Copyright © 1992-2004 Tekla Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Tekla is either registered trademark or trademark of Tekla Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Tekla® Structures for Pre-cast Concrete Detailing

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Table of Contents i (12)

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Tekla Structures, Pre-cast Concrete Detailing..............................................................................................2

1.1 Managing Structural Building Information................................................................................................................2 1.2 Parametric Modeling................................................................................................................................................2 1.3 Graphical User Interface..........................................................................................................................................3

2. The Contents of Tekla Structures, Pre-cast Concrete Detailing and Options...................................................................4 2.1 Contents of Tekla Structures, Pre-cast Concrete Detailing .....................................................................................4 2.2 Options for Tekla Structures, Pre-cast Concrete Detailing ......................................................................................4

3. Modeling...........................................................................................................................................................................5 3.1 Using your Detailing Know-how...............................................................................................................................5

3.1.1 Connection Libraries ...........................................................................................................................................5 3.1.2 Parametric Modeling and Customized Libraries & Settings ................................................................................5

3.2 Graphical Input ........................................................................................................................................................6 3.3 Navigation within the Project Model.........................................................................................................................6 3.4 Building Elements ....................................................................................................................................................7 3.5 Catalogs ..................................................................................................................................................................8 3.6 Marking....................................................................................................................................................................8

4. Interfaces, Output and Reports ........................................................................................................................................9 4.1 Interfaces and Output to Other Systems .................................................................................................................9 4.2 Reports and Drawings .............................................................................................................................................9

5. Collaboration ..................................................................................................................................................................11 5.1 Collaborating with the Building Model....................................................................................................................11 5.2 Privileges and Locking...........................................................................................................................................11

6. Hardware........................................................................................................................................................................12 7. The Tekla Advantage .....................................................................................................................................................12

Tekla believes the information in this publication is accurate as of its publication date. Such information is subject to change without notice and is subject to applicable technical product descriptions. Tekla is not responsible for inadverted errors. Copyright © 1992-2004 Tekla Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

White paper Tekla Structures© Tekla Corporation Engineering Offices

1 Overview of Tekla Structures, Pre-cast Concrete Detailing 2 (12)

1. Overview of Tekla Structures, Pre-cast Concrete Detailing

Tekla Structures is the first real parametric 3D modeling software for the concrete industry. Pre-cast concrete fabricators and concrete detailers can benefit from the unique structural 3D modeling and detailing tools to create all types of structures made of concrete. It allows you to experience increased benefits in the structural design process in user-friendliness, productivity and accuracy.

Fabrication

Construction

Engineering

Concrete Detailing

Steel Detailing

Other Design

FabricationFabrication

ConstructionConstruction

Engineering

Concrete Detailing

Steel Detailing

Other Design

The 3D building model can be shared throughout the whole building process in design, detailing, fabrication, and erection phases, to create a smooth flow of information. You can create any drawings, reports or any other output from the one-and-only building model. In contrast to 2D based working and information flow the usage of the Tekla 3D model results in efficiency and accuracy with increased overall productivity within the whole design process.

1.1 Managing Structural Building Information

With Tekla Structures, you create a complete 3D model that simulates a real-world structure containing all the project’s geometrical and structural information. Specify the layout of the structure, by pointing and clicking, and the components will build up the structure.Tekla Structures uses OpenGL technology, which allows you to view the model in a variety of different display modes. You can rotate and ”fly through” your model, regardless of size, which gives a variety of options for viewing and checking your model’s components.Tekla Structures allows you to actually model and detail your structure using the true 3D model; there’s no switching back and forth between 2D or 3D views - you simply model, detail and revise as you go. Or use 2D and 3D views simultaneously – Tekla Structures gives you the flexibility to choose.

1.2 Parametric Modeling

Tekla Structures is specifically designed to support parametric 3D modeling of buildings. The parametrics have been designed in the software architecture since the very beginning. Connections, components as well as the database have been organized to support the parametrics. The paramaterics are fully user definable, providing the opportunity to customize the modeling to match your needs.

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You can design a connection or a custom component of your own without any programming. You can just model the component and freely modify/add the parameters that you want to use in relation to the component. An automatic user interface displays all your input parameters. You can also customize the interface, as you wish.

1.3 Graphical User Interface

With the graphical user interface of Tekla Structures you can start designing right away - quickly and easily. Tekla Structures' environment is designed for the building environment and is easy to learn and user-friendly. You have the tools you need to quickly model your structure convieniently at hand.

Tekla Structures makes 3D easier than 2D. You have the freedom to execute and combine the generic commands, as you want. The menus are very compact and powerful and thus easy to learn and use.When you want to try an alternative structure or when you make a mistake you can always try out and see the results immediately. The unlimited Undo/Redo commands give you the freedom to correct mistakes and to try different options.

