Category: Tekla Modelling Tips

This is a blog to give tips and tricks to Tekla users. We will bring you the best and the latest in Tekla and structural steel detailing

  • Avoiding Errors In Updating Modified Drawings

    Avoiding Errors In Updating Modified Drawings

    When the model is amended after issuing the first set of drawings, the affected assembly drawings will appear as “Parts Modified” after numbering is completed. While updating such drawings, certain considerations are important to ensure effective and quick detailing.

    1. Freeze Option

    When Freeze is OFF, Tekla automatically updates dimensions according to the movement of parts. While this may seem convenient, the decision to turn Freeze ON or OFF depends on the nature of the amendment.

    • If no new members are added to the assembly and only existing parts are moved, it is recommended to keep Freeze OFF, as Tekla will correctly update the dimensions.
    • If new parts are added to the assembly and Freeze is turned OFF, Tekla will automatically generate additional dimensions for the new members and may also alter existing dimensions. This can result in extra work to restore the original dimensioning arrangement.

    Guideline:

    • When no new parts are added, turn Freeze OFF.
    • When new parts are added, turn Freeze ON.

    2. Snapshot Option

    Among the drawings marked as “Parts Modified,” not all drawings necessarily contain actual changes. Some assembly drawings may appear as modified because they share common connection components with other assemblies that were amended.

    In such cases, the drawing may not have any visible changes and may only require an open-and-close action. However, there is a risk that certain dimensions may be automatically deleted or altered by Tekla during the update.

    To avoid missing dimensions or unintended changes, the Snapshot option is highly useful. It allows detailers to compare the drawing before and after the update. By reviewing the differences, any unnecessary or unintended modifications can be identified and corrected, thereby minimizing the risk of errors.

  • Design Guide for Galvanizers for Design Guide for Hot Dip Galvanizing – best practice venting and draining.

    Design Guide for Hot Dip Galvanizing - best practice venting and draining
    Design Guide for Hot Dip Galvanizing – best practice venting and draining

    This document outlines the design guide for detailers to provide venting and draining holes for galvanizing.

  • Dont Lose time with missing dimensions

    Do you loose time with missing dimensions

    Have you ever used the wrong revision?

    Here is what is cooking at Tek1.

    If you would lik to to know more

    Here is a solution where you can scan the QR code and bring up the assembly model. know the revision number of the drawing which you should be using

    you may visite tek1.com.au for more information

  • Section Profiles for SS and Aluminium

    If you are detailing Aluminium or SS sections always confirm the section profiles.

    If you model without that confirmation, there is good chance that you will be spending additional hours and it will be wasted time for all

  • Tekla Productivity Tool1

    CNTRL + RIGHT CLICK to set start point

    Press X, Y, or Z to Lock the co ordinate as the need may be

    Save time in modelling

  • Tekla Object Locks

    Tekla Structures’ object lock is a crucial feature, particularly in multi-user environments like Tekla Model Sharing, designed to prevent accidental modification and control access to specific model objects and drawings. It acts as a protective measure to maintain model integrity and streamline collaborative workflows.

    Here’s a breakdown of how it works and its key aspects:

    Purpose of Object Locks:

    • Prevent Accidental Modifications: The primary goal is to stop users from unintentionally changing or deleting parts, assemblies, cast units, or drawings that are considered complete or sensitive. This is especially important when multiple users or even different organizations are working on the same shared model.
    • Control Access: It allows you to regulate who can modify specific elements. For example, an organization can lock objects they’ve created to prevent other organizations working on the same project from altering them.
    • Maintain Numbering: Locking objects can prevent changes that would affect the numbering of parts, assemblies, or cast units, which is critical for fabrication and erection.
    • Protect Drawing Integrity: Drawings are linked to the model. Locking drawings helps prevent unintended edits or deletion, especially when they are “issued” or nearing completion.

    How Object Locks Work:

    1. User-Defined Attribute (UDA) “OBJECT_LOCKED”: At its core, Tekla Structures uses a user-defined attribute called “OBJECT_LOCKED.” This is a boolean value (Yes/No or 1/0) that can be applied to various model elements, including:
      • Parts (beams, columns, plates, etc.)
      • Assemblies
      • Cast units
      • Bolts
      • Welds
      • Specific drawing types
      • Reference models (prevents movement and detail updates)
    2. Setting Locks:
      • Manual Locking: You can manually select objects in the model and set their “Locked” UDA to “Yes” through the “Object locks” dialog (Manage > Locks) or the object’s properties.
      • Organization Lock: In Tekla Model Sharing, new assemblies and cast units created by a specific organization can be automatically locked “For others” by default (controlled by the XS_OBJECTLOCK_DEFAULT advanced option). This means only users from that organization can modify them.
      • Drawing Locks: Drawings can also be locked independently through the Document manager.
    3. Effect of Locking:
      • When an object is locked, any attempt to modify it (move, delete, change properties, etc.) will result in a “There are locked objects, see report. The operation could not be performed.” message.
      • Tekla Structures will write the IDs of the locked objects to the session history log, helping you identify what is preventing the operation.
      • Locked drawings can be opened but require manual unlocking to be edited.
    4. Unlocking Objects:
      • Objects can be unlocked by changing their “Locked” UDA back to “No.”
      • The “Object locks” dialog provides a central place to manage locks.
      • There are also methods and even macros to unlock multiple objects or all locked objects in a model, which can be useful if an object becomes “stuck” due to an invisible locked sub-object (e.g., a locked point preventing a part from being unlocked).

    Important Considerations:

    • Hierarchy: If a sub-object within an assembly or cast unit is locked, it can prevent modifications to the entire assembly/cast unit.
    • Tekla Model Sharing: Object locks are particularly vital in shared models to prevent conflicts and ensure smooth collaboration. When a lock is shared, other users will see the locked status.
    • Drawing vs. Freeze: It’s important to distinguish between “locking” and “freezing” drawings. Locking indicates that a drawing should not be edited, while freezing prevents associative objects (like dimensions and marks) from updating automatically due to model changes.
    • Visibility: You might encounter situations where an object seems locked, but you can’t find the lock. This could be due to small, invisible sub-objects being locked. Tekla’s log files provide valuable information in such cases.

    In essence, Tekla Structures’ object lock is a powerful tool for managing and protecting your model data, especially in complex, collaborative projects. It provides a layer of security and control that is essential for efficient and error-free structural modeling.

  • Plate Stringer Sprial Stair

    Expert detailiing of spiral stair with plate stringers.

    Clear drawings and set outs for easy fabrication.

    Here is and example.

    Tek1 has the experience detailing different types of spiral stairs.

    There are challenges for the fabricator. Good drawings help to reduce the issues the fabricator will be facing.

    If you want the Tekla Model for this email me.

    Spiral Stair

  • Weld Clearance

    Make sure there is sufficent clearance for welds.

    The cost of not providing weld clearance is significant.

    These type of errors chips away at our credibility

  • Purlin Brackets

    Lysaught provides different types of brackets.

    Whe you are modelling choose the appropriate types