Interoperability improvements

Tekla Structures 2019i contains improvements in reference models, IFC object conversion, IFC export, and point cloud functionality.

Reference models

Reference model objects can no longer be locked. Locking prevented model update, caused confusion and increased the size of the database. Object lock has been used for locking model location. We recommend that you use model lock instead and set XS_REFRESH_ALSO_LOCKED_REFERENCE_MODELS to TRUE.
For more information about locking reference models, see Lock reference models.

The .db1 format has been removed from the supported reference model formats. You can still enable the .db1 format in the Add model dialog box by setting the advanced option XS_ENABLE_NATIVE_MODEL_AS_REFERENCE_MODEL to TRUE in an .ini file, for example in options.ini, user.ini, or company.ini. Originally, this format was added in the Add model dialog box for testing purposes.

Reference model Location by change logic has been improved. By default, the location by change does not keep the reference model location. A new check box was added to calculate new offsets and keep the current reference model location.

Reference model properties Code , Title , Phase , Description and Group are now available as template attributes for reports.

When you refresh reference models that have been created with previous versions of Tekla Structures , the reference model information is now updated to match the version of Tekla Structures that you are currently using.
The performance of the reference model insert has been improved when the Tekla Structures model already contains non-visible unloaded reference models. After the fix, non-visible reference models are not loaded anymore in the reference model insert.
Now it is possible to use 3D image files ( .obj ) as reference models.

IFC object conversion of steel contour plates now uses the prefix defined for plates in Components settings ( File > Settings > Options > Profile name > Plate ) as the prefix for Tekla Structures native plates. You can use prefixes that are supported by your environment.
Arbitrary profile mapping by name does not need to match the dimensions. Arbitrary profile mapping by name can be set to require dimensions to match by setting the new advanced option XS_CONVERSION_ARBITRARY_PROFILE_MAPPING_BY_NAME_MUST_MATCH_DIMENSIONS to TRUE. The default is FALSE.
Parametric profile conversion by profile name mapping does not need to match the dimensions. Parametric profile conversion tries to find a corresponding library profile and if a profile does not match the parameters, the default parametric profile will be used.

You can now also export radial grids in the IFC2x3 export.
Edge chamfers are omitted from the exported IFC model. This is to enable better interoperability with plant design systems. If the geometry with edge chamfers is needed, you can set the IFC export type to B-rep separately for those objects in the objects' user-defined attributes dialog box on the IFC export tab.

The IFC4 Export now contains a new export type IFC4precast view. The IFC4precast view aims to support the fabrication data transfer workflow of precast elements. At the first phase it covers the fabrication of precast walls and slabs including all the needed reinforcement and embeds.

You can now use point clouds through internet. There is a new URL option in the Attach point cloud dialog box where you can enter the URL address.
Point cloud web streaming cache has been added. The cache is a common cache with Trimble Connect for Desktop. You can define the cache folder using the advanced option XS_POINT_CLOUDS_WEB_CACHE in the File Locations category of the Advanced Options dialog box. The cache usage improves the performance of the web streamed point clouds.

For more information, see Point clouds.