Release Info Tekla Structures 2018
2018
Tekla Structures
Environment
Netherlands
South America
Spain
Release Info Tekla Structures 2018 includes the following topics:
General
Tekla Structures 2018 videos
Tekla Structures provides many new options, improvements and fixes. These are all explained in this Release Info. Besides that, some videos are available in which these functionalities are explained.
You can check the following video's (per segment):
Steel Detailing
Precast Concrete
Contractors
Engineering
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You can check the following video's (per segment):
Steel Detailing
Precast Concrete
Contractors
Engineering
Updating settings
When you start using Tekla Structures 2018, you can keep using your personal settings made in an earlier Tekla Structures version. You can save your personal settings in the folder ts to make these settings available in all models.
When you copy personal settings from the folder ts from an earlier Tekla Structures version to the new folder ts, be sure to check what kind of settings you are copying, especially the settings which have been copied for several Tekla Structures versions.
You possibly need to update these settings for the new Tekla Structures version because settings can differ per version, for example as a result of new added functionalities or user-defined attributes. You can also sort the files by date to find out how old the settings are. Tekla Structures does not copy the files automatically, you need to copy them manually.
When you have created settings in earlier Tekla Structures versions, for example for system components
you need to check these settings and update (save) the settings to make them up-to-date for Tekla Structures 2018.
When you copy personal settings from the folder ts from an earlier Tekla Structures version to the new folder ts, be sure to check what kind of settings you are copying, especially the settings which have been copied for several Tekla Structures versions.
You possibly need to update these settings for the new Tekla Structures version because settings can differ per version, for example as a result of new added functionalities or user-defined attributes. You can also sort the files by date to find out how old the settings are. Tekla Structures does not copy the files automatically, you need to copy them manually.
When you have created settings in earlier Tekla Structures versions, for example for system components
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you need to check these settings and update (save) the settings to make them up-to-date for Tekla Structures 2018.
Updating model templates
In case you have created model templates in earlier Tekla Structures versions, you must update the templates to use them hassle-free in Tekla Structures 2018.
Click here for the general step plan.
Click here for the general step plan.
Lis files deleted
In earlier Tekla Structures versions, several *.lis files were included (containing additional profiles). The lis files can be imported in the profile catalog.
These *.lis files are not available anymore because Construsoft cannot decide whether these files are up-to-date or not. However, some of these profiles are available in Tekla Warehouse.
In case you have installed earlier Tekla Structures versions on your computer, the lis files are available in the folder:
C:\TeklaStructures\<version>\Environments\netherlands_enu\profil\lis\NLD
These *.lis files are not available anymore because Construsoft cannot decide whether these files are up-to-date or not. However, some of these profiles are available in Tekla Warehouse.
In case you have installed earlier Tekla Structures versions on your computer, the lis files are available in the folder:
C:\TeklaStructures\<version>\Environments\netherlands_enu\profil\lis\NLD
Open view list
You can now open the view list also via menu Window in both Model- and Drawing Editor:
Ofcourse you can still use the command View list (tab View) and keyboard shortcut Ctrl + I.
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Ofcourse you can still use the command View list (tab View) and keyboard shortcut Ctrl + I.
Copy customized ribbon and shortcuts to Tekla Structures 2018
You can copy your customized ribbon and shortcuts (after installing Tekla Structures 2018) from an older Tekla Structures version to Tekla Structures 2018.
Copy the ribbon
Click here for more details about copying the ribbon.
Copy shortcuts
To copy shortcuts from an earlier Tekla Structures version to Tekla Structures 2018:
1. Go to the folder ..:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Trimble\TeklaStructures\<earlier_Tekla Structures_version>\Settings\
2. The file KeyboardShortcuts.xml contains the customized shortcuts.
3. Copy the concerned file to the folder ..:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Trimble\TeklaStructures\2017i\Settings\
To copy Tekla Structures 2018 shortcuts from one computer to another one:
1. In Tekla Structures 2018, go to File > Settings > Keyboard shortcuts.
2. Click on the button Export, save the *.xml file on the desired location with a desired name.
3. Copy the *.xml file to the concerned computer.
4. On the concerned computer, in Tekla Structures 2018, go to File > Settings > Keyboard shortcuts.
5. Click on the button Import, select the *.xml file and click on the button Open, the shortcuts are now imported.
Copy the ribbon
Click here for more details about copying the ribbon.
Copy shortcuts
To copy shortcuts from an earlier Tekla Structures version to Tekla Structures 2018:
1. Go to the folder ..:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Trimble\TeklaStructures\<earlier_Tekla Structures_version>\Settings\
2. The file KeyboardShortcuts.xml contains the customized shortcuts.
3. Copy the concerned file to the folder ..:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Trimble\TeklaStructures\2017i\Settings\
To copy Tekla Structures 2018 shortcuts from one computer to another one:
1. In Tekla Structures 2018, go to File > Settings > Keyboard shortcuts.
2. Click on the button Export, save the *.xml file on the desired location with a desired name.
3. Copy the *.xml file to the concerned computer.
4. On the concerned computer, in Tekla Structures 2018, go to File > Settings > Keyboard shortcuts.
5. Click on the button Import, select the *.xml file and click on the button Open, the shortcuts are now imported.
New Undo history command
In Tekla Structures 2018, all the commands that you have run and the modifications you have done are now listed in the new Undo history dialog box:
Undo history is available both in the modeling and in the drawing mode.
By selecting a command or an action in the Undo history dialog box, you can undo or redo several commands at one go, and thus go back and forth in the model history.
For example, you can run the following commands in the Model Editor:
Now you want to return to the moment on which the steel beam was modeled without the connections. For this, click on the concerned command in the list:
The model will be adjusted and you can continue modeling from this point on. The list Undo history is cleared when you:
- Save the model,
- Open or close a drawing,
- Synchronize Organizer with the model,
- Read in or write out model changes using Tekla Model Sharing,
- Use CIS/2 or SDNF import commands.
The list Undo history is always available in the toolbar Quick access:
When you modify the toolbar Quick access (via File > Settings > Customize > Ribbon):
...you cannot delete the list from the toolbar Quick access:
This also applies to the Tekla Model Sharing commands:
For more information about modifying the toolbar Quick access, click here.
For more information about the new list Undo history, click here.
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Undo history is available both in the modeling and in the drawing mode.
By selecting a command or an action in the Undo history dialog box, you can undo or redo several commands at one go, and thus go back and forth in the model history.
For example, you can run the following commands in the Model Editor:
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Now you want to return to the moment on which the steel beam was modeled without the connections. For this, click on the concerned command in the list:
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The model will be adjusted and you can continue modeling from this point on. The list Undo history is cleared when you:
- Save the model,
- Open or close a drawing,
- Synchronize Organizer with the model,
- Read in or write out model changes using Tekla Model Sharing,
- Use CIS/2 or SDNF import commands.
The list Undo history is always available in the toolbar Quick access:
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When you modify the toolbar Quick access (via File > Settings > Customize > Ribbon):
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...you cannot delete the list from the toolbar Quick access:
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This also applies to the Tekla Model Sharing commands:
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For more information about modifying the toolbar Quick access, click here.
For more information about the new list Undo history, click here.
New bolt report available
A new bolt report is included in Tekla Structures 2018:
The report also contains the nuts and the washers. Due to this, the nut report and the washer report have been deleted from the installation.
The report Pms1 is also deleted.
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The report also contains the nuts and the washers. Due to this, the nut report and the washer report have been deleted from the installation.
The report Pms1 is also deleted.
Improvements in numbering
In the Numbering Setup dialog box, you can now select whether the object's phase affects the numbering. If you select the Phase check box, Tekla Structures compares the phases when numbering objects, and gives otherwise identical objects different numbers if the objects belong to different phases. The option is switched off by default.
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New pdf reports available
Several new pdf reports are now available:
To open these reports after creating them directly, select the following option:
Please mind that the file size of the new pdf reports can be quite big, this of course depends on the number of objects in the pdf file.
