included with the US
environments contain their own help file. This help file can be accessed when a custom
component dialog is opened by using the F1 key or by clicking the Help button located in the
top right corner.
Some help topics may be lacking in examples or may not be up to date with
regards to recent development. Please notify us when you encounter such an
occurrence so we can notify our documentation team.
Things you will learn

Basic Modeling
This lesson introduces the basic modeling functions of Tekla Structures. We will recap the
basic functions introduced in the prerequisite model, and you will learn some more basic
functions.
You will learn how to:
start a new structural 3D model
set up job specific information
create grids
create views
Steel: Introduction
2 Copyright 2014 Tekla Corporation
create concrete and steel parts
manipulate members within the model (copy, move, mirror)
adjust member attributes
input construction points
work in true planes (sloped, skewed)
define and use new filters
work with phases
combine models
use the Organizer to check the model
System Components
This lesson introduces the basics of creating connections in Tekla Structures.
create connections
work with connection parameters
save the parameters for later use
clash check the model
Interactive Detailing
This lesson introduces how to interactively create unique or customized connections between
parts.
explode system connections and modify connection objects (parts, welds, bolts, cuts)
add system components to previously exploded connections
create unique connection objects interactively
define and apply custom components
Numbering and Reports

This lesson covers how to handle part marking within Tekla Structures.
You will learn:
numbering basics
how to customize the numbering system
numbering in phases
how to create reports
Steel: Introduction
Principles of Drawings
This lesson introduces the basics of drawings in Tekla Structures.
You will learn:
the integration between the drawings and the model
the drawing types available in Tekla Structures
the basics of the drawing list
the various levels of editing drawings
Assembly and Single Part Drawings

The next step is to learn how to create fabrication drawings for the items that were created in
the model.
You will learn:
how to create individual drawings
how to use selection filters to create groups of drawings of members with similar
attributes
how to create drawings automatically using the Master Drawing Catalog
editing drawings manually
handling drawing after changes are made to the model
Multi-Drawings and Multi-Numbering

This lesson introduces multi-drawings and explains the principles of multi-numbering.
create multi-drawings
collect multiple assembly or single-part drawings to one multi-drawing sheet
apply multi-numbering to multi-drawings
update and modify multi-drawings
General Arrangement Drawings

This lesson covers how to create erection plans, details and section views.
create anchor bolt plans
create erection plans of individual views
create general arrangements of multiple views on one sheet
modify drawings properties
modify view properties
modify object properties
Steel: Introduction
Drawing Management
This lesson covers more advanced aspects of handling drawings.
control revisions
edit drawings more effectively using object level settings and cloning
customize the drawing title block by adding logos
make and use basic drawing templates
Project Deliverables
This lesson covers how to create deliverables for your project.
You will learn to:
Print/plot drawings
Sharing your 3D model
Creating CNC files
Exporting other file types
Steel: Introduction
How to use this training material
Each lesson starts with a short introduction to its contents. All lessons are comprised mainly
of step-by-step instructions, which are complemented by background and additional
information. Pictures of the dialog boxes and of the model help you to visualize the
instructions and show the desired result.
The necessary background data is given either by the teacher (in the class room) or through
paths to the Tekla User Assistance help topics. These paths help you find the related
information quickly and easily which will assist you in getting the most from this course.
Note that with the assistance of online help you will learn to use Tekla Structures as
efficiently as possible from the very beginning.
The aim of this training material is to teach you best practices, and the most efficient way to
use Tekla Structures. However, the aim is also to introduce alternative methods to carry out
tasks. This means that repeated tasks are occasionally carried out with using different
procedures than those presented earlier in the lessons.
Icons are also used to highlight certain information:
A warning triangle highlights a note that is worth remembering. Or it may serve

to point out a potential problem to be avoided.
Stop signs are severe warnings. Ignoring the text accompanying these may
cause something to fail or cause a process to produce unexpected results.
Tips are shown with a light bulb icon. They provide additional information that
may help speed up your learning or help you produce better or quicker results.
Technical information is denoted by gear wheels. You can choose to ignore this
info until you are more confident with the system, or you can pay attention to it if
you are curious.
Steel: Introduction
Basic Modeling

Contents
1 Basic Modeling .................................................................................. 1

1.1 Start Tekla Structures................................................................................... 2
1.2 Create a New Model Basic Training ......................................................... 3
1.3 Setting Up Job Specific Information ............................................................ 6
Check preferences ....................................................................................... 7
Project properties ......................................................................................... 9
1.4 Create Grid ................................................................................................. 10
1.5 Create plane views along gridlines ............................................................ 15
1.6 Create Foundations .................................................................................... 20
Change the phase for the building............................................................. 20
Pad footings ................................................................................................ 21
Copy the footings........................................................................................ 24
1.7 Create Steel Framing ................................................................................. 26
Steel columns ............................................................................................. 26
Floor beams ................................................................................................ 29
Roof Beam .................................................................................................. 31
Work points for floor joists and roof purlins ............................................... 32
Crane Beam Support Stubs ....................................................................... 35
Copy the column line 1 frame and the points............................................ 38
Model Floor Steel ....................................................................................... 39
Set Sloping Work Plane for Roof Purlins .................................................. 42
True plan view ............................................................................................ 44
Create Roof Purlins .................................................................................... 45
Horizontal Eaves Bracing........................................................................... 48
Copy steel bays .......................................................................................... 49
Pour Stop .................................................................................................... 50
1.8 Combine Models......................................................................................... 63
Check that all part properties are consistent............................................. 68
1.9 Define Your Own Selection Filters............................................................. 74
1.10 Model View Filters ...................................................................................... 76
1.11 Object Representation Filter ...................................................................... 80
Steel: Basic Modeling

1-i
1 Basic Modeling
In this lesson
In this lesson, we will cover some preliminary tasks that you need to do before starting to
model in a real project. We will create a new model and recap the basic functions introduced
in the Prerequisite Model. After that, you will learn some more about the basic functions.
We will review how to:
Open and save or backup models
Input grids
Create beams and columns
Copy and move items
Adjust attributes of members
Input construction points
Work in true planes (sloped, skewed)
Use phases
Copy parts from another model

Copyright 2014 Tekla Corporation 1-1
1.1 Start Tekla Structures
Start Tekla Structures
To start Tekla Structures, click the Windows Start button. Navigate through All Programs >
Tekla Structures 20.0 > Tekla Structures 20.0.
Alternatively, you could double-click on the desktop icon Tekla Structures 20.0.
The login dialog box will open. This login allows you to select the environment you want to
work in typically US Imperial or US Metric, depending on your installation. You will also
be able to select your role. The roles options in Tekla Structures are to tailor the program to
fit your needs and to help you find the settings you need easier and faster.
For this training, we will be working in the US Imperial environment and using the Steel
Detailing Role. Make sure these are selected, and click OK.
This class will be using a Steel Detailing configuration type which will allow
you to create any size model if using a Primary configuration, please be
aware that your model is limited to 2500 parts. You can keep track of how
many parts are in your model in the bottom left after each save.
If dealing with a model too large for a Primary configuration, consider splitting
up the building into smaller models or continue the project with a Steel
Detailing license.

1-2 Copyright 2014 Tekla Corporation
The modeling interface is now opened as shown below. At first, most of the menu options
and icons are gray indicating that they are inactive. When you open an existing model or
create a new model, the icons and available menu options will become active.
You can open or create models from the Welcome to Tekla Structures dialog box, or you
can use the File menu or toolbar buttons.
1.2 Create a New Model Basic Training

To start a new model, you first need to create an empty model database with a unique name.
In this lesson, use the name Basic Training followed by your name.
Start a new model

1. Select New model from the Welcome to Tekla Structures dialog box or select File >
New from the pull-down menu or CTRL+N or click the New model icon in the
Standard toolbar to open the New model dialog box.
2. At the lower center of the New Model dialog box, Tekla Structures suggests the name
New Model for the model. The full path of the model folder is shown in the top field.
3. Name the model Basic Training - YourName. (Adding your own name to the model name
helps to identify your model on a network, especially during the training class)
Every model must have a unique name. Tekla Structures does not allow
duplicate model names within the same location. Do not use special marks ( / \
; : | ) in model names.

You can use model templates as a basis when creating new models. Model
templates consist of predefined settings. The STL_DetailingTemplate, for
example, cleans up the modeling environment by removing filters and options
meant for other disciplines. To get all of the steel detailing components
included with Tekla Structures, you must select the STL_DetailingTemplate
model template.
When using a model template, all projects are started in Single-user mode. The
model can later be opened in Multi-user mode if desired. The Multi-User
functionality in Tekla Structures allows multiple users in one model. This is
particularly useful when a number of detailers are working on one contract.
4. Click the OK button to create the new model.

The menus and icons become activated, and the model name appears in the title bar of the
Tekla Structures window.
You can only have one model open at a time. If you already have a model
open, Tekla Structures prompts you to save that model.
Tekla Structures automatically creates a grid and a 3D view according to the saved standard
view properties. The 3D view is shown in the Views dialog box. Named views are shown on
the left, and currently visible views are on the right. To make the 3D view visible, highlight it
and use the arrow button to move it to the Visible views side, or double-click on it.

The default 3D view and grid are shown below.
Lines show the projections of the grids that are visible on the view plane. Tekla Structures
indicates the work area of a view using a white, dashed line cube.
For more information, see:
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Setting up the workspace

Save the model
To save the model: Select File > Save from the pull-down menu or CTRL+S or click the
Save icon in the Standard toolbar.
Remember to save your model often, and always save when opening a new
model or exiting Tekla Structures model.
Tekla Structures also includes an auto save feature that backs up and saves
your work automatically at set intervals. These intervals are set in the Autosave
properties dialog box obtained from the Tools > Options > Options pull-
down menu.
Most commands for Tekla Structures are found both in menus (main or pop-up) and in
toolbars (icons). In this training manual, we will mainly use the pop-up menu to activate
commands.
There are several ways to execute commands in Tekla Structures:

Icons
Commands in main pull-down menu
Commands in pop-up menu
By default all commands are found in the pull-down menus and most of them
in the icons. A pop-up menu appears when you click the right mouse button
(right-click). If you have an object selected, the commands on the pop-up menu
relate to that object.
Home Basics of Tekla Structures Interface overview
1.3 Setting Up Job Specific Information

Now would be a good time to set up many preferences and job specific properties. Note that
you can set up this information at any time, but the most logical time to do this is right at the
start of the contract.
Preferences
Project properties
Tekla Structures contains a powerful tool to help productivity with regard to

setting up information that may be repeated over several contracts. All this
information can be entered once then stored in a "Firm or Project Folder" so
that the next time you start a new model on a particular project or for a
particular client you already have the settings required. This information can
also be saved into a model template. For more information on Firm and Project
Folders, please consult the Tekla User Assistance, the Tekla Extranet, or Tekla
Support.

Check preferences
Before starting the modeling, we will check that preferences are set up correctly.
Home Instructions System Guide Files and folders Files storing options and
advanced options Settings in the Options dialog box
Check that your preferences are set up correctly before you start modeling. If
you change settings in the Options, Tekla Structures only applies the new
settings to connections you subsequently create. Connections you created prior
to changing the preferences are not affected.
Check preferences
1. Open Tools > Options > Options
Here you can set the Autosave interval we just mentioned. It can be set by the number of
commands completed, or the number of drawings created.
For more information on saving and auto saving, see:
Home Instructions Project Collaboration Guide Multi-user mode General
information on the multi-user mode Saving in multi-user mode Autosave
2. For Components, check the values are as shown on the next page, and click Apply.

The bolt edge distance factor does not actually affect connections created by
Tekla; it only sets the value for the bolt edge distance warning in the bottom
left. This indicates that you may need to look closer at this connection.
The bolt standard and size will affect all connections put in after the change is
made. It will not retroactively affect existing connections in the model.
3. Under Orientation marks, you can set the north direction by degrees from global X as
shown below.
4. After you make any desired changes, remember to click the Apply button.
5. Click OK.

Project properties
Project properties are common to all drawings and can be used to fill in typical information in
the title blocks.
Set up project properties
1. Open the Project properties dialog box by selecting File > Project Properties
2. Note that default information has been added in the dialog box to show you what fields
will apply when used on drawings and reports. Replace the defaults with project
information.
3. Press Apply and OK.

1.4 Create Grid
Properties dialog box
In order to create or modify the grid, you need a basic understanding of how to use a property
dialog box. All entities in Tekla Structures such as grids, views, beams, connections, even
points and welds have properties. You can see and modify the properties of an object by
double-clicking on the object in the model.
Double-click on the grid, and the grid properties dialog box will open. Note the buttons along
the bottom of the box. These are typical for most property dialog boxes in Tekla Structures.
In this case you will have the option to Create a new grid, Modify an existing grid, or Get the
properties of an existing grid (by highlighting the grid and clicking the Get button). You can
also Close the dialog box.
Note the buttons along the top of the dialog box. These are typical for most property dialog
boxes in Tekla Structures.
You have the option to Save the settings as they stand, select different saved settings from the
pull down menu and Load them, or save changed settings with a new name typed in the field
to the right of the Save as button.
To create the grid, you can delete the existing grid and create a new one from the Modeling >
Create Grid pull-down menu, or you can modify the existing grid.
Modify the existing grid

1. Open the 3d view and Double-click on a gridline. This opens the Grid properties dialog
box.
2. Complete the Grid dialog box by filling in the X, Y and Z coordinates, and the labels for
the gridlines as shown. Dont miss the Origin offset in the Y.

The x and y coordinates of a grid are relative. This means that the entries for x
and y are always relative to the previous entry. The z coordinates are absolute,
which means that entries for z are absolute distances from the work plane
origin. For more information, see the Tekla User Assistance:
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Setting up the workspace Grids
Creating a grid Grid coordinates
There are a number of ways you can type fractions in Tekla Structures including
fractional inches (7"5/8), Decimal inches (7.5 for 7"), Feet and inches (7'5"5/8
or 7'5.625) or even decimal feet (7.5' for 7'-6"). The program will convert
whatever you type into a format that it can use. You don't have to type the inch
symbol when you mean inches. It will always assume this by default.

Tekla views a space as an indicator of a new value. If you would like to use a
space in the name of a grid line, you need to enclose the entire mark in quotes
(i.e. First Floor).
If a grid line needs to be skewed they can be individually created with the
Modeling > Create Grid Line command, or individual lines can be moved
around by changing your selection options to Select Grid Line.
3. Click Modify to apply the new grid values.

4. When prompted to confirm, click Yes.
5. In the Save as field, enter the grid file name, GRID-BASICTRGMODEL, and click the
Save as button to save the grid values for later use.
6. Click Close to close the dialog box.
You can make grids and grid lines act magnetically so that the objects on the
grid lines follow if you move the grid line. To bind objects to grid lines, select
the magnetic grid plane checkbox.
Home Instructions Basics of Tekla Structures Interface overview Dialog boxes

Home Instructions Modeling Guide Setting up the workspace Grids
The numeric units used in the Grid dialog box (as well as in other modeling
dialog boxes) can be controlled from the Units and decimals... dialog box
obtained from the Tools > Options > Options pull-down menu, Units and
decimals topic.
Every time you save an attribute by clicking Save or Save as, a file gets created
in the attributes folder inside the current model folder. To open this folder, go
to File > Open Model Folder > attributes. These files can then be copied to Firm
or Project folder to be used on other models.
Rotate Grid
Now we can rotate our grid as desired.

1. Select the grid.
2. Right-click, and select Move Special > Rotate.
3. Pick on the intersection of grid lines C and 1.

The Move Rotate dialog box will reflect the new origin point that was selected.
4. Enter 15 for the degrees of rotation around that origin point.
5. Click Move.
Because the grid is now so far outside the Work Area, Tekla Structures will warn that objects
are now outside of it and offer the option to adjust it automatically.
6. Click Expand.
7. Right-click > Interrupt to cancel the command.
8. Click OK to close the Move-Rotate dialog box.

If we were to start modeling in parts now, especially footings and columns, they would come
in square to global 0, 0. The work plane must be modified to follow the skew of the building
before any parts are modeled.
The red coordinate arrow symbol indicates the work plane, which is the current
local coordinate system of the model. Most of the commands that are dependent
on the coordinate system use the work plane coordinates.
Set work plane to new skew

Now we can set our work plane to the new skew.
1. Select View > Set Work Plane > Using Two Points.
2. Pick the intersection of grid lines C and 1 to set the new origin.
3. Pick a point along grid line C to indicate a new positive X direction.
You can use the command Set work plane > Using one point to set the work
plane exactly to the desired position. This command keeps the work plane
parallel to the current work plane but moves it to a new position using a single
picked point.

The values for the grid size are saved, but to recreate the grid in the proper
position you would still need to first set the skewed coordinate again, or place
it and then rotate it.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Setting up the workspace
1.5 Create plane views along gridlines

We will now create Elevation and Plan views along the gridlines created in the previous
section.
A view is a representation of a model from a specific location. Each view is displayed in its
own window inside the main Tekla Structures window. Each view has a view plane on which
the grids are visible.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Setting up the workspace Views
Create Plan view

To create a plan view
1. Open the view properties dialog box by double-clicking anywhere in the 3d view. These
are the properties of the 3d view.
2. Note the Name 3d, the Angle of view is 3d and the view has dimensions Up and Down
into virtual reality from the location where the view was cut at the 0'-0" level. The current
dimensions were set by Tekla Structures when the grid was rotated.
There are multiple ways to open the View Properties dialog box. You can
either double click on an existing view or by selecting View > View
Properties
You can also open up the view properties and activate a create view command
at the same time by double clicking on the icon button in the toolbar or by
holding down the Shift key and single clicking on the icon in the toolbar or by
holding down the Shift key and selecting View > Create View of Model >
(pick method).

3. From the pull down menu at the top of the View Properties dialog box, select Plan View
and click Load.
4. In the name field after the text PLAN AT EL., type the elevation of the view you wish to
create, in this case 0-0.
Notice that loading different settings changes the name, angle, and view depth.
Plan and Elevation views have a much smaller view depth so they can focus
only on that level of steel.

The view depth does not act as a cut off point for visible members. If any of
the part is located within the defined view depth, the entire object will be
visible in that view.
5. Click Apply so these settings, or attributes, will be used for the next view created. It is
important to click the apply button, or you will create a view with the old applied
settings which in this case were 3d. The name, angle and up and down depth of the view
would still be set as 3d, and the new view created would be considered a copy view.
If you don't click the OK button, the dialog box will remain open. You can also
close a dialog box by clicking the Cancel button or X in the top right corner of
that dialog box. Clicking Apply will apply the settings but keep the dialog box
open. Only use Apply if you want to keep the dialog box open. You don't have
to click Apply and OK every time.
It is important to understand the buttons at the bottom of a typical Tekla
Structures dialog box.
Home Instructions Basics of Tekla Structures Interface overview

Dialog boxes Common buttons
Create Basic Views

6. Click on the Create basic view of model icon.
7. The following dialog box will open. The default elevation is 0. Once a different
elevation has been input that elevation becomes the default. This is typical of most
property dialog boxes in Tekla Structures.
8. Enter the elevation to cut the view you applied setting, in this case 0-0.
9. Click Create, and then close the Create view dialog.
You should now have a plan view cut at elevation 00. You can double-click in the view and
modify the name of the view, the type of cut, (Plane or 3d) and the distance the view will
display up and down, but you can never modify or change where the view was cut.
Create elevation view
1. Open the View Properties dialog box if it isn't already open.
2. Select Elevation View from the pull down menu at the top of the dialog box and click
Load.

3. In the Name field after the text ELEVATION ON GRID, type the name of the grid line for
which you wish to cut an elevation view, in this case, grid C.
4. Click Apply so these settings, or attributes, will be used for the next view created.
Create view by two points

1. Click on the Create view using two points icon.
2. In the plan view you created at elevation 0, click on the intersection of grid lines C and 2.
As you move the cursor, you will see arrows pointing in the direction the cut will face.
3. Click on the intersection of grid lines C and 4.

4. Right-click > Interrupt
5. You have now created on elevation view for grid line C. Click OK to close the View
Properties dialog box.
It is not necessary to pick two points the entire width of the building this
simply indicates the plane in which the view is cut.
Now that you know how to create views manually, we will learn how to create views
automatically based on a grid system.
Tekla Structures offers a tool to quickly create views for each elevation and grid line as
specified in the grid properties and name these views with the markers you specified. Note
that these views will always be cut looking north and west.
Before we proceed to create views using this tool, we need to delete all existing views, except
the 3d. To do this, go to View > View List, select the view to be deleted and click the Delete
button.
Views can be selected in both the Named and Visible columns, so be careful
when deleting them that you dont accidentally delete views you want to keep.
There is no Undo for this, so these views would have to be recreated.
Create grid views

1. Select the grid.
2. Right-click and select Create view > Along Grid Lines from the pop-up menu.
This opens the Creation of views along grid lines dialog box.
3. In the view name prefix, add BLDG 2 to set these views apart from the first building.
4. Type the name Bldg 2 in the upper right and click Save as to save these properties.
5. Click Create in the Creation of Views Along Grid Lines dialog box.

You can click the Show button on each view plane to open the View
properties dialog box, and adjust the view properties the way you want and
save them.
1.6 Create Foundations

First, we will create pad footings on gridline 1 and then copy them to the other gridlines.
To be able to manage the objects from the two models after we have combined them we will
create the parts in this building in a different phase.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Advanced modeling Phases
Change the phase for the building

Add a new phase Building 2
1. Click Tools > Phase Manager to open the Phase manager dialog box. By default
only Phase 1 appears in the dialog box.
2. Click on the Add button to add a new phase.
3. Edit the name of the new phase to Building 2, by clicking on the name field.
4. Also edit the name of the phase 1 to Building 1.

5. Make sure Building 2 is highlighted.
6. Click Set current.
7. Now all of the parts we create will be in phase number 2.
The @ symbol will jump to the current phase in the phase manager, and at the
bottom of the main Tekla Structures window the current phase number and
name will always be displayed. You can also switch phases by double clicking
on the phase in the Phase Manger.

Home Instructions Modeling Guide Modeling settings Part position settings
Position on the work plane
Position depth
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Creating and modifying structures Creating
and modifying parts Changing the profile of a part
You can also model in parts by using the coordinate values of the model.
Home Instructions Basics of Tekla Structures Snapping to positions
Snapping to a position using coordinates Options for entering coordinates
Snap Icons
The snap icons function similarly to other computer aided drawing applications. These snap
icons are hierarchal from left to right. The two right end icons designate if you want to snap
only to work points (used mostly for modeling) or all points on corners and edges of objects.

Home Instructions Basics of Tekla Structures Snapping to positions
You can undo (and redo) previous commands one by one since the last save by
clicking the icons or typing "Ctrl + Z" (Undo) and "Ctrl + Y" (Redo).
Create 6-10 x 6-10 footing
You should still be in the Create pad footing command. (You will see the prompt "Pick
Position" in the status bar located in the lower left corner of the main Tekla Structures
window.)
While still in the command:

1. Enter the pad footing information in the dialog box for an 82"*82" (6'-10 x 6'-10")
footing.
2. Change the top and bottom levels for the internal pad footings as shown.
3. Click OK.
4. Pick grid intersections D-1 and E-1.
5. Right-click and select Interrupt to end the command.

