Tekla 15 Detailing Manual

Tekla StructuresDetailing Manual

Product version 15.0February 2009

2009 Tekla Corporation

2009 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 this Software Manual are governed by a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement sets certain warranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, defines permitted uses of the Software, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software. All information set 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 not guarantee that the text is free of technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Tekla reserves the right to make changes 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. Unauthorized reproduction, display, modification, or distribution of this Manual, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal 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 trademarks or trademarks of Tekla Corporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. By referring to a third-party product or brand, Tekla does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or endorsement by such third party and 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 rights reserved.

FLEXnet Copyright 2006 Acresso Software Inc. All Rights Reserved. This product contains proprietary and confidential technology provided by and owned by Acresso Software Inc. Of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Any use, copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission of such technology in whole or in part in any form or by any means without the prior express written permission of Acresso Software Inc. is strictly prohibited. Except where expressly provided by Acresso Software Inc. in writing, possession of this technology shall not be construed to confer any license or rights under any of Acresso Softwares intellectual property rights, whether by estoppel, implication, or otherwise.

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

TEKLA STRUCTURES 15 3

Contents

Preface ...............................................................................................................9Audience ............................................................................................................................................................. 9Additional help resources .................................................................................................................................... 9Conventions used in this guide ......................................................................................................................... 10Related guides .................................................................................................................................................. 11

1 Getting Started......................................................................................... 131.1 Basics ................................................................................................................................................... 13

Component concepts ....................................................................................................................... 14Component dialog box ..................................................................................................................... 15Selection order ................................................................................................................................. 16Up direction ...................................................................................................................................... 17Automatic and default properties ..................................................................................................... 18General tab ...................................................................................................................................... 18Design and Design type tabs ........................................................................................................... 19

1.2 Component catalog............................................................................................................................... 21Using the component catalog........................................................................................................... 21

Symbols ..................................................................................................................................... 23Pop-up menus ........................................................................................................................... 23

Thumbnail images............................................................................................................................ 24Descriptions and keywords .............................................................................................................. 25Grouping components...................................................................................................................... 25Customizing and saving components .............................................................................................. 25

1.3 Using components ................................................................................................................................ 26Creating components ....................................................................................................................... 27Example ........................................................................................................................................... 27Modifying components ..................................................................................................................... 28Conceptual components .................................................................................................................. 28Tips on working with components .................................................................................................... 29

1.4 Defining parts and plates ...................................................................................................................... 30Using the dialog box......................................................................................................................... 30Dimensioning parts .......................................................................................................................... 30

Plates ........................................................................................................................................ 31Beams ....................................................................................................................................... 31

4 TEKLA STRUCTURES 15

Part position number .................................................................................................................. 31Using the Components tab ........................................................................................................ 32

Defining materials............................................................................................................................. 32Using the Components tab ........................................................................................................ 33

1.5 Defining bolts and welds ....................................................................................................................... 33Using the Bolts tab ........................................................................................................................... 34Defining bolts.................................................................................................................................... 35

Increasing bolt length ................................................................................................................. 35Creating holes .................................................................................................................................. 35Number of bolts and spacing............................................................................................................ 36Bolt group orientation ....................................................................................................................... 36Bolt group pattern............................................................................................................................. 36Edge distance................................................................................................................................... 37Bolt position...................................................................................................................................... 37

Vertical bolt position ................................................................................................................... 38Horizontal bolt position .............................................................................................................. 38

Defining slotted holes ....................................................................................................................... 39Deleting bolts.................................................................................................................................... 40Defining bolt assemblies .................................................................................................................. 41Welds ............................................................................................................................................... 41

1.6 AutoConnection..................................................................................................................................... 42Using AutoConnection...................................................................................................................... 42

1.7 AutoDefaults.......................................................................................................................................... 44Using AutoDefaults........................................................................................................................... 44How to use AutoDefaults effectively ................................................................................................. 45Checking AutoDefaults properties.................................................................................................... 46Checking AutoDefaults rules ............................................................................................................ 46

1.8 Using the joints.def file .......................................................................................................................... 46About joints.def................................................................................................................................. 46

How joints.def works .................................................................................................................. 47How to read joints.def ................................................................................................................ 47Entering values .......................................................................................................................... 47

Defining general defaults.................................................................................................................. 48Defining bolt diameter and number of rows...................................................................................... 49

Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections ................................................................... 49Gusset connections ................................................................................................................... 50Diagonal connections ................................................................................................................ 50

Defining other bolt and part properties ............................................................................................. 50Gusset connection properties .................................................................................................... 51Diagonal connection properties ................................................................................................. 54Profile type-dependent bolt dimensions ..................................................................................... 55

How Tekla Structures uses joints.def ............................................................................................... 56


Connections that use joints.def ........................................................................................................ 571.9 Using Excel in connection design ......................................................................................................... 57

