This section describes how to make the most of various Tekla Structures features when setting up a project.
Topics Firm and project folders (p. 42) Numbering series (p. 42) Phases (p. 42)
Catalogs (p. 42) Preferences (p. 43)
Recording and running macros (p. 44)
Firm and project folders
Before you customize any object properties for specific projects or organizations, create firm and project folders in which to store them. This will save you time setting up future projects and also when you upgrade Tekla Structures.
See also Project and firm folders (p. 96) Folder search order (p. 94) Predefining part properties (p. 46)
Numbering series
Numbering series Before you start modeling, it is good idea to plan the numbering prefixes and start numbers you will use for the entire project. Careful planning prevents numbering conflicts.
Example You could define the prefixes and start numbers for a multi-storey building as follows:
See also Numbering parts
Numbering Preferences (p. 43)
Phases
You can use phases to break up a model into different sections. Phases are often used to indicate erection sequences. You can create reports and views, hide objects and copy objects from other models according to their phase number.
Example You have a large project on which several users will work simultaneously in single-user mode.
First create a basic model which includes, for example, the columns. This is phase 1. You then copy this basic model to all users.
Each user then works on a separate part of the building. As each part of the model is completed, you can copy it back to the basic model as a separate phase (phase 2, 3, etc).
See also Phases
Edit > Copy Special > From Another Model...
View filter (Numbers tab)
Catalogs
Before you start a project, check that the catalogs you are using conform to the project requirements. Ensure all users access the same catalogs.
See also Folder search order (p. 94) Profiles Plates
1st floor PR1000 1000 C1000 B1000 V1000 T1000
2nd floor PR2000 2000 C2000 B2000 V2000 T2000
The profile catalog (p. 117) The material catalog (p. 130)
The bolt and bolt assembly catalogs (p. 134) The reinforcing bar catalog (p. 142)
Preferences
Check that your preferences are set up correctly before you start modeling. Click Setup>Options...>Preferences. Component properties override preferences. Tekla Structures only uses the values in the Preferences tab if the corresponding fields in the component dialog boxes are empty.
Tekla Structures uses the information in the Preferences tab when it creates parts using components.
Example It is important that profile names are set up correctly so that you can use filters and wizards effectively.
If you change settings in the Preferences tab, Tekla Structures only applies the new settings to components you subsequently create. Components you created prior to changing the preferences are not affected.
Profile names
In the Preferences tab, profile names are parametric profile prefixes. They must exist in the profile catalog. If you want to use a parametric profile name that does not exist in the catalog, first add it to profile catalog, then enter it here. Tekla Structures uses the Folded plate prefix when you use the Polyplate command in macros.
See also The profile catalog (p. 117).
Connections
To define the default bolt properties to use in connections, select a Bolt standard and Bolt size. Enter part start numbers in fields Pos1 to Pos4. Cross-check these settings against the numbering series you define to make sure they cannot overlap. If they overlap, Tekla Structures may create two non-identical parts with the same part number. This generates an error in the log file numbering.history.
Edge distance
When you use components, Tekla Structures uses the Factor of bolt edge distance and Element considered fields to check that the bolts it creates are not too close to the edge of a part. Tekla Structures warns you if they are.
Check that bolt edge distance is set according to the standard you are using. Use the Element considered field to base edge distance checks on bolt or hole diameter.
Default edge distance settings depend on the environment. If you change the default settings, use Save defaults (p. 105) command to save settings in the current model folder.
See also Getting started.
In multi-user mode, all users working in the same model have the same preferences as well as other properties, catalogs, etc.
Recording and running macros
Tekla Structures enables you to record a series of actions from menus, dialog boxes, and shortcuts.
Recording a macro
To record a macro:
1. Click Tools > Macros... to open the Macros dialog box.
2. Enter a Macro name. 3. Click Record.
4. Perform the actions you want to record.
5. Click Stop to stop recording.
Macros are saved as *.cs files, in the folder defined with the XS_MACRO_DIRECTORY variable in the environment-specific initialization files.
Creating a macro manually
To manually create a macro file, click Create in the Macros dialog box. This creates an empty macro file, which you can manually edit, or copy and paste commands to it from other macro files.
The recorded macro is saved in the drawings or modeling folders, depending on in which mode the macro was recorded in.
2. Select the macro and click Run. Editing macros To view or edit a macro:
1. First check that the file type .cs is associated with suitable text editor.
2. Click Tools > Macros... to open the Macros dialog box.
3. Select the macro and click Edit.
4. The macro opens in the associated text editor.
Timestamp If you want to examine the time spent on different tasks while recording macros, use the variable XS_MACRO_ENABLE_TIMESTAMP.
Warning messages
Some third party applications may cause unexpected complications, such as unnecessary warning messages, when working with Tekla Structures. Applications that are known to cause complications are anti-spyware programs.