Tekla Structures has a context-sensitive online Help that gives you the guidance you need for each working phase and/or command.

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2 The Contents of Tekla Structures, Pre-cast Concrete Detailing and Options 4 (12)

2. The Contents of Tekla Structures, Pre-cast Concrete Detailing and Options

2.1 Contents of Tekla Structures, Pre-cast Concrete Detailing

Tekla Structures, Pre-cast Concrete Detailing supports the structural design process from conceptual design to detailing.

The Tekla Structures for Pre-cast Concrete Detailing configuration contains the modeling of the construction and as an output all general arrangement (GA) drawings, fabrication drawings, reports, CNC, MIS and other output.

2.2 Options for Tekla Structures, Pre-cast Concrete Detailing

The modules and configuration that can be added to Tekla Structures Pre-cast Concrete Detailing are

• Steel Detailing – an option to detail steel structures into the same 3D model.

• Project Management – a configuration of Tekla Structures especially aimed at the project managers that are following-up and managing the total structural design project.

• Viewer – a configuration of Tekla Structures especially aimed at users that want to see and follow-up the model in more detail than over the web

Please ask your Tekla Structures contact person about the options TeklaStructures.sales@tekla.com or www.tekla.com .

White paper Tekla Structures© Tekla Corporation Engineering Offices

3 Modeling 5 (12)

3. Modeling

Tekla Structures features a fully object-oriented parametric model-based software architecture, which allows you to create an intelligent 3D model. The intelligence keeps the model consistent whenever you make changes. Move a beam and all your connections and associative drawings will automatically update themselves in respect to the changed situation. Tekla Structures makes the routine design work simple and leaves you the freedom to concentrate on real design issues.

An additional benefit from the Tekla architecture is the capability to handle large models. There's no need to split your models in smaller pieces, just store everything into the single model. A natural consequence of the efficiency with large models is the compact 3D model size. This prevents disk space problems. You can also share or send the compact models over the web – even by email.

3.1 Using your Detailing Know-how

Tekla Structures has a wide range of functionality for modifying and fine-tuning the shape of the parts. You can cut parts with lines, polygons and also with any other parts. Correspondingly you can also add material to your parts and still manage them as one solid component. You can trim part ends to planes and define the shape of polygon. The component can also easily be modified by adding or deleting corners or by moving the existing corners.

The model of Tekla Structures basically includes all the objects that you can find in the real building structure.

The details in Tekla Structures are associative. This means that if you modify your structure all your cuts, fittings and other detailing objects automatically adjust themselves to the new situation.

3.1.1 Connection Libraries

Tekla Structures, Pre-cast Concrete Detailing includes a range of connections that instantly give the correct connection parameters. The library covers typical connections from simple connections, like end plates and bracing stubs, to more complex connections, like box girders and space frame connections. The library includes also a wide variety of tools for creating intricate structures. To include a stair run, for example, just click the appropriate tool and pick up the reference points. Tekla Structures will automatically create the stair, which you can later on manage through its properties or by dragging the handles.

3.1.2 Parametric Modeling and Customized Libraries & Settings

There will always be specific needs, which no standard connection library will cover. To create a unique connection or your own generic component, simply modify an existing one or build your own - then save it for future use in your own custom library. Tekla Structures parametric modeling provides you the opportunity to easily create and maintain a connection and component library of your own. You can add on screen any dimension parameters and controls for any object attributes you need. There is no need to do any programming or edit the text files – just model the object and re-use it.

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There's also another opportunity to make your experience work for you. Tekla Structures makes carrying out the routine detailing work simple by using tools to automate the modeling process. To store your detailing know how simply set your detailing preferences by defining rules for connection parameters, as well as for automatically creating connections. Tekla Structures will then not only update components, but also re-evaluate connection parameters based on your experience as changes are made. Rules can be based on practically any attribute of connected parts.

3.2 Graphical Input

Tekla Structures has an advanced graphical input system, which greatly helps you when creating and managing your models. The mouse cursor automatically recognizes the snap points you have enabled – end points, centre points, intersections etc. You also have the possibility to overwrite the snaps and input e.g. offsets with a straightforward typed input.

When there's a need to modify the structure you can just drag and drop either individual component reference points (handles) or groups of selected parts to new places. Naturally Tekla Structures also includes a full range of move and copy functionality. You can for example copy and paste parts from one plane to any 3D plane.

Tekla Structures also provides advanced tools for creating constructions graphics to help you in modeling.

• 3D Grids • Construction points • Construction lines and circles • Construction planes

With Tekla Structures you also have an option to utilize the models created by partner companies. You can show in your model, for example, the architect's layouts or the piping models created by plant designers (such as in software from PDMS, PDS, Cadmatic or in the HVAC model from MagiCAD). This is naturally a big benefit as you can already, at this stage, easily track down any inconsistencies.

