Global Structural Detailing, CanadaAfter working for a local Edmonton fabricator, Matthew Bastura set out to sub-contract his drafting services in an effort to start his own operation. A significant project came along, so Matthew and a couple friends incorporated in 2000 and within six months,they werein full operation. With Matthew as President and partner Tom Kerns as Chief Draftsman, Global Structural Detailing Ltd. was a growing company. The global differenceSince purchasing the first license in 2002, Global Structural Detailing has tripled in employee size with a 13-station drafting department that utilizes the 3D power of Tekla Structures to provide specifically modified drawings to suit the client. Tekla Structures was originally used for small jobs, as Matthew and company were a bit cautious to experiment on anything complex. But after six months and bringing on an advanced user, Global Structural Detailing was able to fully realize the benefits of the application.Tekla Structures has opened many doors for Global Structural Detailing. The company has been able to take on larger projects with shorter timelines and greater accuracy.

Matthew remarks, Towards the end of 2004, we took on a rather odd steel detailing job for the owner of EBay. The project was just under 80,000 sq.ft, with over 350 steel columns in 4 main pavilions. There were almost 2000 crane erectable pieces. Design changes were on-going from engineering design to owner modifications, all handled very accurately and efficiently using Tekla Structures. Due to the fabricators requirement for import of electronic data files, we needed to send information directly from the model through the Internet. We did not receive a single call from the shop on drawings issued to date, and the field had only one comment: how great the steel fits together. Tekla Structures was essential on this project and its success. Customer advantageMatthew was hesitant about making the switch to Tekla Structures. He states:It took a leap of faith to trust that the drawings would be correct so long as the grid was correct and the appropriate connection variables were applied in the computer model. But the transition was smooth. Tekla Structures has a fast learning curve, especially for anyone coming from a 2D environment, and a convenient user interface making it easy to implement.

Dowco Consultants Ltd, with 3 offices across Canada, is the Canadian reseller for Tekla Structures. Not only is the companya distributor, but a major Tekla Structures user. Matthew did initially opt out of support, but after seeing the benefits, has updated his old Xsteel versions.

Now that Global Structural Detailing is on support, for any questions that arise we can call technical support at any time and usually get a response within the hour, if not immediately. Dowco is committed to providing initial training as well as additional technical support for development. Their extensive experience with the product translates into customer satisfaction. Which in turn enhances our customer loyalty.

"Tekla Structures is the leading 3D modeling system in the world, with users in more than 80 countries experiencing tremendous gains in productivity, accuracy and efficiency. The advantages over other detailing systems and methods include superior technology, ease of use, flexibility and absolutely unrivaled collaboration with other members of the design team. Tekla Structures has come a long way since Xsteel. It can only get better.

Maintenance agreementTekla values customer commitment and wants to make sure that customers get the most out of their investment. All Tekla Structures softwareconfigurations are supportedby a possibility to purchasesoftware maintenance.

Tekla software maintenance agreement ensures effective implementation of any Tekla Structures configuration regardless of version. Tekla guarantees support and updates during the entire lifecycle of a customer project. A valid Tekla software maintenance agreement includes availability of the following services: Technical supportProactive and skilled professionals are available to consult whether the problem is related specifically to Tekla Structures software or just the project at hand. Users can email or call local support whenever there is a question. Each local support unit is supported by a global team that works in close cooperation with Tekla product development personnel. Version updatesCustomer feedback plays an important role in Tekla product development. As a result, version updates are published between the annual main releases of Tekla Structures. This means that each new software update makes a substantial difference in users' day-to-day productivity, allowingthem to focus on their design work.User daysAll users holding a valid software maintenance agreement are invited to join local Tekla Structures user meetings. During the meetings, users receive the latest developments as well as get an opportunity to discuss regional requirements and issues related tothe softwareorindustry. User days are a key opportunity to discuss Tekla Structures software with specialists and product developers as well as to learn from other users. Tekla extranetOnly customers with a valid software maintenance agreement have access to the Tekla extranet. The Tekla Structures extranet has been designedto bean effective global forum to distribute information, give feedback, exchange ideas, and discuss how to increase efficient use of Tekla Structures. Registration is easy:justfill in theregistration form.

