tekla structures 2018 release notes...tekla structures 2018 release notes 10 new way to edit model...

Tekla Structures 2018Upgrade to this version

March 2018

©2018 Trimble Solutions Corporation

Contents

1 Tekla Structures 2018 release notes ...........................................71.1 New Support tool.............................................................................................. 91.2 New way to edit model object properties....................................................10

Modify model object properties.......................................................................................... 13Copy object properties from one object to another......................................................... 16Use property files and standard files.................................................................................. 17User-defined attributes in the property pane ...................................................................18Customize the property pane layout...................................................................................18Distribute customized property pane layouts using a project, firm, orenvironment folder............................................................................................................... 26

1.3 Easier way to change work planes................................................................ 27Work plane handler...............................................................................................................28

1.4 Undo modeling and drawing changes with the new Undo historycommand......................................................................................................... 28

1.5 Other user interface changes........................................................................ 31Tekla Online: a new side pane..............................................................................................31Side pane improvements......................................................................................................32Renewed Snapping and Selecting toolbars........................................................................ 34Snap symbol color change....................................................................................................35 Quick Launch finds the commands on the File menu......................................................35New base point symbol.........................................................................................................35

1.6 New selection tool and other modeling improvements.............................36Select previous objects..........................................................................................................36Improvements in construction objects............................................................................... 37Improvements in the Inquire tool........................................................................................38Improvements in numbering............................................................................................... 39Improvements in compound welds.....................................................................................40Improvements in polygon welds..........................................................................................40Improvements in shapes...................................................................................................... 41Other modeling improvements........................................................................................... 41

1.7 More accurate analysis models and other analysis and designimprovements................................................................................................. 42New method of generating analysis models......................................................................42Export to Tekla Structural Designer using an analysis model.......................................... 43Import changes from Tekla Structural Designer to an analysis model........................... 44Improvements in defining analysis model content and filters........................................ 44Changes in the Analysis model properties dialog box...................................................... 44Changes in analysis classes and node colors.....................................................................46Showing analysis member and node numbers................................................................. 47New separate selection toolbar for analysis objects.........................................................47Other improvements and fixes in analysis and design.....................................................47

1.8 Faster rebar sets and other reinforcement improvements.......................48Rebar set performance improvements...............................................................................48

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New selection switches......................................................................................................... 48Adding leg faces to rebar sets.............................................................................................. 49Rebar set splitter improvements......................................................................................... 49Grouping bars in rebar sets..................................................................................................49Position numbers for bars in linearly tapered rebar sets.................................................50Numbering reinforcement meshes..................................................................................... 50Reinforcement improvements in drawings........................................................................ 50New template and format string attributes....................................................................... 55Other reinforcement improvements...................................................................................55

1.9 Improvements in pour management............................................................56Pour properties in property pane........................................................................................57Filtering and reporting pour units....................................................................................... 57Pour units in Organizer......................................................................................................... 57Pour units in Task Manager.................................................................................................. 57New template attributes for pour units..............................................................................58Pour management in shared models................................................................................. 58Rebar sets in pour units........................................................................................................58

1.10 New way to manage drawing content and other mark and noteimprovements................................................................................................. 58Drawing content manager - efficiently manage drawing content .................................. 59Improved mark placement................................................................................................... 63Improved way to select part marks..................................................................................... 66New way to select model weld marks in drawings............................................................66Add model weld marks in drawings.................................................................................... 66Add associative notes to several model objects at one go...............................................67Selection switch to select associative notes....................................................................... 68Show/hide weld marks in hidden parts.............................................................................. 68Align text in marks, notes and texts.................................................................................... 68

1.11 Customized dimension line arrows and other dimensioningimprovements................................................................................................. 69Customize dimension line arrows....................................................................................... 69New dimension arrow types.................................................................................................70Change dimension arrow size.............................................................................................. 70Rebar dimensions anchored to rebar ends........................................................................71Pour object properties available in dimension tags..........................................................71Improvements in Dimension rule properties.....................................................................73Improvements in Rebar group dimensioning.................................................................... 73

1.12 Other improvements in drawings................................................................. 75Opening drawings faster...................................................................................................... 75Hole and recess symbols shown in complex geometries.................................................76Snapping improvements.......................................................................................................76Create a filter for selecting multiple drawing objects....................................................... 77Additional weld size for compound weld types................................................................. 77New command for closing the drawing mode...................................................................78Layout editor improvements................................................................................................78Improvements in custom grid labels...................................................................................79New pattern lines...................................................................................................................80View settings now remembered correctly.......................................................................... 81New warning message for cast units.................................................................................. 82Printing improvements......................................................................................................... 82

1.13 Template Editor 3.6 improvements .............................................................. 831.14 Reserve the next write out and other improvements in Tekla

Model Sharing..................................................................................................90

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Reserve the next write out....................................................................................................90Create a baseline using Sharing automation tool............................................................. 92Improved and more robust performance in Tekla Model Sharing.................................. 93

1.15 Improvements in IFC export, import and conversion.................................93IFC4 export improvements................................................................................................... 94IFC2x3 export improvements............................................................................................... 96IFC import improvements.....................................................................................................96IFC object conversion improvements..................................................................................98

1.16 Point clouds from 3D scanning...................................................................... 981.17 Updates in tools for concrete fabrication.................................................. 102

Export Unitechnik (79).........................................................................................................103Export EliPlan file (68)......................................................................................................... 105HMS export...........................................................................................................................106

1.18 Trimble Connector and other interoperability improvements................107Trimble Connector improvements.................................................................................... 107Reference model import plug-ins available as .tsep packages......................................111New plug-ins.........................................................................................................................112NC/DSTV improvements..................................................................................................... 112

1.19 New service and license for Open API developers ................................... 1121.20 New options for controlling visuals and other DirectX rendering

improvements............................................................................................... 113DirectX rendering examples...............................................................................................114

1.21 Changes in advanced options...................................................................... 121New advanced options....................................................................................................... 121Changed advanced options................................................................................................122

1.22 Changes in template attributes.................................................................. 122New template attributes.....................................................................................................122

1.23 Improvements in components.................................................................... 123Concrete components.........................................................................................................123Steel components................................................................................................................124

1.24 New documentation structure ................................................................... 1281.25 Disclaimer...................................................................................................... 129

2 Tekla Structures administrator's release notes.....................1312.1 Administrator's release notes: General settings.......................................131

Administrator's release notes: Model templates in version update ........................... 132 Administrator's release notes: Applications & components catalog maintenance ...135 Administrator's release notes: IFC4..................................................................................137 Administrator's release notes: Property pane customizer ...........................................138 Administrator's release notes: Creating custom dimension arrows ........................... 139 Administrator's release notes: Small items ....................................................................140

2.2 Administrator's release notes: Steel settings............................................149 Administrator's release notes: Spiral beams ..................................................................150 Administrator's release notes: Small steel items ...........................................................151 Administrator's release notes: Steel components..........................................................153

2.3 Administrator's release notes: Concrete settings.....................................167 Administrator's release notes: Pour units....................................................................... 167 Administrator's release notes: Rebar sets and linearly tapered bar groups...............172 Administrator's release notes: Small concrete items ....................................................175 Administrator's release notes: Updates in tools for concrete fabrication...................177

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Administrator's release notes: Concrete components.................................................. 179

3 Localization release notes........................................................185

4 Upgrade Tekla Structures to a new version........................... 1864.1 Update the Tekla Structures license server...............................................1874.2 Which license server version to use ...........................................................1884.3 Renew a Tekla Structures license................................................................1884.4 Copy personal settings to a new Tekla Structures version...................... 1894.5 Transfer customized information to a new Tekla Structures version.... 190

5 Tekla Structures service packs.................................................1925.1 Install a Tekla Structures service pack....................................................... 1925.2 Install an earlier Tekla Structures service pack........................................ 193

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1 Tekla Structures 2018 releasenotes

Welcome to Tekla Structures 2018!

Check the links below for information on the many new features andimprovements in this version:

• New Support tool (page 8)

• New way to edit model object properties (page 10)

• Easier way to change work planes (page 27)

• Undo modeling and drawing changes with the new Undo history command(page 28)

• Other user interface changes (page 31)

• New selection tool and other modeling improvements (page 36)

• More accurate analysis models and other analysis and designimprovements (page 42)

• Faster rebar sets and other reinforcement improvements (page 48)

• Improvements in pour management (page 56)

• New way to manage drawing content and other mark and noteimprovements (page 58)

• Customized dimension line arrows and other dimensioning improvements(page 69)

• Other improvements in drawings (page 75)

• Template Editor 3.6 improvements (page 83)

• Reserve the next write out and other improvements in Tekla Model Sharing(page 90)

• Improvements in IFC export, import and conversion (page 93)

• Point clouds from 3D scanning (page 98)

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 7

• Updates in tools for concrete fabrication (page 102)

• Trimble Connector and other interoperability improvements (page 107)

• New service and license for Open API developers (page 112)

• New options for controlling visuals and other DirectX renderingimprovements (page 113)

• Changes in advanced options (page 121)

• Changes in template attributes (page 122)

• Improvements in components (page 123)

• New documentation structure (page 128)

• Tekla Structures 2018 fix list

Compatibility

We suggest that you complete any unfinished models using your currentversion of Tekla Structures.

This version is not backwards compatible. When you create or save a model inTekla Structures 2018, you cannot open it in older versions due to databasedifferences.

Tekla Structures 2018 can only be installed on 64-bit Windows operatingsystems.

See the Tekla Structures 2018 Hardware Recommendations for moreinformation.

Tekla Structures 2018 requires Tekla Structures License Server 2017. Tocheck which license server version to use with your current Tekla Structuresversion, see Which license server version to use (page 188).

Administrator's release notes

Advanced users should read the Tekla Structures administrator's release notesfor information on how to apply the additional customizations available in thisrelease.

Localization release notes

Environment-specific changes are explained in the Localization release notes(page 185).

Tekla Open API release notes

The Tekla Open API release notes can be found in the Tekla Developer Center.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 8 New Support tool

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/fixlist/2018

1.1 New Support toolTekla Structures 2018 introduces the new Support tool, which allows you tocontact Tekla Structures support directly. With this tool you can collect themodel, related files, and other necessary information in one support request,and safely upload your request to Tekla Structures support.

The old Support tool was removed from Tekla Structures versions 2016 SP7,2016i SP4, 2017 and newer because it had several problems and it did notwork reliably enough.

The new Support tool:

• Automatically identifies the open model and includes all/selected files fromthe model folder as attachments to your request. Some logs and files inother folders are also attached, such as the user feedback log, TeklaStructures logs and user-defined attribute files.

• Automatically fills in user, application and Tekla Structures versioninformation. Support tool reads your name, email address, company nameand support email address from your Trimble Identity profile.

• Automatically gathers application and system information.

• Uploads the problem description, attached model, attached files, and allother gathered information and sends it all to Tekla Structures support.

To use the tool:

• On the File menu, click Help --> Contact Tekla support and log in usingyour Trimble Identity.

If you are having problems in opening Tekla Structures, you can use theStart menu/Start screen to start the Support tool. The command to use isSupport tool.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 9 New Support tool

• Fill in the needed information and attach the needed files, and click Next toproceed. When you are ready, click Create case to create the supportrequest.

When the upload is complete, you will receive a notification at your emailaddress. After a successful upload, an automatic confirmation message willbe sent to you, and then Tekla Structures support will start solving yourcase.

1.2 New way to edit model object propertiesIn Tekla Structures 2018 most model objects now have a property pane in themodeling mode. The new property pane replaces the previously used modelobject properties dialog boxes. You can customize the property pane for eachobject type.

Property pane offers a new modern and powerful method to handle objectproperties in Tekla Structures. Property pane is a new side pane window, and

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 10 New way to edit model object properties

all the object properties that previously were available in the dialog boxes arenow accessible through the new property pane. Property pane offers a smoothworkflow for creating and modifying objects, for saving and loading objectproperties, and for copying properties between objects.

Previously, the property pane was available only for rebar sets and spiralbeams. Now you can use the property pane to view and modify the propertiesof

• parts, such as columns and beams

• items

• bolts

• welds

• reinforcement

• rebar sets

• pour objects, pour units and pour breaks

• construction objects

• assemblies and cast units

The property pane can be customized. You can select separately for eachobject type which properties you wish to see in the property pane.


If needed, you can still open the previously used object property dialog boxesusing Quick Launch.

Main benefits

The new property pane has several benefits compared to the previously usedproperty dialog boxes:

• The property pane is always up-to-date. When you select an object in themodel, the current properties are instantly shown in the property pane.

• There is less clutter on the screen because there is no need to haveseparate dialog boxes open as previously.

• You only need to click Modify to change the selected properties, there is noneed to click Apply or OK as previously.

• You can easily create objects that are similar to those objects that youalready have in the model: when you select an object in the model, TeklaStructures creates the next similar object using the same properties.

• When you select several objects in the model, you can check if the objectshave common properties, what the values of the common properties are,and modify the properties, if needed.

• It is easy to copy properties from one object to another. You can copyproperties between any objects as long as both objects have the sameproperty available. For example, you can copy the material from a steelbeam to a plate.

• You can easily check which properties you are about to modify in theproperty pane. Tekla Structures highlights the changed properties in yellowin the property pane and a checkbox appears next to the modifiedproperty.

• You can customize the property pane: for example, you can organize thesettings as you wish and remove the settings you do not need. You can alsoadd your most needed user-defined attributes (UDAs) directly to theproperty pane so that you do not need to open a separate UDA dialog box.

How to open the property pane

To open the model object properties in the property pane:

• If the property pane is closed: double-click a model object, or click the

Properties icon in the side pane.

• If the property pane is open: select a model object.

Alternatively, hold down Shift and click a command on the ribbon to open theproperties in the property pane.

Note that you can have only one property side pane window open at a time.This means that you can view the properties of only one object type at a time.Previously, when you used the dialog boxes, you could have the dialog boxesof several object types open at the same time, for example, concrete slab


properties and reinforcement properties. This is not possible with the propertypane.

You can float or dock the property pane in the same way as any other sidepane window, or drag it around your screen or to your secondary screen, ifyou have multiple displays.

Modify model object properties

You can view and modify the properties of a one object type at a time in theproperty pane, or the common properties of several, similar object types.

1. Double-click a part, an item, a bolt, a weld, a reinforcement, a pour, aconstruction object, or an assembly.

The property pane opens, and shows the current properties of the object.

2. Modify the properties as needed.

Tekla Structures highlights the modified properties in yellow in theproperty pane.

3. If you want to discard some of the changes, click the check marks next toeach setting to remove them.

You can clear the check marks one by one, or select a whole section andall its properties.

You can use the Select All and Select None switches at the bottom of theproperty pane to select all the changes or to clear all the changes.


4. When you are ready with the modifications, click Modify to apply thechanges.

The modified properties become the new current properties. TeklaStructures uses the current properties the next time you create an objectof the same type.

If you want to create an object using the standard values instead of thenew current values, load the standard file first.

Note that if you use the contextual toolbar or direct modification to modify amodel object, the current properties do not change and are not automaticallyapplied when you create the next object of the same type.

Modify the common properties of different object types

When you select several similar objects in the model, the property pane showsthe properties that are common for all the selected objects. The settings whichhave several options have the text Varies, and the values or options are shownin a list. If there are no common properties, the property pane is empty.

You can modify the common properties in the same way as any otherproperty. Tekla Structures highlights the modified properties in yellow in theproperty pane, and these properties are applied when you click Modify.

Use the Object type list in the property pane to check which object you haveselected in the model and the number of each object type.

To Do thisCheck which objects you haveselected in the model

Click the Object type list button

to open thelist of the selected objects.


To Do this

The list shows how many objects youhave selected for each object type.

The list also shows how manycomponents you have selected. If youselect Component in the list, theproperty pane shows the names andnumbers of the components that youhave selected in the model.Component properties for eachcomponent are shown in the samedialog boxes as previously.

Modify the object selection in theObject type list

Hold down Ctrl and click the objecttypes in the list that you want toexclude or include in the selection.

The content of the property pane canchange according to your selection.

Select all the objects in the Objecttype list

Click the Select all button.


Copy object properties from one object to another

You can use the property pane to easily copy properties between any objectsas long as both of the objects have the same property available.

1. Select the object you want to copy properties from.

2. Click Copy properties in the property pane.

The mouse pointer changes into a paintbrush.

3. Select the objects you want to copy properties to. You can use area selectto the select the objects.

Tekla Structures highlights the modified properties in yellow in theproperty pane.

4. Select or clear the check marks to indicate which properties you want tocopy.

You can clear the check marks one by one, or select a whole section andall its properties.

Use the Select All and Select None switches at the bottom of theproperty pane to select all the changes or to clear all the changes. If youuse the Select None switch, all check marks will be cleared the next timeyou start the Copy properties command.

5. Click Modify to apply the selected changes.


When the properties have been copied, the mouse pointer returns tonormal.

Note that if you have customized the property pane and added user-defined attributes (UDAs) to it, the values of the UDAs are copied whenyou use the Copy properties command in the property pane. Values ofthe UDAs that are visible only in the UDA dialog boxes are not copied withthe object. Unique user-defined attributes (unique_attribute) are notcopied with the object.

Note that if you copy rebar set or leg face properties, the layer ordernumber is not copied.


TIP To copy properties to multiple objects, double-click the Copyproperties button to keep the Copy properties command running. ClickModify after each selected object. The mouse pointer remains in the

paintbrush mode until you press Esc or click again.

Use property files and standard files

You can save sets of properties as property files, and load these propertieslater when you create new objects.

1. Double-click a part, an item, a bolt, a weld, a reinforcement, a pour, aconstruction object, or an assembly to view the current properties in theproperty pane.

2. In the property pane, modify or enter the properties you want to save.

3. In the box next to the button, enter a name for the new set ofproperties.

4. Click to save the properties.

The set of properties is now saved and added to the list of property files inthe current model folder:

5. When you want to load the properties, select the set of properties fromthe list.

• If you select an object in the model and load a property file in theproperty pane, the properties and the user-defined attributes (UDAs)are loaded immediately, and the values that are different from thecurrently selected object are highlighted in yellow in the propertypane. Click Modify to apply the new values.

If there are changes only in the UDA values in the UDA dialog box andnot the in the values in the property pane, the Modify button does notbecome active. Click Modify in the UDA dialog box to active the UDAvalues.

• If you start an object creation command in the model and load aproperty file in the property pane, the properties and the user-definedattributes (UDAs) are used right away and Tekla Structures creates theobject using the loaded values.


NOTE If the UDA dialog box is open when you load a property file in theproperty pane, the UDA dialog box updates and shows the valuesof the UDAs that are saved in the property file. However, if youfirst select an object and load a property file and only then openthe UDA dialog box, the dialog box shows the UDA values of theselected object.

To check which UDA values are saved in a property file, you needto open the UDA dialog box first, or load the property file againafter opening the UDA dialog box.

6. If you want to make changes to an existing set of properties:

a. Load the set of properties you want to change.

b. Modify the properties.

c. Click .

Tekla Structures saves the changes in the file shown in the list,overwriting the old set of properties.


If you want to create an object using the standard values instead of thenew current values, load the standard file first.

User-defined attributes in the property pane

In the property pane, the More button in the Custom properties sectionopens the user-defined attributes (UDAs) dialog box. If you customize theproperty pane, you can add your most important UDAs directly to the propertypane, so that you do not need to open separate UDA dialog boxes.

When you create or modify model objects, UDAs are automatically appliedtogether with all the other object properties. UDAs are automatically appliedregardless of them being in the property pane or in the UDA dialog boxes.

UDAs with the following unit types are supported and work correctly in theproperty pane: Option, String, Integer, Float, Date, Distance, Weight, Force, Moment, Angle, Factor, and Area. UDAs with other unit types need tobe used through the UDA dialog boxes.

Customize the property pane layoutYou can customize the property pane to better suit your needs. You can selectseparately for each object type which properties you wish to see in theproperty pane. With the customization tool you can show, hide and organize


the settings in the property pane. You can also add your most needed user-defined attributes (UDAs) directly to the property pane. Companyadministrators can distribute the customized property pane layouts to thewhole organization, in the same way as customized ribbon or customized tabs.

With the customization tool, you can

• organize properties to a suitable order or to suitable groups

• remove properties you do not use or need

• create your own groups for properties that you find relevant, includinguser-defined attributes (UDAs)

• add properties to an existing group, including user-defined attributes(UDAs)

• create nested property groups

• rename properties or groups

• save the customized property pane layouts

The customized property pane layouts are saved to thePropertyTemplates.xml file in the ..Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Trimble\TeklaStructures\<version>\UI\PropertyTemplates\folder.

To open the customization tool, click File menu --> Settings --> Customize -->Property pane.

In the Properties for list, select the object type whose property pane layoutyou want to modify. For example, Concrete slab.