Setting up Excel files........................................................................................................................ 58Sample implementation.................................................................................................................... 59Indicating component status ............................................................................................................ 60

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

Exploding components..................................................................................................................... 62Defining a custom component.......................................................................................................... 62Custom component types ................................................................................................................ 66Custom component basic properties................................................................................................ 68

2.2 Editing custom components.................................................................................................................. 69Custom component editor ................................................................................................................ 69Custom component browser ............................................................................................................ 72

2.3 Defining variables ................................................................................................................................. 73Creating distance variables.............................................................................................................. 75Creating reference distances ........................................................................................................... 77Using magnetic construction planes ................................................................................................ 80Creating parameter variables........................................................................................................... 81Creating parameters that use formulae............................................................................................ 82

2.4 Functions to use in formulas................................................................................................................. 83Arithmetic operators ......................................................................................................................... 83Logical statement ............................................................................................................................. 84Reference function ........................................................................................................................... 84Mathematical functions .................................................................................................................... 85Statistical functions .......................................................................................................................... 86Data type conversions...................................................................................................................... 87String operations .............................................................................................................................. 87Trigonometric functions.................................................................................................................... 89Framing condition functions ............................................................................................................. 89

2.5 Defining custom component properties ................................................................................................ 91Adding an option to create parts ...................................................................................................... 92Defining bolt size and standard........................................................................................................ 93Defining bolt group location.............................................................................................................. 94Replacing a sub-component ............................................................................................................ 96Changing the properties file ............................................................................................................. 99Defining meshes in custom components ....................................................................................... 100Creating surface treatments in custom components...................................................................... 102

2.6 Managing and using custom components .......................................................................................... 103Custom component dialog box....................................................................................................... 103


Customizing the dialog box ............................................................................................................ 105Changing the order of fields ..................................................................................................... 106Changing the location of fields ................................................................................................. 106Renaming tabs ......................................................................................................................... 107Adding more tabs ..................................................................................................................... 107Adding pictures ........................................................................................................................ 108Preventing modifications .......................................................................................................... 109

Using a custom component............................................................................................................ 110Managing custom components ...................................................................................................... 110

Exporting and importing ........................................................................................................... 111Protecting custom components with passwords ............................................................................ 111Performing actions on custom components ................................................................................... 112Using Excel with custom components............................................................................................ 112Using ASCII files with custom component...................................................................................... 113Tips on working with custom components...................................................................................... 114

2.7 Battering connection (13) .................................................................................................................... 1152.8 Custom components reference ........................................................................................................... 116

Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... ................................................................ 117Position type................................................................................................................................... 119Display variables ........................................................................................................................... 120Browser .......................................................................................................................................... 124Plane types..................................................................................................................................... 125 Construction plane ........................................................................................................................ 126Custom component settings........................................................................................................... 127Create distance ............................................................................................................................. 128Create reference distance ............................................................................................................. 129Automatic distances ...................................................................................................................... 130

3 Reinforcement ....................................................................................... 1333.1 Getting started with reinforcement ...................................................................................................... 1333.2 Basic reinforcement properties ........................................................................................................... 134

Hooks ............................................................................................................................................. 135Concrete cover ............................................................................................................................... 136Spacing reinforcing bars................................................................................................................. 138Omitting reinforcing bars ................................................................................................................ 138User-defined attributes of reinforcement ........................................................................................ 139Meshes........................................................................................................................................... 139

3.3 Working with reinforcement................................................................................................................. 140Placing reinforcement..................................................................................................................... 140Attaching reinforcement to parts .................................................................................................... 140Modifying reinforcement ................................................................................................................. 141


Changing reinforcement shape ............................................................................................... 141Using reinforcement handles ................................................................................................... 141Exploding reinforcement .......................................................................................................... 143Splitting reinforcing bar groups ................................................................................................ 143Splitting reinforcing bars in a group ......................................................................................... 143

Customizing reinforcement meshes............................................................................................... 143Defining custom reinforcement components.................................................................................. 145Numbering reinforcement............................................................................................................... 145

What affects reinforcement numbering .................................................................................... 145How reinforcement affects part numbering .............................................................................. 146

3.4 Single bars, bar groups, and meshes ................................................................................................. 146Reinforcing bar............................................................................................................................... 147Reinforcing bar group..................................................................................................................... 148Curved reinforcing bar group ......................................................................................................... 151Circular reinforcing bar group......................................................................................................... 152Reinforcement mesh ...................................................................................................................... 153Reinforcement strand pattern......................................................................................................... 155Reinforcement Splice ..................................................................................................................... 158

4 Reinforcing bar bending types............................................................. 1614.1 Reinforcement in templates ................................................................................................................ 182


Preface

Tekla Structures includes complete documentation in an accessible help system. Our online help is a detailed guide to Tekla Structures concepts, tools, commands, and features, with plenty of examples. The documentation is also available in PDF format.

