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Tekla Structures

Detailing Manual

Product version 16.0

December 2009

2010 Tekla Corporation


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2010 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved.

This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referenced Software. Use of the Software, and use of thisSoftware Manual are governed by a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement sets certainwarranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, definespermitted uses of the Software, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software. All informationset forth in this manual is provided with the warranty set forth in the License Agreement. Please refer to the License

Agreement for important obligations and applicable limitations and restrictions on your rights. Tekla does notguarantee that the text is free of technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Tekla reserves the right to makechanges and additions to this manual due to changes in the software or otherwise.

In addition, this Software Manual is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. Unauthorizedreproduction, display, modification, or distribution of this Manual, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil andcriminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the full extent permitted by law.

Tekla, Tekla Structures, Xcity, Xengineer, Xpipe, Xroad, Xpower, Xsteel, and Xstreet are either registered trademarksor trademarks of Tekla Corporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other countries. Other productand company names mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. By referring to athird-party product or brand, Tekla does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or endorsement by such third partyand disclaims any such affiliation or endorsement, except where otherwise expressly stated.

Portions of this software:

D-Cubed 2D DCM 2008 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software III (GB) Ltd. All rights reserved.

EPM toolkit 1995-2004 EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rights reserved.

XML parser 1999 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights reserved.

Project Data Control Library 2006 - 2007 DlhSoft. All rights reserved.

DWGdirect, DGNdirect and OpenDWG Toolkit/Viewkit libraries 1998-2005 Open Design Alliance. All rightsreserved.

FlexNet Copyright 2006 Flexera Software Limited. All Rights Reserved. This product contains proprietary andconfidential technology provided by and owned by Flexera Software Limited Of Schaumburg, IL, USA. Any use,copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission of such technology in whole or in part in anyform or by any means without the prior express written permission of Flexera Software Limited is strictly prohibited.Except where expressly provided by Flexera Software Limited in writing, possession of this technology shall not be

construed to confer any license or rights under any of Flexera Softwares intellectual property rights, whether byestoppel, implication, or otherwise.

The software is protected by U.S. Patent 7,302,368. Also elements of the software described in this Manual may bethe subject of pending patent applications in the European Union and/or other countries including U.S. patentapplications 2004031231, 2004267695, 2005285881, 2006000484 and 200613639.


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TEKLA STRUCTURES 16 3

Conventions used in this guide

Typographicalconventions

The following typographical conventions are used in this guide:

Noteboxes The following types of noteboxes are used in this guide:

Font Usage

Bold Any text that you see in the user interface appears in bold. This fontis used, for example, for window and dialog box titles, box andbutton names, and list items.

Italic bold New terms are in italic boldwhen they appear in the current contextfor the first time.

Monospace Extracts of program code, HTML, or other material that you wouldnormally edit in a text editor, appear in monospaced font.

This font is also used for file names and folder paths, and for anytext that you should type yourself.

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

A note draws attention to details that you might easily overlook. It canalso point you to other information in this guide that you might finduseful.

You should always read very important notes and warnings, like thisone. They will help you avoid making serious mistakes, or wasting yourtime.

This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical information thatis usually of interest only to advanced or technically-oriented readers.


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Contents

Conventions used in this guide ........................................................................................................................... 3

1 Getting Started........................................................................................... 91.1 Basics of components............................................................................................................................. 9

Component concepts....................................................................................................................... 10

Component dialog box..................................................................................................................... 11

Selection order................................................................................................................................. 13

Up direction...................................................................................................................................... 13

Automatic and default properties..................................................................................................... 14

General tab...................................................................................................................................... 15

Design and Design type tabs........................................................................................................... 15

1.2 Component catalog............................................................................................................................... 16

Using the component catalog........................................................................................................... 17

Symbols ..................................................................................................................................... 18

Pop-up menus ........................................................................................................................... 19

Thumbnail images............................................................................................................................ 20

Descriptions and keywords.............................................................................................................. 20

Grouping components...................................................................................................................... 21

Copying components to another folder............................................................................................ 21

Customizing and saving components.............................................................................................. 22

1.3 Using components................................................................................................................................ 22

Creating components....................................................................................................................... 23

Example: Adding an end plate......................................................................................................... 23

Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods.............................................................................. 24

Example: Adding a beam to column connection.............................................................................. 25

Viewing components........................................................................................................................ 26

Modifying components..................................................................................................................... 26

Conceptual components.................................................................................................................. 26

Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component .................................................. 27

Tips on working with components.................................................................................................... 28

1.4 Defining parts and plates...................................................................................................................... 28

Using the dialog box......................................................................................................................... 28

Dimensioning parts.......................................................................................................................... 29

Plates ........................................................................................................................................ 29

Beams ....................................................................................................................................... 29


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Part position number ................................................................................................................. 30

Using the Components tab ........................................................................................................ 30

Defining materials............................................................................................................................ 31

Using the Components tab ........................................................................................................ 32

1.5 Defining bolts and welds....................................................................................................................... 32

Using the Bolts tab........................................................................................................................... 32

Defining bolts................................................................................................................................... 34

Increasing bolt length ................................................................................................................ 34

Creating holes.................................................................................................................................. 34

Number of bolts and spacing........................................................................................................... 35

Bolt group orientation....................................................................................................................... 35

Bolt group pattern............................................................................................................................. 36

Edge distance.................................................................................................................................. 36

Bolt position...................................................................................................................................... 36

Vertical bolt position .................................................................................................................. 37

Horizontal bolt position .............................................................................................................. 37

Defining slotted holes....................................................................................................................... 38

Deleting bolts................................................................................................................................... 39

Defining bolt assemblies.................................................................................................................. 40

Welds............................................................................................................................................... 40

1.6 AutoConnection.................................................................................................................................... 41

Using AutoConnection..................................................................................................................... 41

1.7 AutoDefaults......................................................................................................................................... 44

Using AutoDefaults.......................................................................................................................... 44

How to use AutoDefaults effectively................................................................................................. 45

Checking AutoDefaults properties.................................................................................................... 45

Checking AutoDefaults rules............................................................................................................ 45

1.8 Using the joints.def file.......................................................................................................................... 45

About joints.def ................................................................................................................................ 46

How joints.def works ................................................................................................................. 46

How to read joints.def ................................................................................................................ 46

Entering values .......................................................................................................................... 47Defining general defaults................................................................................................................. 47

Defining bolt diameter and number of rows..................................................................................... 48

Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections ................................................................... 48

Gusset connections ................................................................................................................... 49

Diagonal connections ................................................................................................................ 49

Defining other bolt and part properties............................................................................................. 49