Below are the select icons. These icons allow you to select all parts or specific parts of the
model by dragging a box around the entire model.
The first group, from 1 through 17 enables or disable the ability to select those object types in
the model.
The next 4 icons allow you to select connections and assemblies as a whole or as individual
entities.
Pull-down options are offered by Tekla Structures to allow you to select types of members
such as beams or columns. The next icon (24) allows you to further narrow your selection by
specifying more detailed information about an object.
The last icon enables or disables direct modification, which allows you to modify parts
through drag/drop functionality.
For more information on using the select filter, see:
Home Instructions Basics of Tekla Structures Filtering objects Filtering objects
using a selection filter
1.7 Create Steel Framing

First, we will create four columns on gridline 1 and add floor beams and a sloping beam, or
rafter, between them.
After that we will create the construction points needed to create floor joists and roof purlins.
We will copy the completed portal frame and points.
Utilizing a sloping work plane and view planes, we will model roof purlins.
Finally, we will create horizontal eaves bracing on gridlines C and F.
Steel columns
Create external columns
We will first create two W30X108 columns on gridline 1 at C/1 and F/1.
1. Double-click on the Create column icon to open the Column Properties dialog box and
activate the command.
2. Click on the Select button to open the Select Profile dialog box.
3. Select the W30X108 from the profile tree and click OK.
If you double click on a profile in the Select Profile dialog box, it will apply
that profile to the column properties and close the Select Profile dialog box.
You can select the profile for a part from the Select profile dialog box that
opens next to the Profile field in the part properties dialog box.
You can also type a profile name in the Profile field in the part properties
dialog box.
4. On the Position tab change the bottom elevation to -1-71/2 and the top elevation to 66-
3.

User-defined attributes provide extra information about a part. Attributes can
consist of numbers, text, or lists. Some examples are: Comment, camber,
existing, On Hold, RFI information, Preliminary Marks, and bought out items.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Modeling settings Part
properties User-defined attributes
Note that the bottom of the column is 1-7-1/2" below zero (0"). This takes
into account for the grout that will be added later (1-1/2") as we want the end
point of the column to be at the underside of the base plate when we apply the
base plate component.
5. Click Apply.
6. Pick grid intersection C/1 to create the first column.
7. On the Parameters tab, change the top elevation to 59-8.
8. Click Apply.
9. Pick the grid intersection F/1 to create the second column.

Create floor support columns
We will now create two W18X97 columns to support the floor steel at grids D/1 and E/1. The
Create Column command should still be active, but if not, simply single-click on the Create
Column button to reactivate it.
1. Set the profile and top elevation properties as shown below.
Attributes tab:
Position tab:
2. Click OK to apply the properties and close the Column Properties dialog box.
3. Pick the grid intersections at D/1 and E/1 to create the columns.
The visibility of objects in views depends on the work area, view depth, view
setup, and view filter. You can also temporarily hide parts in a view by using
the Hide tool (on the pop-up menu).
In the pictures hereafter, all the model objects created may not always be
visible.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Examining the model Showing
and hiding objects
Floor beams
Create floor beams
Next, we will create the floor beams on column line 1. These beams will be adjusted down 2-
1/2 to allow for joist bearing.
Always model beams in a 2D plane view to ensure that the handles get created at the correct
elevation. The handles of the beam (yellow and magenta squares) will be located in the view
plane that was used to model in the beam. The beam properties will then locate the actual
beam profile in relation to these handles (reference line) and the workplane.
1. Open the BLDG 2 PLAN AT EL. 23-6 view.
2. Press the "Ctrl+4" hotkey to change the object representation to Rendered.
In rendered views, use the shortcuts Ctrl+1...5 and Shift+1...5 to set the desired
representation for parts in the model or components which we will create later.
3. Double-click on the Create beam icon to open the Beam Properties dialog box and
activate the command.
4. Enter W24X76 for the beam profile.
These beams need to be lowered for joist bearing. They can either be moved into position
after they are modeled in, or the position tab values can be modified.
5. On the Position tab, change the Position / At depth to: Behind with 2"1/2 offset and
click OK to apply the properties and close the dialog box.
Changing the On plane or At depth positions on the Position tab adjusts the
location of the steel in relation to the handles and the workplane.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Creating and modifying structures
Creating and modifying parts Modifying the position of a part
It really makes very little difference whether you locate beams using offsets or
by simply moving them into position. Sometimes there may be speed
advantages to be gained by modeling one way rather than another.
6. Turn on the Snap to lines and edges snap switch.
7. Hover over grid line 1 between grid lines C and D as shown below, and notice how the
line illuminates with an arrow to show where the beam will be created and also the
direction. Aim the cursor so the arrow points towards grid line D.

8. Click to create the beam automatically and see that it appears at the correct level in the
3D view simultaneously.
Note that it is very important to input beams from left to right and bottom to
top. Tekla Structures will consider the first end input in the model as the left
end on the drawings. This will make the marked end of the beams on the
erection plans be the left and bottom to match US standards.
9. Continue creating the beams along grid line 1.

11. Turn off the Snap to lines and edges snap switch.
Roof Beam
Now we will create a W30X99 beam at the roof between the two outside columns that we
created.
Create beam
1. Open the BLDG 2 ELEVATION ON GRID 1 view.
2. Double-click on the Create beam icon.
3. Load the Beam properties we do this to clear out the changes we made on the position
tab for the floor beams.
4. Enter W30X99 for the beam profile and click OK to apply the properties and close the
dialog box.
5. In the BLDG 2 ELEVATION ON GRID 1 view pick grid C at 66-3 and then grid F at 59-
8.

Work points for floor joists and roof purlins
After inputting the steel along 1 line, we will layout points for modeling the floor infill joists
and the roof purlins. These points can be placed in either a plan view at the steel elevation or
an elevation view along this column line. We will use the BLDG 2 ELEVATION ON GRID 1
view.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Setting up the workspace Points
Equal spaced work points for floor beams

First, the floor joist spacing.
1. Double-click on the Add points on line icon.

2. Type 4 and click Apply.
3. At the 23-6 elevation, select the grid intersection of C/1, then D/1 to create five equal
spaces (4 points).
4. Repeat at the bay between grid intersections E/1 and F/1.

5. Back in the Divided Line Points dialog box, change the number of points to 5 and click
OK to apply the properties and close the dialog box.
6. Pick the grid intersections D/1, then E/1 to create 6 equal spaces (5 points) in that bay.
7. Right-click > Interrupt.
These points could have been modeled in either the plan view or the elevation
view. When a point is in the same plane as your view, they appear yellow.
When they are out of the current view plane, they are red.

We can now use the grid intersections C and 66-3 and F and 59-8 to create the work
points for the first and last roof purlins. To make sure the points are in the correct position,
we will work in the BLDG 2 ELEVATION ON GRID 1 view.
Because the points need to follow the sloping beam, they cannot be entered in a
plan view since the current plan views have flat planes, the points would also
come in at a constant elevation.
First and last joist work points

1. Double-click on the Add point along extension of two picked points icon.
2. Type -2-0 and click OK to apply the properties and close the dialog box.
Create extension point adds or subtracts a point along a line that you specify
by clicking two points in the model. The points that are clicked by you in the
model define the direction vector; the value you enter defines the distance from
the second selected point. A positive or negative value defines the direction
along the defined vector. A positive value means the extension point to be
added will further away from the first point clicked, negative means back
towards the first point clicked.
3. Pick grid intersection C and 66-3 and then F and 59-8.

4. Repeat, picking the points in the reverse order.

5. Click on the Measure Distance (F) icon and click on the top of column at C/1 then the
work point to check that the point was created at the correct location. Place the temporary
dimension by clicking a final time in space above the beam.
Divide the working points in 12 segments

Using the Add points on line command, divide the space between the two work points that
you just created into twelve equal spaces (11 points).
1. Double-click to open the Divided line points dialog box.
2. Type 11 and click OK to apply the properties and close the dialog box.
3. Select the two work points created previously.
Crane Beam Support Stubs

Next we will add crane girders to the framing.
Create Stubs
2. Load the BEAM properties.
3. Enter W18X40 for the profile size and click OK to apply the properties and close the
dialog box.
4. In the BLDG 2 ELEVATION ON GRID 1 view, pick the grid intersection C and 50-10.
5. Move the cursor to snap in the y direction (activate the Snap to nearest points option).
6. When the autosnap feature reaches 3-0, click to create the beam.

When using the autosnap feature, the accuracy of the displayed dimensions is
based on how far you are zoomed in the view. The further in you zoom, the
more accurate the dimensions will get.
Practice the use of Polar Tracking in order to fully maximize your modeling
speed. Remember relative and absolute snaps can also help you to locate items
or points in your model.
Copy to other column

Now we will copy the crane support to the column on F line by using the Copy Special >
Mirror command.
To make it easier to mirror parts, the work plane can be changed to match the 2d view we are
working in.
1. In the BLDG 2 ELEVATION ON GRID 1 view, click on the Set work plane parallel to
view plane icon, and then click in view background.
The coordinate icon will change to show the X-Y directions in this view.
2. Select the crane beam and right-click > Copy Special > Mirror.

3. This opens the Copy - mirror dialog box.
4. In the view, pick two points on the grid at two different elevations between grid lines D
and E to define the mirror line. The X0, Y0 and Angle fields automatically change based
on these 2 points.
5. Click Copy, then OK.

Set the work plane back to Building

Now we can set the work plane back to the skewed, flat plane so we can continue modeling.
2. Select View > Set Work plane > Parallel to View Plane
3. Click in the background of the view.
The work plane is now set square to the skewed building.
Copy the column line 1 frame and the points

We will now copy the columns, the rafter and the points to gridlines 2 through 7.
Copy the members
1. Select the columns, the rafter, the beams, and the points by dragging a box from the
lower right to the upper left around the parts.
2. Right-click and select Copy special > Linear.

3. Pick two points to show the translation vector (19-8 in x direction).
4. Type the number of copies (6).
5. Click Copy.

6. Right-click > Interrupt to cancel the command and OK to close the dialog box.
Model Floor Steel

The next step is to model the rest of the floor steel at the 23-6 level in the first bay.
Set properties for the floor beams

2. Load the Beam properties.
It is a good idea to Load the proper settings after modeling a member of

different properties so that all settings for numbering, material and position are
all reset.
3. Enter W24X76 for the beam profile and click Apply.

4. In the BLDG 2 PLAN AT EL. 23-6 view, place the beams along column line C through
F, between grids 1 and 2, working from left to right at each location.

Next, we will model the infill joists in each bay.
5. In the beam properties dialog box, load the Joist properties.
6. Enter 18K for the joist profile and click Apply.

Joists in Tekla Structures are for representation only; they are not intended for
fabrication. While this is possible in Tekla Structures, the process is not covered
in the Steel Basic course.
You can also model joists so that there are higher than the supporting beam by
entering -21/2 in the Position > At Depth field. This is helpful when modeling
in roof joists and only the top of rafter elevations are known.
7. Pick the joist work point near grid intersection C1 at the command Pick first position.
8. At the command: Pick second point, pick the work point near grid intersection C2.
Notice that as you drag the icon to the second point of the beam, a dimension
displays to indicate the parts current length. The same dimension will appear
again if you click and highlight a part in the model.
9. Right-click > Interrupt

10. Highlight the joist and Right-click > Copy.
11. Pick the endpoint of the joist, then the next work point to set the new copied location.
12. Repeat up to column line F, selecting all of the work points that we created earlier.

Home Instructions Basics of Tekla Structures Copying and moving objects
Copying an object
Set Sloping Work Plane for Roof Purlins

The next step is to model the Z-Purlins on the sloped roof. To place the parts in the correct
plane we will first change the work plane (which currently is flat) to the roof slope.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Setting up the workspace Work plane
Shifting the work plane
Set work plane to the roof slope

To set the work plane to the roof slope:
1. Open the 3d view.
2. Pick the Set Work using three points icon, or go to View > Set Work Plane > Using
Three Points
3. Pick the top of the column at grid C/1 as the origin.
4. Pick the top of the column at grid C/2 to define the positive x direction.
5. Pick the top of the column at grid F/1 to define the positive y direction.

The work plane is now positioned to the top plane of the rafter.
It is a good idea to use the top of columns since their elevations are set in the
column properties whereas the end of the roof beam was picked manually. To
snap to the top of a column, just hover the cursor near the edge of the column
shaft, and the endpoint that becomes visible is the top of the column.
The Set work plane to part top plane command sets the work plane parallel
to the part plane (front, top, back, or bottom) on the center line of the part.
Without adjusted work plane With adjusted work plane

True plan view
We will now make a true plan view of the roof manually by creating a view on the sloped
work plane. We can also use this true plan view in drawings.
Working in a true plan view makes it easier to model sloped objects since the
grids are also shown in the true plan.
The part positioning, copying, etc, however, always comply with the work
plane coordinate system no matter in which view you perform the commands.
Create true plan view

1. Pick View > View Properties
2. Load the Plan View pre-defined settings and complete the properties as shown below,
then click OK to apply the properties and close the dialog box.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Setting up the workspace Views

3. Select View > Create View of Model > On Work Plane.
The new view is created. The grid is also shown in the true plan view plane. Notice that
because you are now looking directly at the sloping roof, your columns may look a little odd
because they are effectively skewed in this view.
Other Create View commands allow us to double click on the icon to open
up the properties dialog box and activate the command at the same time. This
is not possible when creating a view from the work plane. You have to apply
the view properties before activating the Create View command.

You can also turn on the grid in the work plane in your 3D view by selecting
work plane on your Snapping toolbar. This grid displays as a dark red color.
Create Roof Purlins

We will now create the roof purlins by using the Create beam tool.
Create Purlins
2. Load the Purlin_Z properties.
3. Select a 1000Z300-71 profile from the Canam Z Sections for the purlins.
4. Click OK to apply the properties and close the dialog box.
5. Pick the work point near grid intersection C/1 at the command Pick first position.
6. At the command: Pick second point, pick the work point near grid intersection C/2.

8. Open the BLDG 2 ELEVATION ON GRID 1 view and notice that the purlin is not oriented
correctly the bottom leg should be facing down the slope.

The direction of the bottom flange of the purlin is determined by the direction in which the
purlin was modeled. We cannot change this orientation in the Beam Properties dialog box.
There is a tool in Tekla that allows us to switch the locations of the yellow and magenta
handles so that we dont have to remodel the purlin.
9. Select the purlin and go to Tools > Macros, then select the Global radio button at the
bottom, select Swap Handles and click Run.
Create the rest of the purlins in the bay between gridlines 1 and 2 by using the Copy special >
Linear command. (12 copies along the slope).
10. Select the purlin and then right-click > Copy Special > Linear.
11. In the BLDG 2 TRUE PLAN ON ROOF view, pick two work points to define the distance
between them in the Copy Linear dialog box.

12. Enter the number of copies (12) and click Copy.
13. Click OK to close the dialog box.
If you get a distance in 1/128 accuracy when picking 2 points in the Copy
Special > Linear command, there will almost always be a remainder that will
prevent the later copied objects from falling exactly on the work points. If you
use the right-click > Copy method, all of the members will be exactly on the
work points.
Set the work plane back to Building 2

Now we must switch the work plane back to the second building in a flat plane to carry on
modeling outside of the roof plane.
1. Open the BLDG 2 PLAN AT EL. 66-3.
1. Select View > Set Work plane > Parallel to View Plane.
2. Click in the background of the view.
The work plane is now set square to the skewed building.

Horizontal Eaves Bracing
On grid lines C and F, we will create horizontal HSS bracing using the Create beam tool.
Create brace
1. Open the BLDG 2 PLAN AT EL. 66'-3 and BLDG 2 PLAN AT EL. 59-8 views.
3. Load the Horizontal_HSS_Brace properties.
4. Enter HSS8X4X1/4 as the profile.
6. In the EL. 66-3 view, create one brace from grid C/1 to grid C/2.
7. In the EL. 59'-8 view, create one brace from grid F/1 to grid F/2.
8. Select both braces, right-click > Move Special > Linear to move them down 4-0 in the
Z plane.

9. When prompted, Expand the view depth to see both braces.
Copy steel bays

Finally, highlight all the beams, joists, purlins, and braces between column lines 1 and 2 and
copy the framing to the rest of the building.
2. Double-click in the background of the view and adjust the view down distance enough to
see all of the framing on the roof and the floor.
3. Starting below C line, drag a selection window from right to left up through all of the
framing.

4. Right-click > Copy Special > Linear.
5. Enter 19-8 in the X direction, 5 copies, and click Copy.

7. Double-click in the background of the BLDG 2 PLAN AT EL. 66-3 view and change the
view down distance back to 5-0 so that we only see the roof purlins and eaves braces.
Pour Stop
Next we can model some angle and bent plate pour stop around the perimeter of the 23-6
level.
Create Perimeter angle

2. Double-click on the Create Beam icon to open the dialog box.
3. Load the Angle preset from the drop-down menu.

4. Change the profile to an L7X4X3/8 and click Apply.
While you can simply type in the profile size into the field of the beam or
column properties, you should select them from the catalog until you are more
familiar with the syntax of the profile name.
5. Hold Ctrl and click at the intersection of C/1 to set a reference point.
6. Aim up with your cursor (do not pick!) and type 1-31/2, then Enter.
7. Hold Ctrl and click at the intersection of F/1 to set the second reference point.

8. Aim down with your cursor (do not pick!) and type 1-31/2, then Enter.
If you look closely, you can see that the orientation of the angle is not correct.
10. If the Beam Properties dialog is closed, double-click on the angle we just created to
reopen it. Otherwise, simply select the angle in the model.
11. On the Position tab, change the Rotation and the At depth values to Front, and click
Modify.

The angle is now oriented correctly (long leg horizontal), but is toed in the wrong direction.
12. Select the angle and go to Tools > Macros, choose the Global radio button, then select
Swap Handles and click Run.
13. Select the angle again and change the On plane direction to Left and the On plane
dimension to -8, then click Modify.
14. Apply the properties and Save the settings to be used later.

The back of the angle is now 8 from column line 1.
By setting the On Plane direction to Left with a negative dimension, the back
of the pourstop angle will remain in the correct location even if the angle
profile gets modified.
Asymmetrical profiles like Z purlins, angles, and channels cannot always

follow the left to right, bottom to top rule of modeling. If you cannot achieve
the orientation needed, the part may need to be modeled in the other direction.
It may take some experimenting with the On plane, Rotation, and At depth
settings to get an angle oriented the way you want. Depending on the direction
the part is modeled and the current work plane, values for one location may not
work in another.

We will now model the pourstop angle along column line 7 with the reference line at a
different location so that we can see how this affects the visibility of the parts on the
drawings.
1. Double-click on the Create Beam icon to open the dialog box.
2. Load the Angle_Pourstop attribute that we just created.
3. Go to the Position tab, change the On plane dimension to 0, and click Apply.
4. Hold Ctrl and click at the intersection of C/7 to set a reference point.
5. Aim right with your cursor (do not pick!) and hold Ctrl and left click when the autosnap
dimension shows 8 to set a second reference point.
6. Type the letter O on your keyboard to activate Orthogonal tracking.
7. Aim up with your cursor (do not pick!) and type 1-31/2, then Enter to create the start
handle of the angle.
8. Hold Ctrl and click the perpendicular at column line F to set reference point.
9. Aim down with your cursor (do not pick!) and type 1-31/2, then Enter to create the end
handle of the angle.
Split Perimeter Angle
The angles as modeled are over 70-0 long, so they need to be broken into smaller
manageable pieces. We will split the angle into 20-0 lengths.
1. Click on Edit > Split.
2. Select the angle on column line 1.
3. Ctrl+Click on the start handle of the angle.
4. Aim upwards (do not pick!) along the angle and type 20-0, then Enter.
5. With the command still active, pick the next section of angle.
6. Ctrl+Click on the new start handle at the split point that was just created.
7. Aim upwards (do not pick!) along the angle and type 20-0, then Enter.

8. Repeat the command until there are three 20-0 long sections of angle, and a remaining
12-9 piece. Repeat the above steps for the continuous angle along grid line 7.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Detailing structures Splitting parts
You can use splitting with straight parts, curved beams without offsets, or
normal and tapered reinforcing bar groups. You can also split plates and slabs
by using a polygon. You cannot split polybeams.
Create Bent Plate

Next we will create bent plate pour stops along column line C using the Create Polybeam
tool.
1. Open the BLDG 2 ELEVATION ON GRID 1 view.
2. Go to View > Set Work Plane > Parallel to View Plane and click in the background of
the view.
3. Double-click on the Create Polybeam icon.
4. Load the Plate properties from the drop-down menu.
5. Change the profile size to PL3/8X120.
The legs of the bent plate are going to be defined by the points we pick. The
length of the overall plate then needs to be defined in the Profile field.
The Create Polybeam tool can also be used to create curved material. Curved
members created with the polybeam tool can be measured differently
depending on their orientation or profile type.

6. Go to the Position tab, change the On plane direction to Right, the Rotation to Top, and
the At Depth to Behind.
7. Click Apply and Save the attribute as Bent_Plate.
When modeling plates with the Z Axis pointing out of the screen towards you,
the Top and Below rotations will model in the plate with the skinny side visible;
the Front and Back rotations will model in the plate with the broad side visible.
8. Click on the top of the beam on C line, then aim to the left and type 1-5 and press
Enter.
9. Type the letter O on your keyboard to activate Orthogonal tracking.

10. Aim straight up and type 4, then Enter.

11. Middle mouse click to finish.
12. At the prompt, click Do not expand.
Notice that the plate was created outside of column line 1, or behind the current work plane.
13. Open the BLDG 2 PLAN AT EL. 23'-6" view.

14. Go to View > Set Work Plane > Parallel to View Plane and click in the background of
the view.
15. Select the plate, and right-click > Move.
16. Select the grid intersection at C/1 for the starting point.
17. Right-click > Mid to select the midpoint snap override and place the plate at the midpoint
of the grid between lines 1 and 2.
18. Select the plate and right-click > Copy Special > Mirror.
19. Pick two points along the far right edge of the plate to indicate the mirror line.
20. Click Copy.
The plates need to be adjusted to provide a gap at column centerline.

21. Click the Measure horizontal distance icon.
22. Click on the joint between the two plates and then column line 2.

Adjust the plate so it is 1/2 clear of column line 2.
23. Double-click on the plate overlapping column line 2 to open the Beam Properties dialog
box.
24. Change the profile length to 9-91/2 (117-1/2) and click Modify.
25. Single-click on the first bent plate we created.

26. Click the check/uncheck button in the Beam Properties dialog box.
27. Check on the Profile line.
28. Click Modify.

29. Click OK.
Copy bent plates
Next, copy the plates down column line C.
1. Select both plates, then right-click > Copy Special > To another object.
2. Select the beam between grid lines 1 and 2 at the prompt for the source object.
3. Select the beam between grid lines 2 and 3 at the prompt for the destination object.

4. The command is still active, so keep picking each beam down the rest of column line C.
Now the bent plates can be copied to the other side of the building.
6. Choose the Steel Plate selection filter.
7. Drag a box around the length of grid line C to highlight all the bent plates.
8. Right-click > Copy Special > To Another Plane.
First pick the origin plane.
9. Pick the intersection of gridlines C/1 to set the origin.
10. Pick the intersection of gridlines C/2 to set the positive X direction.
11. Pick a point along column line 1 towards D to set the positive Y.
Now pick the destination plane. Since we are applying these to the other side of the building
the plane must be positioned accordingly.
12. Pick the intersection of gridlines F/7 to set the origin.
13. Pick the intersection of gridlines F/6 to set the positive X direction.
14. Pick a point along column line 7 towards E to set the positive Y.

The bent plates should now appear along column line F.
1.8 Combine Models

Next we will combine the prerequisite model with the model we just created by copying the
objects in phase 1 from the prerequisite model. To copy the objects from another model we
will use the command; Copy from model. This command copies objects from specified
phase(s) from another model.
Copy from another model will copy parts based on their phase into the current
model. It will not copy drawings or some model objects like grids or views.
Set the work plane back to Global origin

Now we must switch the work plane back to the global origin.
1. Select View > Set Work plane > Parallel to XY(Z) Plane
2. Select Plane: XY and set the depth coordinate to 0 and click Change.
The work plane is now set back to the global origin.

Set current Phase back to Phase 1
1. Select Tools > Phase Manager.
2. Select the Building 1 phase and click Set current.
3. Click OK.
Copy prerequisite building
1. Using Windows Explorer, navigate to the pre-requisite model that you created before
class. Copy the path from the address bar. Keep this folder open.
2. Click on Edit > Copy Special > From Another Model
3. Paste the address of the model folder directory next to where it says Filter.
4. Select your pre-requisite model from the window on the right.
5. Set the Phase number to import all steel in the first model is Phase 1.
6. Click Copy.