If required, you can choose to print the created reports (pdf files) again with your own pdf printer (Win2pdf for example). This decreases the file size significant.
(There was a huge request for these report types, so Construsoft decided to provide these report, despite to the file sizes).
Click here for more information about creating reports.
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To open these reports after creating them directly, select the following option:
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Please mind that the file size of the new pdf reports can be quite big, this of course depends on the number of objects in the pdf file.
If required, you can choose to print the created reports (pdf files) again with your own pdf printer (Win2pdf for example). This decreases the file size significant.
(There was a huge request for these report types, so Construsoft decided to provide these report, despite to the file sizes).
Click here for more information about creating reports.
Filtering folded plates and spiral beams
Tekla Structures now includes the new advanced options IS_BENT_PLATE and IS_SPIRAL_BEAM. You can use these options for example to filter all folded plates or spiral beams from the model:
The advanced options IS_POLYBEAM (for polybeams) and IS_ITEM (for items) were already available.
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The advanced options IS_POLYBEAM (for polybeams) and IS_ITEM (for items) were already available.
Side pane extended
In Tekla Structures 2018, in both Model- and Drawing Editor, the side panel is extended with new functionalities to improve working in Tekla Structures:
Model Editor
You can have several views open from the side pane at the same time. You can select the views and move them to any random location, to a second screen for example to have more workspace in your Tekla model views. After restarting Tekla Structures, the views remain on the same location.
Drawing Editor
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Model Editor
You can have several views open from the side pane at the same time. You can select the views and move them to any random location, to a second screen for example to have more workspace in your Tekla model views. After restarting Tekla Structures, the views remain on the same location.
Construsoft Online
This is the Construsoft Webportal where you can find a huge collection FAQ's, tips, news and the agenda:
The Webportal contains lots of links to articles in the Tekla User Assistance (TUA) where all information is available on one location; you can search in the portal for the required information. The Webportal is maintained and updated constantly by Construsoft. In case of new articles (added by Construsoft added), a notification appears automatically when you start Tekla Structures:
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The Webportal contains lots of links to articles in the Tekla User Assistance (TUA) where all information is available on one location; you can search in the portal for the required information. The Webportal is maintained and updated constantly by Construsoft. In case of new articles (added by Construsoft added), a notification appears automatically when you start Tekla Structures:
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Assembly viewer
You can use this functionality to show the hierarchy of an assembly.
The following example shows a nested assembly (1). The nested assembly contains of 4 subassemblies (2 t/m 5) and a main assembly (6):
As you can see, this functionality is perfect for checking nested assemblies.
Make sure that the button Select assemblies
is switched on when you use the Assembly viewer.
The following example shows a nested assembly (1). The nested assembly contains of 4 subassemblies (2 t/m 5) and a main assembly (6):
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As you can see, this functionality is perfect for checking nested assemblies.
Make sure that the button Select assemblies
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Phase viewer
When you have used the Phase manager to break a model up into sections, you can now use the Phase viewer to easily show one or more phases in model views in Tekla Structures:
Use the Ctrl key to select and deselect multiple phases in the dialog box.
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Use the Ctrl key to select and deselect multiple phases in the dialog box.
Custom Inquiry
You can use the command Custom Inquiry to show information about the selected model object in the side pane. You can define the detailed information that needs to be displayed.
Click here for more detailed information.
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Click here for more detailed information.
Tekla Online
Tekla Online provides access to the Tekla Online services Tekla User Assistance, Tekla Discussion Forum, Tekla Campus and Tekla Warehouse:
You can search for help content from Tekla User Assistance, forum posts from Tekla Discussion Forum, and both online and local content from Tekla Warehouse. In addition, you can get the latest updates from Tekla User Assistance and see Tekla Model Sharing messages in the Notifications area.
If you have logged in to Tekla Structures, you are automatically logged in to the Tekla Online services. By logging in, you can access more content if your company has a valid maintenance agreement.
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You can search for help content from Tekla User Assistance, forum posts from Tekla Discussion Forum, and both online and local content from Tekla Warehouse. In addition, you can get the latest updates from Tekla User Assistance and see Tekla Model Sharing messages in the Notifications area.
If you have logged in to Tekla Structures, you are automatically logged in to the Tekla Online services. By logging in, you can access more content if your company has a valid maintenance agreement.
Point clouds
For more information, see chapter Interoperability > Point clouds.
Properties
For more information, see chapter Modeling > New property pane for model objects.
Reference models
Click here for more detailed information.
Applications & components
Click here for more detailed information.
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Drawing Editor
Drawing 2D Library
Click here for more detailed information.
Drawing content manager
For more information, see chapter Drawings > New tool Drawing content manager.
Tekla Online
For more information, see chapter General > Side pane extended.
Point clouds
For more information, see chapter Interoperability > Point clouds.
Applications & components
Click here for more detailed information.
Interoperability
Point clouds
You can now attach point clouds to Tekla Structures models by using the new button Point clouds
in the side pane. The following file formats are compatible:
To attach a point cloud:
1. Click on the button Point clouds in the side pane, click Attach, and browse for the point cloud.
2. Change the Location by and the Scale if needed:
3. Select Model origin to place the point cloud in the Tekla Structures model origin or select a base point (File > Project properties > Base points) to place the point cloud in the real-world coordinates. Click here for more information about defining base points. If you do not know the coordinate system of the point cloud, select Auto-created base point to get the point cloud near the model origin. This will create an automatic base point with point cloud bounding box min x, min y, and min z coordinates in the Tekla Structures origin.
4. Click Attach point cloud, the point cloud is attached to the model. The point cloud is not shown by default, symbol
in the Tekla Structures model.
To show the point cloud in the model, select the model view where you want to show it, and click the eye button
next to the point cloud in the list. When the view is selected, it has a yellow frame.
You can use the advanced option XS_SET_MAX_POINT_CLOUD_POINT_COUNT to set the default maximum value for the points in a view in point clouds. The default value is 10 000 000 (10 million) but possibly 1.000.000 is enough.
Depending on the size/accuracy of the point cloud, you can also set the projection in model views to Perspective relating to speed issues:
You can also set the option DirectX-rendering (File > Settings > DirectX-rendering).
Clip planes for only point clouds and reference models
The advanced option XS_DO_NOT_CLIP_NATIVE_OBJECTS_WITH_CLIP_PLANE is set to FALSE by default to make the command Clip plane work for native Tekla Structures objects, point clouds and reference models. Set the advanced option to TRUE to only clip point clouds and reference models with the Clip plane command. Redraw the model views after changing the value.
Limitations
Limitations in Tekla Model Sharing and in multi-user modus
Point clouds are normally so large in file size that it is not sensible to share the point cloud as a part of the model data. Point cloud is not structural domain data but project data that is not a part of the model, and therefore it is not dependent on the model save. However, there is need for multiple persons to use the same point cloud model efficiently. You can use the potree file for sharing the point cloud. The best practices in sharing the point cloud potree file among model users are explained below. You first need to create the potree file and copy the potree file to a shared location, and then other users can attach it to their Tekla Structures model.
Click here and here for more detailed information about point clouds.
Click here for an instruction video about point clouds on the Tekla Structures YouTube channel. This video also explains how to use the tool Point Cloud Manager which is available on Tekla Warehouse.
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- ASCII ( .asc , .xyz )
- E57 ( .e57 )
- LAS ( .las )
- LAZ ( .laz )
- PTS ( .pts )
- PTX ( .ptx )
- Potree ( .js )
- Trimble scan format ( .tzf )
To attach a point cloud:
1. Click on the button Point clouds in the side pane, click Attach, and browse for the point cloud.
2. Change the Location by and the Scale if needed:
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3. Select Model origin to place the point cloud in the Tekla Structures model origin or select a base point (File > Project properties > Base points) to place the point cloud in the real-world coordinates. Click here for more information about defining base points. If you do not know the coordinate system of the point cloud, select Auto-created base point to get the point cloud near the model origin. This will create an automatic base point with point cloud bounding box min x, min y, and min z coordinates in the Tekla Structures origin.