Gusset connection properties .................................................................................................... 50

Diagonal connection properties ................................................................................................. 53

Profile type-dependent bolt dimensions .................................................................................... 54

How Tekla Structures uses joints.def............................................................................................... 55


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6 TEKLA STRUCTURES 16

Connections that use joints.def ........................................................................................................ 55

1.9 Using Excel in connection design......................................................................................................... 56

Setting up Excel files........................................................................................................................ 57

Sample implementation.................................................................................................................... 57

Indicating component status............................................................................................................. 59

2 Custom Components .............................................................................. 612.1 Defining custom components................................................................................................................ 62

Exploding components..................................................................................................................... 62

Defining a custom component.......................................................................................................... 62

Custom component types................................................................................................................. 66

Custom component basic properties................................................................................................ 68

2.2 Editing custom components.................................................................................................................. 69

Custom component editor................................................................................................................ 69

Custom component browser ............................................................................................................ 71

2.3 Defining variables.................................................................................................................................. 73

Creating distance variables.............................................................................................................. 75

Creating reference distances........................................................................................................... 77

Using magnetic construction planes................................................................................................. 79

Creating parameter variables........................................................................................................... 80

Creating parameters that use formulae............................................................................................ 81

2.4 Functions to use in formulas................................................................................................................. 82

Arithmetic operators......................................................................................................................... 82

Logical statement ............................................................................................................................. 83

Reference function........................................................................................................................... 83

Mathematical functions..................................................................................................................... 84

Statistical functions........................................................................................................................... 85

Data type conversions...................................................................................................................... 86

String operations.............................................................................................................................. 86

Trigonometric functions.................................................................................................................... 88

Framing condition functions............................................................................................................. 88

2.5 Defining custom component properties................................................................................................. 90

Adding an option to create parts ...................................................................................................... 90

Defining bolt size and standard........................................................................................................ 91

Defining bolt group location.............................................................................................................. 92

Replacing a sub-component............................................................................................................. 94

Changing the properties file ............................................................................................................. 96

Defining meshes in custom components.......................................................................................... 97

Creating surface treatments in custom components...................................................................... 100

2.6 Managing and using custom components........................................................................................... 100

Custom component dialog box....................................................................................................... 100


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Customizing the dialog box............................................................................................................ 102

Changing the order of fields .................................................................................................... 103

Changing the location of fields ................................................................................................ 103

Renaming tabs ........................................................................................................................ 104

Adding more tabs .................................................................................................................... 104

Adding pictures ........................................................................................................................ 105

Preventing modifications ......................................................................................................... 105

Using a custom component............................................................................................................ 106

Managing custom components...................................................................................................... 106

Exporting and importing .......................................................................................................... 107

Protecting custom components with passwords............................................................................ 108

Performing actions on custom components................................................................................... 108

Using Excel with custom components............................................................................................ 109

Using ASCII files with custom component..................................................................................... 109

Tips on working with custom components..................................................................................... 110

2.7 Custom components reference........................................................................................................... 111

Detailing>Component>Define Custom Component................................................................... 112

Position type................................................................................................................................... 114

Display variables ........................................................................................................................... 115

Browser.......................................................................................................................................... 119

Plane types.................................................................................................................................... 120

Construction plane........................................................................................................................ 121

Custom component settings........................................................................................................... 122

Create distance ............................................................................................................................. 123

Create reference distance ............................................................................................................. 124

Automatic distances ...................................................................................................................... 125

3 Reinforcement ....................................................................................... 1273.1 Getting started with reinforcement...................................................................................................... 127

3.2 Basic reinforcement properties........................................................................................................... 128

Hooks............................................................................................................................................. 129

Concrete cover............................................................................................................................... 130

Spacing reinforcing bars................................................................................................................ 132

Omitting reinforcing bars................................................................................................................ 132

User-defined attributes of reinforcement........................................................................................ 133

Meshes........................................................................................................................................... 133

3.3 Working with reinforcement................................................................................................................ 134

Placing reinforcement .................................................................................................................... 134

Attaching reinforcement to parts.................................................................................................... 134

Modifying reinforcement................................................................................................................. 135

Changing reinforcement shape ............................................................................................... 135

Using reinforcement handles ................................................................................................... 135


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Using adaptivity ....................................................................................................................... 137

Exploding reinforcement .......................................................................................................... 139

Splitting reinforcing bar groups ................................................................................................ 139

Splitting reinforcing bars in a group ......................................................................................... 139

Conceptual reinforcements ............................................................................................................ 140

Converting conceptual reinforcements to detailed reinforcements .......................................... 140

Customizing reinforcement meshes............................................................................................... 140

Defining custom reinforcement components.................................................................................. 141

Numbering reinforcement............................................................................................................... 142

What affects reinforcement numbering .................................................................................... 142

How reinforcement affects part numbering .............................................................................. 143

3.4 Single bars, bar groups, and meshes................................................................................................. 143

Reinforcing bar............................................................................................................................... 143

Reinforcing bar group..................................................................................................................... 145

Curved reinforcing bar group.......................................................................................................... 147

Circular reinforcing bar group......................................................................................................... 148

Reinforcement mesh...................................................................................................................... 149

Reinforcement strand pattern......................................................................................................... 151

Reinforcement splice...................................................................................................................... 154

4 Reinforc ing bar bending types ............................................................ 1574.1 Reinforcement in templates................................................................................................................ 178


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Getting Started

1 Getting Started

Introduction Once you have created a frame of parts in your Tekla Structures model, you will need toconnect those parts to complete the model. Tekla Structures contains a wide range ofcomponents that you can use to automate the process of creating a model.

This chapter explains the basics about components - what they are and how to create themusing Tekla Structures. We will begin with the basic concepts, followed by a generaldescription of components properties. Finally, we will show you how to use components inpractice.

Contents This chapter is divided into the following topics:

Basics of components (p. 9)

Component catalog (p. 16)

Using components (p. 22)

Defining parts and plates (p. 28)

Defining bolts and welds (p. 32)

AutoConnection (p. 41)

AutoDefaults (p. 44)

Using the joints.def file (p. 45)

Using Excel in connection design (p. 56)

1.1 Basics of componentsIntroduction Components are tools that you can use to automatically create the parts, welds, and bolts

required to connect parts. They are linked to main parts, so, when you modify a main part, theassociated component also changes.

Benefits The main benefits of working with components are:

1. You can save the properties of a component using an easily-identifiable name and keep itfor future use. For example, you could save the properties of a W12x65 column base plateconnection as W12x65.j*, and use it for several projects.

