ADVANCED STEEL DETAILING

Elite rocked by lurid tale of betrayal and revenge

2012-04-20T23:02:00.001-07:00

As the wife of one of China's most ambitious politicians and a successful lawyer in her own right, Gu Kailai lacked neither money nor power. But her desire for more set off a chain of events that have exposed a sordid web of murder, deception, corruption and betrayal - all set in the winner-takes-all arena of elite Chinese politics.
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''I know society's trend is for money to be the number one priority,'' Gu said in a rare interview in 1998, given just after she published a book detailing a high-profile legal triumph in the US. ''But I believe people still cherish love and emotion. Seeking justice, for example, is a common emotion shared by all people.''
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In the end, it was a sense of deep betrayal that set her off to plot her own course of justice. Gu, 53, is being held by Chinese authorities as the prime suspect in the murder of the British businessman Neil Heywood. Her husband, the former Chongqing party boss Bo Xilai, has been stripped of his senior party roles, having been seen as a contender for promotion into the party's elite inner circle, completing a dramatic fall from grace for one of the nation's most glamorous couples.
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An official announcement aired on state-run television last week said Gu and Heywood ''had conflict over economic interests, which had intensified''. But lurid details have since emerged, suggesting the pair had much more than a simple business relationship.
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A leak from the official Chinese investigation, first reported by Reuters, suggested Heywood was murdered after threatening to expose the Bo family's secret business dealings and a systematic diversion of funds overseas. Some reports suggest their net worth could be over $1 billion, with Gu's law firm and consulting business ways to funnel cash overseas without being detected.

''Her law firm quickly cornered all the largest contracts in Dalian and Chongqing,'' one prominent lawyer, who has defended accused mafia bosses in Chongqing, told the Herald. ''A lot of money was intended for Bo - that much is obvious. A normal case might cost 100,000 yuan, they charge 1 million yuan.''
The lawyer said Gu's law firm was implausibly profitable for a firm of its size.
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Gu's sisters control a complex web of businesses spanning from Hong Kong to the Caribbean, worth at least $126 million, according to regulatory filings obtained by Bloomberg.
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Jiang Weiping, a Chinese journalist who spent five years in prison after writing a book exposing alleged corruption by the Bo family, says this is just one means through which they laundered their money. According to Jiang, who now lives in Canada, Bo used real estate and land deals while in Dalian to bribe other officials, who would in turn support his rapid rise through the ranks of the party.
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Sources say Gu had become increasingly paranoid about the stability of China's political environment and had caught wind of a rumoured investigation into her and Bo's financial affairs.
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She asked Heywood to help facilitate a larger-than-usual transfer, who in turn opportunistically asked for a bigger cut, threatening to expose her if she did not comply.

Only Gu will know how emotionally involved she was with Heywood - British news reports have even suggested the pair had cohabited in an apartment in the coastal town of Bournemouth, while other sources refute that they were an item - but it is clear that Gu was stung by the Briton's betrayal.
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''They were definitely lovers,'' says Wang Kang, a well-connected Chongqing scholar. ''I don't think [the murder] was just because of the money, it is more likely that feelings had a bigger part to play. Money is secondary. There's plenty of money to go around.''
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The rot in Gu and Bo's marriage had set in much earlier, according to Jiang, Wang and other sources. Jiang says Gu's frequent travel in the mid-'90s played a role, while Bo's alleged philandering was also taking its toll.
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The resort that Heywood was reportedly found dead in last November, the Nanshan Lijing Holiday Hotel, is perched atop a hill in a secluded area of Chongqing, overlooking a brand-new property development and a half-finished water park. The most expensive stand-alone villa, with six bedrooms, costs about $750 a night.
The staff denied knowledge of any person being found dead at the hotel, most saying they had only been working there for a few months. One employee told the Herald that the death was merely a rumour and that ''people had come to investigate'' only because the ''foreign man was a frequent visitor''.
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Having followed the Bo family for much of his career, Jiang says he is not in the least surprised by the scandal that has rocked China ahead of its crucial once-in-a-decade leadership transition later this year.
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''On the outside, Gu's extremely pretty, very elegant,'' he told the Herald in a telephone interview. ''But in reality, she's very selfish and cold, suspicious of everyone and greedy for money.''
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But the salacious nature of the scandal should not detract from its significance. Analysts and commentators have breathlessly compared this to the biggest political crisis in China since the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. But the premature downfall of one of China's most powerful and charismatic politicians could well have saved an even bigger crisis from brewing.
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Rising as if from out of nowhere in the middle of the quiet, idyllic grounds of Chongqing Medical University is an imposing 37-metre statue of Mao Zedong. Under his invitingly raised right arm, Chongqing's future doctors pore over their books.
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Yet this is not a relic from the past. The stainless steel creation was erected less than four years ago at the behest of the municipal government, as Bo's wave of ''red'' Maoist nostalgia - and a push for the return of egalitarianism - gathered momentum.

''If you want to see what impact Bo has had on Chongqing, this sums it up,'' says prolific rightist author Kong Lingping, a rake-thin, bent-over 74-year-old. ''This statue represents everything Bo was pursuing - to be as powerful as him.''
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Bo harnessed a platform of social equity and populist policies, backed up by the singing of revolutionary songs and a headline-grabbing ''smash black'' campaign - the waging of war against organised crime. More than 5000 were charged under the campaign in its first 10 months.
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Lawyers previously too afraid to speak out are now revealing disturbing accounts of police abuse and flouting of the law.

They say that Bo used his power indiscriminately to target opponents while projecting the image of maintaining law and order. While many arrested were genuine criminals, being charged with organised crime enabled Bo to seize all their assets. The funds were then used to finance and increase the power of Chongqing's anti-crime wave.
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''It was a sort of second Cultural Revolution in Chongqing,'' says Chen Yu, who represented four clients charged with organised crime offences. ''There were no rules … It's crazy for a madman to have such an impact in an advanced society. It really was terrifying.''

One of the first problems Bo had to deal with after being named Chongqing's party secretary was a strike by the city's taxi drivers, angered by the unchecked influx of unauthorised drivers eating into their business without having to pay expensive licence or rental fees. Their boss, taxi company mogul Li Qiang, had got off on the wrong foot with Chongqing's new leader.

Soon after, he felt the full brunt of Bo's ''smash black'' campaign and was arrested and charged with running an organised crime racket.
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''It's like pointing at a deer and calling it a horse,'' Chen, who represented Li, says. ''If they want to say you're part of organised crime, you're part of organised crime.''
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Chen says Li was strapped into a ''tiger seat'' using belts and braces to keep him bolt upright and deprived of sleep. With his head covered in a black sack to disorientate him, he was slapped or beaten whenever he started to doze off. After five straight days of the same treatment, Li caved in and signed a confession against his will and was jailed for 10½ years.

It is a similar story with lawyer Li Zhuang, who was locked in a tiger seat for three days and three nights after vigorously defending his client, Gong Gangmo, who he says was hung in the air and beaten severely for days on end and left to defecate on himself. He was charged with persuading his client to falsely claim torture.
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Seven lawyers who defended their clients against organised crime charges were jailed, while more than a dozen others have had their licences suspended.
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Li was convicted and sentenced to 2½ years in jail and had his practising licence revoked. But Li has footage of Gong's testimony and is hoping to overturn his conviction.
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''Right now, large numbers of Chongqing people who have suffered injustice are looking to revisit their cases and are trying to hire me,'' he told the Herald.

