Tekla Structures Detailing Manual

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Tekla Structures

Detailing Manual

Product version 16.1

June 2010

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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

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Portions of this software:

FlexNet Copyright © 2010 Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. All Rights Reserved. This product contains proprietary and confidential technology, information and creative works owned by Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. and their respective licensors, if any. 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 Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. is strictly prohibited. Except where expressly provided by Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. in writing, possession of this technology shall not be construed to confer any license or rights under any Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. intellectual property rights, whether by estoppel, implication, or otherwise.

The software is protected by U.S. Patent Nos. 7,302,368 and 7,617,076. 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 2004267695, 2005285881, 20060004841, 20060136398, 20080189084, and 20090189887.

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Conventions used in this guide

Typographical

conventions The following typographical conventions are used in this guide:

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

Font Usage

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Conventions used in this guide ... 3

1 Getting Started... 9

1.1 Basics of components... 9

Component concepts ... 10

Component dialog box ... 11

Selection order... 13

Up direction... 13

Automatic and default properties ... 14

General tab ... 15

Design and Design type tabs ... 16

1.2 Component catalog... 17

Using the component catalog... 18

Symbols ... 19

Pop-up menus ... 20

Thumbnail images... 21

Descriptions and keywords ... 21

Grouping components... 22

Copying components to another folder ... 22

Customizing and saving components ... 22

1.3 Using components... 23

Creating components... 24

Example: Adding an end plate ... 24

Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods ... 25

Example: Adding a beam to column connection... 26

Viewing components... 27

Modifying components ... 27

Conceptual components ... 27

Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component ... 28

Tips on working with components... 29

1.4 Defining parts and plates... 29

Using the dialog box... 29

Dimensioning parts ... 30

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Part position number ... 31

Using the Components tab ... 31

Defining materials ... 32

Using the Components tab ... 33

1.5 Defining bolts and welds... 33

Using the Bolts tab... 33

Defining bolts ... 35

Increasing bolt length ... 35

Creating holes... 35

Number of bolts and spacing ... 36

Bolt group orientation... 36

Bolt group pattern... 37

Edge distance ... 37

Bolt position... 37

Vertical bolt position ... 38

Horizontal bolt position ... 38

Defining slotted holes... 39

Deleting bolts ... 40

Defining bolt assemblies ... 41

Welds ... 41

1.6 AutoConnection ... 42

Using AutoConnection ... 42

1.7 AutoDefaults ... 45

Using AutoDefaults ... 45

How to use AutoDefaults effectively... 46

Checking AutoDefaults properties... 46

Checking AutoDefaults rules... 46

1.8 Using the joints.def file... 46

About joints.def ... 47

How joints.def works ... 47

How to read joints.def ... 47

Entering values ... 48

Defining general defaults ... 48

Defining bolt diameter and number of rows ... 49

Clip angle, shear plate, and end plate connections ... 49

Gusset connections ... 50

Diagonal connections ... 50

Defining other bolt and part properties... 50

Gusset connection properties ... 51

Diagonal connection properties ... 54

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Connections that use joints.def ... 56

1.9 Using Excel in connection design ... 57

Setting up Excel files ... 58

Sample implementation... 58

Indicating component status... 60

2 Custom Components ... 61

2.1 Defining custom components... 62

Exploding components ... 62

Defining a custom component... 62

Custom component types... 66

Custom component basic properties... 68

2.2 Editing custom components... 69

Custom component editor ... 69

Custom component browser ... 71

2.3 Defining variables... 73

Creating distance variables ... 75

Creating reference distances ... 77

Using magnetic construction planes... 79

Creating parameter variables ... 80

Creating parameters that use formulae... 81

2.4 Functions to use in formulas ... 82

Arithmetic operators ... 82

Logical statement ... 83

Reference function ... 83

Mathematical functions... 84

Statistical functions... 85

Data type conversions... 86

String operations ... 86

Trigonometric functions ... 88

Framing condition functions ... 88

2.5 Defining custom component properties... 90

Adding an option to create parts ... 90

Defining bolt size and standard ... 91

Defining bolt group location... 92

Replacing a sub-component... 94

Changing the properties file ... 96

Defining meshes in custom components... 97

Creating surface treatments in custom components ... 100

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Customizing the dialog box... 102