4. Click Attach point cloud, the point cloud is attached to the model. The point cloud is not shown by default, symbol
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To show the point cloud in the model, select the model view where you want to show it, and click the eye button
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You can use the advanced option XS_SET_MAX_POINT_CLOUD_POINT_COUNT to set the default maximum value for the points in a view in point clouds. The default value is 10 000 000 (10 million) but possibly 1.000.000 is enough.
Depending on the size/accuracy of the point cloud, you can also set the projection in model views to Perspective relating to speed issues:
You can also set the option DirectX-rendering (File > Settings > DirectX-rendering).
Perspective | Orthogonal | |
DirectX-rendering On |
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DirectX-rendering Off |
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|
Clip planes for only point clouds and reference models
The advanced option XS_DO_NOT_CLIP_NATIVE_OBJECTS_WITH_CLIP_PLANE is set to FALSE by default to make the command Clip plane work for native Tekla Structures objects, point clouds and reference models. Set the advanced option to TRUE to only clip point clouds and reference models with the Clip plane command. Redraw the model views after changing the value.
Limitations
- Some basic Tekla Structures model handling functionalities are not available, such as select, undo, move, rotate, copy, and pop-up menu on right-click.
- Point clouds are not autosaved.
- You cannot delete a point cloud from the point clouds list using the keyboard button Delete.
- Point clouds do not recognize work area or view depth.
- Point clouds are not visible in drawings.
- For the file formats ASCII, PTS: On each text line, the first three fields must be: x y z. For colored point data, the last three fields must be: r g b.
Limitations in Tekla Model Sharing and in multi-user modus
Point clouds are normally so large in file size that it is not sensible to share the point cloud as a part of the model data. Point cloud is not structural domain data but project data that is not a part of the model, and therefore it is not dependent on the model save. However, there is need for multiple persons to use the same point cloud model efficiently. You can use the potree file for sharing the point cloud. The best practices in sharing the point cloud potree file among model users are explained below. You first need to create the potree file and copy the potree file to a shared location, and then other users can attach it to their Tekla Structures model.
Click here and here for more detailed information about point clouds.
Click here for an instruction video about point clouds on the Tekla Structures YouTube channel. This video also explains how to use the tool Point Cloud Manager which is available on Tekla Warehouse.
Modeling
New toolbar Work plane handler
Tekla Structures 2018 includes the new toolbar Work plane handler:
Here you can save your own work planes to easily switch to another work plane:
As you can see in the list box, also defined base points (via File > Project properties > Base points) are shown.
To add a work plane:
1. Set a work plane in the model.
2. Enter a name for the work plane in the toolbar Work plane handler.
3. Click the
button to add the work plane to the list.
If needed, you can rename your work plane by double-clicking it and entering a new name. To remove a work plane from the list, click the
button.
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Here you can save your own work planes to easily switch to another work plane:
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As you can see in the list box, also defined base points (via File > Project properties > Base points) are shown.
To add a work plane:
1. Set a work plane in the model.
2. Enter a name for the work plane in the toolbar Work plane handler.
3. Click the
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If needed, you can rename your work plane by double-clicking it and entering a new name. To remove a work plane from the list, click the
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Improvements in base points
The base point symbol has changed in Tekla Structures 2018.
When the currently used base point is located in the model origin or anywhere else, it looks like this:
If you have the Base point dialog box (File > Project properties > Base points) open, the base point that you are currently editing is shown in blue, and the north and east direction is indicated:
If the currently edited base point is the same as the currently used base point, the blue color is not shown, and the symbol is red, just like the one in the first image above.
When the currently used base point is located in the model origin or anywhere else, it looks like this:
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If you have the Base point dialog box (File > Project properties > Base points) open, the base point that you are currently editing is shown in blue, and the north and east direction is indicated:
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If the currently edited base point is the same as the currently used base point, the blue color is not shown, and the symbol is red, just like the one in the first image above.
New property pane for model objects
In Tekla Structures 2018 most model objects (parts, such as columns and beams, items, bolts, welds, components, reinforcement, pour objects, pour units and pour breaks, construction objects, assemblies and cast units) now have a property pane in the modeling mode:
The new property pane is also available in the side pane via the button
.
Main benefits
1. The property pane is always up-to-date. When you select an object in the model, the current properties are instantly shown in the property pane.
2. There is less clutter on the screen because there is no need to have separate dialog boxes open as previously.
3. You only need to click Modify to change the selected properties, there is no need to click Apply or OK as previously.
4. You can easily create objects that are similar to those objects that you already have in the model: when you select an object in the model, Tekla Structures creates the next similar object using the same properties.
5. When you select several objects in the model, you can check if the objects have common properties, what the values of the common properties are:
If needed, you can modify the properties, see the next chapter.
Copy object properties from one object to another
6. You can use the property pane to easily copy properties between any objects as long as both of the objects have the same property available. You can copy for example the Material from a steel column to a beam:
Step plan
- Select the object you want to copy properties from (for example the column).
- Click
Copy properties in the property pane. The mouse pointer changes into a paintbrush.
- Select the objects you want to copy properties to (for example a beam). You can use area select to the select the objects.
- Tekla Structures highlights the modified properties in yellow in the property pane. Select or clear the check marks to indicate which properties you want to copy.
You can clear the check marks one by one, or select a whole section and all its properties.
Use the Select All and Select None switches at the bottom of the property pane to select all the changes or to clear all the changes. If you use the Select None switch, all check marks will be cleared the next time you start the Copy properties command.
- Click Modify to apply the selected changes. The modified properties become the new current properties. Tekla Structures uses the current properties the next time you create an object of the same type. When the properties have been copied, the mouse pointer returns to normal.
To copy properties to multiple objects, double-click the
Copy properties button to keep the Copy properties command running. Click Modify after each selected object. The mouse pointer remains in the paintbrush mode until you press Esc or
click again.
7. You can customize the property pane to suit your needs better: you can remove properties you don't use and add properties you often use, for example the UDAs Comment, IFC entity and IFC export type to make them always visible in the properties pane:
For more information, see chapter Customize the property pane layout.
How to open the property pane
If the property pane is closed: double-click a model object, or click the Properties icon
in the side pane.
If the property pane is open: select a model object.
Alternatively, hold down Shift and click a command on the ribbon to open the properties in the property pane.
You can float or dock the property pane in the same way as any other side pane window, or drag it around your screen or to your secondary screen, if you have multiple displays.
Customize the property pane layout
To customize the layout for the property panes, click File > Settings > Customize > Property pane:
Here you can customize the properties (2) per object type (1). Click Save (3) to save the modifications. The customized property pane layouts are saved to the folder:
C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Trimble\TeklaStructures\<version>\UI\PropertyTemplates\PropertyTemplates.xml.
Company administrators can distribute the customized property pane layouts to other users in the company by placing the file PropertyTemplates.xml on the concerned computers in the same folder. You can do this after Tekla Structures has been installed on these computers.
Keep using old properties dialog boxes to modify the properties of parts
If you still want to use the old property dialog boxes to edit your beams, columns, slabs, etc. you can open the dialog boxes with the following commands:
- Ctrl + double-click on the part. Select the part in the model, then use the command Ctrl + double-click to open the old property dialog box.
- Using Quick Launch command. By typing e.g. properties, concrete column properties, slab properties, steel beam properties, etc. you can quick launch the old property dialog boxes:
Select the command in the list to open the old properties dialog box.
- Defining shortcuts. Click File > Settings > Keyboard shortcuts, the dialog box Keyboard shortcuts opens. Select the group (1) and search for the particular command, for example steel beam properties. Select the command in the list (2). Click the field Shortcut. On the keyboard, enter the combination of keys you would like to use as the shortcut. If desired, you can also use two keys, for example B, P (Beam Properties). Next click Assign.