2. When you modify the size of a profile, Tekla Structures automatically modifies therelevant components.


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Getting Started

3. When you copy or move objects, Tekla Structures automatically includes all the associatedcomponents.

Topics Component concepts (p. 10)

Component catalog (p. 16)

Component dialog box (p. 11)

Selection order (p. 13)

Up direction (p. 13)

Automatic and default properties (p. 14)

General tab (p. 15)

Design and Design type tabs (p. 15)

Component concepts

Componentsare tools that automate tasks and group objects so that Tekla Structures treatsthem as a single unit. Components adapt to changes in the model, so that Tekla Structures

automatically modifies a component if you modify the parts it connects.

This is an example of how to apply a connection:

Component types Components have the following subtypes:

Select the main part.

Select the secondary part.

To see information about the connection, click the connection symbol.

The connection automatically creates the required parts, fittings, bolts,etc.

Item Description Examples Symbol

Connection Connects two or more parts,and creates all the requiredobjects such as cuts, fittings,parts, bolts, and welds.

Two-sidedclip angle,bolted gusset.


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Getting Started

System andcustomcomponents

Tekla Structures contains hundreds ofsystem componentsby default. You can also createyour own components, custom components. They have following subtypes:

connection

detail

part

seam

All components are stored in the Component catalog (p. 16). To open the component catalog,use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F.

See also Custom Components (p. 61)

Exploding components (p. 62)

Component dialog box

The component dialog box is in two sections.

Upper part Use the upper section of the dialog box to save and load predefined settings. For moreinformation, see Save, Load, Save as buttons. For some components the upper section alsocontains buttons for accessing the bolt, weld and DSTV dialog boxes.

For information on handling the saved properties, see Connection properties files.

Modelingtool

Automatically creates andassembles the parts to build astructure, but does not connectthe structure to existing parts.Modeling tools can includeconnections and details.

Stairs,frames,towers

Detail Adds a detail to a main part. Adetail is only connected to onepart. When you create a detail,Tekla Structures prompts youto select a part, followed by apoint to locate the detail.

Stiffeners,base plates,lifting hooks

Item Description Examples Symbol


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Getting Started

Lower part The lower section of the dialog box is divided into tabs. This is where you define the propertiesof the parts and bolts that the component creates. The most common tabs that appear here are:

Picture illustrates the component. It shows just one example, but you can usually use onecomponent in many situations.

Parts is where you define the properties of the parts the component creates

Parameters is where you set parameters to control the component (for example, forstiffeners, end plates, chamfers, etc.)

Bolts is where you define the number of bolts and their edge distances

General is where you define the direction of the connection or detail and AutoDefaultsrules

Tabs

Tekla Structures uses the automatic property value

The parts the component creates appear in yellow

The green symbol indicates the correct direction for the connection ordetail.

The parts you select appear in blue.

Tekla Structures uses the default property value


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Getting Started

See also Defining parts and plates (p. 28)

Defining bolts and welds (p. 32)

Selection order

To create a connection you need to select or pick existing parts or points. The default selectionorder for a connection is:

1. Main part

2. Secondary part(s)

3. If there is more than one secondary part, click the middle mouse button to finish selectingparts and create the connection.

Some connection dialog boxes illustrate the selection order for parts using numbers, as shownbelow. Select the parts in the order shown in the picture:

Details The default selection order for a detail is:

1. Main part.

2. A point in the main part to show the location of the detail.

Modeling tools The default picking order for a modeling tool is:

1. Pick one to three point(s) to show the location of the objects the modeling tool creates.

Up direction

The up directionof a connection or a detail indicates how the connection is rotated around thesecondary part, relative to the current work plane. If there are no secondary parts, TeklaStructures rotates the connection around the primary part. The options are: +x, -x, +y, -y, +z, -z.

The Picture tab in the dialog box shows the up direction Tekla Structures will use. TeklaStructures also indicates the up direction in the connection symbol:


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Getting Started

Manually definingup direction

To manually define the up direction:

1. Double-click the connection symbol to open the connection dialog box.

2. On the General tab, change the x, y, or z direction. Try positive directions first.

3. Click Modify to use the new values.

Automatic and default properties

Some connection dialog boxes contain list boxes that show property options as graphics. Youcan select system defaults, AutoDefaults, or have Tekla Structures automatically set theproperties.

System defaultproperties

If you leave fields in connection dialog boxes blank, Tekla Structures uses the system defaultproperties. Manual entries, default, automatic and properties in the joints.def file, alloverride these system defaults. You cannot change system default properties.

Default andautomaticproperties Icon Description More information

To have Tekla Structures use a defaultproperty in a connection, select theoption marked with this symbol.

If you use AutoDefaults for theconnection, Tekla Structures uses theproperty defined in the AutoDefaultsrules. If you are not using AutoDefaults,Tekla Structures creates the connectionusing the system default property.

If AutoDefaults have been used, theactual picture in the default option doesnot necessairly match the outcome.

Using AutoDefaults(p. 44)

To have Tekla Structures automaticallydetermine which option to use for aproperty, select the option marked withthis symbol.

Example, Boomerang bracingconnection (60):

Use the Automatic optionon the Gussetbolt1 tab to have TeklaStructures determine how the clip angleis connected to the gusset plate and

beam.


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Getting Started

See also Using the joints.def file (p. 45)

General tab

Connections and details have the same General tab. It contains the following properties:

Design and Design type tabs

Some component dialog boxes include a Design tab, others include a Design type tab. Use theoptions on these pages to check if the component will bear the UDL (uniform distributed load),according to AISC (ASD) specifications. This design check is intended for use with imperialunits.

The Design tab also contains options to:

Field Description More information

Up direction Rotates the connection aroundthe secondary part or detailaround the main part.

The fields next to the imagedefine rotation angle aroundthe x- and y-axis of thesecondary. The upper one isfor y- and the lower one for x.

Up direction

Position in

relation toprimary part

Available only for details.

Select a checkbox next to theimages to indicate theposition of the definitionpoint of the detail, relative tothe main part.

Use the Horizontal offset andVertical offset fields to definethe horizontal and verticalalignment of the detail,relative to the primary part.

Locked Prevents modifications. Locking objects

Class A number given to all parts

the connection creates. Youcan use class to define thecolor of parts in the model.

Colors

Connection

code

Identifies the connection.Tekla Structures can displaythis connection code inconnection marks indrawings.

AutoDefaults

Rule Group

Automatically sets connectionproperties according to theselected rule group. To switchAutoDefaults off, select therule group None.

Using AutoDefaults

AutoConnectio

n Rule Group

Automatically switches theconnection to anotheraccording to the selected rulegroup.