Again, we can easily see all of the steel members in the model broken down by name and
class. If you see more than one class listed under each name, you can select the incorrect class
> right click > Select in model and then modify the part properties as needed.
15. Repeat this process to check the Phase, Part Prefix, Part Start Number, Assembly Prefix,
and Assembly Start Number.
Using the predefined attributes that were set up by Tekla ensures that not only
will the name field be consistent but the grades and numbering series fields will
also be correct.
Home Instructions Advanced Modeling Guide Organizer
1.9 Define Your Own Selection Filters

To make the selecting of parts easier in the future we will now define selection filters for each
part type. We will use the material and phase of the part as filtering criteria.
As we will be primarily involved in producing Steel drawings that do not include things like
joists, we may like to filter out all the other items in our model. To do this we can create a
selection filter that excludes us from selecting any item that has a material grade that does not
match the rest of the main steel.
Selection filters can also be used to create new categories in the Organizer.
Typical wide flange shape material in Tekla Structures is A992.
Home Instructions Basics of Tekla Structures Filtering objects Filtering objects
using a selection filter
Define select filter for all steel items

1. Click on the Selection filter icon to open the Selection filter dialog box.
2. Click on the New filter button.
3. Click on Add Row and modify with the contents to be Part > Material > Equals > A992.

4. Enter the name A992 in the Save as field and click Save as.
5. You can now select the new filter on the drop-down list.
6. Then drag a box over your entire model to select only the A992 members.
You can change the condition field to 'Does not equal' if you wanted to select
everything except the A992 material. Be careful when you do this, you may
accidentally miss out on parts you wanted to include.
You can also use the Select from model feature in the Value column to
ensure that you get the correct syntax of the Category and Property of that row
for a selected part in the model.

Create your own select filters to use both for modeling and for automating
drawing creation with the help of wizards.
1.10 Model View Filters

Not only can we use and create selection filters to aid in modeling and drawing creation, but
we can modify the model views to include or exclude certain object types by creating view
filters to show only the specific objects we want to see.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Examining the model Showing and hiding
objects
Using Visible Object Group
Besides turning on and off objects based on their hierarchy, you can also filter for specific
objects or groups of objects using a view filter that is similar to the selection filters we used
earlier.
objects Object groups
1. In a model view, such as your 3d view, double-click in the view background to bring up
the View Properties dialog box.
Under Visible Object Group, there is a drop-down menu for predefined view filters.
2. Select Steel_Column from the drop-down menu and click Modify.

When we do this you can see that all parts that do not meet the criteria in the Steel Column
filter are removed from the view. This can greatly aid in creating drawings when used like
the selection filter.
Define filters for Phase 1 steel
1. Click on the Object Group button in your View Properties dialog box.
You should see the settings that are activated for the Steel Column filter we just used. You
can use similar fields to build your own view filter just like we did for the selection filter
earlier.
2. Click on the New filter button.

3. Click on Add Row and modify with the contents to be Part > Phase > Equals > 1.
4. Click on the >> button in the top right and select the check box next to Selection filter.
This allows us to create multiple filters with the same settings in one command.

5. Enter the name Phase_1 in the Save as field and click Save as.
6. Click Modify.
Notice how there is now a Phase_1 selection filter available in the selection menu.
7. Repeat the steps above to create and save a View Filter and Selection Filter for Phase 2.
Using the view filters, you can show parts of a certain phase, material grade, size, or even
filter for specific part or assembly position numbers if you need to find them.
You do not have to save the filters in order to use them. You can click on the
filter properties and create a filter that may only be needed once (i.e. Part >
Position Number > Equals > p24).

When saving filters, it is important to not use spaces in the names.
To see the whole model again, you must turn off the filter row by un-checking the box or by
loading a different setting, such as standard or All and clicking Modify.
At this point we have added all the members into the model. In a real contract,
we could now perform a numbering, save the preliminary marks, and then
create the 350 Advanced Bill report.
We will deal with Numbering and Reports in more detail later in Chapter 4 of
this manual.

1.11 Object Representation Filter
We can also modify the color and transparency of parts in model views to easily see which
parts are in a specific section of the model by using representation filters. In the Steel
Detailing role, concrete is set to be transparent by default.
objects Object representation settings
Under Color and transparency in all views, there is a drop-down menu for predefined view
filters.
2. Select Color by Phase from the drop-down menu and click Modify.
We can now see that all parts in Phase 1 are colored gray (class 1) and all parts in Phase 2 are
colored red (class 2). All open model views will have the same representation applied.

You can create your own Object Representation filters similar to the way we created our own
selection and view filters.
objects Object representation settings Creating object representation settings
In the Steel Detailing role, there are Object Representation settings in place by
default to always show concrete as slightly transparent, so that steel parts are
always visible, even if embedded.

System Components

Anchor Bolts - TEKLA Page# 5 Joint# 1042
Description BASE PLATE TO ALL W30X108 COLUMNS

Anchor Bolts - TEKLA Page# 5 Joint# 1042
Description BASE PLATE TO ALL W18X97 COLUMNS

Joist Connection - TEKLA Page# 12 Joint# 160
Description JOIST TO BEAM CONNECTION - 18K TO BEAMS ON INTERNAL GRIDS 2 TO 6

Joist to beam Type 1 - TEKLA Page# 12 Joint# 160
Description EXTENDED JOIST CONNECTION - 18K TO W24X76 @ GRIDS 1 & 7

Cap Plate - TEKLA Page# 5 Joint# 1002
Description CAP PLATE TO TOP

OP OF W30X108 COLUMNS
Stiffener - TEKLA Page# 5 Joint# 1003
Description STIFFENERS TO WEB OF W30X108 COLUMN

End Plate - TEKLA Page# 2 Joint# 29
Description END PLATE ROOF RAFTER

END PLATE - TEKLA Page# 2 Joint# 29
Description ONE SIDED END PLATE BETWEEN HSS8X4X1/4 TO W30X108 COLUMN WEB
Two sided end Plate - TEKLA Page# 2 Joint# 24
Description TWO SIDED END PLATE BETWEEN 2-HSS8X4X1/4 AND W30X108 COLUMNWEB
COLUMN
Purlin Connection - TEKLA Page# 13 Joint# 2
Description COLD ROLLED SLEEVE PURLIN 1000Z300

1000Z300-71
SINGLE CONNECTION SETUP PER BELOW COVERS
A) PERIMETER CONDITION WHERE PURLIN EXTENDS OVER W30X108 BEYOND GRIDS 1 & 7
B) AND INTERNAL CONDITION WHERE 2 PURLINS CONNE
CONNECT TO W30X108
WELDED BEAM - TEKLA Page# 3 Joint# 13
Description FITTING OF W18X40 STUB BEAM @ 50-10 TO W30X108 COLUMN

Shear Tab - TEKLA Page# 1 Joint# 146
Description SHEAR SIMPLE PLATE FOR W24X76 BEAMS TO COLUMN FLANGES ON GRIDS 1 & 7
Column with Stiffeners - TEKLA Page# 1 Joint# 186
Description W24X76 BEAM TO W18X97 COLUMN WITH EXTENDED SHEAR PLATE ON GRIDS D & E
Clip Angle - TEKLA Page# 1 Joint# 141
Description 1 SIDED CLIP CONN OF W

W24X76 BEAM TO W30X108 COLUMN WEB ON GRIDS C & F
Two Sided Clip Angle - TEKLA Page# 1 Joint# 143
Description 2-SIDED
SIDED CLIP CONN OF W24X76 BEAMS TO W30X108 COLUMN WEB ON GRIDS C & F
Create hole around part - TEKLA Page# 11 Joint# 92
Description BENT PLATE COUT OUT ALONG GRIDS C & F

3. Click the middle-mouse button to end the command, and the bolts should now go all the
way through each member.
4. Go to Tools > Inquire > Assembly Objects and select each member to verify the
assemblies are correct.
2.10 Clash Check Manager
Check clashing
1. Click and drag a window around all of the framing in the BLDG 1 PLAN AT EL. 12'-
7"1/2 view.
2. Right-click and select Clash check.
Tekla Structures displays the clashing objects in the Clash Check Manager dialog box.
3. Select any clashing parts from the list, and Tekla Structures highlights them in the model.
Double click on the clash to zoom to the parts in the model.
Steel: System Components

Note that one member may cause and report several different clashes with other
members and these will all show up on the manager.
There are more tools available in the Clash Check Manager.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Checking the model Detecting
clashes Clash Check Manager
The Clash Check Manager checks the steel using high accuracy settings
meaning that it looks at things like the radius where the beam web meets the
flange even though it may not be visible in the model.
If you want to see the steel in high accuracy for a quick check, you can highlight
the parts, hold the Shift key and right-click > Show with Exact Lines. To turn
them back to the original appearance, repeat the command but do not hold the
Shift key.
The out of the box settings do not keep the higher accuracy in the model view on
all of the time for performance reasons when navigating in the model.
Different settings on the Select Filters toolbar will allow you to locate different types of
clashes. For instance you can restrict the clash check to only look for clashes between
members or main members and secondary parts or main members secondary parts and bolts
too.
2.11 Model View settings
Not only can we use and create view filters to aid in modeling and drawing creation, but we
can also modify the model view properties to include or exclude certain objects as well as
adjust the accuracy of how certain objects are shown.
First we will adjust display settings.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Modeling settings View and representation
settings Display settings
Modify Display Properties

2. Click on the Display button.
The Display dialog box has two columns of checkboxes; one for loose parts in the model, and
one for parts that are inside components. Using these checkboxes, you can turn on and off
objects depending on their hierarchy.
3. Uncheck the box for Bolts under the In components column.

4. Make sure the view is highlighted that you want to change, and click Modify.
Notice how the bolts disappear from the component because we have turned them off in the
display properties for this view.
Turning certain objects off can help speed up view regeneration, especially once
your models get larger and more complex.
There are also drop-down boxes on the right under Representation. These drop-downs allow
you to set the definition for your objects. You can choose to show parts Exact, which looks
better visually, or for speed you can set them for Fast.
5. With your Display dialog box still up, check on Bolts under In components again.
6. Select Fast from the drop down menu under Representation.
7. Click Modify.
Notice that our bolts are now shown as black reference lines, instead of displaying as actual
bolts.

You can set other objects to Fast as well, such as Parts. Fast uses a rapid
drawing technique that displays internal hidden edges, but skips cuts. The
setting does not automatically affect already modeled parts. When you switch
this setting on, the fast representation mode will be applied only to newly
created parts and to parts that are displayed with the Show with Exact Lines
command. The cuts are still in the model, and your drawings will be correct. It
is just a visual setting.
You can set your bolts back to Exact before continuing, and close the Display properties
dialog box.

Interactive Steel Detailing

Contents
3 Interactive Steel Detailing................................................................. 1

3.1 Create Gusset Plate with Stiffeners Interactively........................................ 1
Explode gusset plate connection ................................................................. 2
Reshape the gusset plate ............................................................................ 3
Add stiffeners ................................................................................................ 5
Modify roof bracing connection .................................................................... 7
3.2 Create an Unusual or Unique Connection .................................................. 9
Create plate and fitting for the beam ........................................................... 9
Create a plate for the column .................................................................... 13
Adjust Contour Plate .................................................................................. 16
Create welds ............................................................................................... 17
Create bolt group........................................................................................ 20
3.3 Create a Custom Component .................................................................... 24
Define the Custom Component ................................................................. 24
Apply the Custom Component ................................................................... 28
Steel: Interactive Steel Detailing

3-i
3 Interactive Steel Detailing
In this lesson
Tekla Structures system components cover a great variety of the components used in most
projects. However, you may come across situations where it's not possible to make the
necessary connections in your model using the system components.
In this chapter we will take advantage of the Tekla Structures tube gusset connection by using
it as a base for a customized connection. We will explode the system component, modify the
ungrouped objects and then add objects to the connection using a system component detail.
We will also create a whole new connection (i.e. all connection objects: parts, welds, bolts
and cuts) interactively from scratch without using any system components.
We will learn how to:
Explode and modify a System Component to our specific needs
Combine one System Component with the modified parts to create a complex connection
Create a Custom Component interactively
Apply the created component around the model
3.1 Create Gusset Plate with Stiffeners

Interactively
In Tekla Structures there may not always be a system component available in which you can
get the desired shape or parts included in the connection. You can, however, modify the parts
that were created and apply a second system component detail to get the final result.
We will explode an existing tube gusset connection, modify the gusset plate shape and then
create stiffeners in the connection using a system component detail.
Near the bottom end of the column at grid A/2 is a Tube Gusset (20) connection.

3-1
In the figure on the left, we see the connection before the stiffeners have been added. In the
figure on the right, we see how the connection will look after the stiffeners have been added.
Explode gusset plate connection

Inside of the system connection we are not able to reshape the gusset plate the way it is shown
in previous image.
In situations where the connection parameters do not contain a particular option, we must edit
the parts outside of the connection.
In order to modify connection objects outside the connection, we need to explode the
connection to ungroup the objects in the connection. Modifications when done outside of the
connection dialog box without first exploding the connection will result in the changes being
overwritten if the connection were to get updated.
Before exploding the connection you should take advantage of the connection to
get as close to the desired result as possible since editing connection macros is
faster and easier than editing objects outside the connection.
Explode connection
To explode the connection:
1. Select gusset plates connection symbol.
2. Right-click and select Explode Component.
All connection objects (even if they are set to "not visible" in the view properties) will
become visible. Now all of these objects have lost intelligence and association to the
connection dialog box.

After exploding the connection, the objects that were in the connection are no
longer connection objects.
They will be presented in the model as objects (main parts) both in wire frame
and in shaded wire frame.
Reshape the gusset plate

We will now reshape the gusset plate as shown in the figure below by editing the polygon
plate using Direct modification.
The system component added the gusset plate using the 'Contour Plate'
command that we have not actually learned yet. The contour plate features
special editable corners that can be adjusted easily. This exercise highlights
how to edit a component that has been added by the system. This is the quickest
way to work when 3D modeling. Add the system component closest to your
needs, and then edit it as necessary.
Create Construction Lines
We will first create a temporary construction line to help to locate the bottom right corner of
the gusset plate.
We want to work in a plane view, not 3d, while making changes.
1. Open the BLDG 1ELEVATION ON GRID A view and zoom in to the brace connection on
column line 2.
2. Ctrl + 2 to lighten up the pieces.
3. Click the Add construction line icon.
4. While holding down Ctrl, pick the top left corner of the gusset plate as a reference point.
5. Track the mouse down along the face of the column until it reaches 10, then click to
place the first point of the construction line.
6. Next right-click and select Perpendicular to turn on just that snap.
7. Pick a perpendicular snap at the column flange edge and the construction line is created.

3-3
Modify the plate
Instead of recreating the polygon plate we will now reshape the existing plate by using Direct
modification.
1. Make sure the intersection snap is turned on.
2. Click the Direct modification icon next to the selection filters.
3. Click on the plate to select it and enable the handles along its edge.
4. Grab the middle handle on the right side and drag it down to meet the intersection of the
plate edge and the construction line. Hold the Shift key to enable the snap.
5. Select the bottom corner and drag it up to meet the construction line. Again, hold Shift to
enable the snap to intersection.

6. Click in the model background to deselect the plate and click the Direct modification
button again to turn it off.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Creating and modifying structures Creating
and modifying parts Modifying the shape of a part
The construction line is no longer needed, and you can delete it.
The Modify command can be used to add handles, remove them, and also adjust
the shape by dragging faces instead of just corners.
Add stiffeners
We will now add stiffeners to our connection using the Multiple Stiffeners (1064) detail.
When we open the details dialog box we can see which options are available to us for
creating the stiffeners. In this case we are interested in setting the stiffener spacing.
Create stiffeners using macro

1. Open the component catalog (Ctrl+F), and find the Multiple stiffeners (1064)
component. Double-click on the component icon.

3-5
2. Edit the fields shown highlighted on each of the tab pages shown below, and click Apply.
3. Pick the column.

4. Pick the midpoint of the gusset plate, and the stiffeners are created.
5. Go to Tools > Inquire > Assembly Objects and select the brace and column to verify the
6. Save the settings for later use.

You can see the final result in the figures below.
If you need to remove a part from a system component but cannot find an
option in any of the drop down fields to do so, you can just enter a zero
thickness for that parts t value. This will effectively remove the item from the
component and the connection in the model.
Modify roof bracing connection

Next, we will modify the connections at the top of the vertical bracing using a different
command to reshape the gusset plate.
1. Explode the bracing connection at the top of the column on grid A/2.
2. Select the gusset plate and go to Detailing > Modify Polygon Shape.
This command works by picking on an existing handle to start, then pick the location of new
handle(s) to be created, and then finish on an existing handle.
3. Click on the bottom corner/handle to start the command.
4. Next right-click and select Perpendicular from the snap override list.
5. Hover near the end of the beam to activate a perpendicular snap and click.

3-7
6. Click on the bottom corner of the beam.
The final picking point will set the new shape of the plate, but we do not want to pick on the
handle closest to the end of the beam, this will leave that handle there even though it is not a
corner anymore. Instead we will pick on the handle on the right side of the plate.
7. Click the handle on the upper right corner of the gusset plate.
Now that the plate has been defined, Tekla prompts in the bottom left to Pick corner to
remove this means the original upper left corner handle. It is not longer required, since we
have redefined where that corner is.
8. Click on the original upper left handle of the plate.

The handle will disappear and the plate is now resized based on the picking points.

9. Go to Tools > Inquire > Assembly Objects and select each member to verify the
Either the Modify command or Modify Polygon Shape can be used to reshape
contour plates. They each have advantages depending on the situation, and the
final result is the same.
3.2 Create an Unusual or Unique Connection

Sometimes you may need to create all the objects for a connection interactively. As an
example we will now create plates, a polygon cut, a fitting, a bolt group and welds
interactively in order to create the unusual looking connection shown below.
Create plate and fitting for the beam

Open Elevation views and delete the connection
1. Open the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID A and BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID 1 views.
2. Zoom to grid intersection A/1 at level 44-0.
3. Delete the existing connection to the column web.

3-9
4. Hide the skewed beam by selecting, then hold Shift and right-click > Hide.
Create end plate for the beam
We will now use the beam command to create the end plate for the beam.
1. Click on View > Set Work Plane > Parallel to View Plane, and then click in the BLDG 1
ELEVATION ON GRID A view.
2. Start the beam command (double click beam icon), Load the Plate attributes and Apply
the properties for the end plate shown in the dialog box below.

It is possible to create plates by using either the beam or the contour plate
command.
In the Component front view:

3. Hold down the Ctrl key, and pick the intersection of the beam lower flange and the
column flange to set the first From location coordinates.
4. Zoom in and track to the right until the cursor autosnaps to 1/2, then hold Ctrl again and
click to set the second reference coordinate.
5. Type the letter O to turn on ortho tracking, and track upwards until the cursor autosnaps
to 1/4, then click.
6. To pick the second position, hold down the Ctrl key, and pick the perpendicular at the top
beam flange. Then zoom in, and drag down to autosnap to 1/4.
The plate then appears.

3-11
Fit the end of a beam
We will use the Fitting command to trim the end of the beam at the end plate.
The Fitting tool will trim the end of the beam on a plane perpendicular to the view plane,
which is defined by picking two points on a line.
For steel parts, a Fitting should be used to adjust the ends instead of other
cutting tools by default Fittings affect CNC data for length in ways that other
cuts may not. For more information, see the User Assistance links.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Detailing structures Fine-tuning part shape

Fittings
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Detailing structures Fine-tuning part shape
Cuts Line cuts
1. Go to your BLDG 1 PLAN AT EL. 44-0.
2. Click on the Create fitting icon.
3. Select the beam as the part to be fitted.
4. Pick the points on the end plate corners to set the cut line for the fitting.
Tekla Structures displays the fitting in the model using a fitting symbol.

Create a plate for the column
We will now use the Create contour plate command to create a plate for the column. We will
use the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID 1 for ease of picking points to place the plate. We will
then move the plate to the correct depth.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Creating and modifying structures Steel parts
Creating a contour plate
Create plate for column
In the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID 1 view:
1. Use Set Work Plane Parallel to View Plane in this view.

2. Double-click on the icon to start the Create contour plate command.
3. Apply the properties for the plate as shown in the next image.

3-13
Contour plate positioning is based on the view plane, not the current work plane
like other steel parts.
4. Move the cursor over the top left corner of the end plate, and hold down the CTRL key
before clicking.
5. After you have clicked the left top corner of the end plate, release the CTRL key
6. Then move the cursor to the outside of the column flange and using the perpendicular
snap, click to create the first point of the plate.
7. Move the cursor to the opposite flange of the column, and use the perpendicular snap to
define the next point of the plate.
8. Now right-click and select Perpendicular from the snap override list, and hover near the
bottom right corner of the existing end plate to see the snap location. Click to place the
third corner of the plate.

9. Finally, use the perpendicular snap to the outside of the opposite flange to complete the
plate.
10. Click the middle-mouse button to end point selection.

The plate is created at the centerline of the column because it was modeled in the model view
along gridline 1.
Move the plate

1. In the BLDG 1 PLAN AT EL. 44-0 view, select the column connection plate, right-click
and select Move.

3-15
2. Pick the midpoint of the column flange as the origin, and then pick the toe of the flange
for the destination.
Adjust Contour Plate

While the column connection plate is now in the correct position, there isn't enough room
down the column flange toes to place a weld. We will now adjust the plate by moving the
contour plate chamfer boxes in order to provide this.
Modify the plate
1. View the plate in the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID 1 view.
2. Select the contour plate, so the handles at the corners are visible.
3. Hold the Alt key on your keyboard and drag a box from left to right around the handles
on the left side of the plate.

4. Right-click and select Move.
5. Pick on one of the handles to set the origin, and then aim the cursor to the right and type
1/4, then Enter.
6. Repeat this for the right side to offset the plate edge.
This plate could also have been resized using the Modify command we used in
the previous chapter.
Create welds
Next we will weld the end plate to the beam and the column connection plate to the column.
This will also add the plates to the beam and column assemblies.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Detailing structures Welds
Weld column plate to the beam
1. Double-click on the Create weld icon.

2. Edit the Weld properties dialog as shown in the next image, and click OK to apply the
properties and close the dialog box.

3-17
3. Select the beam as the part to weld to (the primary part for workshop welds).
4. Select the smaller end plate as the part to be welded (the secondary part for workshop
welds).
It is very important to enter the welding order correctly. Tekla Structures uses
the welding order to determine the primary and secondary parts of the assembly.
This affects the position of the parts in the drawings.
5. Go to Tools > Inquire > Assembly Objects and select the beam to verify the assembly
is correct.
To select the entire assembly: press the Alt key while clicking a part in the
assembly.

If your weld was not automatically placed in the desired position, you can
manually affect the location by setting the desired position for the weld in the
Weld properties dialog box.
You can also use Polygon Welds to joint two parts. Polygon Welds require
you to define the exact position of the weld by picking the points you want the
weld to traverse. This type of weld is more advanced and time consuming to
detail than a basic weld.
Weld connection plate to the column

Repeat this process using the weld properties shown below to weld the larger connection plate
to the column.
Note that when the welds are first created, you can see the length and shape in
the model view. When the view is refreshed, the appearance may change based
on the view settings from the end of the last chapter.
When you click on one of the blue weld tags, you can see it change to show the
current weld size.