Contact Tekla or local reseller for more information.

Tekla Xsteel 9 - more intelligent than ever24 November 2003More efficiency in steel detailingwith the new Tekla Xsteel 9.0 - more intelligent than ever! Information sharing within the company and with all partners, modification and change management as well as risk management when responding to a tender document are some of the repetitive steel detailing problems that many building and construction companies face daily understandably, all this can become costly. The new 3D steel detailing market leader Tekla Xsteel 9.0 addresses all these challenges efficiently. It enables real-time seamless collaboration, forgets nothing, reduces costly errors and automatically adjusts to modifications.Tekla Corporation, the worldwide leader in model-based software has designed the new Tekla Xsteel 9.0 to meet the needs of the most demanding steel detailing customers. True parametrics, enhanced drawings and versatile snapping tools are just few examples of the new features and Teklas continuous developmentEfficiency improves results Tekla Xsteel 9.0s built-in efficiency and productivity give immediate results both in daily detailing and in business profitability. This easy to use software cuts project run-through times significantly by allowing the user to master every move in steel detailing. This allows the customer to solve problems and gain significant cost savings, increased productivity and quality upgrades by changing to Xsteel 9.0.The architecture of the new Tekla Xsteel 9.0 guarantees extremely compact model size and real-time rendering. It has true 3D presentation and powerful view handling. The full solid modeler function memorizes and makes the model adjustments automatically and comprehensively. Tekla Xsteel 9.0 provides 3D building modeling with built-in real-time functionality. All information, reports and drawings are located in one central database that is naturally always up-to-date. Tekla Xsteel 9.0 comes with even better drawing presentation with even more tools and drawing options.With Tekla Xsteel 9.0 customers can now benefit from advanced drawings like versatile drawing presentation and easy drawing editing. Attribute check, change and recheck can be done in a blink of an eye. There are no limitations for undo and redo commands. This enables easy and cost-efficient production of complete and accurate drawings, says Mr. Ragnar Wessman, Director of Product Management, from Tekla Corporation.First true parametrics in steel detailing The intelligent model made by Tekla Xsteel 9.0 contains unique user-definable parametrics that automatically update all the changes in all the related modeling information, such as members and connections. Due to this revolutionary parametric intelligence, the Tekla Xsteels user interface manages every single detail of the element enabling flexible modification and change management. Layouts and drawings are automatically generated from the physical model made by Tekla Xsteel. The smart user interface manages all elements and ensures total model consistency. The easy visualization of a model in all its phases brings a welcome improvement in customer service. Custom defined elements such as connections, details, parts and macros can also be created quickly and without programming. "The new Tekla Xsteel 9.0 is a flexible and versatile solution for any size and complexity of structures. The full parametric elements make significant changes manageable as the built-in intelligence adjusts every connection, beam, high-level object and macro rapidly and real-time as changes are made. Furthermore the user can easily define which model parts can be changed during the process. The customized settings from the personal connection library are also easy to reuse. Tekla Xsteel 9.0s unique custom elements enables total control and reduces costly errors, states Mr. Ragnar Wessman, Director of Product Management, from Tekla Corporation.Collaboration easier than ever Tekla Xsteel 9.0 provides new kind of collaboration both within and between project teams. All members of the design process from architect to detailer to fabricator have access to one single model containing all the relevant up-to-date information real-time and on time. The new software provides one single easy-to-use interface for modeling. The web viewer facilitates model sharing and easier than ever model visualization. Import/export data from other systems, user-defined lock attributes and improved visualization all allow you to fluently master the project information. The software is easy to learn and master. It has an easy-to-use native Windows user interface, featuring extremely compact floating and customizable toolbars. Additionally, the accurate fast modeling and drawing editing is as effortless to learn. Tekla Xsteel 9.0 has an improved snapping tool with symbol display, tracking of points, object snaps and polar tracking.The new Tekla Xsteel 9.0 covers collaboration needs both inside and between different project parties. This increases detailing accuracy by creating, sharing and managing 3D-models using a unique real time method. Seamless collaboration and workflow together with the ease of use decrease project duration and enables better cost and time efficiency, productivity and process quality.Product of choice Tekla Xsteel is the most advanced 3D modeling, detailing and material listing system in the world allowing creation of a real-life model of any steel structure quickly and precisely. With thousands of users over 50 countries around the globe Tekla Xsteel has become the product of choice among many of the worlds leading companies on some of the worlds most challenging projects. The market leading Tekla Xsteel 9.0 allows you to gain the ultimate in steel detailing around the globe. The software is adapted to regional requirements; this along with Teklas local sales and support ensures unsurpassed service. Continuous R & D and close cooperation with customers guarantee that the software maintains its position as the most advanced steel detailing software available.