For more information about the new property pane for model objects, click here.
For an instruction video on the Tekla Structures YouTube-channel, click here.
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The new property pane is also available in the side pane via the button
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Main benefits
1. The property pane is always up-to-date. When you select an object in the model, the current properties are instantly shown in the property pane.
2. There is less clutter on the screen because there is no need to have separate dialog boxes open as previously.
3. You only need to click Modify to change the selected properties, there is no need to click Apply or OK as previously.
4. You can easily create objects that are similar to those objects that you already have in the model: when you select an object in the model, Tekla Structures creates the next similar object using the same properties.
5. When you select several objects in the model, you can check if the objects have common properties, what the values of the common properties are:
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If needed, you can modify the properties, see the next chapter.
Copy object properties from one object to another
6. You can use the property pane to easily copy properties between any objects as long as both of the objects have the same property available. You can copy for example the Material from a steel column to a beam:
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Step plan
- Select the object you want to copy properties from (for example the column).
- Click
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- Select the objects you want to copy properties to (for example a beam). You can use area select to the select the objects.
- Tekla Structures highlights the modified properties in yellow in the property pane. Select or clear the check marks to indicate which properties you want to copy.
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You can clear the check marks one by one, or select a whole section and all its properties.
Use the Select All and Select None switches at the bottom of the property pane to select all the changes or to clear all the changes. If you use the Select None switch, all check marks will be cleared the next time you start the Copy properties command.
- Click Modify to apply the selected changes. The modified properties become the new current properties. Tekla Structures uses the current properties the next time you create an object of the same type. When the properties have been copied, the mouse pointer returns to normal.
To copy properties to multiple objects, double-click the
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7. You can customize the property pane to suit your needs better: you can remove properties you don't use and add properties you often use, for example the UDAs Comment, IFC entity and IFC export type to make them always visible in the properties pane:
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For more information, see chapter Customize the property pane layout.
How to open the property pane
If the property pane is closed: double-click a model object, or click the Properties icon
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If the property pane is open: select a model object.
Alternatively, hold down Shift and click a command on the ribbon to open the properties in the property pane.
You can float or dock the property pane in the same way as any other side pane window, or drag it around your screen or to your secondary screen, if you have multiple displays.
Customize the property pane layout
To customize the layout for the property panes, click File > Settings > Customize > Property pane:
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Here you can customize the properties (2) per object type (1). Click Save (3) to save the modifications. The customized property pane layouts are saved to the folder:
C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Trimble\TeklaStructures\<version>\UI\PropertyTemplates\PropertyTemplates.xml.
Company administrators can distribute the customized property pane layouts to other users in the company by placing the file PropertyTemplates.xml on the concerned computers in the same folder. You can do this after Tekla Structures has been installed on these computers.
Keep using old properties dialog boxes to modify the properties of parts
If you still want to use the old property dialog boxes to edit your beams, columns, slabs, etc. you can open the dialog boxes with the following commands:
- Ctrl + double-click on the part. Select the part in the model, then use the command Ctrl + double-click to open the old property dialog box.
- Using Quick Launch command. By typing e.g. properties, concrete column properties, slab properties, steel beam properties, etc. you can quick launch the old property dialog boxes:
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Select the command in the list to open the old properties dialog box.
- Defining shortcuts. Click File > Settings > Keyboard shortcuts, the dialog box Keyboard shortcuts opens. Select the group (1) and search for the particular command, for example steel beam properties. Select the command in the list (2). Click the field Shortcut. On the keyboard, enter the combination of keys you would like to use as the shortcut. If desired, you can also use two keys, for example B, P (Beam Properties). Next click Assign.
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For more information about the new property pane for model objects, click here.
For an instruction video on the Tekla Structures YouTube-channel, click here.
Line type of construction lines and circles
The line type of construction lines and circles is extended in Tekla Structures 2018. You can now use the following advanced options to define how construction lines and circles are displayed in model views, as continuous or dotted lines:
Advanced option set to 1 Advanced option set to 2
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Advanced option set to 1 Advanced option set to 2
Improvements in DirectX rendering
In case the setting DirectX-rendering (via File > Settings > DirectX-rendering) is set in Tekla Structures 2018 for displaying objects in model views, nuts and locknuts are now displayed correctly:
Tekla Structures 2018 Earlier Tekla Structures versions
Now also (if the DirectX-rendering setting is switched on) colliding parts (1) or parts which have been copied (2) with distance "0", are indicated in Tekla Structures 2018:
This is set by default in advanced option XS_HATCH_OVERLAPPING_FACES_IN_DX. Use this advanced option to control whether hatching is shown for overlapping surfaces in the DirectX rendering views. By default, this advanced option is set to TRUE. If you change the value, you need to reopen the view to activate the new value.
You can also use the following advanced options to fine-tune the DirectX rendering:
- XS_SHOW_SHADOW_FOR_PERSPECTIVE: Use this advanced option to control whether shadows are shown in the DirectX rendering views when the perspective mode is on.
- XS_SHOW_SHADOW_FOR_ORTHO: Use this advanced option to control whether shadows are shown in the DirectX rendering views when the orthogonal mode is on. Shadows are more noticeable in the perspective mode than in the orthogonal mode.
- XS_USE_ANTI_ALIASING_IN_DX: Use this advanced option to control whether antialiasing is used in the DirectX rendering views.
Antialiasing makes the edge lines smoother but with low resolution screens it can make the lines look thicker.
If model views are not shown in the DirectX rendering mode, you can set the advanced option XS_USE_SMOOTH_LINES to TRUE to use anti-aliasing in rendered views.
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Tekla Structures 2018 Earlier Tekla Structures versions
Now also (if the DirectX-rendering setting is switched on) colliding parts (1) or parts which have been copied (2) with distance "0", are indicated in Tekla Structures 2018:
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This is set by default in advanced option XS_HATCH_OVERLAPPING_FACES_IN_DX. Use this advanced option to control whether hatching is shown for overlapping surfaces in the DirectX rendering views. By default, this advanced option is set to TRUE. If you change the value, you need to reopen the view to activate the new value.
You can also use the following advanced options to fine-tune the DirectX rendering:
- XS_SHOW_SHADOW_FOR_PERSPECTIVE: Use this advanced option to control whether shadows are shown in the DirectX rendering views when the perspective mode is on.
- XS_SHOW_SHADOW_FOR_ORTHO: Use this advanced option to control whether shadows are shown in the DirectX rendering views when the orthogonal mode is on. Shadows are more noticeable in the perspective mode than in the orthogonal mode.
- XS_USE_ANTI_ALIASING_IN_DX: Use this advanced option to control whether antialiasing is used in the DirectX rendering views.
Antialiasing makes the edge lines smoother but with low resolution screens it can make the lines look thicker.
If model views are not shown in the DirectX rendering mode, you can set the advanced option XS_USE_SMOOTH_LINES to TRUE to use anti-aliasing in rendered views.
Multi-select from model
When you create or modify selection- or view filters in Tekla Structures 2018, you can now use the new option Multi-select from model:
This new option is available in both Model- and Drawing Editor.
If you want to create a selection filter for selecting beams and columns, select multiple objects in the model and click the middle mouse button to finish selecting. The current values of the selected objects appear, separated with spaces, in the Value cell in the filter row:
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This new option is available in both Model- and Drawing Editor.
If you want to create a selection filter for selecting beams and columns, select multiple objects in the model and click the middle mouse button to finish selecting. The current values of the selected objects appear, separated with spaces, in the Value cell in the filter row:
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Modeling and checking gratings and tear plates
You can model gratings and tear plates in detail by using the new plug-in ROOSTER, available in Tekla Warehouse:
This plug-in includes several options to add recesses and chamfers, to rotate the bearing direction and to switch this direction on and off. You can use several types of surfaces which results in a top or a bottom side for the gratings or tear plates. It also results in correct numbers for gratings and tear plates. This is desirable for gratings and tear plates.