Topics in the Preface are:

Audience (p. 9) Additional help resources (p. 9) Conventions used in this guide (p. 10) Related guides (p. 11)

AudienceThis guide is aimed at structural engineers, detailers and designers who model, analyze, and design concrete and steel structures.

We assume that you are familiar with the processes of structural engineering.

Additional help resourcesThe following resources also provide information about Tekla Structures:

Web site http://www.tekla.com

E-mail Contact your local helpdesk via e-mail:

Area office E-mail address

China [email protected] [email protected]


If you believe you have discovered a problem with this software, please report it to your Tekla Structures Reseller using the maintenance request form provided at Help > Tekla on the Web > Maintenance request....

Please send any comments or suggestions about Tekla Structures documentation to [email protected].

Tekla Extranet Anyone with a current maintenance contract can use Tekla Extranet. Register now to get free access to our online discussion forums, hints & tips, software downloads, tutorials, and more.

To register, go to https://extranet.tekla.com. You can also access Tekla Extranet from Tekla Structures by clicking Help > Online Support > Tekla Extranet.

Conventions used in this guideTypefaces We use different typefaces for different items in this guide. In most cases the meaning is

obvious from the context. If you are not sure what a certain typeface represents, you can check it here.

Noteboxes We use several types of noteboxes, marked by different icons. Their functions are shown below:

France [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] East [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Area office E-mail address

Convention Usage

Bold Bold indicates the names of keyboard keys.

Bold is also used for general emphasis in text.Arial bold Any text that you see in the user interface appears in Arial bold.

Items such as window and dialog box titles, field and button names, combo box options, and list box items are displayed in this typeface.

Italic bold New terms are in italic bold when they appear in the current context for the first time.

Monospace Extracts of Tekla Structuress program code, HTML, or other material that you would normally edit in a text editor, appears in monospaced font.Filenames and folder paths appear in monospace.Also all the text you enter yourself appears in monospaced font.


Related guidesTekla Structures includes a comprehensive help system in a series of online books. You will also receive a printed installation guide with your Tekla Structures installation DVD.

Modeling ManualHow to create a physical model.

Analysis ManualHow to create loads and run structural analysis.

Detailing ManualHow to create reinforcement, connections, and details.

Drawing ManualHow to create and edit drawings.

System ManualCovers advanced features and how to maintain the Tekla Structures environment.

Task Manager User GuideHow to create, store, and manage scheduled tasks, and link the tasks to their corresponding model objects. This guide is available in English on the Tekla Extranet.

TplEd Users Guide

A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of doing things. A tip never contains information that is absolutely necessary.

A note draws attention to details that you might easily overlook. It can also point you to other information in this guide that you might find useful.

You should always read very important notes and warnings, like this one. They will help you avoid making serious mistakes, or wasting your time.

This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical information that is usually of interest only to advanced or technically-oriented readers. You are never required to understand this kind of information.


How to create and edit report and drawing templates.

SymEd Users GuideHow to use the SymEd graphical interface to manipulate symbols.

Installation Troubleshooting GuidePrinted booklet explaining how to install Tekla Structures.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 15 13Getting Started

1 Getting Started

Introduction Once you have created a frame of parts in your Tekla Structures model, you will need to connect those parts to complete the model. Tekla Structures contains a wide range of components 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 them using Tekla Structures. We will begin with the basic concepts, followed by a general description of components properties. Finally, we will show you how to use components in practice.

Contents This chapter is divided into the following topics:

Basics (p. 13) Component catalog (p. 21) Using components (p. 26) Defining parts and plates (p. 30) Defining bolts and welds (p. 33) AutoConnection (p. 42) AutoDefaults (p. 44) Using the joints.def file (p. 46) Using Excel in connection design (p. 57)

1.1 BasicsIntroduction 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, the associated 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 it for future use. For example, you could save the properties of a W12x65 column base plate connection as W12x65.j*, and use it for several projects.

14 TEKLA STRUCTURES 15Getting Started

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

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

Topics Component concepts (p. 14)

Component catalog (p. 21)

Component dialog box (p. 15)

Selection order (p. 16)

Up direction (p. 17)

Automatic and default properties (p. 18)

General tab (p. 18)

Design and Design type tabs (p. 19)

Component conceptsComponents are tools that automate tasks and group objects so that Tekla Structures treats them 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.


System and custom components

Tekla Structures contains hundreds of system components by default. You can also create your own components, custom components. They have following subtypes:

connection detail part seamAll components are stored in the Component catalog (p. 21). To open the component catalog, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F.

See also Custom Components (p. 61)

Exploding components (p. 62)

Component dialog boxThe component dialog box is in two sections.

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

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

Item Description Examples Symbol

Connections Connect two or more parts, and create all the required objects (cuts, fittings, parts, bolts, welds etc.).

Two-sided clip angle, bolted gusset.

Modeling tools

Automatically create and assemble the parts to build a structure, but does not connect the structure to existing parts. Modeling tools can include connections and details.