Tekla wins recognition of BIM with Maeda Corporation and Graphisoft19 May 2009Maeda Corporation, a long-time power user of Tekla Structures BIM (Building Information Modeling) software, won the Grand Prize at Build Live Tokyo 2009 as part of a team with Tekla Japan. Tekla was also part of the team with Graphisoft that won the prize for Best Performance.

The SKUNK WORKS team presented their work at Graphisofts Conference held in Tokyo on 13 May and in Osaka on 15 May 2009. The conference proved an audience of nearly 200 AEC professionals that BIM is not only for the design field: it realizes information delivery beyond all actors of building and construction by integrating conceptual and detailed design, analysis, construction and construction management. The conference agenda included a keynote speech by Tomohiko Yamanashi of Nikken Sekkei, a member of the Build Live Tokyo jury, and presentations by sponsor companies, one of which was Tekla. The jury appreciated SKUNK WORKS for their accurate completion of a detailed design project. The professional work of SKUNK WORKS couldnt have been achieved in 48 hours without 3D modeling. Only the proficiency of Maeda Corporation, who were quick to adopt Tekla Structures software, could make it happen, said Mr. Yamanashi.Winner of the Best Performance prize, the Archi-TEKLA team, consisted of just two persons: Shigehiro Owaki, who is highly experienced in ArchiCADTekla Structures collaboration, and Masanobu Ikeda, the president of Ikeda Architectural design office. This teams project concept was environmental and structural design utilizing long-distance BIM collaboration. By making full use of standardized data exchange (IFC) and modern communications methods, such as Skype and SkyDrive, the team realized fluent and accurate collaboration of architectural and structural design. Moreover, Archi-TEKLA was the only team to perform dynamic analysis with STAAD.Pro software. The Maeda Corporation is a forerunner, internationally, who by adopting BIM has proved that tight collaboration delivers significant results throughout the architectural and structural design and detailing to even include constructability analysis, said Laura Virros, Director of Engineering Segment at Tekla Corporation. The Archi-TEKLA team complemented their design workflow by innovative online communication throughout the 48-hour project. They proved that even small teams benefit from BIM via use of open collaborative software, such as ArchiCAD and Tekla Structures.BIM gave team spirits the power to dramatically manage concurrent planning and think of innovative ways while exploring new design and workflow to meet the challenging Build Live Tokyo theme, commented Shintaro Miyamoto President of Tekla K.K.Read more about Tekla Japan at Build Live Tokyo 2009For more information, please contact:Marketing Specialist Akiko Ando, Tekla K.K.E-mail: akiko.ando (at) tekla.com; tel: +81 3 5769 3351 / fax: +81 3 5769 3353www.tekla.com/jpDistribution: industry key media and Tekla websitesMaeda CorporationMaeda Corporation was established in Fukui, Japan in 1919. Since then, it has progressed to become one of Japan's leading building and civil engineering contractors. Maeda has a well-earned reputation for completing contracts with high-quality work and technical standards within short construction periods. Since 2001, Maeda has invested in an advanced design system to integrate building information consisting of several domain-specific BIM design processes, such as architectural, structural and HVAC. Recently Maeda has a high reputation for extensive engineering and consultation services, such as designing a manufacturing process for a production facility. Maeda keeps innovative technology and providing the best of service. More information at www.maeda.co.jp/english/outline_e.html Graphisoft Japan Co. Ltd.Graphisoft is the pioneer and leader in developing Virtual Building solutions. For 25 years, Graphisoft has been empowering the broadest community of architects to deliver model based projects that are better designed, more predictable to construct and less expensive to operate. Further media requests for information can be made to Akos Pfemeter: press@graphisoft.com Tekla CorporationTekla's model-based software products make customers' core processes more effective in building and construction as well as infrastructure management. Tekla Corporation has area offices and partner organizations worldwide. International operations account for nearly 85% of net sales. Founded in 1966, Tekla is one of the longest operating software companies in Finland. More information at www.tekla.comTekla StructuresTekla's technology creates new business opportunities for the construction industry. The most advanced BIM solution on the market includes an accurate, dynamic, and data-rich, 3D environment. Tekla Structures software generates highly detailed as built digital structural models that enable effective visualization and management of the project. Integrating model and non-model-based software solutions allows the building information model to be used in collaborative workflows. As a result, Tekla Structures users can streamline the design, fabrication, and construction processes, ultimately ensuring the highest level of constructability in project delivery. Tekla Structures encompasses specialized configurations for structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, concrete detailers and manufacturers