3.3 Navigation within the Project Model

Tekla Structures is widely known as an easy-to-use system. A big part of that honour belongs to the viewing system, which provides you freedom to view the model as you want. You really can see what you are doing and what you have done.

Tekla Structures uses the OpenGL technology in viewing the models. If you want you can work all the time in rendered views. Model size is not a problem. You can rotate and fly through the model regardless of the size of the model. There is no need to have several static views presenting the same detail.

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The viewing system of Tekla Structures provides tools enabling you to define exactly what you want to see and how you wish to see it:

• Rotate and fly through the model regardless of the model size. • Switch on and off object groups of the model. • Switch on and off details of the model. • Switch on and off individual objects of the model. • Define view planes to any 3D plane. • Work in 3D or 2D views • Manage the visible area and depth in views • Define the working coordinate system to any 3D plane.

More information on the webviewer can be found on the internet page:

www.tekla.com/go/webviewer

3.4 Building Elements

When modeling with Tekla Structures you can just place the building objects in their right positions. You can create all the typical components such as hollow-core slabs, double tees, walls, polygons etc. You can define the properties of any parts before creating them or, later on, even modify the way that you select a group of different parts or, just modify some selected attributes of certain parts without touching the others.

You can also define your own free attributes to any object. These attributes can be listed in reports or you can reference them into drawings.

When you meet the situation where typical building objects in Tekla Structures are not suitable for your project, you can easily define your own parametric components. Tekla Structures provides tools to create new parametric cross-sections as well as higher-level structural objects. A simple example would be a welded profile consisting basically of separate plate profiles. Just model one instance, parameterise it and store it to your profile library for further use. With regards to concrete an example of a complex parametric element would be a wall panel.

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3.5 Catalogs

Tekla Structures has localised libraries of materials. When installing the system you just select the local environments you want to use. If later on you meet a specific requirement for particular cross sections, which you didn't install first time, you can easily upgrade your libraries at any time, to include these also.

You can also easily add new entries to your catalogues. You can define new parametric shapes and store their standard properties into your library.

You can also create libraries of your standard components. Typically these contain some standard components, which are not fabricated but bought-in or subcontracted in bigger batches. Especially in concrete structures there are a lot of cast in components, which typically are of this type.

3.6 Marking

Tekla Structures automatically keeps track of similar parts and cast units in the model and marks them accordingly.

Tekla Structures automatically recognises the bending shapes of the reinforcement bars. You have full control of phasing and grouping of parts and assemblies through the covering marking settings. Naturally you can also define individual marks if required. You can also define a library of standard reinforcements and components with predefined marks if the model contains some prefabricated reinforcing elements.

With Tekla Structures all parts and cast units keep their marks as long as they remain similar. The full history of the marking changes in parts, reinforcements or cast units is available in the model. This gives you the opportunity to pass information directly to e.g. an ERP system or MIS system.

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4 Interfaces, Output and Reports 9 (12)

4. Interfaces, Output and Reports

Tekla Structures includes interfaces to most of the typical graphic formats. You can import construction graphics or reference models from other building systems in for example DXF, DWG or DGN format. Showing the plant model as a reference while modeling the structure is vital in tracking the potential problems between building frame and plant equipment. Correspondingly you can also send your building frame to a plant designer in DGN or DWG format to provide them with the same opportunity.

The Tekla Structures Pre-cast Concrete Detailing also includes interfaces to several Manufacturing Information Systems (MIS).

4.1 Interfaces and Output to Other Systems

Tekla Structures includes a number of links that facilitate data transfer with other systems (AutoCAD, MicroStation, PDMS, PDS, Frameworks Plus, MIS systems etc.). Tekla Structures also incorporates the IFC's. These links allow you to exchange models quickly and accurately throughout the design process. You can view the architects or plant designer's model at the same time you are building up your own model. Correspondingly the other parties can have your detailed structures in their model for clash checking etc.

In the same project you can have persons using Tekla Structures, MicroStation, AutoCAD, a number of analysis & design software and all the information from all these systems can be shared and used within Tekla Structures. The folllowing links are supported:

• Import links • ASCII • FEM (DSTV, S-Frame, Monorail, Staad, Stan-3D, Bus) • CAD (SDNF, Calma, HLI, Plantview, XML)

• Export links • ASCII • FEM (DSTV, MicroSAS, Staad) • CAD (SDNF, Calma, HLI, Plantview, XML)

Tekla Structures makes effective collaboration between the detailer, designer and engineer a reality in the construction phase, through its ability to share the models between different organisations. Outside the tightly integrated Tekla Structures model there are stakeholders who also can exploit the model through the interfaces. Tekla Structures provides interfaces to several design and analysis, and plant packages including Frameworks Plus, PDMS, CATIA. The opportunity to exchange the data greatly increases the value of design while the quality improves.