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Getting Started

Use AutoDefaults rule groups to automatically modify component properties to take thecalculated load. To define which AutoDefaults rule group to use, go to the General tab andselect the rule in the AutoDefaults rule group list box.

For more information, see Reaction forces and UDL.

Use information in an Excel spreadsheet to check connection design and automatically

update component properties to bear the UDL. This is useful when you want to checkconnection design according to other design codes. See Using Excel in connectiondesign.

Design tab To check the design of a component that has a Design tab page:

1. Go to the Design tab and select Yes in the Use UDL listbox.

2. To use information in an Excel spreadsheet in the UDL calculation, select Excel in theExternal design listbox.

3. Enter the information you want to use in the calculation in the remaining fields.

4. Select a connection in the model and clickModify. To view the results of the check, right-click the component symbol and select Inquire from the pop-up menu.The inquire objectwindow opens, which contains a summary of the design checks and related information.

See also Using Excel in connection design.

Design type tab To check the design of a component that has a Design type tab page:

1. Open the component properties dialog box.

2. Go to the Design type tab and select Yes in the Check connection list box. TeklaStructures will check the connection each time it is used or changed in a model.

3. Enter the information you want to use in the calculation in the remaining fields.

4. Select a connection in the model and clickModify.

5. Tekla Structures checks the component. A green component symbol indicates that theconnection will bear the UDL, red indicates it will not.

6. To view the results of the check, right-click the component symbol and select Inquire fromthe pop-up menu.The inquire object window opens, which contains a summary of thedesign checks and related information, for example:

The first row shows the part checked, the name of the check and a reference to the AISCspecification.

The second row shows the applied and allowed force and how much capacity has been

used. The third row shows the results and possible solutions. In this example the primary angle

plate was not thick enough. Tekla Structures has indicated the minimum thickness requiredto bear the UDL.

1.2 Component catalog

Tekla Structures contains a component catalog, where all components and sketched crosssections are stored. See also Sketched cross sections.

Primary angle, Gross shear [AISC ASD F4-1 (p5-49)]

applied = 250.00, allowable = 190.80, capacity = 1.31

FAIL (t = 0.5000, tmin = 0.6551)

Example of design check information in the Inquire object

dialog box.


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Getting Started

To open the component catalog, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F, or click the Searchcomponent icon on the component toolbar (see Component catalog example (p. 17)).

Topics Using the component catalog (p. 17)

Thumbnail images (p. 20)

Descriptions and keywords (p. 20)

Grouping components (p. 21)

Customizing and saving components (p. 22)

Using the component catalog

To open the component catalog, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F, or click the Searchcomponent icon on the component toolbar.

You can do the following with components and sketched cross sections:

search using name, number, or keywords

start creating

view properties

collect your own favorites

define keywords

edit or add descriptions

import/export

Componentcatalog example

This example shows the search results for the search term "Part":


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Getting Started

Creating new

folders

By default, components are grouped in folders based on their type and framing condition. You

can add and remove components, and create folders and subfolders.

To create new folders in the Folders tree view, right-click a level in the tree and select anoption from the pop-up menu:

Create New Folder to create folder at the same level

Create New Sub-folder to create a folder one level below

Information on the folders you create is stored in theComponentCatalogTreeView.txt file that is located in the..\TeklaStructuresModels\\attributes\ folder.

For more information, see Copying components to another folder (p. 21).

Modifying

Search andFolders views

The default view settings for the Search view are stored in the

ComponentCatalog.txt file that is located in the ..\TeklaStructures\\environments\\system folder.

If you modify the file, the Search view and the Search results branch in the Folders viewchange.

The default tree settings for the Folders view are stored in theComponentCatalogTreeView.txt file that is located in the ..\TeklaStructures\\environments\\system folder.

If you modify the file, the Folders view changes.

SymbolsThe first column in the catalog indicates the component types with following symbols:

Search

View folders

View details

View thumbnails

Show/ hide descriptions

Create a component using the component tool you used last with itscurrent properties.

Double-click the name to set the properties and create the component.

Component description

Custom components have yellow symbols.

System components have blue symbols.

To sort a column, click the header cell.

You can create a list of favorite components. To add a component to yourlist, right-click the component name in the component catalog, and thenselect Add to Favorites in the pop-up menu.


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Getting Started

Pop-up menus

Systemcomponents

Right-click a system component in the Search view list to open a pop-up menu containing thefollowing commands:

Properties...

Edit keywords...

Add to Favorites

Add to Search result...

Remove from Search result

Change picture...

AutoDefaults Import

Customcomponents

Right-click a custom component in the Search view list to open a pop-up menu containing thefollowing commands:

Properties...

Edit keywords...

Add to Favorites



Change picture...

AutoDefaults

Export

Import

Edit custom component

Delete custom component

Sketched crosssections

Right-click a sketch in the Search view list to open a pop-up menu containing the followingcommands:

Properties...

Edit keywords...

Add to Favorites

Symbol Component type

System connections

System detail

System modeling tool

Custom connections and seams

Custom details

Custom parts

Sketched cross sections


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Getting Started



Export

Import

Delete cross section sketch

See also Thumbnail images (p. 20)

Descriptions and keywords (p. 20)

Grouping components (p. 21)

Managing custom components (p. 106)

Sketched cross sections

Thumbnail images

Most system components have a default thumbnail image in the component catalog, whichshows you a typical situation where the component can be used. For example, this is what thethumbnail image for Bolted gusset (11) connection looks like:

To edit a thumbnail image for a component:

1. Create an image and save it in bmp format in ..\TeklaStructures\\nt\bitmaps folder.

2. Press Ctrl + F to open the component catalog.

3. Right-click the component and select Change picture...

4. Locate the thumbnail and select it.

5. Click OK.

6. Tekla Structures links the thumbnail to the component.

Descriptions and keywords

Descriptions To view a component description, select the component in the Component catalog.

Use the button to show or hide descriptions.

You can create new descriptions and edit existing ones:

The default component descriptions are stored in the xslib.db1 file, located in themodel folder.

To add or edit a description, type text in the description field. When you select another

component in the component catalog, Tekla Structures prompts you to save the descriptionyou added or edited. After you have saved the description, save the model also.

To create the image, you can use Create View > Default Views ofComponent and Screenshot commands, for example.


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Getting Started

Edited component descriptions are model-specific.

Keywords To add or edit keywords, right-click a component in the component catalog, and select Editkeywords...

Keywords you add or edit are saved in ComponentCatalog.txt file in the current modelfolder.

You can combine ComponentCatalog.txt files and move them to the systemfolder:..\TeklaStructures\\environments\\system .