Changing the order of fields ... 103

Changing the location of fields ... 103

Renaming tabs ... 104

Adding more tabs ... 104

Adding pictures ... 105

Preventing modifications ... 105

Using a custom component... 106

Managing custom components ... 106

Exporting and importing ... 107

Protecting custom components with passwords ... 108

Performing actions on custom components... 108

Using Excel with custom components... 109

Using ASCII files with custom component ... 109

Tips on working with custom components ... 110

2.7 Custom components reference... 111

Detailing > Component > Define Custom Component... 112

Position type... 114

Display variables ... 115

Browser... 119

Plane types ... 120

Construction plane ... 121

Custom component settings... 122

Create distance ... 123

Create reference distance ... 124

Automatic distances ... 125

3 Reinforcement ... 127

3.1 Getting started with reinforcement... 127

3.2 Basic reinforcement properties... 128

Hooks... 129

Concrete cover... 131

Spacing reinforcing bars ... 132

Omitting reinforcing bars... 132

User-defined attributes of reinforcement... 133

Meshes... 133

3.3 Working with reinforcement ... 134

Placing reinforcement ... 134

Attaching reinforcement to parts ... 135

Modifying reinforcement... 135

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Using adaptivity ... 137

Ungrouping a reinforcement ... 139

Grouping reinforcements ... 141

Adding points to a reinforcement ... 142

Removing points from a reinforcement ... 143

Splitting reinforcing bar groups ... 144

Splitting reinforcing bars in a group ... 144

Combining two reinforcing bars or reinforcing bar groups into one ... 144

Exploding reinforcement ... 144

Reinforcement geometry validity ... 145

Conceptual reinforcements ... 145

Converting conceptual reinforcements to detailed reinforcements ... 145

Customizing reinforcement meshes ... 145

Defining custom reinforcement components ... 147

Numbering reinforcement... 147

What affects reinforcement numbering ... 147

How reinforcement affects part numbering ... 148

3.4 Single bars, bar groups, and meshes ... 148

Reinforcing bar ... 149

Reinforcing bar group... 150

Curved reinforcing bar group... 152

Circular reinforcing bar group... 153

Reinforcement mesh ... 154

Reinforcement strand pattern... 156

Reinforcement splice... 159

4 Reinforcing bar bending types ... 161

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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 of components (p. 9)

•

Component catalog (p. 17)

•

Using components (p. 23)

•

Defining parts and plates (p. 29)

•

Defining bolts and welds (p. 33)

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AutoConnection (p. 42)

•

AutoDefaults (p. 45)

•

Using the joints.def file (p. 46)

•

Using Excel in connection design (p. 57)

1.1 Basics of components

Introduction 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.

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

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

Topics Component concepts (p. 10) Component catalog (p. 17) Component dialog box (p. 11) Selection order (p. 13) Up direction (p. 13)

Automatic and default properties (p. 14) General tab (p. 15)

Design and Design type tabs (p. 16)

Component concepts

Components 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.

Item Description Examples Symbol

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

Two-sided clip angle, bolted gusset.

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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

•

seam

All components are stored in the Component catalog (p. 17). To open the component catalog, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F.

See also Custom Components (p. 61) Exploding components (p. 62)

Component dialog box

The component dialog box is in two sections.

Upper part Use the upper section of the dialog box to save and load predefined settings. For more information, see Save, Load, Save as buttons. 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. Modeling

tool

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

Stairs, frames, towers

Detail Adds 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

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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:

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

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

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

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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

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.

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See also Defining parts and plates (p. 29) Defining bolts and welds (p. 33)

Selection order

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

1. Main part 2. Secondary part(s)

3. If there is more than one secondary part, click the middle mouse button to finish 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 direction

The 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 main 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:

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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 properties

Some 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.