In some cases, gratings and tear plates are modeled manually as contour plates:
The plate on the left is modeled and next mirrored as you can see in the picture above. Numbering the model results in plates having the same number because the plates have equal geometry. Besides, the position of the plate on the right is "upside down" and this effects the output such as drawings and NC files.
To visually check whether these contour plates are positioned "upside down" or not in the model, the model view settings standard, 3D and floor_view are modified:
Please mind: it only concerns contour plates and the contour plates must have the name GRATING or TEARPLATE.
This is set in the file CPOrientationIncludeList.ini in the folder C:\TeklaStructures\2018\Environments\netherlands_enu\system:
You can modify this file if needed.
The text in the model view indicates that you can rotate the concerned plate/plates by using macro Flip (ML029):
Click the button Flip to rotate the contour plate(s):
Our advice is to model gratings and checker plates by using plug-in ROOSTER.
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This plug-in includes several options to add recesses and chamfers, to rotate the bearing direction and to switch this direction on and off. You can use several types of surfaces which results in a top or a bottom side for the gratings or tear plates. It also results in correct numbers for gratings and tear plates. This is desirable for gratings and tear plates.
In some cases, gratings and tear plates are modeled manually as contour plates:
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The plate on the left is modeled and next mirrored as you can see in the picture above. Numbering the model results in plates having the same number because the plates have equal geometry. Besides, the position of the plate on the right is "upside down" and this effects the output such as drawings and NC files.
To visually check whether these contour plates are positioned "upside down" or not in the model, the model view settings standard, 3D and floor_view are modified:
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Please mind: it only concerns contour plates and the contour plates must have the name GRATING or TEARPLATE.
This is set in the file CPOrientationIncludeList.ini in the folder C:\TeklaStructures\2018\Environments\netherlands_enu\system:
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You can modify this file if needed.
The text in the model view indicates that you can rotate the concerned plate/plates by using macro Flip (ML029):
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Click the button Flip to rotate the contour plate(s):
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Our advice is to model gratings and checker plates by using plug-in ROOSTER.
New command Select previous objects
Sometimes you need to select the same objects again that you selected previously but have then deselected. For example, you have first selected some objects and moved them, then you have deselected the objects, and now you want to copy the same objects. You can now better control the object selection with a new command Select previous objects. The command is available in both Model and Drawing Editor.
To select previously selected objects, do one of the following:
1. On the ribbon, click on the command
2. Press Alt + P
3. Use Quick Launch to find the command
To select previously selected objects, do one of the following:
1. On the ribbon, click on the command
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2. Press Alt + P
3. Use Quick Launch to find the command
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New command Point coordinates
You can now use the new command Point coordinates:
When you click the down arrow next to
on the ribbon, and then select Point coordinates, the Inquire point coordinates dialog box is displayed. You can then click the Pick button in the dialog box and pick a point in the model to see the coordinates of the point in:
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When you click the down arrow next to
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Displaying part cut faces changed
In earlier Tekla Structures versions, the advanced option XS_DRAW_CUT_FACES_WITH_RED_COLOR was used to define whether part cut faces were shown in model views in red or in the parts color:
TRUE FALSE
This advanced option has been replaced in Tekla Structures 2018 with XS_DRAW_CUT_FACES_OBJECT_COLOR (File > Settings > Advanced options category Model View) and is used as follows:
TRUE FALSE
The advanced option is set to TRUE by default.
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TRUE FALSE
This advanced option has been replaced in Tekla Structures 2018 with XS_DRAW_CUT_FACES_OBJECT_COLOR (File > Settings > Advanced options category Model View) and is used as follows:
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TRUE FALSE
The advanced option is set to TRUE by default.
Improvements in compound welds
In Tekla Structures 2018, compound welds can be shown as solid objects in model views. This means that the weld types
(Partial penet single bevel butt plus fillet) and
(Partial penet square groove plus fillet)
now look more realistic in the model.
Click here for more information about displaying welds in model views.
Click here for a list with weld types.
You can now define the size of both welds in compound welds. In weld properties in the property pane, two boxes for Size appear when you select a compound weld type. For example:
In reports of compound welds, you can show the size of the additional weld above line and below line using the new template attributes WELD_ADDITIONAL_SIZE1 and WELD_ADDITIONAL_SIZE2.
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now look more realistic in the model.
Click here for more information about displaying welds in model views.
Click here for a list with weld types.
You can now define the size of both welds in compound welds. In weld properties in the property pane, two boxes for Size appear when you select a compound weld type. For example:
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In reports of compound welds, you can show the size of the additional weld above line and below line using the new template attributes WELD_ADDITIONAL_SIZE1 and WELD_ADDITIONAL_SIZE2.
Clip planes changed in model views
The advanced option XS_DO_NOT_CLIP_NATIVE_OBJECTS_WITH_CLIP_PLANE is set to FALSE by default to make the command Clip plane work for native Tekla Structures objects, point clouds and reference models. Set the advanced option to TRUE to only clip point clouds and reference models with the Clip plane command. Redraw the model views after changing the value.
System components
Glass plate 5 profiles (6)
You can use system component Glass plate max 5 profiles (6) for modeling multiple layers (glass) plates in frames such as:
The system component is now improved so that glass plate 1 now is also welded in case the option Create assembly is set to Yes:
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The system component is now improved so that glass plate 1 now is also welded in case the option Create assembly is set to Yes:
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Column - 2 beams (14)
System component Column - 2 beams (14) now includes new options to define the bolts on the followings tabs:
You can use system component Column - 2 beams (14) in the following practical examples:
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You can use system component Column - 2 beams (14) in the following practical examples:
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Wood wall (57)
System component Wood wall (57) includes a lot of improvements, for example for generating BTL files for woodworking machines and for the Robi One Brick Slip robot for gluing and assembling stone strips on prefab elements.
System component Wood wall (57) combined with system component Bricks on Wall (004) is used more often:
System component Bricks on Wall (004) also includes several improvements.
In all default settings in system component Wood wall (57) also the thickness of the foil is set to 0.3 mm for a better operation of the system component:
For the angle of the top beam you can now enter a negative value:
Modeling elements with one or more high openings is improved:
System component Wood wall (57) combined with system component Bricks on Wall (004) is used more often:
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System component Bricks on Wall (004) also includes several improvements.
In all default settings in system component Wood wall (57) also the thickness of the foil is set to 0.3 mm for a better operation of the system component:
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For the angle of the top beam you can now enter a negative value:
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Modeling elements with one or more high openings is improved:
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Wooden roof (63)
In system component Wooden roof (63) the material for the following parts is modified:
In some situations, profiles were crossing each other in earlier Tekla Structures versions, this is now fixed:
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In some situations, profiles were crossing each other in earlier Tekla Structures versions, this is now fixed:
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Roof along contour plate (65)
Tekla Structures 2018 now includes new system component Roof along contour plate (65):
This system component is developed, based on the existing system component Wooden roof (63) and includes the same functionalities as system component Wooden roof (63), however, the input that you enter as a user, is much easier.
To use system component Wooden roof (63), do the following:
1. Pick contour of the roof element (polygon points)
2. Origin
3. Point on the local x-axis
4. Point on the positive local y-axis
5. Two points for the position of the knee-boards.
Because of extra development, steps 4 and 5 were not needed anymore but you still had to pick these points.
To use the new system component Roof along contour plate (65), do the following:
1. Pick the roof element (contour plate)
2. Origin
3. Point on the positive local x-axis
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This system component is developed, based on the existing system component Wooden roof (63) and includes the same functionalities as system component Wooden roof (63), however, the input that you enter as a user, is much easier.
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To use system component Wooden roof (63), do the following:
1. Pick contour of the roof element (polygon points)
2. Origin
3. Point on the local x-axis
4. Point on the positive local y-axis
5. Two points for the position of the knee-boards.
Because of extra development, steps 4 and 5 were not needed anymore but you still had to pick these points.