4.2 Reports and Drawings

Tekla Structures automatically generates drawings and reports, at any time throughout the process. With Tekla Structures, you can create everything from general arrangement and fabrication drawings to unlimited material reports and CNC data.

Your drawings are never compromised. Tekla Structures drawing editing incorporates fully interactive editing tools to change what ever you want on drawings. The cloning feature allows you to quickly replicate complex drawing styles, increasing overall productivity.

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Tekla Structures makes revisions easy. Drawings are fully associative. When you change a model all your drawings will be updated automatically to match the modified structure no matter if they are automatically created or manually modified. For example, if you change the length or position of a beam or column, Tekla Structures recognizes the change and automatically adjusts the relevant connections, drawings and material lists correspondingly.

As one central database is at the heart of Tekla Structures, reports and drawings are never out of date regardless of revisions in the model.

The drawing presentation and reports you can define according to your company standards. The customizable drawing settings provides you full control of the drawing presentation, marking, dimensioning, layouts basically everything you can see on the drawing. If you need a new table on a drawing or a new type of report just modify and save it with the included Template editor and it is ready to be used.

To improve the communication between other stakeholders in the process you can always send a snapshot of your rendered model or even publish the model to the web.

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5 Collaboration 11 (12)

5. Collaboration

Tekla Structures supports multiple users working simultaneously on the same project. This unique model sharing technology makes it possible to collaborate when modeling large projects. You and your partners can work together on the same model at the same time - even in different locations. This increases accuracy and quality, because you always use the most up-to-date information.

Project data needs to be shared with everybody in the project. Tekla Structures manages this automatically. All parties see the same model as last saved/issued. Model sharing works over LAN or over the Internet. The integration between other systems that was described in Chapter 4 is vitally important in the collaboration as well.

5.1 Collaborating with the Building Model

Tekla Structures can be used to share the work between people in designing or detailing a building. The model sharing capability can also be used to transfer the designed building to detailing, not only by drawings but also by transferring the model itself. This advances the building project and the detailing can be continued upon the engineered design.

5.2 Privileges and Locking

Permissions and privileges of changing the information are essential in everyday work regardless of the technology used. Tekla Structures provides tools for defining the permissions to change the model and to access the data. You can for example define that certain objects are read-only or totally hidden from a certain group of Tekla Structures users that is sharing the model with you.

The concurrent engineering in big projects means that parts of the project are still in the engineering or detailing stage while the other parts can be in fabrication or even erected. In addition to the privileges and permissions, Tekla Structures model sharing tools provide possibilities to lock parts. In this way you can ensure that unintentional changes do not happen.

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6 Hardware 12 (12)

White paper Tekla Structures© Tekla Corporation Engineering Offices

6. Hardware

HARDWARE Low end Recommended High end

Pentium 800 MHz Intel Pentium IV 2.4 – 2.8 GHz

Intel Pentium IV 3.2 GHz => Processor:

AMD Athlon XP 2400+ - 2800+

AMD Athlon XP 3200+ =>

Memory: 256 Mb 1 Gb 2 Gb => Hard disk: 10 Gb 40 – 60 Gb, 7200 rpm 60 Gb =>, 7200 rpm => (SCSI)

Graphics card: OpenGL support, 32 Mb OpenGL support, 128 - 256 Mb, e.g. Nvidia Geforce FX 5900/5600, Ti-4200/4400/4600/4800, ATI Radeon 9800/9600 Pro series

OpenGL support, 256 Mb, two monitor support, e.g. Nvidia Quadro FX 3000/2000/1000, 3D Labs Wildcat 4 series

Monitor(s): 17 " 1280 x 1024 21" 1600 x 1200 (one or two) Two 24" 1800 x 1440 each

Mouse: 3-button wheel mouse 3-button wheel mouse 3-button wheel mouse (Cordless & Optical, e.g. Logitech)

Network adapter: 10 Mb 100 Mb 100 Mb Full duplex Internet connection: Modem 56 kbit DSL 256 kbit DSL 512 kbit => Backup equipment: Floppy disks CD-R(W) DLT device

Windows version: Windows 2000 Windows 2000 / XP Windows XP

7. The Tekla Advantage

Tekla has provided the world with innovative and creative software solutions since 1966. Today Tekla's products can be found in over 50 countries with thousands of users worldwide. Tekla strategy is simple, yet powerful: Innovative technology combined with reliable customer support and a strong commitment to developing long-term customer relationship.

Tekla is committed to provide our customers with the most advanced software available. We invest heavily in research and product development. This means that each new version of our software is the latest and most modern system available in the world. Tekla’s advanced technology “future-proofs” against obsolescence.

For more information, please go to www.tekla.com .