Stairs, frames

Details Add a detail to a main part. A detail is only connected to one part. When you create a detail, Tekla Structures prompts you to select a part, followed by a point to locate the detail.

Stiffeners, base plates, lifting hooks


Lower part The lower section of the dialog box is divided into tabs. This is where you define the properties of 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 one component 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, for

stiffeners, 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 AutoDefaults

rules

See also Defining parts and plates (p. 30)

Defining bolts and welds (p. 33)

Selection orderTo create a connection you need to select or pick existing parts or points. The default selection order for a connection is:

1. Main part2. Secondary part(s)

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 or detail.

The parts you select appear in blue.

Tekla Structures uses the default property value


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

Some connection dialog boxes illustrate the selection order for parts using numbers, as shown below. 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 directionThe up direction of a connection or a detail indicates how the connection is rotated around the secondary part, relative to the current work plane. If there are no secondary parts, Tekla Structures 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. Tekla Structures also indicates the up direction in the connection symbol:

Manually defining up 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 propertiesSome connection dialog boxes contain list boxes that show property options as graphics. You can select system defaults, AutoDefaults, or have Tekla Structures automatically set the properties.

System default properties

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

Default and automatic properties

See also Using the joints.def file (p. 46)

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

Icon Description More information

To have Tekla Structures use a default property in a connection, select the option marked with this symbol.

If you use AutoDefaults for the connection, Tekla Structures uses the property defined in the AutoDefaults rules. If you are not using AutoDefaults, Tekla Structures creates the connection using the system default property.

If AutoDefaults have been used, the actual picture in the default option does not necessairly match the outcome.

Using AutoDefaults (p. 44)

To have Tekla Structures automatically determine which option to use for a property, select the option marked with this symbol.

Example, Boomerang bracing connection (60):

Use the Automatic option on the Gussetbolt1 tab to have Tekla Structures determine how the clip angle is connected to the gusset plate and beam.


Design and Design type tabsSome component dialog boxes include a Design tab, others include a Design type tab. Use the options 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 imperial units.

The Design tab also contains options to:

Field Description More information

Up direction Rotates the connection around the secondary part or detail around the main part.

The fields next to the image define rotation angle around the x- and y-axis of the secondary. The upper one is for y- and the lower one for x.

Up direction

Position in relation to primary part

Available only for details. Select a checkbox next to the images to indicate the position of the definition point of the detail, relative to the main part.

Use the Horizontal offset and Vertical offset fields to define the horizontal and vertical alignment of the detail, relative to the primary part.

Locked Prevents modifications. Locking objectsClass A number given to all parts

the connection creates. You can use class to define the color of parts in the model.

Colors

Connection code

Identifies the connection. Tekla Structures can display this connection code in connection marks in drawings.

AutoDefaults Rule Group

Automatically sets connection properties according to the selected rule group. To switch AutoDefaults off, select the rule group None.

Using AutoDefaults

AutoConnection Rule Group

Automatically switches the connection to another according to the selected rule group.


Use AutoDefaults rule groups to automatically modify component properties to take the calculated load. To define which AutoDefaults rule group to use, go to the General tab and select 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 check connection design according to other design codes. See Using Excel in connection design.

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 the

External 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 click Modify. To view the results of the check, right-

click the component symbol and select Inquire from the pop-up menu.The inquire object window 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. Tekla

Structures 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 click Modify.5. Tekla Structures checks the component. A green component symbol indicates that the

connection 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 from

the pop-up menu.The inquire object window opens, which contains a summary of the design checks and related information, for example:

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

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 required to bear the UDL.

Primary angle, Gross shear [AISC ASD F4-1 (p5-49)]applied = 250.00, allowable = 190.80, capacity = 1.31FAIL (t = 0.5000, tmin = 0.6551)Example of design check information in the Inquire object dialog box.


1.2 Component catalogTekla Structures contains a component catalog, where all components and sketched cross sections are stored. See also Sketched cross sections.

To open the component catalog, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F, or click the Search component icon on the component toolbar (see Component catalog example (p. 21)).

Topics Using the component catalog (p. 21)

Thumbnail images (p. 24)

Descriptions and keywords (p. 25)

Grouping components (p. 25)

Customizing and saving components (p. 25)

Using the component catalogTo open the component catalog, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F, or click the Search component icon on the component toolbar (see Component catalog example (p. 21)).

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

Component catalog example

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


Component grouping

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.

Information on the folders you create is stored in the file ComponentCatalogTreeView.txt, located in the attributes folder in the current model folder.

Search

View folders

View details

View thumbnails

Show/ hide descriptions

Create a component using the component tool you used last with its current 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.


The default tree settings are stored in the file ComponentCatalogTreeView.txt file, located in the folder ..\environments\*your_environment*\system.If you modify the default tree, your settings are stored in the current model folder.