December Tekla Structures North America NewsThank you!With Thanksgiving over and the end of the year upon us we would like to thank you for an exciting year! Our participation in last month's Design Build Expo as Gold Sponsors and exhibitors reinforces Tekla's stance as the forefront runner in 3-D Modeling and BIM software. In this month's newsletter we point you to our Flexnet Update page and also give you some hints and tips for Tekla Structures 14.1. Sincerely,The Tekla, Inc. Team> Upcoming EventsEngineering Training Class December 1-5 | Atlanta, GeorgiaSteel Basic Training Class December 8-12 | Atlanta, GeorgiaConstruction Management BIM WebinarDecember 16 | 1:30pm ESTSteel Basic Training Class January 12-16 | Atlanta, GeorgiaSteel Advanced Training Class January 19-23 | Atlanta, Georgia> FLEXnet Updates A download page for licensing tools on the Extranet is now available. On this page you will find the installation packages for Tekla Structures License Server v 1.12 and Tekla Structures License Borrow Tool v 1.12 update.The most essential improvements in Tekla Structures License Server v1.12 regard the borrowing functionality: Tekla Structures License Server v1.12 produces a more comprehensive tpi file format than Tekla Structures License Server v1.11. Please note that these improvements are included automatically in the latest Tekla Structures 13.1 upgrades and Tekla Structures 14.To take these improvements into use in other versions you need to have an upgraded version of Tekla Structures License Administration Tool (LAT) have an upgraded Tekla Structures License Borrow Tool (LBT), use a product id (tpi) file that has been exported in LAT v1.12.For more information log into the Tekla extranet and go to: Downloads > FLEXnet downloads> Tekla at the Design Build ExpositionTekla, Inc participated in this year's Design Build Exposition held November 3-5 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The expo ran parallel to the launch of Tekla Structures 14.1 and the Construction Managment configuration launch. Visitors to Tekla's booth received a first glimpse of the new version and configuration. Tekla's Stacy Scopano also discussed these features in the BIM panel discussion session during the conference.Tekla co-sponsored the Evening of Entertainment and Awards Dinner held the first night of the conference. Project Award Winners and 2008 designees were honored at this event. Several projects that utilized Tekla Structures were highlighted and recognized, such as the Nationals Ball Park in Washington D.C. Trimble and Tekla also announced the workflow integration of Tekla Structures software and Trimble construction layout solutions during the show. To read more about the integrated workflow click here.Matt Gomez from Gerdau Ameristeel won the Tekla booth drawing and received a Bose Noise Cancelling Headset. Congratulations Matt!

> Hints & TipsConnection Shear Pl Simple (35) can be used more easily than connectionShearPlate Simple (146) for skewed beam framing and also beams framing into pipe columns.