• The left side of the customization tools shows the available properties anduser-defined attributes for each object type. You can add these propertiesand UDAs to the property pane layout as regular properties. Propertieswhich are already in use cannot be added for a second time but you canreorganize them in the property pane layout.

• The right side of the customization tool shows the current layout of theproperty pane for the selected object type.

To Do thisAdd a new property to the propertypane layout

Select a property from the list on theleft and drag it to the property panelayout on the right.

You can drag the property to anygroup on the property pane.

Add a new group to the propertypane layout

Drag the group template from themiddle section of the customizationtool to the property pane layout onthe right.

You can create a new group, or inserta new group inside an existing groupto create nested groups.

You can reorganize the existinggroups by dragging them.

Rename a group or a propertyClick and enter a new name forthe group or for the property. PressEnter to activate the name.

Alternatively, right-click the group orthe property name and selectRename.

Copy a group from one object type toanother object type

You can copy groups from one objecttype to another object type, forexample, from steel beam to steelplate.

1. In the property pane layout onthe right, select the group youwant to copy.

2. Right-click the group name andselect Copy properties.

The name of the copied groupand the content of the group isshown in the middle of thecustomization tool.


To Do this3. In the Properties for list, select

the object type to which you wantto copy the group.

4. Drag the copied group from themiddle of the customization toolto the property pane layout onthe right.

The name of the copied groupand the content of the group isshown in the middle of thecustomization tool until you copyanother group or close thecustomization tool.

If you copy nested groups, all thenested groups inside the main groupare copied, too.

Note that properties that are alreadyin use cannot be added for a secondtime. If you copy a group containingproperties that are already in use, thecopying does not succeed and thecustomization tool status bar displaysa message describing the details.

Delete a group or a property Right-click a group or a property, andselect Delete.

Revert back to the original propertypane layouts

Click the Remove this customizationbutton to remove the customizationof a single property pane layout, orthe Remove all customizationsbutton to remove the customizationof all property pane layouts.

Discard changes On the Edit property pane tab, click

the Discard button to undo thelast action.

Save the changes On the Edit property pane tab, clickthe Save button .

When you return to Tekla Structures,Tekla Structures asks if you wish toreload the changed property panetemplates. Click Yes to take thecustomized property pane layout inuse.


Example: How to add IFC related user-defined attributes to the propertypane layout

This example shows how to add IFC related user-defined attributes (UDAs) tothe steel column property pane layout, and copy the group to the steel beamproperty pane layout.

1. In the Properties for list, select Steel column.

2. Create a new property group. Drag the group template to the propertypane layout on the right.

3. Click and rename the property group to IFC.


4. In the search box on the left, search the IFC related UDAs.

5. Drag the UDAs one by one to the group you created in the property panelayout.


6. When you have added all the needed UDAs to the new group, copy thegroup and add it to the steel beam property pane layout. Right-click thegroup and select Copy properties.

The name of the copied group and the content of the group is shown inthe middle of the customization tool.

7. To add the copied group in the steel beam property pane layout, selectSteel beam in the Properties for list.


8. Drag the copied group from the middle of the customization tool to thesteel beam property pane layout on the right.

Now the IFC related UDAs are available both in the steel column propertypane layout and in the steel beam property pane layout.

9. On the Edit property pane tab, click the Save button to save thechanges. When you return to Tekla Structures, Tekla Structures asks if youwish to reload the changed property pane templates. Click Yes to take thecustomized property pane layout in use.


Distribute customized property pane layouts using aproject, firm, or environment folderCompany administrators can distribute the customized property pane layoutsto other users in the company by placing the property pane layout filePropertyTemplates.xml in a folder called PropertyRepository\Templates in a project, firm, or environment folder. For example, companyadministrators can create company property pane layouts and save them inthe firm folder. These property panes are available in the Tekla Structures userinterface for all users who use the same firm folder.

NOTE If you use a firm folder to distribute the PropertyTemplates.xml file, youneed to set the firm folder path in an .ini file. If you set the firm folder pathin the advanced option XS_FIRM, the PropertyTemplates.xml file does notwork correctly.


Add a property pane layout file to a project, firm, or environment folder

1. In the customization tool, create the property pane layouts that you wantto share.

The property pane layouts are saved in the PropertyTemplates.xmlfile, in the ..\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Trimble\TeklaStructures\<version>\UI\PropertyTemplates folder.

2. Create a folder called PropertyRepository\Templates either in yourcompany's project folder, firm folder, or in the \system folder, which islocated under the environment folder: ..\ProgramData\TeklaStructures\<version>\Environments\<environment>\system.

3. Copy the PropertyTemplates.xml file to the PropertyRepository\Templates folder.

For example: ..\ProgramData\Tekla Structures\<version>\Environments\<environment>\system\PropertyRepository\Templates\PropertyTemplates.xml.

4. Restart Tekla Structures.

Search order of the customized property pane layout files

The PropertyTemplates.xml file contains all the property pane layouts fordifferent object types. Note that the property pane layouts for different objecttypes are treated separately. For example, Tekla Structures can read theproperty pane layout for steel beam from a different location than theproperty pane layout for steel column.

If different object types are defined in different folder locations, the definitionsare combined. If the same object type is defined differently in different folderlocations, the definition that is higher in the search order is used.

The property pane layout in the ..\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Trimble\TeklaStructures\<version>\UI\PropertyTemplates\ folderhas the highest priority, and after that Tekla Structures uses the default searchorder.

1.3 Easier way to change work planesTekla Structures 2018 contains a new Work plane handler toolbar.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 27 Easier way to change work planes

Work plane handlerUse the work plane handler toolbar to select which work plane you currentlyhave in use in the model. You can switch between the different saved workplanes and base points.

Select the saved work plane or the base point on the list in the toolbar toactivate it.

By default, the Work plane handler toolbar is located at the bottom of thescreen. You can float and dock the toolbar. If you are unable to find thetoolbar, see How to restore missing toolbars.

The work plane handler allows you to select among the following work planes:

• Model origin (if project base point is set somewhere else)

• Project base point

• All base points

• All work planes you have set and saved

The symbol for model origin is different if the project base point is to modelorigin, or if it has been set to a base point.

Save and add your own work plane to the toolbar

1. Set a work plane in the model.

2. Enter a name for the work plane in the Work plane handler toolbar box.

3. Click the button to add the work plane to the list.

If needed, you can rename your work plane by double-clicking it andentering a new name.

To remove a work plane from the list, click the button.

1.4 Undo modeling and drawing changes with the newUndo history commandIn Tekla Structures 2018, all the commands that you have run and themodifications you have done are now listed in the new Undo history dialogbox. By selecting a command or an action in the Undo history dialog box, youcan undo or redo several commands at one go, and thus go back and forth in

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 28 Undo modeling and drawing changes with thenew Undo history command

the model history. The Undo history list helps you to check which commandsand modifications you have done and undone, and to keep track of thechanges. Undo history is available both in the modeling and in the drawingmode.

The Undo and Redo commands work in the same way as previously; withthose commands you can undo and redo actions one by one.

How to use Undo history

To open the Undo history dialog box, click the button on the Quick AccessToolbar, next to the Undo and Redo buttons. Alternatively, use Quick Launchto open the dialog box.

To Do thisUndo commands Click any row on the list.

If the undo operation takes a longtime, Tekla Structures highlights theclicked row to show what wasselected.

All the modifications you have doneafter the selected command areundone. The modifications you haveundone have a dark gray backgroundcolor in the list.

Redo previously undone commands Click any row with a dark graybackground color in the list.

All the modifications you have donebefore the selected command areredone.

Add a bookmark Move your mouse pointer over any

row. A bookmark icon is shown.Click the bookmark icon to markcertain commands.

Use the bookmarks to markimportant commands or actions. Youcan later return to these commandsor actions if the changes in the modelare not satisfactory.

To remove a bookmark, click the

bookmark icon again.


The Undo history dialog box

• lists the commands you have run and modifications you have done,starting from the top of the list. The latest commands and modificationsare at the bottom of the list.

• updates constantly according to the changes you make in the model or inthe drawing.

• creates a hierarchy for some of the used commands. The hierarchy iscreated when you first run a command, then you undo some commands toa certain point in the list, and run another command.

The hierarchy is marked with an arrow in the list. You can undo or redocommands at any point in the hierarchy, making it possible to even undocommands that you have previously redone.

This means that after you have undone a command, you can continueworking with the model, and you still have the option to go back to thecommands you have used first.

• shows the undone commands and modifications with a dark graybackground color in the list

The Undo history list is cleared when you

• save a model

• open or close a drawing

• synchronize Organizer with the model

• read in or write out model changes using Tekla Model Sharing

• use CIS/2 or SDNF import commands.


1.5 Other user interface changesTekla Structures 2018 user interface has been improved with some completelynew features and with plenty of enhancements to make your work moreefficient and smoother.

Tekla Online: a new side paneTekla Structures 2018 introduces a new side pane window, Tekla Online.Tekla Online provides a shortcut access to the different Tekla Online services.

Using Tekla Online side pane you can access:

• Tekla User Assistance

• Tekla Discussion Forum

• Tekla Campus

• Tekla Warehouse

To open the Tekla Online side pane, click the Tekla Online icon in theside pane.

You can search help content from Tekla User Assistance, forum posts fromTekla Discussion Forum, and both online and local content from TeklaWarehouse. In addition, you can get the latest updates from Tekla UserAssistance and see Tekla Model Sharing messages in the Notifications area.

If you have logged in to Tekla Structures, you are automatically logged in to theTekla Online services. By logging in, you can access more content if yourcompany has a valid maintenance agreement.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 31 Other user interface changes

Side pane improvementsThere are several improvements to the side pane.

• You can now easily switch side pane windows open and close. When youclick a side pane button, a side pane window opens. When you click thebutton again, the side pane window is closed.

• You can have several side pane windows open at the same time.

Click the side pane buttons to open as many side pane windows as needed.The active side pane windows are stacked on top of each other by default.

You can resize the side pane windows and change their order by draggingthem.


• You can use the arrow in the side pane to switch several active sidepane windows open and close at one go.

• You can easily move the side pane windows around your screen. When youposition the mouse pointer on the upper part of the side pane window, theupper part is shown in yellow. Grab the yellow upper part of the side panewindow and drag the window to a new location.

• If you have several side pane windows open, and you want to close all theother side pane windows expect the selected side pane, click Ctrl+activeside pane button.


• When you close and start Tekla Structures again, the side pane windowsremember their size and location.

Renewed Snapping and Selecting toolbarsSnapping, Selecting, and Snap override toolbars have been renewed both inthe modeling and in the drawing mode. The renewed toolbars work the sameway as the old ones.

Snapping toolbar inthe modeling modeSelecting toolbar inthe modeling modeSnapping toolbar inthe drawing modeSelecting toolbar inthe drawing modeSnap override toolbar

• Analysis selection switches now have a separate toolbar . Useribbon or Quick Launch to activate the toolbar.

• You can float the toolbars and dock them to the top or the bottom of thescreen.

Toolbars can be docked when the docking area turns yellow.

• The new toolbars follow the display scaling settings in Windows. Thereforethe previously used Large icons option is not needed anymore and hasbeen removed.

• You can use Quick Launch to hide or show the toolbars. Click the name ofthe toolbar on the search results list to activate the toolbar.

• You can use Quick Launch to switch single snapping or select switches onor off. Click the name of the switch on the search results list to activate theswitch.


• As previously, you can set keyboard shortcuts for the Snapping andSelecting toolbars and the individual switches.

In addition, there are new selection switches for rebar sets on theSelecting toolbar.

Snap symbol color changeSnap symbol colors have been changed. Snap symbols now have two colors:

• Orange for part/object snap

• Green for component snap

Quick Launch finds the commands on the File menuThe commands on the File menu can now be found also with Quick Launch.In Quick Launch, the File menu search results are listed under Menu.

New base point symbol

The base point symbol has changed in Tekla Structures 2018:

• When the currently used base point is located in the model origin oranywhere else, it looks like this:


• If you have the Base point dialog box open, the base point that you arecurrently editing is shown in blue, and the north and east direction isindicated:

If the currently edited base point is the same as the currently used basepoint, the blue color is not shown, and the symbol is red, just like the one inthe first image above.

1.6 New selection tool and other modelingimprovementsIn Tekla Structures 2018, there is a new tool for selecting objects, and severalimprovements in construction objects, the Inquire tool, numbering, welds,and shapes.

Select previous objectsSometimes you need to select again the same objects that you selectedpreviously but have then deselected. For example, you have first selectedsome objects and moved them, then you have deselected the objects, andnow you want to copy the same objects.

You can now better control the object selection with a new command Selectprevious objects.

To select previously selected objects, do one of the following:

• On the ribbon, click the down arrow next to the button, and then clickSelect previous objects.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 36 New selection tool and other modelingimprovements

• Press Alt+P.

• Use Quick Launch to find the command.

The Select previous objects command is available both in the modeling andin the drawing mode.

Improvements in construction objects• You can now change the line type of the construction lines and circles. Use

the following model-specific advanced options in the Modeling Propertiescategory:

• XS_CONSTRUCTION_LINE_LINE_TYPE

• XS_CONSTRUCTION_CIRCLE_LINE_TYPE

Enter an integer value from 1 to 5.

• 1 = (The default value for construction circles.)

• 2 = (The default value for construction lines.)

• 3 =

• 4 =

• 5 =

Redraw the model view after changing the values to update the existingconstruction objects in the view.

• The construction points that are on the view plane are now blue, and bettervisible on the gray background than the previous yellow points.


• You can now add construction objects to phases.

For more information about working with phases, see Phase Manager.

• You can now use the properties of construction objects in filtering. You canfilter by phase and type (Line, Circle, Plane).

For more information, find the pages titled Object properties in filteringand Filter objects in Tekla User Assistance.

Improvements in the Inquire tool

When you click the down arrow next to on the ribbon, and then selectPoint coordinates, the Inquire point coordinates dialog box is displayed.You can then click the Pick button in the dialog box and pick a point in themodel to see the coordinates of the point in:

• Local coordinates

• Model coordinates (global)

• Project base point coordinates

• Current base point coordinates


Improvements in numbering• In the Numbering Setup dialog box, you can now select whether the

object's phase affects the numbering. If you select the Phase check box,Tekla Structures compares the phases when numbering objects, and givesotherwise identical objects different numbers if the objects belong todifferent phases.

For more information, find the pages titled Define what affects numberingand Adjust the numbering settings in Tekla User Assistance.

• In design group numbering, you can now use letters instead of numbersafter the prefix. Specify the allowed letters using the advanced option XS_VALID_CHARS_FOR_ASSEMBLY_POSITION_NUMBERS. By default, letters A–Zare used.

For more information, see Number parts by design group.

• Using the new advanced option XS_IGNORE_CROSSBAR_LOCATION_IN_REBAR_MESH_NUMBERING you can define whether the location of thecrossing bars (e.g. above or below the main bars) affects the numbering ofthe reinforcement meshes or not. The default value is FALSE, which meansthat the crossing bar location is taken into account when meshes arenumbered. The otherwise identical meshes receive different numbers if thecrossing bars are on the different sides of the main bars.


Improvements in compound welds• In Tekla Structures 2018, compound welds can be shown as solid objects in

model views. This means that the weld types and now lookmore realistic in the model.

For more information, see Set the visibility and appearance of welds andList of weld types.

• You can now define the size of both welds in compound welds. In weldproperties in the property pane, two boxes for Size appear when you selecta compound weld type. For example:

• You can also define the size of both welds in compound welds when youcreate manual drawing welds. See Other improvements in drawings(page 75).

• In reports of compound welds, you can show the size of the additional weldabove line and below line using the new template attributesWELD_ADDITIONAL_SIZE1, WELD_ADDITIONAL_SIZE2.

Improvements in polygon welds• Polygon welds can now be double-sided solid model objects, and they may

still consist of several segments. Also double-sided welds along the entirepart face perimeter can be created.

When you use the Steel --> Weld --> Create polygon weld command withboth Above line and Below line properties, and pick the polygon points onone side of a part, Tekla Structures automatically searches for thecorresponding points on the other side of the part, and creates a double-sided solid polygon weld in the model.

If needed, you can modify the welds by dragging their handles.

• You can now use the Steel --> Weld --> Convert to polygon weldcommand to convert separate double-sided weld segments to a polygonweld.

If the welds to be converted consist of more than one polygon, or if there isa different number of weld segments on the sides of the welded part, TeklaStructures does not create the double-sided polygon weld but separatesingle-sided polygon welds.


• You can split a selected double-sided polygon weld into two single-sidedpolygon welds by using the new Split command on the pop-up menu.

Improvements in shapesTekla Structures 2018 introduces a new compressed file format .tez for shapegeometry files.

By using the .tez format and compressing the shape geometry files, you cansave disk space. This is useful if you want to use an older model with manyshape files in Tekla Structures 2018.

When you import new shapes to Tekla Structures 2018, Tekla Structures savesthe shape geometry files in the \ShapeGeometries subfolder in the currentmodel folder and automatically uses the compressed .tez format.

If an imported shape geometry file has the same name as an existing shape inthe model, the imported file overrides the existing shape geometry file, anda .tez file is created instead of an .xml file in the \ShapeGeometries folder.

Tekla Structures 2018 also provides an application that compresses existingshape geometry files. The Compress shape geometries application convertsall the shape geometry files stored in the \ShapeGeometries folderfrom .xml format to the compressed .tez format.

The Compress shape geometries application is available in the Applications& components catalog.

NOTE Compression is a permanent action, and you cannot undo it even if you donot save the model.

Do not compress shape geometry files if you need them in models that youwill open using Tekla Structures 2017i or an older version. The .tez files donot work in those versions.

If your project, company, or environment uses a common location for shapesthat are used in several Tekla Structures versions including 2017i and older,do not convert those shape geometry files to .tez format. Otherwise theshapes will not work in all versions.

Other modeling improvements• When you set values in filter rules, you can now use a new option Multi-

select from model.


Then select multiple objects in the model, and click the middle mousebutton to finish selecting. The current values of the selected objectsappear, separated with spaces, in the Value cell on the filter row.

• When you use the View --> Navigate --> Set view point command, or thekeyboard shortcut V, and then pick the view point for rotation, Tekla

Structures now uses all active snap switches and the Snap to anyposition switch. Previously, only the Snap to any position switch wasused, and you could accidentally pick a wrong view point.

1.7 More accurate analysis models and other analysisand design improvementsTekla Structures 2018 comes with many important improvements in analysisand design.

New method of generating analysis modelsThe method Tekla Structures uses to create analysis models has beenimproved in version 2018. Analysis parts are now automatically connectedmore accurately, and the nodes are created at correct locations. This results insimpler and clearer analysis models, and reduces the amount of rigid links andthe need of manual editing in the analysis models. For example, beams,

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 42 More accurate analysis models and other analysisand design improvements

columns, and braces may now be connected using a single common node,instead of several nodes and rigid links.

Physical model Analysis model (2017i) Analysis model (2018)

If you open an existing model with analysis models in Tekla Structures 2018,and activate an analysis model, Tekla Structures recreates the analysis modelusing this new method.

If you need to revert to the analysis model creation method used in TeklaStructures 2017i and previous versions, set the new advanced option XS_AD_ANALYSIS_PLANES_ENABLED to FALSE. This advanced option is model specific.

Export to Tekla Structural Designer using an analysis modelYou can now export a Tekla Structures analysis model to Tekla StructuralDesigner along with the physical model. Previously you could only export thephysical model to Tekla Structural Designer. Tekla Structural Designer nowimports the analysis model with the physical model, and the resulting modeland the analysis results are more accurate.

For example, the concrete beams can be positioned in various ways in relationto their reference axis in Tekla Structures, and still they will be connected tothe concrete columns in the Tekla Structural Designer model.

Also the analysis part start and end releases are now exported to TeklaStructural Designer.

To export an analysis model to Tekla Structural Designer, do one of thefollowing:

• Use the new command Export --> Tekla Structural Designer withanalysis model on the File menu.

• If you have set Tekla Structural Designer as the analysis application for ananalysis model, in the Analysis & Design Models dialog box, select theanalysis model and click Export.


For more information, find the page titled Export a model from TeklaStructures to an analysis application... in Tekla User Assistance.

See also the page titled Link Tekla Structures with an analysis application inTekla User Assistance.

Import changes from Tekla Structural Designer to ananalysis modelNow in Tekla Structures 2018, you can import the changes you have made inTekla Structural Designer and update the corresponding analysis model inTekla Structures. You can import the new parts created in Tekla StructuralDesigner, profile and material changes, and analysis results.

The location of existing parts does not change in Tekla Structures even if youhave moved the corresponding parts in Tekla Structural Designer.

To import the changes from Tekla Structural Designer, select the analysismodel in the Analysis & Design Models dialog box in Tekla Structures andclick Get results.