Steel fabricator BHC selects RBS to help build its future

2012-04-20T22:59:00.002-07:00

The FINANCIAL -- South Lanarkshire-based BHC Ltd, one of the UK’s leading structural steelwork fabricators and erectors, is to expand its business capability thanks to £3m of facilities from Royal Bank of Scotland Corporate & Institutional Banking and Lombard Asset Finance.

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Celebrating 20 years in business, BHC has evolved into a highly-competitive participant in the supply, manufacture and design of steel-framed buildings and structures for agricultural, commercial, residential and educational sectors. BHC has a turnover of £32m and a strong relationship with clients including well-known retailers which, among others, rely on the firm to design and build their stores, and local authorities where they have provided the steel frames for various new schools around Scotland.

With 285 staff, BHC is also the largest employer in the Lanark area and runs an established and successful apprenticeship programme, a key part of its hands-on business development strategy, having 30 apprentices currently working across its operations; over 10% of its staff.

BHC has established its reputation by offering its customers the very latest customer solutions: it has advanced beam drilling and plasma cutting lines; the world's leading 3D structural steel detailing system and it recently built a new 2,700m² paint shop on its 50-acre site.

According to the Royal Bank of Scotland, the new £3m facilities will be used by BHC to invest in the latest technologies and processes as the firm looks to escalate its business growth: the first project to receive funding is the purchase of two 80-tonne cranes that will significantly improve the installation and delivery process of BHC’s structures.

Tekla structures ideal for oil and gas projects

2011-10-17T04:49:00.007-07:00

Tekla Middle East will showcase its Building Information Modelling (PLM/BIM) solution at this year's Arab Oil and Gas Exhibition, taking place in Dubai from 18 - 20 September. Oil and gas industry experts agree that BIM can vastly reduce operational cost, and manage waste over the life cycle of a project.

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Plant design systems for the oil and gas industry still rely generation of 2D drawings. Using Tekla, the entire design process, including plant equipment, pipe spooling, electric systems and the main structure can be incorporated in a 3D rendered environment.

Furthermore, Tekla enables continued utilizing of the 3D intelligent model for the whole project lifecycle from engineering, fabrication, and onsite construction to final commissioning.

Industry decision makers, owners, contractors, engineering companies, fabricators and project managers can witness first-hand the benefit of using Tekla Structures from design to concept of construction.

"Tekla offer a centralised information management HUB allowing for more control over the project cycle, helping to drive costs down. Global and local companies operating in the region's oil and gas sector are already using Tekla Structural BIM to manage their projects. This exhibition will allow us to reach out to the region's oil and gas industry and demonstrate to them the many benefits of using Tekla BIM," commented Paul Wallett, Business Manager Tekla Middle East.

"Tekla will use the platform provided by Arab Oil and Gas Exhibition to help the region's industry realise the many benefits of implementing PLM/BIM across their projects."

The Tekla stand will be running live demonstrations of the company's entire product range, while senior managers will be available to discuss specific customer issues in a one-to-one environment.

Saipem is one of several global companies employing Tekla BIM for its offshore projects.

"Clearly, the most significant benefit is the availability of a single structural model from which we can extract project plans and detailing, lists of materials, weights and centres of gravity. The software also allows direct interfacing to the piping model in PDS," noted Saipem engineer Giuseppe Frigerio.

"The program was customised to handle our needs related to material management, construction phase management and integration with corporate standards (standard joint macros and customized user attributes and material lists). Another useful function provided by Tekla Structures is simultaneous access by multiple users to the same model."

Representatives from Tekla will be available throughout Arab Oil and Gas Exhibition to provide a detailed overview. Tekla will be exhibiting at Stand No. B104 in hall 7 at the Dubai International Conventional and Exhibition Centre.

Olympic Stadium, Beijing, China

2011-09-24T03:54:00.001-07:00

The Beijing National Stadium at the Olympic Green – also known as the ‘Bird’s Nest’ – hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 29th Olympiad in China in August 2008. The stadium has a total capacity of 91,000 seats. Tekla Structures software was used in the detailing and workshop design of the most complex and challenging parts of the steel structure. Structural Steel Detailer

Accurate modeling ensures architects’ dreams come true

The structural form of the Beijing Olympic Stadium is best described as being reminiscent of a bird’s nest. The very irregular nature of the structure demanded new and advanced methods of designing and detailing structural steel sections in order to minimize the weight. To reduce the construction costs, the designers removed the top roof and enlarged the area of the roof opening, which reduced the total steel weight from 45,000 to 42,000 tons.

The interwoven structural elements of the façade produce a single surface, upon which further elements are arranged in a close to chaotic manner to blur the distinction between the primary and the secondary structure. The roof is saddle-shaped, and its geometry has been created from a base ellipse. The outer surface of the façade is inclined at approximately 13 degrees to the vertical. The largest span of the steel structure is more than 343 meters.

Modeling and detailing the most complex and challenging parts of the steel roof took one year. Two Chinese steel companies, Huning and Jinggong, worked on the roof to produce symmetrical 3D views of its members and connections. They were able to do this by using the mirroring function in Tekla Structures software. A huge number of sections and views were needed for this irregular assembly in order to represent all the relations of each steel part.

Bird's Nest facts and figures:

Size:	332.3 meters in length, 297.3 in width, 69.2 in height
Total site area:	204,278 m2
Gross floor area:	258,000 m2
Structure:	36 km of unwrapped steel length
Largest steel truss span:	343 m/375 yds.
Architectural Design:	Herzog & de Meuron (Switzerland)
Engineering and Sports Architecture:	China Architectural Design & Research Group, Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd, Arup Sports, London
Steel detailing:	Shanghai Haorong Technology Co. Ltd and Zhejiang Jinggong Steel Co. Ltd
Steel fabrication:	Jiangsu HNGJ Steel Co. Ltd

Finland’s pavilion for the Shanghai World Expo 2010

2011-09-24T03:45:00.001-07:00

Finland’s pavilion for the Shanghai World Expo 2010 is called Kirnu, or ‘Giant’s kettle’. Tekla Structures BIM (Building Information Modeling) software is being used to model and manage its structural information in 3D throughout the project. The use of Tekla Structures supports the pavilion being constructed as a laboratory for sustainable building. Structural Steel Detailer

A big challenge for the near future is to find methods of construction that are sustainable and preserve natural resources. The Kirnu pavilion is a laboratory for sustainable building, presenting Finnish solutions for future urban construction. The goal is to develop energy-efficient, low-emission and environmentally friendly solutions in terms of construction method and maintenance properties. Finland is one of around 70 participants, states and companies, building its own pavilion for the Expo 2010.