By adjusting the dimensions on the Bolts, Parameters, and Copes tab pages you can easily control thehorizontal dimension to the first hole to be in the plane of the skewed beam, and you can control the skewed flange cut to be cut to the k1 property per common fabrication standards.

Tekla Inc. March enewsletter

GREETINGS!Spring arrives Friday, March 20th and there is a good chance Tekla will arrive in a city near you! We are participating in many exciting events the next few months. Check out our Upcoming Events column to keep up to date on training classes, conventions, and webinars. You will also want to read about the improved supply chain visibility from Vela Systems into steel components in Tekla Structures. This combination is expected to save contractors and owners millions of dollars.We still want to hear your feedback on the enewsletter. Send us your comments, suggestions, and ideas about what you like/dislike or would like to see in future issues. Each comment will be entered to win a $100 gift card. Email your comments to info.us@tekla.com. Sincerely,The Tekla, Inc. Team

> Hints & TipsUpgrading the Multi-user server from 2.2 or 2.21 into 2.3Update version 2.2 or 2.21 to version 2.3. Version 2.3 works with all the same Tekla Structures versions as older Multi-user server versions.Main fixes in version 2.3:- Sometimes drawing got no editing or edited flag at all. Fixed- Sometimes drawing remained in editing mode in server so that system always asked "are you sure you want to open this drawing". FixedOverview of the multi-user systemA Tekla Structures multi-user system runs on a TCP/IP network and consists of:- A server computer running xs_server.exe- A file server computer containing the master model- Client computers running Tekla StructuresTo update to Multi-user 2.3 log onto the Extranet and go to Downloads > Versions > Multi-user server> Tekla, Inc. Presenting at the 2009 SEAA National Convention & Hosting WebinarChris Keyack, Product Manager for Steel at Tekla, Inc. , will present at the 2009 Steel Erector's Association of America (SEAA) National Convention and Tradeshow. This year's convention, March 12-14 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina should prove once again how Tekla Structures provides a great solution for the industry.This presentation covers how 3D Steel Detailing Models can be used directly by Erectors out on the jobsiteTopics include: Layout and surveying coordination Visual production scheduling and delivery tracking of materials Preventing costly erectability issues Communicating erector friendly connection details and conditions with the 3D Model If you are unable to attend this year's SEAA National Convention, register for the Tekla Structures for the Erector the webinar, March 19th 1:00pm EST. This webinar will cover the presentation given the previous week at the SEAA Convention. Sign up today!> Standard Supplies Taps Vela Systems and Tekla to Implement RFID Tracking for Fabricated SteelImproved supply chain visibility from Vela Systems into steel components in Tekla Structures expected to save contractors and owners millions.Vela Systems, developer of mobile field software for the AECO industry, announced that Standard Supplies, provider of construction materials and structural steel fabrication to professional contractors, will use Velas Materials Tracker software with Tekla Structures building information modeling (BIM) solution to do radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging of fabricated steel.Standard Supplies will use Velas Materials Tracker to track RFID-tagged fabricated steel pieces that form the structures for Standard Supplies customer projects. As pieces move through various phases of the production process, RFID information will be fed into Tekla Structures, a BIM solution used by Standard Supplies that covers the entire structural design process from conceptual design to detailing, fabrication and construction. Being a long-time Tekla customer, were excited to now extend Teklas structural model to the field with Vela Systems, said Standard Supplies CEO, Deborah Murphy. Its opened up new ways to create more value from the model and provide a next generation of production management services to our customers.In this new integrated model, steel pieces from the structural BIM in Tekla Structures will go into Materials Tracker using the Vela Integration Adapter (VIA) and then get updated as they go through the manufacturing, QA and delivery processes.Standard Supplies customers will gain a view into the supply chain and be able to visualize the status of each piece of the project in the BIM system with up-to-date information from the field. When enabled with field software and RFID, stakeholders in a construction project can manage critical-path steel fabrication components and visualize the supply chain. The end result is better production and erection management.The joint solution, called Field BIM, enables Standard Supplies customers to feed into BIM the constantly-changing status of steel components from the field.Standard Supplies will be the first steel fabricator to combine field software, RFID and BIM for integrated production management delivered as a service to owners and contractors.Since our contractor and owner customers will be able to see the status of the steel through the supply chain by looking in Vela Systems or in the BIM, theyll be able to better manage the erection portion of the project, said Ebaima Jagana, Standard Supplies Building Information Modeling Manager. This new level of visibility allows for just-in-time fabrication and the potential for our customers to save substantial amounts of time off of erection schedules because theyll have instant access to the status of each of the steel pieces in the supply chain, right in the Tekla Structures model. Leading firms like Standard Supplies will gain a significant advantage over others by using technology to provide superior service and value to their customers, said Hans Ehrnrooth, President, Tekla, Inc.The value of the model goes beyond design and pre-construction coordination. There is proven value for our customers tracking precast concrete and those same benefits will now be realized for steel.Eighty percent of project costs are incurred in the construction phase, said Tim Curran, Vela Systems CEO. The power of Field BIM, which combines the data in Building Information Models with field processes like materials management, unlocks new ways of construction delivery. It allows our customers to uncover new efficiencies and opportunities for shared information from the site to the model and back.