3-19
To use the weld to simply attach the parts, you could stop here. To make the
weld correct, you could change the position to +X and apply it again to get a
weld on the other side of the plate.
Create bolt group

Next we will create a bolt group to connect the beam to the column. We will use the bolts to
bolt the beams end plate to the columns connection plate.
Bolts have handles, just like beams and other parts in the model, and just like those parts the
handle location is critical for making a bolt group.
Since having a proper view to work in is important to get handles in the correct location, we
will first create a 2D view.
Create view
1. Go to View > View Properties

2. Load the Elevation View attribute from the drop-down menu.
3. Change the Name field to (TEMP) and click OK to apply the properties and close the
dialog box.
Enclosing the view name in parentheses will make the view a temporary view.
Temporary views are deleted when closed and are not included in the view list.
4. Click on the Create view using two points icon.

5. Pick two points along the edge of the beam end plate where it meets the column plate.
Bolts will work best when their handles are at or close to the center of parts
being bolted together. Working in a view cut in this plane ensures that the
handles will also be in this plane.

The new view looks very similar to the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID 1
view, the difference is that anything modeled here will not show up at the
column gridline, but out at the shear plane of the plates.
Create bolts
1. Double-click on the Create bolts icon. This opens the Bolt Properties dialog box.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Modeling settings Detail properties Bolt
properties
2. First pick the plate we will be bolting to the column connection plate.
3. Pick the beam end plate as the part to be bolted.
4. Click the middle mouse button to finish selecting parts.
Now we are prompted to set the position (handles) of the bolt group. The origin should be a
location we can reference for the location of the first bolt for example, picking the top of the
beam because we know the first bolt row will be 3 down from top of beam.
5. Pick at the top center of the beam on column line A.
The second position indicates the direction that the bolts will be spaced so if we want the
bolt spacing to extend down we need to pick in that direction.
6. Pick the bottom center of the beam and right-click > Interrupt.
This line from the first picked point, to the second picked point of a bolt group is always
considered the positive X direction of the group, regardless of the current coordinate in the
model. This is important to remember for filling out the bolt properties dialog box later.

3-21
Remember - for best results, try to keep the work points of your bolt group in
between the parts you are trying to bolt for instance, between two plates the
work points should be on the shear plane. If you were bolting through a larger
area such as though an HSS member, the work points should be on centerline of
the HSS member.
The bolt group has now been created, but it is showing just a single bolt on top of the first
handle location this is because all of the spacing values in the dialog box are set to 0.

Next lets adjust the shape of the bolt group. Remember, the direction from the first handle to
the second handle is the group direction X. This makes the perpendicular the Y direction.
7. Highlight the single bolt and change the Bolt dist X and Y as shown in the next image.
8. Click Modify.
When setting multiple rows, the bolt dialog works by number of spaces *
distance, not number of rows like component dialog boxes.
Now we have a bolt group that is in the correct shape and number of bolts, but it is still up at
the start handle.
9. To change this, enter 3 in the Dx Start point field under the Offset from dimensions.
10. Click Modify.
This offsets the beginning of the bolt group from the starting handle, in the direction X
(down).

3-23
We are now finished with the bolt group, and the final connection looks like the next images.
3.3 Create a Custom Component

Now that we have made this one connection, we may have to use it in similar scenarios
around the model. Obviously, we want to avoid having to remake it each time. So we can save
it as a custom component then apply it to other locations.
In this part of the exercise we will:
Define the Custom Component
Replace an existing connection with our newly created custom component
Notice that the connection we made currently does not have a green cone (The Component
Symbol).
Define the Custom Component

Open the 3D View in order to show the view similar to the image above.
A Custom Component can be a Connection, a Detail, a Seam, or a Part. For the

purpose of Basic Training we will only deal with the Connection which is
defined as two or more members coming together. The Steel Advanced course
deals with custom components in much more detail.
Create the custom component

1. Go to the Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component menu.

2. Complete the details as shown above. If the Name field is already in use, the Next button
will not highlight.
3. Click Next.
4. Hold down the CTRL or Shift key and select each component that was added in turn.
Beam End Plate
The Cut between the Beam End and the Beam End Plate
Column Toe Plate
Weld from Beam End Plate to Beam
Weld(s) from Column Toe Plate to Column
Bolts

3-25
5. Click Next.
6. Select the Column as it will be the main part of the connection.

7. Click Next.

8. Then select the Beam.
9. The Finish Button will now highlight. Click Finish.
10. The green Component Symbol will now appear. We have now saved the parts of the
connection in the Custom section of the Component Catalog and can use it to create
similar connections elsewhere around the model.

3-27
We can even make this custom component 'intelligent' so that it will detect
variances in column or beam sizes, sloped or skewed scenarios and can add the
facility to vary all of the parameters concerned (bolt size, plate size and
thickness, distance to the first hole, bolt gage, weld sizes etc). All parameters
are user definable. This is taught in the Advanced Training Course.
Apply the Custom Component

Replace an existing connection
1. Now go to the connection at grid B/2 on the 44'-0" level.
2. Highlight the component symbol, and then delete it.
3. Open the Component Catalog.

4. Select Custom from the drop down list.
5. Find Toe Plate, and highlight its icon by clicking once.

6. You will now be asked to pick the main part then the secondary part. These will
correspond exactly with what we just defined when we made the custom component.
Main part = column, secondary part = beam.
7. Now you should have exactly the same connection as the one you created at grid A/1.

3-29
We can apply this connection in the same manner we would apply any system
component, but until we add parametric intelligence to the component it will
only be correct for exactly similar scenarios. In this case it will only be correct
where a W24X55 beam connects to the flange toes of a W16X50 column.
Adding intelligence to this custom component is covered on the Tekla User
Assistance site and during our Advanced Training Class.
Create an Icon for the Custom Component

1. Create a 3D view of the Custom Component you just created.
2. Change the view settings to rendered solid, and adjust the display to hide unwanted items
like grid lines and points.
To quickly hide the work area and rotation symbol, highlight the view, hold
Ctrl+Shift and right-click > Redraw view.
3. With that view active, go to Tools > Screenshot.
4. With the radio button selected to Place to clipboard, click Capture.

5. Open Microsoft Paint and paste the image.
6. If necessary, crop or clean up the thumbnail.
7. Save the image into the models attribute folder as a 24-bit bitmap file. (for example
Toe_plate.bmp)
8. Back inside the Tekla Structures model, open up the Component Catalog, find your
custom component Toe Plate and right-click on the default icon.

9. Select the Change Picture option.
10. Browse to the bitmap file, select it and click OK.
The bitmap image will now be visible in the Component Catalog.

3-31
Numbering and Reports

Contents
4 Numbering and Reports ................................................................... 1

4.1 Numbering Basics ........................................................................................ 1
Defining numbers to be used for parts ........................................................ 1
Running the numbering ................................................................................ 1
How marks are assigned in numbering ....................................................... 2
Numbering settings ...................................................................................... 2
4.2 Numbering Settings ...................................................................................... 3
Numbering Setup dialog............................................................................... 3
Numbering Presets....................................................................................... 4
Initial Numbering........................................................................................... 5
Before Creating Drawings ............................................................................ 5
After Creating Drawings ............................................................................... 6
After Issuing Drawings for Fab .................................................................... 7
Restart Numbering ....................................................................................... 8
4.3 Number the Model ........................................................................................ 8
4.4 Check the Numbering and Create Reports ............................................... 10
4.5 Change Numbering Series......................................................................... 15
Steel: Numbering and Reports

Copyright 2014 Tekla Corporation 4-i
4 Numbering and Reports
In this lesson
This lesson introduces the principles of numbering the model in Tekla Structures.
You will learn:
The options available for numbering your model
How marks are assigned in numbering
How to check part marks
To use report templates
4.1 Numbering Basics

Defining numbers to be used for parts
Numbering series are used to divide part, assembly and cast unit numbers into groups.
For example, you can allocate separate numbering series to different part types (BEAM,
COLUMN, BRACING, etc.) or according to which floor the part is located in (1st floor, 2nd
floor, etc.).
You can name the numbering series to which a part, an assembly, or a cast unit belongs using
the part properties dialog box. The numbering series name consists of a prefix and a starting
number.
Part Position and Assembly Position numbers are material specific

and apply only to steel by default. Concrete members have part
prefix "Concrete", and the starting number is 1. They have a Cast
Unit Position number instead of an Assembly Position number. See
more:
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Numbering the model
Defining numbering series Assigning a numbering series to a
part
Defining numbering series Assigning a numbering series to an
assembly
Running the numbering

When you initiate the numbering process, Tekla Structures assigns marks to parts, assemblies
and cast units.

The numbering function is run by selecting Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number
Modified Objects or Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Series of Selected
Objects.
The Modified option checks all the new and modified parts since the last numbering. If this is
the first time a numbering is performed, it will include all objects, because all objects are new.
The Series of Selected Objects option will check all parts of the same assembly series which
are selected in the model. For example, if a column with an Assembly prefix of C and a
start number of 1 is selected in the model when Number Series of Selected Objects is run,
it will compare all parts that are also included in an assembly with the same Assembly prefix
and start number (Assembly series = C/1).
How marks are assigned in numbering

In numbering, parts with the same Part prefix and Start number will be compared with each
other. All identical parts within such a group will be given the same number. The prefix and
start number together define what numbers the part will be given, e.g. if the prefix is C and
the starting number is 1 (steel columns in our model), the numbering result will be C1, C2,
C3, etc.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Numbering the model What is numbering and
how to plan it What affects numbering
By default in the US Imperial environment, the Assembly Position is used when that
particular part becomes the main part of the assembly.
For instance, a beam may be made up of a shaft of steel, angle clips at each end and perhaps a
shear tab somewhere along its length. Each individual part will have its own Part Position.
Item Part Position Assembly Position
Shaft of Steel B2 B2
Angle Clips a44 B2
Shear Tab p9 B2
When we make the assembly drawing, the entire assembly gets marked as 'ONE - BEAM -
B2' because the shaft of steel was defined as the 'Main Part of the Assembly'. If the assembly
drawing came out marked as 'ONE - PLATE - P16' yet it shows the entire assembly, then we
can tell that the main part of the assembly has been defined incorrectly.
Numbering settings
Numbering is carried out according to the settings in the Drawings & Reports > Numbering
> Numbering settings dialog box. In the Numbering setup dialog you can define how new
or modified parts are handled in numbering. For example, you decide whether a profile name
affects the part number and define the degree of tolerance in comparing the parts in
numbering.
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Modeling settings Numbering settings
General numbering settings

4.2 Numbering Settings
Numbering Setup dialog
The Numbering Setup dialog box allows you to view and modify some general numbering
settings.
Option Description
All parts get a new number. All information on previous
Renumber all
numbers is lost.
Tekla Structures reuses the numbers of parts that have been
Re-use old numbers deleted. These numbers may be used to number new or
modified parts.
If a separate standard-part model has been set up, Tekla
Structures compares the parts in the current model to those in
Check for standard parts the standard-part model. If the part to be numbered is identical
to a part in the standard-part model, Tekla Structures uses the
same part number as in the standard-part model.
The part gets the same number as a previously numbered
Compare to old
similar part.

The part gets a new number even if a similar numbered part
Take new number
already exists.
Modified parts maintain their previous numbers if possible.
Even if a part or assembly becomes identical with another part
or assembly, the original position number is maintained.
Keep number if possible For example, you might have two different assemblies, B/1
and B/2, in the model. Later on you modify B/2 so that it
becomes identical with B/1. If the Keep number if possible
option is used, B/2 will maintain its original position number
when you renumber the model.
Use this setting when working in multi-user mode. Tekla
Synchronize with master Structures locks the master model and performs a save,
model numbering, and save sequence, so that all other users can
continue working during the operation.
If the main part of a drawing is modified and therefore gets a
new assembly position, the existing drawing is automatically
assigned to another part of the position.
Automatic cloning
If the modified part moves to an assembly position that does
not have a drawing, the original drawing is automatically
cloned to reflect the changes in the modified part.
Holes The location, size, and number of holes affect numbering.
Part name The part name affects numbering.
Beam orientation The orientation of beams affects numbering of assemblies.
Column orientation The orientation of columns affects numbering of assemblies.
Reinforcing bars The orientation of reinforcing bars affects numbering.
Embedded objects The orientation of equal embedded objects affects numbering.
Surface treatment Surface treatments affect the numbering of assemblies.
Parts get the same number if their dimensions differ less than
Tolerance
the value entered in this box.
To number assemblies and cast units, use the same numbering
commands as for numbering parts. Before numbering, you can
Assembly position sort
modify the sort order, which defines how assemblies and cast
order
units are given their position numbers. Sorting does not affect
part position.
Changing the numbering settings in the middle of the project can be

dangerous. When you need to change the settings in the middle of
the project, make sure you understand how the changes will affect
the part marks.
Numbering Presets
Numbering settings must be carefully planned depending on your workflow and numbering
style. Tekla has set up and provided a selection of common numbering setups to help get you
started, but you may need to adjust these to suit your needs.

1_Initial_Numbering
2_Before_Creating_Drawings
3_After_Creating_Drawings
4_After_Issuing_Drawings_for_Fab
Restart_Numbering
Each of these is an example of the numbering properties that you may use for that situation in
a contract. You may need to change some settings and resave the attributes to fit your
workflow.
Initial Numbering
This setting would be chosen right at the start of the modeling process and would allow the
user to quickly check that members that are supposed to be similar are getting the same
number. Every time a numbering of the model is performed with this setting it will reset the
marks for all parts and fill any gaps that may appear due to items being deleted from the
model.
You can see that Renumber All is checked. This causes Tekla Structures to ignore the current
number on an item and possibly give it a new number based loosely on the order it was added
to the model. All information on previous numbers is lost.
A typical scenario for this setting would be when we are ready to start generating data
(reports) or creating drawings.
Before Creating Drawings

This setting differs from 1_Initial_Numbering by forbidding Tekla Structures to renumber
everything in the model. It tries to retain the current numbers on parts that already have
numbers, but it does try to fill any gaps in numbers by re-using deleted numbers that are no
longer in use.

A typical scenario for this setting would be when we have already generated some data
(reports or other) from the model and we are ready to start creating drawings.
Note that if this setting is used, the particular number that was assigned to one
particular member, which has since been deleted or changed to be similar to
another member, could now be assigned to a completely different member.
During the modeling process Tekla Structures consistently keeps track of what
items are similar to what other items and numbers the model accordingly.
Consequently, when items change, the numbers must revise so that no different
items have the same number and that the amount of different numbers is
minimized by consolidating similar items wherever possible into the same
number.
After Creating Drawings

The third default setting is used when approval changes or revisions arrive after drawings
have been created.

The system is allowed to re-use old numbers in order to minimize the gaps in the numbers.
This may be particularly important if you are using multi-sheets (Large sheets with a number
of items detailed on one sheet) where you would like to avoid having blank spaces on your
sheets. It is also set for modified (changed) objects to try and keep their current mark, and not
change completely or merge with another.
After Issuing Drawings for Fab

The fourth default setting is used when approval changes or revisions arrive after drawings
have been issued to the shop for fabrication.
If drawings are issued to the shop for fabrication during the approval process, this setting will
attempt to keep the numbers constant. This would help stop a particular mark that was
assigned to something at the approval stage from changing to something completely different
at the fabrication stage.
It would also not go back and fill in gaps in the numbers and use marks that were already
used. This helps avoid confusion at this later stage of a project.
For multiple members in the model, if they are all changed at once, they may retain their
number, but if one is changed and a numbering is performed, it will take a new number. Later
if the others are changed, they may become similar to the first member that was changed but
will keep their current mark and not combine with the first (they are now being told to keep
their numbers if possible).
Take New Number
Further options available in the New and Modified sections allow Tekla Structures to take a
new number regardless.
This may be useful for revisions after fabrication and erection has commenced as it will not
interfere with any drawings or numbers that have been previously issued. This may make
handling revisions slightly easier.

Restart Numbering
The last default setting is used when the numbering needs to be started over. This again marks
Renumber all, but also checks the option to Re-use old numbers.
This setting will wipe out the existing part marks and re-set them with new
ones. Any existing drawings would also be wiped out.
4.3 Number the Model

Until now, we have not looked at how any items in the model are numbered. Trying to create
a drawing at this stage would display a warning stating that the numbering is not up to date. If
trying to create a report, there would be no numbers assigned to the items in the model for the
report to display.
We will use Inquire object to see the current state of the numbering of parts, and then we will
number the model.
Inquire a part
1. Select Tools > Inquire > Object or click on the Inquire Object icon.
2. Select any steel column.
The Inquire object dialog box opens. The Part position and Assembly position marks are
shown as C0(?) and C0(?). This indicates that the part and assembly have not been numbered
yet.

Any time you see a (?) after a mark, even if it has a value other than
zero, means that it has been modified in some way since the last
numbering was applied and it is no longer up to date.
Tekla Structures uses numbers to identify parts, assemblies and cast units
when producing drawings and reports. You must make sure Tekla Structures
numbers the model parts before you create drawings or reports.
Up until this point, if we had modeled with the wrong properties we could go
back and modify to use the correct settings. Numbering is not affected by the
Undo command, and if something is done incorrectly it can be time consuming
to correct it. It is critical to apply the appropriate numbering settings every time
before running a numbering.
Run initial numbering

1. Select Drawing & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings from the pull-down
menu and Load the 1_Initial_Numbering settings. Click OK.

2. Next, select Drawing & Reports > Numbering > Number Modified Objects from the
pull-down menu.
3. Because we have Renumber all checked in the numbering setup dialog box, we get a
warning message notifying us that all part marks are about to change.
While this would be a problem later in the project, since this is the first time marks are being
applied this is OK.
4. Click Yes.
Now all the parts, assemblies and cast units in our model have up-to-date position numbers.
Normally, the first initial numbering would be run much earlier in the
project. If you track preliminary marks, these can be saved after the first
numbering has been run. Select all the parts in the model and go to
Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Save Preliminary numbers. This
writes the current mark to a User-Defined Attribute for the part and will not
change even if the actual mark does.
4.4 Check the Numbering and Create Reports

We will now check the marks assigned to parts, assemblies and cast units.
Inquire part
1. Select Tools > Inquire > Object.
2. Select any column.
The Inquire object dialog box opens. Now the steel columns have Part position and
Assembly position numbers, and the concrete objects have Cast Unit numbers (the position
numbers may differ in your model).

The numbering is now up-to-date and we can create reports. We will next create an assembly
part list of the whole model.
Home Instructions Templates and Reports Guide Reports Creating a report
You can create reports at an early stage of the project to check the
model and get pre-bill of material lists at quotation stage, cut lists,
bolt lists, weld lists, etc.
Create assembly part list

1. Click on the Reports icon (CTRL+B) to display the Report dialog box.
2. Select 350 Assembly list BOM report template from the list.

3. On the Options tab, check the options as shown below.
4. Click Create from all to run a report of the entire model.
The first time you create a report, Tekla Structures creates a new
folder inside the model folder called Reports. This folder is
where all of the .xsr files are saved unless you browse to a different
directory when creating the report.

The report is now automatically displayed in a dialog. Also, the .xsr file that is created in the
model folder can be opened in any text editor.
5. Check the numbering range of the assemblies and parts.

We will create this report again and give the report a specific name in order to keep the
information on the stage of the project.
To keep the report files you have created, give them a specific name. If you try
to create a report with the existing name, Tekla Structures asks before it
overwrites the existing report.
Naming a report
1. In the Report dialog box, edit the report file name to read: Assembly list BOM ABM.xsr
(Or you can type Assembly List - <today's date> and change it next time you run the report)
2. Click Create from all.

3. The report is now displayed in a dialog box.
4. Select File > Open model folder, and open the folder called Reports to see that the
actual text file was created in the model folder.
Study the numbering history log

Tekla Structures also stores a full numbering history in the file: numberinghistory.txt. A record
of the most recent numbering can be found in the file: numberingresults.txt.
The file contains the following model numbering details:
User who carried out the numbering and the date
Numbering Modified / Selected / Diagnose & Repair
Numbering settings used
A list of defined numbering series
Information on the parts, assemblies and cast units numbered
1. Select Tools > Display Log File > Numbering history

This displays the numbering history in a dialog box.
For more information on the log file, see
Home Instructions Modeling Guide Numbering the model Viewing the numbering
history
When you select a list entry that contains the GUID (Globally
Unique Identifier) numbers of the parts or the assembly, Tekla
Structures highlights them in the model. If you hold the F key and
click on one of the items, Tekla will zoom and fit the work area to
that part.

4.5 Change Numbering Series
By defining a numbering series (numbering prefixes and start numbers), we can group parts,
assemblies and cast units the way we want. This way we can allocate parts in a certain area of
a building to a particular numbering series.
We will now change the numbering series of the assemblies in phase 1 to start with 1000 and
the assemblies in phase 2 to start with 2000.
Filter for only Phase 1 objects
Use the Phase 1 view filter we created in Chapter 1 to easily see if any parts are in the
incorrect phase.
1. Double-click in the 3d view background, and select the Phase_1 object group.
2. Click Modify.

This filter was created before we had any components in the model, but now we can see that
the filter needs to be updated since we can see some objects that are inside the components in
the Phase 2 building.
3. Click on the Object group button to open the filter.
The filter was originally built as Part > Phase > Equals > 1. The term
Part in Tekla Structures means an object created with one of the steel or
concrete tools (beams, columns, plates, footings). Objects like Bolts and
Welds are not considered Parts. Because of this distinction, you can end
up with filters not working as desired.
Symbols like the Component cones or points cannot be filtered, and
instead must be removed through the display options we covered at the
end of Chapter 2.
Modify the filter

Next we can modify the filter to better represent which objects are in the correct phase.
4. Add two new rows to the filter by clicking on Add row twice.
5. Change the Category options for the new rows to Bolt and Weld.
Filtering by other categories such as Object or Component could work,

but in some situations this may give you incorrect results.
For example, there may be situations where objects inside a component
have different phases (such as at a match line) and the phase of the
overall component would supersede that of the objects inside.
6. If the checkbox options for the different filter types are not visible, click on the >> button
in the upper right and make sure that both View and Selection filter options are checked.
7. Make sure that Phase_1 is showing in the save-as field, and click Save as to overwrite
the filters with these new settings.

8. Click Modify, and then OK to close the dialog.
Symbols like the Component Symbol and Points are not affected by the filters, so they need to
be turned off through the Display settings.
9. Back in the View Properties dialog box, click the Display button.
10. Uncheck the options for Points, Component symbols, and Grids.

Correct objects in wrong Phase
Take a moment to look around to see if there are any objects that appear to be incorrect for
example, parts showing over where the Phase 2 building is. If there are, use the Phase
Manager to correct them. If there are not any, skip to the next section.
1. Open the Phase Manager from the Tools > Phase Manager menu.
2. Activate the Select Objects in Components icon.
3. Select any objects that should be in Phase 2.
4. Highlight Building 2 in the Phase Manager and click Modify Phase.
Filter for Phase 2 objects

Use the visible object group filter to show only Phase 2 objects.
1. In the View Properties dialog, select the Phase_2 object group and click Modify.
2. Click on the Object group button to adjust the Phase_2 filter similar to what we did for
Phase 1.
3. Use Save as to overwrite the old Phase_2 filters.

4. Click Modify.

Again, take a moment to check and make sure there are no objects that appear outside the
Phase 2 model. If there are, follow the steps in the previous section to set them to the correct
Phase.
Change series start number
1. Save the model.
2. In the View Properties window, set the object group back to Phase_1 and click Modify.
3. Drag a box around the model to highlight the Phase 1 objects. Make sure the selection
filter is set to standard or Phase_1.
4. Open the Beam Properties dialog box (Modeling > Properties > Steel Parts > Beam).
We will use the Beam Properties dialog because it is universal in its ability to
update parts in the model. The Column Properties dialog can only affect
columns, even if other parts are highlighted.
You can also hold the Shift key and double-click on one of the highlighted
beams to open the properties window.
5. Uncheck all the modify switches, and revise the numbering series to 1000 as shown in the
next image.