Creating new folders

To create new folders in the tree view, right-click a level in the tree and select an option 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

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

Pop-up menusSystem components

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

Properties... Edit keywords... Add to Favorites Add to Search result... Remove from Search result Change picture... AutoDefaults Import

Custom components

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

Properties... Edit keywords... Add to Favorites Add to Search result... Remove from Search result Change picture...

Symbol Component type

System connections

System detail

System modeling tool

Custom connections and seams

Custom details

Custom parts

Sketched cross sections


AutoDefaults Export Import Edit custom component Delete custom component


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

Properties... Edit keywords... Add to Favorites Add to Search result... Remove from Search result Export Import Delete cross section sketch

See also Thumbnail images (p. 24)

Descriptions and keywords (p. 25)

Grouping components (p. 25)

Managing custom components (p. 110)


Thumbnail imagesMost system components have a default thumbnail image in the component catalog, which shows you a typical situation where the component can be used. For example, this is what the thumbnail 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 ..\Tekla Structures\ 15.0 \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.

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


6. Tekla Structures links the thumbnail to the component.

Descriptions and keywordsDescriptions 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 the model 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 description you added or edited. After you have saved the description, save the model also.

Edited component descriptions are model-specific.Keywords To add or edit keywords, right-click a component in the component catalog, and select Edit

keywords...

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

You can combine ComponentCatalog.txt files and move them to the system folder:..\environments\*your_environment*\system.

Grouping componentsTo create a new folder based on the results of a search:

1. In the Component catalog, enter your search criteria and click Search.2. To group the search results in a new folder, click Store.3. In the Store search result dialog box, enter a name for the folder and click OK.4. The new folder appears in the tree.

Removing components from groups

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.

Customizing and saving componentsMany components are suitable for use in different situations. You can define the properties of a component to use in a specific situation, then save a copy in the component catalog to use in similar 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 the All group.

3. By default the component uses the same thumbnail image as the original component. To change the thumbnail, see Thumbnail images (p. 24).

1.3 Using componentsIntroduction This section explains how to use components. It also includes an example.

Topics Creating components (p. 27)

Example (p. 27)

Modifying components (p. 28)

Conceptual components (p. 28)

Tips on working with components (p. 29)


Creating componentsYou create different types of component in different ways. For example, you select existing parts to indicate which members a connection or a detail is attached to. You need to pick points to indicate the location or length of a detail or a modeling tool. See also Selection order (p. 16).

When you create connections, Tekla Structures prompts you to select the main part (the part secondary parts connect to), then the secondary part(s). For an example of using a connection, see Example (p. 27).

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

ExampleWhen applying a component that you are unfamiliar with, accept the default properties and apply the component. Then look to see what needs to be modified. This is quicker than trying to set the values for the component before seeing what the component actually creates.

This is an example of how to generate an end plate connection. The End plate (144) connection connects two beams, or a beam to a column, using a bolted end plate.

To create the end plate connection:

1. In the Component catalog (p. 21), type "144" and click Search.2. Double-click the End plate (144) line. Tekla Structures displays the component dialog box

and starts the End plate (144) command.3. Click Apply to create the component using the default properties.4. Tekla Structures prompts you to pick the main part (column) and then the secondary part

(beam). Tekla Structures creates the connection.

Color Status Tip

Green Connection created successfully.

Yellow Connection created, but has problems.

Often occurs when bolts or holes have an edge distance less than the default value for that connection.

Red Connection failed. A common reason is that the up direction is not appropriate. See Up direction (p. 17).


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 modify the component. For more information, see Modifying components (p. 28).

If you use incorrect properties, Tekla Structures may fail to create the component (see Creating components (p. 27)).

Modifying componentsTo modify a component, double-click the component symbol in the model. The component dialog 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 the Modify button modifies all the selected connections and details irrespective of their type. If the connection type is not the same as in the dialog box, Tekla Structures changes the connection type.

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

Conceptual componentsConceptual components help create a smooth workflow from engineer to detailer. Engineers do not have to consider fabrication details, they simply create conceptual components that look real. The detailer then takes the conceptual components and creates fully-detailed components that include all the information needed for fabrication, such as assemblies, cast units, and reinforcing bars.

The Tekla Structures configuration you have determines which components you can create:

If you have Select component switched on , you do not have to pick component symbol, but you can just pick any object belonging to a component. This is the only method for selecting custom parts, because they do not have any symbol.

Type Symbol Configuration Description

Conceptual

Rectangular

Engineering Conceptual component does not create assembly, cast unit, or reinforcing bars.

The dialog box is same as in detailed component, but does not contain fields for part and assembly positions.

Detailed

Round

Steel Detailing

Precast Concrete Detailing

Full

Fully detailed component contains part and assembly numbering fields and creates needed assemblies, cast units and reinforcing bars.


Changing component type

You cannot create conceptual components using the Steel Detailing, Precast Concrete Detailing, or Full configurations, but they do include a tool that you can use to change individual conceptual components to detailed components.