For more information, find the page titled Import changes from TeklaStructural Designer to an analysis model... in Tekla User Assistance.

Improvements in defining analysis model content andfiltersThe methods of defining the contents of an analysis model have beenimproved. Analysis model filters for primary and secondary analysis parts havebeen improved, and a new filter for bracing has been added. The analysismodel filters are based on selection filters. You no longer need to reapply theanalysis model filters if there have been changes in the physical model oranalysis model content.

The automatic recognition of the secondary and bracing parts only works insome particular cases, such as for trusses.

Changes in the Analysis model properties dialog boxIn the Analysis Model Properties dialog box, the settings on the Analysismodel tab have been improved and reorganized.

• The order of the settings has been changed as follows:


• Tekla Structural Designer is now available as an option in the Analysisapplication list.

• Creation method has been renamed to Analysis model content, and thedefault value is now Selected parts and loads.

• Filter has been renamed to Analysis model filter.

• A new setting Bracing member filter has been added.

Use Bracing member filter to define which of the included analysis modelobjects are considered to be braces. The analysis nodes of the braces canmove more freely than the ones of the primary analysis parts when theanalysis model is created.

• Secondary member filter has been updated: the Auto-detect secondarymembers option and the Reapply to all parts check box have beenremoved.

Use Secondary member filter to define which of the included analysismodel objects are considered to be secondary analysis parts. The nodes ofthe secondary analysis parts can move more freely than the ones of theprimary analysis parts when the analysis model is created.

• The More settings button has been removed, and all the settings arevisible right away.


• The Default keep axis for secondary members setting has beenremoved.

For more information, find the page titled Analysis model properties in TeklaUser Assistance.

Changes in analysis classes and node colorsTekla Structures 2018 introduces new analysis classes for braces:

• Bracing

• Bracing - Truss

• Bracing - Truss-Compression only

• Bracing - Truss-Tension only

• Bracing - Ignore

The colors of the analysis part classes have been changed as follows to make iteasier to recognize different parts in the analysis model:

• Primary analysis parts Beam and Column have been changed from red toblue.

• The new class Bracing is green.

Bracing - Truss, Bracing - Truss-Compression only, and Bracing - Truss-Tension only are the same colors as the corresponding primary classes.

• Secondary has been changed from red to orange.

Note that the analysis application you use may not support all of the analysisclasses or colors.

The shades of analysis node colors have been changed slightly.


Showing analysis member and node numbersIt is now easy to show or hide the analysis member and node numbers inmodel views. Previously, you needed to use the advanced options XS_AD_MEMBER_NUMBER_VISUALIZATION and XS_AD_NODE_NUMBER_VISUALIZATION. Now you can go to the Analysis & design tab on the ribbon,and click:

• Member numbers to switch the member numbers on or off

• Node numbers to switch the node numbers on or off

New separate selection toolbar for analysis objectsThe selection switches for the analysis model objects now have a separatetoolbar:

To show or hide the toolbar, go to the Analysis & design tab and clickAnalysis toolbar.

Alternatively, you can use Quick Launch: start typing analysis selecting,and then select or clear the Analysis selecting toolbar check box in the listthat appears.

See also Other user interface changes (page 31).

Other improvements and fixes in analysis and design• If you use Tekla Structural Designer as the analysis application, no rigid

links are created between steel parts in the analysis model. For steel parts,the Disabled, with keep axis: Default option is automatically used for theUse rigid links setting in the Analysis Model Properties dialog box. Forconcrete parts, you can use the Enabled option.

Also, Keep axis position is set to No in the analysis properties of primarysteel parts.


• If there is a connection between parts in the physical model, the parts arenow connected in the analysis model as well, even when the parts do notclash in the physical model. Previously, this did not happen in connectionswith one secondary part only.

• Tekla Structures now takes the fittings that extend or shorten physical partsinto account when it creates analysis models, and the analysis parts areconnected correctly.

• Now when you use the Inquire command to check an analysis node, thenode coordinates are also shown according to the local (work plane)coordinate system.

• Tekla Structures checks that slabs, panels, and walls are planar and shows awarning if one or more analysis nodes are out of the plane. The Inquireobject dialog box shows the distances between this kind of nodes and theplane.

• Vertical and diagonal parts created by the Truss (S78) component are nowhandled as braces in the analysis.

1.8 Faster rebar sets and other reinforcementimprovementsTekla Structures 2018 comes with many important reinforcementimprovements. For example, selecting, numbering, and grouping of rebar setbars have been improved.

Rebar set performance improvementsIn Tekla Structures 2018, there are many improvements that enhanceperformance in models that contain rebar sets. For example, numbering andselecting rebar sets, opening 3D model views, and creating and openinggeneral arrangement drawings are now faster. Also the rebar set bars are notregenerated as frequently as before, which improves the performance.

New selection switchesTekla Structures 2018 introduces three new selection switches for selectingbars within rebar sets.

Using these switches, you can either select entire rebar sets, bar groups inrebar sets, or individual bars in rebar sets.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 48 Faster rebar sets and other reinforcementimprovements

Now you can hide, inquire, create reports for, and define user-definedattributes for individual bars or bar groups in rebar sets. Note that you cannotdelete, copy, or move individual rebar set bars or bar groups, or change theirphase, for example.

All the three new selection switches also select single reinforcing bars, bargroups, reinforcement meshes, and strands.

Adding leg faces to rebar setsTo easily add new leg faces to a selected rebar set, and to create reinforcingbars at the leg faces, you can now click the new button on the contextualtoolbar: .

Then select each concrete part face or pour object face at which you want tocreate a new leg face with the reinforcing bars. You can also select curvedfaces.

Rebar set splitter improvementsVertical rebar set splitters now also work in the inside and outside corners ofconcrete objects. Splitters can be used to create hooks with fixed leg lengths,for example.

Grouping bars in rebar sets• Automatic bar groups within rebar sets may now contain similar bars from

more than one adjacent spacing zones. To allow this, set the new advancedoption XS_REBARSET_ENABLE_BAR_GROUPING_WHEN_SPACING_DIFFERS to TRUE.


• The same user-defined attributes that affect numbering now affect thegrouping of rebar set bars. If this kind of user-defined attribute is definedfor an individual bar, the group to which the bar belongs will beungrouped.

Position numbers for bars in linearly tapered rebar setsTekla Structures 2018 introduces many new settings that you can use to defineand show position numbers for rebar set bars in drawings and reports.

• With the new advanced option XS_REBARSET_USE_GROUP_NUMBER_FOR_BARS_IN_TAPERED_GROUPS you can define whether the reinforcing bars ineach linearly tapered bar group within a rebar set are numbered using thegroup number (TRUE) or as individual bars (FALSE).

• With the new advanced option XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_GROUP_POSITION_NUMBER_FORMAT_STRING you can define how the new tapered reinforcingbar group position number GROUP_POS is structured.

• With the new advanced option XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_REBAR_POSITION_NUMBER_FORMAT_STRING you can define how the position numberREBAR_POS of single bars in tapered bar groups is structured.

• With the new advanced option XS_VALID_CHARS_FOR_REBAR_SUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS you can specify the valid characters for the reinforcing barsub IDs when they are shown by the new format string attribute SUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS.

Numbering reinforcement meshesUse the new advanced option XS_IGNORE_CROSSBAR_LOCATION_IN_REBAR_MESH_NUMBERING to define whether the location of the crossing bars (e.g.above or below the main bars) affects the numbering of the reinforcementmeshes or not. The default value is FALSE, which means that the crossing barlocation is taken into account when meshes are numbered. The otherwiseidentical meshes receive different numbers if the crossing bars are on thedifferent sides of the main bars.

Reinforcement improvements in drawingsTekla Structures 2018 introduces some improvements in reinforcementbehavior and appearance, such as preventing overlapping rebars, new optionto show single lines with filled ends, and solid lines at rebar ends.

Rebars no longer overlapping in drawings

• All reinforcing bar groups are now adjusted correctly and visible when youset Visibility of reinforcing bars in group to bar in the middle of group.


Previously, reinforcing bar groups were adjusted if you only had two layersof bars, and Tekla Structures often placed bars from different groups ontop of each other in drawings. You could not trust that all bars were visiblejust by looking, and a lot of manual work was needed to clean up thedrawing.

In the example below, there are three similar rebar groups on top of eachother in the model. In the drawing, one bar in the middle of the group isnow shown for each of them.


New rebar representation option: single line with filled ends

• A new option single line with filled ends has been added in rebarrepresentation to be used especially in section views. This option shows adifferent representation for parallel and perpendicular bars.

Reinforcing bar end symbols drawn with solid lines

• To improve clarity in drawings, the reinforcing bar end symbols are nowalways drawn in solid line type, regardless of the actual reinforcement linetype defined in drawing reinforcement properties.

Before the improvement:

After the improvement:


Rebar set groups now keep their settings better

• Rebar set groups in drawings can lose their dimensions, marks, andvisibility/representation settings after groups of bars are modified in,added to or deleted from a rebar set in a model. Improvements have nowbeen made to ensure this happens much less frequently.

XS_DRAW_REBAR_HIDDEN_FACES

You can now use the new advanced option XS_DRAW_REBAR_HIDDEN_FACESin the Advanced Options category Drawing Properties to control whetherthe hidden faces of the rebars are shown in drawings. Setting it to TRUE showsthe hidden faces of rebars. FALSE is the default value.

Previously, the advanced option XS_DRAW_HIDDEN_FACES was used to controlboth hidden part faces and hidden faces of rebars. Now XS_DRAW_HIDDEN_FACES only controls hidden part faces.

In the first image below, XS_DRAW_REBAR_HIDDEN_FACES has been set to TRUE.


In the image below, XS_DRAW_REBAR_HIDDEN_FACES has been set to FALSE.


New template and format string attributes• GROUP_POS (similar to REBAR_POS)

• SUB_ID

• NUMBER_OF_BARS_IN_GROUP

• WEIGHT_TOTAL_IN_GROUP

• WEIGHT_ONLY_REBARS

Also a new format string attribute SUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS is now available. It isnot available as a template attribute, but works with XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_REBAR_POSITION_NUMBER_FORMAT_STRING.

Other reinforcement improvements• When you select rebar sets, or bars in rebar sets, and then right-click, the

Attach to Part and Detach from Part commands are now available on thepop-up menu.


Also the following commands now work with rebar set bars in cast-in-placeconcrete objects:

• Pour --> Add to pour unit

• Pour --> Remove from pour unit

• When you create a new corner point to a rebar set guideline by dragging a

midpoint handle , the corner point now has the None chamfer.Previously, the new corner points had Arc point chamfers by default.

• You can now show and report the reinforcing bar GUID, REBAR_POS, anduser-defined attributes without the REBAR. prefix on the SINGLE_REBARtemplate rows.

• A new option STL can now be used in bending shape rules in Rebar shapemanager. STL is the total length of the spiral bar when the bar is installedon site.

• In bending shape rules in Rebar shape manager, spiral length SL is nowthe distance between the reference points of the spiral bar.

• In bending shape rules in Rebar shape manager, center line length CLL isnow available for curved and circular bars.

1.9 Improvements in pour managementIn Tekla Structures 2018, pour unit is a new object type similar to assembliesand cast units. A pour unit combines together a pour object and other objectsthat need to be in place before cast-in-place concrete can be poured. Pourunits are present in the model when XS_ENABLE_POUR_MANAGEMENT is setto TRUE.

• Pour hierarchy has now been changed so that the pour object and theother objects are directly under the pour unit, and the pour object and theother objects are on the same hierarchy level with each other.

Previously, the other objects in the pour unit were below the pour objectlevel in the hierarchy.

• When the Select assemblies selection switch is active and you selecta pour object in a pour view, the new object type, pour unit, is selected.

• You can now inquire and modify the pour unit properties using the

Select assemblies switch, or the pour object properties using the Select objects in assemblies switch.

• When you select a pour unit and right-click, the same commands are nowavailable for the pour unit as for assemblies and cast units, for example

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 56 Improvements in pour management

Hide, Fit Work Area, Create View --> 3D View (neighbor objects are notshown), and Zoom --> Zoom Selected.

Pour properties in property panePour unit properties and pour object properties are now shown in theproperty pane (page 10).

Also the pour break properties are now available in the property pane. Forexample, you can define the pour break type or add comments.

Filtering and reporting pour unitsIn filtering and object groups, Pour unit is now available as a category, and asan object type value when the Object category is selected.

In Template Editor, POUR_UNIT is available as a content type for rows. Thismeans that you can now create reports for pour units.

In templates, if you have rows that list object properties such as reinforcementproperties under pour objects, these rows will be empty. Update your existingtemplates to follow the new pour unit hierarchy.

For more information about filtering, see Filter objects and Examples of filters.

Pour units in OrganizerYou can now use pour units in Organizer categories in the same way asassemblies and cast units when XS_ENABLE_POUR_MANAGEMENT is set to TRUE. When you select pour units in the model or in the categories, ObjectBrowser shows the pour objects and any other objects added to the pour unitunder the pour unit in the hierarchy.

Synchronizing Organizer updates all properties of the changed pour unitobjects in the Organizer database. Location properties are now added to pourunits in synchronization. You can use location information when you createreports and inquiries.

Pour units in Task ManagerYou can now add pour units to tasks in Task Manager.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 57 Improvements in pour management

New template attributes for pour unitsTekla Structures 2018 introduces new template attributes that you can usewhen you report pour unit information.

• VOLUME_ONLY_POUR_OBJECT

• WEIGHT_ONLY_POUR_OBJECT


Pour management in shared models• Sharing pour unit information has been improved. When the new advanced

option XS_CALCULATE_POUR_UNITS_ON_SHARING is set to TRUE, TeklaStructures now automatically calculates the pour units when users startsharing, read in, or write out. Previously (and with XS_CALCULATE_POUR_UNITS_ON_SHARING set to FALSE), each user hadto run the Calculate pour units command in their local version of theshared model when they needed up-to-date pour unit information.

• Pour units are now shown in the sharing changes list at the bottom pane ofTekla Structures. The list shows the changes after you have read in themodel changes from the sharing service.

Rebar sets in pour units• Now Tekla Structures only checks for the new and modified rebar sets

when it calculates the pour units. This improves the performance.Previously, when you run the Calculate pour units command, all rebarsets were checked.

1.10 New way to manage drawing content and other markand note improvementsThere are lots of significant improvements in marks, especially related to markplacement and drawing content handling. There is a new drawing toolDrawing content manager available for quickly checking the included modelobjects and related marks, and for adding marks. You can now also addassociative notes and model weld marks to several model objects or welds atone go, and easily select all part marks and weld marks. There are new optionsfor hiding weld marks, and improvements in text alignment.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 58 New way to manage drawing content and othermark and note improvements

Drawing content manager - efficiently manage drawingcontentTekla Structures 2018 introduces Drawing content manager - a newinteractive tool for checking and editing marks, notes and model objects in thecurrent drawing.

Use Drawing content manager to quickly and easily:

• Select relevant content for checking and editing purposes, and targetactions on single or multiple model objects or marks simultaneously

• Add, modify or remove model object marks, including associative notes

• Add weld marks to model welds in drawings, which has not been possiblein earlier Tekla Structures versions

• Highlight either objects or marks

• Check how many marks model objects have in one view or in the entiredrawing

• Add other content to model objects depending on the object type, such asrebar dimension lines

• Change how model objects are shown in drawings and modify markproperties

• Hide/show model objects in drawings

With this new tool you can avoid duplicate, missing, or false information, andefficiently check if all necessary content exists, without having to manually gothrough all drawing objects separately.

• To open Drawing content manager, first open a drawing and click Drawing content manager in the side pane. Then click Show to populatethe Drawing content manager list. If you do not want to list all modelobjects, narrow your selection by selecting certain drawing views, modelareas or multiple objects, and then click Show.

• Drawing content manager lists the model objects and the related markcontent, and gives the total number of marks. The available data depends


on the object type. Associative notes are also considered and counted asmarks.

• The following model object types are available in Drawing contentmanager if they exist in the drawing, and have been set visible in drawingView properties:

• Assemblies


• Parts

• Welds

• Bolts

• Reinforcement

• Pour objects

• Neighbor parts

• To list hidden model objects in Drawing content manager, click Show hidden items. This shows in the list the model objects that areshown with hidden lines in the model.

• To select and highlight the selected parts or marks in all drawing views

where they are visible, click Show in all views.

• To refresh Drawing content manager mark information, click Update.

• To select and highlight either model objects or marks in the drawing, selectthe objects in Drawing content manager and change the selection from

object to mark using the switch . When the model object selection is

active, the switch is black , and when the mark selection is active, the

switch is yellow .

Marks selected:

Parts selected:


• To search for and list specific model objects, use the search box.

• To collapse or expand model object categories, use the arrow buttons .

• To sort mark properties in alphabetical order, click a column header.

• To add marks, first select the objects needing marks from the Drawing

content manager list so that the model object selection is active .Then right-click in the model and select one of the following:

Add associative note

Add part mark

Add weld mark

Add Mark --> Reinforcement Mark

Add Mark --> Dimension Mark

Add Mark --> Tagged Dimension mark

Tekla Structures creates the marks or notes for the selected objects. To

update the mark information, click Update.

Note that the Drawing content manager does not support counting ofdimension and tagged dimension marks.

Note that if you select several model objects at the same time, and some ofthe selected objects already have marks, the content of the existing marksdoes not change.

• To delete marks, select one or several objects in Drawing content

manager, use the switch to select only marks, and then press Delete

on the keyboard. Update the mark information by clicking Update.

• To hide model objects, select the model objects from the Drawing contentmanager list, right-click in the drawing and select Hide/Show --> Hidefrom drawing view or Hide from drawing.


• To change how model objects are shown in drawings, select the objectsfrom the Drawing content manager list, right-click in the model and selectProperties....

• To modify the properties of the marks, select the objects from the list,

activate mark selection , hold down Shift and double-click a mark.

• If you wish to list some of the marks, such as weld marks, but not show themarks in the drawing, use the first color option in the weld mark propertiesdialog box to show the marks invisible. To do this, first select the weld

objects in the Drawing content manager list, activate mark selection ,right-click in the model, select Properties..., and change the weld mark textand line color.

For more information about Drawing content manager, see Drawing contentmanager.

Improved mark placement

• Marks are now automatically placed according to the new mark placingalgorithm if the new model-specific advanced option XS_MARK_INTELLIGENT_PLACING is set to TRUE, which is also the defaultvalue. The new placement tries to avoid crossing leader lines, and alsoplaces marks otherwise more clearly. XS_MARK_INTELLIGENT_PLACING isavailable in the category Marking: General in the Advanced Optionsdialog box. The new algorithm applies to all marks and associative notes,except weld marks.

Earlier:


In Tekla Structures 2018:


• Even though you set XS_MARK_INTELLIGENT_PLACING to FALSE, you canstill arrange the marks and associative notes with the following twocommands on the ribbon:

• Arrange marks : Arrange the selected marks and associative notesso that you avoid crossing leader lines. The result also depends on thedefined protection settings and search margins.

• Align marks : Align the selected marks and associative notes thatare close to each other by stacking the marks and placing them evenly.

• The two new commands are also available in Quick Launch.

• Note that these commands do not work for weld marks.

• The commands Near current location and Ignore current locations nowwork for fixed marks as well. The repositioned objects will keep their fixedstate. Earlier, these commands only worked for free marks.

• The command Ignore current locations now also moves rebar mark basepoints to their original location.

• The mark quarter placement has also been improved. If you select all fourcorner points in the Part Mark Placing dialog box, the improved automaticplacement will be used, and Tekla Structures attempts to find the closestquarter with empty space.

• Note that if you use high Search margin and Minimum distance values inthe Part Mark Placing dialog box, the mark placement does not workefficiently.

• If you set the new advanced option XS_MARK_PLACING_ANGLE_CLOSE_TO_45_DEGREES to TRUE (default),marks with leader lines are placed in a 45-degree angle if allowed by theprotection settings.

This model-specific advanced option is located in the Marking: Generalcategory in the Advanced Options dialog box.

• If you set the new advanced option XS_MARK_INTELLIGENT_POST_FREEPLACE_NEARBY to TRUE (default),Tekla Structures first places the marks avoiding crossing leader lines andafter that runs the place nearby command, which ensures that the marklocations follow the protection settings. If you set this advanced option to FALSE, the crossing mark check is performed, but the place nearbycommand is not run, and some of the protection settings may not befollowed.

This model-specific advanced option is located in the Marking: Generalcategory in the Advanced Options dialog box.

For more information about mark placement and protection settings, seeDefine object protection and placement settings in drawings.


Improved way to select part marksWith the new Select part marks command on the drawing pop-up menu youcan select the part marks of the parts you have selected, and modify all thesemarks at one go, for example, or delete them by pressing Delete on thekeyboard. Select part marks selects the part marks from the current drawingview or from all drawing views according to your selection. This method iseasier than searching the whole drawing for the wanted part marks and thenafter that modifying them, especially with large models.