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Default and automatic properties

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

General tab

Connections 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. 45)

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.

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Design and Design type tabs

Some 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:

•

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.

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 main part.

Locked Prevents modifications. Locking objects

Class A number given to all parts the connection creates. You can use class to define the color of parts in the model.

Color settings for parts

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

AutoConnectio n Rule Group

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

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•

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:

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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.

1.2 Component catalog

Tekla 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. 18)). Topics Using the component catalog (p. 18)

Thumbnail images (p. 21)

Primary angle, Gross shear [AISC ASD F4-1 (p5-49)] applied = 250.00, allowable = 190.80, capacity = 1.31 FAIL (t = 0.5000, tmin = 0.6551)

Example of design check information in the Inquire object dialog box.

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Grouping components (p. 22)

Customizing and saving components (p. 22)

Using the component catalog

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

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

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search using name, number, or keywords

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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":

Search

View folders

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Creating new

folders By default, components are grouped in folders based on their type and framing condition. You _{can add and remove components, and create folders and subfolders.} To create new folders in the Folders tree view, right-click a level in the tree and select an option from the pop-up menu:

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Create New Folder to create folder at the same level

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Create New Sub-folder to create a folder one level below Information on the folders you create is stored in the

ComponentCatalogTreeView.txt file that is located in the ..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>\attributes\ folder. For more information, see Copying components to another folder (p. 22). Modifying

Search and Folders views

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The default view settings for the Search view are stored in the ComponentCatalog.txt file that is located in the ..\Tekla

Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder. If you modify the file, the Search view and the Search results branch in the Folders view change.

•

The default tree settings for the Folders view are stored in the

ComponentCatalogTreeView.txt file that is located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system folder. If you modify the file, the Folders view changes.

Symbols

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

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

Symbo

l Component type

System connections

System detail

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Pop-up menus

System

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

•

Change picture...

•

AutoDefaults

•

Export

•

Import

•

Edit custom component

•

Delete custom component Sketched cross

sections 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

•

Export

•

Import

•

Delete cross section sketch

Custom connections and seams

Custom details

Custom parts

Sketched cross sections

Symbo

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Descriptions and keywords (p. 21) Grouping components (p. 22)

Managing custom components (p. 106)

Sketched cross sections

Thumbnail images

Most 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\<version>\nt\bitmaps folder.

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

3. Right-click the component and select Change picture... 4. Locate the thumbnail and select it.

5. Click OK.

6. Tekla Structures links the thumbnail to the component.

Descriptions and keywords

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

Use the button to show or hide descriptions. You can create new descriptions and edit existing ones:

•

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

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

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

Structures\<version>\environments\<environment>\system.

Grouping components

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

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

Copying components to another folder

To copy components from one folder to another:

1. In the component catalog, click the Folders icon to open the Folders view. 2. Go to the folder where the component to be copied is located.

3. Select the component, right-click and select Copy. 4. Go to the folder where you want to copy the component. 5. Right-click and select Paste.

Customizing and saving components

Many 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, we’ll use the Bolted gusset (11) component to connect a single brace at the base plate of column.

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

1. Click the Search icon and search for the component to be copied. 2. Select the component and click Store to create a new folder for the

component.

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

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1. To save a copy of the component, we’ll 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. 21).

1.3 Using components

Introduction This section explains how to use components. It also includes examples. Topics Creating components (p. 24)

Example: Adding an end plate (p. 24)

Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods (p. 25) Example: Adding a beam to column connection (p. 26) Viewing components (p. 27)

Modifying components (p. 27) Conceptual components (p. 27)

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Creating components

You 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. 13).

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: Adding an end plate (p. 24).

Status Tekla Structures uses different-colored component symbols to show the status of connections and details:

Example: Adding an end plate

This example shows how to create 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, enter 144 and click Search.

2. Double-click the End plate (144) component. 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 select the main part (column) and then the secondary part (beam). Tekla Structures creates the connection.

Color Status Tip

Green

Component created successfully.

Yellow

Component created, but has problems.

