Tekla Structures 2021 release notes

Tekla Structures 2021Release notes

April 2021

©2021 Trimble Solutions Corporation

Contents

1 Tekla Structures 2021 release notes........................................... 7

2 New Tekla Structures subscription offering and start-up changes......................................................................................9

2.1 Subscription content........................................................................................ 92.2 What has changed in the start-up.................................................................112.3 You can use online license for working offline............................................122.4 Using roles for ribbon selection ................................................................... 132.5 Skip the sign in dialog box during start-up.................................................. 142.6 Use of firm, project, and system folders prevented when there is

a risk of incorrect settings............................................................................. 14

3 New Instructor side pane and other help changes................. 15

4 Improvements in DirectX rendering......................................... 194.1 Option to turn off DirectX rendering replaced with an option to

turn on legacy OpenGL rendering................................................................. 194.2 New switches in the File menu to replace previously used

DirectX related advanced options................................................................ 194.3 New TeklaMark tool for measuring DirectX performance........................ 204.4 New advanced option XS_SHOW_STATISTICS_IN_DX................................... 20

5 Batch editing of assemblies or cast units.................................215.1 Limitations and recommendations in using Batch editor......................... 235.2 Edit similar assemblies or cast units with Batch editor.............................245.3 Settings in Batch editor.................................................................................. 265.4 Work with property columns in Batch editor..............................................27

6 New clip planes: View depth clip planes...................................29

7 New blind holes and improvements in bolt holes...................30

8 Reinforcement improvements...................................................328.1 New Rebar tab on the ribbon........................................................................ 328.2 Rebar sets and modifiers can follow edges..................................................328.3 Bar grouping improvements for rebar sets................................................. 338.4 New rebar set settings and other improvements.......................................34

2

8.5 Rebar set improvements introduced in previous service packs............... 35

9 Renewed shape catalog.............................................................. 36

10 Improved reference model clash check....................................37

11 Improvements in components...................................................4011.1 Concrete components.................................................................................... 4011.2 Steel components............................................................................................42

12 Improvements in custom component handling...................... 48

13 Modeling improvements.............................................................5013.1 Improvements in part solid creation............................................................5013.2 New keyboard shortcuts for part positions.................................................5013.3 New preview when you copy or move objects............................................ 5013.4 Improvements in Linear array tool and in Radial array tool.....................5213.5 Use Enter to complete commands................................................................ 5313.6 Snapping improvements................................................................................ 5313.7 Clip plane improvements............................................................................... 5313.8 Improved error messages in the property pane......................................... 5313.9 Improvements in pour management........................................................... 5313.10 The Usage statistics section removed from the File menu........................5413.11 Other modeling improvements.....................................................................54

14 Improvements in Trimble Connect Visualizer..........................5614.1 Creating user-defined materials................................................................... 5614.2 Setting material overrides............................................................................. 5814.3 Trimble Connect Visualizer: updated material appearances.................... 59

15 Drawing layout improvements.................................................. 6115.1 Drawing-specific layouts: change the table sets in individual

drawings...........................................................................................................6115.2 Synchronize drawing sizes and paper sizes used for printing................... 63

16 Dimensioning improvements.....................................................6416.1 Improved dimension rule associativity........................................................ 6416.2 Rebar dimension mark improvements........................................................ 6816.3 Improved application for creating rebar dimension marks for all

rebars................................................................................................................6916.4 Dimensioning rule improvements................................................................ 6916.5 Rebar group dimensioning.............................................................................69

17 Drawing cloning improvements................................................ 70

3

17.1 Examples of cloning improvements..............................................................7017.2 XS_DRAWING_CLONING_IGNORE_CHECK improvement............................. 7117.3 Removed XS_CREATE_MISSING_MARKS_IN_INTELLIGENT_CLONING..........71

18 Other improvements in drawings............................................. 7318.1 List, open and create drawings through contextual toolbar.....................7318.2 Improvements in Document manager......................................................... 7418.3 New features in Drawing content manager................................................ 7518.4 New settings for filtering model welds, weld marks and bolt

marks on drawing level.................................................................................. 7518.5 Zoom to selected in drawings........................................................................7618.6 Changes in object level settings in drawings...............................................7618.7 Copy and move manually created detail marks and section marks........ 7618.8 Remove all change symbols at one go..........................................................7718.9 Enhancements in Drawing 2D Library.......................................................... 7718.10 New object level surface treatment property file extension .dsrf........... 7818.11 Longer material names allowed in .htc schema files................................. 7818.12 Order of drawings in Print Drawings dialog box......................................... 7818.13 New presentation settings and other improvements in Rebar

pull-out picture and marking........................................................................ 7818.14 Quick start to Tekla Structures drawings.................................................... 79

19 Improvements in Tekla Model Sharing .................................... 8019.1 New ways to manage and message model users........................................8019.2 Exclude files and folders from being synchronized from XS_FIRM

and XS_Project folders.................................................................................... 8219.3 Role changes no longer require a restart.....................................................8219.4 See the progress of data synchronization from XS_FIRM and

XS_PROJECT folders......................................................................................... 82

20 Improvements in Trimble Connector........................................8320.1 Managing and comparing overlay model versions..................................... 8320.2 Creating clip planes on overlay models........................................................8720.3 Selecting assemblies in overlay models....................................................... 8720.4 Inquiring overlay model objects....................................................................8720.5 Grids, pours, and pour units included in .tekla models............................. 87

21 Updates in tools for automated precast fabrication.............. 8821.1 Export Unitechnik (79).................................................................................... 8821.2 BVBS Export......................................................................................................9221.3 Export EliPLAN file (68)................................................................................... 93

22 Tekla Structural Designer import and export..........................96

4

22.1 Renewed dialog boxes.................................................................................... 9622.2 Improvements in export................................................................................ 9622.3 Improvements in import................................................................................ 9722.4 Improvements in rebar import..................................................................... 97

23 Exporting Tekla Structures models to Tekla EPM withTekla EPM plug-in........................................................................ 99

24 Other improvements in interoperability................................10124.1 Reference models..........................................................................................10124.2 IFC export....................................................................................................... 10224.3 IFC object conversion....................................................................................10424.4 3D DWG and 3D DGN v8 exports..................................................................10424.5 Export drawings to DWG/DXF...................................................................... 10524.6 CIMSteel and CIS/2 functionality removed from Tekla Structures......... 10524.7 Tekla Warehouse Downloader.....................................................................10524.8 Tekla Structures extension manager shows the .tsep package type..... 105

25 Updates in Template Editor, templates and reports............ 10625.1 Template Editor User's Guide available in Tekla User Assistance.......... 10625.2 Template Editor improvements.................................................................. 10625.3 Changes in template attributes.................................................................. 108

26 Changes in advanced options.................................................. 10926.1 New advanced options................................................................................. 10926.2 Changed advanced options..........................................................................11126.3 Removed advanced options.........................................................................112

27 Changes in template attributes...............................................113

28 Tekla Structures 2021 administrator's release notes........... 11528.1 Administrator's release notes: General settings.......................................115

Administrator's release notes: Model templates in version update ........................... 116 Administrator's release notes: Applications & components catalog maintenance ...121Administrator's release notes: Updates in bypass.ini.....................................................122Administrator's release notes: Property pane updates..................................................123Administrator's release notes: Ribbon selection with new licenses............................. 124Administrator's release note: Ribbon updates................................................................ 125Administrator's release notes: Shape catalog improvements....................................... 125Administrator's release notes: Instructor pane...............................................................126Administrator's release notes: Batch editor property columns' configuration........... 126Administrator's release notes: Tekla EPM........................................................................ 127Administrator's release notes: Miscellaneous drawings improvements......................127

Attribute file extension for surface treatment on drawing side has changed to .dsrf..........................................................................................................................................................127

5

Display dimension associativity: XS_INTELLIGENCE_MAX_RULE_COUNT advanced option............................................................................................................................... 127

Dimension tag content control with associativity rules............................................ 128Automatic view-level dimensioning............................................................................. 128Weld and weld mark now appear in the relevant views only...................................128DR_DEFAULT_WELD_SIZE and DR_DEFAULT_HOLE_SIZE now work in new drawing

dialog boxes......................................................................................................................129Administrator's release notes: Miscellaneous general improvements........................ 129

New options in File > Settings ......................................................................................129Blind hole........................................................................................................................ 129Selection filter speed improved....................................................................................129Mapping file for profiles not used while converting IFC file..................................... 130

28.2 Administrator's release notes: Steel settings............................................130Administrator's release notes: Steel components.......................................................... 130

28.3 Administrator's release notes: Concrete settings.....................................130Administrator's release notes: Rebar set updates.......................................................... 131 Administrator's release notes: Updates in tools for automated precast fabrication 131Administrator's release notes: Miscellaneous concrete improvements...................... 131

New template attributes AREA_FORM_TOP_GLOBAL, AREA_FORM_SIDE_GLOBAL and AREA_FORM_BOTTOM_GLOBAL............................................................................ 131

Pour properties in IFC property set export.................................................................132Administrator's release notes: Concrete components................................................... 133

29 Localization release notes........................................................134

30 Disclaimer...................................................................................135

6

1 Tekla Structures 2021 releasenotes

Welcome to Tekla Structures 2021!

Check the information below on the many new features and improvements inthis version:

• New Tekla Structures subscription offering and start-up changes (page 9)

• New Instructor side pane (page 15)

• Improvements in DirectX rendering (page 19)

• Batch editing of assemblies or cast units (page 21)

• New clip planes: View depth clip planes (page 29)

• New blind holes and improvements in bolt holes (page 30)

• Reinforcement improvements (page 32)

• Renewed shape catalog (page 36)

• Improved reference model clash check (page 37)

• Improvements in components (page 40)

• Improvements in custom component handling (page 48)

• Modeling improvements (page 50)

• Improvements in Trimble Connect Visualizer (page 56)

• Drawing layout improvements (page 61)

• Dimensioning improvements (page 64)

• Cloning improvements (page 70)

• Other improvements in drawings (page 73)

• Improvements in Tekla Model Sharing (page 80)

• Improvements in Trimble Connector (page 83)

• Updates in tools for automated precast fabrication (page 88)

Tekla Structures 2021 release notes 7

• Tekla Structural Designer import and export (page 96)

• Exporting Tekla Structures models to Tekla EPM with Tekla EPM plug-in(page 99)

• Other improvements in interoperability (page 101)

• Updates in Template Editor, templates and reports (page 106)

• Changes in advanced options (page 109)

• Changes in template attributes (page 113)

• Tekla Structures 2021 fix list

Service packs

Follow the links below for information on new features, improvements andfixes made in each currently available service pack:

Compatibility

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

This version is not backwards compatible. When you create or save a model inTekla Structures 2021, you cannot open it in older versions due to databasedifferences.

Tekla Structures 2021 can only be installed on 64-bit Windows operatingsystems.

See the hardware recommendations for more information.

Tekla Structures 2021 requires Tekla License Server 2017 or later. To checkwhich license server version to use with your current Tekla Structures version,see Tekla license server 2020 hardware recommendations.

Administrator's release notes

Advanced users should read the Tekla Structures administrator's release notes(page 115) for information on how to apply the additional customizationsavailable in this release.

Localization release notes

Environment-specific changes are explained in the Localization release notes(page 134).

Tekla Open API release notes

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

Tekla Structures 2021 release notes 8

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/fixlist/2021

https://developer.tekla.com/tekla-structures/documentation#release-notes

2 New Tekla Structuressubscription offering and start-up changes

The new Tekla Structures subscription offering contains all that you need tomaximize your experience. In the heart is the Tekla Structures software.Supported by all the available services and the online licensing tool, you willget and stay productive in your work.

2.1 Subscription contentProducts included

The new subscription offering includes not only an online Tekla Structureslicense, but also a license of Trimble Connect is included to support yourcollaboration. The Tekla Structures configurations have been streamlineddown to three:

• Tekla Structures Diamond is for detailing & production information.

• Tekla Structures Graphite is for modeling & design documentation.

• Tekla Structures Carbon is for viewing & collaboration.

Note that the old configurations are still used with on-premises licensing likebefore.

Services included

Subscription includes a full range of services: BIM Software Training andSupport Services.

Online licensing included

The Tekla Structures subscription licenses are managed in the Tekla OnlineAdmin tool. User management is in the same tool for both internal and

New Tekla Structures subscription offering andstart-up changes

9 Subscription content

https://www.tekla.com/services

https://www.tekla.com/services

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/not-version-specific/en/manage-trimble-identities-and-tekla-online-licenses

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/not-version-specific/en/manage-trimble-identities-and-tekla-online-licenses

external users. Tekla Online Admin tool allows you to access your licenseusage data and you can also manage the subscription renewals easily fromthe same tool.

Subscription benefits

The new Tekla Structures subscription offering delivers a simpler, easier andmuch more flexible access to the Tekla Structures software and all relatedservices.

With the new Tekla Structures subscription you can:

• Get new licenses with a lower upfront investment.

• Map your needs easily against the simplified set of Tekla Structuresconfigurations.

• Expand into new business opportunities with a software that is not limitedby structural material.

• Manage all your Tekla Structures licenses and users online in onecentralized place and see how your licenses are used.

• Balance your license base more flexibly according to the changing needs inyour business.

• Use your license wherever you are, also without a VPN connection to youroffice, or a separate license borrowing tool.

Online license types

Tekla Structures online licenses are purchased as a recurring or fixed-termsubscription. The license details, including renewal information, can be viewedin the Tekla Online Admin Tool. The licenses unlock the Tekla StructuresCarbon, Tekla Structures Graphite, or Tekla Structures Diamondconfigurations, which progressively enable more product features.

Tekla Online administrators assign licenses to users. Tekla Structures onlinelicenses are named single-user licenses. Each user must have their ownTrimble Identity and Tekla Structures subscription license seat.

Different license types are available to match your needs for flexibility:

• If you have a Standard Tekla Structures online subscription license, you canassign the license for a total of four times per calendar year. This allowsyou to keep using the license when there are unexpected changes, such asif an employee changes roles or leaves the company.


10 Subscription content

HTTPS://ADMIN.ACCOUNT.TEKLA.COM

• Flex and Worldwide licenses can be reassigned from one user to anotherwithout limitations. If you plan to switch licenses from user to user, youshould select one of these licenses.

• Standard and Flex licenses must only be used within the country ofpurchase. Worldwide licenses can be assigned to users in any country.

• You can assign Standard, Flex, and Worldwide licenses to both employeesand external users.

2.2 What has changed in the start-up• Like earlier, download and install Tekla Structures and at least one of the

Tekla Structures environments from Tekla Downloads.

If you do not install any environment and start Tekla Structures, TeklaStructures prompts you to first install an environment before continuingthe start-up.