Grouping components

To create a new folder based on the results of a search:

1. In the Component catalog, enter your search criteria and clickSearch.

2. To group the search results in a new folder, clickStore.

3. In the Store search result dialog box, enter a name for the folder and clickOK.

4. The new folder appears in the tree.

Removingcomponents fromgroups

To remove components from a group, right-click the component and select:

Remove, if it is a default group.

or Remove from search result if the folder was created from a search.

Copying components to another folder

To copy components from one folder to another:

1. In the component catalog, click the Folders icon to open the Folders view.

2. Go to the folder where the component to be copied is located.

3. Select the component, right-click and select Copy.

4. Go to the folder where you want to copy the component.

5. Right-click and select Paste.

If the copying does not succeed for some reason, store the componenttemporarily to a new folder.

1. Click the Search icon and search for the component to be copied.

2. Select the component and clickStore to create a new folder for thecomponent.

3. In the Folders view, go to the new folder and copy the componentfrom there to the desired folder.


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Getting Started

Customizing and saving components

Many components are suitable for use in different situations. You can define the properties of acomponent to use in a specific situation, then save a copy in the component catalog to use insimilar situations.

For example, well use the Bolted gusset (11) component to connect a single brace at the base

plate of column.

1. To save a copy of the component, well right-click the component symbol in the model,and select Publish in catalog.... The Publish in catalog dialog box appears.

2. We can add the component to a specific group. By default, the component is added to theAll group.

3. By default the component uses the same thumbnail image as the original component. Tochange the thumbnail, see Thumbnail images (p. 20).

1.3 Using components

Introduction This section explains how to use components. It also includes examples.

Topics Creating components (p. 23)

Example: Adding an end plate (p. 23)

Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods (p. 24)


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Example: Adding a beam to column connection (p. 25)

Viewing components (p. 26)

Modifying components (p. 26)

Conceptual components (p. 26)

Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component (p. 27)

Tips on working with components (p. 28)

Creating components

You create different types of component in different ways. For example, you select existingparts to indicate which members a connection or a detail is attached to. You need to pickpoints to indicate the location or length of a detail or a modeling tool. See also Selection order(p. 13).

When you create connections, Tekla Structures prompts you to select the main part (the partsecondary parts connect to), then the secondary part(s). For an example of using a connection,see Example: Adding an end plate (p. 23).

Status Tekla Structures uses different-colored connection symbols to show the status of connectionsand details, as shown below:

Example: Adding an end plate

This example shows how to create an end plate connection. The End plate (144) connectionconnects two beams, or a beam to a column, using a bolted end plate.

To create the end plate connection:

1. In the component catalog, enter 144 and clickSearch.

2. Double-click the End plate (144) component. Tekla Structures displays the componentdialog box and starts the End plate (144) command.

Color Status Tip

Green

Component createdsuccessfully.

Yellow

Component created, but

has problems.

Often occurs when bolts or

holes have an edge distanceless than the default value forthat component.

Red

Component failed. A common reason is that theup direction is notappropriate. See Updirection (p. 13).

When applying a component that you are unfamiliar with, accept the

default properties and apply the component. Then look to see what needsto be modified. This is quicker than trying to set the values for thecomponent before seeing what the component actually creates.


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3. Click Apply to create the component using the default properties.

4. Tekla Structures prompts you to select the main part (column) and then the secondary part(beam). Tekla Structures creates the connection.

5. Select the next main part or interrupt the command.

If you need to change the number of bolts or plate dimensions, for example, you need to modifythe component. For more information, see Modifying components (p. 26).

If you use incorrect properties, Tekla Structures may fail to create the component. For moreinformation, see Creating components (p. 23).

Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods

Component catalog contains several base plate details. This example shows how to create abase plate and anchor rods.

Before you start:

create a column

create an elevation view

To add a base plate to a column:

1. Open an elevation view.

2. Open the component catalog.

3. Enter base plate in the Search field and clickSearch.

4. To view pictures of the components in the search results, click the Thumbnails icon .


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5. Click Base plate (1004). This component creates a base plate with anchor bolts.6. The prompt Pick part appears on the status bar. Select the column.

7. The prompt Pick position appears on the status bar. Pick the point at the base of thecolumn to indicate where to create the base plate.

8. Tekla Structures creates the base plate.

9. Examine the component to see if you need to make any changes.

10. Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection wascreated successfully.

11. Change the dimensions of the anchor rods.

To make it easier to select components, click the Select component icon .

12. Double-click the component to open the Tekla Structures Base plate (1004) dialog box.13. Go to the Anchor rods tab. Change the dimensions of the anchor rods.

14. To change only this base plate, select Ignore other types in the list in the top section of thedialog box:

15. ClickModify. Tekla Structures changes the dimensions of the anchor rods.

16. ClickOK to close the dialog box.

17. Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to end the command.

18. Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection was

created successfully.

Example: Adding a beam to column connection

Component catalog contains several beam to column connections. This example shows how tocreate a beam to column connection.

Before you start:

create a beam and a column

create an elevation view

To create a beam to column connection:

1. Open the component catalog.


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2. Select Beam to column connections in the list. The list of beam to column connectionsappears in the main pane.

3. Select Column with stiffeners (186).

4. The prompt Pick main part appears on the status bar. Select the column.

5. The prompt Pick secondary part appears on the status bar. Select the beam.

6. Tekla Structures creates the connection.

7. Click OK to close the dialog box.8. Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to end the command.

9. Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection wascreated successfully.

10. Examine the component to see if you need to make any changes.

Viewing components

You can create several views of a component to view it from different viewpoints.

To create views of a component:

1. Click the component symbol to select the component.

2. To create views, right-click and select Create View > Default Views of Component inthe pop-up menu. Tekla Structures creates four views: front, end, top, and perspective.

Modifying components

To modify a component, double-click the component symbol in the model. The componentdialog box appears. This is where you modify the component properties.

You can also indicate which connections and details are affected by the modifications:

Modify connection type: If you have selected several connections details, clicking theModify button modifies all the selected connections and details irrespective of their type. Ifthe connection type is not the same as in the dialog box, Tekla Structures changes theconnection type.

Ignore other types: Tekla Structures only modifies connections and details of the typeshown in dialog box.

Conceptual components

Conceptual components can be created only with Engineering and Reinforced ConcreteDetailing configurations.

To check dimensions, such as bolt locations and edge distances, work inthe Component front view and use the Measure tool.

If you have Select component switched on , you do not have to

pick component symbol, but you can just pick any object belonging to acomponent. This is the only method for selecting custom parts, becausethey do not have any symbol.