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

Red

Component failed. A common reason is that the up direction is not

appropriate. See Up direction (p. 13).

When 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.

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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. 27).

If you use incorrect properties, Tekla Structures may fail to create the component. For more information, see Creating components (p. 24).

Example: Adding a base plate and anchor rods

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

Before you start:

•

create a column

•

create an elevation view To add a base plate to a column: 1. Open an elevation view. 2. Open the component catalog.

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

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

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

8. Tekla Structures creates the base plate.

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

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

11. Change the dimensions of the anchor rods.

To make it easier to select components, click the Select component icon . 12. Double-click the component to open the Tekla Structures Base plate (1004) dialog box. 13. Go to the Anchor rods tab. Change the dimensions of the anchor rods.

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

15. Click Modify. Tekla Structures changes the dimensions of the anchor rods. 16. Click OK to close the dialog box.

17. Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to end the command. 18. Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection was

created successfully.

Example: Adding a beam to column connection

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

Before you start:

•

create a beam and a column

•

create an elevation view

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

3. Select Column with stiffeners (186).

4. The prompt Pick main part appears on the status bar. Select the column. 5. The prompt Pick secondary part appears on the status bar. Select the beam. 6. Tekla Structures creates the connection.

7. Click OK to close the dialog box.

8. Right-click and select Interrupt from the pop-up menu to end the command. 9. Check that the connection symbol is green, which indicates that the connection was

created successfully.

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

Viewing components

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

1. Click the component symbol to select the component.

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

Modifying components

To modify a component, double-click the component symbol in the model. The 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 components

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

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

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

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Conceptual components can be created only with Engineering and Reinforced Concrete Detailing configurations. However, you can edit conceptual components in Full, Steel Detailing, or Precast Concrete Detailing configurations.

Conceptual components can be converted to detailed components that include all the information needed for fabrication, such as assemblies, cast units, and reinforcing bars. The conversion to detailed components can be done in Full, Steel Detailing, or Precast Concrete Detailing configurations.

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

See also Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component (p. 28)

Converting a conceptual component to a detailed component

An individual conceptual component that has been created with Engineering or Reinforced Concrete Detailing configuration can be converted to a detailed component in Full, Steel Detailing, and Precast Concrete Detailing configurations.

To convert a conceptual component to a detailed component: 1. Select the component symbol.

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

Component Symbol Configuration Description

Conceptual Rectangular Engineering Reinforced Concrete Detailing Conceptual component does not create

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

Detailed Round Full Steel Detailing Precast Concrete Detailing Detailed component contains part and assembly numbering fields, and creates needed assemblies and cast units.

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

If you want to convert a detailed component to a conceptual component in Engineering or Reinforced Concete Detailing configuration, right-click and select Convert to Conceptual Component.

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Tips on working with components

No 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.

1.4 Defining parts and plates

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

Topics Using the dialog box (p. 29) Dimensioning parts (p. 30) Defining materials (p. 32)

Using the dialog box

Some 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.

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

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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 Brace conn tabs.}

Dimensioning parts

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

Plates

Enter 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.

Beams

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

Dimension Description

t Plate thickness

b Plate width

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•

Enter the profile name.

•

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

Part position number

Use 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.

Using the Components tab

To 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 part’s relationship to other parts in the component. Separate the prefix and part number using the \ character (for example, p\1).

The profile must exist in the profile catalog.

Prefix

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Defining materials

To define the materials for the parts that components create, click against the Material field. Tekla Structures opens the Select Material dialog box. Click a material type, then click the material to use for the part.

Prefix

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Using the Components tab

To 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 welds

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

Topics Using the Bolts tab (p. 33) Defining bolts (p. 35) Creating holes (p. 35)

Number of bolts and spacing (p. 36) Bolt group orientation (p. 36) Bolt group pattern (p. 37) 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 tab

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Slotted hole dimensions

Slotted to create slotted hole in part

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

Shank length protruding from the nut

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Defining bolts

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

Increasing bolt length

To 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 holes

To only create a hole, deselect all the components in the illustration on the Bolts tab. Enter bolt order number of bolt to delete.