• If you have Tekla Structures extension packages (.tsep) that still need tobe installed, Tekla Structures opens a progress dialog box about theinstallation. You can cancel the installation in this dialog box, if needed.However, note that environment setting files are installed even if youcancel. Any remaining extensions in the installation queue are canceledand postponed to the next start-up, like earlier.

• Sign in to your Trimble Identity. With an online license, this is obligatory.


11 What has changed in the start-up

https://download.tekla.com/tekla-structures/for-businesses

If you get the cookie policy message, click X to dismiss it.

The default sign-in period is 30 days, and after that a new sign in will berequired.

• The new online subscription license is now the default licensing option. Inthe renewed licensing dialog box, the Use your Tekla online licenselicensing option is selected by default, and your user name is shown underthe option.

Note that if you have an on-premises license, you need to select the Useyour on-premises license server option.

• When you start Tekla Structures, the configuration list shows theconfigurations you are entitled to, like earlier. When you click OK afterselecting your environment, role and configuration, the license is nowconsumed at that point. Previously, this happened when you opened amodel.

• You can release the online license and use the same license on anothercomputer. To do this, clear the Keep this license reserved on this devicecheck box in the closing confirmation message box.

• For fluent use of your online license and the Tekla Online servicescomplementing the Tekla software products, check the following:Requirements for connecting to Tekla Online services.

2.3 You can use online license for working offlineUsing Tekla Structures offline is easy with the online license. To use TeklaStructures offline, close Tekla Structures, and ensure that the Keep this


12 You can use online license for working offline

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/support-articles/requirements-connecting-tekla-online-services

license reserved on this device check box is selected in the closingconfirmation message box. The maximum offline time is 3 days.

If the connection to Tekla Online licensing service is lost during online use, anotification is displayed. Your Tekla Structures is then in offline mode and willcontinue to function normally for the amount of time shown in thenotification.

• The notification message will change depending on the amount of time leftfor offline use.

• Tekla Structures will try to reconnect automatically. You can also try toreconnect manually by clicking the Try reconnecting now button. If thebutton is disabled, it means that reconnecting is not possible at themoment; we recommend you to wait until the button is enabled and tryagain.

• If the offline mode time runs out, you can no longer use Tekla Structures.You can either Save the model and close Tekla Structures or CloseTekla Structures.

2.4 Using roles for ribbon selectionWith the legacy on-premises licenses, all the main Tekla Structures usergroups, such as steel detailers and rebar detailers, have their ownconfigurations, and based on the configuration, a suitable ribbon is displayedin Tekla Structures.

With the subscription licenses, the same configurations are now used bydifferent Tekla Structures user groups. For example, steel detailers, precastdetailers, and rebar detailers all use the Tekla Structures Diamondconfiguration.

Now, the suitable ribbon for a certain Tekla Structures user group, forexample, a steel specific ribbon for the steel detailers, is defined by using therole selection on the Tekla Structures setup dialog box when Tekla Structuresis started.

The role-specific .ini files in environments contain new advanced options XS_RIBBON_CONFIGURATION_DIAMOND, XS_RIBBON_CONFIGURATION_GRAPHITE, and XS_RIBBON_CONFIGURATION_CARBON which define the ribbons for thespecific role. The advanced options point to the configuration identifiers of theribbon files. It is not possible to make up new configuration identifiers.

For more information, see Overview of environments, roles and licenses.


13 Using roles for ribbon selection

2.5 Skip the sign in dialog box during start-upA new advanced option XS_SKIP_START_UP_SIGNIN_ON_PREMISE_LICENSING has been added toskip the sign in dialog box during the Tekla Structures start-up. The sign in isskipped when you set this advanced to TRUE. It is especially useful if you useon-premises licenses and do not want to or cannot sign in. This advancedoption must be read by Tekla Structures in the early stages of starting up. Youcan set it as a Windows environment variable, in a batch file, or in bypass.ini.

2.6 Use of firm, project, and system folders preventedwhen there is a risk of incorrect settingsYou now get a warning about firm and project folders that are not found whileTekla Structures starts and the model loads. The warning is shown both in theTekla Structures window and the session history log file. The use of thesefolders is prevented in the current Tekla Structures session, so you do notwork with incorrect settings.

You also get a warning about system folders that do not exist or are notaccessible. The use of these system folders is prevented in the current TeklaStructures session, so you do not work with incorrect settings.

You can re-open the model to start using the folders again.


14 Use of firm, project, and system foldersprevented when there is a risk of incorrectsettings

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/support-articles/how-set-license-server-address-without-using-tekla-structures-user-interface

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/support-articles/how-create-shortcut-bypass-login-dialog-and-immediately-open-your-model

3 New Instructor side pane andother help changes

Learning Tekla Structures is now easy and smooth with the new Instructorside pane window!

Tekla Structures 2021 introduces a new side pane window, Instructor, thatshows instructions for the currently active ribbon command. The Instructorside pane window gives you

• a short description of the command

• steps how to use the command

• short example animations on how to use the command

• links to more comprehensive videos and instructions in Tekla UserAssistance

Instructor is available for all ribbon commands both in the modeling anddrawing mode.

New Instructor side pane and other help changes 15

How to use Instructor

1. First, open the Instructor side pane window. To open Instructor, click

in the side pane.

2. Click any command on the ribbon.

Instructor shows the instructions for the selected command.

If you wish to learn more about the command, click the links in the Findout more in Tekla User Assistance section in Instructor.


3. Click any other command on the ribbon.

Instructor content changes and shows the instructions for the newlyselected command.

Create your own Instructor content

You can easily create side pane help for tools in the Applications &components catalog. Instructor shows content on selection, so theinformation is especially useful for giving advice to your users on choosingbetween different components or giving instructions before running a tool. Tomake full use of this feature, users should arrange their side panels so thatboth panels are visible. This does not replace the help feature for customcomponents, so you can still attach a separate contextual (F1) help page tocustom component dialogs.

1. In the Applications & components catalog, select the tool you want toadd help for.

2. Click the Add help files button in Instructor.

A dialog box opens for creating the necessary files according to yourselections. The content can be stored in the model, project, firm, orsystem folder. Standard folder search order is followed.

Tekla Structures creates an XML file that defines a link between the tool in theApplications & components catalog and an HTML file for the help content.The HTML files are stored in a folder structure that separates files intolanguage-specific folders. The XML file and the root folder for the content arenamed according to the identifier of the tool you are documenting. You cancopy files between the allowed storage locations, but do not rename the filesor folders or change the folder structure.

To write the help content, you can edit the generated HTML files with yourpreferred text editor or other editing tool, or overwrite the template filesentirely.

Tekla Help Viewer removed

The separate Tekla Help Viewer has been removed. If you press F1 or Ctrl+F1, the user assistance now opens in your default web browser. With thischange, we hope you find help even easier to use as you can open the userassistance content in your preferred browser without extra clicks.

You can still install an offline help package instead of opening the userassistance page directly from the Tekla User Assistance online service.


Improved status bar messages

The status bar at the bottom of the Tekla Structures window now has a newlook that makes it stand out better. Many of the short instructions in thestatus bar have been improved to better explain the steps needed to use toolsand to give you more feedback.

Access change in Tekla User Assistance

Support articles are no longer restricted to maintenance users. You can nowview support articles without logging in to the Tekla User Assistance service.This makes it simpler and faster to use the service and ensures that all ourusers have access to the information they need even if accounts are notcorrectly set up or when there are problems logging in.


4 Improvements in DirectXrendering

In Tekla Structures 2021, the DirectX rendering has been further enhancedwith several improvements.

4.1 Option to turn off DirectX rendering replaced with anoption to turn on legacy OpenGL rendering

To inactivate the default DirectX rendering and to use the legacy OpenGLrendering, use the new Use legacy rendering option in File --> Settings -->Switches. When the option is off, the DirectX rendering is used. When theoption is on, the OpenGL rendering is used.

The Use legacy rendering option replaces the previously used DirectXrendering option.

The rendering setting is model view specific, which means that you can usedifferent rendering options in different model views.

4.2 New switches in the File menu to replace previouslyused DirectX related advanced optionsYou can now use the new Hatching of overlapping surfaces and Dashedline for hidden line options in File menu --> Settings --> Switches. Theseoptions control whether the hatching of overlapping surfaces on the sameplane is on or off, and whether the dashed lines for part edge lines are shownin the DirectX rendered model views.

A change in Hatching of overlapping surfaces requires reopening the view.

A change in Dashed line for hidden line requires a Tekla Structures restart.

Improvements in DirectX rendering 19 Option to turn off DirectX rendering replaced withan option to turn on legacy OpenGL rendering

These options replace the previously used advanced options XS_HATCH_OVERLAPPING_FACES_IN_DX and XS_USE_DASHED_HIDDEN_LINES.

4.3 New TeklaMark tool for measuring DirectXperformanceIf you want to measure the performance of your DirectX 3D rendering engine,use the new TeklaMark tool from Tekla Warehouse. There are three versionsof the tool available: for steel, for concrete, and for engineering. The tool testshow fast your computer handles graphical information typically used in TeklaStructures, for example, processor speed, load time, average draw time, andper frame details.

The tool shows a score for your hardware setup. To check the collectedperformance data on different hardware setups, see the TeklaMark supportarticle that shows graphs of the data.

4.4 New advanced option XS_SHOW_STATISTICS_IN_DXUse the advanced option XS_SHOW_STATISTICS_IN_DX to show statistics andthe used rendering device in the DirectX rendered model views. The statisticsare shown in the lower left corner of the model view, as frames per secondmeasurement.

With this advanced option you can easily verify that you are using a propergraphics hardware accelerator for the Tekla Structures model views, especiallywith multiple GPUs such as laptops, which often have both a CPU builtaccelerator and an external, much more powerful graphics accelerator.

By default, the advanced option is set to FALSE.

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

Note that this advanced option has no effect on the legacy OpenGL renderedmodel views.

Improvements in DirectX rendering 20 New TeklaMark tool for measuring DirectXperformance

https://warehouse.tekla.com/#!/catalog/details/ucac83627-77c6-4e39-a67e-400379dca22a

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/support-articles/teklamark

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/support-articles/teklamark

5 Batch editing of assemblies orcast units

In Tekla Structures 2021, you can now quickly copy all edits from a sourceassembly or cast unit to specified target assemblies or cast units in one go.The new tool Batch editor reduces the amount of repetitive work in situationswhere you need to edit identical assemblies or cast units by modifying theobject geometry or by changing the part properties.

Note that Batch editor is available in the Tekla Structures Diamondconfiguration.

Batch editor works with identical assemblies and cast units that have thesame position number, or with very similar but differently numberedassemblies and cast units.

Batch editing of assemblies or cast units 21

With Batch editor you can

• Select a source assembly or cast unit in the model, and based on thesource, generate a list of target assemblies or cast units to which you cancopy the edits done in the source. Batch editor only detects assemblies orcast units which have the same position number as the source.

If needed, you can manually add very similar but differently numberedassemblies or cast units to the list of targets.

• Use the list to copy all edits done in the source assembly or cast unit to thespecified target assemblies or cast units in one go.

Batch editor attempts to avoid replacing of modified objects. Batch editordetects matching objects in the targets assemblies or cast units andmodifies their geometry and properties.

Both the main and secondary part geometry and property edits, as well asmodifications in component properties can be copied. Note that to copy

Batch editing of assemblies or cast units 22

the main part geometry edits, the Copy main part position editsperformed after selecting the source assembly option needs to be on.

If there are secondary parts in the target assemblies or cast units which donot exist in the source anymore, Batch editor deletes the excesssecondary parts in the targets assemblies or cast units when you copy theedits.

• Use the list of target assemblies or cast units for

• viewing the differences between the source and the target assembliesor cast units before copying the edits.

• browsing the list of target assemblies or cast units and fixing possibleerrors before running numbering.

Batch editor uses the Validation attribute to report detected differencesin the number of objects between the selected source and the listed targetassemblies or cast units, and to compare the assembly or cast unit weightand volume. The Validation attribute also reports any missing oradditional objects in the target assemblies or cast units.

5.1 Limitations and recommendations in using Batcheditor• Batch editor works only on the assembly or on the cast unit level.

Assembly or cast unit secondary parts cannot be selected as a source ortarget. For example, you cannot copy edits from one part to another, orfrom one sub-assembly to another.

• Batch editor does not copy the following:

• values of unique user-defined attributes

• sub-assembly properties

• assembly numbering information

• Batch editor does not support the following object types:

• Pour units and pour objects

• Load object types in analysis and design

• We recommend that you do not use Batch editor if the source assemblyor cast unit has been split.

• We recommend that you do not use Batch editor with mirroredassemblies or cast units.

Rebar groups and components are not always adapted correctly to themain part. This applies especially to cases where new objects are added tothe mirrored target assemblies or cast units.

Batch editing of assemblies or cast units 23 Limitations and recommendations in using Batcheditor

• We recommend that you do not use Batch editor with assemblies or castunits that look similar but are modeled using different methods.

This applies to, for example, assemblies or cast units that have differentorientation of secondary object, or assemblies or cast units that have beenmodeled using different object types as the main part.

• Rebar groups and some macros do not adapt to the geometry of the mainpart with different dimensions or different shape.

• The main part geometry edits that are copied to rotated or mirroredassemblies or cast units may not work as expected.

• Batch editor overrides the overall dimensions of the parts that the Walllayout tool creates. Therefore, we recommend to use Batch editor forcopying edits to precast walls that have identical dimensions.

5.2 Edit similar assemblies or cast units with Batch editor1. On the Edit tab, click Batch editor.

The Batch editor dialog box opens.

2. Click the Select button and select a source assembly or a cast unit in themodel.

Batch editor finds all assemblies or cast units with the same positionnumber. The assemblies or cast units are listed in the Target assemblieslist.

3. To add target assemblies or cast units manually, select them in the modeland click the Add button.

To remove target assemblies from the list, select them in the list and clickthe Remove button.

Note that if you delete the source in the model, the source list becomesempty. Similarly, if you delete the targets in the model, the list of targetsbecomes empty.

4. In the Target assemblies list, use the check boxes to select theassemblies or cast units to which you want to copy the modifications fromthe source assembly.

Batch editing of assemblies or cast units 24 Edit similar assemblies or cast units with Batcheditor

To select several check boxes in one go, select the targets, and hold downthe Shift key and click the left mouse button.

5. To view the differences between the source and the target assemblies orcast units, or to fix errors, use the Validation attribute in the targetassemblies list.

Batch editor uses the Validation attribute to report detected differencesin the number of objects between the selected source and the listedtarget assemblies or cast units, and to compare the assembly or cast unitweight and volume. The Validation attribute also reports any missing oradditional objects in the target assemblies or cast units.

