TEK1 completed a steel stair project for a prominent organization in Australia. Our primary scope was to provide the detailing drawings for the steel stair. However, the client also requested that we provide the support cleats for the balustrade.
Although the balustrade itself was outside our scope, the support cleats had to be welded to our steelwork, making their coordination our responsibility.
To ensure a perfect fit, we worked closely with the team responsible for the balustrade model. Through several coordination meetings with the client and the design team, we finalized the cleat locations and incorporated them into our detailing.
TEK1 completed a stair project for a prominent organization in Australia. The goal was to provide drawings for the stair and cladding. Apart from that, the client also wants us to detail handrails for the stairs.
Recently, we were awarded a project to detail a curved section on the bridge for a reputed organization in Australia. The geometry involved presented some unique challenges.
From the elevation, the structure followed a non-linear zig-zag curvature, creating a dynamic and aesthetically driven form.
For the 27 Scott Street project, the client requested that the façade posts be installed with sufficient clearance so that the fixing anchors do not clash with the PT cable lines.
We carefully followed the client’s requirements and coordinated the design to ensure that the anchors clear the PT cable lines. The steel was successfully erected without any issues.
We would like to thank the client for giving us the opportunity to be part of this project.
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
When detailing steel, one important factor that’s often overlooked is the stock length of the beams. Confirming this early can prevent major rework later in the project.
Recently, we worked on a façade support steel project that involved several CHS beams. Normally, CHS sections are available up to 12 meters in length. However, in this case, the client informed us that for smaller CHS sizes, the maximum available length was only 6.5 meters.
Please see the below email from the client.
“Hi Ganesh
Have just noticed some of your Member lengths for the 101 CHS are longer than 6.5m stock lengths.”
Then we have raised RFIs for the stock lengths. See the below replies from the client.
Always confirm the available stock lengths with the client or fabricator before starting the detailing. Early coordination like this saves time, reduces rework, and ensures a smoother fabrication process.
In this blog, I’d like to share an issue we faced related to hanger locations.
In this job, the floor steel was supported from the slab soffit. Initially, we placed the hangers as per the design drawings. However, during coordination with the concrete model, we discovered a slab void exactly at one of the hanger locations — meaning there was no concrete support available for that hanger.
Fortunately, we identified the issue before fabrication and raised it with the respective manager for correction.
When detailing steel, especially hangers or supports connected to concrete, it’s crucial to check the concrete model. Focusing only on the steel scope can lead to such clashes. Always verify slab and concrete details at the steel connection points to avoid costly rework later.