If you fail to uncheck all the modify switches you will change every single
highlighted item to match the properties shown in the current dialog box. This
can be undone, but if it isn't caught in time it can have potentially catastrophic
consequences.
6. Click Modify.
If you also wanted the secondary parts to start with a particular number, this
should be done in the component dialog boxes. Changing them through the
beam properties dialog box could cause serious numbering problems later if
something in the model changes and the component updates the start numbers
back to 1.
7. With the model still highlighted, next go to the component catalog. Search for component
(1047).
8. Double-click the U.S. Base plate (1047) thumbnail to open the dialog.
9. Click the uncheck button at the bottom to clear all the checkboxes in the dialog.

10. Go through the following tabs and make the changes shown.
11. Set the drop-down option in the upper left to ignore other types.
12. Click Modify to apply these changes to all the (1047) base plates in phase 1.
When the parts that components are connecting to change, the component is
updated to make sure it fits. If we did not change the start number here - at the
component level - changes to the model might update all the connection parts
to have a start number of 1.
13. Repeat this for the rest of the components used in building 1:
Clip angle (141)

Two sided clip angle (143)
Shear plate simple (146)
Tube gusset (20)

Wraparound gusset cross (60)
Multiple Stiffeners (1064)
Each time make sure to use the Uncheck button, change any part fields to have a start number
of 1000, and set the option to ignore other types.
14. Repeat the process for the Building 2/Phase 2 items (start numbers of 2000). The
components in Building 2 should be:
U.S. Base plate (1047)
Clip angle (141)
Two sided clip angle (143)
Two sided end plate (142)
End plate (144)
Joist components and others like (92) are not creating any new parts here so setting a start
number is not necessary.
15. Go back under the Display button in the View Properties dialog and re-enable the
component symbols, points, and grids. Click OK to close the Display dialog.
16. Set the view and selection filters back to standard.
Number by selected series
1. Go to Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings and load the
1_Initial_Numbering option.
2. Check on the option for Synchronize with master model. This is normally reserved for
use with multiuser modeling but it allows you to review the numbers before they are
applied.
3. Click OK.
4. Select one of the columns in the Phase 1 building, and click on Drawings & Reports >
Numbering > Number Series of Selected Objects.
Using the Synchronize with master model option allows us to review the numbers that will be
applied. Scrolling through you can see that the objects numbered are limited to the series of
phase 1 columns and the series of objects that are on the columns (such as plates).

Tekla Structures gives 900 seconds by default to review the marks that will be
applied. Clicking Save numbers will set them for the parts listed, and
clicking Cancel will undo so that you can make any changes necessary. Stop
timer will cancel the automatic save function and keep the dialog box open.
5. Click Save numbers.

Use Inquire object (Tools > Inquire > Object or Shift+I) and click on different objects in the
model. Note how Phase 1 beams, and all Phase 2 objects do not have marks, but Phase 1
columns do.
Number remaining objects
1. Go back to Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings.
2. Load 2_Before_Creating_Drawings and click OK to apply the properties and close the
dialog box.
3. Go to Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Modified Objects.
4. Check the Numbering Log (Tools > Display Log File > Numbering History).
The numbering log should show that items have changed to assume 1000 series or 2000 series
numbers.
Be careful to allow a good safety margin of available marks when using this
type of phased numbering system. If you have more than 1000 different
members in phase 1 then the 1001st member must take the number 2000. This
will overlap with the first member in phase 2 and cause confusion.

Principles of Drawings

Contents
5 Principles of Drawings...................................................................... 1
5.1 Integration between Drawings and the Model............................................. 1
Tekla Structures model ................................................................................ 2
Drawings ....................................................................................................... 2
Changes in the model members .................................................................. 2
5.2 Drawing Types .............................................................................................. 3
5.3 Drawing List .................................................................................................. 3
Opening and closing drawings..................................................................... 3
Drawing list contents .................................................................................... 5
Drawing status flags ..................................................................................... 7
5.4 Drawing Levels ............................................................................................. 9
Modify drawing properties ............................................................................ 9
Modify view properties ............................................................................... 11
Modify object properties ............................................................................. 13
Steel: Principles of Drawings

5 Principles of Drawings
In this lesson
This chapter introduces the principles of working with drawings in Tekla Structures. We will
first explain the integration between drawings and the model.
Then we will:
Introduce the drawing types available in Tekla Structures
Introduce the drawing list
Introduce the various levels of editing the drawings
Study the drawing objects and layout
No changes will be made to the model in this chapter. Please review carefully as the
concepts here will be used in the next chapter.
5.1 Integration between Drawings and the Model

Tekla Structures stores all the important project information in one place, i.e. the model.
Drawings and other printouts such as reports, CNC data files etc. are output produced directly
from the model.

Tekla Structures model
The model contains all the important project information:
Part geometrical and structural information
Part marking
Part properties
Bolts
Assembly information
User defined attributes
All the modifications must be done directly in the model. The model is always modified in the
Tekla Structures Model Editor.
Drawings
The drawings are current views of the members contained in the model with added definitions
for:
The sheet size to be used.
The way titles and tables are placed on the sheets.
What is dimensioned and how.
Which marks are displayed.
How the item is oriented on the sheet.
You can create drawings at any stage of a project.
Some of the drawing commands are located in the Model Editor, and some are in the Drawing
Editor. You will find all the commands for creating and managing drawings in the Model
Editor. To view and edit drawings, you will use the Drawing Editor.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Introduction to drawings
Changes in the model members

Changes in the model members can result in the drawings no longer being up-to-date. The
following are examples of changes that affect the drawings:
A part's profile or geometry changes
Parts have been added or deleted
The number of identical parts has changed
Tekla Structures indicates updates in the related drawings and the drawing list the next time
you number the model. Numbering does not have to be up-to-date to create or open general
arrangement drawings.

5.2 Drawing Types
(G) General Arrangement (GA) drawings, also known as Erection plans or E-sheets, can
contain several views, which can include the whole model or any part of it. With the GA
drawings you can create erection, foundation and other plans, as well as details from
views in the model.
(W) Single-part drawings are workshop drawings of individual steel parts. Drawings can be
produced for any steel part in the model. The single-part drawings can contain holes but
welded parts cannot be included. This drawing type is available in the Steel Detailing
module. Single part drawings can either be on individual drawings or linked to a multi
drawing to create a gather sheet.
(A) Assembly drawings are typically workshop drawings where details of an assembly
consisting of steel parts are presented for fabrication. In most cases, an assembly consists
of single steel parts that are either bolted or welded to the main steel part. This drawing
type is available in the Steel Detailing module. Assembly drawings can either be on
individual drawings or linked to a multi drawing.
(C) Cast unit drawings are formwork or reinforcement drawings of reinforced concrete
structures such as foundations. This drawing type is available in the Precast Concrete
Detailing module.
(M) Multi-drawings are workshop drawings which gather together several single-part or
assembly drawings on one sheet. This drawing type is available in the Steel Detailing
module.
5.3 Drawing List

We will briefly cover the Tekla Structures drawing list.
You can use the drawing list to:
Select and open your drawings for viewing and editing in the Drawing Editor
Update, clone and delete drawings
Display and filter drawings shown in the list
Choose drawings to select parts in the model, or show only the drawings of the
selected parts in the list (not available for GA drawings)
Lock, freeze and issue drawings
Add revisions to drawings
Track drawing status and submittals
Modify properties of several drawings at a time
The drawing list also displays the creation and modification dates of the drawings, drawing
size and type, etc.
Opening and closing drawings

You can only have one drawing open at a time. If you already have a drawing open and
changes have been made, Tekla Structures prompts you to save that drawing before opening
the next one. You cannot modify the model while a drawing is open.

Open drawing list and a drawing
To open the drawing list and a drawing in Tekla Structures:

1. Select Drawing & Reports > Drawing List from the menu, or click the Open drawing
list icon on the Standard toolbar. You can also use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+L from
the Model Editor and CTRL+O from the Drawing Editor.
2. In the Drawing List, select a previously created drawing.
3. Click Open, or double-click on the drawing to open it in the Drawing Editor.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Finding and opening drawings
When selecting drawings in the drawing list, the activated buttons at the bottom of the
Drawings dialog box are Open, Update, Clone, Delete and Cancel. The table below
describes their functionality.
Button Description
Open Opens the selected drawing in the Drawing Editor. You can only select one
drawing from the list at a time. If the Open button is grayed, you have more
than one drawing selected.
You can also double-click a drawing on the list to open it. See also Opening
drawings.
Update Updates all selected drawings that changed on numbering. Locked drawings are
not updated.
Clone Clones the selected drawing for a similar part that is selected in the model.
Delete Deletes selected drawings. You cannot delete locked drawings.
Cancel Closes the dialog box.
Snapshots Opens the snapshot of the selected drawing.
Close a drawing
To close the drawing in the Drawing Editor:

1. Select Drawing File > Close (Back to Model) from the menu, or click the X in the upper
right corner of the drawing window.
If you have made changes to the drawing, Tekla Structures asks:

This dialog DOES NOT appear if you have not made changes to the drawing.
2. Select Yes to keep the changes that you have made to the drawing, or close the drawing
without saving by clicking No. Check the box to Freeze the drawing upon saving. Check
the box to Create a snapshot of the drawing upon saving.
Freeze:
You can select whether to allow Tekla Structures to update all associative
objects on top of the drawing views. The geometry of the model is always
updated, but freezing is used to stop the drawing intelligence (associativity) of
drawing objects on top of the model views, and prevents them from being
updated. For example, parts are updated, but dimensions, marks, views, and
additional drawing objects are not.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Working with drawings Freezing
drawings
Drawing list contents

All of your existing drawings are shown in the drawing list. The example below shows a
portion of the header line information that is available in the drawing list.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Finding and opening drawings What is

displayed in the Drawing List
You can sort the order of the drawings by clicking the desired header line button
in the drawing list. You can use a combination of 2 different headers to sort.
You can adjust the column widths of the drawing list, and Tekla Structures will
keep the changes.
The table below explains the header line items of the drawing list.
Item Explanation
Flags
Flags are characters ( , , , , , etc.) at the beginning of
each row. They, along with the Changes column, indicate the drawing
status.
Dates The creation and modification dates of the drawing.
Revision The revision number or mark of the drawing.

Item Explanation
Size The size of the drawing border (paper size minus margins).
Type The drawing types are identified by the following letters:

W for single-part drawings.
A for assembly drawings.
C for cast-unit drawings.
G for general arrangement drawings.
M for multi-drawings.
Mark The drawing mark is the number of the part from which the drawing was
created. You cannot change drawing marks.
Name You can add a drawing title using the Name field in the drawing
properties dialog box.
Title 1, Title 2, Add extra drawing title fields to the drawing properties dialog box.
Title 3
User-defined Include up to 20 user-defined attributes in drawing lists. This is covered in

attributes more detail in the Steel Advanced Class.
The table below explains the search and filter functions in the drawing list.
Item Explanation
Enter Search Enter text and or numbers to filter which drawings are visible in the
Criteria drawing list.
Search In Use to limit the search in certain columns in the drawing list.
Search within Check this box to have the search criteria only apply to the drawings that
the currently are currently visible in the drawing list.
visible
drawings
Select Saved search filters that can easily be used to filter the drawing list. You
Drawing Set can also save your own.
Store Use to save search results into a drawing set.
Show all Shows all drawings in the drawing list.
Invert This feature allows you to list the opposite of the current content.
Selected Show only the selected drawings.
Up to Date List up-to-date drawings only.

Item Explanation
Select objects Use to select objects in the model based on the selected drawings in the
drawing list.
By Parts Use to filter the drawing list based on selected parts in the model.
Lock On/Off Prevents the drawings from being opened, updated, cloned, deleted, or
modified, even if the model changes. The geometry of the locked drawing
still changes when the model changes
Freeze On/Off You can select whether to allow Tekla Structures to update all associative
objects on top of the drawing views. The geometry of the model is always
updated, but freezing is used to stop the drawing intelligence
(associativity) of drawing objects on top of the model views, and prevents
them from being updated. For example, parts are updated, but dimensions,
marks, views, and additional drawing objects are not.
Issue On/Off The geometry of the issued drawings is updated when the model changes.
Issuing only prevents the recreation of the drawing during update. The
issuing information can be used to filter the drawing list and in templates.
Revisions Use to create revisions on drawings. Select the drawings in the drawing
list before clicking on the revision button.
Drawing status flags

The status of drawings is represented by flags, which are shown on the left hand side of the
drawing list in the Up to date column.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Finding and opening drawings Drawing status
flags How to read the drawing status information
Flag Changes Text Description
Parts modified The parts in the drawing have changed, e.g. parts have been
added or deleted, or part properties have changed.
Quantity increased The actual drawing is up to date, but the number of identical
Quantity decreased parts has changed.
Original parts deleted The part from which the drawing was originally created has
been deleted.
All parts deleted All the parts related to the drawing have been deleted.
The drawing is locked.
The drawing is frozen.

Flag Changes Text Description
Linked drawing A linked drawing has been modified.

changed
Copied view changed A copied drawing has been modified.

Drawing updated A frozen drawing has been updated.
Original parts deleted, A drawing flagged has been updated, and there are still
others exist other parts relevant to the drawing in the model.
Cloned The drawing is a cloned drawing.
The drawing has been issued. For example, you might re-
issue drawings that have been sent to site.
Issued drawing The issued drawing has been edited or otherwise changed.
changed
Lock ( ), Freeze ( ), and Issue ( ) flags can be manually added to the selected
drawings. The flag appears automatically on issued drawings that have been modified.
Drawings marked with a ( ) flag need to be updated before they can be opened.
It is a good idea to lock drawings to prevent them from being accidentally

deleted or changed.
Use the buttons on the right hand side of the drawing list to change the status of a drawing.
Alternatively, select the drawing in the list, right-click to open the pop-up menu and change
the drawing status.

5.4 Drawing Levels
You can edit drawings in the Drawing Editor on three levels:
Drawing properties
View properties
Object properties
For more information about the drawing properties and different drawing levels, see the
following Tekla User Assistance articles:
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Introduction to drawings Basic principles of
drawings Three levels of modifying drawings
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Drawing settings
Modify drawing properties

The highest level at which you can change the drawing properties affects all of the objects in
the drawing. These properties can be accessed through the Drawing properties dialog box for
each drawing type.
1. Select Drawing & Reports > Drawing Settings > drawing type... on the menu bar, or
double-click in the background of the drawing to open the drawing properties dialog box.
The Assembly drawing properties dialog box is shown below.

Item Explanation
Name The name of the drawing that will be used to populate the drawing
titleblock.
Title 13 Title can be used to add more information about the drawing. these fields
can also be added to a titleblock template.
Sheet Number Used to create multiple drawings of the same assembly.
Edit Settings Applies Object Level Settings on the drawing level.
Layout Defines which drawing tables to include and the set of rules for increasing
the drawing size when necessary. It connects a set of table layouts and
drawing sizes.
View Controls which views of the assembly are visible as well as the labels and
scale of all drawing views.
Section View Controls the properties for automatic section views if enabled in the View
setting.
Detail view Controls the start number or letter of detail view and symbol label.
Dimension Controls the appearance of all dimensions automatically created on the

drawing.
Dimensioning Controls how the parts on the drawing are automatically dimensioned.
Marks Controls how parts, bolts, neighbor parts, surface treatments, and
connection are marked on the drawing.
Objects Controls the appearance of the parts, bolts, neighbor parts, surface
treatments, welds, and grids on the drawing.
Protection Controls the areas that you want to protect from text, marks, weld marks,
other annotation objects, dimension arrowheads, dimension lines or
dimension values.
Filter Controls what objects are visible on the drawing.
Neighbor part Controls which neighbor parts are visible on the drawing.
filter
User-defined Used to track drawn by, checked by, checked date, drawing status,
attributes submittals, as well as other customizable attributes about the drawing.
Whenever possible, you should modify drawings by changing the

drawing properties. The properties saved on the drawing level are
the only settings that get used when creating or recreating a
drawing.

Modify view properties
The second level is to edit the view level, where you modify the selected drawing's view. It is
important to remember that changes at this level take precedence over the drawing level
settings.
1. In the drawing interface, double-click on the border surrounding the drawing view to
open the View properties dialog box.
The Attributes 1 tab of the View properties dialog from an assembly drawing view is shown
below.
Item Explanation
View Defines the scale, size, and depth of view.
Edit Settings Applies Object Level Settings on the view level.
Marks Controls how parts, bolts, neighbor parts, surface treatments, connections,
and reinforcement bars are marked in the view.
Objects Controls the appearance of the parts, bolts, neighbor parts, surface
treatments, welds, reinforcement bars, reference objects, and grids in the
view.
Filter Controls what objects are visible in the view.
Neighbor part Controls which neighbor parts are visible in the view.
filter

The Attributes 2 tab of the View properties dialog from an assembly drawing view is shown
below.
Item Explanation
Representation of Controls if warped or cambered parts are shown as developed.

deformed objects
Shortening Controls how parts in the view are cut to be shortened.
Other Controls if openings are shown, how elevations are displayed, and how
dimensions are created in the view.

The Label tab of the View properties dialog from an assembly drawing view is shown below.
Item Explanation
Text Controls what information will be displayed for the view label. These
can be either text or intelligent data from the model.
Symbol Controls if a symbol is created for the view label as well as the
appearance of the symbol.
Label Position Determines the location of the view label.
View Direction You can display view direction marks in section views and end views.
Marks
Modify object properties

The third and lowest level is to edit at the object level, where you change individual objects in
the drawing.
Individual object settings can be accessed by double-clicking on the object. The properties
dialog for a part mark is shown below.

Drawing Objects
Drawing views may contain several types of objects. Some of them come from the model and
represent something that will exist in the real building or will be closely related to it. Others are objects
that represent information that is only relevant in the drawing, or that add extra information to the
information in the model. Drawings may include the following object types:
Building objects: parts, bolts, welds, chamfers, reinforcing bars, or surface treatment
Associative annotation objects: dimensions, marks, associative notes
Independent annotation objects that are not linked to the model: text, text files,
symbols, link, hyperlinks, DWG/DXF files, and reference models
Additional drawing objects: shapes (clouds, lines, rectangles, etc.)
Always work downwards in the drawing hierarchy. Get your drawing as close
as possible to what you want by first attempting this at the entire drawing level.
Then modify anything else that needs adjusted at the view level, and finally, if
any further cleanup is necessary (and this should be minimal), you can do this at
the individual object level. Once you have edited something at one level,
changing something else at the level above may negate the changes you have
just made.
You can control detailed object level settings directly on the drawing and view
level. This way setting up special representation for objects in drawings or
views is very easy. For example, you may want to define that all columns in a
drawing or drawing view are shown in a specific color. You also have the
option of turning the detailed object level settings on or off for the drawings or
views you choose.
We will discuss this in more detail later in the class.

Assembly and Single
Part Drawings

Contents
6 Assembly and Single Part Drawings............................................... 1

6.1 Assembly and Single-part drawings ............................................................ 1
6.2 Create Drawings ........................................................................................... 2
Create Assembly Drawings of selected parts ............................................. 2
Create Single-Part Drawings ....................................................................... 6
6.3 Creating Drawings from Groups of Similar Members ................................. 7
6.4 Creating All Drawings Automatically............................................................ 8
Rule sets (Wizards) ...................................................................................... 9
6.5 Edit Drawings Manually.............................................................................. 12
Edit Assembly Drawing .............................................................................. 12
6.6 Changes in the model ................................................................................ 30
Change the model ...................................................................................... 31
Update the Drawings .................................................................................. 33
Steel: Assembly and Single Part Drawings

6 Assembly and Single Part
Drawings
In this lesson
We will introduce the creation of assembly and single-part drawings in Tekla Structures.
We will first create single-part and assembly drawings by using predefined drawing settings.
Then, we will use tools to automate the process.
We will then edit the drawing properties. We will also demonstrate how updating effects the
drawings.
Create assembly drawings individually
Create drawings of groups with common attributes
Create drawings automatically
Handle drawings after changes are made in the model
6.1 Assembly and Single-part drawings

Single-part drawings are workshop drawings of each of the individual steel parts in the model.
Assembly drawings are workshop drawings in which details of an assembly consisting of the
steel single parts are presented for fabrication.
All of the views in single-part or assembly drawings are current views of the members as they
are in the model.
When the model contains any identical members, the drawing is a view of one of these
members. The drawing, however, contains information about the quantity of all of the
identical members. If the "host" member of the drawing is modified or deleted, it will get a
new position mark at the next numbering. Tekla Structures will then automatically assign the
original drawing to another member with the original position mark.
Tekla Structures integrates the drawings and reports with the model. This means that, for
example, dimensions and marks in the drawings are always correct. Because the information
in the drawings and reports comes directly from the model, you cannot delete any of the parts
or bolts from the drawings. You can, however, filter out parts and bolts in the drawings, or
make them invisible.
You can create drawings and reports at any stage of the project. If you change the model,
Tekla Structures updates the related drawings the next time you perform numbering.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Introduction to drawings

6.2 Create Drawings
Once you have numbered the model, you can create assembly and single-part drawings from
the model. We will begin by creating these drawings one by one, then we will create drawings
in groups and then we will use the Rule Sets or Wizards to automate the process
There are many different settings available within the program to control how the drawings
created will look. For instance: You may want column drawings to be dimensioned differently
from Beam drawings and your Brace drawings may also be different. You can create an
unlimited number of these drawing creation "profiles".
All saved drawing settings are available in a central location called the Master Drawing
Catalog.
Create Assembly Drawings of selected parts

We will now use the Beam_with_BOM (Bill of Materials) settings to create an assembly
drawing of one of the beams.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Creating drawings Creating drawings using
menu, toolbar or pop-up commands Creating single-part, assembly, or cast unit
drawings
Assembly drawing settings that end with with_BOM are for individual
assembly drawings (normally 11 x 17). Assembly drawing settings that
begin with US_... are for placing on multiple assembly drawings (24 x
36). We will discuss multi drawings in the next chapter.
Create Assembly Drawing Manually
1. Open the BLDG 1 PLAN AT EL. 12'-7"1/2 view.

2. Go to Drawings & Reports > Drawing Settings > Assembly Drawing.
3. Load the Beam_with_BOM setting.
4. Click OK to apply the drawing properties and close the dialog box.
5. Select the beam along column line A, between 4 & 5.
6. Go to Drawings & Reports > Create Assembly Drawing.

You can also create drawings manually by selecting the part then right
click > Create Drawings > Assembly drawing after applying the
properties as described above.
7. Go to Drawings & Reports > Drawing List.

8. Select the beam drawing and click Open.
You can also open a drawing by double clicking on it in the drawing list.
We can see that the drawing is created with the necessary dimensions and part marks for
fabrication. There will be times that cleanup or editing will be necessary, but we will cover
this later in the chapter.

9. Close the drawing by clicking on the red X at the upper right.
Create Assembly Drawing Using the Master Drawing Catalog
The Master Drawing Catalog is a fast, efficient and controlled way of creating drawings using
master drawings. In the Master Drawing Catalog, all drawing creation commands are
available in one centralized location.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Creating drawings Master Drawing Catalog
1. Go to Drawings & Reports > Create Drawings to open the Master Drawing Catalog.
2. Select the column at grid A/7.
3. Select Assembly drawings from the drop down list at the top of the Master Drawing
Catalog. If you do not see a drop-down option, make sure the magnifying glass button is
pressed down.
4. Select Column_with_BOM (A) from the listed drawing styles.

5. Click Create drawings.

When you select a drawing setting in the Master Drawing Catalog, Tekla
automatically applies those drawing settings before creating the drawing.
6. Open the Drawing List, select the column drawing, and click Open.
Again we can see that part marks and dimensions have been created on the drawing. Note that
because we used different preset drawing attributes, the style of the dimensions and marks are
different better suited for a column.
7. Close the drawing by clicking on the red X at the upper right.