Designed by JKMM, an architects’ office in Helsinki, the pavilion won first prize in a design competition announced for the occasion. The design incorporates, for example, renewable energy sources. The construction materials and methods have been selected so that construction generates as few greenhouse gas emissions as possible and the building will be easy to disassemble and rebuild after the Expo. In addition to efficient structural design and lean prefabrication and construction, the Tekla 3D building information model is being utilized in a variety of innovative ways throughout the project: to fit in elevators, HVAC systems, and a giant canvas that will cover Kirnu’s inside atrium, as well as to assist in its interior design and later rebuilding and relocation using augmented reality technology.

Construction management

Finnish project constructing company Lemcon Ltd was selected for the project management of the Finland pavilion’s construction at the Shanghai Expo 2010. A consultancy agreement was signed between Lemcon and project owner Finpro. Lemcon China Co. Ltd provided full project management, 3D design coordination using Tekla Structures software, and supervision related to the pavilion’s construction. Lemcon was also responsible for the design and construction of the Finland pavilion at the Hannover World Expo in 2000.

“In accordance with our environmental objectives, it is a principle of Lemcon to model the building information of every domestic project,” said Mikaela Jänkälä, project support manager at Lemcon Ltd International in Finland. “We are participating, for example, in the Built Environment program of the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES). Kirnu is our pilot project in China, and Tekla was chosen for the modeling of the project because we needed a tool that will best help us disassemble the challenging structure later and to document the whole process. Tekla Structures will be the only BIM software used for Lemcon sites in the future.”

“The Task Manager function in Tekla Structures is particularly useful, because we’ve been getting weekly reports from China, including illustrative snapshots, of what parts have been installed on which level,” said Artur Virit of Lemcon Finland. “Tekla experts in Finland have been very helpful in finding a solution to any structural challenge that has come up during the project. A light Web version of the model has been exchanged through the Internet to be able to communicate about the structure in detail, and the Tekla database file has been sent back and forth through a Web link to create a combined model of different phases of installation. I believe that the new Model Organizer function in Tekla Structures would have been a great help at the very cramped site,” Virit said.

Structural design

Conceptual structural design by Finnish engineering office Aaro Kohonen Oy provided the idea of a space frame structure system for the Kirnu pavilion. The final structure of the pavilion uses 21 lattice pipe columns, which are variable cross-sections and unique curved shapes. The floor is made of composite decks that can be disassembled. “Tens of thousands of bolt connections were needed in the building to enable easy disassembly after the Expo. A challenging part in the project was to design and detail all these bolt connections accurately,” said Pekka Haanpää, Lemcon’s design coordinator in China.

The final 3D building information model of Kirnu will simulate its real-world as-built structure. Shanghai Engineering Survey and Design (SCAD) Ltd created a 3D structural model with Tekla Structures that will be used throughout the construction process of Kirnu. Lemcon China Co. Ltd Shanghai office provided design coordination and supervised SCAD in utilizing Tekla to produce the model, and Tekla Shanghai and Tekla Finland provided software support for Lemcon’s BIM pilot in China.

As the cladding processing period for Kirnu is long, the design and fabrication of the cladding was done at an early phase to ensure that the construction can be finished on time. JKMM Architects used Rhinoceros software to design the shingle cladding. The cladding surfaces were imported into Tekla Structures as position references to ensure that the shape of the steel structure is designed correctly. The Tekla model was then exported into Rhinoceros to double-check the cladding position and shape of the building. SAP 2000 software was used for the design calculations. Both SAP 2000 and Tekla support open API (Application Programming) that enables full roundtrip functionality between the two software applications. Because of this feature the Tekla model can be easily updated after calculations and vice versa. Detailed design for the construction was finalized with Tekla Structures after the calculations.

Steel fabrication

Shanghai Baoye Construction won the bid for the Kirnu project’s steel fabrication and erection in April 2009. All steel parts and assemblies were named, numbered and specified according to the guidelines of design coordination. Bolt connection information was given to Baoye engineers, and they created connections to the Tekla model.

“Engineers checked out the complex connections by rotating the model and were able to accurately generate all steel shop drawings from the structural model, thus saving in material costs and avoiding waste. It would have been impossible for engineers to convert this curved structure into 2D drawings by using just 2D software,” said Haanpää. The construction management team used the 4D scheduling functions in Tekla Strucures to follow up on the steel fabrication process and erection of the building.

Owner’s View

“From the day that Kirnu was chosen for the Finnish pavilion it was quite clear that there is a need for 3D steel design software,” said Jouni Lehtonen, construction manager for Finland at the World EXPO 2010 and representative of Finpro. “We knew that Tekla Structures is Finnish software and one of the best on the market, so it was quite an obvious choice. Aaro Kohonen Oy who made the conceptual model also suggested using Tekla.”

“There was a relatively short preparation time for the project so we needed every possible time-saving solution we could find to complete the design in time. Tekla Structures provides actual masses of the structure and so it is a fair solution for both the contractor and Finpro. The after-use aspect was also important,” Lehtonen explained. “The structure of Kirnu has been designed so that up to two additional floors can be built if needed. If there is a need for additional elevator shafts or staircases, the software will make designing them easier.”

What is Tekla Structures?

2011-09-23T14:46:00.001-07:00

Tekla Structures is the first Building Information Modeling (BIM) software covering the entire structural design process from conceptual design to detailing, fabrication and construction. Structural Steel Detailer

The unique 5-story and 13,000square meter building is the tallest wooden office building in Europe, consisting of thousands of both prefabricated and separately worked wooden parts as well as stiffening steel wire nets and precast concrete elements. Its wooden frame and facade were assembled on site from more than 1,200 pre-fabricated wood product sections.

There are 17,000 individually machined wood parts. The building was reinforced with eight steel trellises and concrete lift shafts and stairwells. Split glulam panels and thermowood cladding were used for the facade, and the building’s intermediate floors feature stressed-skin panels made from laminated veneer lumber.

Tekla Structures is one product available in different configurations and localized environments that provide specialized set of functionality to suit the segment and culture-specific needs of the construction industry.

Tekla Structures is Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that enables the creation and management of accurately detailed, highly construct able 3D structural models regardless of material or structural complexity. Tekla models can be used to cover the entire building process from conceptual design to fabrication, erection and construction management.

Tekla Structures can be used to interface with other existing applications, or solely as a platform to develop a customizable internal solution. It is an open solution that supports interoperability and standardization.

Uses of Tekla Structures:

Industry Halls
Plants
Civil structures
Stairs & Railings
Bridges
Offshore constructions
Cladding
Aluminum structures

Tekla Structures provides the steel detailing industry with upgraded Xsteel software to manage project information more effectively! All information is drawn from the same intelligent 3D source, so everyone on the project has the ability to simultaneously collaborate in real-time.

Benefits of Tekla Structures:

The versatile 3D structural building information modeling (BIM) system provides you with the ability to create all types of complex structures. Steel fabricators, steel detailing offices and engineering companies can now enjoy innovative openness, collaboration, security and reliability never before experienced.

You can design and create an intelligent steel model that contains all geometric and structural information pertinent to your project.

Tekla Structures is not only steel detailing software, but a flexible integrated solution for the entire structural design process.

Tekla Structures also includes an extensive range of tools to automate the detailing process. Overall, this greatly increases both project quality and productivity. Errors are minimized; project run-through times are decreased.

