Cloning of Assembly Drawings in Tekla is the Smartest Way to Improve Detailing Efficiency
In structural steel detailing, efficiency and accuracy are critical to delivering projects on time. As projects grow larger and more complex, detailers must find smarter ways to manage repetitive components and maintain consistency across drawings. One powerful feature that helps achieve this in Tekla Structures is Assembly Drawing Cloning.
Cloning assembly drawings is a highly effective method that allows detailers to duplicate an existing assembly drawing and apply it to similar assemblies within the model. Instead of creating drawings from scratch every time, detailers can reuse a well-configured drawing layout, saving significant time while maintaining uniform standards across the project.
In steel structures, many assemblies such as beams, columns, bracing members, and connection components often share similar configurations. When these assemblies are modeled with comparable geometry and detailing requirements, cloning becomes an invaluable tool. By copying an existing drawing and adapting it automatically to another assembly, Tekla helps detailers maintain consistency in dimensions, views, marks, and annotations.
Another advantage of cloning is its ability to intelligently adapt to small variations between assemblies. Tekla automatically adjusts views, dimensions, and annotations to match the geometry of the new assembly. This allows detailers to reuse drawings even when there are minor differences in member length, hole positions, or connection details
Please refer to the video below, which elaborates on the cloning process and the working method in Tekla Structures
Why Locknuts Are the Unsung Heroes of Anchor Bolt Integrity
Anchor bolts are the literal foundation of structural stability. They secure steel columns, heavy machinery, and critical structural components to concrete foundations, resisting uplift, shear, and dynamic forces.
But even the strongest anchor bolt is only as reliable as its ability to stay tight.
In industrial environments where vibration, movement, and thermal cycling are constant, relying on a standard nut alone is often not enough. This is where locknuts become a non-negotiable component of anchor bolt assemblies.
The Hidden Risk: Vibration-Induced Loosening
When we think about structural failures, we often imagine snapped steel or crumbling concrete. However, one of the most common—and preventable—failure points is vibration-induced loosening. Enter the locknut – the small but mighty component that ensures your anchor bolts stay steadfast.
The Mechanics of Loosening
Standard nuts rely on the friction between the bolt threads and the nut threads, maintained by the tension (clamp load) of the bolt. However, two main factors can compromise this:
Thermal Expansion: Fluctuating temperatures cause the bolt and the fixture to expand and contract, periodically reducing the clamp load.
Vibration: Constant motion from machinery or wind loads can cause minute “slips” in the threads.
What is a Locknut and Why Does it Matter for Anchor Bolts?
A locknut is a specialized fastening device designed to resist loosening when subjected to vibration and torque. Unlike standard nuts, which rely solely on friction created by initial tension, locknuts incorporate various mechanisms to maintain their grip, even when external forces try to reduce that tension.
Conclusion
Don’t let a $2.00 part jeopardize a $200,000 project. Using high-quality locknuts on your anchor bolts ensures longevity, reduces maintenance costs, and—most importantly—guarantees structural safety.
When we export models from TEKLA Structures, we mainly see two options:
Export IFC (this mostly means IFC2x3 format)
IFC4 Export
Both formats serve the same purpose—model interoperability—but they work differently, support different levels of data, and offer different quality of geometry.
In this blog, we explore the key differences, benefits, and when to use each format.
1. What is “Export IFC” (IFC2x3)?
This is the old IFC format used by most companies for many years.
Key points
Works in almost all BIM software
Shows Geometry is basic and sometimes rough
Limited property information
The File size is Bigger
Best For
✔ General coordination ✔ Clients who request IFC2x3 ✔ Old software compatibility
2. What is “IFC4 Export”?
This is the newer and more advanced format.
Key Points
Geometry looks cleaner and smoother
Curved members (Hollow sections, pipes, elbows, etc.) look perfect
More detailed data (bolts, welds, assemblies)
Smaller file size in many cases
Better for new BIM tools
Best For
✔ Modern BIM tools ✔ Better visual quality ✔ Detailed model sharing
3. Quick Comparison
Feature
IFC2x3 (Export IFC)
IFC4
Geometry
Basic (Rough)
Smooth & Accurate
Curved Shapes
Approximate
Perfect & Precise
File Size
Larger
Smaller
Compatibility
Very High
Medium
Details
Limited
More Detailed
convert IFC object to Steel Member
Work well
Can’t convert
4. Which One Should You Use?
Use Export IFC (IFC2x3) if the client asks for it or if compatibility is important.
Use IFC4 if you want cleaner geometry and more detailed information.
5. Final Summary
IFC2x3 (Export IFC) → Best for compatibility
IFC4 → Best for quality and smooth geometry
If your client or BIM Execution Plan (BEP) does not specify the format, use IFC4 for best geometry
Please note that once we assign a job to the team members, the next step is to provide your ETA.
Whether our ETA is within or beyond the client’s expected date, it must be clearly updated in the status.
If the client decides to cancel the job due to late delivery, they will respond to the status, and Ben will inform us.
If there are any RFIs in the received documents, they must be raised immediately, and the status should be updated as “RFI raised on [date]” & “xxx days required to deliver the take-off reports.”
At TEK1, we believe great detailing is more than just precision—it’s about understanding real-world challenges and turning complexity into clarity.
The Challenge
The Great EMU in the Sky project presented one of the most unique and technically demanding structures we’ve ever worked on—a 30-metre-wide globe made up of 128 intricate “star nodes” connecting the bracing members.
These nodes weren’t ordinary joints. Each featured 5 or 6 connection points and came in three different CHS sizes, with every arm set at unique, non-repeating angles.
For the fabrication team, this posed a significant challenge:
128 Complex Star Nodes, each with custom angles
Inconsistent geometries
Time-consuming and difficult to fabricate accurately
Even with precise 3D modelling, the practicality of fabrication was proving to be a serious bottleneck. Something had to change.
The Turning Point
That’s when TEK1 took the initiative.
Rather than simply delivering a model and walking away, we engaged directly with the fabricator to understand the issue from their perspective. We realized that even the most accurate detailing wasn’t enough—what the team needed was smarter, fabrication-friendly solutions.
The Solution
Our detailing team re-engineered how the star nodes were documented, presented, and ultimately fabricated. Key solutions included:
✅ Custom fabrication jig design: We developed a dedicated jig that allowed star nodes to be fabricated with greater ease and precision, regardless of the angle configuration.
✅ Standardized node sub-groups: We grouped similar nodes together to reduce variation and streamline production.
✅ Detailed templates: For common angle types, we provided accurate templates to guide fabrication.
✅ Visual fabrication aids: Clear drawings showing exact cuts, welds, and orientations for every node.
🤝 Stronger collaboration between design and workshop teams
Most importantly, the fabricators were able to work with confidence, knowing each node would come together exactly as intended.
Taking Detailing to the Next Level
This project reinforced one of TEK1’s core values: true excellence in detailing comes not just from precision—but from empathy. When we truly understand the needs of the people building the structure, we unlock practical, buildable solutions.
The Great EMU in the Sky is more than a globe—it’s a powerful example of what happens when detailers and fabricators work together as one team.
📢 Call to Action:
🚀 Have a complex structure or fabrication challenge? Partner with TEK1—where technical expertise meets buildability.