Create Single-Part Drawings
We can also break out the parts of these assemblies and create individual drawings of them.
1. Select Single-part drawings from the drop down list at the top of the Master Drawing
Catalog.
Verify selection settings
2. Make sure you have "Select Objects in Components" selected in your Selecting
toolbar.
3. Highlight the column base plate for the column at A/7 in the model.
4. In the Master Drawing Catalog, select Plate_with_BOM (W), and then click Create
drawings. When you open the drawing list, notice that the drawing type is now W
instead of A denoting that this is a single-part drawing.
5. Double-click on the item on the drawing list to open the drawing.

6.3 Creating Drawings from Groups of Similar
Members
Of course, it wouldn't be very productive to select each individual item and create each
drawing one at a time. We can further automate this process by selecting groups of items. For
example, we can set the Steel_Beam selection filter then run all the beam drawings at once.
Then, you could switch to another selection filter and run drawings of that type.
Create all the beam drawings
1. Activate the Steel_Beam selection filter.
2. Now drag a box over the entire model, and notice that only the beams will be highlighted.
You can also type Ctrl+A to select all objects in the model. This command
will still be restricted by the type of selection filter that is active.
The Organizer is another great tool to select object types in the model for
creating drawings. The categories already use selection filters to separate
beams, columns, etc.
3. In the Master Drawing Catalog under Assembly drawings, select Beam_with_BOM

(A).
4. Click Create drawings.

Notice that all beam drawings will now be created.
You could repeat this process for other items such as columns, braces, channels, angles etc.
6.4 Creating All Drawings Automatically

You will notice that it takes some time to either select each item individually or in groups and
set up each item's drawing properties. There is also the chance that you may miss something
important. For these reasons, Tekla Structures has included an automatic process known as
Rule sets, or Wizards, to do all this work for you.
The Rule sets simply automate the process we have just covered in a step-by-step fashion. It
sets the Anchor Rod drawing properties and the Anchor Rod selection filter. Then, it selects
all the anchor rods in the model and creates the drawings. Next, it sets the Column drawing
properties and the Column filter, selects all the columns in the model and creates those
drawings. The process is repeated again and again for braces, channels, purlins, hips, rafters,
stairs, handrails, etc. If it doesn't find a setting for something in the model, it will still create
the drawing with the NotFound settings and will warn you with a message in the title
column of the drawing list.
For more information on Rule sets, see:
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Creating drawings Master Drawing Catalog
Master drawing types Rule sets
rule sets or wizards

Rule sets cannot be used to create General Arrangement (GA)
drawings.
Remember that drawings are never recreated by the program if the

drawing already exists and there have been no changes in the
model. To force recreation of drawings, users must delete the
existing drawing, or use a new sheet number.
Rule sets (Wizards)

For each member type in the model, Rule sets automatically perform the following steps:
1. Define the drawing type to be created (single, assembly)
2. Select the predefined drawing properties to be used
3. With the given selection filter, select the parts from which to create drawings
4. Create drawings
When using Rule sets, you can choose whether the wizard creates drawings from all parts of
the model, or just from selected parts.
By creating rules that match the selection filters and drawing

properties in the project, you can automatically create all single and
assembly drawings of the parts using suitable predefined properties.
Preconditions of using Rule sets:

Numbering of the model must be up to date
Saved drawing properties listed in the rule set must exist
The saved selection filters listed in the rule set must exist
Model members which will be selected by the selection
filter must exist
We will use Rule sets to create the remaining drawings in the model that have not been
created already.
Review Rule Set Properties
First we will review how the Rule set will create our assembly drawings.
1. In the Master Drawing Catalog, select Rule sets (wizards) from the drop-down menu.
Rule sets are also listed under their respective drawing types
assembly rules under Assembly drawings and single-part rules
under Single-part drawings.
2. Double-click on the Assembly Drawings with BOM (A) option.

We can see by the checkbox that this rule set is used to create assembly drawings
3. Click Next.
In the rules is a list of object groups (selection filters) and master drawing settings (the preset
drawing attributes). These can be changed to use your custom filters and drawing settings.

At the bottom is a filter called WIZprimary and a drawing setting
called NotFound. These are used to pick up any objects that do not
meet the criteria from earlier rule sets, so that no matter what, every
assembly will have a drawing created.
The order of sets is important, as Tekla Structures by default

creates only one drawing for each object. If a drawing is created by
an early rule set, that object will be ignored by later ones, even if it
matches the criteria in the filter in the later set.
After reviewing that the rule set contains object groups and drawing settings for all the
assembly types we have in our model, we can close the rule set dialog.
4. Click Cancel.
Create Assembly Drawings
1. Select Assembly Drawings with BOM (A), then right-click on it and choose Create
drawings for all parts.
It may take a few moments to complete depending on how many drawings were created
already.
If you did not want to create drawings for the entire model, you can
select a portion, for example a Phase, and then just click Create
Drawings. It will run the rule set on only the selected objects.
2. Sort the drawing list by name, and search for any items that have the title "** NO
ASSOCIATED DRAWING SETTING USED BY WIZARD"
3. Highlight these items in the list, and click the 'Select objects' button to show them in the
model. You can then analyze and recreate these drawings manually with the drawing
settings of your choice, or the Rule set can be modified so that these items are included in
the future.
4. You can also open a few drawings and inspect or check them.
You can view the next drawing on the list by clicking Next or using
the shortcut Ctrl + Page Down.

Create Single Part Drawings
We can use the same type of settings to automatically create all of our single-part drawings.
1. Select Single Part Drawings with BOM of Secondary Parts Only (W) in the Master
Drawing Catalog.
2. Right-click and select Create drawings for all parts.
Any parts that are considered secondary objects will now have (W) drawings created for
them.
It is advisable to create all the single part and assembly drawings with rule sets
to ensure that all drawings get created.
6.5 Edit Drawings Manually

It is easy to manually add, delete and edit drawing objects (i.e. dimensions, lines, text,
symbols, graphics and marks) in Tekla Structures drawings.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Modifying automatic drawing settings Settings
affecting the recreation of drawings
Most drawing objects (both automatically and manually created) are

associative and automatically update if the model changes. However, some
manually created drawing objects such as lines, polygons and circles are not
associative.
We will now open and edit one HSS BRACE drawing manually.
Edit Assembly Drawing

1. In the drawing list, type HSS in the Search Criteria field and click Search.

This will restrict the drawing list to show only drawings with HSS in the name.
By using the Search in drop-down you can choose which column to search
through to be more specific.
2. Double-click on the first HSS BRACE drawing from the 1000 series to open it.
The image above shows different elements that make up a drawing.
Drawing Layout:
A. Layout size. This border indicates the size of the drawing defined by the drawing
layout, and can be set manually or automatically based on a group of available sizes.
B. Templates. These are used to create objects on drawings that have a static location,
such as BOMs, title blocks, calloffs, stamps and more. Template objects cannot be
edited directly and are populated based off of model information.
Drawing Views
C. The drawing views are windows into the model space, showing different views of
the assembly or parts. Each view has its own scale and properties to control its
appearance.
Drawing Objects
D. Drawing objects are the individual items such as marks and dimensions. Model parts
in the views are also considered drawing objects.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Introduction to drawings Drawing contents
These drawing elements are tied to the three drawing levels that were covered in Chapter 5.

Edit Drawing Level
1. Double-click in open space on the drawing to open the Assembly Drawing Properties
dialog box.
2. Click the Dimension button.

3. Go to the Appearance tab.
4. Change the color of the dimension text to Blue and click Modify.
5. Click OK to apply the dimension properties and close the dialog box.
This is a drawing-level change, so notice how the dimension text color changes in every view.

6. Next click on the Part button in the Assembly drawing properties dialog box.
8. Change the visible lines color to Dark Green, and click Modify.
9. Click OK to apply the part properties and close the dialog box.
Again notice how all the parts in all the views change color, because this is a drawing-level
change.
These changes can be saved for use when creating future brace drawings.
10. Click Apply in the main Assembly drawing properties dialog box.
11. Click Save to overwrite the BraceHSS_with_BOM setting with your modified properties.

12. Click OK to close the drawing properties dialog.
You could also save these settings with a unique name. This would retain the
ability to use the default setting, but would require you to adjust the rule set
values to use the new name if you wanted to use this setting when
automatically creating drawings.
Saved drawing-level attributes are the only ones that can be applied during the
creation of a new drawing. Any view or object attributes saved would need to
be manually applied during the editing/cleanup process.
Edit View Level

Next we will edit one of the individual views.
1. Double-click on the Section A-A view border.
Note when the section view is highlighted, the location where this section was
cut off the main view is also highlighted.
A. Section marks indicating the direction the view is looking

B. The cutting plane for the view.
C. The view boundary defining the depth and overall size of the section
view.
The section view is live, so if you drag the cutting plane or the bounding box
size or location, the section view will automatically update.

All views have a boundary represented by a dashed frame that is visible when
the view border is highlighted. This is the actual window into the model and
can be resized if necessary.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Editing drawings Drawing views
Modifying drawing views Resizing the drawing view boundary
2. In the View Properties dialog box, change the scale to 6.
3. Click Modify.
Notice only the one view changes its scale, rather than all the views on the sheet. We can also
change the appearance of just this view.
4. Click on the Part button in the View Properties dialog.
6. Change the visible lines color back to Yellow and click Modify.
7. Click OK in the View Part Properties dialog to apply the properties and close the dialog
box.
If you do not have a view border actively highlighted, the Modify button
will be grayed out in any dialog related to views because Tekla Structures
does not know which view to change. Highlight a view border to enable
the Modify button.
Again notice that only the objects inside this view change, not all the views on the drawing.

8. Click Apply in the View Properties window, and type the name BasicTrg_Section in
the Save as field and click the Save as button.
Now if we needed to quickly apply these section settings to another view we can simply load
the saved attribute.
10. Double-click on the Section B-B view border.
11. Select and Load the BasicTrg_Section attribute from the drop-down list at the top (even
if it shows as the current settings, you may have to re-select it).
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Drawing settings View properties in drawings
Move the views

You cannot change the location of the view from the view properties window, but you can
drag and drop to relocate it on the drawing sheet.
1. If a section view is not currently selected, single-click on the view border to highlight
one.
2. Left-click and hold on the view border, and drag to a new location on the drawing.
3. Release the mouse button to place the view.
4. Repeat for the other section view.
Do not drag a window around a view to select it you will also select
everything inside of the view and when you try and move it all objects
inside it will move twice that distance. Simply single-click on the view
border.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Editing drawings Drawing views Modifying

drawing views Moving drawing views

Edit Object Level
The third and final level is the Drawing Object level. This is where manual editing is done
moving, adding, and deleting marks and dimensions; also modifying individual object
properties like object color or mark content.
Move Marks
First lets look at adjusting the location of marks.
1. Select the mark for the connection plate at the left end of the main view.
The associative symbols indicate which drawing objects are

associated to the model and will be updated if the model is
changed.
Click SHIFT+A in the keyboard to display/hide the associative symbols.
2. Click and hold on the text of the mark or the handle on the leader closest to the mark and
drag to change its location. Note how the leader maintains the location it is pointing.
3. Click on the handle at the point of the leader, and drag it to change where the leader is
pointing. Note that since it is tied to the plate, you cannot move it off the piece. If you
move it to where the plate is hidden, the mark line turns dashed.

Hold Shift while dragging to move the entire mark and leader at once.
Click and drag on the middle handle of the leader to put a bend in the leader.
Each time you do so, new middle handles will be created for each segment.
Edit mark content

The marks are associative and contain intelligent information about the objects they are
associated with. You can edit the content of the marks to show different types of information.
1. Double-click on the mark to open the Part Mark Properties dialog box.
Each type of mark (part, bolt, etc) has its own dialog with its own available
content that can be included in the mark.
In the mark properties dialog box, you will see available elements on the left column, with
current elements in the highlighted mark in the center column. The general tab controls some
settings regarding the appearance of the mark.

The current elements are the part position (mark) and then whether it is NS or FS. This plate
is centered in the HSS brace, so there was no NS or FS note created. We can manually add
text for this plate to be centered.
2. Select the Text option from the available elements and click Add.
3. In the text field dialog, type (CTRD) and click OK.
4. Click Modify in the Part Mark Properties dialog box.

Note how it adds the new element next to the existing part mark. When you add new
elements, they will all come in as a single row of text unless you add line breaks.
5. Select the add line ( <-- ) option from the available elements and click Add.

6. Select the newly-added add line element and click Move up to put it between the
previous elements and the new text element.
7. Click Modify.

With the new line symbol added between one element and the next, it forces the latter to a
new row.
8. Select the mark on the other end of the brace and click Modify.
9. Apply the properties and save these mark settings as CTRD_Mark.

Home Instructions Drawing Guide Drawing settings Mark elements
Moving dimensions
Dimensions can be moved as a group, or broken apart if desired. Individual parts of the
dimensions, such as text, can also be moved.
To move a dimension group, click to select it, and then drag to the desired location.
1. Select the dimensions locating the holes on the left side connection plate.
Note that dimensions have the same associative symbols as the marks. This is
how Tekla updates dimensions in the drawings automatically when changes
occur in the model.
Any visible handle when the dimension is highlighted indicates a part that can
be dragged to a new location.
2. Once selected, left-click and drag to adjust their location.

To break up a dimension group, you can quickly click and drag to break out that portion of the
dimension.
3. Click in the background to deselect the dimension group.
4. In one movement, click and drag on one of the dimensions in the group.

Sometimes this can happen on purpose, or by accident if you are working too quickly. The
dimensions can be re-formed back into a group.
5. Select both dimensions and right-click > Combine Dimension Lines.
Practice moving dimensions until you are comfortable with how they react.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Editing drawings Dimensions Modifying
dimensions
Create Y-dimension
There are several dimensioning tools on the Drawing Objects toolbar. We do not have room
to cover all of them in detail in this manual, but one thing to note is that there are separate
buttons for X and Y dimensions, similar to the measuring tools in the model space.
1. Click on the Create Y dimension icon.
2. Confirm that the Snap to end points and Snap to geometry lines/points are both
pressed down snapping follows the same rules as in the model.
3. Pick the corners of the plate to be dimensioned as shown in the next image.

4. Move the cursor to where you want the dimension to appear and click the middle-mouse
button to place it.
Note how the manually created dimensions have their own properties and do not necessarily
match the properties that were set for the automatically created dimensions.
5. Double-click on the new dimension and go to the Appearance tab.

6. Change the color of the text to blue to match the other dimension text on the drawing.
7. Click Modify, and OK to apply the properties for any other manual dimensions we add.
To create a string of dimensions, just keep clicking on the desired points before
middle-mouse clicking on the location for the dimension to be created.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Editing drawings Dimensions Adding

dimensions

Add to existing dimension
We can also add to an existing dimension rather than creating a whole new string.
1. Click and drag the dimensions in the main view to rearrange them so the hole-to-hole
dimension is above the running dimension.
2. Select the hole-to-hole dimension and then right-click > Add dimension point.
3. Click on the top corner of the connection plate, and a new dimension will be added to that
string.
Add manual weld symbol

1. Double-click on the Create weld symbol icon.
2. Change the dialog so that both the above and below line options are for a 3/16 fillet
weld.
3. Apply the properties and Save these settings with the name 316_BS.

5. Pick two points to place the weld symbol first where the arrow on the leader should be
located, and then where the weld mark should be placed.
6. Create a second weld symbol for the plate on the underside of the brace. Right-click >
Interrupt to finish.
7. Select both welds, and right-click > Merge.

The welds get merged together into a single mark with two leaders. You can now adjust the
leaders like you can with a part mark.
8. With the merged weld selected, grab the middle handle of the leader going to the
underside of the brace and drag it out so the leader is pointing in the correct direction.
9. Close the drawing, make sure the box the Create snapshot of the drawing is checked and
click Yes.
When you close a drawing that has been changed, Tekla Structures prompts
you to save the drawing. Tekla will create a snapshot of the drawing at that
time so you can quickly view what the drawing looks like without opening it.
Simply highlight the drawing you want to view, and click on the Snapshots
button at the bottom of the drawing list.
Creating and viewing drawing snapshots
This one brace drawing has now been edited at all three levels drawing, view, and object.
Out of these, the only changes that can be automatically applied to other drawings are the
drawing level changes that we saved.
If we wanted the rest of the brace drawings to have the same editing, we could repeat the
manual editing to them one by one. However, changing the drawing properties to get as close
as we can is a better solution because this method is more automatic and much quicker.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Editing drawings

In order to automate the creation of drawings as much as possible, you should
try finding adequate predefined drawing properties to create the drawings
with instead of editing them manually.
Whenever there is a need to edit the drawings, you should first check if the
result can be achieved by changing the drawing properties.
As long as you can manage to create complete drawings by using predefined
drawing properties, the creation and updating of the drawings will be more
automatic.
Apply saved drawing settings to another sheet

We will now use the drawing-level settings on a different brace drawing so we can see which
changes will be made to it.
1. Open the other HSS BRACE drawing for the 1000 series.
2. Double-click in the background to open the Assembly drawing properties dialog box.
3. Select and Load the BraceHSS_with_BOM settings.
4. Click Modify.
Now, this one brace drawing has roughly the same appearance as the first brace drawing. The
difference is that this is missing all of the manual work.
This is why you should always try and get the highest level the drawing properties as
close as you possibly can to your final desired output.
5. Repeat the editing that we did on the previous drawing view scales, dimensions, and
weld marks. Dont forget to use attributes we previously saved to make the changes.

Freezing drawings
You can select whether to allow Tekla Structures to update all associative objects on top of
the drawing views. The geometry of the model is always updated, but freezing is used to stop
the drawing intelligence (associativity) of drawing objects on top of the model views, and
prevents them from being updated. For example, parts are updated, but dimensions, marks,
views, and additional drawing objects are not.
We will freeze the second brace drawing so we can see how it is affected differently.
1. Click on the X in the upper right corner of the drawing to close it.
2. Check on the option to freeze the drawing, and click Yes.
When you look in the drawing list a snowflake icon appears in the drawing list to show
that this drawing is frozen.
You can Freeze and Unfreeze drawings from the buttons on the right side of the
drawing list.
Whenever you have manually edited the drawing you may want to select
Disable automatic updating (Freeze). This way you will systematically freeze
edited drawings and only them.
The geometry of the model always updates, but this switch is used to stop the
drawing intelligence and prevents the drawings from being updated. For
example, parts are updated, but dimensions, marks, views, and additional
drawing objects are not.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Working with drawings Freezing
drawings How freezing affects drawings
6.6 Changes in the model

We will now modify our model by changing the size of the plate in all gusset plate
connections. Changes in the model will result in some of the drawings no longer being up-to-
date. To be able to open the drawings, you will need to run numbering and update them.
We will study how updating affects the edited drawings.
Updating will:

Switch the flag on a frozen drawing to . This indicates that the drawing has been
updated (also manual editing, such as extra marks or dimensions).
Regenerate any drawings with the flag that are unfrozen, with the originally used
drawing properties. The updating deletes all the manual editing (added dimensions, texts
etc.).
Update the quantities on a drawing with the flag.
Change the model

Change gusset plate bolt spacing
1. Select one of the connections where the braces cross the column in the model Shown
below.
2. Double-click on the connection cone to open the connection properties for editing.
3. Check that Ignore other types is selected in the connection dialog box.
4. On the Brace Bolts 1 tab page, change the extra width of the plate and bolt location as
shown on the next image.

5. On the Brace Bolts 2 tab page, change the extra width of the plate and bolt location as
shown below.
6. Select the (2) bracing components at column line 3 and click Modify.
Now the model has changed and some of the drawings are no longer up to date. To be able to
open the drawings you need to run numbering and update them.

It is not possible to open earlier revisions of the drawings. Due to the integration
between drawings and the model a drawing that is not up-to-date cannot be
opened.
If you tried to open a drawing that was affected by this model change, you
would get an error message.
The model numbering needs to be brought up to date. Be sure to check your

settings before just clicking the button, since you may not be aware what they
are currently set to.
Run numbering
1. Go to Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings.
2. Load 3_After_Creating_Drawings and click OK to apply the properties and close the
dialog box.
3. Select Drawing & Reports > Numbering > Number Modified Objects.
Update the Drawings

Once the numbering is carried out, the flags in the Drawing list show all those affected
drawings that need to be updated.
Click Show All to see the full list so you can see all of the drawings that were affected, not
just the HSS Braces.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Finding and opening drawings Drawing status
flags
There should be several flags that we see.

This indicates that the parts or assembly have changed in some way.
This indicates that there are less of that part than previous for example, the connection
plates are now differently sized, so it could mean that simply the quantity was reduces
somewhat, or that all of them are now different marks. You will not know until the drawing is
updated.
Cloned is shown for new drawings that were created. When a part changes so that a
combination is broken up, Tekla Structures will attempt to automatically make a new drawing
using the same settings for the part(s) with new marks.
Cloned drawings do not need to be updated; it is simply a flag to let you know they are new.
There could be other types of flags depending on the changes you made, your
numbering settings, or other factors.
Drawing status flags How to read the drawing status information
You can switch to the up-to-date drawings by choosing that option or using the
Invert button in the drawing list.
Update out-of-date drawings

We can restrict the drawing list to only show those that are out-of-date.
1. At the top there is a drop-down to choose a drawing set. Click this and choose Out of
date drawings.
2. Highlight all of the out-of-date drawings and click Update at the bottom of the drawing
list.
3. Once the drawings finish updating, click Show all on the right of the drawing list.

Drawings that have a modified date of 00/00/0000 will not have any flags
after updating essentially this means any drawing that you have not yet
edited.
If the quantity has changed, they will get a modified date even if you did
not actually open and edit that drawing, so they will still have an
updated flag afterwards.
4. Again filter for HSS in the search criteria to bring up the HSS BRACE drawings.
5. Open the unfrozen drawing and notice that any dimensions affected by the change, those
created automatically or those created manually, have been updated to reflect the
changes.
There will also be magenta clouds shown around all the changes that were made. These are
for your information only and will not print on the drawings. You can add clouds that do print
manually using the Draw cloud tool.
6. You can also remove all the magenta clouds by clicking on the remove symbols buttons.
7. Open the frozen drawing, and notice that the dimensions have not been affected by the
change. Marks have updated to show the new position, but will not move to follow the
parts if they moved.

This is good for keeping track of minor changes but then will require manual
updating of all dimensions.
Remember to add a revision to drawings that have been updated or changed

after you have released drawings for the contract.
Another way to avoid repetitive editing is to use cloning for similar items. This
allows user to copy the dimension and editing from one item onto a similar
item.
This will be covered in a later chapter.

General Arrangement
Drawings

Contents
8 General Arrangement Drawings ...................................................... 1

8.1 Creating General Arrangement Drawings ................................................... 1
Create an Anchor Bolt Plan ......................................................................... 2
Create a Single View GA Drawing............................................................. 13
Create a Multiple View GA Drawing .......................................................... 21
8.2 Modifying GA Drawings.............................................................................. 27
Modify drawing properties .......................................................................... 28
Modify view properties ............................................................................... 29
8.3 Drawing Objects ......................................................................................... 33
Modify object properties ............................................................................. 33
Steel: General Arrangement Drawings

8 General Arrangement
Drawings
In this lesson
We will introduce the creation of general arrangement drawings in Tekla Structures.
We will also revisit the various levels of editing the drawings, and introduce some new
editing tools and features.
Make 3D Views, Plans, and Elevations
Create section views from existing drawing views
Use Filters
Add drawing objects
8.1 Creating General Arrangement Drawings

Tekla Structures can be used to create general arrangement (GA) drawings which are also
known as Erection plans or E-Sheets.
GA drawings can contain several views, which can include the whole model or any part of it.
With the GA drawings you can create erection, foundation and other plans, as well as details
from views in the model.
You can create general arrangement drawings from one or several named model view(s) with
the following options:
Create one drawing for each selected view
Add all selected views to one drawing
Create an empty drawing
You can create an empty drawing and add named model views to the drawing in the Drawing
Editor. The views must exist but they do not necessarily have to be open.
You cannot modify the appearance, such as the viewing angle, of model views
while in the Drawing Editor. Therefore, check and modify the appearance of
model views in the Model Editor before creating GA drawings. For example,
check that the plan views are really 2D views, and rotate the rendered 3D views
the way you want them to be shown in the drawing.