You can check the missing and additional objects in the model. Click theAdditional or Missing objects link to highlighted the objects in the model.

6. To copy the modification from the source assembly or the cast unit to thetargets, click the Copy button.

Batch editor analyzes the detected differences between the selectedsource and the targets, and makes all the selected target assemblies orcast units identical to the source.

7. To review the copying results in the model, select the target objects in thelist.

Select the Zoom to selected check box to automatically zoom to theobject selected in the list.

Batch editing of assemblies or cast units 25 Edit similar assemblies or cast units with Batcheditor

8. Number the modified assemblies or cast units to validate that allmodifications have been copied properly.

5.3 Settings in Batch editorUse the Settings to define how the edits are copied.

• Copy main part position edits performed after selecting the sourceassembly

When the option is on, Batch editor copies the geometrical modificationsdone to the assembly or cast unit main part, such as dragging of end pointhandles of the main part, or changing the main part location with the Moveor Move special commands.

NOTE Batch editor recognizes only the edits that you have done afterselecting the source assembly or cast unit, and switching theoption on. If you first modify the main part geometry and only thenswitch the option on, the main part edits are not copied.

If the option is off, only the secondary part and component edits arecopied.

• Copy main part properties

When the option is on, Batch editor copies the assembly or cast unit mainpart property modifications to the selected targets. Use this option, forexample, when you want to copy the edits to targets with different mainpart profile dimensions.

Note that user-defined attributes are copied but unique user-definedattributes are not copied.

• Update copied components in target assemblies

When the option is on, Batch editor modifies the components in thetarget assemblies or cast units according to the properties set in thecomponent properties dialog box. All manual changes, such as modifyingthe geometry of component objects, are lost.

If the option is off, manual changes in the component, for example,modifying the geometry of component objects or the component objectproperties, are copied to the target assemblies or cast units.

Batch editing of assemblies or cast units 26 Settings in Batch editor

5.4 Work with property columns in Batch editorYou can organize the list of target assemblies or cast units and the propertycolumns in Batch editor. Add, edit, or remove property columns to show theneeded properties about the target assemblies or cast units.

To Do thisAdd more property columns in the listof target assemblies

1. Click the button in the upperright corner of the Batch editor.

Alternatively, you can right-clickthe property column header andselect Edit.

2. In the Add/Edit propertiesdialog box, do the following:

• Select the required propertyfrom the list on the left anddrag it to the list on the right.Use the Search box forsearching properties. You canadd several properties to thesame column.

• If you want to add a customtext in a column cell, selectCustom text and type therequired text in the displayedText box. Then press Enter to

Batch editing of assemblies or cast units 27 Work with property columns in Batch editor

To Do thisadd the custom text in the liston the right.

• To show the property cellseven though there is no value,select the Show empty fieldsof the column option.

3. Enter the name for the propertycolumn and click OK.

The new property columns areadded to the list of targetassemblies view.

Change the order of the propertycolumns

Drag the property column header to anew location in the list of targets.

Change the sort order of a propertycolumn

Click the column header.

The arrow symbol next to the columnheader indicates if the sort order isascending or descending .

Resize a property column Drag the edge between this and thefollowing column header.

Refresh the list of target assemblies Click in the upper right corner ofthe Batch editor.

Batch editing of assemblies or cast units 28 Work with property columns in Batch editor

6 New clip planes: View depthclip planes

If the model objects do not fit to the work area view depths, you can nowcreate new view depth clip planes on the contextual toolbar.

Based on the view depth, you can, for example, easily isolate an entire floorfrom a building. View depth clip planes can be created both in native TeklaStructures models, as well as in reference models and overlay models.

1. If needed, modify the view depth of the current view on the contextualtoolbar.

2. On the contextual toolbar, click Add or update view depth clip planes

.

3. If you want to remove the view depth clip planes, click Remove view

depth clip planes on the contextual toolbar, or click View --> Clipplane --> Delete all clip planes.

Note that the work area box may have gaps to view depths, and whenworking with overlay models, you can clip models that are outside thework area.

Limitations:

• You cannot move the view depth clip planes by dragging the clip plane to anew location, as you can do with the traditional clip planes. This is becausethe view depth clip planes are strictly connected to the view depth.

• After you have adjusted the view depth, click the Add or update viewdepth clip planes button to manually update the view depth clip plane.

New clip planes: View depth clip planes 29

7 New blind holes andimprovements in bolt holes

Tekla Structures 2021 introduces the blind hole feature. A blind hole is a holethat does not extend completely through the material of an object, such as apart or wall; it is a dead-end hole. The blind hole feature in Tekla Structures isan easy way to create partial-depth holes in parts. Blind holes play a key role inaluminium curtain wall and light gauge steel construction, for example.

New bolt hole type: Blind hole

You can model partial-depth holes by using the Bolt command on the Steeltab, and by setting Plain hole type to Blind in the Bolt properties in theproperty pane. Then the new Hole depth box becomes available for you todefine the hole depth.

The blind hole depth is measured from the bolt/hole reference points, and theminimum blind hole depth is 0.1 mm.

New blind holes and improvements in bolt holes 30

If you want to create blind holes that go through several plies of material, andthere are gaps between the plies, for example two flanges of a part, adjust theCut length value in the Bolt section accordingly, similarly as with the bolts.

The following features are also available in Tekla Structures 2021:

• Blind holes can be used in custom components.

• Blind holes affect numbering in the same way as other bolts.

• Blind holes are supported in different Tekla Structures exports, forexample, in the IFC2x3, IFC4, and NC/DSTV export.

• You can show the blind hole depth in drawings by using the new Holedepth element in bolt marks.

• To show hole depth values in reports, use the new template attributeDEPTH on HOLE content type rows.

Fixes in bolt holes

• Earlier, in the IFC4 export of bolt holes, bolts were also exported. This hasnow been fixed.

• Sometimes bolts might have different length when exported to IFC. Thishas now been fixed.

• Bolt axis is no longer visible for the exported bolt holes.

• Partial holes can now be exported to IFC.

New blind holes and improvements in bolt holes 31

8 Reinforcement improvements

Tekla Structures 2021 comes with new settings and bar groupingimprovements for rebar sets, and introduces a new ribbon tab that collects allreinforcement modeling commands. Some of the new reinforcement featuresin Tekla Structures 2021 were already introduced in previous Tekla Structures2020 service packs.

8.1 New Rebar tab on the ribbonThe reinforcement modeling commands are now on their own Rebar tab onthe Tekla Structures ribbon.

8.2 Rebar sets and modifiers can follow edgesUse the new Follow edges setting to define whether rebar set guidelines andmodifiers including splitters follow the leg face edges that are located between

Reinforcement improvements 32 New Rebar tab on the ribbon

the guideline or modifier end points. This is useful when you reinforce anddetail curved concrete structures, for example.

The Follow edges list is available for rebar sets, all modifiers, and secondaryguidelines in the property pane. If you select Yes, and the direct modificationhandles of the guideline or modifier are on the edge of a leg face, theguideline or modifier attemps to follow the leg face edges that are locatedbetween its end points. The shortest route along the edges is used.

Alternatively, you can click on the contextual toolbar to make a selectedrebar set, modifier, splitter, or secondary guideline follow the leg face edges.

Note that if there are cuts at the edges, add intermediate direct modificationhandles to the guideline or modifier, and drag the handles to the corners ofthe cuts.

8.3 Bar grouping improvements for rebar sets• Tekla Structures 2021 automatically groups rebar set bars that are tapered

along a curve. The new tapered curved groups are supported in numbering,reporting, and dimensioning in drawings, for example.

• Similar rebar set bars are now also grouped together as a normal groupeven though the bars are irregularly placed along a polycurve.

• The automatic grouping of rebar set bars now takes cast units intoconsideration. If a cast unit consists of multiple parts, the bars are groupedwithin the cast unit instead of the parts.

• New advanced options that control the grouping of rebar set bars in amodel are introduced. Use these advanced options to define tolerances forthe rebar set bars that you want to be automatically grouped.

• XS_REBARSET_SIMILAR_GROUPING_NUMBER

• XS_REBARSET_SIMILAR_GROUPING_TOLERANCE

• XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_CURVED_GROUPING_TOLERANCE

Reinforcement improvements 33 Bar grouping improvements for rebar sets

• XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_LINEAR_GROUPING_TOLERANCE

• To override the values of the above model-specific advanced options incertain rebar sets, you can use the user-defined attributes Tapered lineartolerance, Tapered curved tolerance, and Minimum number of bars insimilar group on the Rebar set tab in the rebar set or property modifieruser-defined attributes.

8.4 New rebar set settings and other improvements• The Minimum lengths to be created settings have been added to the

property panes of individual rebar sets and property modifiers. You canuse the Minimum bar length and Minimum straight start/end leglength properties to override the corresponding model-specific settings inthe Options dialog box.

• To connect rebar set bar legs together even though the leg face edges donot overlap exactly, use the following new settings:

• XS_REBARSET_LEG_CONNECTION_TOLERANCE for the entire model

• Leg connection tolerance in the user-defined attributes of individualrebar sets or property modifiers

Enter a value to define the maximum gap between the leg faces that areautomatically connected. If the value is bigger than the existing gap, thegap is ignored and the bar legs are connected.

• To report the GUIDs of rebar sets and rebar set bar groups, use the newtemplate attributes USERDEFINED.REBARSET_GUID andUSERDEFINED.REBARSET_GROUP_GUID.

• It is now possible to filter and select rebar set bars and rebar set bargroups by using their GUIDs. Previously, it was only possible to select rebarsets by GUID. With single rebar set bars, use the Template category infilters.

• The IFC2x3 export also uses the new rebar set group GUID when exportingrebar set groups. Previously, the GUID of the first bar was used.

• The existing template attributes CROSS_SECTION_AREA andWEIGHT_PER_UNIT_LENGTH are now available for reinforcement on the REBAR and SINGLE REBAR rows.

• The advanced option XS_REBAR_MINIMUM_LEG_DEVIATION has beenrenamed to XS_REBARSET_MINIMUM_LEG_DEVIATION as it only affectsrebar sets.

Reinforcement improvements 34 New rebar set settings and other improvements

8.5 Rebar set improvements introduced in previousservice packs• The use of rebar sets in custom components was improved in Tekla

Structures 2020 SP1. Displaying of dimensions when creating a rebar setsplitter by picking multiple points was also introduced. See 2020 SP1: Newfeatures and improvements for details.

• Changing the direction of splitters, modifiers, and guidelines and thetemplate attributes SUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS andSUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS_LAST were introduced in Tekla Structures 2020 SP3.See 2020 SP3: New features and improvements for details.

Reinforcement improvements 35 Rebar set improvements introduced in previousservice packs

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/2020/en/rel_2020_sp1_new_features_and_improvements


https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/2020/en/rel_2020sp3_new_features_and_improvements

9 Renewed shape catalog

The shape catalog has been renewed. It has a new user interface and manynew features.

For example, you can now group shapes, create sub-groups, add tags toshapes, and mark important shapes with stars. Importing and exporting ofshapes have also been improved. You can now transfer shapes and grouphierarchies together or separately between models.

To access and modify the shape catalog, go to the File menu and clickCatalogs --> Shape catalog.

When you create or modify items and click … next to the Shape box in theitem properties to select a shape, the new dialog box Select shape nowopens.

Renewed shape catalog 36

10 Improved reference modelclash check

Clash check manager has been improved to better and faster find clashes inreference models.

New settings for selecting object types

In the Clash Check Manager dialog box, you can now easily control what typeof objects are included in the clash check. You can select whether the clashcheck includes clashes between reference models, clashing objects inreference models, and clashing Tekla Structures objects. You can also define aminimum distance for reporting clashes between reference model objects.

The settings you select in the Clash Check Manager dialog box determinewhat is included in the clash check. The settings have related advancedoptions whose values are not changed when you select or clear the checkboxes of the settings. When you open a new model or restart Tekla Structures,the settings are reset to match the advanced option values. The advancedoptions are already available in previous Tekla Structures versions.

• Between reference models

Clashes between reference models are included in the clash check.

Related advanced option: XS_CLASH_CHECK_BETWEEN_REFERENCES.

• Objects in reference models

Clashes within reference models are included in the clash check (bolts andwelds are not included).

Related advanced option: XS_CLASH_CHECK_INSIDE_REFERENCE_MODELS.

Improved reference model clash check 37

• Minimum distance (mm)

Reference model objects that are closer to each other than the setminimum distance are reported in the clash check list. The highest possibleminimum distance is 500 mm.

For example, you can use the minimum distance to detect the referencemodel piping clearance from structures to ensure the needed spacerequirement for piping insulation or supports.

• Between parts

Clashes between Tekla Structures objects are included in the clash check.

Related advanced option: XS_CLASH_CHECK_BETWEEN_PARTS.

If you already have clashes listed in Clash Check Manager, selecting orclearing any check box of the new settings will start a new clash check session.Tekla Structures displays a dialog box asking whether you want to save yourcurrent clash check session.

New progress bars

Clash Check Manager now shows separate progress bars for checkingclashes and for adding the clashes to the list of clashes in Clash CheckManager.

• When you start the clash check, Tekla Structures opens a dialog box thatshows a progress bar for the clash check: first for native Tekla Structuresobjects and then for reference model objects and pours. You can cancelthe clash check in the progress bar dialog box, if needed.

• When the clash checking is finished, the Clash Check Manager status barshows another progress bar that indicates how long it will take to add allthe clashes to the list of clashes. This is useful especially when there aremany clashes. When the listing is complete, the status bar messagechanges to Ready.

Reference model types

The improved clash check is used when the clash check contains referencemodel objects or native Tekla Structures pours. The improvements supportIFC/IFC4 and .tekla reference models (overlay models excluded), andreference models inserted using a base point. Other reference model formatssuch as DGN, DWG, and SKP can also be used in the clash check, as before.

Limitations

• Clashes are not detected if the profiles and positions are identical.

• Selecting a native Tekla Structures or a reference model assembly with theSelect assemblies selection switch does not have clash check in thecontext menu. You can check the selected assemblies in Clash Check

Manager by clicking .


• Zooming to selected and highlighting clashing objects cannot be usedwhen there is only one clash in the list of clashes. To zoom and highlight,right-click the clash in the list and select Clash Information.

• Reference model scale is not taken into account if the scale < 1.


11 Improvements in components

There are several improvements in concrete components and steelcomponents in Tekla Structures 2021.

Tekla Structures 2020 service packs also introduce improvements tocomponents, see 2020 SP7: New features and improvements, 2020 SP6: Newfeatures and improvements, 2020 SP4: New features and improvements, and2020 SP2: New features and improvements.