The Engineering configuration also includes a tool to change individual detailed components into conceptual components.

To change a conceptual component to a detailed component:

1. Select the component symbol.2. Click Detailing > Component > Convert to Detailing Component.

Changing part properties, such as changing the size of the main part, do not automatically change the component type. So someone using the Engineering configuration can change the model without automatically changing detailed components back to conceptual ones.

Tips on working with componentsNo component created

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 Structures creates the component.

Many parts found If you are applying a connection that only allows for one secondary member, you may see the message Many parts found on the status bar. This means that Tekla Structures cannot determine which parts to connect. You may have several parts in the same location, or the view may 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 field for 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 is no switch, enter a zero (0) in the thickness field for that part.

Entering valid profiles

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

Default: Tekla Structures creates stiffeners or uses value retrieved from AutoDefaults.

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

Tekla Structures does not create stiffeners

Tekla Structures creates stiffeners.


1.4 Defining parts and platesUse the Parts tab to define the parts that Tekla Structures creates when you use a component.

Topics Using the dialog box (p. 30)

Dimensioning parts (p. 30)

Defining materials (p. 32)

Using the dialog boxSome components list all parts on one tab, others list parts on separate tabs as shown in the following examples.

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

Several Parts tabs

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

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


PlatesEnter the following dimensions for plates:

You do not have to enter these dimensions for every component type, as Tekla Structures determines the plate shape differently for different components. For example, in end plate connections, Tekla Structures calculates width and height using the number of bolts and bolt edge distances. Click Help in a component dialog box to check which dimensions you need to enter.

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

Enter the profile name.

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

Part position 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 a prefix and a start number, as shown below.

Some component dialog boxes have a second row of Pos_no fields for you to enter the assembly position number.

Dimension Description

t Plate thicknessb Plate widthh Plate height

The profile must exist in the profile catalog.

Prefix

Start number


Using the Components tabTo set the default prefix and start number for all the parts that components create, click Tools > Options > Options... > Components. You define different prefixes and start numbers according to the parts relationship to other parts in the component. Separate the prefix and part number using the \ character (for example, p\1).

Defining materialsTo 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


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

1.5 Defining bolts and weldsUse the Bolts or Welds tabs to define which bolts, assemblies, and welds to use in specific components.

Topics Using the Bolts tab (p. 34)

Defining bolts (p. 35)

Creating holes (p. 35)

Number of bolts and spacing (p. 36)

Bolt group orientation (p. 36)

Bolt group pattern (p. 36)

Edge distance (p. 37)

Bolt position (p. 37)

Defining slotted holes (p. 39)

Deleting bolts (p. 40)

Defining bolt assemblies (p. 41)

Welds (p. 41)


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

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

Enter bolt order number of bolt to delete.

Edge distance


Defining boltsUse 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. For example, 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 holesTo only create a hole, deselect all the components in the illustration on the Bolts tab.

Bolt spacing (horizontal)

Number of bolts

Bolt group pattern

Horizontal

Vertical

Dialog box text Description

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

Bolt standard The bolt standard to use inside the component. Must be defined 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-threaded bolts.

Site/Workshop Location where bolts should be attached.


Number of bolts and spacingUse the Bolts tab to specify the number of bolts and bolt spacing, both horizontally and vertically.

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 space between bolts.

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

The settings above result in this bolt group layout:

Bolt group orientationSome connections include the following options on the Bolts tab to orientate bolt groups:

Bolt group patternFor some components you can select different bolt group patterns. You have the following options:

Number of bolts

Bolt spacing

Option Description

Square.

Staggered in the direction of the secondary part.

Sloped in the direction of the secondary part.


Edge distanceEdge 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 each dimension. See also Using the joints.def file (p. 46).

Bolt positionIn the list box on the Bolts tab, select an option to indicate how to measure dimensions for vertical and horizontal bolt position.

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

Option

Edge distance dimension line

Enter edge distances here


Vertical bolt positionUse 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 to uppermost bolt.

Middle Centerline of bolts to centerline of secondary part.

Bottom Lower edge of secondary part to lowest bolt.


Defining slotted holesTo define slotted holes in components:

1. Open the component properties dialog box and click on the Bolts tab. Different bolt groups 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 round

holes. 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 far left bolt.

Middle Centerline of bolts.

Right Right edge of secondary part to far right bolt.


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 boltsTo 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 run

left 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:

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


The bolt group now looks like this:

Defining bolt assembliesOn 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.

WeldsTo define the properties of the welds Tekla Structures uses in a component, click the Welds button in the component properties dialog box. Tekla Structures displays the appropriate weld dialog box.

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


See also Welds

1.6 AutoConnectionIntroduction Use AutoConnection to automatically select and apply connections with predefined properties

to selected parts. Use AutoConnection to have Tekla Structures automatically create similar connections for similar framing conditions.

