NCDXF Files and & CSK Bolt Holes (in Tamil) from Tek1 on Vimeo.
Hi team, please review the video for CSK bolt holes and NCDXF Files – language is Tamil.
Category: Steel Detailing Blog
This page show cases some of the Steel Detailing projectgs completed in Melbourne, Sydney, WA, Brisbane Tek1 has completed
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GRASSHOPPER- THE VISUAL PROGRAMMING LINK FOR TEKLA
Ever wondered how to automate the processes in modeling of steel structures, increase efficiency and accuracy. Grasshopper has got all the answers. Grasshopper is a visual programming interface like the Dynamo we saw in the previous blogs. It is built in within the 3D modeling software called Rhino. Tekla has released a link which enables algorithmic modeling for Tekla Structures using Rhino/Grasshopper. Even the toughest and tiresome models can be easily created using the Grasshopper-Tekla Live Link provided you have a strong visualization capacity and good understanding of the underlying geometry.
We have tried using it for our jobs and it provides great flexibility to alter the parameters. One of the job we used for is creating a Spiral stair and the process was pretty easy and we got accurate results. Another challenging job we experimented was the outer framing for cladding panels, along the sides of a bridge which had a tricky geometry. Have a look at these in the following video.
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ISSUES OF EXPORTING DSTV TO DXF WITH CSK BOLTS IN TEKLA MODEL
Wherever Countersunk bolts are provided in a model, it is advised not to send NC DXF files to the client for the corresponding plate/shaft. This is because the hole dia in the generated NC & DXF file is not the actual bolt dia but it is the dia of the countersunk head. Therefore, the hole dia in the plate/shaft is much higher than the actual value. Hence, it is advised not to send NC DXF files for plates/shafts which has countersunk holes.
But, when the client demands for NC DXF files even for plate/shaft with CSK bolts, the generated NC DXF files must be manually edited such that the CSK hole dia in the NC DXF files is bolt dia + 2mm(Tolerance).
Also the tolerance for CSK bolts must be 2mm everywhere irrespective of the members the bolt is connecting i.e, whether it is steel to steel connection or steel to concrete connection the tolerance for CSK bolts must be 2mm.
By Ramakrishnan.L
TEK1
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DYNAMO: MODELING COMPLEX STRUCTURES
When it comes to 3D modeling, there always exists limitations with conventional modeling software while working with complex structures. In business, it is very important that each and every need of the customer must be fulfilled without compromise. With these things in mind we started experimenting various ways to model complex structures. Dynamo came into help here. The main advantage of using Dynamo is its accuracy and speed.
We have done a aesthetic facade for an atrium using Rectangular hollow steel section which comprise of a Sine wave geometry in its elevation. Without the need of creating each and every piece individually we created a script which automatically generated the facade with the required profile. The final output was really accurate which may be limited when doing it manually. The size and shape of the overall model can also be adjusted easily to our requirements by using Dynamo.
If you want us to model any challenging structure like this, please do contact us.
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DYNAMO: THE GAME CHANGER
Automation is the process of making a task automatic, an essential requirement for all business processes to achieve accuracy in repetitive tasks, where humans or manual tasks are prone to error. One of the most powerful automation package of recent times in the construction industry is the Autodesk’s Dynamo. It is an open-source visual programming tool which works with Revit and other Autodesk products but could also be integrated with non-Autodesk programs using Standalone releases like Dynamo Studio, Dynamo Sandbox, and Project refinery.
Unlike other Application Programming Interfaces which are used by well-grounded programmers, people with minimal coding knowledge can create custom scripts using the Dynamo to access the Revit interface. It runs on the background of Design script and Python. With Dynamo, the opportunities are endless and many time consuming tasks in various disciplines such as design, detailing, modeling, analysis, documentation can be automated.
We use Dynamo to find potential solutions to problems we face day-to-day. One such problem was the unavailability of 3D grids in Revit. Moreover even when exporting a Revit model to CAD .dwg format, the grids failed to show up but they are available with Ifc exports. We developed a simple script to solve this issue using Dynamo.