11.1 Concrete components

Component DescriptionDefault startnumber

• System components that create reinforcement nowby default use start number 1 when a start numberhas not been defined in the standard file or in thecomponent dialog box. Previously, a default value of 0was in use. This is not a recommended value as itaffects numbering overlapping issues.

Holereinforcementfor slabs andwalls (84)

• You can now define the cover thickness separately forthe horizontal and vertical edge bar groups on thePicture tab.

Mesh bars, Meshbars by area

• On the Picture tab, Primary bars direction has anew direct modification option, By directmodification arrow (flexible angle). You can use thisoption to individually rotate both arrow sides aroundtheir axis.

Improvements in components 40 Concrete components




https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/fixlist/2020%20sp4

https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/fixlist/2020%20sp2

Component Description• On the Detailing tab, you can now define the cover

thickess distance between the bar end/start point tothe edge of a polygon or recess opening.

You can use this option to define the cover thickness

for both windows and doors .

This is useful if window and door openings need tohave different cover thicknesses.

• On the Bar end conditions tab, you can now selectwhether the bars that protrude from the selectedconcrete parts are cut at the openings of neighborparts. To cut the bars at the openings, select Yes, andthen enter the cover thickness.

Sandwich anddouble wall

• Creating insulation at the corners has been improvedin situations where the corner parts are smaller thanthe insulation itself.

• On the Vertical section tab, there is a new option forcreating a gap between the inside and the front of theinner shell at the bottom and the top. The gap is filledwith insulation.

• On the Horizontal section tab, the empty voidcreated between the front of the created corner partand the front of the insulation is now by default filledwith insulation.

Improvements in components 41 Concrete components

Component DescriptionWall panelreinforcement,Double wall edgeand openingreinforcement

• On the Picture tab in Wall panel reinforcement, youcan now select whether the reinforcement is createdin the selected part or in the entire cast unit.

• You can now select on each tab where Ureinforcement is defined whether to create U rebarsand stirrups as a rebar group, or as bent meshes. Thebent meshes are created in the outer layer of thereinforcement.

In comparison with the original U bar and stirrups, thebent meshes will always be created in the outer layer.

• The Beam tab has been divided into two tabs: Beamwindow top and Beam window bottom for creatinga beam reinforcement on top of the opening andbelow the opening. The Attributes tab has beenupdated accordingly.

11.2 Steel components

Component DescriptionTensioner central gusset (18) Tekla Structures 2021 introduces

Tensioner central gusset (18). Thisnew component creates a gussetplate to connect bracing bars.

Bolted gusset (11), Tube gusset (20),Gusseted cross (62), Bolted gusset(196)

• You can now create stiffeners tothe gusset in Bolted gusset (196).

• You can now create chamfers instiffeners in Bolted gusset (11),Gusseted cross (62), and Boltedgusset (196).

• You can now create a secondchamfer in the gusset on theGusset tab. For Bolted gusset(196), you can do this on thePicture tab.

• You can now use separate weldsettings for the welds between the

Improvements in components 42 Steel components

Component Descriptionstiffeners and the main part, andthe welds between the stiffenersand the gusset.

Bridging (80) • You can now define different boltproperties for the start and endbolts on the Bolts tab.

Joining plates (14), Stiffened endplate (27), Seating cap (37), Seating(39), Haunch (40), Cranked beam(41), Partial stiffened end plate (65),Two sided end plate (142), End plate(144)

• On the Holes tab, it is nowpossible to use thesinkholes.dat definition file forspecifying default values forhorizontal and vertical offsets anddiameters for upper and lowerholes.

The file is searched in thefollowing order: Environmentcommon system steel folder(..\Environments\common\system\Steel), model folder, XS_FIRM, XS_PROJECT, and XS_SYSTEM folder.

Cast-in plate (1069) • You can now define the Finishproperty for all parts on the Partstab.

Central gusset (169) • You can now define the Finishproperty for all parts on theGusset tab.

Column - 2 beam (14) • You can now define galvanizingholes in the end plates on theHoles tabs.

Column splice (132) • You can now define the web boltand flange bolt spacing and edgedistances separately for the mainpart and the secondary part.

Corner bolted gusset (57) • Weld creation has been changedso that weld 1 is now used for


Component Descriptionwelding the gusset to the mainpart and weld 4 is now used forwelding the gusset to the lastsecondary part.

On the Gusset tab, you can nowdefine that the gusset plate iswelded to both the main part and

the secondary part .Full depth (184) • You can now define the gap

between the tab plate and thebottom of the top flange on thePicture tab.

Full depth S (185) • You can now define the gapbetween the shear tab and themain part web on the Picture tab,

and the gap between the oppositeweb stiffener and the main partweb on the Stiffener tab.


Component Description

Handrailing (1024) • Weld 3 is now used for creatingwelding between the toe platesand the main part. Previously,weld 1 was used for this.

Haunch (40) • On the Haunch tab, you can nowuse the Cut at upper end haunchoptions and create a closure platewhen the haunch is created as acomposite of welded plates.

• You can now define the beamstiffener offset on the Parameterstab.

H&V Shear Pl (64) • You can now fit the shear tab tothe main part on the Shear platetab.

• You can now use weld 5 as theweld between the cap plate andthe secondary part.

• You can now use weld 3 as theweld between the top flange andthe shear tab, and weld 4 as theweld between the bottom flangeand the shear tab.

JP Floor beam gusset (11) • You can now define the Finishproperty for all parts on the Partstab.


Component DescriptionJP Floor beam gusset A (12) • You can now define the Finish

property for all parts on the Partstab.

Multiple stiffeners (1064) • On the Parameters tab, you cannow select to fit sloped stiffenerswith the main part flanges.

Partial stiff end plate (65) • You can now create galvanizingholes in the front plate on theHoles - front plate tab.

Rail connection (70) • You can now define the Finishproperty for all parts on the Partstab.

Railings (S77) • You can now use customcomponents as a connectionbetween the stanchions and thetop, middle, and bottom rails.

Seating (39) • The stiffeners are not createdanymore when you do not enterany value for the stiffenerthickness. Previously, you had toenter 0 as the thickness to notcreate stiffeners.

Shear Pl to tube column (47), Shearplate tube column (189)

• The Beam cut tab has been addedto the components. It is nowpossible to create weld accessholes and backing bars.

Simple clip angle 2 • On the Bolts tab, you can nowcontrol whether slotted/oversizedholes are created in the shimplates.

Stairs (S71) • On the Stair setup tab, you cannow define the bolt tolerancewhen using catalogue steps.

Stairs (S82) • On the Parameters tab, you cannow define the bolt tolerancewhen using catalogue steps.

Stiffened end plate (27) • The component now workscorrectly when used in beam-to-column connections.

• You can now create galvanizingholes in the front plate on theHoles - front plate tab.


Component DescriptionTapered column (136) • You can now define the Finish

property for all parts on theParameters tab.

Tube gusset (20) You can now define the followingdimensions on the Cross plates tab:

1. Distance between the end of thebrace cap plate and the edge ofthe splice plate.

2. Clearance of the cross plate edgeon the gusset plate from thesurface of the main part.

U.S. Base plate connection (71) • You can now define the gapbetween the beam stiffeners andthe beam top and bottom flangeson the Picture tab.


12 Improvements in customcomponent handling

Custom components have many interesting enhancements in Tekla Structures2021.

Data lookup file fVF improvements

• It is no longer necessary to have a space or separator character at the endof each line in the data lookup files. The last column of data is nowcorrectly retrieved without the extra space.

• You can now specify a character for data separation: fVF(data file,lookup value, column#[, separator character])• You can now use a preferred column separator of choice. Previously, it

was possible to use only spaces as separators.

This enables the support for spaces in names, profiles, shapes, and soon, as well as the use of distance lists as input.

• You can also use blank or empty strings as input.

• Leading and trailing white space is dropped.

• Only a single character can be used as a separator. For example, youcannot use a more complex separator such as "/+/", because only thefirst character is considered as a column separator.

Data files are now published with the custom component

The data files that are used by the custom component are now included in theexported .uel file, if the data files are located under the model folder.

• Only files specified directly in fVF functions are exported. For example: =fVF("myData.dat", ...) directly specifies the file, but =fVF(P1, ...) does not.

• Only data files that are in the model folder or in theCustomComponentDialogFiles subfolder are exported.

Improvements in custom component handling 48

• On import of a .uel file that contains data files, the data files are copied tothe model's CustomComponentDialogFiles folder. If there are anyconflicts with existing data files, a warning message is displayed.

Enhancements in custom component password protection

The custom component password protection has been enhanced. In theCustom component editor, there is a new command available in the shortcutmenu when you right-click a custom component: Explode component withparameters.

Now, when you explode a password protected custom component in theCustom component editor, the new Explode component with parameterscommand will ask you to enter the password. Only after entering the correctpassword will the component be exploded, and the component parametersand mappings created.

If you explode a password protected custom component using the existingExplode Component command, the custom component is exploded withoutcreating the component parameters and mappings.

Improvements in custom component dialog editor

The Custom Component Dialog Editor tool now supports all the same valuetypes as those available in the custom component properties. This means, forexample, that you can now specify a variable value type as shape, which willgive you access to the shape catalog in the component dialog box.

Limitations in variable names

• Using a mathematical constant, such as PI or e, as a parameter name isnot possible anymore in custom components.

• Variable names that contain mathematical operators (+,-,*,/) cannot beused in the custom component editor anymore.

Improvements in custom component handling 49

13Modeling improvements

Tekla Structures 2021 introduces many modeling improvements.

13.1 Improvements in part solid creationTekla Structures 2021 uses instancing in steel and concrete part solid creation.This improves the overall performance as the same part solid geometry can beused in multiple locations in the model without the need to recreate similargeometries repeatedly. Less memory is also needed to store the solidgeometries in the solid buffer, as only one geometry entry is stored for all thesimilar instances. Depending on the repetition of the similar parts in themodel, the improved performance can be seen in model view opening, innumbering, and in exports, for example.

Solid geometries are now created and stored in the local coordinates of parts,which improves accuracy. This improves numbering as parts will be assignedinto the same series regardless of where the parts are located in the modelglobal coordinates.

13.2 New keyboard shortcuts for part positionsThe improvements in keyboard shortcuts were introduced in Tekla Structures2020 SP3, see 2020 SP3: New features and improvements for details.

13.3 New preview when you copy or move objectsWhen you copy or move objects using the Copy or Move command, TeklaStructures now displays a preview of the new location of the copied or movedobjects in the model. This allows you to see the end result of copying ormoving before picking the destination point for the copied or moved objects.

1. Select the objects you want to copy or move.

Modeling improvements 50 Improvements in part solid creation


2. Run the Copy or the Move command.

3. Pick the origin for copying or moving.

Tekla Structures displays a rubber band line between the first picked pointand the cursor position. Move the cursor to see how the preview changes.

Modeling improvements 51 New preview when you copy or move objects

Note that Tekla Structures always displays the preview in the positionwhere the objects will be copied or moved, not in the position where thecursor is when you pick the destination point.

4. Pick the destination point.

If you want to limit the number of objects shown in the preview, use theadvanced option XS_PREVIEW_LIMIT. The default value is 1000. When thevalue is 0, the preview is off.

13.4 Improvements in Linear array tool and in Radialarray tool• In the Linear array tool, if you do not enter the number of copies, the

number of copies is now taken from the defined space distances betweenthe objects, from the Space between copies box.

• In the Radial array tool, if you do not enter the number of angles or thedistance, the number of copies is now taken from the defined distancesbetween the objects, from the Space between copies box.

Modeling improvements 52 Improvements in Linear array tool and in Radialarray tool

13.5 Use Enter to complete commandsYou can now use the Enter key to complete commands. Ensure that the newadvanced option XS_ENTER_FINALIZES_COMMANDS is set to TRUE to enablethe usage of the Enter key as a shortcut.

Previously, only the space key and middle mouse button worked as shortcutsto complete a command, and for the direct modification commands only themiddle mouse button worked as a shortcut.

13.6 Snapping improvementsYou cannot snap to an object's own hidden reference lines or geometry linesanymore in views whose rendering option is Parts rendered or Componentsrendered (Ctrl/Shift+4).

13.7 Clip plane improvementsWhen you create clip planes, you can now select planes on parts andcomponent objects also when using the shaded wireframe and grayscalerendering options (Ctrl+2, Shift+2, Ctrl+3, and Shift+3). The related status barmessages have also been improved.

13.8 Improved error messages in the property panePreviously, if you entered an invalid value in a value box in the property pane,a red border around the box and a red exclamation mark was displayed. Now,there is no exclamation mark but a tooltip displaying the error message isshown on top of the value box.

13.9 Improvements in pour management• There are performance improvements in the pour management features.

These improvements speed up opening and modifying the models, as wellas calculating the pour units.

• When you use the Calculate pour units command, the precast cast unitsare no longer automatically added to the pour units. However, they can stillbe added manually.

• The default value of XS_CALCULATE_POUR_UNITS_ON_SHARING has beenchanged to FALSE. This means that Tekla Structures no longer

Modeling improvements 53 Snapping improvements

automatically calculates and updates the pour units in shared modelsduring writing out and reading in. Instead, each user can now run theCalculate pour units command in their local version of the shared modelwhen they need up-to-date pour unit information.

• Some improvements in pour calculations were already introduced in TeklaStructures 2020 SP1. See 2020 SP1: New features and improvements fordetails.

13.10 The Usage statistics section removed from the FilemenuThe Usage statistics section in File --> Settings has been removed. Note thatusage data is collected by default.

The UserFeedbackLog.txt file that contains the collected data is nowavailable in File --> Logs --> Usage data log, along with the other log files.

Note that when you click Usage data log to open the UserFeedbackLog.txtfile, the log file is always opened with the default text editor, unlike other logfiles which can be opened through the Tekla Structures log viewer. The optionto switch between the viewers does not work for the UserFeedbackLog.txtfile.

The UserFeedbackLog.txt log file is located in theTeklaStructuresModels folder.

13.11 Other modeling improvements• Surface objects can now be copied. If they are attached to a part face, they

are copied when the part is copied. Surfaces can also be copied or movedseparately from one object type to the same object type, i.e. from a part toanother part, and from a pour object to another pour object.

• In model views, tessellation edges are no longer shown within the curvedsurface objects. This applies both to the DirectX rendering and the legacy(OpenGL) rendering.

• The commands Convert part to item and Create shape fromgeometry are now available on the Edit on the ribbon. Previously, thesecommands could be started by using the right-click context menu or QuickLaunch.

• The Active Window submenu has now been removed from the Zoomcontext menu in the modeling mode and drawing mode. In the modelingmode, the zoom commands are available on the View tab in the Zoommenu, and the tooltips show the related keyboard shortcuts. In both

Modeling improvements 54 The Usage statistics section removed from theFile menu


modes, the zoom commands are available in Quick Launch, and there youcan also see the keyboard shortcuts.