This command replaces the old Delete part marks command.

New way to select model weld marks in drawingsWith the new Select weld marks command on the drawing pop-up menu youcan select the weld marks of the model welds you have selected, and modifyall these marks at one go, for example, or delete them by pressing Delete onthe keyboard. Select weld marks selects the weld marks from the currentdrawing view or from all drawing views according to your selection.

Note that this command does not select weld marks that you have manuallyadded in the drawing using the ribbon command Weld mark, it only selectsmarks for welds that have been created in the model.

Add model weld marks in drawingsNow you can add model weld marks manually in open drawings if your modelcontains model welds. To add the weld marks, you need to set the weldsvisible in the view properties.

• First select the model welds to which you want to add weld marks using theSelect drawing welds selection switch and area selection, or Drawingcontent manager list, for example.


• When you have selected the welds, right-click and select Add Weld Mark.

Note that when you add a weld mark using the pop-up menu, it is nowvisible even if its weld size is below the minimum weld size limit defined indrawing view settings.

In addition to the weld size limit setting, the advanced optionXS_OMITTED_WELD_TYPE may also hide the weld marks.

Add associative notes to several model objects at one goNow you can add associative notes to several model objects at one go in opendrawings. Previously, this was only possible in GA drawings, now this works forall drawing types.

• First select the model objects to which you want to add associative notesusing the Select parts in drawings selection switch and area selection, orDrawing content manager list, for example.

• When you have selected the model objects, right-click and select Addassociative note.


Selection switch to select associative notes

You can now use the Select drawing marks switch to select associative

notes as well. The Select drawing texts switch no longer selects notes,only texts.

Show/hide weld marks in hidden partsIn drawing view weld properties there is a new setting Welds in hidden partswith the following options for showing and hiding weld marks for hidden parts(shown with hidden lines) in drawings:

• None: If the part is hidden, the weld mark is not drawn.

• Site: If the part is hidden, weld marks for site welds are drawn.

• Workshop: If the part is hidden, weld marks for workshop welds aredrawn.

• Both: Weld marks are always drawn for hidden parts.

Align text in marks, notes and textsThe Alignment setting already existed for texts, and now it is also available formarks and associative notes. The new option Leader line aligns the text to theleader line end automatically.

The Alignment setting is available for the following mark types: bolt marks,connection marks, part marks, neighbor part marks, pour object marks,reinforcement marks, neighbor reinforcement marks, merged reinforcementmarks, and surface treatment marks.


1.11 Customized dimension line arrows and otherdimensioning improvementsYou can now customize dimension line arrows, change dimension arrow sizefor all arrow types, and add pour object properties in dimension tags. Straightrebar dimensions are now anchored to the rebar ends. There are also someupdates in the Rebar group dimensioning application.

Customize dimension line arrowsIf you feel that none of the default dimension line arrow types suits to yourneeds, you can now create arrows of your own.

• First open the dimension_arrows.sym file in Symbol Editor, and create anew arrow type and save the file. The file is located in the Commonenvironment (...ProgramData:\TeklaStructures\<version>\Environments\common\symbols) or in your environment under the\symbols folder.

• Then you need to add the position of the new symbol to the configurationfile dimension_arrows.txt in the same folder. This file tells which arrowsare available for use in your environment. For example, if the positionnumber is 4, then add 000,001,002,003,004.

You no longer need to stretch dimension arrow heads, becausedimension_arrows.sym in the Common environment has been updatedto show arrows correctly at a 1:1 scale.

• Create a bitmap of the new arrow type in the ..\ProgramData\TeklaStructures\<version>\Bitmaps folder on your computer using thenaming convention dr_dialog_dim_arrow_type_004.bmp.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 69 Customized dimension line arrows and otherdimensioning improvements

• Finally, restart Tekla Structures.

Now, when you open the Dimension Properties dialog box, you should seethe new arrow type in the Arrow list .

For more information about customized dimension line arrows, see Customizedimension line arrows.

New dimension arrow typesSome new dimension arrow types have been added to the arrow symbol set,see the image below. Each symbol is built on a 10 pixel basis so you can easilyscale them if needed.

Change dimension arrow size• You can now change the dimension arrow size for all dimension arrow

types in the Dimension Properties dialog box.


Rebar dimensions anchored to rebar endsStraight rebar dimensions are now anchored to the rebar ends and not to themiddle of the rebar group.

Pour object properties available in dimension tagsYou can now add pour object properties to dimension line tags associated topour objects in GA drawings. Note that dimension tags that have been created


on pour object dimensions before this improvement will not work, and theyneed to be recreated.


Improvements in Dimension rule properties• You can now define different dimension line settings for each side (Top,

Bottom, Left and Right) in the Dimensioning rule properties dialog box.To do this, clear the new Same on all sides check box.

If you select Same on all sides, the settings in the same dimensionproperties file are used on all sides.

• The list for selecting vertical dimension properties has been deleted.

For more information about dimensioning rule properties, see Dimensioningrule properties.

Improvements in Rebar group dimensioning• On the Parameters tab, you can now select a location for the mark. The

options are:

• Automatic: Mark 1 is positioned above the dimension text when thedimension is above the part, and under the dimension text when thedimension is under the part.

• Above dim. text: Mark 1 is always positioned above the dimension text.

• Below dim. line: Mark 1 is always positioned below the dimension line.

When placing the mark, the dimension text font size for the above textposition and the spacing values defined on the Advanced settings tab forboth positions are considered. This setting is only available for the non-radial annotation types.


• On the Parameters tab there is another new option Combine dim.between rebar - dim. allowing you to combine the dimensions of thedistance between two rebar groups with the dimensions of the rebar groupwhere the spacing is the same as the distance between the groups. It alsocombines the first/last group dimension line with the distance to the partend if the distance to the border is the same as the rebar group spacing.

Example

• In the example below, the first dimension from the top shows the rebargroups (blue color) with the distances between the groups (green color)plus the distances to the part ends (grey color). Dimensions are notcombined.

• The second dimension shows the same situation with marked equalitiesbetween the drawing rebar group spacing (cc) and the distancesbetween the groups. Note that the distance to the part end on the left isnot the same as the spacing, and so the dimensions are not combined.

• In the third dimension, the new combining type Consider samespacings has been applied. The green distances between the two bluerebar groups have been combined with the group that has the samespacing (cc) as the distance between the groups.

• The combining has also been applied to the gray distance to the partend because the distance to the part end is the same as the spacing (cc)of the adjacent rebar group.

• On the Extra marks tab, where you can create extra marks in front of orbehind the dimension line, the list box labels Rebar position and Text


properties are now placed more nicely in the dialog box, and they nowexist for both marks.

For more information about Rebar group dimensioning, see Dimensionrebars with Rebar group dimensioning application.

1.12 Other improvements in drawingsThere are a lot of small but important new features and enhancements inTekla Structures 2018 drawings, for example, in hole/recess symbols incomplex geometries, snapping, filtering, Layout editor, welds, pattern lines,custom grid labels, and printing. Opening drawings is now much faster.

Opening drawings faster• It is now significantly faster to open drawings containing several recesses

and openings, and several overlapping objects, such as GA drawings with3D views.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 75 Other improvements in drawings

Hole and recess symbols shown in complex geometries

• Complex geometries, such as T-shaped holes and rectangular shapes, cannow be marked with hole and recess lines.

Snapping improvements

Snap switch settings now saved in drawing mode

Now, when you activate a set of snap switches in a drawing and save thedrawing, and then reopen the same drawing, or open another drawing, thesame set of snap switches is still active. Previously, the snap switch settingswere not saved in the drawing mode.

Snap to center of circles

In drawings, you can now snap to the center of the circles that you havecreated in the model by using polygon cuts. Snapping to center allows you tocreate dimensions more easily, because finding the center point is easy, forexample. To have a snapping point in the middle of the circles, set theadvanced option XS_ADD_SNAPPING_SYMBOL_TO_CIRCLES to TRUE in theDrawing Properties category of the Advanced Options dialog box. Thedefault is FALSE. If you change the value, reopen the drawing.

Note that GA drawings do not support this because of potential problems withthe performance.


Create a filter for selecting multiple drawing objects• When you set values in drawing filter rules, you can now select multiple

drawing objects with the new option Multi-select from drawing.

Select multiple objects in the drawing, and click the middle mouse buttonto finish selecting. The current values of the selected objects appear,separated with spaces, in the Value cell on the filter row.

• Area selection is now working while you are filtering.

For more information about filters in drawings, see Create new filters.

Additional weld size for compound weld types• You can now enter an additional weld size in manual drawing welds for

compound weld types and . A compound weld is a combinationof more than one type of weld in a single weld joint .

For more information about drawing welds, see Welds in drawings.


New command for closing the drawing modeNow you have one more option available for closing the current drawing andreturning to the model: Go to the File menu and click Close drawing mode.

If you have made changes in the drawing, Tekla Structures asks you if you wantto keep the changes that you have made in the currently open drawing. In thismessage box, you can also mark the drawing ready for issue, and create asnapshot of the drawing.

Layout editor improvements

Add a missing drawing layout

• When you now open Layout editor in an open drawing, and your drawingdoes not have a drawing layout defined, you will get a warning messagewith list of layouts you can select from. The tables and other layoutdefinitions in the selected drawing layout will be applied to the opendrawing. This is useful if you have deleted the drawing layout by accident indrawing properties, for example.


Improved anchoring offsets

• The displayed accuracy of the offsets in Layout editor in the US Imperialenvironment has been increased.

Layout editor now shows the drawing frame to which the templates areanchored. This is best visible in the US Imperial environment where theframe is not at the same location as the blue frame of the drawing.

Resizable Layout editor table lists

• You can now resize the table lists vertically in the Layout editor pane.When you hover the mouse pointer over the bar that separates theAvailable tables and Current tables lists, an arrow is displayed and youcan start resizing by dragging the bar upwards or downwards.

Scale and Rotation hidden

• In the Layout editor pane, the options Scale and Rotation are nowdisabled if they are not applicable to the selected table. Earlier they werehidden. This may sometimes help when you select tables from the pane.

Improvements in custom grid labels• Earlier, customized drawing grid labels created with the Grid labels

command were not shown for all grid lines if the lines were skewed. Thishas now been fixed.


• There is a new option Align to line in the Advanced grid label propertiesdialog box. When you select Yes, the labels of vertical and skewed grid linesare rotated to align with the grid lines.

New pattern linesThe following pattern line types were added in version 2018 to the Common,US imperial, and US metric environments:

• CityLimits:

• DoubleFaceConcBarrier:


• FreeAccessRow

• GovernmentLine:

• HedgeLine:

• LimitedAccessRow:

• SingleFaceConcBarrier:

• TreeLine:

View settings now remembered correctlyDrawing views now remember which properties were used to create the viewand show the name of the properties file in the view properties dialog box ifthe properties file matches the properties set in the dialog box.


New warning message for cast unitsTekla Structures now shows a warning message if you try to delete or modifythe main part of a cast unit that has a drawing.

Printing improvementsThere are several improvements in printing and in the usability of the printingdialog box:

• The name of the first color column on the Line properties tab has beenchanged to Object color to better describe the meaning of the colors.

• The colors are now in the same order as in other color lists for variousobjects in Tekla Structures.

• Color boxes now have tooltips indicating the name of the object color, andwhat happens when you click the color boxes.

• The Line properties tab is more compact so that the color controls can fitin the dialog box without the need for scrolling.

• When you change the printing settings, and you have a preview visible, thepreview is only regenerated if the changed setting affects the previewresult. For example, changing the file name prefix or suffix does not triggerthe preview regeneration.

• The Print Drawings dialog box is displayed faster than before.

• Now you can record macros in the Print Drawings dialog box.

• To be consistent with the old printing, the line thickness of 0 width lines isno longer affected by scaling.

• If you select Fit to paper and set Paper size to Auto, the drawing will bescaled to fit the automatically selected paper size. Previously the outputwas not scaled.

• Previously, you could print without giving a file name when printing to asingle file. Now you need to enter a file name to be able to print.

• PDF reports were previously hardcoded to not embed fonts, which causedthe text to appear incorrectly in some languages. Now PDF report optionsare read from settings files with the namereport.PdfPrintOptions.xml (a settings file saved with the name report in the printing dialog box). The settings file can be located in any of


the locations where PdfPrintOptions.xml files are normally searchedfor. This allows the Embed fonts option to be enabled for languages thatrequire it. If no such files are present, the default hardcoded options areused.

If you want to have PDF reports to have embedded fonts for better supportfor special characters or other options enabled, save the settings from thePrint Drawings dialog box with the name report and move the createdreport.PdfPrintOptions.xml to a XS_PROJECT, XS_FIRM or XS_SYSTEM folder.

• Previously, the Print Drawings dialog box only checked the advancedoption XS_INP for line type files. This could result in different line styles inthe drawing mode and in the printed output if the line type files werestored somewehere else. Now, printing will also look for the line type filesin the model folder, and in the locations specified by the advanced options XS_PROJECT, XS_FIRM, XS_SYSTEM and XS_INP, in that order.

• In the Print Drawings dialog box, the plot file name preview now showsthe first underscore defined in the file prefix correctly.

• Multiple bugs have been fixed, which has improved the printing reliability.

For more information about printing, see Print to a .pdf file, plot file (.plt) orprinter.

1.13 Template Editor 3.6 improvementsTemplate Editor has been updated to version 3.6. The usability of TemplateEditor has been improved further, and you can now have several dialog boxesopen at the same time, open new templates in new application windows,search for attributes, and much more.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 83 Template Editor 3.6 improvements

Open multiple Template Editor dialog boxes and new template files

• You can now have multiple properties dialog boxes open at the same time.This makes switching between value fields and copying values much faster.

• Now when you open a new template file, it will be opened in a newTemplate Editor application window. Earlier, the new template file wasopened in the current application window.

Search for attributes

• You can now search for attribute names and descriptions in the attributeslist. You can type any part of the attribute name, not necessarily startingfrom the beginning. Attribute descriptions are also included in the search,


including the translated descriptions. The attribute list gets filtered on thefly while you are typing in the search field.


Content browser

• You can now expand and collapse the Content browser tree withoutundocking it first.

• Now it is possible to select which objects are selectable in the work area(text, lines, fields, symbols, etc). Earlier it was only possible to switch on andoff the visibility of these objects in the Content browser tree.

Template Editor 3.6 also introduces a new selection toolbar for objects.


New alignment toolbar

A new toolbar has been added containing commands for aligning selectedobjects to the rightmost, leftmost, top or bottom object.

Previously, these commands only existed on the Edit menu.

CopyField

• Now it is possible with CopyField to copy the actual output value.Previously, you could only copy the field formula and use that to calculatethe value.

• If CopyField can get a value from the same component as it is in, thenthat value is used.

• If CopyField is used in a header or page header, then the value issearched from the subsequent components.

• If CopyField is used in a footer or page footer, then the value is searchedfrom the preceding components.


• If CopyField is used in a row, then the value is first searched from thepreceding components and if not found, then the value is searched fromthe subsequent components.

Cut values with ***

• When an output value field does not fit into a cell, three asterisks (***) willindicate that the value is cut.

For example, when a template has a value field length limited to 10characters and the output value is 11 characters or more, *** will bedisplayed at the end of the value.

Earlier it was hard to notice if a part of the value was hidden.

Interrupt with Esc

• Pressing Esc on the keyboard will now end the current operation.Previously Esc interrupted copying and cutting, but did not interruptdragging or stretching.

Automatic recognition of advanced options in rules

• Advanced options can be selected from the value field formula dialog boxand row rules dialog box in the same way as in Attributes and Value


Fields. Items in the selection list will be exactly as in the definition file,which means that all capital letters and underscores will have an effect.

Example of usage:

if GetValue("ADVANCED_OPTION.XS_IMPERIAL")=="TRUE" then ": X= "+format(GetValue("START_X"),"Length","ft-frac", 1/16) + "ft-in" else ": X= "+format(GetValue("START_X"),"Length","mm", 1)+" mm " endif


Use page headers/footers as column headers/footers

• You can now use page headers as column headers in template output. Todo this, select the new page header component option Use columns. Pagefooters can also be used as column footers.

Other Template Editor improvements

• Template Editor is no longer minimized by default.

• The attribute type for the content type REBAR was incorrect in the RuleContents dialog box. This has now been fixed.

• Sometimes items that were invisible in a DWG file became visible whenimported in a Tekla Structures drawing template. This has now been fixed.

• Separate row definitions using columns were considered to be part ofseparate tables. This has now been fixed, and rows using columns are nowhandled as before, so all rows using columns belong to the same table.

• Template Editor documentation has been improved so that it now tells thatthe IsSet function is also available for value field formulas. It is notavailable in the Function list, but you can type it manually in the formulafield.

1.14 Reserve the next write out and other improvementsin Tekla Model SharingIn Tekla Model Sharing, you can now reserve the next write out in a sharedmodel. You can also create a model baseline using Sharing automation tool.

Reserve the next write outIn Tekla Model Sharing, you can now reserve the next write out in a sharedmodel for sending your changes to the sharing service. Reserving the nextwrite out is useful if you need to ensure that other users will not write outchanges that would override the changes you are making. Such changes could

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 90 Reserve the next write out and otherimprovements in Tekla Model Sharing

be numbering the model or creating a model baseline, for example, or otherchanges that need to be available for all users of the model.

All users of a shared model can reserve the next write out, except users withthe Viewer role. To reserve the next write out, on the File menu, click Sharing--> Reserve next write out.

The Reserve next write out command opens the Reserve next write outdialog box where you need to enter a comment about why you are reservingthe write out. Click Reserve to reserve the write out.

When you have reserved the next write out, the Write out icon on the Quick

Access Toolbar shows a yellow arrow for all users of the model. Otherusers cannot write out while you have the next write out reserved. Placing themouse pointer on top of the icon shows who has reserved the next write outand the comment that was written in the Reserve next write out dialog box.

When you have made your changes in the model, on the File menu, clickSharing --> Write out. In the Reserve next write out dialog box, enter acomment about the changes and click Release. When you have written out,


the arrow in the Write out icon changes to green again . Other users cannow write out normally.

You can also release your write out reservation without writing out. To do this,on the File menu, click Sharing --> Release reservation without write out.

Create a baseline using Sharing automation toolIf you are the Owner of a shared model, you can now use Sharingautomation tool to create a baseline of the model when writing out. Whenyou create a baseline, a full model is written out to the sharing service.

Sharing automation tool is available in the Applications & componentscatalog. To create a baseline when writing out, select Create baseline in theSharing automation tool dialog box.


Improved and more robust performance in Tekla ModelSharingWorking with Tekla Model Sharing is now even more productive than before.Several improvements in change and conflict handling now result in morerobust and reliable performance.

• The list of read in changes is now more accurate as unnecessary changeflags are not anymore shown for parts, assemblies and cast units, and partcuts.

• Changes in the model folder are now more controlled.

• Gaps in standard part numbering and renumber all have been addressed.

1.15 Improvements in IFC export, import and conversionThere are several improvements in the IFC export and import, and in the IFCobject conversion management. IFC4 has been developed further.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 93 Improvements in IFC export, import andconversion

IFC4 export improvements

• Before you can start the IFC4 export in Tekla Structures , you need to setthe advanced option XS_IFC4_EXPORT_PLEASE to TRUE inteklastructures.ini.

• The Property sets selection has been removed from the dialog box. Theproperty sets are now hardcoded in the IFC4 export.

• The new Object color setting allows you to export objects using the objectclass colors or object group colors. If you select object group colors, thedefined transparency settings are also exported.

• You can now export flat and wide beams as plates using the new optionExport flat wide beams as plates. Select this option if you have modeledplates as beams or columns with flat profiles. For example, some systemcomponents use beams or columns instead of plates.

• The option Locations from Organizer has been renamed to Spatialhierarchy from Organizer, which tells more clearly what this option does.

• When you select the new option Pours, concrete parts are exported aspours. If you do not select it, concrete parts are exported without pours.

• Base quantity definitions are now automatically included in the export.


• The selections that you make in the dialog box are now written in the IFCfile header.

• A log file is now automatically created at the export and saved in the exportfolder. When you export, a message box is displayed, and you can select toopen the export folder or view the log file.

• The following entities are now supported in the IFC4 export:

• Type entities

• ifcChimney, ifcChimneyType

• ifcMaterialProfile and ifcMaterialProfileSet

• ifcTendon

• ifcReinforcementMesh

• Surface object attributes are now available for ifcCovering entity type inadditional property sets.

• Rebars created using the rebar set commands are now exported.

• Improvements in Reference view:

• The body geometry can be extruded using basic sweeps andSweptDiskSolid or having tessellated geometry.