To use the new system component Roof along contour plate (65), do the following:
1. Pick the roof element (contour plate)
2. Origin
3. Point on the positive local x-axis
Roof Generator (72)
You can use Roof Generator (m072) as a tool to set up roof shapes consisting of contour plates. Because of this, you can quickly define shapes and roof lines. You can now use the new options in the tab Overhang in system component Roof Generator (72) to define overhangs and the overhang types:
Overhang No overhang
If desired, you can define an overhang per side.
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Overhang No overhang
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If desired, you can define an overhang per side.
Stanchions (S76)
In system component Stanchions (S76) the existing default settings are modified:
so that for the Connection setting type on the tab Parameters now Custom settings (1) is used:
Because of this you can use more component settings (2) which results in baseplates on the stanchions who are positioned in the middle on the stringer:
In case you have created your own settings for the system component, please check these setting and modify them if needed!
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so that for the Connection setting type on the tab Parameters now Custom settings (1) is used:
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Because of this you can use more component settings (2) which results in baseplates on the stanchions who are positioned in the middle on the stringer:
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In case you have created your own settings for the system component, please check these setting and modify them if needed!
Export Unitechnik (79)
System component Export Unitechnik (79) includes several new options:
Click here for more detailed information about these improvements.
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Click here for more detailed information about these improvements.
Electric box in wall (84)
System component Electric box in wall (84) includes the new option Out of plane:
(This option is also available in Tekla Structures 2017i SP2).
By using this new option, you can position electric boxes in all element planes, for example:
In the example above, parametric profile GAL300-1500-125-125-280-260-300 is used.
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(This option is also available in Tekla Structures 2017i SP2).
By using this new option, you can position electric boxes in all element planes, for example:
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In the example above, parametric profile GAL300-1500-125-125-280-260-300 is used.
Rebar in beam (90), Rebar in beam LT (91) and Border rebar for single edge (93)
System components Rebar in beam (90), Rebar in beam LT (91) and Border rebar for single edge (93) now include the new option Attach rebars to to attach rebars to neighbor parts also:
The rebars are attached to the neighbor part if the rebars fulfil the filter criteria:
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The rebars are attached to the neighbor part if the rebars fulfil the filter criteria:
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Create hole around part (92)
System component Create hole around part (92) now includes a new option to model recesses:
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Bolts in a part (1006)
System component Bolts in a part (1006) includes several improvements.
- The maximum number of bolts is increased to 1000. Bolt groups are divided in groups of 100 bolts.
- You can now add bolt groups/studs relative to the insertion point.
- The maximum number of bolts is increased to 1000. Bolt groups are divided in groups of 100 bolts.
- You can now add bolt groups/studs relative to the insertion point.
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Footplate (1029)
Besides several improvements in Tekla Structures 2017i for system component Footplate (1029), also Tekla Structures 2018 includes several improvements:
You now have a new option on tab Parts for modeling finger shim plates:
Besides that you can select a specific weld on tab Anchor rods for welding the anchor rods to the cast plate and/or floorplate:
The tab Anchor rods now includes new options to add parts (created as a custom component Part) as an assembly.
In the following example, caps for the anchors are used to keep the anchor free from concrete while casting:
You can set the option Add as assembly as follows:
On the tab Nailholes you have an option Cast plate reference point to define how the cast plate needs to move:
You can use the fields Cast plate offset in connection direction and Cast plate offset in y to define a value for the offset in both directions.
For more detailed information about system component Footplate (1029), see the Help:
You now have a new option on tab Parts for modeling finger shim plates:
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Besides that you can select a specific weld on tab Anchor rods for welding the anchor rods to the cast plate and/or floorplate:
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The tab Anchor rods now includes new options to add parts (created as a custom component Part) as an assembly.
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In the following example, caps for the anchors are used to keep the anchor free from concrete while casting:
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You can set the option Add as assembly as follows:
No | To cast plate | To foot plate |
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|
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|
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|
On the tab Nailholes you have an option Cast plate reference point to define how the cast plate needs to move:
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Center of column | Center of bolt group |
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|
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|
You can use the fields Cast plate offset in connection direction and Cast plate offset in y to define a value for the offset in both directions.
For more detailed information about system component Footplate (1029), see the Help:
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Custom components
Split part, custom component remains intact
Custom components now remain intact if a profile, on which a custom component is applied, is split.
In earlier Tekla Structures versions, the custom components were exploded.
In earlier Tekla Structures versions, the custom components were exploded.
Drawings
Dimensioning parts modified
You can affect the way Tekla Structures dimensions different profiles in drawings. For example, you can have Tekla Structures always dimension round profiles to the middle or to the edge:
To define dimension settings for profiles, you need to edit the dimension planes table dim_planes_table.txt.
This file is stored in the folder ..:\TeklaStructures\<version>\Environments\netherlands_enu\profil.
(Use can use the advanced option XS_PART_DIMENSION_PLANES_TABLE, in File > Settings > Advanced options > category File Locations, to indicate the path to the user-defined part dimension planes table).
The file dim_planes_table.txt is modified in Tekla Structures 2018 so that I-profiles up to 1000 mm are now dimensioned to the edge of the profile, larger I-profiles are dimensioned to the middle:
Click here for more detailed information about how to affect dimensioning different profiles in drawings.
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To define dimension settings for profiles, you need to edit the dimension planes table dim_planes_table.txt.
This file is stored in the folder ..:\TeklaStructures\<version>\Environments\netherlands_enu\profil.
(Use can use the advanced option XS_PART_DIMENSION_PLANES_TABLE, in File > Settings > Advanced options > category File Locations, to indicate the path to the user-defined part dimension planes table).
The file dim_planes_table.txt is modified in Tekla Structures 2018 so that I-profiles up to 1000 mm are now dimensioned to the edge of the profile, larger I-profiles are dimensioned to the middle:
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Click here for more detailed information about how to affect dimensioning different profiles in drawings.
Dimension properties modified
Due to some changes in dimension properties, such as new dimension arrow types and a new arrow size, the default dimension settings are modified:
In case you have your own personal settings, please check these to make sure that correct dimensions are shown in drawings.
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In case you have your own personal settings, please check these to make sure that correct dimensions are shown in drawings.
Phases in the Drawing Editor
In Tekla Structures you can use the Phase Manager (Ctrl + H) to break a model up into sections.
You can also use the Phase Manager in the Drawing Editor to check the phases. For this, you can use macro Open phasemanager:
You can also use the Phase Manager in the Drawing Editor to check the phases. For this, you can use macro Open phasemanager:
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New tool Drawing content manager
Tekla Structures 2018 introduces in the new tool Drawing content manager
in the side pane in the Drawing Editor.
You can use the tool to quickly check the included model objects and related marks. You can also add associative notes and model weld marks to several model objects or welds at one go, and easily select all part marks and weld marks.
With this new tool you can avoid duplicate, missing, or false information, and efficiently check if all necessary content exists, without having to manually go through all drawing objects separately.
Click here for more detailed information about the new Drawing content manager.
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You can use the tool to quickly check the included model objects and related marks. You can also add associative notes and model weld marks to several model objects or welds at one go, and easily select all part marks and weld marks.
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With this new tool you can avoid duplicate, missing, or false information, and efficiently check if all necessary content exists, without having to manually go through all drawing objects separately.
Click here for more detailed information about the new Drawing content manager.
Improved mark placement
In Tekla Structures 2018 mark placement is improved by trying to avoid crossing leader lines and by placing marks more clearly. Because of this, some new advanced options are available such as the new advanced option XS_MARK_INTELLIGENT_PLACING. The advanced option is set to TRUE by default and tries to avoid crossing leader lines and place marks more clearly.