• The Reinforcing bar and Reinforcement mesh branches have beenremoved from the material catalog. Rebar definitions are available in therebar catalog.

Modeling improvements 55 Other modeling improvements

14 Improvements in TrimbleConnect Visualizer

Trimble Connect Visualizer now allows you to create your own materials, andoverride the materials of particular objects to use another material instead.

14.1 Creating user-defined materialsTrimble Connect Visualizer now has a material editor where you can add yourown user-defined materials for visualizing models. User-defined materials canbe used in in the same way as pre-defined materials.

• To open the material editor and start creating user-defined materials, click

in the Trimble Connect Visualizer side pane.

Improvements in Trimble Connect Visualizer 56 Creating user-defined materials

With the material editor, you can:

Improvements in Trimble Connect Visualizer 57 Creating user-defined materials

• Create, modify, and save your own user-defined materials

• Add textures for user-defined materials, and adjust the scaling and tiling ofthe textures

• Adjust material colors with RGB color sliders

• Adjust the transparency, roughness, metallic look, and bump strength ofyour materials

• Preview your user-defined materials on all visualized objects

• Reset all objects to use their original materials

User-defined materials are stored in the C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\TrimbleConnectVisualizer\CustomMaterials folder.

NOTE User-defined materials are not shared to other users with Tekla ModelSharing. Any objects that are mapped to use customized materialsappear with their class colors to other users.

14.2 Setting material overridesYou can now override the materials used for the selected objects in TrimbleConnect Visualizer, and select another material that you want to use instead.

Improvements in Trimble Connect Visualizer 58 Setting material overrides

To override materials, select the objects and set an override material in theVisualizer settings dialog box.

You can use any pre-defined or customized material as the override material.

When you set an override material, the override material name is stored to theselected objects' VISUALIZER_MATERIAL user-defined attribute.

14.3 Trimble Connect Visualizer: updated materialappearancesThe appearances of the following pre-defined materials have been updated inTrimble Connect Visualizer:

• Concrete

• Glass

• Grass

• Ground

• Steel

• Timber

In the image below, from left to right, you can see the new appearances ofsteel, concrete, timber, glass, ground, and grass.

Improvements in Trimble Connect Visualizer 59 Trimble Connect Visualizer: updated materialappearances

Improvements in Trimble Connect Visualizer 60 Trimble Connect Visualizer: updated materialappearances

15Drawing layout improvements

Tekla Structures 2021 allows you to work with drawing layouts even moreeasily. For example, you can now adjust the table layouts in individualdrawings.

15.1 Drawing-specific layouts: change the table sets inindividual drawingsFrom Tekla Structures 2021 onwards, you can easily make minor changes tothe table sets in drawings. This way, you can avoid and remove overlaps indrawing content and tables without editing the drawing layout, or creatingnew layouts or drawing sizes for each case.

To make changes to the table sets in your drawings, you need to exclude thetables from the drawing layout. When you exclude a table, the table becomesa part of the current drawing, so any changes you make to that table will notbe saved to the drawing layout.

All tables that have not been excluded in the drawing are still bound to theoriginal drawing layout, so any changes made to non-excluded tables in thedrawing layout are still updated to the current drawing.

NOTE You cannot change the drawing size if any tables are excluded fromthe drawing.

Excluding tables

To start making table changes in the current drawing:

1. In the open drawing, select the table that you want to edit.

2. Right-click the table, and select Exclude template from layout.

Drawing layout improvements 61 Drawing-specific layouts: change the table sets inindividual drawings

Now, you can move, rotate, or delete the excluded table directly in thedrawing.

Editing excluded tables in Layout editor

If you want to scale the table, define an exact rotation angle, or add new tablesto the current drawing, you need to open Layout editor. To do so, right-clickthe excluded table and select Open Layout editor.

In the Tables in use list in Layout editor, excluded tables are shown asfollows: <<TABLE NAME>>.

Note that you cannot modify any layout properties that are not related totables.

Discarding table changes

If you want to discard any table changes that you have made in the currentdrawing:

• To return an excluded table to its original position and include it in thedrawing layout again, right-click the table and select Restore tableposition.

Drawing layout improvements 62 Drawing-specific layouts: change the table sets inindividual drawings

• To include all excluded tables in the drawing layout again and restore theoriginal layout, right-click in the drawing and select Restore layout.

15.2 Synchronize drawing sizes and paper sizes used forprintingThis improvement was already introduced in Tekla Structures 2020 SP3. See2020 SP3: New features and improvements for details.

Drawing layout improvements 63 Synchronize drawing sizes and paper sizes usedfor printing


16Dimensioning improvements

Tekla Structures 2021 contains enhancements in dimension rule associativity,rebar dimension marks, rebar group dimensioning, and view leveldimensioning.

16.1 Improved dimension rule associativitySelect dimension associativity rule during manual dimension creation

From Tekla Structures 2021 onwards, you can select an associativity rule foreach dimension point during the manual dimensioning of the drawing objects.Now you can properly associate a dimension during its creation, and thedimension locations are preserved better during drawing updates and cloning.

• To activate the new dimension creation associativity functionality, go to File--> Settings in the drawing mode, and in the Switches section, select theDimension creation associativity check box.

Then start creating a dimension with any of the following dimensioning

commands: Horizontal, Vertical, Orthogonal,

Perpendicular, Parallel or Free. Pick the dimension pointposition, and the associativity rules list is displayed.

Dimensioning improvements 64 Improved dimension rule associativity

You can select the desired associativity rule in one of the following threeways:

• By scrolling the mouse wheel when the mouse pointer is on theassociativity rule list.

• By clicking the desired associativity rule in the rule list

• By entering the Select next associativity option command in QuickLaunch.

• By using a keyboard shortcut that you have defined for Select nextassociativity option.

When you select a rule, the related object is highlighted in the drawing so thatyou can check if the selected rule refers to an appropriate object.


When you have selected the associativity rule, you can continue creating thedimension by picking the next dimension points. The associativity rule list isdisplayed each time when a point with available associativity rules is detected.

Note that the feature intelligently selects the rules based on the data collectedon the previously selected rules in the range of the dimension that is beingcreated. When you continue picking dimension points, the associativity rulessimilar to the rules selected earlier are selected automatically.

The associativity rule list is now located so that it avoids overlapping with thebuilding objects and mouse pointer. The feature detects the current positionof the mouse pointer and keeps the associativity rule list on the opposite sideof the picked dimension point.

In the following image, the mouse pointer position is indicated by a blue circleand the picked dimension point by an orange circle.

Limitations

• Selecting a dimension associativity rule during manual dimensioning works

only with straight dimensions, with the following commands only:

Horizontal, Vertical, Orthogonal, Perpendicular,

Parallel and Free .

• Some rules can be missing from the associativity rule list. To increase thenumber of rules listed in the associativity rule list, change the value for thefollowing advanced options:

XS_INTELLIGENCE_MAX_RULE_COUNT

XS_INTELLIGENCE_MAX_PART_COUNT

XS_INTELLIGENCE_MAX_PLANE_COUNT

Rules associated with reference points

Dimension associativity rules are now sorted and show more clearly if the ruleis associated with a reference point.


Default associativity rule not always shown in the associativity rule list

• Now the Default associativity rule is not always shown in the associativityrule list, unless it is the only rule available, or if it has been previouslyselected as the active rule for the chosen point.

Control dimension tag content with associativity rules

Dimension tag content can now be controlled using associativity rules.Selecting the right associativity rules helps you to easily select objects thatneed to be shown in the tags, and set up dimension tags easily without havingto create complex exclusion filters, like earlier. Only attributes that correspondto the selected objects will be shown in the tags.

This is especially useful in conflict situations when dimension points might notbe associated with the desired objects, because there are other objects in thesame dimension point location.

To adjust dimension tag content:

1. In an open drawing, right-click a dimension whose tags you want tomodify.

Properties that correspond to all dimensioned objects are shown in thetag.

Note that if you are adding dimensions manually, you need to go to File --> Settings, and select the Dimension creation associativity check box tobe able to open the associativity rule list.


2. In the context menu, select Show dimension associativity rules, andselect the objects that you want to show in the dimension tag.

The objects that are not selected are immediately filtered out of the tag.

16.2 Rebar dimension mark improvementsMore controlled rebar dimension mark placing

Previously the manual rebar dimension mark creation ignored the dimensionplacing settings and always used free placing, and automatically determinedthe location of the dimension. Now, the default value for the Placing setting inis fixed in all environments. When you create a rebar dimension mark, you willbe asked to pick a location for the dimension line.

The improvements in the rebar dimension mark placing were introduced inTekla Structures 2020 SP5. See 2020 SP5: New features and improvements fordetails.

New properties dialog box , separate command for rebar dimensionmark properties and new settings files for rebar dimension marks

The new Rebar dimension mark properties dialog box, the new, separatecommand for Rebar dimension mark in the Properties menu, and the new *.rdim settings files were introduced in Tekla Structures 2020 SP2. See 2020SP2: New features and improvements for details.

Dimensioning improvements 68 Rebar dimension mark improvements




16.3 Improved application for creating rebar dimensionmarks for all rebarsThe Create Dim Lines For All Rebars application in the Applications &components catalog has been renamed to Create dimension marks for allrebars. This application now creates any type of rebar dimension mark. Werecommend that you first set the appropriate rebar dimension markproperties in the Rebar dimension mark properties dialog box (Drawing -->Properties --> Rebar dimension mark) in the drawing mode, and then runthe application.

16.4 Dimensioning rule improvements• The Measure from section in the Dimensioning rule properties dialog

box contains a new option And grid. This new option adds grid lines to thedimensions. This option is available for the Overall dimensions, Shapedimensions, Filter dimensions, Secondary parts dimensions, Holedimensions, and Recess dimensions dimensioning types.

• The performance of the drawing dimensioning type Filter dimensions hasbeen improved. To implement the improvement, create the filter as aselection filter (file extension .SObjGrp). Normally, the dimensioning filtersare created as drawing view filters (file extension .vf), and the drawingview filters are not affected by this improvement.

16.5 Rebar group dimensioningDimensioning of rebar groups now works also if the parent object is aconcrete item.

Dimensioning improvements 69 Improved application for creating rebardimension marks for all rebars

17Drawing cloning improvements

Cloning is used frequently in drawings for creating fabrication drawings. Thecloning of views, part marks, weld marks, and dimensions is now more reliableand creates higher quality drawings. The cloning is also faster.

17.1 Examples of cloning improvements• The main views now preserve the shortening value, and the section views

keep their location set in the source drawing.

See an example before and after.

• All views now preserve their location as set in the cloning template. Alsothe associativity of all annotations is preserved, and the amount ofdimensions in the source drawing and cloned drawings is the same.


• All section views in a cloned drawing preserve the same location as in thesource drawing, and all linked views are cloned properly. Also allannotations are cloned and placed properly in the cloned drawing.


• Cloning of weld marks has been improved to avoid generation of extramarks that do not exist in the source drawing.


• Rebar marks now preserve their leader line type in a cloned drawing.


• All rebar marks are now placed nicely within the drawing view frameboundaries.


• Rebar marks now preserve their location, and point directly at theassociated rebar.


Drawing cloning improvements 70 Examples of cloning improvements

• Part marks now preserve their location and the associativity to theappropriate object. Dimensions and bolt marks also preserve theirassociativity.


• Amount of drawing views and annotations as well as their placement is thesame as in a source drawing.


• Merged bolt marks are now preserved in a cloned drawing, and boltdimensions preserve associativity with the appropriate objects.


• Manually created dimensions are now cloned even when some dimensionpoints are not properly associated.


• Manually created dimensions are now cloned so that the correctassociativity and location are preserved.


• Integrated dimensions are now cloned so that the correct associativity andlocation are preserved.

See first example before and after.

See second example before and after.

• Dimension tags preserve their content in a cloned drawing, section viewspreserve their location defined in a cloning template, and drawing 3D viewsare cloned properly.


17.2 XS_DRAWING_CLONING_IGNORE_CHECK improvement• An improvement in the XS_DRAWING_CLONING_IGNORE_CHECK advanced

option was already introduced in Tekla Structures 2020 SP2. See 2020 SP2:New features and improvements for details.

17.3 RemovedXS_CREATE_MISSING_MARKS_IN_INTELLIGENT_CLONINGYou no longer need to set the advanced option XS_CREATE_MISSING_MARKS_IN_INTELLIGENT_CLONING to create marks toa cloned drawing also for parts that could not be mapped to the cloningtemplate drawing. The functionality is already available in the cloning settings

Drawing cloning improvements 71 XS_DRAWING_CLONING_IGNORE_CHECKimprovement



(Other marks --> Create) and in the Master Drawing Catalog cloningsettings (Marks --> Create).

Drawing cloning improvements 72 RemovedXS_CREATE_MISSING_MARKS_IN_INTELLIGENT_CLONING

18Other improvements indrawings

Tekla Structures 2021 introduces a large amount of improvements indrawings, including additions on the contextual toolbar in the modeling mode,new settings common for all views in a drawing, and enhancements inDocument manager, Drawing content manager, zooming, object levelsettings, and many more.

18.1 List, open and create drawings through contextualtoolbar• Now when you select objects in the model, and click the new Open or

create drawings button on the contextual toolbar, single-part drawings,assembly drawings, cast unit drawings, and multidrawings created for theselected objects are listed in the new contextual toolbar menu. Thedrawing mark and name are shown for each drawing.

This is a new and quick way to access drawings for the parts, assemblies, orcast units that you are working on, and you can open a drawing just byclicking it in the list.

• The new Open or create drawings menu also contains commands forcreating single-part, assembly, and cast unit drawings. The available

Other improvements in drawings 73 List, open and create drawings throughcontextual toolbar

commands depend on the type of objects you have selected in the model.To create a drawing, just click the appropriate command.

Note that GA drawings cannot be created or accessed through thecontextual toolbar.

• To list the drawings for the selected objects in Document manager, usethe new Show drawings for selected objects... command also available inthe Open or create drawings menu.

18.2 Improvements in Document managerNew buttons in Document manager

• Document manager has some new buttons:

• Delete button is now available at the bottom for deleting theselected drawings or file documents. Previously, you could only deletedrawings by selecting Delete in the context menu.

• Document manager no longer asks for confirmation to delete filedocuments if you hold down either of the keyboard Shift keys at the

start of the operation, for example, press the Delete button. Thebehavior is now the same as when you delete drawing documents.

• Open previous drawing and Open next drawing buttons arenow available at the bottom for opening the next or previous drawingwhile a drawing is open. Previously, you could only open previous and

Other improvements in drawings 74 Improvements in Document manager

next drawings by pressing Ctrl+Page Up or Ctrl+Page Down on thekeyboard.

