Tekla Structure Software: Delving Into Applications and Importance

Nov 21, 2024

Category:  Software & Tools

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The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is experiencing a paradigm shift in its operations as numerous technologies have penetrated it. Tekla software is a state-of-the-art invention that has enhanced the convenience and pace of the designing process.

This leading-edge software is popular for 3D modeling. You can use this 3D BIM tool to create, combine, manage, and distribute multi-material models ensuring better accuracy and having construction information.

As a professional, you don’t have to do assemblies as it offers a fully automated process. Tekla Structures also offers drawings for fabrication and cutting instructions, which give it an edge over competitors. In this write-up, let’s discover the Tekla software uses, its importance, and more.

Who Can Use Tekla Structures Software?

Structural engineers, designers, detailers, project managers, fabricators, and contractors can use Tekla software. Multiple markets leverage this software for modeling, drawing production, and detailing.

| Also Read: Structural Engineering made efficient with Tekla BIM Modelling

Importance of Tekla Structures Software

Intuitive and Convenient

Tekla Structures is a pioneer tool that facilitates moving away from 2D construction documentation. It offers commands, flow, and interface similar to other software which helps you have a confident start on your journey to use this tool.

In one case, Intelligent Steel Ltd. (formerly known as Icarus LSF) designed, planned, and built a grand accommodation called Vita Student Westage for students. This accommodation situated in Newcastle, United Kingdom consists of over 280 units.

They reported using other metal framing systems before using Tekla software for modeling and data output of panel drawings, CSV data, GA drawings, and reports. The company found Tekla more easy to use.

Information-rich and Detailed Virtual Model

It is a BIM software that empowers AEC professionals to work efficiently on constructible models. You can add in-depth details and gain a better understanding of the construction project. Model is also linked to other valuable information such as the estimates of your value, drawings, quantity take-off, schedules, project management, and various documentation.

It streamlines the process of seeing, evaluating, and changing data on the model without the hassle of reviewing calculation sheets, incorporating changes manually, or writing notes to PDF versions. This software’s automated process changes everything automatically.

Furthermore, the reference models from other disciplines available on this tool can improve your understanding of all the changing parts of projects. All these allow your team to make smart decisions considering all the options.

Parametric Model Creation to Speed Up Process

The use of parametric modeling paves the way for quick detailing work, fosters accuracy, and boosts efficiency in change management. You can leverage parametric design to define logical rules describing the model, explore the relationship between various parts, and set parameters to drive logic.

In simple words, parametric modeling helps in defining the dimensions and connection among specific components like beams. As a result, you don’t have to create numerous models manually.

As the project reaches the next stages, you can make changes and the model will use logic to automatically incorporate the changes. Some people assume that parametric design is for only complex geometrical projects. However, it can be beneficial for all construction projects irrespective of their sizes and shapes.

Easy Drawing Creation, Change, and Management Possible Through One Constructible Model

Harnessing Tekla software to create constructible models as a source of truth improves accuracy and helps organize the construction process. You can utilize these models as a source to create drawings and other deliverables related to construction.

It means if you update the model, drawings are updated automatically, which facilitates the project teams to have the latest information and requirements. Tekla software’s drawings are full of myriad features and tools that ensure efficiency in the creation and management of drawings.

Intelligent Structural Components are Easy to Create, Store, Change and Share

The creation of smart parametric components is key to successfully designing and managing a construction project. These intelligent components significantly ease your work as they adjust to change and eliminate the tedious process of creating complex models, which can be copied across different projects.

Tekla is a powerful tool to create these components, store and access them. Furthermore, you can use them in the same model even if you are in other locations. The changes done on the components and saved will be automatically applied to their various copies.

It is easy to import and export custom components as .uel files between models and share them with team members. Also, you can store custom components in a model template that is accessible with each new model on the basis of the template you used.

Better Collaboration

A construction project consists of various people such as detailers, designers, contractors, or subcontractors. Thus, it is not a one-person job and requires all team members to strive together to ensure the project’s success.

Tekla software keeps you updated about the progress and changes occurring in the design process. This software’s interoperability brings all the parties involved in construction on one page, regardless of the tools they use.

You can use this tool to integrate work for design intentions, detailed models, fabrication orders, connected workflows, and onsite execution. In addition, this software helps you create a constructible model that can be used as a source of truth by different parties.

You can extract the data for various purposes such as project management, logistics management, quantity take-offs, and estimates.

Tekla Structures Software Applications

Tekla software uses expand to various domains of the AEC industry. Here are a few of those:

Structural Modeling

Tekla Structures is an advanced tool that helps create complex structures in 3D. Creating and manipulating various elements such as columns, beams, slabs, foundations, and concrete or steel frames is easy through this software.

In addition, changes on one part of the model adjust other elements automatically as this tool supports parametric modeling.

Detailed Concrete and Steel Design

Tekla software is renowned for having excellent capabilities for detailed concrete and steel modeling. It encompasses tools that assist in representing bolts, welds, and plates accurately. Also, handling custom detailing and complex connections is easy for it.

Structural steel fabricators, contractors, and detailers leverage this application.

Rebar Detailing

You can use Tekla Structures’ cutting-edge tools for rebar detailing in reinforced concrete structures. Creating detailed rebar schedules, generating rebar drawings and bending schedules can be done effortlessly through this application.

Fabrication and Erection Detailing

Another major application of Tekla software is in fabrication and erection detailing. It offers robust tools that can assist in creating erection plans and fabrication drawings. You can expect in-depth information about dimensions, materials, and specific construction instructions from it.

This tool also possesses the power to handle large-scale projects. You can create shop drawings to ensure errors are reduced during the fabrication process.

Clash Detection

This software’s high-tech tools aid in clash detection between different elements of the model like MEP systems and structural components. Hence, you can recognize potential issues before the beginning of construction and avoid rework.

Construction Documentation

Tekla software enables you to create high-quality construction documentation such as plans, elevations, and sections using the 3D model.

It offers the whole updated necessary construction information and leaves lesser risk of miscommunication in the construction process.

Integration with Other Software

You can ensure a streamlined project workflow through this application as it integrates with different third-party software and ERP systems. Tekla Structures supports various data exchange formats such as PDF, DWG, and DXF for seamless integration with other CAD tools.

Cost Estimation and Quantity Takeoffs

AEC professionals harness Tekla software to avail material lists and accurate quantities directly from the 3D model. You can utilize this data to estimate project costs for better planning.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Tekla Structures is a renowned software that enables users to create intricate and precise models through its remarkable modeling capabilities. You can use this application to boost communication and coordination among various stakeholders in the project.

Tekla software is an amazing tool that helps in efficient visualization, planning, alignment, and building.

About TechnoStruct Academy

TechnoStruct Academy is the educational arm of TechnoStruct, LLC, a registered design engineering firm based in California. It offers specialized BIM training programs for architecture, MEP, and BIM Management.

Our BIM Certification Courses

BIM-Ready Architecture Advanced

BIM-Ready Complete 2.0 (Michigan State University)

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FAQs

Q1. What is Tekla software used for?

You can use Tekla Structures for steel and concrete detailing, precast, and cast in situ. This tool is effective for creating and managing 3D structural models in steel or concrete.

Q2. Are Tekla and AutoCAD the same?

Tekla Structures helps in structural engineering and detailing, while you can use AutoCAD for 2D and 3D drafting. Their capabilities and focus set them apart.

Q3. Is Tekla Structures a BIM software?

Tekla is a leading 3D BIM software and is popular in the field of structural engineering. Designing a broad spectrum of structures such as buildings, bridges, harbors, statues and more is easy through this application.

 

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