If you set the new advanced option XS_MARK_PLACING_ANGLE_CLOSE_TO_45_DEGREES to TRUE (default), marks with leader lines are placed in a 45-degree angle if allowed by the protection settings:
Even though you set XS_MARK_INTELLIGENT_PLACING to FALSE, you can still arrange the marks and associative notes with the following two commands on the ribbon:
Arrange marks: Arrange the selected marks and associative notes so that you avoid crossing leader lines. The result also depends on the defined protection settings and search margins.
Align marks: Align the selected marks and associative notes that are close to each other by stacking the marks and placing them evenly.
You also have the new advanced option XS_MARK_INTELLIGENT_POST_FREEPLACE_NEARBY. This advanced option is set to TRUE by default and first places the marks avoiding crossing leader lines and after that runs the place nearby command, which ensures that the mark locations follow the protection settings.
The mark quarter placement has also been improved. If you select all four corner points in the Part Mark Placing dialog box, the improved automatic placement will be used, and Tekla Structures attempts to find the closest quarter with empty space:
Note that if you use high Search margin and Minimum distance values in the Part Mark Placing dialog box, the mark placement does not work efficiently.
Click here for more detailed information about the improved mark placement.
If you set the new advanced option XS_MARK_PLACING_ANGLE_CLOSE_TO_45_DEGREES to TRUE (default), marks with leader lines are placed in a 45-degree angle if allowed by the protection settings:
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Even though you set XS_MARK_INTELLIGENT_PLACING to FALSE, you can still arrange the marks and associative notes with the following two commands on the ribbon:
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Arrange marks: Arrange the selected marks and associative notes so that you avoid crossing leader lines. The result also depends on the defined protection settings and search margins.
Align marks: Align the selected marks and associative notes that are close to each other by stacking the marks and placing them evenly.
You also have the new advanced option XS_MARK_INTELLIGENT_POST_FREEPLACE_NEARBY. This advanced option is set to TRUE by default and first places the marks avoiding crossing leader lines and after that runs the place nearby command, which ensures that the mark locations follow the protection settings.
The mark quarter placement has also been improved. If you select all four corner points in the Part Mark Placing dialog box, the improved automatic placement will be used, and Tekla Structures attempts to find the closest quarter with empty space:
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Note that if you use high Search margin and Minimum distance values in the Part Mark Placing dialog box, the mark placement does not work efficiently.
Click here for more detailed information about the improved mark placement.
Improved way to select part marks
With the new Select part marks command on the drawing pop-up menu you can select the part marks of the parts you have selected, and modify all these marks at one go, for example, or delete them by pressing Delete on the keyboard. Select part marks selects the part marks from the current drawing view or from all drawing views according to your selection:
This method is easier than searching the whole drawing for the wanted part marks and then after that modifying them, especially with large models. This command replaces the old Delete part marks command.
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This method is easier than searching the whole drawing for the wanted part marks and then after that modifying them, especially with large models. This command replaces the old Delete part marks command.
Representing meshes
The representation of meshes is improved in Tekla Structures 2018 so that it is correct in recesses:
Earlier Tekla Structures versions:
(This improvement is also available in Tekla Structures 2017i SP2).
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Earlier Tekla Structures versions:
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(This improvement is also available in Tekla Structures 2017i SP2).
Template part_assembly changed
In Tekla Structures 2018, the template part_assembly is changed and now shows the net and gross length of the part:
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Set the rotation of section views
You can use the advanced option XS_ROTATE_CUT_VIEWS in Tekla Structures to set the rotation of automatically created section views in drawings:
Click here for more detailed information about this advanced option.
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Click here for more detailed information about this advanced option.
Embed fonts when printing drawings to pdf files
You now have the new option Embed fonts when printing drawings to pdf files:
When you embed fonts, you can be sure that the pdf file always includes the same fonts as the original document, even if you open the pdf file on a computer where the fonts used in the document are not installed. Because of this, the lay-out remains identical. In case the fonts are not embedded, an alternative font is selected in case the used font is not installed on the concerned computer. This may result in a different pdf lay-out.
If for example a barcode is added to a template to show the project number in the pdf file, it looks like this if the font is embedded:
In case the font is not embedded:
To always embed fonts, you toggle on the option Embed fonts and you save this setting by using a random name:
Two files with file extension *.PdfPrintOptions.xml are now saved in the folder attributes in the model folder. Move the file <user>.PdfPrintOptions.xml the folder ts and restart Tekla Structures. The fonts are now always embedded.
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When you embed fonts, you can be sure that the pdf file always includes the same fonts as the original document, even if you open the pdf file on a computer where the fonts used in the document are not installed. Because of this, the lay-out remains identical. In case the fonts are not embedded, an alternative font is selected in case the used font is not installed on the concerned computer. This may result in a different pdf lay-out.
If for example a barcode is added to a template to show the project number in the pdf file, it looks like this if the font is embedded:
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In case the font is not embedded:
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To always embed fonts, you toggle on the option Embed fonts and you save this setting by using a random name:
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Two files with file extension *.PdfPrintOptions.xml are now saved in the folder attributes in the model folder. Move the file <user>.PdfPrintOptions.xml the folder ts and restart Tekla Structures. The fonts are now always embedded.
Template Editor
Location Template Editor changed
Due to the structure of files and folders in Tekla Structures 2018, the location of the Template Editor is changed.
It is now located on C:\TeklaStructures\2018\nt\bin\TplEd
Click here for detailed information about improvements in the Template Editor.
It is now located on C:\TeklaStructures\2018\nt\bin\TplEd
Click here for detailed information about improvements in the Template Editor.
Cut values with *** in templates and reports
When an output value field does not fit into a cell, three asterisks (***) will indicate that the value is cut:
For example, when a template has a value field length limited to 10 characters and the output value is 11 characters or more, *** will be displayed at the end of the value.
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For example, when a template has a value field length limited to 10 characters and the output value is 11 characters or more, *** will be displayed at the end of the value.
Tools
Pile Foundation (d001) improved
Tool Pile Foundation (d001) now includes two new tabs for modeling rectangular and circular foundation pile groups:
You can model for example a rectangular foundation pile group including 4 piles:
For more detailed information about this tool, click the Help button in the tool:
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You can model for example a rectangular foundation pile group including 4 piles:
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For more detailed information about this tool, click the Help button in the tool:
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CS Write Numbering Results Into UDA (ML006)
You can use macro CS Write Numbering Results Into UDA (ML006) to affect part numbers for example per phase.
In case the model includes identical parts in different phases, theses identical parts get the same number when numbering the model whereby the option Phase in dialog box Numbering Setup is toggled off. If you want to number the model per phase, you can toggle this option on. You can also use macro CS Write Numbering Results Into UDA (ML006) to affect the part numbering.
If you use this macro, you can for example add the phase number to the part and assembly prefix by using setting phase prefix:
Phase 1 Phase 2
... or add the start number per phase by using setting phase startnumber:
You now have the option First synch phase numbers to divide the secondary parts in the same phases as the main parts:
For more detailed information about how to use this macro, click the button Help in the macro:
In case the model includes identical parts in different phases, theses identical parts get the same number when numbering the model whereby the option Phase in dialog box Numbering Setup is toggled off. If you want to number the model per phase, you can toggle this option on. You can also use macro CS Write Numbering Results Into UDA (ML006) to affect the part numbering.
If you use this macro, you can for example add the phase number to the part and assembly prefix by using setting phase prefix:
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Phase 1 Phase 2
... or add the start number per phase by using setting phase startnumber:
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You now have the option First synch phase numbers to divide the secondary parts in the same phases as the main parts:
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For more detailed information about how to use this macro, click the button Help in the macro:
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Rooster available in Tekla Warehouse
Custom component ROOSTER (grating) is replaced by plug-in ROOSTER and is from now on available in Tekla Warehouse.
This plug-in is enhanced and includes many improvements.
For more detailed information, see chapter Modeling and checking gratings and checker plates.
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This plug-in is enhanced and includes many improvements.