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Conceptual components are meant to be used as reference information for further fabricationdetailing. Conceptual components look similar to detailed components but do not include theoption to change part numbering or assembly numbering settings.

You can edit conceptual components in Full, Steel Detailing, or Precast Concrete Detailingconfigurations.

Conceptual components can be converted to detailed components that include all the

information needed for fabrication, such as assemblies, cast units, and reinforcing bars. Theconversion to detailed components can be done in Full, Steel Detailing, or Precast ConcreteDetailing configurations.

Detailed components can be converted to conceptual components in Engineering andReinforced Concrete Detailing configurations.

Modifying part properties, such as the size of the component main part, does not automaticallyconvert a detailed component to a conceptual one, or vice versa. For example, if you use theEngineering configuration and modify the model, detailed components do not convert back toconceptual components.

See also Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component (p. 27)

Converting a conceptual component to a detailed componentAn individual conceptual component that has been created with Engineering or ReinforcedConcrete Detailing configuration can be converted to a detailed component in Full, SteelDetailing, and Precast Concrete Detailing configurations.

To convert a conceptual component to a detailed component:

1. Select the component symbol.

2. Click Detailing > Component > Convert to Detailing Component.

Alternatively, you can select the component symbol, right-click and select Convert toDetailing Component.

If you want to convert a detailed component to a conceptual component in Engineering orReinforced Concete Detailing configuration, right-click and select Convert to ConceptualComponent.

See also Conceptual components (p. 26)

Component Symbol Configuration Description

Conceptual

Rectangular

Engineering

ReinforcedConcrete Detailing

Conceptual componentdoes not createassemblies or cast units.

The dialog box isotherwise same as thatfor a detailedcomponent, but does notcontain fields for partand assembly positions.

Detailed

Round

Full

Steel Detailing

Precast ConcreteDetailing

Detailed componentcontains part andassembly numbering

fields, and createsneeded assemblies andcast units.


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Tips on working with components

No componentcreated

If you have difficulty applying a component, check the status bar for prompts. For example,you may need to click the middle mouse button to stop selecting parts, before Tekla Structurescreates the component.

Many parts found If you are applying a connection that only allows for one secondary member, you may see themessage Many parts found on the status bar. This means that Tekla Structures cannotdetermine which parts to connect. You may have several parts in the same location, or the viewmay be set too deep.

Switch parts on/off

If the component does not create the parts you need by default (for example, stiffener plates),look for a switch to turn them on. If there is no switch, try entering a value in the thickness fieldfor that part (for example, on the Stiffeners tab).

If the component creates parts you do not need, look for the switch to turn them off. If there isno switch, enter a zero (0) in the thickness field for that part.

Entering validprofiles

You need to specify profiles for some components. If a component fails, try entering a validprofile.

1.4 Defining parts and plates

Use the Parts tab to define the parts that Tekla Structures creates when you use a component.

Topics Using the dialog box (p. 28)

Dimensioning parts (p. 29)

Defining materials (p. 31)

Using the dialog box

Some components list all parts on one tab, others list parts on separate tabs as shown in thefollowing examples.

One Parts tab Where there is one tab, the label is usually Parts or Plates.

Default: Tekla Structures creates stiffeners or usesvalue retrieved from AutoDefaults.

Automatic: Tekla Structures creates or omits stiffenersdepending on the situation in the model.

Tekla Structures does not create stiffeners

Tekla Structures creates stiffeners.


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Several Partstabs

Plates can also appear on separate tabs. For example, in connection 56, Corner tube gusset,the parts appear on both the Gusset and Tube diag tabs.

Dimensioning parts

Use the Parts tabs to dimension specific part types in components.

PlatesEnter the following dimensions for plates:

You do not have to enter these dimensions for every component type, as Tekla Structuresdetermines the plate shape differently for different components. For example, in end plateconnections, Tekla Structures calculates width and height using the number of bolts and boltedge distances. ClickHelp in a component dialog box to check which dimensions you need toenter.

BeamsTo specify a library or parametric profile to use for beams:

To delete a part, enter zero (0) in the t (thickness) field.

Dimension Description

t Plate thickness

b Plate width

h Plate height


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Enter the profile name.

Or click , and select a profile from the profile catalog.

Part posi tion numberUse the Pos_no field to enter the part position number for each part the component creates.This overrides the settings on the Tools > Options > Options... > Components tab. Specify aprefixand a start number, as shown below.

Some component dialog boxes have a second row ofPos_no fields for you to enter theassembly position number.

Using the Components tabTo set the default prefix and start number for all the parts that components create, clickTools >

Options > Options... > Components. You define different prefixes and start numbersaccording to the parts relationship to other parts in the component. Separate the prefix and partnumber using the \ character (for example, p\1).

The profile must exist in the profile catalog.

Prefix

Start number


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Defining materials

To define the materials for the parts that components create, click against the

Material field. Tekla Structures opens the Select Material dialog box. Click a material type,then click the material to use for the part.

Prefix

Part number


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Using the Components tabTo set the default part material for the parts that components create, clickTools > Options >Options... > Components tab, and use the Part material field. Tekla Structures uses thisdefault if you leave the Material field blank in the component dialog box when you apply thecomponent.

1.5 Defining bolts and welds

Use the Bolts or Welds tabs to define which bolts, assemblies, and welds to use in specificcomponents.

Topics Using the Bolts tab (p. 32)

Defining bolts (p. 34)

Creating holes (p. 34)

Number of bolts and spacing (p. 35)

Bolt group orientation (p. 35)

Bolt group pattern (p. 36)

Edge distance (p. 36)

Bolt position (p. 36)

Defining slotted holes (p. 38)

Deleting bolts (p. 39)

Defining bolt assemblies (p. 40)

Welds (p. 40)

Using the Bolts tab

This illustration shows the properties you can set on the Bolts tab of component dialog boxes:


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Slotted hole dimensions

Slotted to create slotted hole in part

Check bolt components to include (bolt, washer, screw).

Shank length protruding from the nut

Bolt spacing - vertical

Number of bolts


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Defining bolts

Use the following fields on the Bolts tab to specify the type of bolts to use in individual

components:

Increasing bolt lengthTo allow for additional material thickness, increase the length of the bolt on the Bolts tab. Forexample, you could use this for painted parts.

Enter extra bolt length

Tekla Structures uses this value in bolt length calculation. See Bolt length calculation.

Creating holes

To only create a hole, deselect all the components in the illustration on the Bolts tab.

Enter bolt order number of bolt to delete.

Edge distance

Bolt spacing (horizontal)

Number of bolts

Bolt group pattern

Horizontal

Vertical

Dialog boxtext Description

Bolt size Must be defined in the bolt assembly catalog. See also Thebolt and bolt assembly catalogs.