Topics Using AutoConnection (p. 42)

Using AutoConnectionUse AutoConnection to have Tekla Structures automatically create connections using a predefined set of rules, or rule group.

Creating connections

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.


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. Tekla Structures does not modify existing connections.

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

Additional options

Use the options on the Advanced tab to indicate which rule groups you want to use for each Framing condition (beam to beam web, beam to beam flange, etc.). You also have the option not to apply a rule group, or to apply a specific connection.

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

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

Rule group for AutoConnection

Rule group for AutoDefaults


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

1.7 AutoDefaultsIntroduction Use AutoDefaults to automatically apply connections. When you use AutoDefaults, Tekla

Structures 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, Tekla Structures will also automatically adjust the thickness of the base plate.

Topics Using AutoConnection (p. 42)

Using AutoDefaults (p. 44)

How to use AutoDefaults effectively (p. 45)

Checking AutoDefaults properties (p. 46)

Checking AutoDefaults rules (p. 46)

Using AutoDefaultsWith AutoDefaults you can have Tekla Structures apply connection properties using a predefined set of rules. You can use AutoDefaults together with AutoConnection to define connection 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).

Option Result

None Tekla Structures does not create a connection.AutoConnection Tekla Structures applies the connection defined in

the rule group you have indicated in the first list box on the Rule groups tab.

A named connection Click Select to pick from a list of available connections. Click a connection, then OK.

Tekla Structures creates the connection you specify using the default properties. See Automatic and default properties (p. 18).

Option Result

AutoDefaults Tekla Structures applies the properties of the rule group you have indicated in the first list box on Rule groups tab.

No AutoDefaults Tekla Structures applies the default connection properties. See Automatic and default properties (p. 18).


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.

How to use AutoDefaults effectivelyUse default values when you create a connection, then use AutoDefaults to modify the properties.

If you manually modify connection properties after using AutoDefaults, Tekla Structures will not automatically update the connection properties, even if AutoDefaults is active. AutoDefaults does not change connection properties that have been modified. It only modifies connection properties in fields containing the default properties.

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


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

Checking AutoDefaults propertiesTo 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 rulesYou 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 see all the properties files used for that connection.

1.8 Using the joints.def fileThis section explains how to use the joints.def text file to set the default properties for different connection types. Not all connections use joints.def.

Topics About joints.def (p. 46)

Defining general defaults (p. 48)

Defining bolt diameter and number of rows (p. 49)

Defining other bolt and part properties (p. 50)

How Tekla Structures uses joints.def (p. 56)

Connections that use joints.def (p. 57)

About joints.defChanging the joints.def file changes the default values for different connection types. You can open the joints.def file in any standard text editor.

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


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

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

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, Tekla Structures 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 (for example, 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 section begins with a header row containing the column labels. Do not add columns to the file.

Entering valuesWhen you edit joints.def:

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 heightShear plate Secondary beam heightEnd plate Secondary beam heightGusset Length of angle profileDiagonal Height of angle profile


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 defaultsIf Tekla Structures cannot find a property for a connection in the connection-specific sections of joints.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 the secondary beam height is larger than the highest value in the Clip angle section of joints.def. The properties in the General section of joints.def are:

Properties Description

boltdia Bolt diameter.pitch Distance from the center of one bolt to the center of

the next.clipweld Weld size.angle-cc-inc Tekla Structures adds bolt to bolt distance and web

thickness, 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 to

the 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.


Defining bolt diameter and number of rowsBefore you start, read How joints.def works (p. 47). Use the rows beginning with BOLTHEIGHT in each connection-specific section of joints.def to define the default bolt diameter and default number of horizontal bolt rows for the following connection types:

Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections (p. 49) Gusset connections (p. 50) Diagonal connections (p. 50)

Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connectionsTekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of rows horizontally according to 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 both

Refers to the Slots in list box options on the Bolts tab. See individual connection help for details.

clipattach How the clip angle is attached to the secondary and primary 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 the Bolts tab. See individual connection help for details.

copedepthinc Tekla Structures rounds cope depth up using this value.

copelengthinc Tekla Structures rounds cope length using this value.

Properties Description

Property Description

name Use the name BOLTHEIGHTpart Use the part name ANGLECLIPsec.beam.height Height of secondary beam


Gusset connectionsTekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of bolt rows horizontally according to the length of the angle profile. You can enter the following properties:

Diagonal connectionsTekla Structures calculates the default bolt diameter and number of bolt rows horizontally according to the height of the angle profile. You can enter the following properties:

Defining other bolt and part propertiesBefore you start, read How joints.def works (p. 47). Once Tekla Structures has used joints.def to calculate bolt diameter, it uses the result to assign other properties to bolts and parts, according to connection type.

Example Enter the default properties for bolts and parts in clip angle connections in the rows beginning ANGLECLBOLTPART in the CLIP ANGLE section of joints.def.

Properties lookup table

The table below lists the properties you assign for bolts and parts for each connection type.