Structures that Stand Out

2011-09-23T13:59:00.001-07:00

Detailed using Tekla Structures Software. Structural Steel Detailer

List of structure's names from left to right:

1. Swan Bell Tower, Australia.

2. Torre Agbar, Spain

3. Airport Hotel Hilton, Finland

4. Hearst Tower, USA

5. The Tower, UAE

6. Panorama Tower, Finland

7. World Financial Center, China

8. Khalifa Sports City Tower, Qatar

9. Burj Dubai, UAE

10. 30 St. Mary Axe, UK

11. Menara Telekom, Malaysia

12. Rose Rotana Suites, UAE

13. Willis Building (51 Lime Street), UK

14. Finnforest Modular Office, Finland

15. CCTV Towers, China

16. Padua NET Center, Italy

17. Denver Art Museum Expansion, USA

Tekla Structures is versatile software and used worldwide in more than 90 countries for every Structural Engineering application including Process plant buildings, Power Plant & Utilities, Bulk Material Handling, Boilers, High Rise Buildings, Pre Engineered Buildings, Offshore Structures, Towers, Bridges as well as Miscellaneous Structures like Stairs, Handrails and has parametric macros to satisfy user requirements as well as standards worldwide.

Benefits for you and your organization:

Tekla Structures presents you with a modern way of working - giving your company a definite competitive engineering edge.

You and Your entire team can now enjoy the advantage of real-time 3D modeling. Tekla Structures lets you design a variety of structures fabricated from steel, concrete or other materials. You can create an intelligent model of any size or complexity with ease and precision.

Tekla Structures automatically generates up-to-date analysis and design results, drawings, reports or other output from the 3D model. All drawings are accurate, as they correspond to the modifications made to the model. Revisions are much easier because the drawings and reports are fully integrated into the model.

Art Work Made Possible by Tekla Structures

2011-09-23T13:38:00.001-07:00

Structural Steel Detailer

Exposure, Lelystad, Holland

Had Fab Ltd.

Antony Gormley's sculptures, often based on casts of his own body, adorn public spaces and galleries across the globe, from well-known works like 'Angel of the North' to his newest creation 'Exposure'.

Exposure, a 25.6m high statue of a crouching Gormley is due on site in the summer of 2010 in Lelystad, Holland.

Exposure is fabricated from RSA (rolled steel angle) sections. Although the main model was created in Tekla Structures 13, Version 14 was used for modelling the individual nodes, the heaviest of which weighs 280kg. The complexity of fabrication required that Had-Fab undertake a full trial erection of 'Exposure' before commencing delivery to site in Holland. This involved the design, fabrication and erection of a crane in their assembly yard, for which Had-Fab also poured 540 tonnes of concrete foundations. The total weight of the project was 60 tonnes and took 18 months to complete fabrication and erection.

This is how it looks on TEKLA STRUCTURE MODEL

Benefits of Tekla Structures

2011-09-23T13:27:00.001-07:00

Structural Steel Detailer

Tekla Structures is revolutionary software catering to the wide variety of needs of steel detailers and structural engineers in the growing steel building and construction industry. Tekla Structures software comes with powerful tools to develop a detailed 3D model that can further be utilized for producing steel shop and erection drawings and reports automatically with almost 100% accuracy.

Tekla Structures provides an option to share the 3D model across all stakeholders such as steel detailers, building owner and structural engineer facilitating simultaneous collaboration on the unique, regularly updated 3D model at every stage of the construction lifecycle. Various disciplines can generate and share a model and complete or verify drawings with ease and efficiency.

Major benefits of Tekla Structures software are discussed below:

Get Precision and incisive detailing

Tekla Structures offers steel detailing in a 3D environment making sure error-free collaboration during the fabrication and erection stages. Tekla 3D detailed model characterizes the 'as-built' state of the structure in any given condition – if the structure stands well on computer screen, then it will fit on the construction site as well.

The software comes with a comprehensive library of structural steel components right from clip angles, end plates and braces to staircases and handrails allowing detailer to effortlessly model and store company-specific settings for future use.

Obtain output automatically

The steel fabricator can generate required shop drawings and reports automatically from the precisely detailed 3D model. Since drawings are correlated to the 3D model, any modifications in the model get automatically reflected in the output as well.

Efficient and effort-less management

Tekla Structures cleverly handles adjustments made to the structure. Ongoing corrections made to the model and drawings no longer result in huge delays or costly errors. You get

Always up-to-date drawings

Related components respond to a change & are updated automatically

Automatic clash detection

Model-Based Architecture Using Tekla Structures

2011-09-23T13:24:00.001-07:00

Tekla Structures features a unique model-based architecture. You can design & create an intelligent steel model for your project with the help of a proven partners. Structural Steel Detailer

Tekla Xsteel has a proven track record of providing 3D modeling benefits to the steel detailing industry. Now that same intelligent modeling technology is available for all structural design. This new synergy offers an stretched out set of all advanced tools for all industries to utilize. It's easy to stay competitive when you work with a proven partners.

Tekla is developing modern structural design tools as a result of these market demands. 3D modeling, efficient collaboration and superb information management are all needed. Auto cad drafting india has incorporated all this and much more.

Detailing in a 3D environment using Tekla Structures ensures error-free collaboration during the fabrication and erection phases. The detailed Tekla model represents the 'as-built' condition of the structure – if the structure fits on screen, then it will fit on site as well.

We have taken the functionality and benefits of Xsteel technology and added new revolutionary tools to create Tekla Structures

Structural Detailing has taken the functionality and benefits of Xsteel technology and added new revolutionary tools to create Tekla Structures! The versatile 3D structural building information modeling (BIM) system provides you with the ability to create all types of complex structures. Steel fabricators, steel detailing offices and engineering companies can now enjoy innovative frankness, collaboration, security and reliability never before experienced.

All required drawings and reports can be automatically generated from the accurately detailed 3D model. Drawings are associated to the model, so any changes made to the model automatically reflect in the output.

Design and Analysis Using Tekla Structures

2011-09-23T13:18:00.005-07:00

If you want to design any object it is important to think how constructive your thing design. Basically structure design is created by engineer based on a design and drawing which is used in any structure designing and analysis field.

Structural Steel Detailer

Tekla Structures make sure that ideas are translated into a cost-effective design which fulfills the client's necessities and complies with building legislation. This is carried out by the structure engineering design section.

Tekla Structures comes with improved automated tools to organize building information more easily, effectively and precisely. This significantly enhances both project quality and efficiency. Less number of errors, quicker turn-around time and improved customer satisfaction.

Tekla Structure combines current and developing tekla software technologies to perform extensible and flexible solutions for structure design analysis, xSteel design and steel detailing of different types of resistant.

Tekla has taken the functionality and reimbursement of xSteel structure technology and added new innovative tools to create Tekla Structures!

Tekla Structure is a revolutionary Steel Detailing and 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) software by Tekla International to help structural engineering firms design Steel and Concrete structures more effectively.

The software allows users to create and manage 3D structural models providing complete information about the entire building construction process, from design to detailing and conception to fabrication. The Construction Management module of Tekla Structure allows users to track real-time project status and modify information attached to building components using custom-made visualizations.