• There are two new presentations for entities, 3D Axis and CoG:

3D Axis also exports the axis presentation for linear members. This newpresentation defines the axis from the original start point to the originalend point.

CoG defines the center of gravity point. The centre of gravity point isexported as geometry point in the model.

• Now openings also have geometric reference representation fordownstream usage.

• Improvements in Design transfer view:

• Profiles are now exported as parametric profiles.

• The new parameters for flange slope and flange edge radius are nowsupported for I profiles. Also an unsymmetric I shape is now supported.

• In IFC4 Design transfer view rebars are exported usingifcSweptDiskSolidPolygonal rather than ifcSweptDiskSolid like inReference view.


IFC2x3 export improvements• The IFC2x3 export now uses IFC type ifcWall to export Constructive Solid

Geometry (CSG) and basic geometry for walls.

• The option Locations from Organizer has been renamed to Spatialhierarchy from Organizer, which tells more clearly what this option does.

IFC import improvements• Bounding box representation has been added to import.

• Errors in wireframe geometry are now visualized.

Most cases of geometry creation failure are now indicated, and missingelements have visual representation. If nothing else can be shown, a unitcube wireframe will be shown instead.

For boolean operations the main part (the leftmost node in boolean tree,the body shape that has openings attached), is only generated.

The geometry creation may fail because of invalid data, incompletelyclosed profile, 0 thickness solids etc. Invalid elements may be invalid orduplicate GUIDs, for example.

• Elements that are completely cut out may still appear as wireframes.


• Flange edge radius and flange slope parameters have been added to the Ishape profile definition.

• There are now separate 3D axis and body representations.

• The performance of the IFC import has been improved, and large boltsystems are imported much faster, the worker queue works better, andthere are fewer triangles in some models.

• The import now supports tapered extruded and revolved solids.

• Import now supports IFC4-type, profile-based, material definitions.

• Container shapes no longer appear twice in import.

• Grid placement in reference view has been improved.

• Elements with only graphics set, such as some grids, are no longer missing.

• IfcSystem (IfcGroup) import is now working.

• IfcRevolvedAreaSolid now produces valid solids.

• Added a check to verify that all elements are imported/handled.


IFC object conversion improvements• IFC object conversion now supports B-rep cuts.

• B-rep to item conversion is now much faster.

• The conversion change management changes list now has a new columnType indicating the type of the object, for example, IFCBEAM or IFCCOLUMN.

• The setting Set handles to top flange is no longer used for polybeams forbetter conversion results.

• New settings have been added to the IFC object conversion settingsdialog box allowing you to select conversion to item and conversion toextrusion separately for concrete material and other material, for example,steel. These options are applied to direct conversion and to conversionchange management.

• The ifcRoof objects are now converted correctly. Earlier, the plates were notalways oriented properly after conversion.

• Handling of polygons and arbitrary profiles in conversion has beenimproved.

1.16 Point clouds from 3D scanningYou can now attach point clouds to Tekla Structures models. Point clouds aregroups of measured points on the surfaces of objects created with 3D laserscanners, for example, Trimble 3D laser scanners. In construction, the pointclouds are mainly used in renovation projects to define the building orstructure that is to be renovated. They can also be used to get the exactposition of existing machinery, pipework or landscape that need to be takeninto consideration on the site. You can also use them for checking execution byimporting them as build points into a model to be compared to the design.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 98 Point clouds from 3D scanning

When you attach a point cloud to a Tekla Structures model, you can place iteither by the model origin or a defined base point.

The original point cloud file is processed and cache files are created in thepotree format. The point cloud conversion occurs as a background process,and you can continue working with Tekla Structures meanwhile.

Point cloud data is stored in the folder defined by the advanced option XS_POINT_CLOUD_CACHE_FOLDER. By default, the folder is %LocalAppData%\Trimble\TeklaStructures\PointClouds, for example, C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Trimble\Tekla Structures\PointClouds.This user-specific advanced option is located in the FileLocations category in the Advanced Options dialog box. It may be useful touse a network drive for the potree file in a project for sharing purposes. Thefile will not be copied to the local computer.

If the same point cloud is used in several models, it will not be converted againor duplicated when you attach it. If point clouds are identical, the existingconverted file is used, otherwise the file is converted.

In Tekla Structures, point clouds have colors if the original file format supportscolors.

Compatible file formats

ASCII (.asc, .xyz)

E57 (.e57)

LAS (.las)

LAZ (.laz)

PTS (.pts)

PTX (.ptx)

Potree (.js)

Trimble scan format (.tzf)

• To attach a point cloud:

1. Click the Point clouds button in the side pane, click Attach, andbrowse for the point cloud.

2. Change the scale, if needed.

3. Select Model origin to place the point cloud in the Tekla Structuresmodel origin, or select a base point to place the point cloud in the realworld coordinates.

If you do not know the coordinate system of the point cloud, selectAuto-created base point to get the point cloud near the model origin.This will create an automatic base point with point cloud bounding boxmin x, min y, and min z coordinates in the Tekla Structures origin.


4. Click Attach point cloud.

• To show the point cloud in the model, select the model view where you

want to show it, and click the eye button next to the point cloud in thelist. When the view is selected, it has a yellow frame.

When the point cloud is set visible in the model view, you can see the minx, min y, and min z coordinates of the point cloud bounding box on thestatus bar.

• To hide the point cloud, click .

• To detach a point cloud, click Detach next to the point cloud name inthe Point clouds list. Then reopen or save the model.

Note that you cannot detach a point cloud by pressing Delete on thekeyboard.

The point clouds are cached to the default location or to a locationspecified by the user. When a point cloud is no longer used in any TeklaStructures model, it is cleaned from the cache.

For more information about point clouds and related limitations, see Pointclouds.

Set the default maximum point count in a view

You can use the advanced option XS_SET_MAX_POINT_CLOUD_POINT_COUNTto set the default maximum value for the points in a view. The default value is10 000 000 (10 million).

This advanced option is system specific, and it is located in the Model Viewcategory of the Advanced Options dialog box. Restart Tekla Structures if youchange the value.

Clip point clouds and reference models only

Set the user-specific advanced option XS_DO_NOT_CLIP_NATIVE_OBJECTS_WITH_CLIP_PLANE to TRUE to only clippoint clouds and reference models with the Clip plane command. Native Tekla


Structures objects are not clipped. FALSE is the default value. This advancedoption is located in the Model View category in the Advanced Options dialogbox.

Redraw the model views after changing the value.

Rendering of point clouds

Point clouds can be seen in both the OpenGL model view and in the DX modelview. The DX model view with perspective projection may give a better visualresult. Performance with bigger amount of data or a larger number of viewsmay make the DX usage impossible.

Orthogonal projection:

Perspective projection:


Sharing point clouds

Point clouds are normally so large in file size that it is not sensible to share apoint cloud as a part of the shared model data. However, there may be a needfor multiple persons to use the same point cloud in a project, in which caseyou can use the point cloud potree file for sharing the point cloud.

You first need to create the potree file and then copy the potree file to ashared location, where other users can get it and attach it to the TeklaStructures model. For more information, see Point clouds in Tekla UserAssistance.

1.17 Updates in tools for concrete fabricationExport Unitechnik (79) and Export EliPlan file contain several new usefulfeatures, and HMS Export has also been improved.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 102 Updates in tools for concrete fabrication

Export Unitechnik (79)Unitechnik export has been updated with the following improvements:

• Bent meshes with limited rebar angles are now exported with corect originpoints.

• Option to rotate the pallet 90° if the pallet width is exceeded is nowworking correctly.

• Now when you define manual rotation in the export dialog box, the lineattribute override takes the rotation into account.

• When using template variables, the export now automatically checks thecontentattribute_xxx.lst files to get the unit of the template variableand converts the value to the precision level used in Unitechnik export. Thedefault value of the precision level is now taken from thecontentattribute_xxx.lst files.

•

• Cage reinforcement main dimensions are now exported in the cage'scoordinate system instead of the pallet's coordinate system, according tothe Unitechnik 6.1.0 specifications.

• You can now use the value Text[Template]#Counter for the followingoptions:

• Name of order

• Name of component

• Drawing number

• Project line 1-4 text

• Slab number

• Info text 1 - 4 of slabdate

• Info text 1 - 2 of mounting part

• Steel parts and items now have in the user-defined attributes dialog box anew tab Unitechnik Mountpart, where you can specify data which willoverwrite the settings defined on the Mounting part data specificationtab. On the Unitechnik Mountpart tab you can also exclude mountingparts from the export using the new option Exclude from export.

• The maximum number of exported elements or layers in the SLABDATEblock is now limited to 99 according to the Unitechnik specification. If thelimitation is exceeded, you will be notified by a console and log filemessage.

• TS configuration tab:

• You can now export CONTOUR as bounding box. It is recommended touse this option with the file structure set to Single layer, 1 slabdate, nparts on the Main tab.


• You can now merge cutouts using the new setting Merge CUTOUTs. Youcan select to export a large cutout that is created out of smaller cuts asseparate cutouts. The options are:

Merged as one cutout

Unmerged, overlapping cutouts

Unmerged cutouts with no overlapping

• You can now prevent exporting cutouts with the new option ExportCUTOUTs.

• Embeds tab:

• It is now possible to export reinforcing bars as mount parts. There is anew export option Selected (also reinforcement) + steel available forNormal embeds. When you select this option, all reinforcing bars listedin the Embeds classes box are considered as embeds and plotted aslines. Also bounding box can be used. All steel parts are also consideredas embeds. When you export rebars as mount parts with the option Cutouter assemblies, the rebar geometry is now exported correctly.

• Cuts that have been specified with a class can now be exported in theMOUNPART block with the option Cutpart former.

• Reinforcement tab:

• In addition to spacer type, you can now export spacer start position andspacer pitch information with the new settings Spacer start positionand Spacer pitch.

• The new option First bending angle allows setting the first bendingangle of free-flection rodstock to negative as required by certaininterfaces.

• Reinf. data specification tab: The new option Welded leg designationcan be used for designating the welded leg in bent mesh bars if there isonly one leg that is welded to cross-wires. When you select Yes,information about welded leg designation is exported.

• The Data specification tab has been divided into two separate tabs:SLABDATE block data specification and HEADER block dataspecification.


• SLABDATE block data specification tab: Now you can specify theTransport pile level number. If there are elements in the stack that needto be layered on the same level, then the pile level is used. For example,you may have a pile of 6 slabs, and they each have sequential pile levelnumbers 1, 2, 3.. 6. The Transport pile level number can be defined in thepart UDAs.

• HEADER block data specification tab:

• You can now specify building site and building owner name, address,post code and city/town.

• You can now specify the number of decimals after the decimalseparator in data field template units.

For more information about Unitechnik export settings, see the followingtopics:

Unitechnik export: Main tab

Unitechnik export: TS configuration tab

Unitechnik export: Embeds tab

Unitechnik export: Reinforcement tab

Unitechnik export: Validation tab

Unitechnik export: Reinf. data specification tab

Unitechnik export: HEADER block data specification tab

Unitechnik export: SLABDATE block data specification

Unitechnik export: Mounting part data specification tab

Unitechnik export: Line attributes tab

Unitechnik export: Pallet tab

Unitechnik export: Log files tab

Export EliPlan file (68)EliPLAN export has been updated with the following new settings that give youmore control in plotting, without making major changes in the model:

• Export now checks the Set Top in Form Face setting for all parts ifspecified.

• Slabs narrowed by cutting are now exported correctly regardless of themodeling direction. Slabs narrowed by cutting are now orientedsystematically, thereby having other cuts and plotting also positionedcorrectly. If there is one narrowed side, it will be the side with length L2.


• Plotter data tab:

• When you export cutout plotting data with the option Full depth cutsonly, now the actual full depth cut geometry is only exported withoutrecesses.

• You can now exclude embeds by class, name or material from exportedplotting data with the new setting Exclude embeds by.

• You can also exclude embeds or cuts that are above the specified Zposition from exported plotting data by using the new setting Excludeabove z position. The Z position is the depth of the element on thepallet, that is how many millimeters the lowest point of the embed isabove the casting table.

• Data content tab:

• In No. of digits after decimal point, you can now set 3 digits after thedecimal separator. 1 digit is the default. Now this option also affectsvolume, gross area and net area.

• In Net area calculation, you can select whether the export excludes allcuts or only full depth cuts from the net area calculation, or exportgross area as net area. The whole assembly is checked.

• In Weight calculation, you can select which weight will be exported.

• In Decimal mark, you can set period (.) or comma (.) as the decimalmark.

For more information about EliPlan export settings, see EliPLAN exportsettings.

HMS exportHMS export has been updated with the following new functionality:

• The UDA source of the Bay number can now be set on the Slab data tab.The value needs to be an integer.

• HMS export has a new tab Reinforcement including the following features:

• HMS Export now exports pull forces for strands. The option Exportstrand pull force has been added on the new Reinforcement tab.

• The Export strand code option was moved to the new Reinforcementtab.

• The boundary line can be now be exported along the cut or uncut side ofthe slab. The two options are located on the Options tab.

• HMS export now prevents the export of the parts that have been cut onboth longitudinal sides, and the boundary line cannot be set.


• Welded plates, solid fills and hook boxes are now exported correctlyaccording to the exported slab rotation.

For more information about HMS export, see HMS Export settings.

1.18 Trimble Connector and other interoperabilityimprovements

Trimble Connector improvementsTekla Structures 2018 introduces the following Trimble Connectorimprovements and changes:

• You can add attachments to ToDo notes.

• IFC2x3 export in Trimble Connector now supports the use of IFC settingfiles.

• You can collaborate with Trimble Connect Desktop.

• Coordinate system has been removed from Trimble Connector settings,because it now follows what has been set in the workplane handler.

Add attachments

You first need to open a Tekla Structures model and Trimble Connector, opena project in Trimble Connector, and select the needed objects from themodel.

To add an attachment:

1. Create a ToDo note following the instructions in section Trimble

Connector. Then click Add attachment, and do one or both of thefollowing:

• Click and to browse for a file on your computer and add it tothe selected Trimble Connect folder.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 107 Trimble Connector and other interoperabilityimprovements

• Click to browse for a file on your computer, click Add from mycomputer and attach it to the current ToDo note.


2. Click OK and click Save to synchronize the ToDo containing theattachment to Trimble Connect.

Double-clicking the attachment opens the file if Windows has association tothe file name extension. Model files are not opened.

IFC2x3 export based on standard file settings

You can now export IFC2x3 files in Trimble Connector using saved IFCsettings. The settings file needs to be located in the model \attributesfolder. If you do not select a settings file, the IFC model is created of parts only,not assemblies.

To use the settings file:

• In Tekla Structures, go to File --> Export --> IFC, adjust the settings asrequired and save the settings with a unique name.


• In Trimble Connector, open a project and a project folder, click to startthe export, enter the required details, and select the settings file from theExport settings from standard file list.

For more information about IFC export in Trimble Connector, see sectionTrimble Connector.

Collaborate with Trimble Connect Desktop

The new Tekla Structures - Trimble Connect Desktop interoperability tool inTrimble Connector allows the collaboration between Trimble ConnectDesktop and Tekla Structures. The collaboration requires Trimble ConnectDesktop, a valid license and Trimble Identity.

You can download Trimble Connect Desktop from https://app.connect.trimble.com/tc/app#/store . You can download the TeklaStructures - Trimble Connect Desktop interoperability tool from TeklaWarehouse.

For more information, see Tekla Structures - Trimble Connect Desktopinteroperability.

Before collaborating, you need to do the following:

• In Trimble Connect Desktop, open a project, and in Tekla Structures, opena model.

• In Trimble Connector, export the Tekla Structures model to TrimbleConnect in IFC format.

• Download and make the model visible in Trimble Connect Desktop.

The following buttons are available in Trimble Connector for collaborationbetween Tekla Structures and Trimble Connect Desktop:


HTTPS://TEKLASTRUCTURES.SUPPORT.TEKLA.COM/NOT-VERSION-SPECIFIC/EN/TRIMBLE_IDENTITY_FAQ

HTTPS://APP.CONNECT.TRIMBLE.COM/TC/APP#/STORE

HTTPS://APP.CONNECT.TRIMBLE.COM/TC/APP#/STORE

https://warehouse.tekla.com/#/catalog/details/cb55adeb-574e-477a-8e86-e1eecdecbf66

https://warehouse.tekla.com/#/catalog/details/cb55adeb-574e-477a-8e86-e1eecdecbf66

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/not-version-specific/en/ext_collaborate_with_tcd

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/not-version-specific/en/ext_collaborate_with_tcd

To collaborate:

• To adjust a Trimble Connect Desktop view, select a Tekla Structures view,

and click in Trimble Connector.

• To adjust Tekla Structures view camera and projection based on TrimbleConnect Desktop view , select a Trimble Connect Desktop view and click

in Trimble Connector.

• To select Tekla Structures native model objects based on Trimble Connect

Desktop object selection, click in Trimble Connector..

• To select Trimble Connect Desktop objects based on Tekla Structures

object selection, click in Trimble Connector. Selection also supportsassembly level.

Reference model import plug-ins available as .tseppackagesReference model plug-in updates are now available as .tsep packages inTekla Warehouse. Tekla Structures installation contains version level plug-ins,but you can get newer ones from Tekla Warehouse. First download the neededpackage from Tekla Warehouse, and then import it to the Applications &components catalog. There are .tsep packages for the following plug-ins:

AutoCAD (.dxf)

AutoCAD (.dwg)

Cadmatic (.3dd)


https://warehouse.tekla.com/

IFC (.ifc, .ifczip , .ifcxml)

IGES (.igs , .iges)

LandXML (.xml)

MicroStation (.dgn , .prp)

Tekla Collaboration (.tczip)

SketchUp (.skp)

STEP (.stp, .STEP)

For more information about .tsep packages, see Import a .tsep extension tothe Applications & components catalog.

New plug-insTekla Structures 2018 contains the following new plug-ins:

• New DWG plug-ins: Version 1.37, which includes support for AutoCAD 2018,and version 1.28, which includes integration to Teigha 4.3.1.

• A new DGN plug-in version 1.37, which includes integration to Teigha 4.3.1.

• A new SketchUp plug-in version 1.55.

• A new Step/IGES plug-in 3.15.

NC/DSTV improvements• You can now show bent line information for bent plates and polybeam

plates in the NC file KA block. Go to the Advanced Options tab in the NCFile Settings dialog box, and under Create KA block for, select Unfoldedbent plates and Unfolded polybeam plates.

1.19 New service and license for Open API developersThe new Tekla Developer Center provides easy access to up-to-datedocumentation for Tekla Open API developers. Also, a new Tekla Online licensefor a new Partner configuration is now available for eligible Tekla Open APIdevelopers.

Tekla Developer Center

Tekla Developer Center is a central information source for Tekla Open APIdevelopers. Visit this service for the API reference, programming guides,

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 112 New service and license for Open API developers

exercises, code examples, a community for asking questions and sharing bestpractices, and more.

Partner configuration with Tekla Online license

A new Partner configuration is available for Tekla Open API developers whoare taking part in the Tekla Partners Program. There is a dedicated, separateinstallation package for Tekla Structures Partner. You are not allowed to useTekla Structures Partner for any commercial work, and all drawing outputcreated using this configuration includes a watermark. All Tekla Structuresfeatures are available and there are no fixed limits on the number of modelobjects.

The Partner configuration is licensed with a Tekla Online license. You grantaccess to the license in the Tekla Online Admin Tool in the same way as forother Tekla Online licenses (such as Tekla Model Sharing licenses). The licenseuser does not need access to your Tekla Structures license server. Click herefor more information on using the Tekla Online Admin Tool.

When you launch Tekla Structures Partner, you must log in with your TrimbleIdentity for license verification.

1.20 New options for controlling visuals and other DirectXrendering improvementsSince Tekla Structures 2016, you have been able to use a DirectX renderingengine alongside the default OpenGL-based rendering engine. In TeklaStructures 2018, the DirectX rendering has been improved. Tekla Structures2018 now uses the DirectX 11 in the DirectX rendering engine.

You can switch the DirectX rendering on or off in File --> Settings --> Switches.The rendering setting is view specific, meaning that you can use the DirectXrendering or the OpenGL rendering in different views. If you switch betweenthe rendering, you need to reopen the view to activate the rendering.

Compared to the OpenGL rendering, the DirectX rendering improves therendering quality and adds a subtle shading effect to Tekla Structures objects,making the 3D visualizations clearer and more defined. If you are usinggraphics cards that are optimized for the DirectX, the overall performance isalso improved when the DirectX rendering is in use. DirectX graphicsperformance is better on the recommended NVIDIA Geforce GTX graphicscards than with graphics cards that have a lower end or no graphicsprocessing unit (GPU).