You do not need to number the model or update numbering to create or open
general arrangement drawings. However, the position numbers on drawing may
not be up to date if the numbering is not up to date.
Create an Anchor Bolt Plan

The anchor bolt plan would typically be created as soon as the columns and anchor bolt
components were modeled in order to speed the construction process along, but as we are just
starting to learn about creating drawings in Tekla Structures, we will handle this now.
To create an Anchor Plan:
1. Open your BLDG 1 PLAN AT EL. 0 view.
In this model, you have 2 plan views at El. 0-0, one for the first building and
one for the second. We will be using the first buildings view because it is
square to the overall building footprint.
Tekla Structures selects the objects that are included in the anchor bolt plan
based on the following default rules:
The part is a column or an almost vertical beam.
The part is the main part of an assembly.
A base plate is included in the assembly, and it is located lower than the
main part. If there is more than one part in the column assembly that fulfills
the rules, the lowest part of them is considered to be the base plate.
Bolts are attached to the base plate.
The assembly is cut by the view plane.
The boundary box of the base plate in the xy-direction intersects the
boundary box of the column.

saved settings Creating anchor bolt plans Objects included in the anchor bolt plan

You don't need to have the view open in order to make the General
Arrangement Drawing, but it does let you check that the result will be
close to what you are expecting.
2. Select the view and right-click > Fit Work Area to Entire Model.
The work area directly reflects what will be included on your GA

drawing. If the work area is fit to the entire model, your drawing
will show the same. If the work area is reduced to only a portion of
the model, then you will get a partial GA plan.
3. Go to Drawing & Reports > Create Drawings to open the Master Drawing Catalog.
4. Select the General arrangement drawings from the drop-down menu.
5. Choose Anchor Plan (G), and click Create drawings.
6. Select BLDG 1 PLAN AT EL. 0.
At this point we could just select the drawing type and create the drawing, but in this instance,
we first want to change the scale for the drawing.
7. Click Drawing properties.
8. Click View.

9. Load the Scale_1I8 attribute. Notice how it changes the scale to 1/96.
10. Go to the Anchor bolt plan tab, change Show as anchor bolt plan to Yes, then set the
scale for the enlarged views to 48 (1/4 scale).
11. Apply the view properties and Save as Scale_1|8 AB Plan.
The AnchorPlan and AnchorPlan_w-Details settings provide enlarged views

over the column locations to easier dimension the spread of the anchors.

12. Click OK in the General View Properties dialog box to close the dialog box.
13. Click OK in the General arrangement drawing properties dialog box to apply the
drawing properties and close the dialog box.
14. Now check the Open drawing box, and click Create.
Your output may differ from what is shown above depending on how the view looked on the
model when you created the drawing. Remember you can alter the drawing output
automatically by adjusting the scale or other parameters to get exactly what you want to see.
The AnchorPlan setting creates enlarged views over the column locations, but
will not create detail views. All detail and section views will need to be created
manually.
The AnchorPlan_w-Details setting creates enlarged views over the column
locations and also creates detail views of the different base plates. Any
elevation views of the base plate details need to be created manually.
The AnchorPlan_Manually setting does not create enlarged views over the
column locations or create detail views. All enlarged columns views, detail
views, and section views will need to be created manually. This setting has the
Show as Anchor Bolt Plan option set to No so the parts visible follow the
rules of typical GA drawings, not the rules discussed earlier.

Create Enlarged Detail View at Grid B/1 and C/1
We can see that the enlarged views for the columns at B/1 and C/1 overlap because they are
so close together. We need to manually create a single view for both columns to make it
readable.
1. Delete the 2 enlarged column views at B/1 and C/1.
2. Select the hidden columns at B/1 and C/1 then right click > Hide/Show > Show in
Drawing View.
3. Go to View > Create Drawing View > Detail View.

4. Create a view using the following steps:
a. Pick a point between column grids B/1 and C/1 for the center of the detail
view.
b. Pick a point to draw a circle that is large enough to include both columns.
c. Click to place the location for the detail call-off text.

d. Finally click to place the enlarged view above the titleblock.
When the view is placed, it will create a detail circle and mark over the two columns.
5. Right-click > interrupt to close the command.

Select the detail circle and you will see a magenta dashed box this is the visible view area. If
it does not completely surround both columns, drag one of the handles at the corners to make
it larger.
6. Double click on the gray border of the new view to open the view properties dialog box.
7. Load the AB_Blowup attribute and change the scale to 1/48.
8. Click Modify.

This modifies the view to match the scale and appearance of the other enlarged views on the
sheet.
9. Click on the Grid properties button in the View Properties dialog box.
10. Change the option at the top to Visible.
11. Turn on the grid labels at the top and left of the grid.
12. Change the grid label text height to 1/8.
13. Click Modify.

14. Apply the grid properties and save as BasicTrg_Grid.

15. Click OK to close the View Grid Properties dialog box.
16. Apply the view properties and save as BasicTrg_AB_Blowup.
17. Click OK to close the view properties dialog box.

There are still some more adjustments that need to be made to this view, but we can no longer
make them in the view properties. We will make the rest of the changes on the object level.
18. Double click on the grid for Phase 1, on the W16X50 column.
19. Change the label to be on the left and the bottom and click Modify.
20. To adjust the grid lines with finer detail, switch to Select grid lines in drawings.
21. Now you can grab the individual lines and use their handles to stretch or shrink as
desired.
22. Switch back to Select all when done.

23. Go to Dimensioning > Add free dimension.
24. At the column on C/1, pick on the lower left bolt, then the center of column, and finally
the lower right bolt. Place the dimension with a middle mouse click above the column.
When adding a free dimension, the first and last point clicked set the angle of
the dimension string.
25. Repeat this process to dimension the anchor bolts in relation to column line C.

26. Next
27. go to Dimensioning > Add vertical dimension.
28. Add a vertical dimension between column B/1 and C/1 as well as the anchor bolts at B/1.
29. Go to Dimensioning > Add horizontal dimension.

30. Add a horizontal dimension for the anchor bolts at B/1.
Clean up main view

There are a few more items we can clean up in the main view. If you look at grid intersections
A/2 and A/4, you can see there are what appear to be extra marks added.

The reason for this is that these are Component marks they will show up for any
components or green cones down near the foundation in this drawing. At those columns there
are HSS brace connections coming in to the column near the base. Tekla picks these up as
well as the base plate components.
1. Select the marks that do not include the Anchor bolt information and right-click >
Delete.
The grid for building 1 as the grid labels at the top, which are inside of building 2 and hard to
read.
1. Double-click on the building 1 grid.
2. Change the checked options to move the label from the top to the bottom of the grid.
3. Click Modify.
4. Delete the existing string of dimensions along grid line B.
5. Activate the Add horizontal dimension tool, and starting from grid line 1, pick each grid
line down to line 7. Place it with a middle-mouse click.
The default dimension settings will combine similar values. This can be changed to show
individual grid dimensions.
6. Double-click on the new dimension line to open the properties. Change the Combine
equal dimensions setting to Off.
7. Click Modify.
8. Close and save the Anchor bolt plan.

Create a Single View GA Drawing
1. Open the BLDG 1 PLAN AT EL. 24'-0" view.
(You may need to right click > Fit Work Area to Entire Model.)
2. Right click in the background of the view and select Create General Arrangement
Drawing.
3. Highlight BLDG 1 PLAN AT EL. 24'-0", and click Drawing properties

4. Load the Plan attribute and change Title 1 to PLAN @ ELEV. 24-0.
5. Click View and Load the Scale_1I8 attribute to change the scale to 1/96.
6. Click OK on the General View Properties dialog box to apply the view properties and
close the dialog box.
7. Click OK on the General arrangement drawing properties dialog box to apply the
drawing properties and close the dialog box.
8. Check the Open Drawing box, and click Create

Notice how the pour stop angle on column line 1 looks different
than the angle on column line 7. This is due to the reference lines
(handles) being at different locations in the model. Keep this in
mind when modeling parts in the future.
Add Joist Spacing

1. Double click in the background of the drawing to open the drawing properties dialog box.
2. Click on the Dimensioning button.
3. Go to the Parts tab and click on Add Rule.

4. Set the Object Group to Steel_Joist.
5. Set the Positioning to Outside grid.
6. Set the Horizontal Position and Vertical Position to Distributed to both sides.
7. Apply the dimensioning properties and save as BasicTrg_Joist_Spacing.

Home Instructions Drawing Guide Modifying automatic drawing settings
Automatic dimensions Dimensioning general arrangement drawings
Create Section for Perimeter Angle

1. Go to View > Create Drawing View > Section View.
2. Pick a point to the left of column line 1, between C and D.
3. Right click > Perpendicular and then pick the perpendicular snap along column line 1.
4. Pick a point beyond the joist to determine the view depth down of the section view.

5. Pick a point beyond the end of the joist to determine the width and view depth up of the
section view.
6. Locate the section view on the right side of the drawing above the titleblock.

7. Double click on the gray view border to open the View Properties.
8. Load the Sectcut attribute and click Modify.
9. Click on Grid in the View Properties dialog box.

10. Load the BasicTrg_Grid attribute and click Modify.
11. Click OK in the View Grid Properties dialog box to apply the grid properties and close
the dialog box.
12. Click Apply in the View Properties dialog box and Save as BasicTrg_GA_Section.

Depending on where the section was cut, you may see the El. 24-0 grid
as shown in the above image. If you do, follow the next steps. If the
section was cut further away from the Phase 1 building and this gridline is
not visible, skip ahead to modifying the section cut symbol.
13. Turn on the Select grid lines in drawing selection button.

14. Select the grid line at EL. 24-0 then right click > Hide/Show > Hide from Drawing
View.
15. Switch back to Select All when done.

Home Instructions Drawing Guide Editing drawings Drawing views Adding
views in drawings manually Creating a section view
Modify Section Cut Symbol

1. Double click on the section cut symbol to open the Section symbol properties.
2. Change the Section name to 1 and click Modify.
3. Change the location of the section symbol from the cutting line to 3/8" and click Modify.
4. Go to the Section mark tab.

5. Change the Right Symbol to None and click Modify.
6. Apply the properties and Save as GA_Section.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Editing drawings Drawing views Modifying

drawing views Modifying section properties
Create Section for Bent Plates

1. Go to View > Create Drawing View > Section View.
2. Following the same steps we used earlier, pick points near column line F to determine the
cutting line, view depth down, and view depth up.
3. Place the new section near the Section 1 that we created earlier.
4. Double click on the gray view border to open the View Properties.

5. Double click on the section symbol and change the Section name to 2.
Add Section Cut Symbols

When you have sections that can be applied to multiple locations around the plan, you can
create section symbols without creating new views.
1. Go to Annotating > Add Section Mark.
2. Pick a point outside of column line 7 for the origin of the cutting line.
3. Pick the perpendicular snap along column line 7.
4. If needed, double click on the section mark and change the Section name to 1 and click
Modify.
5. Repeat this process to create section symbols along column line C. (Section name = 2)
6. Close and save the drawing.
Create a Multiple View GA Drawing

We will now repeat almost exactly the same process in order to make a GA drawing with
multiple views.

1. Open the 3d, BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID 4 and BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID A
views from the Views list.
2. Rotate the 3d view how you want it to appear on the GA drawing.

3. Switch to the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID 4 view and make sure that only the steel
from Building 1 is visible by going to View > Fit Work Area > Using Two Points.

4. Draw a box around the Building 1 framing by picking 2 points.
5. Switch to the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID A view and right click > Fit Work Area to
Entire Model.
It is a good idea to run numbering Drawing & Reports >

Numbering > Number Modified Objects to make sure your part
marks are up to date before making GA drawings.
6. Right click in the background of one of the views and select Create General
Arrangement Drawing.

7. Highlight 3d, BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID 4 and BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID A
and make sure the All selected views to one drawing option is selected.
You can select multiple views (or toggle the selection) in the dialog
box above by holding down the Ctrl key and picking each view
separately.
GA drawing views are automatically labeled with the current model
view name.
With the One drawing per view option you can select all the plan
views in the dialog box and create separate drawings with
predefined drawing properties all at once.
Define drawing properties

1. Click the Drawing properties... button to open the General arrangement drawing
2. Load the standard attribute.

3. Give the drawing a distinctive Name of 3D and in the Title 1 field, put STEEL FRAME.
4. Click the View... button to open the General View Properties dialog box.
5. On the Attributes tab, change the drawing scale to 1/120 and click OK to apply the scale
and close the dialog box.
6. Now click the Filter button in the General arrangement drawing properties dialog box
and complete the filter rows as shown below.

7. Click OK to apply the filter properties and close the dialog box.
8. Click Apply in the General arrangement drawing properties dialog and Save as
Steel_Frame.
Drawing property files Steel_Frame.gd, Steel_Frame.gd.filter, and

Steel_Frame.gd.more are created in the \Basic Training -
YourName\attributes folder.

Home Instructions Drawing Guide Modifying automatic drawing settings Drawing
properties
Create and open the GA drawing

To create and open the GA drawing:
1. Select the Open drawing checkbox in the Create general arrangement drawing dialog
box to have Tekla Structures automatically open the drawing.
2. Click Create.
3. Check that the created GA drawing is as shown below.

All of the views in the GA drawing will be created according to the
same GA drawing properties you applied. If some views need
different properties, you have to modify the view properties
afterwards in the Drawing Editor.
You can first define the GA drawing properties by selecting

Drawing & Reports > Drawing Settings > General arrangement
drawing... from the menu, and then load and apply the desired
properties. After that, open the Create general arrangement
drawing dialog box to create the GA drawing with the selected
views.
8.2 Modifying GA Drawings

You can edit drawings in the Drawing Editor on three levels:
Drawing properties
View properties
Object properties
For more information about the drawing properties and different drawing levels, see the
following Tekla User Assistance pages:
properties

Modify drawing properties
At the highest level, you can change the drawing properties which affect all of the objects in
the drawing.
Modify part's color on drawing level
1. With the 3D drawing open, select Drawing File > Drawing Properties... on the menu or
double-click on the drawing to open the General arrangement drawing properties
dialog box.
2. Click the Part... button to open the General - part properties dialog box.
3. Uncheck the boxes for Center line and Hidden lines and click Modify.
4. Go to the Appearance tab and change the Color of Visible lines to dark green and click
Modify.
6. Apply the drawing properties and Save the Steel_Frame attribute.

Whenever possible, you should modify drawings by changing the
drawing properties. The drawing level settings can be saved and
applied to easily create another drawing with the same settings.
You can toggle the appearance of the drawing between black and
white, grayscale, and colored by going to Tools > Options >
Drawing Color Mode or by pressing B on the keyboard.
Modify view properties

The second level is to edit the view level, where you modify the selected drawing view.
Change part mark content
1. Double click on the gray border of the 3d view to open the View Properties.
2. Click the Part mark button to open the View Part Mark Properties dialog box.
3. Load the No_Part_Mark attribute and click Modify.
4. Click OK to apply the part mark properties and close the dialog box.
Hide the Grid

1. Click the Grid button to open the View Grid Properties dialog box.
2. Set the grid to be Not visible and click Modify.
3. Click OK to apply the grid properties and close the dialog box.

Change Part Representation
1. Click the Part button to open the View Part Properties dialog box.
2. Change the Part representation to be Outline and click Modify.
Change bolt properties

4. Click the Bolt button to open the View Bolt properties dialog box.
5. On the Content tab set the Solid/Symbol to exact solid and click Modify.
6. Click OK to apply the bolt properties and close the dialog box.
The bolts will now appear as actual bolts in the drawing view, but the hidden bolts are also
visible which can be confusing.

Hide hidden bolts from drawing views
7. Go to Tools > Options > Advance Options > Drawing Properties and change the
following options to FALSE.
8. Click Apply and OK.
These Advanced Options will affect the visibility of hidden bolts in

ALL GA drawings.
The new setting will not be applied until we modify the bolt properties again.
9. Double-click on the border around the 3d view to open the View properties dialog box.
10. Click the Bolt button to open the View Bolt properties dialog box.
11. On the content tab, change the visibility of bolts in main parts to Not visible and click
Modify.
12. Change the visibility of bolts in main parts back to Visible and click Modify again.
13. Click OK to apply the bolt properties and close the dialog box.
The 3d View will now look much cleaner.

14. Apply the view properties and save as BasicTrg_3d_View.
We will now follow the same basic steps to modify the elevation views.
1. Double click on the gray border around the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID 4 view to
open the View Properties dialog box.
2. Change the scale to 1/96 and click Modify.
3. Click on the Grid... button to open the View Grid Properties dialog box.
4. Select and Load the BasicTrg_Grid attribute and click Modify.
5. Click OK to apply the grid properties and close the dialog box.
6. Click on the Part mark... button to open the View Part Mark Properties dialog box.
7. On the General tab, change the visibility to always and click Modify.

8. Change the Parts out of view plane to Not visible and click Modify.
9. Click OK to apply the part mark properties and close the dialog box.
10. Apply the view properties and save as BasicTrg_Elev_View.
Now lets modify the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID A view to match the BLDG 1
ELEVATION ON GRID 4 view.
1. Double click on the gray border around the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID A view to
open the View Properties dialog box.
2. Load the BasicTrg_Elev_View attribute and click Modify.
8.3 Drawing Objects

In Tekla Structures, the term drawing object refers to lines, rectangles, arcs, circles, poly-
lines, polygons, clouds, symbols, text, DWG/DXF files, marks and dimensions.
Modify object properties

The third and lowest level is to edit at the object level, where you change individual objects in
the drawing.
Modify Vertical HSS Braces
3. In the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID A view, double-click on one of the vertical HSS
diagonal braces to open the Drawing part properties dialog box.
4. On the Content tab, check on the options to show hidden lines and own hidden lines.

5. Select the other 3 vertical braces by holding down Ctrl or Shift.
6. Click Modify and OK.
Create text
1. Hold down the Shift key and go to Annotating > Add Text > Text to open the Text
2. In the Text field, type in a note for the erector to add to the drawing.
3. Turn on the option to add a frame around the text field.

5. Locate the text note near the vertical braces in the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON GRID A
view.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Editing drawings Independent annotation

objects Adding text
Create Associative Note
If you need to add a note on the drawing that includes information from the model such as
profile, material, bolt grade, etc., you do not want to use text. There is another tool called
Associative Notes that will automatically update when a part in the model is modified.
1. Hold down the Shift key and go to Annotating > Add Associative Note > With Leader
to open the Associative Note Properties dialog box.
2. Change the content type to Bolt.
3. Remove the Size field by selecting it in the Elements in mark window and clicking on
Remove.
4. Select Number of Bolts from the Available elements window and click Add.

5. Select Full Name from the Available elements window and click Add.
6. Select Text from the Available elements window and click Add. When prompted, type
( and click OK.
7. Select Text from the Available elements window and click Add. When prompted, type
) and click OK.
8. Select the ( text field in the Elements in mark window and click the Move Up button
until it is above the << Number of bolts >> field.
9. Select the ) text field in the Elements in mark window and click the Move Up button
until it is below the << Number of bolts >> field and above the << Full name >> field.

10. Apply these properties and Save as BasicTrg_Bolt_Mark.

12. Select one of the bolts connecting the vertical bracing in the BLDG 1 ELEVATION ON
GRID A view.
Associative notes are adaptive and will change depending on which object you clicked on.
Using them you can build typical notes that will change the pertinent information based on
the model.

Drawing Management

Contents
9 Drawing Management ....................................................................... 1

9.1 Controlling Drawing Revisions ..................................................................... 1
Make changes to the model......................................................................... 2
Fabrication Drawings ................................................................................... 2
General Arrangement Drawings .................................................................. 9
Modify revision information ........................................................................ 10
Show revision information in a report ........................................................ 10
9.2 Creating Object Level Settings .................................................................. 12
Define the general properties for all parts ................................................. 12
Modify a drawing using Object level settings ............................................ 15
9.3 Cloning Drawings ....................................................................................... 18
9.4 Adding a logo to a drawing template ......................................................... 20
9.5 Creating Basic Templates .......................................................................... 22
9.6 Adding Templates to Layouts .................................................................... 30
Steel: Drawing Management

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9 Drawing Management
In this lesson
In this chapter we will learn further drawing editing and customization tools. Tekla Structures
contains a vast array of facilities that allow the user to effectively handle changes to a contract
after the drawings have been issued. There are also a collection of tools that allow complete
customization of how the drawings look. These topics are covered in more depth during
advanced training, but we can introduce them here and learn some basic functionality.
We will introduce:
How to handle revisions from assembly through general arrangement drawings
Creating Object Level Settings
Cloning, as an effective way to minimize repetitive editing
How to add a logo to a default template
How to make a template and add it to a drawing layout
9.1 Controlling Drawing Revisions

Now we will cover the revision handling features of Tekla Structures.
When the model changes:
You have to update or revise drawings
Attach revision information to the drawings
Tekla Structures displays the revision information alongside the revision number or the mark
in the drawing list and in the revision table within the drawings. The revision table also shows
the revision date. You can create a list of revisions in a report.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Working with drawings Revising drawings

9-1
Make changes to the model
1. Modify the model by changing the profile of the columns on gridline A/7 and B/7 from
W16X50 to W16X67.
Number the model
1. Select Drawing & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings and Load the
3_After_Creating_Drawings setting.
3. Select Drawing & Reports > Numbering > Number Modified Objects.
Fabrication Drawings
Revise modified Assembly drawings
1. Open the drawing list and note the flagged drawings.

You may have some marked as Parts modified, Quantity Decreased, some as Linked drawing
changed, and some marked Cloned.
2. Use the drawing set drop-down to restrict the list to only show Out of date drawings.
The drawing list shows assembly (A) and multi-drawings (M) being flagged, but not general
arrangement drawings. GA drawings will reflect the changes in the model automatically, but
because they are not affected by the numbering change they do not get a flag.
Now is a good time to mark the drawings as revised.
3. Highlight the drawings shown and click the Revision button in the lower right.

9-3
This opens the Revision Handling dialog box.
4. Make the changes shown in the next image and click Create. Use your initials for
Created by.
5. Save this revision information as BasicTrg_Rev1.
Make sure you click Create when making new revisions, the
Modify button will update an existing revision.
Each revision created gets added to the drop-down in the upper

right of the dialog box. You can then go through these old
revisions to see their dates and text.
It is a good idea to add the revision before updating the drawing

to make sure that you catch every drawing that is altered. The
modified flag will disappear after you open and save the drawing.
The current revision is now listed for each drawing in the drawing list.
6. Close the Revision Handling dialog by clicking Cancel or the X in the top corner.

Several drawings can share the same revision mark, date, and information. To
attach the same revision information to several drawings simultaneously, make
sure that you do not have a drawing open, select multiple drawings from the
drawing list, and then create the revision.
If you update the multi-drawings it will also automatically update the assembly drawings at
the same time. It is usually a good idea, however, to review the assembly drawings first.
7. Open the first Parts modified assembly drawing in the list.
Notice how some of the dimensions or marks have magenta clouds around them. These have
been updated automatically and the clouds are there to show you that something has changed.
They do not print, and are only temporary.
Note revisions on drawing
Next we will create clouds and revision marks on the changes.
1. Click on Draw cloud on the Drawing Objects toolbar.

9-5
2. Click points (at least 3) around the area you want to cloud, and finish with a middle-
mouse click.
For smaller clouds, you can use the Draw Polygon command, and
then double-click on it and add a Bulge factor to create a bubble.
Once you have all the desired permanent clouds drawn in, you can remove the temporary
ones.
3. Click on the Remove all dimension change symbols button to remove the magenta
clouds.
Tekla can add revision marks that are linked to the revision information we added in the
drawing list.
4. Select Annotating > Add Revision Mark > Arrow on Left.
5. Select the first revision from the drop down in the upper right of the Revision mark
properties dialog box, and click Apply.