For more detailed information, see chapter Modeling and checking gratings and checker plates.
Organizer
Organizing models with the Organizer
Tekla Structures includes the Organizer for inquiring and managing model information and for inquiring object properties and object classification:
You can use the Organizer to group model objects and classify these for different purposes and to view object properties from the model. You can synchronize the Organizer with the model which means that the information in the Organizer is always up-to-date.
You can even use the Organizer to easily inquire information from an IFC file (added as a reference model) and to export this information to Microsoft Excel.
Object Browser
For inquiring and showing information such as material, profiles, weights or volumes) for one or more objects, phases, lots. You can define which information to be shown. For this, you have several default "templates":
You can again export the inquired information to Microsoft Excel.
Categories
You can categorize your model in location categories and other type of categories which you can create based on your needs using for example object properties or checklists (next chapter). By using location categories, you can create a location breakdown structure and divide the model into projects, sites, buildings, sections and floors.
Click here for more information about the Organizer.
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You can use the Organizer to group model objects and classify these for different purposes and to view object properties from the model. You can synchronize the Organizer with the model which means that the information in the Organizer is always up-to-date.
You can even use the Organizer to easily inquire information from an IFC file (added as a reference model) and to export this information to Microsoft Excel.
Object Browser
For inquiring and showing information such as material, profiles, weights or volumes) for one or more objects, phases, lots. You can define which information to be shown. For this, you have several default "templates":
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You can again export the inquired information to Microsoft Excel.
Categories
You can categorize your model in location categories and other type of categories which you can create based on your needs using for example object properties or checklists (next chapter). By using location categories, you can create a location breakdown structure and divide the model into projects, sites, buildings, sections and floors.
Click here for more information about the Organizer.
Checklists
The Organizer now also includes several categories for checking the Tekla Structures model:
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On length
This category sorts the objects on base of their length, objects with length "0 mm" are also showed so that you can easily find these objects in the Tekla Structures model:
To easily find the objects in the Tekla Structures model, you can set the representation of the objects in the Tekla Structures model view preferably in to transparent by using shortcut Ctrl + 5 for parts and Shift + 5 for component parts:
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To easily find the objects in the Tekla Structures model, you can set the representation of the objects in the Tekla Structures model view preferably in to transparent by using shortcut Ctrl + 5 for parts and Shift + 5 for component parts:
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On IFC entity
Before exporting a Tekla Structures model or selected objects from a model to IFC, you must always check whether the objects to export have included the correct IFC entity and IFC export type. Quite often not all objects are exported to IFC (or published to Tekla BIMsight) due to an incorrect IFC entity option in the user-defined attributes of the objects, set to None or Auto instead of a valid entity (IfcBeam to IfcChimney):
To find the objects in the Tekla Structures model, you can use category On IFC entity (besides the list id_IFC_check):
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To find the objects in the Tekla Structures model, you can use category On IFC entity (besides the list id_IFC_check):
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On bolt length
This category sorts on the bolt length. Bolts with a length of 100 mm may be bolts which have been modeled incorrect (for example due to a small value for the Cut length) and result in bolts with a length of 100 mm:
Besides the list Id_bolt-list-100, you can easily find such bolt in the Tekla Structures model by using category On bolt length:
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Besides the list Id_bolt-list-100, you can easily find such bolt in the Tekla Structures model by using category On bolt length:
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On no number (overlap)
When you plan numbering, ensure that you reserve enough numbers for each series. If a series overlaps another, Tekla Structures numbers only one of the objects that would have overlapping numbers and leaves the other object unnumbered. Tekla Structures warns you about series overlaps, for example:
You must adjust the numbering prefixes and start numbers so that the series will not overlap anymore.
Besides report id_no_number, you can use category On no number overlap to find the objects in the Tekla Structures model quick and easily.
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You must adjust the numbering prefixes and start numbers so that the series will not overlap anymore.
Besides report id_no_number, you can use category On no number overlap to find the objects in the Tekla Structures model quick and easily.
On conceptual components
Depending on the Tekla Structures configuration you are using, you can create either detailed or conceptual components. It may occur that you receive a Tekla Structures model from a another project member and some parts in the (in configuration Steel Detailing) opened model cannot be numbered, because the model contains conceptual components. When you model, using the configurations Engineering or Cast In Place, you always have conceptual components. The detailer, working in the configuration Steel Detailing, converts these conceptual components to detailed components. Detailed components include all needed information for fabrication.
To find conceptual components in the Tekla Structures model, you can use category On conceptual components:
Next you can convert these conceptual components per component to detailed components:
1. Select the conceptual component symbol.
2. Click right mouse button and select the command Convert to Detailing Component.
Type | Symbol | Configuration | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Conceptual component |
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Engineering Cast In Place |
Conceptual components look similar to detailed components but do not include the option to change part numbering or assembly numbering settings. Conceptual components are meant to be used as reference information for further fabrication detailing. |
Detailed component |
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Steel Detailing Precast Concrete Detailing Full Detailing |
Detailed components include all the information needed for fabrication, such as assemblies, cast units, and reinforcing bars. Detailed components include options to define part numbering or assembly numbering settings. |
To find conceptual components in the Tekla Structures model, you can use category On conceptual components:
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Next you can convert these conceptual components per component to detailed components:
1. Select the conceptual component symbol.
2. Click right mouse button and select the command Convert to Detailing Component.
NC files
Number of decimals in NC files changed
For the exchange with Construsteel, the number of decimals in NC files is now set to 2:
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Please check your personal settings to make sure that correct NC files are generated! |
KA-block for folded plates and polybeams
You can now define whether the information of fold lines of folded plates is included in NC files or not. It concerns the so-called KA-block (Kantungen):
Because of this, two new options are available in dialog box NC File Settings on tab Advanced options:
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Because of this, two new options are available in dialog box NC File Settings on tab Advanced options:
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Convert NC files to DXF files
You can convert NC files to DXF files in Tekla Structures to drive plasma cutters and other cutting devices. For converting these files, you can use the following tools:
1. The file dstv2dxf.bat, stored in the folder C:\TeklaStructures\<version>\nt\dstv2dxf
2. Macro CS DSTV to DXF:
These tools both use file construsoft.def.
(This file contains a lot of settings, these can be defined by the user, such as the colors and layers for plates and holes in the DXF file and the height and color of the text. The file is stored in the folder ..:\TeklaStructures\\nt\dstv2dxf and you can open it with a text editor such as Wordpad or Notepad++ to adjust it).
Click here for more information about modifying the file construsoft.def.
3. Extension DSTVtoDXFConverter, available in Tekla Warehouse:
The tool looks like this:
In Tekla Structures 2018, the setting DSTV2DXF is added to the NC files setting to have correct output in DXF files:
When you generate NC files, first load the setting DSTV2DXF; because of this, the position of the elements Phase identification and Drawing identification is correct. If you next convert the NC files to DXF files, the correct information is included:
Partmark and Number are correct. Parkmark and Number are not correct.
1. The file dstv2dxf.bat, stored in the folder C:\TeklaStructures\<version>\nt\dstv2dxf
2. Macro CS DSTV to DXF:
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These tools both use file construsoft.def.
(This file contains a lot of settings, these can be defined by the user, such as the colors and layers for plates and holes in the DXF file and the height and color of the text. The file is stored in the folder ..:\TeklaStructures\\nt\dstv2dxf and you can open it with a text editor such as Wordpad or Notepad++ to adjust it).
Click here for more information about modifying the file construsoft.def.
3. Extension DSTVtoDXFConverter, available in Tekla Warehouse:
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The tool looks like this:
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In Tekla Structures 2018, the setting DSTV2DXF is added to the NC files setting to have correct output in DXF files:
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When you generate NC files, first load the setting DSTV2DXF; because of this, the position of the elements Phase identification and Drawing identification is correct. If you next convert the NC files to DXF files, the correct information is included:
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Partmark and Number are correct. Parkmark and Number are not correct.