A structure steel design activity in a number of factors includes:

Civil Structures

Hospitals & Medical Buildings

Shopping Malls

Industrial Plants

Complex Commercial Buildings

Power Plants

Aluminum Structures

Petrochemical Refineries

Institutional Buildings Design

Fertilizer and Textile Industries

Electronics Technology Industries

Ceramic and Glass Industries

Agro and Pharmaceutical Industries

Residential Structures Design

Industrial Structures Design

Oil and Gas Industries

Commercial Structures Design

Structural engineering is a division of civil engineering, and its applications are really diverse. A great deal of what structure engineers involved in designing things to be built and then helping to build them: buildings, bridges, tunnels, towers. Structural design require large amount of application and planning. Tekla structure engineers deeply view the position and create a plan for the xsteel structures.

Producing accurate structural design by using tekla xsteel structure design system. Generally structure design engineers put together drawings that give only the general specifications for each piece then steel detailer should interpret those lines and create actual 3-dimensional beams. For perfect xsteel structure design there are various factors are wanted as per the requirements of the architect and engineer.

Structural Steel Detailing System

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Structural steel detailing system known as Tekla Structures. Tekla Structures is a 3D solid modeling system for detailing structural steelwork. Using X-Steel software you can create 3D model of the complete steel structure. The x-steel software produces true 3D modeling as the designs contain all geometrical and structural information required for the construction.

Structural Steel Detailer

Auto CAD Drafting India is specialize in providing X- steel detailing services to US, Europe, Australia and Canada based steel fabricators and structural engineers. Our reputation is built on our dedication to total quality approach and customer satisfaction. Our goal is to provide the highest quality structural drawings in the best possible time frame to clients. We utilize a fully computerized detailing system known as tekla structures. We utilize the latest technology of tekla structures to provide our clients with various services that will continually exceed their expectations.

Main Uses of tekla structures are:

The tekla structures solution is truly a multi user and multi discipline solution that can also be published onto the web.
The designing tool features model based architecture that can be used to create intelligent 3D simulated real world structural designs.

For the steel detailing of heavy structures, we depend on the tekla structures designing solutions. X Steel is sophisticated 3D designing software has some unique features that are effective for perfect steel detailing solutions.

With all these features and much more, it is quite obvious that the tekla structures designing solution is a preferred designing tool for steel detailing around the world. At Auto CAD Drafting India, our expert designers and structural detailers guarantee that you get totally perfect steel detailing solution.

Building Information Modeling with Revit 2009 and Tekla Software

2011-09-23T13:12:00.001-07:00

Building Information Modeling is the process of generating and managing building construction data during its life cycle period. It uses 3D dynamic building modeling software like Revit 2009, Tekla and ArchiCAD to increase efficiency and productivity in building construction. The process produces the Building Information Model (BIM), which encompasses properties of building components, spatial relationships, building geometry and geographic regulations. Structural Steel Detailer

The International Alliance of Interoperability (IAI) pioneered a comprehensive technical effort across 15 countries to define a unanimous industry model as one authoritative definition of building components, properties and geometry. However, in the absence of a single model, software companies are trying to gain commercial advantage and there are many different BIM implementations available as a result of this competition.

Autodesk Revit 2009

REVIT is the most popular industry model for implementation of BIM as a central project database. This model takes an approach of coordinating every building element in one database, thus providing users the ability to easily see the results of any kind of building design revisions, reflections in the associated drawings, as well as to detect any major coordination issues.

As per AutoDesk Revit latest press-release on Revit 2009, Revit Architecture 2009 allows customers to capture early design concepts with improved analysis and visualization capabilities through easy exchange with improved visualization functionality and partner applications improving speed, quality, and usability. Revit Structure 2009 has been powered with greater modeling and documentation capabilities. Revit MEP 2009 now comes with detailed functionalities for structures like water heat pumps, air handlers and rooftop units.

Tekla Structures

Tekla Structures by Tekla Solutions Inc. is an path-breaking tool that makes open integration with architecture models easy while supporting the end-to-end building construction process. Tekla software generates most accurately detailed structural/architectural models providing best constructability to the building and construction industry. Tekla is being used by thousands of BIM providers around the world to provide high-quality BIM Models to clients in quicker turnaround time.

Tekla software contains specific features for steel detailers, structural engineers, steel fabricators and building construction companies.

Tekla Structures Detailing Services

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From small residential buildings to manufacturing units, vast industrial set-ups, monuments and bridges, AutoCAD Drafting provide steel detailing services for all types of structures at affordable rates. Save up to 40-60% on prevailing industry rates on your specific structural steel detailing and xsteel detailing projects.

Structural Steel Detailer

Our aim is to provide highest quality steel drawings in the best possible time frame. To achieve our objective, we use advanced structural steel detailing systems such as X-Steel and Tekla. We offer Xsteel detailing / Tekla structures detailing services to its clients across the US, Canada, Europe and Australia with very competitive rate.

Tekla Structures Steel Detailing is a very powerful steel detailing solution for Industry Halls, plants, civil structures, stairs and railings, bridges, offshore construction, cladding and aluminum structures. We have successfully completed and implemented various structure steel detailing projects using Tekla / Xsteel detailing services within a certain time limit.

Our Tekla structures steel detailing services are:

Tekla detailing structures
Tekla shop drawings services
Tekla fabrication drawings services
Tekla drafting and 3D modeling services

Benefits of Tekla Structural steel detailing:

Tekla steel Structures provides the structure steel detailing industry with upgraded Xsteel software to manage project information more effectively!
All information is drawn from the same intelligent 3D source, so everyone on the project has the ability to simultaneously collaborate in real-time.

Tekla Structures also includes an extensive range of tools to automate the detailing process. Overall, this greatly increases both project quality and productivity. Errors are minimized; project run-through times are decreased.

Tekla Structures Detailers

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Structural Steel Detailer

We have taken the functionality and benefits of Xsteel technology and added new revolutionary tools to create Tekla Structures

Auto cad drafting india has taken the functionality and benefits of Xsteel technology and added new revolutionary tools to create Tekla Structures! The versatile 3D structural building information modeling (BIM) system provides you with the ability to create all types of complex structures. Steel fabricators, steel detailing offices and engineering companies can now enjoy innovative frankness, collaboration, security and reliability never before experienced.

Steel Detailing Tools & Fabrication Process

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Tekla Structures comes with specific configurations for structural steel detailers and steel fabricators as well as building construction companies. Tekla Structures software is being used by thousands of detailers working in more than 50 countries to effectively deliver BIM-based projects within budget and schedule. Tekla's ability to generate realistic 3D models makes your core processes more efficient - be it building construction, infrastructure management or structural developments. Structural Steel Detailer

Functions & Features of Tekla 3D Steel Modeling/Detailing software :

Accurate cost estimations & realistic bids
Quick, Intelligent modeling allowing you to test a number of alternatives
3D Model gives better overall understanding of the project
Precision Detailing
Powerful 3D modeling allows live & accurate detailing
Automatic clash detection - prevents costly errors & huge delays
Library contains wide variety steel connections for detailing
Manage alterations efficiently
Changes are reflected automatically in related components, eliminating duplication & human errors
Drawings and documentation update automatically
Effective collaboration of various operations
Improve workflow by providing data directly from the model to related departments
Easy share 3D Model - allowing multiple detailers work on a single job
3D visual monitoring facilitates hassle-free collaboration with other disciplines at jobsite

Benefits of using Tekla Structures for Structural steel projects:

Quality and Precision detailing
Less errors in fabrication, erection
Always up-to-date drawings & documentation
Fast & efficient steel detailing
Reduce duplication of work
Improved workflow
Tight control on activities using integrated management tools
Win more projects with accurate bidding
Improve customer satisfaction

So start using Tekla's model-based software tools to make your core processes more efficient for building construction, energy distribution, urban development and structural reformation.