Use the following new advanced options to fine-tune the DirectX rendering:

• XS_SHOW_SHADOW_FOR_PERSPECTIVE_IN_DX controls whether shadowsare shown in DirectX views when the perspective mode is on. Shadows aremore noticeable in the perspective mode than in the orthogonal mode.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 113 New options for controlling visuals and otherDirectX rendering improvements

This advanced option is set to TRUE by default.

If you change the value, you need to reopen the view to activate the newvalue.

• XS_SHOW_SHADOW_FOR_ORTHO_IN_DX controls whether shadows areshown in DirectX views when the orthogonal mode is on.

This advanced option is set to FALSE by default.


• XS_USE_ANTI_ALIASING_IN_DX controls whether antialiasing is used inDirectX views. Antialiasing makes the edge lines smoother, but with lowresolution screens it can make the lines look thicker.


• XS_HATCH_OVERLAPPING_FACES_IN_DX controls whether hatching isshown in DirectX views for overlapping surfaces.



NOTE If you use Tekla Structures via remote connections, the DirectX rendering maynot work as expected: parts that you have created may not show in themodel, or the model is working slowly. If you experience such problems,switch the DirectX rendering off.

DirectX rendering examples

Visualization of distance

The visualization of the distances in DirectX uses subtle shadows and ambientocclusion. This gives a better understanding of the structure and distances.

DirectX OpenGL


Improved depth accuracy

The accuracy in depth buffer has been improved so that when the model iszoomed, parts are not shown through other parts' faces as often as previously.

DirectX OpenGL

Dynamic states

In dynamic states, such as in selection and in preselection highlight, theselection is clearer and the highlight is less intrusive.

DirectX OpenGL


DirectX OpenGL

Antialiasing for higher fidelity

Image quality is by default much better, with less flickering.

DirectX OpenGL

High fidelity edge line

There are no flickering zigzag lines but continuous, smooth edges.

DirectX OpenGL

Accurate reinforcing bars

Reinforcing bars have edge lines in the DirectX rendering. When you zoom in,the reinforcing bars are shown as round.


DirectX OpenGL

Automatic edge lines for intersecting material in transparent view

You can easily see where there are intersecting materials in the model.

DirectX OpenGL


Added accuracy and clarity on details

DirectX OpenGL


DirectX OpenGL

Automatic hatching for overlapping surfaces on same plane

You can easily detect duplicate objects or any overlapping parts without theneed to run a clash check.


1.21 Changes in advanced optionsThere are some uodates in the advanced options in Tekla Structures 2018, theyare listed below.

New advanced options• XS_CONSTRUCTION_LINE_LINE_TYPE

• XS_CONSTRUCTION_CIRCLE_LINE_TYPE

• XS_CALCULATE_POUR_UNITS_ON_SHARING

• XS_IGNORE_CROSSBAR_LOCATION_IN_REBAR_MESH_NUMBERING

• XS_REBARSET_ENABLE_BAR_GROUPING_WHEN_SPACING_DIFFERS

• XS_REBARSET_USE_GROUP_NUMBER_FOR_BARS_IN_TAPERED_GROUPS

• XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_GROUP_POSITION_NUMBER_FORMAT_STRING

• XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_REBAR_POSITION_NUMBER_FORMAT_STRING

• XS_VALID_CHARS_FOR_REBAR_SUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS

• XS_REBARSET_BUFFER_SIZE

• XS_DO_NOT_CLIP_NATIVE_OBJECTS_WITH_CLIP_PLANE

• XS_POINT_CLOUD_CACHE_FOLDER

• XS_SET_MAX_POINT_CLOUD_POINT_COUNT

• XS_MARK_INTELLIGENT_PLACING

• XS_MARK_PLACING_ANGLE_CLOSE_TO_45_DEGREES

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 121 Changes in advanced options

• XS_ADD_SNAPPING_SYMBOL_TO_CIRCLES

• XS_DRAW_REBAR_HIDDEN_FACES

• XS_AD_ANALYSIS_PLANES_ENABLED

• XS_AD_SOLID_SECONDARY_EXPAND_MM

• XS_LOG_LEVEL

• XS_SHOW_SHADOW_FOR_PERSPECTIVE_IN_DX

• XS_SHOW_SHADOW_FOR_ORTHO_IN_DX

• XS_USE_ANTI_ALIASING_IN_DX

• XS_HATCH_OVERLAPPING_FACES_IN_DX

Changed advanced options

XS_DRAW_CUT_FACES_WITH_RED_COLOR

The advanced option XS_DRAW_CUT_FACES_WITH_RED_COLOR has beenreplaced with XS_DRAW_CUT_FACES_WITH_OBJECT_COLOR. The default valueis now FALSE, which shows the cut faces in dark gray in model views. If youchange the value to TRUE, the cut faces are shown with the same color as theother object faces.

XS_DRAW_HIDDEN_FACES

Previously, the advanced option XS_DRAW_HIDDEN_FACES was used to controlboth hidden part faces and hidden faces of rebars. Now XS_DRAW_HIDDEN_FACES only controls hidden part faces.

You can now use the new advanced option XS_DRAW_REBAR_HIDDEN_FACESin the Advanced Options category Drawing Properties to control whetherthe hidden faces of the rebars are shown in drawings. Setting it to TRUE showsthe hidden faces of rebars. FALSE is the default value.

1.22 Changes in template attributesThere are quite a few new template attributes in Tekla Structures 2018, theyare listed below.

New template attributes• GROUP_POS

• NUMBER_OF_BARS_IN_GROUP

• SUB_ID

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 122 Changes in template attributes

• VOLUME_ONLY_POUR_OBJECT

• WEIGHT_ONLY_POUR_OBJECT


• WEIGHT_TOTAL_IN_GROUP

• WELD_ADDITIONAL_SIZE1, WELD_ADDITIONAL_SIZE2

• SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_xxx

• SPIRAL_TOTAL_RISE

• SPIRAL_TWIST_END

• SPIRAL_TWIST_START

• SPIRAL_ROTATION_ANGLE

1.23 Improvements in componentsThere are several improvements in concrete components and steelcomponents in Tekla Structures 2018.

Concrete components

Braced girder (88), Braced girder (89)

On the Picture tab, you can now select to add two reinforcing bars at the topand define the distance of these reinforcing bars from the top of theconnecting reinforcing bars.

In Braced girder (88):

In Braced girder (89):

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 123 Improvements in components

Rebar coupler and anchor tools

• Rebar coupler has been changed so that when you create couplers forrebar sets, Rebar coupler creates a splitter as coupler input. Select therebar set and pick two points to define a location for the splitter. Then picka point to define the side of the primary reinforcing bars. You can also usethe existing splitter as an input object for Rebar coupler.

Note that if you delete the couplers, the splitter is not modified or deleted.You need to modify or delete it separately.

• Rebar end anchor has been changed so that when you create end anchorsfor rebar sets, Rebar end anchor creates an end detail modifier as endanchor input. Select the rebar set and pick two points to define the locationof the end detail modifier. You can also use the existing end detail modifieras an input object for Rebar end anchor.

Note that if you delete the end anchors, the end detail modifier is notmodified or deleted. You need to modify or delete it separately.

Steel components

Stiffener seating (12)

On the Parts tab, you can now define the seat material and name.

Column - 2 beam (14)

You can now define the slotted holes, bolt assembly and bolt length increaseon the Bolts 1-2, Bolts 3 and Bolts 4 tabs.


Generation of purlins (50)

On the Parts tab, you can now set the Use extra purlin positioning option toYes to change the position and rotation of each even or odd purlin.

Diagonal splice (53)

On the Parts tab, you can now select to create a connection plate or a profile.

Stairs (S71)

You can now set the bolt type on the Stair setup tab when creating catalogsteps. If you select the Workshop option, the bolts are shown in workshopassembly drawings in the list of workshop bolts.

Splice connection (77)

You can now create web connections as profiles or plates. Previously, youcould create them as plates only.


Turnbuckle connection (126)

When you have selected that threads are not cut, you can now select the sizeof the thread and create the thread 1 mm smaller. The new option is availableon the Parameters tab.

Bolted moment connection (134)

You can now define separate values for the gap between the near sidestiffener and the beam web edge, and the far side stiffener and the beam webedge. Previously, you could define the gap between the near side stiffener andthe beam web edge.


Full depth S (185)

On the Stiffeners tab, you can now define the opposite web stiffener offsetfrom the shear tab center line.

Column with stiffeners (188)

You can now use weld number 10 to control the welds between the doublerplate and the main part.

Doubler plate (1022), Welded column with stiffeners (128), Boltedmoment connection (134), Moment connection (181), Column withstiffeners W (182), Beam prep (183), Column with stiffeners (186), Columnwith stiffeners S (187), Column with stiffeners (188)

On the Doubler plate tab, you can now select whether doubler plates are cutin the area that connects the main part web and flange.


1.24 New documentation structureThe user documentation has been reorganized in Tekla Structures 2018. Thecontent is largely the same as before, but there are now fewer, more generalcategories to choose from on the first level of the table of contents.

All first-level categories now contain a short introduction or workflow. Thesame structure is used in the online Tekla User Assistance service, in theoffline help package and in the PDF documentation.

The main categories each correspond to a separate PDF document availablefor download in the Tekla User Assistance service. Inside a PDF, you canbrowse the included content by using the PDF bookmarks or the table ofcontents in the beginning of this PDF document.

The table below briefly explains how the content is now organized.

Category Browse here forUpgrade to this version Release notes and instructions for

upgrading.Get started with Tekla Structures Basic installation and licensing

instructions. General introduction tothe product.

Create models All instructions related to dailymodeling tasks. Custom componentediting.

Create drawings All instructions related to dailydrawing production tasks.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 128 New documentation structure

Category Browse here forShare models and files Model Sharing, Multiuser and

interoperability instructions.Plan and track projects Instructions for Organizer, Task

Manager, Reporting, and otherplanning tools.

Analyze models Instructions for structural analysisand design.

Manage Tekla Structures Instructions for managing TeklaStructures installations and yourcustomized configurations.Instructions for tasks typicallyperformed centrally by anadministrator. Advanced installationand licensing instructions.

Reference Detailed reference information foradvanced options, templateattributes, user interface fields andsettings, predefined parametricprofiles and system components.

1.25 Disclaimer© 2018 Trimble Solutions Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved.

This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referencedSoftware. Use of the Software, and use of this Software Manual are governedby a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement setscertain warranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims otherwarranties, limits recoverable damages, defines permitted uses of theSoftware, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software.All information set forth in this manual is provided with the warranty set forthin the License Agreement. Please refer to the License Agreement for importantobligations and applicable limitations and restrictions on your rights. Trimbledoes not guarantee that the text is free of technical inaccuracies ortypographical errors. Trimble reserves the right to make changes andadditions to this manual due to changes in the software or otherwise.

In addition, this Software Manual is protected by copyright law and byinternational treaties. Unauthorized reproduction, display, modification, ordistribution of this Manual, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil andcriminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the full extent permitted by law.

Tekla, Tekla Structures, Tekla BIMsight, BIMsight, Tekla Civil, Tedds, Solve,Fastrak and Orion are either registered trademarks or trademarks of TrimbleSolutions Corporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 129 Disclaimer

countries. More about Trimble Solutions trademarks: http://www.tekla.com/tekla-trademarks. Trimble is a registered trademark or trademark of TrimbleInc. in the European Union, in the United States and/or other countries. Moreabout Trimble trademarks: http://www.trimble.com/trademarks.aspx. Otherproduct and company names mentioned in this Manual are or may betrademarks of their respective owners. By referring to a third-party product orbrand, Trimble does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or endorsementby such third party and disclaims any such affiliation or endorsement, exceptwhere otherwise expressly stated.

Portions of this software:

D-Cubed 2D DCM © 2010 Siemens Industry Software Limited. All rightsreserved.

EPM toolkit © 1995-2006 Jotne EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rightsreserved.

Open Cascade Express Mesh © 2015 OPEN CASCADE S.A.S. All rights reserved.

PolyBoolean C++ Library © 2001-2012 Complex A5 Co. Ltd. All rights reserved.

FLY SDK - CAD SDK © 2012 VisualIntegrity™. All rights reserved.

Teigha © 2002-2016 Open Design Alliance. All rights reserved.

CADhatch.com © 2017. All rights reserved.

FlexNet Publisher © 2014 Flexera Software LLC. All rights reserved.

This product contains proprietary and confidential technology, informationand creative works owned by Flexera Software LLC and its licensors, if any. Anyuse, copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission ofsuch technology in whole or in part in any form or by any means without theprior express written permission of Flexera Software LLC is strictly prohibited.Except where expressly provided by Flexera Software LLC in writing,possession of this technology shall not be construed to confer any license orrights under any Flexera Software LLC intellectual property rights, whether byestoppel, implication, or otherwise.

To see the third party open source software licenses, go to Tekla Structures,click File menu --> Help --> About Tekla Structures and then click the 3rdparty licenses option.

The elements of the software described in this Manual are protected byseveral patents and possibly pending patent applications in the United Statesand/or other countries. For more information go to page http://www.tekla.com/tekla-patents.

Tekla Structures 2018 release notes 130 Disclaimer

http://www.tekla.com/tekla-trademarks

http://www.tekla.com/tekla-trademarks

http://www.trimble.com/trademarks.aspx

http://www.tekla.com/tekla-patents

http://www.tekla.com/tekla-patents

2 Tekla Structures administrator'srelease notes

Upgrade guide from Tekla Structures 2017i to Tekla Structures 2018

Administrator's release notes are intended to provide advanced users withinstructions on how to apply the additional customizations available in a newTekla Structures version.

Administrator's release notes: General settings (page 131)

Administrator's release notes: Steel settings (page 149)

Administrator's release notes: Concrete settings (page 166)

2.1 Administrator's release notes: General settingsGeneral customization settings apply to all user groups. Use these settingstogether with your own user group settings.

Administrator's release notes: Model templates in version update (page 131)

Administrator's release notes: Applications & components catalogmaintenance (page 135)

Administrator's release notes: IFC4 (page 136)

Administrator's release notes: Property pane customizer (page 137)

Administrator's release notes: Creating custom dimension arrows (page 139)

Administrator's release notes: Small items (page 140)

Tekla Structures administrator's release notes 131 Administrator's release notes: General settings

Administrator's release notes: Model templates in versionupdate1. Open Tekla Structures 2018.

2. Create a new model using an existing model template.

3. Give the model the same name as in the previous Tekla Structuresversion.

4. Open a 3D view.

5. Diagnose and repair the model.


6. Create a project thumbnail, or add a custom image namedthumbnail.png in the model folder.

The preferred size of the image is 120 x 74 pixels.

7. Save the model.

If you do not do this, a message may appear warning about the modelbeing created with a previous version.


8. Save the model as a model template.

9. Include the needed catalog files and subfolders from the model folder,and click OK.

10. Remove manually all *.db files (environment database, optionsdatabases) from the model folder.

The *.bak, *.log and xs_user files are automatically removed from themodel folder.


The .idrm files (db.idrm and xslib.idrm) should be kept as they arepart of the model.

The model template is saved in a location pointed by XS_MODEL_TEMPLATE_DIRECTORY.

You now have a sample image for your model template. The Applications& components catalog is now also in order and easy to use.

Administrator's release notes: Applications & componentscatalog maintenanceKeep the Applications & components catalog in shape and usable. For moreinformation about the Applications & components catalog, see How to usethe Applications & components catalog.

Set XS_COMPONENT_CATALOG_ALLOW_SYSTEM_EDIT to TRUE to be able to editthe Applications & components catalog definition files that are located in the XS_SYSTEM folders.

Check and fix the following:

1. Add the items to groups

Check Ungrouped items and add the items to the appropriate group.

2. Check the logs for errors

The Applications & components catalog shows the message log buttonin the lower-right corner of the catalog if there are errors or warnings in thecatalog definition files, for example.

If there are references to missing plug-ins, go to the referredComponentCatalog.xml and remove the references manually:


Test thoroughly that these changes do not create any further errors, or changethe structure of your Applications & components catalog. Check at least theUngrouped items and Legacy catalog groups.

As in the example above, there may be errors for:

• CatalogPluginComponentItem?CopyModelDirectoryPlugin• CatalogPluginComponentItem?SaveAsModelTemplatePlugin3. Hide all non-related applications and components from roles

1. In the Ungrouped items catalog, select the Show hidden items checkbox at the bottom.

2. Right-click an application or a component and select Hide / Unhide.

4. Create custom thumbnails


Administrator's release notes: IFC4There are several improvements in the IFC4 export, and you need to create anew standard file.

• The new Object color setting allows you to export objects using the objectclass colors or object group colors. If you select object group colors, thedefined transparency settings are also exported.

• You can now export flat and wide beams as plates using the new optionExport flat wide beams as plates. Select this option if you have modeledplates as beams or columns with flat profiles. For example, some systemcomponents use beams or columns instead of plates.

• When you select the new option Pours, concrete parts are exported aspours. If you do not select it, concrete parts are exported without pours.

For more information about IFC4 export, see Export a Tekla Structures modelor selected model objects to....


Administrator's release notes: Property pane customizerYou can customize the property pane to show, hide and re-organize settings.You can hide settings that are never used and add important UDAs.

One user can create customized property pane layouts and share them withthe whole organization.

To open the customization tool, click File --> Settings --> Customize -->Property pane.

The customizations are saved into the PropertyTemplates.xml file in\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Trimble\TeklaStructures\<version>\UI\PropertyTemplates. Copy it under the environment, company, orproject folder, for example \ProgramData\Tekla Structures\<version>\Environments\<environment>\system\PropertyRepository\Templates\PropertyTemplates.xml.

The loading order in Tekla Structures is:

1. Tekla Structures default property pane (embedded resources)

2. Property pane configuration in environment folders (based on XS_SYSTEMpath)

3. Property pane configuration in the company folder (defined in XS_FIRM)

4. Property pane configuration in the project folder (defined in XS_PROJECT)


5. User-customized property pane under %localappdata%

The property pane definitions loaded later will override previously loadeddefinitions. For example, a property pane defined in the firm folder will takeprecedence over a property pane defined in the environment folders.

Administrator's release notes: Creating custom dimensionarrowsYou can replace the available dimension arrows with your own dimensionarrows, or add new ones.

For more information about creating custom arrows, see Customizedimension line arrows.

Note the following:

• Symbols go to dimension_arrows.sym in the environment's \symboldirectory (defined for the DXK_SYMBOLPATH environment variable inan .ini file).

• Symbol indexes are listed in dimension_arrows.txt, also in theenvironment's symbol directory.

• Bitmap files are named dr_dialog_dim_arrow_type_xxx.bmp, wherexxx is the number of the index in the symbol file,dr_dialog_dim_arrow_type_007.bmp, for example.

• Place the new bitmap files to one of the folders defined for the DAK_BMPPATH environment variable.

You no longer need to stretch dimension arrow heads, becausedimension_arrows.sym in the Common environment has been updated toshow arrows correctly at a 1:1 scale.

10 new dimension arrow head types have been added to the arrow headsymbol set, see the image below. Each symbol is built on a 10 pixel basis soyou can easily scale them if needed.


Note that you can reuse the dimension_arrows.sym file from TeklaStructures 2017i if you do not wish to work at a 1:1 scale with arrowheads. Youcan direct Tekla Structures by using the environment variable DXK_SYMBOLPATH in an .ini file to your own symbol file where symbols arecreated to be used with dim_arrow_width 2.500000.

Administrator's release notes: Small items

To do

Create a standard file and possible other pre-created attribute files for users.

Text alignment in texts and marks

• There is now text alignment available for marks and associative notes.

• Update the standard files.


New option in advanced grid labels

The Advanced grid label properties dialog box now contains a new optionAlign to lines. When you select Yes, the labels of vertical and skewed grid linesare rotated to align with the grid lines.


For more information about grid labels, see Customize drawing grid labels.

Dimensioning rules

You can now define different dimension line settings (Overall, Shape, Hole,Recess, Filter, Secondary parts and Grid) for each side (Top, Bottom, Left andRight) in the Dimensioning rule properties dialog box. To do this, clear thenew Same on all sides check box. Previously, two separate settings wereavailable (vertical and horizontal).

PDF reports

PDF report options are read from the settings files with the namereport.PdfPrintOptions.xml. The settings file can be present in anylocation where PdfPrintOptions.xml files are normally searched for. Thisallows the embed fonts option to be enabled for languages that require it. Ifno such files are present, the default hard coded options are used.

If you want to have PDF reports to have embedded fonts for better support forspecial characters (or other options enabled), save the settings from the PrintDrawings dialog box with the name report (creating a file


report.PdfPrintOptions.xml) and move it to an XS_PROJECT, XS_FIRM,or XS_SYSTEM folder.

For more information see Create a .pdf report template.

Analysis model properties

There are changes in the Analysis Model Properties dialog box.

• Bracing member filter is a new filter. This group should contain parts thatwill have the Keep axis: no and Snap only to primary members setting.