• Some new buttons (Issue, Unissue, Freeze, Unfreeze, Mark drawingready for issuing, Unmark drawing ready for issuing, Lock, Unlock)were already introduced in Tekla Structures 2020 SP5. See 2020 SP5:New features and improvements for details.

Improvement in issuing drawings

Improvements in the drawing issuing functionality were already introduced inTekla Structures 2020 SP4. See 2020 SP4: New features and improvements fordetails.

Show selected documents only mode improved

Some improvements in the Show selected documents only mode werealready introduced in Tekla Structures 2020 SP4. See 2020 SP4: New featuresand improvements for details.

18.3 New features in Drawing content manager• You can now use Ctrl+C in the Drawing content manager list to copy the

selected rows to the clipboard in the .csv format, and then paste the rowsinto a Microsoft Excel sheet. Hold down Crtl or Shift to select several rows.

• The Show hidden items and Show in all views buttons were moved to

the new Options menu, which you can open by clicking the new Options button next to the search box.

18.4 New settings for filtering model welds, weld marksand bolt marks on drawing levelThere are some new settings available in drawing level properties that you canuse to change certain settings for all views in a drawing at one go. TheseCommon settings for all views are located on the View creation page.

New Weld mark visible setting

A new setting Weld mark visible was added to Assembly drawingproperties for controlling the visibility of model weld marks in assemblydrawing views. The options are:

• In one view: Tekla Structures automatically finds the most relevant viewfor showing the model weld marks. Every weld mark is shown in onedrawing view only.

Other improvements in drawings 75 New features in Drawing content manager






• In all views: Tekla Structures adds the model weld marks in all drawingviews that contain the part with the weld.

New settings Ignore bolt size and Weld size limit

The default bolt size and weld size can now be set on drawing level in single-part and assembly drawing properties. The Ignore bolt size and Weld sizelimit settings have now been added:

• The Ignore bolt size setting filters standard-sized bolt marks out ofdrawings, which means that Tekla Structures does not display bolt marksof the defined size in drawings.

• The Weld size limit setting filters welds of the defined size and smaller outof the drawing.

Previously these settings were available in the bolt mark, weld mark and weldview properties only.

18.5 Zoom to selected in drawingsAn improvement in zooming to selected templates was already introduced inTekla Structures 2020 SP4. See 2020 SP4: New features and improvements fordetails.

18.6 Changes in object level settings in drawingsDetailed object level settings and drawing update

Detailed object level settings now automatically update the drawing after apart has its attributes or phase changed. Previously, detailed object levelsettings were only updated after a part was created, modified or numbered.

Faster to change object level settings in drawings

The object level setting speed improvement was already introduced in TeklaStructures 2020 SP3. See 2020 SP3: New features and improvements fordetails.

18.7 Copy and move manually created detail marks andsection marksCopy detail and section marks with Copy commands

Manually created detail and section marks can now be copied inside a drawingview with the context menu commands Copy --> Linear and Copy -->

Other improvements in drawings 76 Zoom to selected in drawings



Linear..., the ribbon command Copy, or by entering Copy - Linear in QuickLaunch. The keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C works as well.

Move detail and section marks with Move commands

Manually created detail and section marks can now be moved inside a drawingview with the context menu command Move --> Linear, the ribbon commandMove, or by entering Move - Linear in Quick Launch. The keyboard shortcutCtrl+M works as well.

Copy and move manually created section marks using Ctrl and Shift anddragging

The improvement to copy and move section marks by using Ctrl or Shift anddragging was already introduced in Tekla Structures 2020 SP1. See 2020 SP1:New features and improvements for details.

18.8 Remove all change symbols at one goYou can now hide all associative note, mark, and dimension change symbols atone go in an open drawing.

To do this, on the Drawing tab, click Remove --> All change symbols.

Previously, you could only use the Remove change clouds macro to do this.

18.9 Enhancements in Drawing 2D Library• There is a new option Explode native dimensions on the Options menu

in Drawing 2D Library you can use to create native dimensions in detailsinstead of lines and symbols.

• Now the thumbnail images of DWG files in the detail folders are takenautomatically from the DWG files. This feature only works if a DWGsoftware is installed on the computer.

• You can now create a detail in Drawing 2D Library even when the currentmodel folder is not selected. The detail will be stored in the current modelfolder, and a status bar message will indicate the name of the new detail.

• You can now pick a secondary reference point for rotation. You can alsointerrupt picking rotation points.

You need to activate the Add secondary reference point feature whenyou insert a detail. To do this, right-click the detail in the Drawing 2DLibrary and enable Add secondary reference point. When you insert thedetail, Tekla Structures asks you to give two input points. The secondaryreference point will determine the direction of the detail.

Other improvements in drawings 77 Remove all change symbols at one go



• Details created within their own views are now automatically created sothat the view placing is fixed.

• When you insert a detail, you will be asked to pick a new insertion pointuntil you pick a valid point or interrupt the command.

18.10 New object level surface treatment property fileextension .dsrfThe file extension for object level drawing surface treatment property files hasbeen changed to *.dsrf. This means that the old extension *.srf is nowonly reserved for the modeling side surface treatment property files. You needto either update or recreate any existing object level drawing surfacetreatment property files to reflect the change.

18.11 Longer material names allowed in .htc schema filesThe improvement in .htc schema file name length was already introduced inTekla Structures 2020 SP1. See 2020 SP1: New features and improvements fordetails.

18.12 Order of drawings in Print Drawings dialog boxThe improvement in the order of drawings in the Print Drawings dialog boxwas already introduced in Tekla Structures 2020 SP4. See 2020 SP4: Newfeatures and improvements for details.

18.13 New presentation settings and other improvementsin Rebar pull-out picture and marking• The Rebar pull-out picture and marking application has a new section

Presentation options with two new settings on the Rebar tab. Thesesettings were already introduced in Tekla Structures 2020 SP2. See 2020SP2: New features and improvements for details.

• The following angle dimension improvements were implemented on theDimensions tab:

• You can now change the type of angle dimensions to Dimensionlengths in the Angle dimensions section on the Dimensions tab . Thisnew option creates perpendicular dimensions when the bar shape getsan angle other than 90 degrees that returns to parallel or perpendicular

Other improvements in drawings 78 New object level surface treatment property fileextension .dsrf






to the original bar leg. This option is useful for complex bends that willnormally be done on-site.

Another new option, Both dimensions, creates the new Dimensionlengths and the original angle dimensioning.

• You can now modify the Precision and Format, and select a color and aline type for angle dimensions.

• The angle dimension value is now placed above the dimension line.

• A new setting, Tapered lengths, has been added on the Dimensions tab.This setting dimensions rebars with different lengths.

• The output of rebar groups with negative hooks has been fixed. The outputin Tekla Structures version 2020 was incorrectly created.

• The predefined cc target mark supports units, precision, and formattingagain.

• Dimensions in cm/m format now have the correct decimal format.

18.14 Quick start to Tekla Structures drawingsThis new article is a good starting point for new users in your company whohave not worked with Tekla Structures drawings before.

This article will teach new users:

• What is specific to Tekla Structures drawings

• What to do before creating any drawings

• How to create drawings in their first project using the predefined settingsin their environment

• How to modify the created drawings manually in the drawing mode

Other improvements in drawings 79 Quick start to Tekla Structures drawings

19 Improvements in Tekla ModelSharing

Tekla Structures 2021 introduces several improvements to Tekla ModelSharing. Among others, model owners can now export and import users, andfiles and folders in XS_FIRM and XS_PROJECT folders can be excluded fromsharing.

19.1 New ways to manage and message model usersUsers with the Owner role can now export and import users in the Usersdialog box, and all user roles except for Viewer can now send emailnotifications to others.

• To open the Users dialog box, on the File menu, select Sharing --> Users.

Improvements in Tekla Model Sharing 80 New ways to manage and message model users

Exporting and importing users

You can now export the list of users in a shared model. This allows you toeither change user roles, or add the same users into another shared model.

When you click Export users, the list of users is saved in the users.csv file inthe \ModelSharing sub-folder under the model folder. The format of the listis <email address>;<role>.

You can either:

• Open the users.csv file and change the user roles, or remove users'permissions to the model by setting their roles to NONE. When you havesaved the changes in the users.csv file, import the list by clicking Importusers.

• Add the same users to another shared model by clicking Import users.

Note that you need to browse to the \ModelSharing sub-folder under themodel folder from which you exported the list of users, or copy the users.csv from the \ModelSharing sub-folder to another location.

Sending email notifications

You can now send email notifications to other model users at any point.

Improvements in Tekla Model Sharing 81 New ways to manage and message model users

When you select the Send e-mail notification to user. check box, a messagebox appears. You can write the notification message in the message box.

You can either select the users to whom you want to send the message in theModel users list, or send the message to all users by not selecting any users inthe Model users list.

19.2 Exclude files and folders from being synchronizedfrom XS_FIRM and XS_Project foldersThe FileSharing.ini file for excluding files and folders from sharingsettings is no longer created automatically in the <model folder>\ModelSharing\Settings folder. Instead, you can manually exclude filesstored in the XS_PROJECT folder, the XS_FIRM folder, or their sub-folders.This way, BIM managers can have their own settings file in the model folder,so that they can share the necessary files to other users.

To set which files or folders are excluded, click Exclude in the Sharingsettings dialog box, and select the files and folders.

19.3 Role changes no longer require a restartNow, when your role in a shared model is changed to Viewer or ProjectViewer, you no longer need to close and re-open Tekla Structures and theshared model.

19.4 See the progress of data synchronization fromXS_FIRM and XS_PROJECT foldersThis improvement was introduced already in Tekla Structures 2020 SP2. See2020 SP2: New features and improvements for details.

Improvements in Tekla Model Sharing 82 Exclude files and folders from being synchronizedfrom XS_FIRM and XS_Project folders


20 Improvements in TrimbleConnector

Tekla Structures 2021 introduces several improvements to overlay modelsused with Trimble Connector. You can now view changes between two overlaymodel versions, and work with overlay model objects in new ways.

20.1 Managing and comparing overlay model versionsYou can now have different versions of the same overlay model, and selectwhich version is shown on top of the Tekla Structures model. You can alsocompare two versions of an overlay model to see which changes have beenmade.

Viewing and managing overlay model versions

A Versions section has been added at the bottom of the Trimble Connect -Models dialog box. Here, you can see all versions of the selected overlaymodel. The name of each version consists of the version number, the date andtime when the version has been uploaded, and the creator of the version.

If the latest available version of an overlay model is not shown, is shown

next to the model name in the Trimble Connect - Models dialog box. The

Improvements in Trimble Connector 83 Managing and comparing overlay model versions

symbol is also shown next to folders if the latest version of any overlay modelin those folders is not shown.

To take the latest version of an overlay model into use, click .

Comparing changes between two .tekla or .ifc overlay model versions

To start comparing two model versions, set two versions of an .ifc ora .tekla model visible in the Trimble Connect - Models dialog box.

NOTE You can only compare two versions at a time. If you set a third model

version visible by clicking next to the model version, the oldestvisible version is hidden automatically, and the comparison is updatedto show the differences between the two visible versions.

The changes are shown as colors in the model.

• Added objects = green

• Modified objects = yellow

• Deleted objects = red

• Existing objects that have not been modified = gray

When you compare two model versions, you can:

• Define the properties to be compared by clicking ... in the Versions section.In the Comparison sets dialog box that opens, you can define whichproperties are compared, and create and save the properties ascomparison sets for future use.


• Set up comparison tolerances to define how precisely the properties are

compared. To do so, click .

• Review the changes in the Changes list, which opens automatically whentwo model versions are visible. The changes are color-coded, so you cansee what has happened to model objects between the model versions.

• If you have selected the Select objects in the model and Zoom toselected check boxes at the bottom of the Changes list, you can select arow in the Changes list to select and zoom into the corresponding modelobject.

• See which object properties have changed by clicking the correspondingrow in the Changes list. This opens the Property details side pane, whereyou can review all of the object properties. Note that the side pane may notshow changes in object rotation or location.

Comparing changes between overlay model versions in other formats

When you compare overlay models in other formats, such as .dgn or .dwg,the model objects are color-coded according to the changes that have beenmade.

The newest version of an object is shown in green, while the previous versionis shown in red. If the object is the same in both versions, the object is shownin yellow or orange, depending on the selected object rendering option.

You can switch between different rendering options on the View tab to bettersee the changes and overlapping objects. The same structure is shown belowwith two different rendering options.

With the Components wireframe option:


With the Components rendered option:

Improvements in Trimble Connector 86 Creating clip planes on overlay models

20.2 Creating clip planes on overlay modelsYou can now create clip planes using overlay model objects. Use the Clipplane command on the View tab, or press Shift+X on the keyboard. For moreinformation, see .

20.3 Selecting assemblies in overlay modelsYou can now select assemblies and sub-assemblies in overlay models.

Remember to activate the Select assemblies selection switch in theSelecting toolbar. For more information, see .

20.4 Inquiring overlay model objectsYou can now inquire the properties of overlay model objects and assemblies.To do so, select an assembly or an object in an overlay model, right-click theobject, and select Inquire.

Note that the properties that are shown when you inquire overlay modelobjects are not the same as when you inquire Tekla Structures model objects.The number of shown properties can differ depending on the overlay modelsand model format.

20.5 Grids, pours, and pour units included in .tekla modelsThis improvement was already introduced in Tekla Structures 2020 SP4. See2020 SP4: New features and improvements for details.

Improvements in Trimble Connector 87 Selecting assemblies in overlay models


21Updates in tools for automatedprecast fabrication

There are many important improvements in the automated precastfabrication tools.

21.1 Export Unitechnik (79)Export Unitechnik (79) has been improved in the following ways:

• All Unitechnik UDAs in the objects.inp file in the common environmenthave now been moved to the objects_unitechnik.inp file under the\precast folder.

• A new tab Delivery has been added to the user-defined attributes of theparts to store transportation information, and all transport related settingshave been moved to this new tab from the Unitechnik tab. You can nowspecify the transport pile number using the new Transport pile numbersetting.

• You can now specify a manual Unitechnik mesh type using the UDA optionfor Mesh type on the Unitechnik tab in the reinforcement user-definedattributes dialog box. If you leave the option blank, an automatic meshtype is used like before.

• Previously, the exposure class for both shells of a double wall was readfrom the first shell. This has been fixed, and the exposure class is now readfrom each of the shells.

• Tekla Structures now gives a warning message when a double wall shell isset to be turned, but the turning fails due to the shell being wider than thepallet width. Respectively, a warning is also given when the pallet width hasnot been specified.