3D Modeling Using Tekla Structures

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Tekla Structures is revolutionary CAD software catering to various needs of steel detailers and structural engineers. Tekla Structures comes with customized tools to produce a detailed 3D model that streamlines the entire workflow from cost estimation, bidding, conceptual design, steel detailing, fabrication, erection and project revisions. Tekla provides an option to share the 3D model across all stakeholders such as steel detailers, building owner and structural engineer allowing simultaneous collaboration on the unique, regularly updated 3D model at every stage of the value chain. Structural Steel Detailer

Benefits of using Tekla structures tool for structural steel projects:

Precision and incisive steel detailing

100% accuracy for all drawings

Comprehensive library of structural steel components

3D environment ensuring error-free collaboration

Always up-to-date drawings

Simplified project revisions

SCS is offshore structural engineering company having a skilled team of Tekla detailers to provide precision detailing and shop drawings in compliance with AISC, CISC, ASTM, Euro Codes, BS Code or specific fabrication standards. Our structural drawings strictly adhere to region-specific planning and building code requirements.

Our skilled and experienced Tekla Detailers can provide complete services in the area of:

Tekla Structure Detailing

Tekla 3D Modeling

Tekla Structural Drafting

Steel Shop Drawings form 3D Models

Structural Steel Shop Drawings

Fabrication Shop Drawings

Cost Estimation & Bidding

Precast Concrete Detailing Using Tekla Structures

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Tekla Structures is a comprehensive CAD application for Precast Concrete Detailing. The module comes with standard features and is enhanced with relevant precast detailing functionality. Users can create detailed intelligent 3D models of concrete structures and then produce corresponding fabrication and erection 2D drawings which can be shared to all project stake-holders and participants. Structural Steel Detailer

Tekla Structures modeling function enables structural engineer to:

Visualize Tekla Structures models
Create models for all structural members and profiles
Model materials and parts
Apply load and analyze resulting effects
Create reinforcement models
Mark/number parts automatically
Explore various options for assemblies
Create cast units of concrete parts
Create levels of assembly hierarchy
Provide conceptual connections
Produce detailed concrete connections
Find exact erection sequences
Explore model information in 4D

Output function of Tekla enables users to:

Produce 2D concrete reinforcement drawings
Provide bar bending schedules
Modify drawings and reports
Provide general arrangement drawings
Produce steel part and assembly drawings
Print and plot drawings and reports
Provide assembly and part list reports

The collaboration properties enable users to:

Share same model with several users (architect, civil & structural engineer)
Interface with other applications and disciplines
Export or Import 2D and 3D data (DWG, DXF, DGN)
Exchange data with production division
Import or export external data via internet
Publish data for design analysis

Start taking benefit of Tekla Structures features to save time, improve project efficiency and reduce overall construction cost.

Structural Steel Detailing

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Offering comprehensive Tekla steel detailing and Tekla structures modeling services at affordable rates!

Structural Steel Detailer

Tekla structure software comes with excellent tools for structural engineering services which saves time and improves project efficiency many fold. User get direct output using accurate 3D structural models to be used for fabrication, erection phases and manages information from supply to installation and track project status. Structural engineering professionals can collaborate with other project participants and stakeholders using the same shared model.

Expert team of steel detailers who use various tekla structures tools to get following output for steel and reinforcement concrete detailing:

General arrangement drawings (plan, section, erection)

Shop bolt list

Tekla 3D models

Erection Plans

Anchor bolt settings

Steel Fabrication drawings

Joist and Deck detailing

Concrete reinforcement drawings

Bar bending schedules

Cast-unit drawings (precast concrete)

Reinforcement reports

Single part/ assembly drawings

Tekla structure is one stop solution BIM solution for structural engineering requirements. Our BIM service includes structural design, fabrication drawing and erection planning. We use tekla structures for BIM services which gives us following outputs:

Conceptual design

Multi material detailing

Erection scheduling

Project Management

Construction documents and Reports

Contact us today to know more about the benefits of using Tekla structures software for your structural design and detailing related needs.

Save upto 60% of your project costs by outsourcing Tekla steel detailing and BIM related requirements.

About Tekla Structures

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Tekla Structures is an end-to-end structural BIM solution providing a dedicated 3D modelling environment for conceptual design, engineering, round trip analysis, detailing and beyond. Greg Corke takes a closer look at the latest release, version 14. Structural Steel Detailer

BIM (Building Information Modelling) is at a tipping point in the architectural sector with increased adoption of products like Revit, Bentley Architecture, and ArchiCAD. But while architects are only starting to realise the benefits of intelligent object-based design, their colleagues in the structural sector have been reaping the rewards for much longer.

Virtually all steel fabricators rely on intelligent 3D models to produce accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and cutting lists / NC code, while consultant engineers exploit 3D to design and analyse increasingly complex structures. But getting the two disciplines to work together with the same 3D data is another matter entirely and one of the underlying ambitions for structural software developer, Tekla through its Tekla Structures product.

To help with the management of referenced 3D models and their revisions Tekla Structures features a neat utility that compares and shows only the changed objects.

Structural BIM, as Tekla defines it, covers the entire structural design process from conceptual design to detailing, fabrication and erection of all multi material elements. However, itÝs not just about the structural engineer passing on a model to the steel fabricator, but providing a single design environment in which concrete, steel and even timber can happily co-exist.

Tekla is a Finnish company by descent and its background lies in structural steel detailing through a product called XSteel, one of the first commercially successful 3D detailing applications on the market. In 2004 the company combined XSteel with its Xengineer product, a parametric 3D modelling package for engineers, and Tekla Structures was born.

Like Revit Structure from Autodesk, Tekla Structures is a structural BIM application, which enables engineers to create intelligent physical and analytical structural models for design. However, it also offers a highly capable steel detailing element, combined with precast concrete detailing, reinforced concrete detailing, and into the realms of project management.

Tekla Structures is used in over 80 countries worldwide on a huge range of projects ranging from Wembley Stadium and the Beijing Olympic Stadium to New YorkÝs Freedom Tower and Leadenhall in the City of London. Its ability to model complex structures whilst keeping the file size small is a particular draw for the product. For example, the model for Wembley Stadium was only 70MB in size.

The system is modular and the number of options available is a little overwhelming, but this means users can tailor the application for many specific roles without shelling out for the entire software package if they are only interested in certain elements. There are seven configurations in total: Full Detailing, Steel Detailing, Precast Concrete Detailing, Reinforced Concrete Detailing, Standard Design (will be called Engineering in 14.1), Project Manager, and Viewer.