Gusset and diagonal connections have additional properties. See Gusset connection properties (p. 51) and Diagonal connection properties (p. 54).

Key to lookup table

diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in the bolt catalog.number_of_bolts Number of bolts horizontally


name Use the name BOLTHEIGHTpart Use the part name GUSSETlproflengthor

angleproflength

Length of angle profile

diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in bolt catalognumber_of_bolts Number of bolts horizontally


name Use the name BOLTHEIGHTpart Use the part name DIAGONALprofileheight Height of angle profilediameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in bolt catalog.number_of_bolts Number of bolts (horizontally)


Connection type Full nameC Clip angleS Shear plate


Gusset connection propertiesEnter these additional default properties in the row beginning GUSSETDEFDIM. Not all gusset connections use all these properties:

E End plateG GussetD Diagonal


Connection Type

C S E G D

name Identifies the connection type.

Example GUSSETBOLTPART for gusset connections.

* * * * *

bolt diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in the bolt catalog.

See also Profile type-dependent bolt dimensions (p. 55)

* * * * *

shear plate thickness

Thickness of shear plate *

end plate thickness

Thickness of end plate *

gusset thickness Thickness of the gusset *conn. plate thickness

Thickness of the connection plate

*

angle profileor L profile

Name of the angle profile to use:

Must exist in the profile catalog

Enter the exact name Example:

L100*100*10

* * *

number Number of bolts in each row:

vertically horizontally

* * * * *

pitch Distance between bolts from the center of each bolt. For vertical and horizontal bolts

* * * * *

edge distance Distance from the center of a bolt to the edge of the part. For vertical and horizontal bolts

* * * *

vert.bolt firsthole

Position of the first vertical row of bolts

* * *


Option DescriptionAffects plate shape

name GUSSETDEFDIMboltdia_def Bolt diameter for all bolt groups.

Leave the Bolt size field blank in the dialog box to have Tekla Structures use the value in joints.def.

tol_prim See illustration.tol_sec See illustration.dist_diag_prim Clearance between the first secondary

part picked and the primary part.dist_diag_sec Perpendicular distance from last

secondary part picked to the nearest secondary.

angle_first_corner See illustration. Yesangle_sec_corner See illustration. Yesdist_between_diag Clearance between braces.first_bolt_from_line

Bolt edge distance for the bolt groups on the Gusset tab.

corner_dx See illustration.corner_dy See illustration.movey On the Gusset tab:

movey movez On the Gusset tab:

movezdist1 The length of the edge of the gusset

plate that is perpendicular to the lowest brace.

Yes

dist2 The length of the edges of the gusset plate perpendicular to the braces.

Yes

dist3 The length of the edge of the gusset plate perpendicular to the uppermost brace.

Yes

tol_lprof See illustration.tol_stiffener Tolerance of stiffener.chamfer_dx Dimensions of stiffener chamfer on

the Gusset tab:chamfer_dychamfer_corner_dx chamfer_corner_dx

chamfer-corner_dychamfer_corner_dy


The illustration below shows the properties on the Picture tab of the Boomerang wrapped diagonal (58) connection dialog box.

side_lengthdiafit_length Fit length in connection 19. Leave the

Distance gusset flanges cut field blank in the dialog box to have Tekla Structures use the value in joints.def.

tol_lprof

corner_dy

corner_dx

dist_diag_sec

tol_sec

angle_sec_corner

dist3

dist_between_diag

dist2

dist1

Option DescriptionAffects plate shape


Diagonal connection propertiesEnter these additional default properties for bolts and parts in the rows beginning DIAGDEFDIM. Not all diagonal connections use all these properties:

dist_diag_prim

tol_prim


name DIAGDEFDIMboltdia_def Bolt diameter for all bolt groups. Leave the Bolt

size field blank in the dialog box to have Tekla Structures use the value in joints.def.

dist_gus_diag Gap between the gusset plate and the brace. If tube profiles are closed with end plates, the gap between the gusset plate and the end plate.

dist_in Depth of the cut in the brace. Enter a negative value to prevent the connection plate from being inside the tube brace.

dist_dv Distance from the edge of the brace to the edge of the connection plate. This dimension changes the width of the connection plate.

sec_cut_tol On the Tube diag tab:

sec_cut_tol

slot_length_tol

slot_length_tol

tube_cut_tol On the Tube diag tab:

tube_cut_tolconn_cut_dx On the Tube diag tab:

conn_cut_dy

conn_cut_dx

conn_cut_dy

round_plate_tol On the Tube diag tab:

end_plate_thk


This illustration shows the properties that appear on the Picture tab of the Tube crossing (22) connection:

Profile type-dependent bolt dimensionsFor some connections, Tekla Structures calculates bolt size according to profile size. For example, Clip angle (141) and Two sided clip angle (143) connections.

In this type of connection, Tekla Structures takes bolt size from the PR

Documents

Tekla 15 Detailing Manual