Bolt standard The bolt standard to use inside the component. Must bedefined in the bolt assembly catalog.

Tolerance Gap between bolt and hole.

Thread in mat Indicate if the thread can be inside bolted parts when using

bolts with a shaft. Has no effect if using full-threadedbolts.

Site/Workshop Location where bolts should be attached.


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Number of bolts and spacing

Use the Bolts tab to specify the number of bolts and bolt spacing, both horizontally andvertically.

Enter the number of bolts in the shorter field, and the spacing between bolts in the longer field,as shown below. Use a space to separate bolt spacing values. Enter a value for each spacebetween bolts.

Example For example, if there are 3 bolts, enter 2 values.

The settings above result in this bolt group layout:

Bolt group orientation

Some connections include the following options on the Bolts tab to orientate bolt groups:

Number of bolts

Bolt spacing

Option Description

Square.

Staggered in the direction of the secondary part.

Sloped in the direction of the secondary part.


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Bolt group pattern

For some components you can select different bolt group patterns. You have the followingoptions:

Edge distance

Edge distance is the distance from the center of a bolt to the edge of the part. Enter top, bottom,left, and right edge distances on the Bolts tab. A dimension line on the illustration shows eachdimension. See also Using the joints.def file (p. 45).

Bolt position

In the list box on the Bolts tab, select an option to indicate how to measure dimensions forvertical and horizontal bolt position.

Then enter the dimension in the fields indicated below. If you leave this field blank, TeklaStructures uses a system default value.

Option

Edge distance dimension line

Enter edge distances here


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Vertical bol t posit ionUse these options to indicate how Tekla Structures measures vertical dimensions:

Horizontal bolt positionUse these options to indicate how Tekla Structures measures horizontal dimensions:

Enter dimensions

Measure dimension from....

Option Dimension from Illustration

Top Upper edge of secondary part touppermost bolt.

Middle Centerline of bolts to centerline of

secondary part.

Bottom Lower edge of secondary part tolowest bolt.


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Defining slotted holes

To define slotted holes in components:

1. Open the component properties dialog box and click on the Bolts tab. Different boltgroups may appear on different tabs in different dialog boxes.

2. Set Hole type to Slotted.

3. Select which parts have slotted holes from the Slots in list box. Select No to create roundholes.

4. To shape slotted holes, enter the x or y dimensions of the hole. To produce a round hole,enter zero (0) for both dimensions.

Option Dimension from Illustration

Left Left edge of secondary part to farleft bolt.

Middle Centerline of bolts.

Right Right edge of secondary part to farright bolt.


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Slotted hole length = x or y dimension + Bolt size + Tolerance

You can also use the Bolt command to modify bolt groups after creating components. For more

information, see Holes.

Deleting bolts

To delete bolts from a bolt group:

1. Double click the component symbol to open the component dialog box.

2. Go to the Bolts tab.

3. Check Delete.

4. Enter the bolt number(s) of the bolt(s) to delete, separated by a space. Bolt numbers runleft to right and top down.

5. Click Modify to change the selected component.

6. Click OK to exit the component dialog box.

Example You start with this bolt group:

You enter the following bolt numbers:

The bolt group now looks like this:

For some components you can specify which parts have slotted holesusing the Bolts tab. For example, Clip angle (141), Shear plate simple(146).


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Defining bol t assemblies

On the illustration on the Bolts tab, check the pieces to use in the bolt assembly (bolt, washers,and nuts).

To change the bolt assemblies in the current component:

1. Click the component symbol to select it.

2. Check the pieces to use.

3. Check Effect in modify.

4. Click the Modify button.

Welds

To define the properties of the welds Tekla Structures uses in a component, click the Weldsbutton in the component properties dialog box. Tekla Structures displays the appropriate welddialog box.

The illustration identifies each weld using a number. For each weld, use row 1 to define thearrow side of the weld, and row 2 for the other side.


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See also Welds

1.6 AutoConnection

Introduction Use AutoConnection to automatically select and apply connections with predefined propertiesto selected parts. Use AutoConnection to have Tekla Structures automatically create similarconnections for similar framing conditions.

Topics Using AutoConnection (p. 41)

Using AutoConnection

Use AutoConnection to have Tekla Structures automatically create connections using apredefined set of rules, or rule group.

Creatingconnections

To create connections using AutoConnection:

1. Pick the parts to connect.

2. Click Detailing > AutoConnection... to display the AutoConnection dialog box.

3. Select a rule group in the first list box on the Rule groups tab as shown below.


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4. Click the Create connections button.

When you use AutoConnection, Tekla Structures ignores the properties in the connection

dialog boxes and creates connections using the properties defined in the rule group. TeklaStructures does not modify existing connections.

You can change the properties of connections you create using AutoConnection.

Additionaloptions

Use the options on the Advanced tab to indicate which rule groups you want to use for eachFraming condition (beam to beam web, beam to beam flange, etc.). You also have the optionnot to apply a rule group, or to apply a specific connection.

Rule group for AutoConnection

Rule group for AutoDefaults


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Example You can use a rule group for all framing types other than beam to column flange, and indicate aparticular connection to use for that framing type.

Options Use Connection selection to indicate your preferences for each framing condition. You havethe following options:

Use Parameters selection to indicate which connection properties you want to use. Theoptions are:

Option Result

None Tekla Structures does not create a connection.

AutoConnection Tekla Structures applies the connection defined inthe rule group you have indicated in the first listbox on the Rule groups tab.

A named connection ClickSelect to pick from a list of availableconnections. Click a connection, then OK.

Tekla Structures creates the connection you specifyusing the default properties. See Automatic anddefault properties (p. 14).

Option Result

AutoDefaults Tekla Structures applies the properties of the rulegroup you have indicated in the first list box onRule groups tab.

No AutoDefaults Tekla Structures applies the default connectionproperties. See Automatic and default properties(p. 14).


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1.7 AutoDefaults

Introduction Use AutoDefaults to automatically apply connections. When you use AutoDefaults, TeklaStructures automatically creates connections with predefined properties.

For example, you can use AutoDefaults to automatically adjust the thickness of each base plate

you create, according to the primary part profile. If the primary part profile changes, TeklaStructures will also automatically adjust the thickness of the base plate.

Topics Using AutoConnection (p. 41)

Using AutoDefaults (p. 44)

How to use AutoDefaults effectively (p. 45)

Checking AutoDefaults properties (p. 45)

Checking AutoDefaults rules (p. 45)

Using AutoDefaults

With AutoDefaultsyou can have Tekla Structures apply connection properties using apredefined set of rules. You can use AutoDefaults together with AutoConnection to defineconnection properties, or separately to define the properties of a single connection.