• Check if the existing Secondary member filter needs to be localized.


New Tekla Structural Designer UDAs

TSD Member Type, TSD Slab Type, and TSD Wall Type UDAs have beenadded to Tekla Structural Designer UDA tab in \Environments\common\inp\objects.inp. You can use that file as an example if \common\inp\ isnot defined in XS_INP.

\Environments\common\inp\objects.inp, with the additions in bold:

tab_page("TeklaStructuralDesigner"){ unique_attribute("TSD_PART_MARK", "j_Mark", string, "%s", no, none, "0.0", "0.0") { value("", 0) } unique_attribute("TSD_TOTAL_STUDS", "j_No_of_Studs", integer, "%d", no, none, "0.0", "0.0") { value("", 0) } unique_attribute("TSD_TRANS_REINF", "j_Transverse_Rebar", string, "%s", no, none, "0.0", "0.0") { value("", 0) } unique_attribute("TSD_EW", "j_Effective_Width", float, "%d", no, none, "0.0", "0.0") { value("", 0) } unique_attribute("TSD_STATUS", "j_Integration_Status", string, "%s", no, none, "0.0", "0.0") { value("", 1) } unique_attribute("MBR_TYPE", "TSD Member Type", string, "%s", no, none, "0.0", "0.0") { value("", 2) } unique_attribute("SLAB_TYPE", "TSD Slab Type", string, "%s", no, none, "0.0", "0.0") { value("", 2) } unique_attribute("WALL_TYPE", "TSD Wall Type", string, "%s", no, none, "0.0", "0.0") { value("", 2) }}


Advanced options

Advanced options for DX visualization

• SSAO on/off: XS_SHOW_SHADOW_FOR_PERSPECTIVE is on by default.

Controls whether shadows are shown in DX views when the perspectivemode is on.

• SSAO on/off: XS_SHOW_SHADOW_FOR_ORTHO off by default.

Controls whether shadows are shown in DX views when the orthogonalmode is on.

• FXAA (anti aliasing) on/off: XS_USE_ANTI_ALIASING_IN_DX on by default.

Controls whether anti-aliasing is used in DX views or not. Anti-aliasingmakes the edge lines smoother, but also less precise.

• Hatching for overlapping surfaces: XS_HATCH_OVERLAPPING_FACES_IN_DX on by default. The option hasbeen renamed, the previous name was XS_OVERLAPPING_SURFACES.

Controls whether hatching is shown in DX views for overlapping surfaces ornot.

• Performance statistics: XS_SHOW_STATISTICS_IN_DX off by default.

Controls whether performance statistics are shown in DX views or not.

Advanced option for improved mark placement

Marks are now automatically placed according to the new mark placingalgorithm if the new model-specific advanced option XS_MARK_INTELLIGENT_PLACING is set to TRUE (default).

The new placement tries to avoid crossing leader lines, and also places marksotherwise more clearly. The new algorithm applies to all marks and associativenotes, except weld marks.


Advanced options for construction object line type

There are new advanced options to control the construction object line type:

• XS_CONSTRUCTION_CIRCLE_LINE_TYPEThe default value is 1.

• XS_CONSTRUCTION_LINE_LINE_TYPEThe default value is 2.

The values range from 1 to 5: 1 = solid and 2 - 5 = dotted lines.

Other added advanced options

• XS_IGNORE_CROSSBAR_LOCATION_IN_REBAR_MESH_NUMBERINGUse to ignore the crossbar location when considering geometricaldifferences between rebar meshes in numbering, for example, mesheswith crossing bars above are considered equal to otherwise similar mesheswith crossing bars below.

• XS_AD_ANALYSIS_PLANES_ENABLEDThe default value is TRUE.

The method Tekla Structures uses to create analysis models has beenimproved in version 2018. If you open an existing model with analysis


models in Tekla Structures 2018, and activate an analysis model, TeklaStructures recreates the analysis model using this new method.

If you need to revert to the analysis model creation method used in TeklaStructures 2017i and previous versions, set the advanced option XS_AD_ANALYSIS_PLANES_ENABLED to FALSE. This advanced option ismodel specific.

Changes in advanced options

• XS_CS_CHAMFER_DIVIDE_ANGLE works again for sketched profiles.

Template editor

CopyField improvement

Earlier you could only get the values of sum using the CopyField command,before it was calculated. If CopyField can get a value from the samecomponent as it is in, then that value is used.

• Now it is possible with CopyField to copy the actual output value.Previously, you could only copy the field formula and use that to calculatethe value.

• If CopyField can get a value from the same component as it is in, thenthat value is used.

• If CopyField is used in a header or page header, then the value issearched from the subsequent components.

• If CopyField is used in a footer or page footer, then the value is searchedfrom the preceding components.

• If CopyField is used in a row, then the value is first searched from theprevious components and if not found, then the value is searched from thefollowing components.

Advanced options available in Template editor

Add the following line into tpled.ini in \<environment>\template\settings as the last line:

@\..\..\..\common\env_global_default.ini

Miscellaneous

Compare phase in numbering

It is now possible to compare phases in numbering. Update the standard filesif needed. The parts in different phases will never get the same numbers withthe Phase setting selected.


Construction objects

Construction objects can now be assigned a phase, and they can be filtered byconstruction object type and phase. This way you can hide only some of theconstruction objects at a time.

Snap symbol to circle center points in drawings

• Setting XS_ADD_SNAPPING_SYMBOL_TO_CIRCLES to TRUE will now showcenter point snap symbols for circular part cuts in drawings.

• General arrangement drawings are not affected, as this may cause aperformance hit.

Surface object attributes

Surface object attributes are now available for the IfcCovering entity type inadditional property sets.

2.2 Administrator's release notes: Steel settingsThe following customization settings only apply to the steel user group.

Administrator's release notes: Spiral beams (page 150)

Administrator's release notes: Small steel items (page 151)

Administrator's release notes: Steel components (page 153)

Tekla Structures administrator's release notes 149 Administrator's release notes: Steel settings

Administrator's release notes: Spiral beams

Update inquiry templates

The inquiry template for parts has been updated to Tekla Structures 2018 inthe Common environment. It is basically the same for normal parts, but hasadditional information for spiral beams, like rotation axis points.

Create/Update templates and reports

New properties have been added for spiral beams. It is now possible to createmore detailed templates and reports.

SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_BASE_POINT_X,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_BASE_POINT_Y,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_BASE_POINT_Z,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_BASE_POINT_X_PROJECT,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_BASE_POINT_Y_PROJECT,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_BASE_POINT_Z_PROJECT,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_BASE_POINT_X_BASEPOINT,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_BASE_POINT_Y_BASEPOINT,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_BASE_POINT_Z_BASEPOINT,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_BASE_POINT_X_IN_WORK_PLANE,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_BASE_POINT_Y_IN_WORK_PLANE,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_BASE_POINT_Z_IN_WORK_PLANE,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_UP_POINT_X,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_UP_POINT_Y,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_UP_POINT_Z,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_UP_POINT_X_PROJECT,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_UP_POINT_Y_PROJECT,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_UP_POINT_Z_PROJECT,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_UP_POINT_X_BASEPOINT,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_UP_POINT_Y_BASEPOINT,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_UP_POINT_Z_BASEPOINT,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_UP_POINT_X_IN_WORK_PLANE,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_UP_POINT_Y_IN_WORK_PLANE,SPIRAL_ROTATION_AXIS_UP_POINT_Z_IN_WORK_PLANE,

Check/update UDAs

Add spiral-specific UDAs for spiral beams. The Common environment is up todate, but you need to add the spiral beam-specific UDAs to the rolespecific .inp files.


Limitations

IFC export does not work for spiral beams, and DSTV export results may beunreliable.

Administrator's release notes: Small steel items

Bent plates

It is now possible to use bent plates in model view filtering, view selectionfiltering, drawing filtering, and to adjust the model object representation. Set Template as the category and IS_BENT_PLATE as the property when creatingfilters. The property is available in Template Editor for parts.

The bent line information (KA block) for bent plates is now supported.

There are two new options on the Advanced Options tab in NC File Settingsdialog box, which can be used to show bent line information for bent platesand polybeam plates.


Weld marks in drawings

In drawing view weld properties there is a new setting Welds in hidden partswith the following options for showing and hiding weld marks for hidden parts(shown with hidden lines) in drawings:

• None: If the part is hidden, the weld mark is not drawn.

• Site: If the part is hidden, weld marks for site welds are drawn.

• Workshop: If the part is hidden, weld marks for workshop welds aredrawn.

• Both: Weld marks are always drawn for hidden parts.


Additional size value for compound weld types

When a compound weld is selected, there is another setting for the secondsize value both in model welds and in manual drawing welds.

The following template attributes are available for the additional sizes ofcompound model welds:

• WELD_ADDITIONAL_SIZE1• WELD_ADDITIONAL_SIZE2

No paint area

The number of supported bolt standards in the No paint area component hasbeen increased from 50 bolt standards to 250 bolt standards.

Administrator's release notes: Steel componentsThe following components have user interface changes:

Bolted gusset (11)

• You can now delete bolts on the Brace bolts 1 - 3 tabs. (TT92089)

• You can now set the bolting direction on the Gusset bolts, Brace bolts 1-3,and Angle bolts tabs. (TT131147)


Other changes and fixes:

• The gusset plate is now correctly placed when secondary parts are rotated.(TT113323)

• The slot cuts in the braces are now correctly created when the braces areon different planes. (TT77753)

• The gusset plate is now positioned to the correct side when you define theplate height. (TT120585)

• The bolt length increase defined on the Gusset bolts and Brace bolts 1-3tabs is now correctly applied. (TT102092)

• The rectangular gusset plate no longer gets a new ID after you click Modify.(TT129708)

• The gusset offset from bracing is now correctly applied. (TT130521)

Tube crossing (22)

You can now set the Finish property for all parts. (TT131192)


Stub (28)

You can now define the top and bottom offsets for all stiffeners. (TT85772)

Simple clip angle (31), Two side clip angle (33)

You can now set the Finish property for all parts on the Parts tab. (TT125253)


Seating cap (37), Column seating (39)

You can now create galvanizing holes in the end plate on the Holes tab.(TT130854, TT130855)


Haunch (40)

You can now set on the Haunch tab whether the haunch profile is cut parallelat both ends. (TT130004)


• Defining a negative dimension for the vertical bolt group position no longeraffects the position of the cap plate. (TT129501)

• Web extra plates are always positioned on the main part web when themain and secondary part center lines are not in line. (TT92096)

• You can define the bolting direction on the Bolts tab. (TT130978)

Joist seat (58)

You can now control the bottom chord dimension. (TT100958)


Wraparound gusset (58), Wrapped cross (61), Gusseted cross (62) andCorner wrapped gusset (63)

You can define 3 types of shim plates on the Shim plates tab. (TT77336)



• You can create shim plates when connecting braces to the gusset using clipangles. (TT77330)

• You can control the brace flange bolts spacing from the heel of the angle orfrom the center of the brace. (TT77334)

Tube splice (6), Tube gusset (20), Tube crossing (22), Corner tube gusset(56), Corner bolted gusset (57), Hollow brace wraparound gusset (59),Wraparound gusset cross (60)

You can make a round slot in the bracing. (TT106612)

Stanchion side profile (86)

You can set the top edge distance of bolts on the Sbolts tab. (TT103709)


Portal bracing (105)

You can define the name of the gusset. Also, you can define slotted holes, boltassembly and bolt length increase for Bolts 1-3. (TT103815)


Clip angle (141), Two sided clip angle (143)

You can now define separate profiles for the top and the bottom angles on theAngle box tab. You can also do this in End plate (144) and Shear platesimple (146). (TT131709)

You can define plate washers separately for the main and secondary bolts onthe Plate washers tab. (TT106278)

Bolt spacing with weld gap option works correctly in Two sided clip angle(143). There is an option to control the gap when the secondary parts havedifferent web thicknesses. (TT130741)


• The gap between the flange and the stiffener works correctly. (TT83588)

• Bolts are correctly created when you set them to be parallel to the slopedsecondary part. (TT130989)

• The slotted holes for the top and bottom primary bolts in the angle box arenow correctly applied. (TT131707)

• Manual notch in the bottom flanges no longer causes a cut in the topflange. (TT54515)

• Slotted holes are now correctly applied on the secondary bolts when usinga wrapped angle connection. (TT105965)

• The vertical offset to the first bolt is now correctly calculated in beam tocolumn connections. (TT60251)

• A double set of bolts is no longer created when using C profiles assecondary parts. (TT101901)

• The gauge dimension on the Bolts tab is now correctly applied when theweb clearance option is set on the Parts tab. (TT131749)

• The plate washer width and top flange cutback are applied correctly asdefined in the component properties. (TT129110)


Bent plate (151)

You can define the primary bolted part for the secondary bolts on the Boltstab. (TT127819)


• The weld backing bar is positioned correctly when the secondary part isskewed. (TT110635)

Base plate (1004)

You can set the rotation type and rotation value for the shear key profile.(TT129807)


• You can define the leveling plate hole tolerance on the Parts tab.(TT131342)

• The horizontal slots in shim plates are correctly created. (TT130702)

• The vertical slots in the shim plate work correctly. (TT129770)


• The delete option for bolts and anchor rods works correctly. (TT48331)

• When using U shape anchor rods and hook direction of type 3 or type 4,the created parts are correctly attached to the anchor rod. (TT132020)

LProf base detail (1020)

You can define the bolting direction on the Bolts tab. (TT130763)

U.S. Bearing plate (1044)

You can define gaps between the stiffeners and the main part flanges.(TT130273)


Railings (S77)

You can define the direction of the used connection on the Rails tab.

The following components contain fixes:

• Turnbuckle bracing (S3)

• Wind column (5)

• Tube splice (6)

• Offshore (9)

• Stiffener seating (12)

• Tensioner brace (13)

• Box girder (S13)

• Joining plates (14)

• Stiffened shear plate (17)

• Tube gusset (20)

• Stiffened end plate (27)


• Bolted cap plate (27)

• Simple endplate (32)

• Welded tee (32)

• Tab plate (33)

• Two side end plate (34)

• Shear Pl simple (35)

• Seating (39)

• Column splice (42)

• Tapered beam 2 (S45)

• Bracing wrap around (46)

• New notch (49)

• Generation of purlins (50)

• Diagonal splice (53)

• Corner bolted gusset (57)

• Wraparound gusset (58)

• Hollow brace wraparound gusset (59)

• Wraparound gusset cross (60)

• Splice plate 2 (62)

• Gusseted cross (62)

• Partial stiff end plate (65)

• Hss Brace special (66) (67)

• Shear Pl Built-up T (69)

• U.S. Base plate connection (71)

• Seat type 9 (73)

• U.S. Seat connection 2 (73)

• Splice connection (77)

• Railings (S77)

• Truss (S78)

• Handrail bolted joint (S81)

• Stanchion double plate (87)

• Column tube seating (100)

• Tube seat (104)

• Stub connection (119)

• Round joining plates (124)


• Turnbuckle connection (126)

• Welded column with stiffeners (128)

• Column splice (132)

• Stub (133)

• Bolted moment connection (134)

• Column site weld splice (137)

• Two sided end plate (142)

• Two sided clip angle (143)

• Shear plate simple (146)

• 2L Splice (152)

• U.S. Hip & Valley (179)

• Column with stiffeners W (182)

• Beam prep (183)

• Full depth S (185)

• Column with stiffeners (186)

• Column with stiffeners S (187)

• Column with stiffeners (188)

• Shear plate tube column (189)

• Bent plate (190)

• Bolted gusset (196)

• Tapered beam to tapered beam (200)

• Stiffeners (1003)

• Web stiffened base plate (1016)

• Base plate (1042)

• Stair base detail (1043)

• Twin profile connection plate (1046)

• U.S. Base plate (1047)

• Circular base plates (1052)

• Multiple stiffeners (1064)

• Tapered column base plate (1068)

• Cast-in plate (1069)

Tekla Structures administrator's release notes 166 Administrator's release notes: Concrete settings

2.3 Administrator's release notes: Concrete settingsThe following customization settings only apply to the concrete user group.

Administrator's release notes: Pour units (page 167)

Administrator's release notes: Rebar sets and linearly tapered bar groups(page 172)

Administrator's release notes: Small concrete items (page 175)

Administrator's release notes: Updates in tools for concrete fabrication(page 177)

Administrator's release notes: Concrete components (page 179)

Administrator's release notes: Pour unitsPour unit is an entity for cast-in-place concrete. Pour units combine together apour object and the other building objects that need to be in place before cast-in-place concrete can be poured. With pour units it is easier to manage andreport the contents of pours. Pour units can now be used in Organizer andTask manager.

To do

• Update your reports to report pour units instead of pour objects.

• An example of a hierarchical report is in \Environments\default\system\concrete\CIP\contractor\Pour_List_Hierarchical.rpt.

• Create UDA tab pages for pour units. Pour units are similar to assembliesso workflow-related information, for example, should be there instead ofpour objects.

• Update Organizer filters and categories to use pour units instead of pourobjects.

• Create a pour unit inquiry report if the Common environment is not in use.

• Create a custom inquiry for pour unit, if needed.

• In general arrangement drawings for pour units, start using the reflectedview, if needed. Previous problems with pours have now been fixed.

• Update at least some Task manager task types to use pour units.

Instructions: How to use

The attributes that you can use in reporting pour units are shown in the imagebelow. WEIGHT_ONLY_POUR_OBJECT, WEIGHT_ONLY_REBARS and VOLUME_ONLY_POUR_OBJECT are pour unit-specific. Some properties andUDAs are still only for pour objects, but they link to pour units, can be


accessed, and are hierarchically under pour units in reports and templates.The Default environment has some reports and templates that you can use asan example, such as Pour_List.rpt and Pour_List_Hierarchical.rpt inthe \Environments\default\system\concrete\CIP\contractor\folder.


To use pour units in Organizer categories, add them to categories by using the Object type - Pour unit filter and set the category to Include thehighest assembly level in the model. You can use this category as anexample \Environments\default\system\concrete\CIP\contractor\ProjectOrganizerData\DefaultCategoryTrees\Pours byType.category.

You can set custom inquiry to work with pour units by modifying .it files. Findan example inquiry in \Environments\common\system\CustomInquiry\Pour.it.


You can add user-defined attributes to pour units using object type pour_unit. This is already done in the objects.inp file located in the\Environments\common\inp\ folder, so if your environment does not usethat you can add them yourself, or use the file in the Common environment asan example.


Limitations

• Pour units are currently exported in IFC4 only, not in IFC2x3.

Administrator's release notes: Rebar sets and linearlytapered bar groupsEarlier, all bars in tapered groups in rebar sets were given their own rebarposition number. That position number (REBAR_POS) was not always logicallyincreasing or decreasing from bar to bar. Now that has changed. For rebarsets, there is now a new advanced option with which you can control how thegrouping is done and how those grouped bars are reported.

To do

Copy or share new updated and enhanced rebar reports to your environmentfrom the \Environments\default\system\concrete folder.

The following new reports are available:

• Rebar - Group Bending List - Compact.rpt


• Rebar - Group Bending List - Extended.rpt• Rebar - Single Bar Bending List.rptThese reports have been updated to support the new linearly tapered bargroups within rebar sets in reporting. The reports also work with the rebargroups and single bars.

If you have been using the Rebar Bending List With Single Bars.rptand/or Rebar Bending List.rpt reports, you can remove them. The threenew reports listed above will replace these two old reports.

If you have old rebar reports that are using SINGLE_REBAR, update thefollowing attributes in them:

• REBAR.NUMBER_OF_BARS_IN_GROUP instead of REBAR.NUMBER• REBAR.WEIGHT_TOTAL_IN_GROUP instead of REBAR.WEIGHT_TOTAL• Other new attributes if needed

Rebar reports which are using REBAR rows do not necessarily need anyupdates and can continue using NUMBER and WEIGHT_TOTAL.

Modify the new advanced settings, if needed.

New features

New advanced optionsXS_REBARSET_USE_GROUP_NUMBER_FOR_BARS_IN_TAPERED_GROUPS• TRUE = Bars in a tapered group are numbered with group number (default).

• FALSE = Bars in a tapered group are numbered as individual bars (oldfunctionality).

XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_GROUP_POSITION_NUMBER_FORMAT_STRING (for GROUP_POS)

• Default = %REBAR_PREFIX%%REBAR_SERIAL_NUMBER%XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_REBAR_POSITION_NUMBER_FORMAT_STRING (for REBAR_POS)

• Default = %REBAR_PREFIX%%REBAR_SERIAL_NUMBER%.%SUB_ID%XS_REBARSET_ENABLE_BAR_GROUPING_WHEN_SPACING_DIFFERS• Affects only rebar set bar groups whose type is Normal

• TRUE = Rebar set bar groups are kept together even when the spacingchanges (default).

