3D Modeling and Design Tools
Tekla Structures provides parametric 3D modeling capabilities that enable users to create intelligent structural components such as beams, columns, slabs, and connections, where each object maintains geometric and behavioral properties that adapt to modifications in the model.[20] These components are defined using predefined profiles and parametric variables, allowing for precise adjustments to dimensions, positions, and attributes through direct handles or property panes.[20] For instance, steel beams can be modeled as straight, curved, polybeams, or spiral variants by picking points in 3D space, while concrete columns and slabs support lofted or sloping forms with defined thicknesses and levels.[20]
Material-specific tools in Tekla Structures facilitate detailed modeling for various construction materials, incorporating automated processes to ensure constructibility. For steel, users can profile elements using contour plates, bent plates, and lofted plates, combined with cuts and fittings to create custom geometries.[20] Concrete modeling includes rebar placement through sets, single bars, groups, and meshes that adapt to host geometry via guidelines and leg faces, alongside tools for defining pouring sequences, phases, and breaks with integrated clash checks during pour unit creation.[20] Timber framing is supported through general part creation and sub-assemblies, allowing for custom details like bases integrated into multi-material models.[20] Automated clash detection scans the model for overlaps and minimum distances, displaying results in a manager with customizable symbols and export options for resolution.[20]
User workflows in Tekla Structures emphasize direct manipulation in 3D space, starting with grid creation—rectangular, radial, or single lines—for alignment, followed by snapping to points, lines, or numeric coordinates to place parts accurately.[20] Parts are created from catalogs of standard profiles, such as AISC standards for steel sections (e.g., I, L, U, box), which users select and modify parametrically.[20] Connections are added via bolts, welds, system components from the Applications & Components catalog, or custom parametric components that self-adjust to surrounding geometry.[20] Construction objects like lines, circles, planes, and points aid in precise positioning, while macros and the Batch Editor streamline repetitive tasks in assemblies.[20]
The software handles complex geometry through tools for custom shapes, such as user-defined cross-sections, exploded components, and multi-material assemblies comprising up to millions of elements in large-scale projects.[21] Parametric bindings using distance variables ensure that modifications propagate across the model, supporting intricate designs like spiral beams or adapted rebar in irregular concrete forms.[20] For visualization, real-time rendering is available alongside section views created from model planes, enabling detailed examination of assemblies.[20] Navigation tools include zooming, panning, rotating, and fly-through modes, with adjustable fields of view and work planes to manage expansive models efficiently.[20]
Detailing and Documentation Features
Tekla Structures provides automated tools for generating construction documents directly from 3D models, ensuring that drawings such as shop drawings, erection plans, and general arrangement (GA) drawings include annotations, dimensions, and bills of materials (BOMs).[22] These features utilize AutoDrawings wizards to produce single-part drawings, assembly drawings, cast-unit drawings, and multi-drawings, with updates propagating automatically when the underlying model changes.[22] Additionally, the Smart Create functionality allows users to search for optimal drawing templates based on model content, streamlining repetitive workflows for production areas.[23]
Report customization in Tekla Structures enables the creation of tailored outputs like material takeoffs, advanced BOMs for elements such as bolts, plates, and rebar, and fabrication schedules using predefined or user-defined templates.[24] Users can generate reports based on specific criteria, such as part phases or project quantities, to support accurate quantity take-offs and cost quotations derived from the model data.[25] This automation reduces manual calculations and ensures consistency across project documentation.[26]
Detailing workflows in Tekla Structures incorporate automation for connection design, including bolted and welded joints, through a library of standard and custom components that adapt to model geometry.[26] For concrete structures, reinforcement detailing tools automate rebar placement, automatically recognizing openings, cut-outs, and required splicing while generating bending schedules.[27] The 2025 version enhances these capabilities with features like reinforcement sequence numbering within pours or cast units, improving efficiency in complex detailing tasks.[28]
Multi-user collaboration is facilitated through Tekla Model Sharing, which allows distributed teams to work on the same model simultaneously, either online or offline, with changes synchronized upon reconnection to track revisions and maintain version control.[29] This differs from the traditional multi-user mode by supporting global teams across organizations without performance degradation, enabling real-time input from detailers, fabricators, and project managers.[30]
Output formats from Tekla Structures include exports to DWG and DXF for 2D drawings, PDF for printable documents, and NC files in DSTV format for CNC machinery, which can be customized with specific headers and converted to DXF if needed.[31] These formats support direct integration with fabrication processes, including rebar bending schedules and layout points for on-site use.[32]