Tekla Structures FAQ’s

Q. Can Tekla Structures do platework?
A. Yes, Tekla Structures is capable (and very efficient) at modelling complex platework structures such as hoppers, bins and silos.
Tekla Structures can also model folded plate, square to round transitions, and folded up box shapes... as well as unfolding them.

Q. Can Tekla Structures do curved members?
A. Yes, curved members are no problem for Tekla Structures. To model a curved member you can either lay it out using 3 points or by using 2 points (ie. start and end point) and then adding a radius to the member.

Q. Do Tekla drawings require a lot of editing?
A. No, it is an automated system for the production of Shop Detail Steel and Concrete drawings and produces a very nice result for 'regular' assemblies. For the more complicated assemblies, the result is ok but may need some editing to complete, however Tekla's powerful cloning technology allows the user to edit one drawing to be exactly the format they require and then Tekla will use that style to produce all other drawings automatically saving many hours.

Q. Can you rent Tekla licences?
A. Yes, we have a range of affordable pricing options from renting for a month at a time up to 3 years or purchasing outright for all Tekla Structures configurations.

Q. Does Tekla Structures have a wireframe view type when modelling?
A. Yes, but most users prefer to use the 3d Rendered view which is just as fast as the wireframe mode but gives the user a much more detailed view of the model. There are also several representations available for the rendered mode including the popular shaded wireframe which allows you to see rebar etc.. inside concrete objects.

Q. Can I make changes to the model from the drawing environment?
A. No, you need to make all changes to the model in the modelling environment. This is to ensure 100% integrity of the model data.

Q. Can Tekla Structures model cranes and plant equipment?
A. Almost anything can be modelled in Tekla Structures, or if you have a reference file, this can be imported and moved around like a native object.

Q. Can Tekla Structures model formwork?
A. This is possible and has been done successfully by a number of clients.

Q. Can you import project timeline information?
A. Yes, the Tekla Structures configuration for Construction Management can import information into Task Manager from Primavera or Microsoft Project.

Q. Can I create DWG files of the drawings?
A. Yes, with layers set up also.

Q. Can I import DWG files into the drawing?
A. Yes

Q. Can I produce a reinforcement schedule?
A. Tekla Structures is able to produce reports on all elements and attributes in the model. It can produce reports to export to a spreadsheet application, HTML or as a drawing format, depending on requirements. Pull out pictures of shapes can be included, and the rebar shape code is automated.
The automated numbering of schedules is dependent on the configuration which is used.

Q. How big are the Tekla Structures models ?
A. Tekla’s proprietary database is very efficient and produces the industries smallest model size making transporting the models and working on the models easier and quicker.

Q. How easy is it to model rebar?
A. Very easy. There are a range of standard reinforcement components which will reinforce footings, slabs, panels, beams and columns automatically but you can also model rebar ‘manually’ which is also very easy to do.

Q. How difficult is it to model stairs and handrail?
A. Tekla has automated components for Stairs and Handrail with the Handrail pre-set for the Monowills handrailing system.

Q. Is Tekla Structures IFC compatible?
A. Yes, Tekla Structures 16.0 complies to IFC standard 3X3 (CHECK). Tekla Structures can not only reference IFC files into the Tekla Structures model for clash checking etc.., you can also convert the IFC objects to native Tekla objects for you to then complete the detailed model.

Q. Is Tekla Structures multi-user capable?
A. One of Tekla’s strengths is that you can have any number of users working in the same model easily and safely. Multi user has been part of Tekla’s software for at least 15 years so it is 100% reliable.

Q. Are the drawings linked to the model?
A. Yes, the drawings are not a snapshot in time, but actually a live view directly reflecting the model. It is impossible for the drawings to show anything different to what has been modelled.
In Tekla Structures all changes to the model are automatically made to the drawings without any manual input or having to recreate the drawings, all changes are also automatically clouded as revisions on the drawings themselves and are also flagged on the drawing list.

Q. If you edit a drawing do you lose the editing if the model is updated?
A.  No, Tekla Structures will keep all editing as you had made to the drawing and in fact if the drawing is revised, Tekla Structures will automatically cloud the affected dimensions making revisions much easier to control.

Q. Can I import models (eg. Piping and mechanical etc..) from other 3d cad software into  Tekla Structures model?
A. Yes, Tekla Structures can reference in a range of file formats including DWG, DGN & IFC. Tekla Structures can also perform clash detections against these referenced models.

Q. “I’m interested to know more but I don’t want to feel pressured into buying. What can I do?”
A. Call us or send us an email and we can line up a completely obligation free live web demonstration of the software tailored to you and your business. This will help you see if and how Tekla Structures would work for you.

Q. "I still have unanswered questions. What do I do now?”
A. Call us on 3503 5880 or send us an email to info@pacificcomputing.com or complete the form below.