The workflow between Revit and Dynamo is shown here.
The above snip shows the sequence of nodes in the dynamo workspace which were used to create Grids in 3D view.
We found it quite interesting when we started digging to explore the capabilities of Dynamo to help us with our jobs. Learn more about Dynamo: https://dynamobim.org/
If you have any questions or opinions about this post please do comment below.
Written by Madhumitha Balaji
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Can you spot the Problem#7
When we place a beam, we need to consider several factors. The major one is to ensure that the beams do not clash with any of the aesthetical members such as the Cladding, Roof sheets, wall panel etc.
In this figure.1 The engineer has provided a UC150*37 beam as 1B30 to support the external beam at perimeter and stud wall. If we fix the beam as per the architects specified location it will clash with the external wall finish (NASAHI WALL) by 40mm which is shown in Figure.2. We can not move this beam from its location because the supporting columns are hidden inside the walls for the aesthetic purpose by Architect.
Engineer provides 150UC37 AS 1B30. Also, Architect prefers 50 thick NASAHI wall finish at the Perimeter. 
Model Snaps Shows the beam Clash with NASAHI wall. So we have no choice but to rather change the beam profile, This condition was explained to the Engineer and Architect by our detailer.
The requirement was to change beam profile to be concealed and at the same time support the framework, thus was modified to PFC 200*75.
As we change the beam profile the clash was eliminated Always be vigilant about these factors to avoid major mistakes.
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HAVE YOU TRIED IN AUTO CAD #1: CUSTOM TOOL PALETTES
Many of the time we use same commands and a set of procedure to work in drafting which consumes time we get used to it over time. For example: to insert a section tag we always need to use insert command and find the block and specify the scale and insert it eventually we need to consider scale of the view port which we are going to present the drawing.
Instead of doing the same insertion every time we could customize a tool palette so that we could have a tools we use frequently.
For example we need to label the members with its name in the layer “TAG” and color “GREEN”. We need not edit the property of the text every time. We can create a source file and save it on a common location (so that all the Auto CAD users can use the same file) and have the text in that file. And we could create a custom tab in the tool palette where we could just drag and drop and use it in all other files we work on. It will carry the general properties such as layer, color, line type and line type scale etc.. we could use the same for blocks, dimensions and all geometries as well.
Notes:
- To view tool palette we could use command “TP”
- Create a source file in some network drive location with all the blocks so that it is easy for other users to fetch them.
- To create a new tool palette right click on the header then customize tool palette.
- In the customize window right click on the palettes list and create a new palette. We could do the same by just clicking on new palette option when we right click.
- Then we could just drag and drop the entries like blocks into the palette and now we are done with the loading part. We could use the same in any other drawings. It makes the work so easy and also helps by saving a lot of time.
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Can you spot the problem – #6
It’s one thing to model something on your computer. It is yet another thing to fabricate what’s drawn in 3d-land. Given the designs that we seen come through, I doubt very much whether the modern day architect has ever stepped foot in a workshop, or has fabricated anything in their lives.
Consider the below example and see if you can find any issues that should be blaring at you like a fire alarm.
Pop quiz: What’s wrong with this?
What’s wrong with this? 
What’s wrong here? Answer:
- I think you might struggle to build it. I don’t think you can curve a PFC125 x 75 with a radius of 125 mm.
- Can you think of an alternate solution?
Ok, here’s how we can fix the problem. Written by Gopal D.
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.dwg based Take off with custom Plug ins
Tek1 has developed .dwg based plugins which talk to Tekla to carry out take-off efficiently
Take off is completed in .dwg based Cad systems very similar to modeling in Tekla. For BIM model the model is converted to Tekla
Reports can be taken either from .dwg system or Tekla. Right now reports are being taken out of Tekla. Our next effort is to develop a plugin which will convert the .dwg model into an IFC model.
If anyone is able to help us in this developing the plug int convert .dwg based model to an IFC model we will be very interested.
Here is a sample file.
Tak off model