6. Click to place the mark to the right of one of the clouds.
You can use text to add a more traditional triangle revision mark, but it will not
contain information about the revision.
7. Close and save the drawing.
Revise quantity changed Assembly drawings

Open the assembly drawing marked Quantity decreased.
Notice there are no clouds on this sheet. This is because the marks and dimensions are still the
same; it is just the quantity that is different.

9-7
Quantity changes that affect the call-off template at the bottom will not create
any change clouds the only notification you will get is from the drawing list
before you update/open the sheet.
1. Use the Draw cloud tool and create a revision mark around the call-off at the bottom of
the drawing.
2. Close and Save the drawing.
If you are working with only assembly drawings, where the BOM and Title
Block are on the sheet, you could stop here. If you are working with multi-
drawings, however, they need to be updated as well.
Revise Multi-drawings
Open the first multidrawing flagged Linked drawing changed.
We could have updated this at the same time as the assembly drawings, as a
group, but they just would have been flagged again as soon as any changes were
made to the linked assemblies.
Note that clouds and revision marks added to the assembly drawings automatically are shown
on the multi drawing. If you wanted the BOM to get Revision marks or clouds, they would
have to be created here on this drawing.
1. Add a revision mark next to the assembly that had the quantity change.
The drawing also reflects the current revision near the title block.

By default the drawings only show the latest revision. They can be modified to
show all the revision history by going to the project properties back in the
model, under User-defined attributes, on the Drawing Switches tab. Change the
option for stacked revision list to Yes, and this will affect all drawings
automatically.
General Arrangement Drawings

Select the GA drawings set from the Drawing List.
Open the E1 drawing PLAN @ ELEV. 24-0.

Notice how the columns changed automatically and were updated on the drawing. They are
also shown with a magenta cloud.
Also, note that the beam is highlighted above too. This is because it may have been the same
as the other beams on grids 5 and 6 before we changed the column depth causing these beams
to get slightly shorter.
Add revision
You can add revision information to a drawing even if it is open; you are just limited to one
drawing at a time.

9-9
1. With the drawing list open, highlight the E1 general arrangement drawing and click the
Revision button.
2. Load the BasicTrg_Rev1 saved attribute and click Create.
3. Use what we have already learned to add clouds and revision marks to the changed
objects.
Modify revision information

To modify the revision information of an existing revision mark you can use the Revision
button or right-click on the drawing in the Drawing List to select the Revision option.
Revision information can be modified or deleted but you can only delete the last revision in
the list.
When you delete a revision, Tekla Structures automatically adjusts the

remaining revision numbers for that drawing.
Show revision information in a report

The report 551 Drawing Revision list shows the revision dates and revision information of
drawings. For more information about reports see Chapter 4 Numbering and Reports.
Show revision information in report
To create a report containing the revision information:

1. Go to Drawings & Reports > Create Report to open the Report dialog box.
2. Select 551 Drawing Revision list from the report list.
3. Click the Create from all button.
4. Check that the revisions are shown correctly in the report 551 Drawing Revision list.xsr

9-11
9.2 Creating Object Level Settings
There are always situations where you might like to customize how one item looks on your
drawings without affecting everything else. A typical example of this would be how purlins
are shown on roof plans.
To do this in Tekla, users have a number of options, but the most obvious would be to
highlight each purlin on the drawing and change its Part representation to a phantom line.
This is very time consuming and will be overwritten if the drawing has to be remade. It also
means that this work would have to be repeated again on every other plan drawing.
A better way is to group those items and then apply a rule (Detailed object level settings) to
how you would like these to be handled, then to tell the program exactly how you would like
to handle these items. This means that even if the drawing is recreated, the settings will be
remembered and the drawing will modify automatically. You can also take these rules to
subsequent contracts or store them in your company-wide Firm Folder so that the rule only
has to be created once.
Define the general properties for all parts

Create the drawing
1. Use the tools you learned in the previous chapter to create a plan drawing for the
Building 2 roof, using the standard setting for the GA drawing. Give it the name E2, and
put BLDG 2 ROOF FRAMING PLAN in the Title 1 field.
Since the roof here slopes, make sure that the view depth is deep enough to see
all the purlins and horizontal HSS braces.

If you want to hide the silos from the drawing, you can use filters or simply
select the view to see the work area dashed box. Drag the corners of the work
area to exclude the silos from the view.
All of the parts shown are represented in their actual shapes; nothing has been converted to
solid lines for plans. First, the overall drawing properties should be set for the majority of the
parts. For most of the parts in a roof plan, we would want them to be shown as a single solid
line.
Set overall properties
Change the appearance of all of the parts to symbol.
1. Double-click in the drawing background to open the General arrangement drawing
2. Click on the Part button and change the representation to Symbol, and the offset to 4.
3. Also turn off the center lines.
4. Click Modify.
5. Click OK to apply the part properties and close the General Part Properties dialog
box.
The symbol offset controls the visible setback from the end of the line that
represents the beam object to the actual handle so it is easier to see where one
part ends and another begins.
All of the beams, purlins, and horizontal braces should now have the appearance of a single
solid line.
Next hide the bolts and secondary (connection) parts.
6. Click on the Bolt button and change the visibility to Not visible.

9-13
7. Click Modify.
8. Click OK to apply the bolt properties and close the General - Bolt Properties dialog box.
9. Click on the Filter button and add a row as shown in the next image.
10. Click Modify.

11. Click OK to apply the filter properties and close the General Filter Properties dialog
box.
More could be done, such as setting up the part marks for the entire drawing, but we will
leave these as is for this lesson and move on to creating custom settings for groups of objects.

Modify a drawing using Object level settings
First, we will change the way purlins are displayed.
Create and use Detailed Object Level settings by following a simple 4 step process.
Group the items you want to handle differently using a filter (purlins)
Define the settings that you want to apply to those groups on the sheet
Create Object level settings
During the following steps, it is important that you DO NOT click OK, Apply
or Modify in the dialog boxes unless specifically instructed to do so. This would
affect the overall drawing, and we are only trying to affect specific parts.
Group the items

1. In the General arrangement drawing properties dialog box, click on the Filter button.
You do not want to affect the overall drawing filter; we are building one to teach the drawing
how to find purlins.
2. Click New filter.
3. Click Add row and define the settings as shown below.
4. Save the filter as BasicTrg_Purlin_Filter. Exit by clicking Cancel or X. DO NOT click

Modify, Apply, or OK.
In filters you can add an asterisk to the term as a wildcard allowing everything
that contains a word to be grouped.
Home Instructions Basics of Tekla Structures Filtering objects
Possible values in filtering Wildcards

9-15
Define the settings
1. Click the Part button and go to the Appearance tab.
2. Make the changes shown below. DO NOT click Modify, Apply, or OK.
3. Save these settings as Purlin_Part. Click Cancel or X to close the General Part
Properties dialog box. Again, DO NOT click Modify, Apply, or OK.
Create the Object level settings

1. In the General arrangement drawing properties dialog box, click Edit Settings.

2. Click Add Row.
The first column is where you choose the group of parts to show differently than the drawing
properties. Use the drawing filters to affect the different types of objects.
3. Select BasicTrg_Purlin_Filter from the list (if not already shown).
The second column is the Drawing object type. This is the name of the button from the
drawing properties dialog box that controls what we are trying to change.
4. Set this to Part.
The third column is for the pre-saved settings that we defined under the button on the drawing
5. Select Purlin_Part from the list.
6. Click Modify and the purlins will change color and linetype.
7. Click OK to apply the properties and close the Object level settings dialog box.

9-17
8. Click Apply in the General arrangement drawing properties dialog.
9. Save the drawing properties as BasicTrg_Plan.
Object level settings can be created at the view level as well as the drawing
level that we just went through. This way, different views can appear different
but each is intelligently applying the appearance settings.

properties Creating object level settings
9.3 Cloning Drawings

Another way to minimize the amount of cleanup required on drawings is to use cloning.
Cloning is exactly as its name suggests where a master drawing is set up, and similar
drawings are cloned from it. This is particularly useful when you have repetitive
dimensioning required on a number of similar items.
When we first created the assembly drawings we saved drawing settings and applied them to
another sheet, but we had to recreate all of the manual editing that was done. Instead we can
clone that editing to another sheet.
1. Search for the HSS brace assembly drawings in the drawing list.
2. Open the first edited HSS brace drawing and take note of the added dimensions, weld
symbols and modified section views.
These are the types of things we dont want to have to recreate on similar drawings.
3. Close the drawing.

4. Highlight the second 1000 series HSS brace assembly drawing (the one we froze) and
click Select objects to highlight them in the model.
5. Click Delete in the drawing list to delete the highlighted drawing.

6. Highlight the first edited drawing, and with both it and the braces selected in the model,
click the Clone button.
7. A new dialog box will open, asking what items you want to clone from the master
drawing. Make sure all of the options are set to Clone.
8. Click Clone Selected.
9. Notice that the drawing list now shows the new cloned drawings.

9-19
10. And if you open one of these, the editing made already will be shown.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Creating drawings Cloning drawings
Cloning may not always create perfect duplicates and some minor additional
cleanup may be required. Always be sure to review the cloned drawings for
accuracy.
9.4 Adding a logo to a drawing template

Most users will probably want to customize their standard drawing templates to show their
company information and logo automatically. This is covered in detail during the advanced
training course, and there is further help on the subject available to users on the extranet.
However, this chapter outlines a simple method of quickly and easily adding information to
the standard drawing templates.
In this example, we will add the Tekla logo to the drawing, but users can add any DWG/DXF
or image file of their choice.
Drawing borders consist of a set of rules called Layouts that are made up of a
collection of Templates which call information from the model and the
program. Templates can be textual (for reports) or graphical (for drawings).
For example, the Bill of Materials on a drawing is a template. The Title Block
is another template. The drawing border is created by adding and locating each
of these templates in a Layout.
For more help see the Template Editor Help:

Contents Introduction to Templates What are templates? Graphical Templates

Open the template to be modified
We will open the template being used for General Arrangement drawings and add a logo to
the Style 1 area.
1. From the Model Editor, select Drawings & Reports > Template Editor... From the
Drawing Editor, select Tools > Template Editor
2. In the Template Editor, select File > Open and navigate to the \Tekla
Structures\20.0\Environments\usimp\template folder and select the
TypeGM_TitleBlocks.tpl file.
This path could be found under the C:\Program Data or C:\TeklaStructures

directory, depending on how you installed the software.
3. Click OK.
There are several different styles available to use, and these can be set up in File > Project
Properties in the Model Editor. We will deal with Style 1 which is at the top of the list.
4. Zoom in to the area where FabName -1 is shown.

5. Select Insert > Picture...
6. Select the tekla.jpg file, and then click OK.
7. Pick 2 points to define the top left and bottom right corners of the picture in the row.

9-21
layout

Project Deliverables

Contents
10 Project Deliverables .......................................................................... 1

10.1 Plotting Drawings.......................................................................................... 1
Making PDF Files ......................................................................................... 3
10.2 Sharing Your Entire Model ........................................................................... 4
Exporting a Tekla BIMsight model ............................................................... 4
Exporting a Web Viewer Model: .................................................................. 6
10.3 Export CNC files ........................................................................................... 7
Create NC Files ............................................................................................ 8
Creating DXF format files ........................................................................... 10
10.4 Creating MIS files ....................................................................................... 11
Steel: Project Deliverables

10 Project Deliverables
In this lesson
In this chapter we will learn about some of the export options available. We will discuss
printing or plotting options. Also, we will look at ways to generate Computer Numerical
Control (CNC) files for fabrication and Management Information System (MIS) data. You
can also share the 3D model with members of the construction team who may not have Tekla
Structures installed themselves.
We will introduce:
Printing your drawings
Exporting the 3D model to Tekla BIMsight
Exporting a 3D Web Viewer model
Exporting CNC data
Exporting MIS data such as KSS files
10.1 Plotting Drawings

Tekla Structures plots drawings both to selected print devices and to files. Single drawings
can be plotted from the Drawing Editor. Single or multiple drawings, when selected in the
drawing list, can be plotted from the Model Editor.
The following is just a general overview of plotting. There are no printers

associated with Tekla Structures by default so this would need to be done
before you can actually print. For more information on setting up printer
instanced, see the Tekla User Assistance - Home Instructions Drawing
Guide Working with drawings Printing drawings Setting up printer
instances in Printer Catalog

Plot a single drawing
To plot a single drawing from the Drawing Editor:

1. Open the drawing in the Drawing Editor.
2. Select File > Print > Print Drawings to open the Print drawings dialog box, or click the
Print drawings icon (Shift+P) on the Drawing Tools toolbar.
3. Select the print device (plotter) to be used and click Print.
Home Instructions Drawing Guide Working with drawings Printing drawings
Plot multiple drawings
To plot multiple drawings from the Model Editor:
1. Open the drawing list.
2. Select at least two drawings in the drawing list.
3. Click on the Print drawings icon (Shift+P) on the General toolbar.
4. Select the print device to be used and click Print.
If you select several print devices, Tekla Structures sends each drawing to the
device with the smallest paper size, on which the drawing will fit.
Exporting Drawing as Other Formats

You can convert Tekla Structures drawings to many commonly used industry drawing
formats like DXF, DWG, PLT or even PDF. Before you can do this you must install the
printer or print driver in Windows then add the relevant printer to your Printers catalog in
Tekla Structures.
Setting up printer instances in Printer Catalog
Plot a drawing as a file

Plotting drawings as a file allows you to send drawings electronically for remote printing. To
plot the drawing to a file:
1. Open the drawing list in the Model Editor.
2. Select the drawing or drawings in the list.
3. Select File > Print > Print Drawings (Shift+P).
4. Select the type of output you would like and click the Browse button to specify the
location the plot files are to go on your computer or type .\PlotFiles to have the program
create a folder in your model folder labeled PlotFiles.

5. For Plotting to a file be sure to check the box for Print to file.
6. The Include revision mark to file name option allows users to differentiate between a
file printed before revisions and the same file re-printed after a revision was made. It
simply appends the revision mark to the name of the file it creates and saves on the
computer.
If you do not enter a file name for the destination plot file, or you have
chosen several drawings, Tekla Structures uses the drawing name(s) as
file name(s). If you do not enter a folder name, Tekla Structures
creates the file(s) in the current model folder.
You can also print a drawing to DWG using the Drawing Editor. Open
the selected drawing and follow the above steps, starting at step 3.
Tekla Structures does not distinguish between upper and lower case
letters. For example, a dwg named A.1 overwrites a drawing named
a.1.

Printing to file
Making PDF Files

PDF Files are the open format employed by Adobe, and there is a free viewer available for
download on the internet called Adobe Acrobat Reader. There are also a number of free or
cheap PDF file maker programs that can be used in conjunction with Tekla Structures to
enable sharing of your drawings with clients who may not have a license of Tekla Structures.
Once you have chosen and installed a PDF making program, you can make and share PDF
files. Many of these programs behave like an imaginary printer attached to your computer and
instead of creating physical paper as the output they make PDF files that can be sent
electronically via email or written to storage media or even printed out locally or remotely.

10.2 Sharing Your Entire Model
It is also possible to share all sorts of information graphically with everyone involved in your
contract regardless of whether they have Tekla Structures or not. Users can create a
representation of the model in a format that can be viewed in a free collaboration software
called Tekla BIMsight, or in Microsoft Internet Explorer which is already installed on every
machine that is running any form of Microsoft.
Exporting a Tekla BIMsight model

Tekla BIMsight is a free tool for construction project collaboration. The entire construction
workflow can combine their models, check for clashes, and share information in the same
BIM environment. Tekla BIMsight can be downloaded from http://www.teklabimsight.com.
You do not need to own a license of Tekla Structures to use Tekla BIMsight, so anyone
involved with the project can use it.
To publish a Tekla BIMsight model:
1. Select File > Publish to Tekla BIMsight
2. Click Publish All in the dialog box that appears.

There are several options to control what you want included with your
model export. You can also publish just a small portion of the model by
highlighting it and then using the Publish Selected option.
Tekla Structures creates a new folder inside the model folder called Tekla BIMsight Models
and places a new .tbp file inside with the model name.
If you have Tekla BIMsight installed on your computer it will now open.
The model can be rotated, zoomed, and moved in a similar manner as if you would if you
were running the full installation of Tekla Structures.

This is an incredible way to quickly and easily share information about your
model. In addition you can import files from all other trades involved in the
project and use this tool for conflict management. The supported file types are
*.ifc, *.ifcXML, *.ifcZIP, *.dwg, *.dgn, and *.xml.
Home Instructions Interoperability Guide Tekla BIMsight
Exporting a Web Viewer Model:

Another quick option to share the model is through a Web Viewer. This will open in Internet
Explorer on any Windows computer but only include limited data about the model.
1. Select File > Publish as a Web Page...
2. Click Publish in the dialog box that appears.

3. Internet Explorer should now open on your computer. You may see a warning about an
ActiveX control that has to be allowed to run.
4. Click on the Allow blocked content button.
After a few moments the model will appear. The model can be rotated, zoomed, moved or
flown through in the same manner as if you would if you were running the full installation of
Tekla Structures.
Users can also use the mouse to hover over items to highlight some extra information.
This is a great way to quickly and easily share information about your model.
Progress can be tracked visually. Requests for information can be handled
easily by highlighting affected items in the model in a different color prior to
exporting as a web page. All sorts of information can be shared among those
involved via this easy to use system.
It is possible to create custom reports that will change the tooltips displayed in
XML models. This is covered in our Advanced Training Class, or you can find
information in the Tekla User Assistance.
Home Instructions Interoperability Guide Tekla Web Viewer
10.3 Export CNC files

Tekla can export CNC files for use in computer-controlled fabrication machines. The files are
created in an industry standard format called DSTV that is compatible with all major
manufacturers. Before exporting CNC files ensure that your Numbering is up to date.

Create NC Files
To create CNC files, there is an option to simply create all, but normally these would be
created based on phase or some other grouping (floor, type, etc.).
1. Open the Drawing List.
2. Highlight the BEAM drawings in the list that were linked to multidrawings.
3. Click Select objects to highlight them in the model.
With this method, we select not only the beams, but the connection material
(plates, angles) that are associated with them. If you wanted to create CNC files
for just specific parts, it might be better to use a selection filter rather than the
drawing list.
4. Go to File > Export > Create NC Files.

Tekla is set up out of the box to give different types of parts slightly different settings. This
mainly helps to break them up into separate destination folders. To make the CNC files for
these different part types, make sure the Create boxes are checked at the beginning of each
line.

5. Click Create.
There will be a new folder called NC_Files created in the model folder, with the CNC files
inside. Depending on what you have selected in the model and in the NC Files dialog, there
may be sub-folders inside as well for the different parts.
There are only a few settings that can be adjusted regarding the output of the
CNC files, but these can be critical in getting the correct results depending on
the type of equipment being used.
Make sure to send a few sample files at first to verify the output from Tekla
Structures is compatible.
For help with the CNC settings, see the Tekla User Assistance website or
contact your local Tekla Support for help.
Home Instructions Interoperability Guide NC files

Creating DXF format files
Sometimes you may need to provide DXF format files, for use with equipment such as plate
burning tables. Tekla has a built-in converter to create the DXF files from the raw CNC text
files.
1. First, plate CNC files must be created using the method in the above section.
2. Go to Tools > Macros to view the available macros.
3. Highlight the Convert DSTV2DXF macro and click Run.
This opens a dialog to select the plate NC files.
4. Navigate into the NC_Files folder, and then to the Plates folder inside.
5. Select all the .NC1 files in the folder that you want to convert. Click Open.
You will get a pop-up asking if you want to check the converted files.

6. Tekla has a basic built-in DXF viewer, but for now click No to skip this step. If you have
a lot of files, this could take a while to scan through them all.
7. Next you will get a prompt to open the folder that contains the DXF files. Click Yes to
open the folder.
This opens the NC_dxf folder, also created inside the model folder, which now contains all
the converted DXF files.
8. Left-click in the model background to deselect all of the beams.
For certain manufacturers, there may be specific settings in the DXF files for
layers/colors of the lines. It is possible to customize the conversion of the
files to contain the output you need, see the Tekla User Assistance for more
help or contact your local Tekla Support.
Home Instructions Interoperability Guide NC files Creating NC files in DXF

format
10.4 Creating MIS files

Tekla Structures can also export files for different Management Information System (MIS)
formats.
1. Open the Drawing List.
2. Select the 1000 series column assembly drawings, and then click Select objects.

3. Select File > Export > MIS.
The Export MIS dialog will open, and you have options for several MIS types at the top.
4. Select Fabtrol/KISS from the menu.

5. Change the file name to Phase_1_Columns.
6. Click Create selected.

Inside the model folder there will be a new file created, Phase_1_Columns.kss. The extension
is chosen automatically because of the Type we selected.

The MIS exports contain simple text-based data, and there may be more up-to-
date ways to transfer information to your MIS system. Some have custom
reports for exporting data, or even direct links with Tekla Structures. Contact
your MIS software vendor for their recommended workflow.
Home Instructions Interoperability Guide MIS
Reports
Tekla Structures also includes some reports for sending data to other systems such as FabTrol
and EJE.
1. Open the Report dialog by going to Drawings & Reports > Create Report.
2. Scroll down to the 400---Import-Export--- section.
The FabTrol reports included with Tekla Structures are for FabTrol MRP v3.0
or newer.
There are very specific workflows required when generating Reports for import
into FabTrol, depending on what stage of the project you are at. See the
FabTrol help for more details.
We recommend using the FabTrol reports instead of the MIS export for
exporting FabTrol data. The FabTrol reports are available for the Steel
Detailing role in the US imperial and US metric environments. If you do not use
a suitable environment you may also contact your local support for the FabTrol
files.


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Basic Training

Tekla Structures 20.0

Introduction to Tekla Structures Basic Training .................................... 1

Things you need to know .......................................................................... 1

Things you will learn .................................................................................. 2

How to use this training material.............................................................. 6

Things you need to know

Things you will learn

Numbering and Reports

Assembly and Single Part Drawings

Multi-Drawings and Multi-Numbering

General Arrangement Drawings

Icons are also used to highlight certain information:

A warning triangle highlights a note that is worth remembering. Or it may serve

Tekla Structures 20.0

1 Basic Modeling .................................................................................. 1

Steel: Basic Modeling

Steel: Basic Modeling

Steel: Basic Modeling

1.2 Create a New Model Basic Training

Start a new model

Steel: Basic Modeling

4. Click the OK button to create the new model.

Steel: Basic Modeling

Home Instructions Modeling Guide Setting up the workspace

Steel: Basic Modeling

There are several ways to execute commands in Tekla Structures:

Home Basics of Tekla Structures Interface overview

1.3 Setting Up Job Specific Information

Tekla Structures contains a powerful tool to help productivity with regard to

Steel: Basic Modeling

Steel: Basic Modeling

Steel: Basic Modeling

3. Press Apply and OK.

Modify the existing grid

Steel: Basic Modeling

Steel: Basic Modeling

3. Click Modify to apply the new grid values.

6. Click Close to close the dialog box.

Home Instructions Basics of Tekla Structures Interface overview Dialog boxes

Steel: Basic Modeling

3. Pick on the intersection of grid lines C and 1.

Steel: Basic Modeling

Set work plane to new skew

Steel: Basic Modeling

Home Instructions Modeling Guide Setting up the workspace

1.5 Create plane views along gridlines

Create Plan view

Steel: Basic Modeling

Steel: Basic Modeling

Home Instructions Basics of Tekla Structures Interface overview

Create Basic Views

Steel: Basic Modeling

Create view by two points

3. Click on the intersection of grid lines C and 4.

Steel: Basic Modeling

Create grid views

Steel: Basic Modeling

1.6 Create Foundations

Change the phase for the building

4. Also edit the name of the phase 1 to Building 1.

7. Now all of the parts we create will be in phase number 2.

Steel: Basic Modeling