Tekla Structures 19 release provides new capabilities for structural engineers

Tekla, a provider of building information modeling (BIM) software and online tools to the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) markets, announced a new version of its 3D modeling software, Tekla Structures 19. Tekla Structures 19 delivers new features designed to further enable structural engineers, fabricators, detailers and concrete contractors to have more integration with third party software and coordinate with the project team.

Michael Gustafson, product team manager with Tekla – North America, answered some questions about the new release.

AECCafe Voice: Does the new release of Tekla Structures integrate with other BIM models and if so, which ones?

Michael Gustafson: Tekla Structures integrates with all leading BIM software such as Autodesk Revit, Bentley and Archicad. Tekla Structures imports and exports several formats such as IFC, CIS/2, DSTV, SDNF, DGN, DXF, DWG, IGES, and STEP. Also several integrations utilize direct links using APIs.

AECCafe Voice: What kind of analysis is used in order to determine the amount and location of concrete on a project, for example?

Michael Gustafson: Pour quantities are managed using a range of tools within the software such as the Model Organizer, Object Browser and Task Manager.  Pours can be broken down into pour objects which then can be instantly viewed for their pour properties such as volume and surface areas.  Tekla Structures integrates with third party software that perform the actual code-based structural design for sizing the concrete objects.

AECCafe Voice: At what stage in the design process will this information be made available to project team members?

Michael Gustafson: Once the general contractor or concrete contractor is brought on board and they start planning their work, they can begin to coordinate with the project team to identify constructability issues and plan their production.

AECCafe Voice: How does the new mobile functionality work? Is it both on and offline?

Michael Gustafson: The pours in Tekla Structures can be published to the free Tekla BIMsight software which operates on a number of Windows-based tablet PC products.  Tekla BIMsight can work both on or offline.  The Tekla BIMsight application is installed on the tablet itself while the project model can be stored on a network or on the tablet. Model changes can be synchronized via email or any third party cloud sharing service.

AECCafe Voice: How are the PDF models able to be imported directly into the Tekla 3D models?

Michael Gustafson: PDF drawings are inserted as 2D planes at different elevations in the 3D model. This allows contractors to more quickly model on top of the drawings and run quantity takeoffs.

Tags: AEC, Archicad, Autodesk, Bentley, BIM, building information modeling, contractors, fabricators, structural engineers, Tekla Structures 19

Categories: AEC, architecture, AutoCAD, Autodesk, Bentley Systems, BIM, building information modeling, construction, engineering, infrastructure

This entry was posted on Monday, April 1st, 2013 at 8:51 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.