• For double walls, a different modeling method and the cast unit hierarchycaused that not all panels were correctly handled in the export. This hasnow been fixed.

Updates in tools for automated precastfabrication

88 Export Unitechnik (79)

• Previously, the file name extension could not be used to populate a datafield with the file name section option. This has now been added, withnumber 6 presenting this sixth file name section.

• Main tab:

• The Output file structure setting has a new option, 1 slabdate,scanned layers, which exports element layers in the same order asthey are modeled in the model. Multiple parts on the same depth levelare recognized as one layer.

• TS configuration tab:

• Previously, for double walls with a shell offset at start, and the 1st shellturning enabled in the Double wall turned setting, the second shell ofthe double wall had an incorrect X axis offset. This has now been fixed.

• Embeds tab:

• You can now export line cuts, fittings and chamfers as the MOUNPARTblock using the new setting Export cut edges. This setting can be usedfor representing sawings on standard slabs, for example. The geometrywill be a simple line, and the MOUNPARTs have fixed names. Line cutsand fittings are plotted along the cut edge. Chamfers are plotted at theinner line of the chamfered edge.

• The Export insulation setting has a new option, As layers andembeds, which exports insulation in the SLABDATE block as layers andin the MOUNPART block as embeds.

• Insulation exported as panel layer is now exported with the correctlayer type 02.

• Reinforcement tab:

• A new Reinforcement export type option, Designated welded bars,has been added. This option works in the same way as Fabrication ofwelded rebars, but you can use it with the Collect based on option todesignate the rebars that will form main layers with reinforcement type1 or 2, while the rebars remain as RODSTOCK depending on the objecttype.

• You can now specify that reinforcement type 1 rebars will always be thelowest rebars of a mesh regardless of the mesh orientation on thepallet. To do this, use the new Reinforcement types option Bottomrebar = type 1.

• A new Reinforcement types option Use 1, 2 and UDA has been added.When you select this option, the lowest rebar layer, including all bars inthe same direction, is exported with rebar type 1, and all other layersare exported with type 2.

• You can now select how mesh wire levels are calculated with the newMesh wire layer level setting. The options are:

• Actual level: This is the relative wire level in the model.



• By highest level: All wires in the layer are moved to the level of thewire with the highest Z position.

• By wire size: The relative level of the 2nd layer is written accordingto the wire size.

• Manual: You can define the 2nd layer wire level manually.

• SLABDATE block data tab:

• A new option, Export shell gap width, has been added to control ordisable the export of the gap width value. The options are:

• No - no gap is exported

• Double walls only - the gap is exported only for double walls. This isthe default value as the value should only be used with double wallsin most control systems.

• Layered panels - the gap is exported for all panels with multipleconcrete layers, such as double walls and sandwich walls.

• You can now specify how the SLABDATE maximum part length andwidth are exported with the new Maximum dimensions setting. Theoptions are:

• Main part bounding box (default): Checks the main part geometry(same as before)

• Cast unit bounding box: Checks the entire cast unit geometry,including all protruding embeds

• Scanned contour: Checks all contour polygons

• Scanned all parts: Checks all contour and embed polygons

• The Quality of layer setting has new options, Name and Template, togive more possibilities to specify the quality of layer.

• You can now export the element quantity in the SLABDATE block usingthe new setting Export quantity. If the exported sets have multiple castunits, they will have their quantity marked in the SLABDATE referencenumber field. The export sets are defined by the file name definition orthe cast unit position. The options are:

• No: 000 written in the field (default).

• Always 1: 001 written in the field wether or not the files names areunique or not.

• From selection: If the cast units in the export selection would haveidentical file names, they will be exported with only 1 file, and thetotal quantity of the set is written in the field.

• From total in model: The total quantity of the cast units withidentical position anywhere in the model is written in the field.



• The cast unit position and cast unit number used in the SLABDATE blockare now read from the cast unit main part for both shells of the doublewall.

• The Export project coordinates setting has been improved, and twonew options have been added. The new option Yes, project base pointuses the project base point, and the new option Yes, current basepoint uses the base point currently selected in the model. Furthermore,the option Yes has been renamed to Yes, model origin.

• Header block data tab:

• Previously, the Tekla Structures version option for the File creator(UT 6.0) setting was not working correctly. This has now been fixed.

• Line attributes tab:

• The line attribute override functionality has been expanded, and now itis possible to limit the override to specific cases using the settingOverride scanned line attributes. The options are All, Rotated, Notrotated, First shell and Second shell. The first option affects the 3override settings above, and the second option affects the 3 settingsbelow.

• You can now specify a special embed by defining a class or name for thenew setting Special formwork for embed (classes or names). Theedge of the exported contour with this specified embed will then beexported with code 0002 by default.

• A new setting, Attribute code, was added to specify a custom lineattribute code for a special formwork for an embed.

• You can now set manual line attributes to override scanned CUTOUT lineattributes as well. This affects window openings, for example. The newoption is available in all of the 6 override settings.

• Previously, no line attributes were recognized for edges that werediagonally cut completely. Now they can be scanned as chamfers or specialformwork by managing the setting for chamfer maximum width.

• Previously, in line attribute scanning, partial cuts at the edge of the elementcould occasionally cause other nearby edges to also have a specialformwork code. This has now been fixed.


91 BVBS Export

21.2 BVBS ExportBVBS Export has been improved in the following ways:

• Similar rebar groups with different private data blocks are now exportedseparately.

• Parameters tab:

• The Include revision into file name check box has new revisionoptions, and you can include one of the following values in the outputfile name:

• Revision mark: REVISION.MARK, default value

• Revision number: REVISION.NUMBER• Rev<Revision mark>: same as Revision mark but the text Rev

comes first

• Rev<Revision number>: same as Revision number but the textRev comes first

• Data content tab:

• There is a new option, Reinforcement template, available for thePosition source setting.

• The Private data block group has been moved from the Advanced tabto the Data content tab.

• Advanced tab:

• For the Round options Up and Down, there is a new preliminarytolerance for small length differences up to 0.2 mm before performingthe rounding. This ensures that values very close to exact increment arenot rounded when it is not necessary.

• Earlier, the BVBS Export summed the modeled single rebars andgroups that had the same position number and identical geometry.Now the new setting, Single rebar and rebar groups, can be disabledto group BVBS rows by the modeled rebar groups or single bars to theirdistinct rows.

This new setting is located in the new Totaling group.

• Yes: Single rebars or rebar groups are combined by their positionnumber, with the total bar quantity. This is the default option, andand the only option in the export earlier.

• No: This is a new functionality, where each single rebar or rebargroup is handled individually and exported. This leads to a largerBVBS file, but the advantage is that each single rebar and rebargroup can be identified and handled by its own GUID, and the BVBSfile will reflect the model objects or IFC-exported rebars.


92 BVBS Export

• Support for coupler and thread data export was added. Define thefollowing settings:

• Export reinforcement coupler data: Select Yes to export coupleror thread data.

• Enter the UDAs for connection method, product/supplier andproduct code for the rebar start and rebar end separately. Forexample, enter METHOD_START, PRODUCT_START, CODE_START and METHOD_END, PRODUCT_END and CODE_END. Note that the UDAs aredependent on the creation tool and might differ from the examples.The UDA representing the method must be of type INTEGER, and theresulting value must be an INTEGER between 0 and 2, where 0 (orblank)= no connecting element, 1=coupler, 2=thread. The UDAsrepresenting product and code must be of type STRING.

21.3 Export EliPLAN file (68)Export ELiPLAN file has been improved in the following ways:

• A new plotter record of type BL is now exported for the hollow coreelements to define the side that has been cut. The border line record isexported as a line parallel with the longer side of the hollow core element.This record is exported automatically with the export version 3.

• Previously, when exporting an element with notches at the start and at theend of the element, the coordinates of embeds inside the element weresometimes exported incorrectly. This has now been fixed.

• When irregular cutouts exceeding the contour consist of multiple polygonalcuts, the number of the exported plotting lines is now optimized.

• Previously, revision marks were sometimes not exported for other objectsthan hollow core slabs. This has now been fixed.

• Previously, weep holes were sometimes generated outside the element.This has now been fixed.

• Parameters tab:

• You can now disable or enable the usage of the data conversion file byclearing the check box next to the Data conversion file setting.

• Plotter data tab:

• You can now export the geometry of the filled slab cores in the plottingdata with the new Export of filled cores setting.

• The Export of weep holes setting has new options:

• At end zones only (previously the Yes option): Provides weep holesat the slab end zones of the hollowcore only.


93 Export EliPLAN file (68)

• At end zones and filled cores: Provides weep holes for the endzones of hollowcore, and adds weep holes on both sides of any filledcores. Filled core parts can be specified by class or by name.

• At filled cores only: Provides weep holes around filled cores only.

• No is still the default value.

• It is now possible to export weep holes only at the middle of elementswith a length less than the length specified for the new setting, Atmiddle only, length less than.

• With the new option Plot irregular cutout/recess - As lines you canexport as lines the bounding box cutouts and recesses that overlap witha diagonal edge.

• The option to specify the representation of lifters has been moved fromthe Tag for lifters setting on the Data settings tab to the Plotter datatab with a new name Plot lifters. You can use this setting to specify ifthe lifter geometry is plotted as outline or as center point.

• Data content tab:

• You can use the new Project name and Project number settings tospecify the project number and project name in the exported file. Theoptions are Project UDA, Project template, and User-defined text.

• You can now add up to three comments at the start of the exportedfiles by selecting a comment option in the Comment lists. The optionsare No comment, Tekla Structures version, Model name, Username, and User-defined text. The comments are only for viewing theexport file and will not be read in to ELiPLAN.

• It is now possible to read the erection section from a user-definedattribute (UDA) or from a custom property (Template) with theErection section setting.

• It is now possible to read the erection sequence from a user-definedattribute (UDA) or from a custom property (Template) with theErection sequence setting.

• Data settings tab:

• You can now specify which property Tag for lifters uses for recognizinglifting embeds. The default value (Default) still uses a name or class.Additionally, a user-defined attribute (UDA), or a template attribute(Template) can be specified to use a specific property with a specificvalue to recognize lifters.

• A new Tag for filled cores settinghas been added. You can enter eithera single string (the name) or multiple strings. Tekla Structures will thenuse the entered name or names as filtering criteria to determine filledcores from the model. The placement of the weep holes will becalculated and written to the export file depending on the selectedoption.



• Net area calculation: You can now export the net area of the elementsusing a custom property in Template.

• You can now use user-defined template properties with the Weightcalculation option Template.



22 Tekla Structural Designerimport and export

22.1 Renewed dialog boxes• The Tekla Structural Designer export and Tekla Structural Designer

Import dialog boxes have been renewed. Instead of tabs, the dialog boxesnow have expandable sections for different settings, for example,Conversions, or Rebars in the import dialog box.

• The rebar conversion file can be previewed in the import dialog box.

• The Model Comparison Tool dialog box has been renewed.

22.2 Improvements in export• When exporting foundation objects to Tekla Structural Designer,

rectangular pad footings are transferred as pad bases instead of columns,which were created in previous versions.

• When exporting foundation objects to Tekla Structural Designer,rectangular strip footings are transferred as strip bases instead of beams,which were created in previous versions.

• L-shaped, T-shaped, and C-shaped concrete columns are exportedcorrectly to Tekla Structural Designer.

• Concrete columns with other profiles are exported to Tekla StructuralDesigner as follows:

• FLDPL profiles are exported as elbows

• REC_A, REC_B, ... REC_H profiles are exported as trapeziums

• REC_I profiles are exported as parallelograms

Tekla Structural Designer import and export 96 Renewed dialog boxes

• II profiles are exported as I-sections

• TRI_B profiles are exported as 3-sided polygons

• HXGON profiles with the same major axis length at both ends areexported as 6-sided polygons

• OCT profiles are exported as 8-sided polygons if they are regularpolygons

• OCTGON profiles with the same major axis length at both ends areexported as 8-sided polygons

22.3 Improvements in import• When importing foundation objects (pad bases) from Tekla Structural

Designer, pad footings are created instead of slabs, which were created inprevious versions.

• When importing foundation objects (strip bases) from Tekla StructuralDesigner, strip footings are created instead of slabs, which were created inprevious versions.

• Concrete columns created as L-sections, T-sections, or C-sections areimported correctly from Tekla Structural Designer.

The following are not considered:

• L-sections with unequal vertical and horizontal leg thicknesses

• T-sections that are not symmetrical (where the stem distance is not halfof the breadth)

• C-sections with unequal web, top flange, and bottom flange thicknesses

• Concrete columns created as elbows, trapeziums, I-sections,parallelograms, triangles, hexagons, or octagons are imported correctlyfrom Tekla Structural Designer.

22.4 Improvements in rebar importIf you have compatible versions of Tekla Structural Designer and TeklaStructures installed, if you use the Tekla Structures Diamond or Tekla

Tekla Structural Designer import and export 97 Improvements in import

Structures Graphite configuration, and if you import a .tsmd file, the followingimprovements are available for cast-in-place concrete structures:

• Rebar sets can be created for pad footings, strip footings, beams, columns,and walls imported from Tekla Structural Designer. This applies to loosebars, not meshes.

In the Tekla Structural Designer Import dialog box, open the Rebarssection, then the Import rebars for section, and select the relevant parttype check boxes.

• In footings, a single rebar set is created for each layer of bars (top outerand inner, and bottom outer and inner) in each footing. End detailmodifiers are used for creating hooks.

• In beams, columns, and walls, longitudinal rebar sets are created formain reinforcement and crossing rebar sets for stirrups. Separate rebarsets are created for stirrups or links in each beam span, column stack,or wall panel, or each region with a different bar diameter. Differentregions, such as support and span, are modeled as spacing zones.Splitters and end detail modifiers are used for creating laps, cranks,staggers, and hooks. Property modifiers are used if there arelongitudinal bars with different diameters within a rebar set.

• In walls, rebar sets are cut at the openings, but not detailed.

• Separately for each direction of a slab patch in Tekla Structural Designer,the rebar transfer will now create a single rebar set rather than one perstrip where the rebar data is consistent. For example, there could be asingle set for X and three sets for Y depending on the data in TeklaStructural Designer.

Tekla Structural Designer import and export 98 Improvements in rebar import

23 Exporting Tekla Structuresmodels to Tekla EPM with TeklaEPM plug-in

You can now export your Tekla Structures model information to Tekla EPMdirectly from the File menu. Previously, the Tekla EPM plug-in for exportingand importing Tekla EPM information was available as an extension in TeklaWarehouse.

An option to export the current model to Tekla EPM has been added to theFile --> Export menu.

When you select Tekla EPM in the File --> Export menu, the Tekla EPM plug-in dialog box opens.