Bars with the same REBAR_POS get a single bar mark in drawings.

• FALSE = Rebar set bar groups are split when the spacing changes (oldfunctionality).

XS_VALID_CHARS_FOR_REBAR_SUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS


• With this option you can define which letters to use with the SUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS format string.

• Enter the wanted characters without spaces or delimiters as they are, forexample, ABCDXYZ123.

• By default, letters A to Z are used.

New format string attributeSUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS• Works only with format strings for bars in linearly tapered groups in rebar

sets

• Basically to be used with XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_REBAR_POSITION_NUMBER_FORMAT_STRING andpossibly with XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_GROUP_POSITION_NUMBER_FORMAT_STRING

• Not available as a template attribute

New template attributes

SINGLE_REBAR row

• SUB_ID (can be used with REBAR_POS)

• Can be used in reporting when using the SINGLE_REBAR row, the sameas with the old rebars

• Can be used when defining the rebar number (REBAR_POS) formatstring, for example, %REBAR_PREFIX%%REBAR_SERIAL_NUMBER%.%SUB_ID%

• REBAR_POS• GUID• User-defined attributes

REBAR row

• GROUP_TYPE• 0 = Normal groups / single bars

• 1 = Linearly tapered groups

• These are the same with the old rebars. Group types can be used whendefining rules in rebar templates.

• GROUP_POS• This attribute is used in drawing marks, when position is added as mark

content.

• The output is the same as REBAR_POS for the old rebar groups andsingle bars.


• NUMBER_OF_BARS_IN_GROUP reports the number of bars in a single group,also works for the old rebars.

Rebar reports in all environments should be changed to start using thisattribute instead of NUMBER.

• WEIGHT_TOTAL_IN_GROUP reports the total weight of a single group, alsoworks for the old rebars.

Rebar reports in all environments should be changed to start using thisattribute instead of WEIGHT_TOTAL.

Rebar tools with fixes

The following rebar tools have some fixes but the user interface has not beenchanged:

• Rebar shape catalog

• Rebar shape manager

Administrator's release notes: Small concrete items

Rebar group dimensioning

Two new options have been added on the Parameters of the Rebar groupdimensioning application.


Position

On the Parameters tab, you can now select a location for the mark. Theoptions are:

• Automatic: Mark 1 is positioned above the dimension text when thedimension is above the part, and under the dimension text when thedimension is under the part.

• Above dim. text: Mark 1 is always positioned above the dimension text.

• Below dim. line: Mark 1 is always positioned below the dimension line.

When placing the mark, the dimension text font size for the above textposition and the spacing values defined on the Advanced settings tab forboth positions are considered. This setting is only available for the non-radialannotation types.

Combine dim. between rebar-dim

On the Parameters tab there is another new option Combine dim. betweenrebar - dim. allowing you to combine the dimensions of the distance betweentwo rebar groups with the dimensions of the rebar group where the spacing isthe same as the distance between the groups. It also combines the first/lastgroup dimension line with the distance to the part end if the distance to theborder is the same as the rebar group spacing.


New option for reinforcing bar representation

A new option single line with filled ends is added in rebar representation tobe used especially in section views. This option shows a differentrepresentation for parallel and perpendicular bars.

Administrator's release notes: Updates in tools for concretefabrication

HMS Export

TT122572 -HMS export now has a new tab Reinforcement.

TT122588 - In HMS export, boundary line can be now be exported along cut oruncut side of slab. There is a new option for that on the Options tab.

There is a new list for setting export request for boundary line.

TT115836 - In HMS export, the UDA source of the Bay number can now be seton the Slab data tab. The value needs to be an integer.

TT116577 - In HMS export, welded plates, solid fills and hook boxes are nowexported correctly according to the exported slab rotation.

TT122571 - In HMS export the option to control export of strands has beenremoved.

TT122573 -In HMS export, the Export strand code option was moved to thenew Reinforcement tab.

Export EliPlan (68)

TT132451 (68) Export EliPlan file - On the Data content tab, you can selectwhether the export excludes all cuts or only full depth cuts from the net areacalculation. The whole assembly is checked.

TT132425 (68) Export EliPlan file -There are some new settings that give youmore control in plotting, without making major changes in the model:


• Export now checks the Top in Form Face setting for all parts, if in use.

• New settings on the Plotter tab:

• It is now possible to exclude from exported plotting data embeds byclass, name or material with the new setting Exclude embeds by.

• You can also exclude from exported plotting data embeds or cuts thatare above the specified Z position by using the new setting Excludeabove z position. Z position is the depth of the element on the pallet,that is how many millimeters the lowest point of the embed is abovethe cast.

TT132597 (68) Export EliPlan file - Data content tab: New user option to usecomma (,) as the decimal separator instead of period (.) (like in some Europeansystems)

TT132568 (68) Export EliPlan file - Data content tab: In Weight calculation,you can select which weight will be exported.

(79) Unitechnik export

Many UI changes.

TT132415 (79) Unitechnik export - HEADER block data specification tab: It isnow possible to specify building site and building owner name, address, postcode and city/town.

TT131684 (79) Unitechnik export has the following new options on theEmbeds tab:

• Using the All cutouts as corner symbol, you can export cutouts as mountparts with corner symbols

• Using the Opening with corner symbols, you can specify classes ofembeds that will be exported with corner symbols instead of mount partsymbols.

• Symbol size can be defined in the dialog box.

TT131774 (79) Unitechnik export - Reinf. data specification tab: The newoption Welded leg designation can be used for designating the welded leg inbent mesh bars. When you select Yes, information about welded legdesignation is exported.

TT131997 (79) Unitechnik export - It is now possible to export selectedreinforcement bars as mount parts.

TT131686 (79) Unitechnik export - You can now export spacer start positionand spacer pitch information. The new settings Spacer start position andSpacer pitch are located on the Reinforcement tab.

TT123544 (79) Unitechnik export - In Pull force on Reinf. data specificationtab, specify the attribute from which the strand pull force is to be inquired. InUnitechnik version 6.0, you can set the Unitechnik reinforcement type to 9 inthe reinforcing bar user-defined objects on the Unitechnik page, and then itwill be exported as strand reinforcement with its value in KN (taken from UDA).


TT129944 (79) Unitechnik export - You can now set the rotation of the meshesto pallet to correct the geometry in the export file by using the option Exportmeshes as: Turned to pallet on the Reinforcement tab.

TT132217 (79) Unitechnik-export - You can now specify the transport pile levelnumber in part user-defined attributes dialog box on the Unitechnik tab. Ifthere are elements in the stack which need to be layered on the same level,then the pile level is used.

BVBS export

BVBS export has some fixes but the user interface has not been changed.

TT130340 BVBS export: In BVBS export, any tapered groups where the bar legshave the same length are now exported as a 'normal' group. If the length ofthe legs varies linearly or regularly, the bars are exported as "stepped bars",regardless of the group type or spacing type. If you set the option Exportstepped bars as separate items to Yes the "stepped bars" are exported asseparate items with sub-item numbers. Groups where bar legs have the samelength are still exported as a 'normal' group (not as separate items) regardlessof the group type or spacing type.

TT130710 BVBS export: The BVBS export has been changed so that when theprivate block has no content, the private block (@P) does not give any output.

Administrator's release notes: Concrete components

Sloping slab drainage

You can now set the pour phase for the drainage parts. The default pourphase is the same as for the concrete slab. (TT127847)


Rectangular column reinforcement (83)

When creating cranked rebars, you can now define the length separately forthe side bars and corner bars on the Bar ends tab. (TT132120) (TT104691)

Electric box in wall (84)

You can select the creation orientation of the electric box. (TT131759)


Braced girder (88), (89)

You can now create bar C as a plate. (TT131919)


Reinforcement mesh array components (89)(91)

You can set the mesh spacing type to Exact number on the Picture tab. UseExact number when the mesh has a specified number of spacings, like 1*100,in mesh_database.inp. (TT129561)

Create hole around part (92)

You can now the cut offset from the edge of the cut part. (TT67951)

The component now works correctly with slabs. (TT132587)

Reinforced concrete stair (95)

Reinforced concrete stair (95) has the following improvements:

• The stirrups and the pin bar on the Bar E tab are created with enough ofcover thickness. Also, the side of the endings of the stirrups on the Bar Etab have been turned around. (TT130033)

• There are new rebar end condition options on the Bar C tab. (TT131559)

• You can define hooks for rebars on the Bar B tab. (TT131668)


• The radius value for the bottom end and top end rebars is applied correctlyon the Landings end bars tab. (TT131669)

• You can create rebar shape 64 on the Bar C and Bar E tabs. (TT131670)

Automatic splicing tool

The list of Splice symmetry options has an option that mirrors the firstsymmetry option in the list. (TT131149)

The following components contain fixes:

• Embedded anchors (8)

• Hole generation (32)

• Concrete stairs (65)

• Pad footing reinforcement (77)

• Lifting anchor (80)

• Corbels and recesses (82)

• Rectangular column reinforcement (83)

• Concrete console (110)

• Concrete console (111)

• Concrete beam-beam (112)


• Detailing manager

• Double wall edge and opening reinforcement

• Floor layout

• Mesh bars by area

• Mesh bars

• Sandwich wall window

• Rebar coupler and anchor tools

• Wall groove seam detail

• Wall layout

• Wall to wall connection


3 Localization release notes

Environment-specific Tekla Structures localization release notes introduce newand changed features in the new Tekla Structures version from the localizationpoint of view. It lists the features that have been localized in your environmentand also helps you in your own customization tasks. The localization releasenotes are supplied by the localization teams at your local area and reselleroffices.

Localization release notes 185 Administrator's release notes: Concrete settings

4 Upgrade Tekla Structures to anew version

You can have many Tekla Structures versions on your computer. When youinstall and start using a new version, you do not need to uninstall the olderversions. Note however, that you can have only one service pack related to acertain Tekla Structures version on your computer.

NOTE We recommend that you complete any models you are already working onusing your current version of Tekla Structures. Once you save a model in thenew version, you cannot open it in the previous versions anymore.

You can download the installation packages from the Tekla Downloadsservice.

Complete the upgrade in this general order (follow the links in the text fordetailed instructions):

1. Update the Tekla Structures license server (page 187). The updatedversion replaces the existing version you have installed.

If you plan to use several versions of Tekla Structures, check thecompatibility of the license server with different versions (page 188)before upgrading.

2. Renew your licenses as explained in Renew a Tekla Structures license(page 188).

The renewed licenses can be used with the version indicated on thelicense and any previous versions that are compatible with your installedlicense server version.

3. Install Tekla Structures.

You can have many Tekla Structures versions and environments on yourcomputer. When you install and start using a new version, you do notneed to uninstall the older versions.

Upgrade Tekla Structures to a new version 186 Administrator's release notes: Concrete settings

4. Copy personal settings to a new Tekla Structures version (page 189).

You can use the Migration Wizard (page 189) tool to copy some of thepersonal settings to the new version. You can skip the copying if you donot want to copy the settings, or if you want to copy the settings fromsome other Tekla Structures version than suggested in Migration Wizard.

5. Transfer customized information to a new Tekla Structures version(page 190).

In the new Tekla Structures version, you can use the information you havecustomized in the previous version. We strongly recommend that youcreate project and firm folders, and store the files you customize in thesefolders. Tekla Structures does not replace the files in project and firmfolders when you install a new version. If you do not use project and firmfolders, you need to transfer the customized information to the newversion manually.

4.1 Update the Tekla Structures license serverWe recommend that you have the newest version of Tekla Structures licenseserver software installed on the Tekla Structures license server. TeklaStructures license server is backward compatible with Tekla Structures.

The version of Tekla Structures License Borrow Tool should be the same asthe version of Tekla Structures license server. For more information about thecompatibility between Tekla Structures versions and Tekla Structures licenseserver versions, see Which license server version to use (page 188).

Before you start the license server update, turn off the internal firewall andpause the antispyware/antivirus protection.

To update the Tekla Structures license server:

1. Go to Tekla Structures Licensing --> LMTOOLS through the Start menuor Start screen, depending on your Windows operating system.

2. On the Stop/Start/Reread tab, click Stop Server to stop the TeklaStructures license server and any other licensing services.

When you have completed installing the Tekla Structures license server,you can restart the other licensing services.

3. Backup any files you have modified in the C:\TeklaStructures\License\Server folder.

You do not need to back up tekla.lic or tekla.opt, because theinstaller will not changes these files.

4. Download the latest version of the Tekla Structures license server on theserver or computer from Tekla Downloads.

Upgrade Tekla Structures to a new version 187 Update the Tekla Structures license server

https://download.tekla.com/

5. Install the downloaded license server with administrator rights using theautomatic installation for normal setup. Follow the instructions displayedon the screen.

4.2 Which license server version to useCheck the table below to see which license server version to use with yourcurrent Tekla Structures version. Also check if you need to upgrade to a newservice pack or progress release.

Tekla Structuresversion

License Server 2016SP1

License Server 2017

2018

2017i - all versions

2017 - all versions

2016i - all versions

2016 SP5/PR5 or later

2016 up to SP4/PR4 Upgrade to 2016SP5/PR5 or later

21.1 SR7 or later

21.1 up to SR6 Upgrade to 21.1 SR7 orlater

21.1 all PV versions

21.0 or earlier

For instructions on how to install the license server, see Install Tekla Structureslicense server.

4.3 Renew a Tekla Structures licenseLicense renewal means that you extend the period of use of a temporarylicense, or that you take the new version's licenses into use. Before youactivate a new versions's license or a new temporary license, you need todeactivate the old temporary license.

Upgrade Tekla Structures to a new version 188 Which license server version to use

If you are replacing an existing license, then the existing certificate needs to bedeactivated before the renewal certificate can be activated.

To renew a license:

1. Rename your previously provided entitlement certificate file toEntitlementCertificate-OLD.html.

2. Go to Tekla Structures Licensing --> Tekla Structures LicenseAdministration Tool through the Start menu or Start screen, dependingon your Windows operating system.

3. In the Activated Licenses area, select the Deactivate check box next tothe license you want to deactivate.

4. Click the enabled Deactivate button.

This will deactivate your license. When deactivation is completed, you willsee a message about it.

5. The person in your organization who has made the license purchase, or tosomeone named as the contact person has received a new entitlementcertificate for the extended license by e-mail as an attachment. Downloadthe entitlement certificate toC:\TeklaStructures\License\Server.

6. Now you can activate your extended license normally Tekla StructuresLicense Administration Tool. For more information, see Activating TeklaStructures licenses

4.4 Copy personal settings to a new Tekla StructuresversionYou can copy some personal settings from an older Tekla Structures version toa newer Tekla Structures version using the Migration Wizard tool. MigrationWizard opens automatically when you start a new version of Tekla Structuresfor the first time.

Migration Wizard shows the version number from which the settings arecopied and the version number to which the settings are copied. You canselect which settings are copied.

1. Start the new Tekla Structures version.

2. In Migration Wizard, click Next to start copying the settings.

3. Select the settings you want to copy and click Next.

4. Check that you have selected the correct settings.

5. Click Copy.

Upgrade Tekla Structures to a new version 189 Copy personal settings to a new Tekla Structuresversion

NOTE If you want to copy the settings later, you can start Migration Wizard manuallyby double-clicking the MigrationWizard.exe in the \Tekla Structures\<version>\nt\bin\applications\Tekla\Migrations folder. You canselect the version from which the settings are copied and the version to whichthe settings are copied.

See also

Upgrade Tekla Structures to a new version (page 186)

4.5 Transfer customized information to a new TeklaStructures versionYou can transfer customized information from a previous Tekla Structuresversion to the new Tekla Structures version.

1. If you have used project and firm folders to store customized files in amodel using a previous Tekla Structures version, go to File menu -->Settings --> Advanced Options and check that the XS_FIRM, XS_PROJECT and XS_COMPANY_SETTINGS_DIRECTORY advanced optionspoint to the folders where the customized files are located.

2. If you have not used project and firm folders to store customized files, youneed to transfer the customized files manually to the new Tekla Structuresversion to use the information. Check at least the following:

• Advanced options

• Files related to templates, reports and drawings

• Catalog files: profile catalog, material catalog, bolt catalog, boltassembly catalog, rebar shape catalog

• Conversion files

• Extensions

You need to re-install extensions for the new Tekla Structures version.

• NC export settings

• Printer catalog settings

• User-defined attributes

• Saved model object properties

You can copy some information automatically to the new version using theMigration Wizard (page 189) tool.

Upgrade Tekla Structures to a new version 190 Transfer customized information to a new TeklaStructures version

See also

Upgrade Tekla Structures to a new version (page 186)

Upgrade Tekla Structures to a new version 191 Transfer customized information to a new TeklaStructures version

5 Tekla Structures service packs

Tekla Structures service packs are Tekla Structures version updates.

Service pack software installation files are stand-alone installers that containthe full Tekla Structures version software. You do not need to separately installthe related Tekla Structures version or a previous service pack. For example,you can install service pack 2 without installing service pack 1.

• Service packs can include new features, and improvements and fixes toexisting features. We recommend that all users install the latest servicepack.

• We recommend that you install the latest environments to ensure that theenvironments work correctly in the service pack. We recommend that youupdate all the environments that you are using.

See also

Install a Tekla Structures service pack (page 192)

Install an earlier Tekla Structures service pack (page 193)

5.1 Install a Tekla Structures service packYou can install a service pack to update a Tekla Structures version or aprevious service pack. Service packs can contain new features, andimprovements and fixes to existing features.

NOTE Service pack software installation files are stand-alone installers thatcontain the full Tekla Structures version software. You do not need toseparately install the related Tekla Structures version or a previousservice pack.

If you have the related Tekla Structures version or a previous service packinstalled on your computer, you do not need to remove it before installing anew service pack.

Tekla Structures service packs 192 Install a Tekla Structures service pack

NOTE You need to be logged in with administrator rights to install the TeklaStructures software on your computer.

1. Install the Tekla Structures service pack software.

a. Download the service pack software installation file from TeklaDownloads to your computer.

b. Double-click the installation file to run the installation.

c. Follow the steps in the installation wizard to complete the installation.

Note that if you have the related Tekla Structures version or aprevious service pack already installed, you cannot select theinstallation folder. The service pack will be installed to the samefolder as the version that you are updating.

If you do not have the related Tekla Structures version or a previousservice pack installed, you can select the installation folder and themodel folder.

2. Install the Tekla Structures environments.

Note that the location of the environment installation folder depends onwhere you have installed the software. You cannot select the environmentinstallation folder in the installation wizard.

You do not need to remove any environments. Installing a newer versionof an environment automatically upgrades the older version of thatenvironment.

a. Download the needed environment installation files from TeklaDownloads to your computer.



Related information

See also

Tekla Structures service packs (page 192)

5.2 Install an earlier Tekla Structures service packWe recommend that you use the latest Tekla Structures service pack. In certainsituations, you may need to take an earlier Tekla Structures service pack, orthe related Tekla Structures version, into use even though you are alreadyusing a newer service pack.

1. Uninstall the Tekla Structures service pack software you are now using inWindows Control Panel.

Tekla Structures service packs 193 Install an earlier Tekla Structures service pack

HTTP://DOWNLOADS.TEKLA.COM/




2. Uninstall the related Tekla Structures environments in Windows ControlPanel.

3. Install the Tekla Structures service pack software.

a. Download the software installation file of the service pack from TeklaDownloads.



You can select the installation folder and the model folder.

4. Install the Tekla Structures environments.

The latest environments are in Tekla Downloads.

a. Download the environment installation files related to the servicepack that you have installed.



See also

Tekla Structures service packs (page 192)

Tekla Structures service packs 194 Install an earlier Tekla Structures service pack




Index

Aadministrators

advanced grid labels.............................140applications............................................135bent plates............................................. 151component catalog............................... 135components...........................................135compound welds...................................151concrete components...........................179concrete fabrication..............................177dimension arrows................................. 139DX............................................................140EliPlan..................................................... 177HMS export............................................ 177IFC4......................................................... 136mark placement.................................... 140model templates................................... 131numbering............................................. 140pour units...............................................167property pane........................................137rebar group dimensioning................... 175rebar sets............................................... 172reinforcement representation.............140reinforcing bar representation............ 175spiral beams.......................................... 150steel components................................. 153text alignment....................................... 140Unitechnik.............................................. 177

Iinstalling Tekla Structures

copying personal settings.................... 189Migration Wizard............................186,189service packs.................................. 192,193service releases..............................192,193transferring customized files...............190upgrading........................................186,190upgrading Tekla Structures.................. 189

Llicense server

updating................................................. 187version....................................................188

licensesextending the licensing period............ 188renewing.................................................188

Rrelease notes................................................... 7renewing

licenses...................................................188

Uupdating

license server.........................................187upgrading

license server.........................................187

195

tekla structures 2018 release notes...tekla structures 2018 release notes 10 new way to edit model...

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