Tekla, Inc. --114 Town Park Drive, Suite500 -- Atlanta, GA 30144(770) 426-5105 www.tekla.com/us

Software maintenanceTekla values customer commitment and wants to make sure that customers get the most out of their investment. All Tekla Structures softwareconfigurations are supportedby a possibility to purchasesoftware maintenance.

Tekla software maintenance agreement ensures effective implementation of any Tekla Structures configuration regardless of version. Tekla guarantees support and updates during the entire lifecycle of a customer project. A valid Tekla software maintenance agreement includes availability of the following services: Technical supportProactive and skilled professionals are available to consult whether the problem is related specifically to Tekla Structures software or just the project at hand. Users can email or call local support whenever there is a question. Each local support unit is supported by a global team that works in close cooperation with Tekla product development personnel. Version updatesCustomer feedback plays an important role in Tekla product development. As a result, version updates are published between the annual main releases of Tekla Structures. This means that each new software update makes a substantial difference in users' day-to-day productivity, allowingthem to focus on their design work.User daysAll users holding a valid software maintenance agreement are invited to join local Tekla Structures user meetings. During the meetings, users receive the latest developments as well as get an opportunity to discuss regional requirements and issues related tothe softwareorindustry. User days are a key opportunity to discuss Tekla Structures software with specialists and product developers as well as to learn from other users. Tekla extranetOnly customers with a valid software maintenance agreement have access to the Tekla extranet. The Tekla Structures extranet has been designedto bean effective global forum to distribute information, give feedback, exchange ideas, and discuss how to increase efficient use of Tekla Structures. Registration is easy:justfill in theregistration form.

Contact Tekla or local reseller for more information.

Ski Dubai, UAE

A unique mountain-themed attraction, Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. It is located inside the Mall of the Emirates and offers a 3000 square meter indoor snow setting for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing an opportunity to enjoy real snow in the desert all year round. Tiger Steel Engineering used Tekla Structures for steel detailing to complete the complex and stately snowdome structure with excellent results.Awarded dome full of snow in the desertSnowdomes are springing up all over the world, particularly in countries with little or no natural snowfall or mountains of their own. Snowdome operators in tropical countries have found that many people just want to see, touch and taste snow for the first time in their lives. The United Arab Emirates is one of the hottest countries on the globe. Despite an average temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, its first snowdome, Ski Dubai, which is part of the huge Mall of the Emirates, features an indoor ski-slope where snowmaking systems carpet an area the size of three football fields. Ski Dubai was opened at the end of 2005.The Snowdome will be partially surrounded by a crescent of apartment buildings that will screen it from the sun.