Design and modelling

ÙStandard designÝ is the module of choice for consulting engineers and the starting point for any structural design project in Tekla Structures. It provides all the tools required to build up a structural BIM model and offers Ùround tripÝ analysis links to many of the leading structural analysis applications. Tekla Structures models can be built from scratch or based on referenced architectural or other 2D drawings or 3D models (DWG, DGN, IFC, etc). These 3D models can be made transparent to improve clarity, clip planes can also be used to expose elements through sections and clash detection carried out between models. As architectural models are continually changing there is a neat utility that enables users to compare two referenced 3D models and show only the changed objects.

Grids are essential, regardless of whether referenced data is being used or not. These are even more important in Tekla Structures than in other structural applications as they not only provide reference points for structural components, but can be used to generate different named views for each of its viewports. For example, named views can be created for specific sections through a structure and it can also be used to define plan views at specific elevations or floor heights. This is likely to take a little getting used to but itÝs an extremely powerful capability.

Pretty much anything can be modelled in Tekla Structures: beams, columns, slabs, walls. These can be chosen from an extensive library of industry standard components and include standard UK & European sections, cold rolled, and precast concrete, but custom profiles and freeform components can also be modelled. This makes Tekla Structures particularly attractive for use on complex projects.

In a typical workflow components are laid down onto the grid, offset, or snapped to construction lines or reference elements. Users can work in 2D or 3D at the same time and even start in one view and finish in another ± it is that flexible.

Component properties, such as size, length, and material, can be defined prior to modelling or edited at a later date. Group edits are easy and users can choose which attributes to change. For example, it is possible to change the length of a group of beams without changing their individual shape or sizes. All the usual copy, move, and array commands are available to help users quickly build up the structure. There are very few limits.

Tekla Structures includes a comprehensive customisable library of components and joints.

Components do not have the same level of intelligence as they do in other BIM applications. For example, a beam does not automatically trim when it is attached to a column. However, there is a number of different ways to build in connectivity between components, so if a beam moves or changes shape the column adapts accordingly.

With more control over how components interact, Tekla Structures offers much greater modelling freedom. The downside is that users will have to invest more time to ensure that the geometry behaves how it should when edits are made.

Tekla Structures uses a central database to store all of its data. At the conceptual stages of design, this means several engineers can work in the same environment without having to break the model down into chunks. As data is saved a prompt appears to enter an optional revision comment explaining the changes. At the same time, users are notified of changes made by other engineers. Working in this way a full audit trail is made available for the project, but care still needs to be taken to co-ordinate work. Tekla Structures does not have a dedicated mechanism to enable engineers to communicate in real time. Instead, use of applications like Instant Messenger is common.

With a central database containing all the structural information, drawings are produced as ÙsnapshotsÝ of the 3D model.

Steel detailing is a major strength of the system and it includes hundreds of different types of 3D parametric connections. These can be generated automatically through customisable rules and are based on Green Book codes. They can be adapted by the user and parametric and non-parametric connections can also be created from scratch and saved in a custom library. A number of parametric custom components, such as Curtain Walling, Staircases, Trusses, and Precast Floors, are also included.

Analysis

TeklaÝs BIM ideology of sharing structural data throughout all stages of the design process is also applied to analysis. Round trip analysis is provided for a number of leading applications, including Robot, STAAD, S-Frame, and SAP2000. Engineers can export the BIM model from Tekla Structures, analyse the structure in a dedicated analysis application, tweak the design as necessary, then bring it back into Tekla Structures and accept or reject design changes (individually or globally). For analysis applications where direct links are not available (such as RAM) Tekla Structures also supports the CIS/2 and IFC interchange standards. In this case design changes need to be manually updated in the Tekla Structures model.

Tekla Structures is renowned for its ability to model complex structures whilst keeping the file size small.

Forces and load conditions can also be assigned inside Tekla Structures and taken into the analysis package. This streamlines workflow, particularly if there are multiple design iterations. However, many engineers still prefer to manage loading, and instead load cases inside an analysis application.

Structural analyses requires a dedicated analytical model. Unlike Revit Structure, which automatically builds an analytical model in the background as the physical model is built, analytical models are created as and when required. The engineer can create multiple models for different types of analysis (steel frame, beam design, concrete slabs) and can define exactly which components are included in each. This means the best analysis application can be used for the job at hand.

Inside Tekla Structures Analytical models can be viewed alongside the physical model and the engineer is afforded much control over the positions of nodes (the top, bottom or neutral axis of a beam), the type of joint (fixed, pin) and the level of fixing. Additional nodes can be added if required and structural elements can also be combined as one affording much flexibility.

Drawing and reports

With a central database containing all the structural information, drawings are produced as ÙsnapshotsÝ of the 3D model. If the model is amended, these changes are automatically highlighted in the drawing with a revision cloud. These remain until the drawing is re-issued.

Details and sections can be created from other views and if they are placed on another drawing sheet they are automatically referenced in the original drawing.

When inside a drawing it is not possible to move beams, columns, etc so the physical model canÝt be edited in this way. However, CAD tools can be used to add lines and text to drawings.

Drawings can be based on templates with title blocks automatically populated with project information and anything in the model can be scheduled. Dimensioning is automated, as can be the creation of close-up views of details.

The engineer is afforded complete control over how each detail and component is displayed but if something has not been modelled to the required level of detail, drawings can also be augmented with ÙdumbÝ 2D details, though these are not linked to the project model.

Tekla Structures was used on the Wembley Stadium project, which used 215,000 tonnes of concrete and 24,000 tonnes of steel. ® Anthony King - Fotolia.com

In addition to drawings and schedules, Tekla Structures can generate a wide variety of reports in HTML, .XLS and .TXT formats, based on the model as a whole or for individual components. These can also be used to check the model for accuracy before it goes downstream. For example, an engineer could use a report to instantly see if columns are on a grid and then automatically zoom to the problem area.

CNC code and steel management

For CNC (Computer Numeric Control) code generation, which is used to drive shop machinery tools to fabricate steelwork, the system supports DSTV standards. In addition, Tekla Structures supports FICEPÝs scribing technology, which scribes directly onto steel to indicate the required layout locations and aid in construction on site. Part marking, layout lines or welding symbols can all be added.

Tekla also works closely with Vela Systems to support its RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology. This enables all components to be tracked and managed from shop to site. This information can be visualised in the model environment or over the web using the free web view.

Concrete detailing

While TeklaÝs strength historically lies in steel, its Structures product also includes 3D detailing tools for reinforced and pre-cast concrete. Whereas 3D steel detailing is commonplace, RC detailing has largely remained a 2D practice so doing everything in a 3D environment is an interesting proposition. As with steel in Tekla Structures, the modelling process is flexible and the detailer simply lays down bars with the system automatically recognising shape code and positioning according to pre-defined cover thickness. Attributes such as grade, size, and number of hooks, are all controlled via dialogues.

The system also features a number of standard objects and can automatically detail pads, strip footings and beams, among others. Detailing macros are provided for wall panels, windows and other details. A drawing wizard is included for producing reinforcement drawings, formwork drawings and rebar schedules, and NC code can also be generated for bars.

For NC code generation the system supports DSTV standards.