To use AutoDefaults for a single connection:

1. Open the connection dialog box.

2. On the General tab, select a rule group (the rule group cannot be None).

3. On all the tabs, set the fields that you want AutoDefaults to override to Default by

selecting the options marked with the arrow symbol.

4. Click Apply to create the connection using AutoDefaults.

To quickly set all the fields in a dialog box to Default, load in the connection dialog box.


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How to use AutoDefaults effectively

Use default values when you create a connection, then use AutoDefaults to modify theproperties.

If you manually modify connection properties after using AutoDefaults, Tekla Structures willnot automatically update the connection properties, even if AutoDefaults is active.

AutoDefaults does not change connection properties that have been modified. It only modifiesconnection properties in fields containing the default properties.

For example, you have manually set a base plate thickness of 20 mm in the Base plate dialogbox of a connection. AutoDefaults is active and sets plate thickness according to the primarypart profile. If you modify the primary part profile, Tekla Structures does not update the baseplate thickness. It remains at 20 mm.

Checking AutoDefaults properties

To check the properties AutoDefaults has applied to a connection:

1. Double-click the connection symbol to open the connection dialog box.

2. In the list box in the upper left corner of the dialog box, select .3. Click Load. Tekla Structures shows the applied properties in the fields. You can also see

all the combined properties used for that connection.

Checking AutoDefaults rules

You can check which rules AutoDefaults has used for a particular connection.

1. Select the connection symbol and right-click.

2. Select Inquire.

Tekla Structures shows the rule group and rule sets that the connection passed. You can also seeall the properties files used for that connection.

1.8 Using the joints.def f ile

This section explains how to use the joints.def text file to set the default properties fordifferent connection types. Not all connections use joints.def.

Topics About joints.def(p. 46)

Defining general defaults (p. 47)

Defining bolt diameter and number of rows (p. 48)

Defining other bolt and part properties (p. 49)

How Tekla Structures uses joints.def(p. 55)

Connections that use joints.def(p. 55)

If you are new to using joints.def, we suggest you read each of thetopics in this section thoroughly before making any changes.


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About joints.def

Changing the joints.def file changes the default values for different connection types. Youcan open the joints.def file in any standard text editor.

If you use joints.def, you can still use some system default properties. To force TeklaStructures to use the system default for a particular property, give it the value -2147483648 injoints.def.

By default, Tekla Structures includes the joints.def file in the system folder.

Tekla Structures searches for joints.def in the standard search order.

How joints.def worksFor each connection type, Tekla Structures follows these steps to assign bolt and partproperties.

1. Tekla Structures determines bolt diameter and number of bolts according to the followingcriteria:

2. Tekla Structures uses bolt diameter to assign other bolt and part properties.

How to read joints .defLines beginning with // are comment lines. They are there to help you read the file, TeklaStructures does not use the information in comment lines.

The first few lines contain some general settings:

Set the following line to the unit of measure appropriate to the version you are using (forexample, inches in the Imperial version).

To have Tekla Structures use the default values in joints.def, set the following line to 1.Set it to 0 to have Tekla Structures use the system defaults.

Properties for each connection type appear in individual sections, as shown below. Each sectionbegins with a header row containing the column labels. Do not add columns to the file.

Tekla Structures only uses the values in joints.def for blank fields.AutoDefaults and manual entries override joints.def.

Connection type According to

Clip angle Secondary beam height

Shear plate Secondary beam height

End plate Secondary beam height

Gusset Length of angle profile

Diagonal Height of angle profile


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Entering valuesWhen you edit joints.def:

Enter absolute values or names

Do not use feet and inch symbols

Ensure that profiles exist in the profile catalog

Ensure bolts exist in the bolt catalog.

Defining general defaults

If Tekla Structures cannot find a property for a connection in the connection-specific sectionsofjoints.def, it looks for the default property in the General section.

Example In clip angles, Tekla Structures uses the default bolt diameter in the General section if thesecondary beam height is larger than the highest value in the Clip angle section ofjoints.def.

The properties in the General section ofjoints.def are:

Properties Description

boltdia Bolt diameter.

pitch Distance from the center of one bolt to the center ofthe next.

clipweld Weld size.

angle-cc-inc Tekla Structures adds bolt to bolt distance and webthickness, then rounds the result up by this value.Complies with US AISC standard.

lprofgapinc Tekla Structures rounds the angle profile gap up by

this value. Complies with US AISC standard.

lsize Size of the angle profile.

copedepth Determines notch size.

copelength Determines notch size.

boltedge Edge distance.

webplatelen Haunch plate height (h).

webplatewid Haunch plate width (b).

beamedge Distance from the upper edge of the angle profile tothe top of the secondary beam.

knifeclr No longer used.

clipedge Edge distance for bolts (clip angles only).

gap No longer used.

shearplatethk Shear plate thickness.

endplatethk End plate thickness.

shearweld Size of weld.

cliplsize Size of angle profile (clip angles only).

flangecutclear Flange cut clearance.

slotsize Size of slotted hole.


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Defining bol t diameter and number of rows

Before you start, read How joints.def works (p. 46). Use the rows beginning withBOLTHEIGHT in each connection-specific section ofjoints.def to define the default boltdiameter and default number of horizontal bolt rows for the following connection types:

Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections (p. 48)

Gusset connections (p. 49)

Diagonal connections (p. 49)

Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections

Tekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of rows horizontally accordingto the height of the secondary beam. You can enter the following properties:

clipslots Which part gets slotted holes:

1 for beam

2 for angle profiles

3 for bothRefers to the Slots in list box options on the Boltstab. See individual connection help for details.

clipattach How the clip angle is attached to the secondary andprimary parts:

1 is Both bolted

2 is Primary bolted / Secondary welded

3 is Primary not welded

4 is Primary welded / Secondary bolted

5 is Both welded

6 is Primary not bolted

7 is Secondary not welded

8 is Secondary not bolted

9 is Both bolted / welded

Refers to the attachment type list box options on theBolts tab. See individual connection help for details.

copedepthinc Tekla Structures rounds cope depth up using thisvalue.

copelengthinc Tekla Structures rounds cope length using this value.

Properties Description

Property Description

name Use the name BOLTHEIGHT

part Use the part name ANGLECLIP

sec.beam.height Height of secondary beam

diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in the bolt catalog.

number_of_bolts Number of bolts horizontally


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Gusset connectionsTekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of bolt rows horizontallyaccording to the length of the angle profile. You can ent

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