Tekla Structures and central processing unit (CPU) usage

It is often misunderstood that an application that uses multi-thread processing guarantees ultimate performance. This article gives some explanations on why it is not that straightforward, and why Tekla Structures is able to give exceptional performance for detailing any project to its finest details.

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What is a multi-core processor?

Due to physical constraints, the processor manufacturers realized that it is impossible to keep improving the processing speed in a single core. The obvious step to improve the performance was to start creating multi-core processors so that calculations could be done in multiple threads.

How to utilize multiple cores?

There are two ways to utilize multiple cores in a single machine:

• By running several programs at the same time - for example, a web browser and a CAD software
• By running several threads within a single program

There are two main parameters to consider if it is beneficial to use multithreading in a single program:

• Complexity of operations
• Complexity of the flow between the operations

Complexity of operations means how much computing is needed for a single task. Complexity of the flow between operations means what the interdependencies are between the operations. If there are a lot of interdependencies, this may block the flow which may cause slow performance and unstable results. 

Therefore, multithreading is not typically used in CAD applications where there is a lot of complexity in the flow between operations. It is more typical and beneficial to use multithreading, for example, in computer games and rendering software.

Is Tekla a multi-threaded application? 

Tekla Structures is optimized to handle any project and it uses multiple threads in executing certain software components. Some components, however, are run in a single thread due to the complexity of the flow between operations. Those components are more reasonable to keep as single threaded with optimized flow of operations. In addition, that enables better maintainability, stability, and more agile product development.

Here are other key facts about Tekla Structures software architecture:

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• Optimized flow of operations for single-thread operations
• 64-bit software
• Optimized and compact in memory database system
• Own solid kernel purpose-built for fast and robust structural BIM models
• Independent technology component for graphics with modern GPU usage
• Extendability with plug-ins and application extensions
• Extendable data model with user-defined attributes
• Concurrent editing of models with incremental changes (Tekla Model Sharing)