Conclusion

Tekla Structures is a vast product that covers the entire structural design process in a single environment. It enables a single BIM model to be used from the conceptual stages right through to fabrication and beyond and its ability to re-use data through the design, analysis and detailing phases and model in steel, concrete and timber is somewhat unique in the industry. While other structural BIM systems offer capable modelling and round trip analysis, they do not provide such powerful tools for the detailing phase, a capability on which Tekla Structures was founded.

Tekla Structures scores highly in structural design, but it loses out when it comes to sharing data with other AEC disciplines. While it supports the capable IFC standards, there is still no substitute for sharing data with architects and building services engineers in native formats, such as Revit and MicroStation, and this will become increasingly important in the coming years as BIM grows.

In terms of modelling the product is extremely powerful and users only need to look at the range of structures that have incorporated Tekla Structures to see how adept it is with dealing with complex forms. The downside of this modelling freedom is that structural elements are not automatically constrained, so a disciplined approach to modelling is essential to ensure connectivity is maintained. Without this users are missing out on the major benefits of structural BIM, such as adaptability, accurate drawings, BOMs and cutting lists.

Delivering such a powerful system for structural design is a major achievement for Tekla. The software does an excellent job of bridging the gap between design and fabrication and through its single environment provides the perfect conduit for data to flow smoothly from engineer to detailer. Most importantly, though, it has the potential to simplify the management of an often fragmented process, leading to enhanced collaboration, better designs, reduced times, and of course lower costs.

Tekla Structures Basic Concepts

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	American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)		Character encoding standard that Tekla Structures supports.

	Assembly		Building object in Tekla Structures that represents a structure consisting of one or several parts and possibly other items. Typically, an assembly is a steel structure.

	Bending schedule		A chart that can be output from Tekla Structures showing the shapes and dimensions of every reinforcing bar and the number of bars required on a particular job for the construction of a reinforced concrete structure.

	Bill of Materials (BOM)		The list of components that make up a structure and can be output from Tekla Structures.

	Building Information Modeling (BIM)		The process of modeling and communicating the structure of a building in detail to benefit the entire building lifecycle. BIM facilitates the exchange and visualization of building information in digital 3D format between all building disciplines to ensure integrated project delivery (IPD). The acronym BIM is also used for the terms building information model and building information management.

	BVBS		Short for BundesVereinigung der BauSoftwarehäuser, this is originally a standard for the Federal Administration of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs needed to ensure that the authorities are able to implement a software-based solution for task processing quickly and economically.

	Computer-Aided Design (CAD)		Using computers to design products. CAD software is available for generic design or specialized uses, such as architectural design. More complex forms of CAD are solid modeling and parametric modeling, which allows objects to be created with real-world characteristics. In parametric modeling, objects have meaningful relationships with each other.

	Computer Numeric Control (CNC)		Operation of a machine tool with a computer controlling the manufacturing process. During the computer numerical control manufacturing process, a machine tool or machining center drills, cuts, or shapes the piece of material. The terms 'numerical control' and 'NC' refer to the method used prior to computer numerical control. However, the abbreviation 'NC' is often used in the term 'NC file'.

	Component		Group of Tekla model objects that are treated as a single unit so that they are easy to model and modify. Components adapt to changes in the model, so that a connection is automatically modified if the user modifies the parts it connects, for example.

	Custom component		Component that Tekla Structures user can create using the software's optional model objects and whose composition the user can modify.

	CIS/2		The second release of a steel integration standard supported by Tekla Structures.

	DGN		File format supported by certain CAD programs, such as Bentley Systems' MicroStation, as well as by Tekla Structures.

	DSTV		DSTV format is an industrial standard defined by the German Steel Construction Association.

	DWG		File format used for 2D and 3D CAD data that is supported by Tekla Structures.

	DXF		CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs that is also supported by Tekla Structures.

	Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)		Systems that attempt to integrate all data and processes of an organization into a unified system. A typical ERP system uses multiple components of software and hardware to achieve the integration through a unified database. Tekla Structures can be used to provide compatible manufacturing data for such a database.

	General Arrangement (GA) drawings		In Tekla Structures GA drawing is created from a model view and shows information needed at construction site. GA drawings show how the assemblies are located in the building and usually include the entire model view or part of it.

	Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)		Commonly used object-oriented file format with a data model developed by the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) to facilitate interoperability in the building industry. Tekla Structures software is IFC 2x3 certified.
	Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)		Project delivery method that integrates people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction.

	Management Information Systems (MIS)		Systems used to analyze other information systems applied in operational activities in an organization. Also referred to mean the Manufacturing Information Systems that Tekla Structures integrates with.

	Request for Information (RFI)		In the construction industry, RFI procedure is used to confirm the interpretation of a detail, specification or note on the construction drawings or to secure, for example, a documented directive or clarification from architect or owner that is needed to be able to continue work.

	Steel Detailing Neutral Format (SDNF)		File format used in steel detailing supported by Tekla Structures.

	Tekla Open API™		A specialized Application Programming Interface (API) developed by Tekla that enables users and vendors to develop plug-in applications and additional functionality on the Tekla modeling platform and integrate it into their own environment. Tekla Open API is implemented using Microsoft .NET technology, and any COM or .NET-compatible programs, such as database applications based on, for example, MS Access, Excel, Word, or Mathcad, as well as MIS and ERP software, can receive data from a Tekla model, run calculations, and then return results back to the model. Structural Steel Detailer

	User-Defined Attribute (UDA)		Tekla Structures object property created by the user in order to add information to the predefined object properties. For example, 'comment', 'locked', and 'erection status' are UDAs.

Building and Construction Model Based Software

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Fragmented and inaccurate project information leads to delivery problems in the building and construction industry. Securing information flow and accuracy results in less costs, less waste, and projects delivered on time. Structural Steel Detailer

These are the very essentials Tekla Building & Construction customers work to achieve every single day. Tekla BIM (Building Information Modeling) software solutions work like model-based encyclopedias of your project, allowing to include every important detail while managing the construction process as a whole. Our ambition is to develop the best tool to enable the best efficiency for your organization; for you to free more resources and time to building our future. Winning bids and planning, managing, and delivering first-class projects enable a better quality of everyday life – for your customers, employees and eventually, all of us.

Tekla BIMsight is a free-of-charge software application for model-based project cooperation.

Tekla Structures software

provides an accurate, detailed, and data-rich 3D environment that can be shared by:

Contractors

Structural engineers

Steel detailers and fabricators

Precast and Cast-in-Place concrete contractors, detailers and manufacturers

Educational institutions

Application developers

Tekla BIM Benefits

The highly detailed as-built structural models created, combined and distributed with Tekla Structures enable the highest level of constructability and production control. Centralizing building information into the model allows for more collaborative and integrated project management and delivery. This translates into increased productivity and elimination of waste, thus making construction and buildings more sustainable.

Tekla Structures is an innovative software environment that facilitates open integration with, for example, architectural models while supporting the end-to-end construction process. Every year Tekla invests approximately 20% of net sales into product research and development to continuously provide the most advanced solutions. Thousands of Tekla Structures software users around the world in nearly 100 countries successfully collaborate in BIM-based projects to produce higher-quality deliverables faster to their clients.