Built like an upside-down letter L, with its highest point towering 85 meters above the main highway, the snowdome has a diameter of more than 200 meters (total area 22,500 square meters, including 25 stories of indoor slopes). The a A unique mountain-themed attraction, Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. It is located inside the Mall of the Emirates and offers a 3000 square meter indoor snow setting for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing an opportunity to enjoy real snow in the desert all year round.Tiger Steel Engineering used Tekla Structures for steel detailing to complete the complex and stately snowdome structure with excellent results. longest run is 400 meters, with a vertical drop of more than 60 meters. The runs have a 60 degrees curve on the way down to make them more challenging. For snowboarders there is a 90-meter quarterpipe and what is claimed to be the largest indoor snow park in the world. The park also features a Swiss-style balconied chalet caf. Ski Dubai is said to be the largest freestanding transparent structure in the world with no supporting columns. It is clad with curved sheeting to represent an aircraft-wing shape floating in mid air. Ski Dubai has won two international awards: it was rewarded with the British Construction Industry International Award in 2006, and it was a joint winner in the Major Built Projects category of the British Expertise International Awards. Judges of the latter award were impressed with many aspects of Ski Dubais design and construction, especially with the high specification insulation and the relatively low energy demand. Tiger Steel Engineering LLCTiger Steel Engineering is a leading structural steel fabrication company that has delivered top-quality structures for the past 34 years in the GCC Region. The company employs a team of highly qualified and motivated professionals, who are well supported by the companys infrastructure facilities at Sharjah, UAE. Strong commitment to the latest management, engineering, and fabrication technologies has placed Tiger Steel as a preferred supplier to their customers. The company manufactures and supplies Structural Steel and Pre-Engineered Buildings for commercial, industrial infrastructure projects. They have successfully executed several prestigious projects in the UAE, GCC, North Africa and South-East Asian countries. Efficiency through cooperative model communicationTiger Steel Engineering Department is staffed by a 50- person team of structural engineers, detailers and checkers with engineering expertise in all aspects of structural steel design and detailing, fabrication, transportation and erection. They provide comprehensive design and drafting services that are supported by a product development section. The department uses the latest 3D software for detailing, such as Tekla Structures, for achieving the most efficient and optimum detailing solutions. In Tiger Steels view, the ability to communicate clearly between the client and consultants is vital to any quality-engineered project. Because of the high degree of interdependency among activities in the design of complex structures, the ability to coordinate and synchronize communication among project team members is crucial. Faster product development, lower cost, and improved productivity are issues addressed by Tiger Steel through improved communication with the help of Teklas modeling solution. Tiger Steel Engineering has used Tekla Structures since 2005, says Engineering Manager Varghese A. Johns. They moved to using Tekla Structures as it was required by one of their major clients. Tiger Steel now insists on using artificial intelligence for design and detailing to achieve accuracy and speed. Phase 3 of Ski Dubai was detailed and modifiedusing Tekla Structures, an easy and error-free solution for the complex connections of the 3D trusses in the structure. According to Johns, no major problems occurred during the project just because the phase was detailed using Tekla Structures. Time saving and accuracy in Ski Dubai detailingTiger Steel had two experienced detailers working on the complex phase 3 of the Ski Dubai project. Without using Tekla Structures, they would have needed around 10 detailers and the detailing phase would have taken two months longer, Johns estimates. The program provided us time savings, error-free details and 100% accuracy, he says. Integration of the software with our working environment was easy and simple. Tekla Structures is very efficient in steel detailing projects, to save time, to attain a high level of accuracy and to increase productivity by avoiding mistakes in detailing. To begin with, Tiger Steel engineers reviewed the contract documents to determine the design criteria and to prepare setup for drawing and typical connection design calculations for the clients approval. After approval, they proceeded with detailed connection design. The setup information and connection design instructions were transmitted to the detailers by the design section engineers. With Tekla Structures (X-Steel) and other software, the detailers automatically created and updated drawings from the 3D models, quickly creating standard and auxiliary views, including section, detail, broken and isometric views. They were able to choose from a number of different display options, such as shaded, to ensure the documents communicate their intent as clearly as possible. As changes are made to the parts or assemblies, associated drawings always update automatically. All steel detailing was performed according to AISC, BS and standard detailing practices, and in addition, Tiger steel made every effort to conform to the clients individual standards.