Edge distance

Bolt spacing (horizontal)

Number of bolts

Bolt group pattern

Horizontal

Vertical

Dialog 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.

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Number of bolts and spacing

Use 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 orientation

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

Bolt spacing

Option Description

Square.

Staggered in the direction of the secondary part.

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Bolt group pattern

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

Edge distance

Edge distance is the distance from the center of a bolt to the edge of the part. Enter top, bottom, left, and right edge distances on the Bolts tab. A dimension line on the illustration shows each dimension. See also Using the joints.def file (p. 46).

Bolt position

In 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

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Vertical bolt position

Use these options to indicate how Tekla Structures measures vertical dimensions:

Horizontal bolt position

Use 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.

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Defining slotted holes

To define slotted holes in components:

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

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

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

Deleting bolts

To delete bolts from a bolt group:

1. Double click the component symbol to open the component dialog box. 2. Go to the Bolts tab.

3. Check Delete.

4. Enter the bolt number(s) of the bolt(s) to delete, separated by a space. Bolt numbers 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).

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Defining bolt assemblies

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

To change the bolt assemblies in the current component: 1. Click the component symbol to select it.

2. Check the pieces to use. 3. Check Effect in modify. 4. Click the Modify button.

Welds

To define the properties of the welds Tekla Structures uses in a component, click the 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.

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See also Welds

1.6 AutoConnection

Introduction 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 AutoConnection

Use 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.

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4. Click the Create connections button.

When you use AutoConnection, Tekla Structures ignores the properties in the connection dialog boxes and creates connections using the properties defined in the rule group. 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.

Rule group for AutoConnection

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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:

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

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. 14).

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

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1.7 AutoDefaults

Introduction 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 main part profile. If the main part profile changes, Tekla Structures will also automatically adjust the thickness of the base plate.

Topics Using AutoConnection (p. 42) Using AutoDefaults (p. 45)

How to use AutoDefaults effectively (p. 46) Checking AutoDefaults properties (p. 46) Checking AutoDefaults rules (p. 46)

Using AutoDefaults

With 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).

3. On all the tabs, set the fields that you want AutoDefaults to override to Default by selecting the options marked with the arrow symbol.

4. Click Apply to create the connection using AutoDefaults.

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

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How to use AutoDefaults effectively

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

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 main part profile. If you modify the main part profile, Tekla Structures does not update the base plate thickness. It remains at 20 mm.

Checking AutoDefaults properties

To check the properties AutoDefaults has applied to a connection:

1. Double-click the connection symbol to open the connection dialog box. 2. In the list box in the upper left corner of the dialog box, select <AutoDefaults>.

3. Click Load. Tekla Structures shows the applied properties in the fields. You can also see all the combined properties used for that connection.

Checking AutoDefaults rules

You can check which rules AutoDefaults has used for a particular connection. 1. Select the connection symbol and right-click.

2. Select Inquire.

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

1.8 Using the joints.def file

This 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. 47)

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. 56)

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

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About joints.def

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

If you use joints.def, you can still use some system default properties. To force 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 works

For 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.def

Lines 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.

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

Connection type According to

Clip angle Secondary beam height Shear plate Secondary beam height End plate Secondary beam height Gusset Length of angle profile Diagonal Height of angle profile

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Entering values

When you edit joints.def:

•

Enter absolute values or names

•

Do not use feet and inch symbols

•

Ensure that profiles exist in the profile catalog

•

Ensure bolts exist in the bolt catalog.

Defining general defaults

If Tekla Structures cannot find a property for a connection in the connection-specific 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.

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Defining bolt diameter and number of rows

Before 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 connections

Tekla 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 main parts:

1 is Both bolted

2 is Main bolted / Secondary welded 3 is Main not welded

4 is Main welded / Secondary bolted 5 is Both welded

6 is Main 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 BOLTHEIGHT

part Use the part name ANGLECLIP

sec.beam.height Height of secondary beam

diameter Bolt diameter. Must exist in the bolt catalog.