Exporting Tekla Structures models to Tekla EPMwith Tekla EPM plug-in

99

Here, you can define the name of the export file, and the information that isincluded in the export file.

When you click Export to Tekla EPM, the export starts, and your exportsettings are saved for the future. All information, including drawing revisions,bills of materials, user-defined attributes, CNC files, and drawing files, isexported into a .zip package that contains a single Tekla EPM XML file.

After the export is finished, you can import the Tekla EPM XML file into TeklaEPM.

Exporting Tekla Structures models to Tekla EPMwith Tekla EPM plug-in

100

24Other improvements ininteroperability

There are many important improvements in Tekla Structures 2021 forreference models, IFC export, drawing export, 3D DWG export, and 3D DGNexport.

24.1 Reference modelsInserting reference models through File > Import

You can now insert reference models, such as IFC models, through the Filemenu by selecting Import --> Insert reference model. Selecting thiscommand opens both the Reference Models side pane and the Add modeldialog box.

Earlier, reference models could only be inserted by first clicking the ReferenceModels button in the side pane and then selecting the Add model command.

New way to update reference model data

You can now update the reference model data when required also by holding

down Ctrl and clicking the Refresh button.

Improvements in curved line accuracy in reference models

• The improvements in the curved line accuracy were introduced already inTekla Structures 2020 SP4. See 2020 SP4: New features and improvementsfor details. This improvement applies to all reference model formats.

• You no longer need to delete the existing reference model and reinsert it touse a new configuration file value. Now you can update the reference

model data by holding down Ctrl and clicking the Refresh button.

Other improvements in interoperability 101 Reference models


Special characters in reference model name

The improvement in the reference model name was introduced already inTekla Structures 2020 SP4. See 2020 SP4: New features and improvements fordetails.

Improvements in reference model rotation

The Reference Models side pane now has additional rotation options forrotation around X and Y axis. When the reference model already contains X orY rotations, the X and Y fields are not active.

LandXML reference models

A LandXML reference model sometimes had invalid alignment geometry. Thishas now been fixed.

Note that you can update the changed data by holding down CTRL and clicking

the Refresh button.

Support for SketchUp version 2021

The SketchUp model version 2021 support has been added.

Other reference model improvements

• Visualizing the selected reference objects now works when you select all bypressing Ctrl+A on the keyboard.

• Sometimes a reference model was not highlighted in a drawing whenselected. This has now been fixed.

24.2 IFC exportImproved area, volume and mass accuracy

The IFC property set accuracy has been updated to be more accurate for thearea, volume and mass properties.

IFC2x3 export

New control for exporting B-reps as exact solids

B-rep objects can now be exported as exact solids in the IFC2x3 export. Youcan do this by setting the new model-specific advanced option XS_EXPORT_BREP_AS_EXACT_SOLID to TRUE. The default value is FALSE. Thisadvanced option is located in the Export category of the Advanced Optionsdialog box.

Note that if you export B-reps as exact solids, the IFC file size increases, andthe export takes more time.

Other improvements in interoperability 102 IFC export


To get smooth edges to the export, you may need to set the advanced optionXS_CS_CHAMFER_DIVIDE_ANGLE to 10.

In the following example, on the left, you can see a native type I profile, and onthe right, the IFC object surface geometry when both advanced options areused:

Export without predefined property sets

You can now export IFC2x3 files without predefined Tekla Structures propertysets. To do this, on the Advanced tab of the Export to IFC dialog box, selectthe empty value for the Property sets setting.

New control for exporting rebars created by rebar sets

A new model-specific advanced option XS_EXPORT_IFC_REBARSET_INDIVIDUAL_BARS has been added to controlhow bars created by rebar sets are exported. If the advanced option is set to FALSE, bars are exported in groups. If the advanced option is set to TRUE, barsare exported as individual bars. The default value is FALSE. This advancedoption is located in the Export category of the Advanced Options dialog box.

NOTE In the IFC file 'Total number' always shows 1 for groups created byrebar sets, and 'Total weight' and 'Weight' show one bar weight. Usethe NUMBER_OF_BARS_IN_GROUP and WEIGHT_TOTAL_IN_GROUPattributes to export the values of the group to the IFC file.

Base point accuracy change

The base point latitude and longitude values now have a microsecondaccuracy.

IFC4 export

Advanced option no longer needed to start IFC4 export

You no longer need to set the advanced option XS_IFC4_EXPORT_PLEASE to TRUE in the teklastructures.ini file to start the IFC4 export. The

Other improvements in interoperability 103 IFC export

command to start the IFC4 export is always available in Tekla Structures File --> Export if allowed by your configuration.

Attributes with "." supported in property sets

Attributes that use a "." format, such as ASSEMBLY.POUR_UNIT, can now beused to define property sets that report pour unit and pour object properties.Some useful attributes:

• POUR_UNIT.NAME - reports pour unit name from an assembly belonging toa pour unit (e.g. a formwork panel, embed), and also, from a rebarbelonging to a pour unit.

• ASSEMBLY.POUR_UNIT.NAME - reports pour unit name, from a partbelonging to a pour unit (e.g. a formwork panel, embed).

• If you add POUR_OBJECT.xxxxx after "...POUR_UNIT.", you can alsoreport pour object properties.

Changes in exporting selected objects

Now the IFC4 export also exports the selected objects when Spatial hierarchyfrom Organizer has been selected. Earlier, all objects were always exportedeven if you had selected objects. Grids are now included under the buildinginstead of the building storey.

24.3 IFC object conversion• IFC object conversion can now map a profile to a parametric profile.

• There are some improvemetns in Copy properties to UDAs:

• You can now copy Material to UDA.

• You can now copy Object type to UDA with ObjectType.

24.4 3D DWG and 3D DGN v8 exportsExport selected parts in assembly

The 3D DWG and 3D DGN v8 exports, and the Export to Revit (.rvt) Geometryextension in Tekla Warehouse now allow you to export selected parts in anassembly when you use the Selected objects option. You need to use theSelect objects in assemblies or Select objects in components seletionswitch when you select the parts. If you do not select a part but an assembly,the highest level of assembly parts will be included in the export.

Previously, all parts were exported in the assembly to which the selected partsbelonged.

Other improvements in interoperability 104 IFC object conversion

https://warehouse.tekla.com/?loggedIn=true#!/catalog/details/d9bfba53-4f4f-4046-8e6c-6af6dab626b2

24.5 Export drawings to DWG/DXFThe drawing export is now faster when you use complex rules.

24.6 CIMSteel and CIS/2 functionality removed from TeklaStructuresThe CIMSteel export and import, and the SteelFab/SCIA, SFrame, MicasPlusand Eureka LPM imports have been removed from Tekla Structures. Contactyour local support if you need the functionality.

For a list of local offices and contact information, see Offices and resellers.

24.7 Tekla Warehouse DownloaderTekla Warehouse Downloader (TeklaWarehouseDownloader.exe) is nowincluded in the Tekla Structures installation and it opens automatically whenyou download content from Tekla Warehouse. Previously Tekla WarehouseDownloader had to be installed and launched manually.

24.8 Tekla Structures extension manager shows the .tseppackage typeTekla Structures extension manager now shows the type of a .tseppackage as extension or environment if the type has been defined inthe .tsep package. If it has not been defined, the type is not shown.

Other improvements in interoperability 105 Export drawings to DWG/DXF

https://www.tekla.com/contact/offices-and-resellers

25Updates in Template Editor,templates and reports

Template Editor User's Guide is now available in Tekla User Assistance. Thereare also some new settings to control the rebar pull-out picture creation.

25.1 Template Editor User's Guide available in Tekla UserAssistanceTemplate Editor User's Guide has been available in Tekla User Assistance inthe product guides 'Manage Tekla Structures' section since Tekla Structures2020 SP3. You can now browse the content and use the search normally. Thecontent is the same as in the Template Editor help. Previously, Template EditorUser's Guide was available in Tekla User Assistance in the PDF format only.

The Template Editor User's Guide is currently available in English only.

25.2 Template Editor improvementsSettings to control rebar pull-out picture creation

Settings to control rebar pull-out picture creation have been added inGraphical Field Properties --> Free attributes as Application attributes inTemplate Editor. They are now available as a predefined attribute list foreasier selection. Previously, these attributes had to be defined as Userattributes by typing in the attribute names and values.

Updates in Template Editor, templates andreports

106 Template Editor User's Guide available in TeklaUser Assistance

If the same attribute is set both as a User attribute and an Applicationattribute, the Application attribute takes precedence.

Improvement in graphical field output

In Graphical Field Properties, you can now select whether to always output agraphical field (Always visible) or output the field based on a rule defined forthe field (Visible). The result of the rule needs to be either true or false.

New string fuctions for changing character case

Two new string functions were added for rules and formulas, tolower(<param>) and toupper(<param>), which change the charactercase to lowercase or uppercase respectively.


107 Template Editor improvements

25.3 Changes in template attributesThere are some new template attributes, and some attributes have changed.For details, see Changes in template attributes (page 113).


108 Changes in template attributes

26 Changes in advanced options

26.1 New advanced options

XS_ENTER_FINALIZES_COMMANDS

Use the advanced option XS_ENTER_FINALIZES_COMMANDS to set the Enterkey as a shortcut for completing commands. Previously, only the space keyand middle mouse button worked as shortcuts to complete a command.

Additionally, the direct modification commands can be completed with theEnter as well. Previously, only the middle mouse button worked as shortcutsto complete a direct modification command.

By default, the advanced option is set to TRUE. This advanced option is locatedin the Modeling Properties category of the Advanced Options dialog box.

XS_PREVIEW_LIMIT

Use the advanced option XS_PREVIEW_LIMIT to set the limit for number ofobjects shown in the copy or move preview. The preview is shown in themodel when you use the Copy or Move command to copy or move objects.

The default value is 1000. When the value is 0, the preview is off. Thisadvanced option is located in the Model View category of the AdvancedOptions dialog box.

XS_SHOW_STATISTICS_IN_DX

Use the advanced option XS_SHOW_STATISTICS_IN_DX to show statistics andthe used rendering device in the DirectX rendered model views. The statisticsare shown in the lower left corner of the model view, as frames per secondmeasurement.

With this advanced option you can easily verify that you are using a propergraphics hardware accelerator for the Tekla Structures model views, especiallyin the case of multiple GPUs such as laptops, which often have both CPU builtaccelerator and an external, much more powerful graphics accelerator.

By default, the advanced option is set to FALSE.

Changes in advanced options 109 New advanced options

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

Note that this advanced option has no effect on the legacy OpenGL renderedmodel views.

New advanced options for rebar sets

Use the following model-specific advanced options if you need to adjusttolerances for the rebar set bars that you want to be automatically grouped:

• XS_REBARSET_SIMILAR_GROUPING_NUMBER

• XS_REBARSET_SIMILAR_GROUPING_TOLERANCE

• XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_CURVED_GROUPING_TOLERANCE

• XS_REBARSET_TAPERED_LINEAR_GROUPING_TOLERANCE

To connect rebar set bar legs together even though the leg face edges do notexactly overlap, use the advanced optionXS_REBARSET_LEG_CONNECTION_TOLERANCE. This advanced option is modelspecific.

New control for exporting rebars created by rebar sets

A new model-specific advanced option XS_EXPORT_IFC_REBARSET_INDIVIDUAL_BARS has been added to controlhow bars created by rebar sets are exported. If the advanced option is set to FALSE, bars are exported in groups. If the advanced option is set to TRUE, barsare exported as individual bars. The default value is FALSE. This advancedoption is located in the Export category of the Advanced Options dialog box.

NOTE In the IFC file 'Total number' always shows 1 for groups created byrebar sets, and 'Total weight' and 'Weight' show one bar weight. Usethe NUMBER_OF_BARS_IN_GROUP and WEIGHT_TOTAL_IN_GROUPattributes to export the values of the group to the IFC file.

New control for exporting B-reps as exact solids

B-rep objects can now be exported as exact solids in the IFC2x3 export. Youcan do this by setting the new model-specific advanced option XS_EXPORT_BREP_AS_EXACT_SOLID to TRUE. The default value is FALSE. Thisadvanced option is located in the Export category of the Advanced Optionsdialog box.

Note that if you export B-reps as exact solids, the IFC file size increases, andthe export takes more time.

To get smooth edges to the export, you may need to set the advanced optionXS_CS_CHAMFER_DIVIDE_ANGLE to 10.

In the following example, on the left, you can see a native type I profile, and onthe right, the IFC object surface geometry when both advanced options areused:

Changes in advanced options 110 New advanced options

26.2 Changed advanced optionsXS_DRAWING_CLONING_IGNORE_CHECK

When XS_DRAWING_CLONING_IGNORE_CHECK is set to TRUE, Tekla Structuresis now able to clone a drawing with a selected part that has the same positionnumber. Note that if you have selected several parts with the same positionnumber, then only one cloned drawing is created for that position.

XS_BLACK_DRAWING_BACKGROUND

When you change the value of the XS_BLACK_DRAWING_BACKGROUNDadvanced option, you no longer need to restart Tekla Structures to activate thenew value.

XS_CALCULATE_POUR_UNITS_ON_SHARING

The default value of XS_CALCULATE_POUR_UNITS_ON_SHARING has beenchanged to FALSE. This means that Tekla Structures no longer automaticallycalculates and updates the pour units in shared models during writing out andreading in. Instead, each user now has to run the Calculate pour unitscommand in their local version of the shared model to update the pour units.

XS_REBARSET_ENABLE_BAR_GROUPING_WHEN_SPACING_DIFFERS

This advanced option now affects all rebar set bar group types, not only the normal type as previously.

XS_REBAR(SET)_MINIMUM_LEG_DEVIATION

The advanced option XS_REBAR_MINIMUM_LEG_DEVIATION has beenrenamed to XS_REBARSET_MINIMUM_LEG_DEVIATION as it only affects rebarsets.

Changes in advanced options 111 Changed advanced options

26.3 Removed advanced optionsXS_HATCH_OVERLAPPING_FACES_IN_DX andXS_USE_DASHED_HIDDEN_LINES

The advanced options XS_HATCH_OVERLAPPING_FACES_IN_DX and XS_USE_DASHED_HIDDEN_LINES for controlling the DirectX rendered modelviews have been removed. Instead, you can now use the Hatching ofoverlapping surfaces and Dashed line for hidden line options in File menu--> Settings --> Switches.

XS_LINE_WIDTH

The advanced option did not work as expected and therefore it has beenremoved.

XS_IFC4_EXPORT_PLEASE

You no longer need to set the advanced option XS_IFC4_EXPORT_PLEASE to TRUE in the teklastructures.ini file to start the IFC4 export. Thecommand to start the IFC4 export is always available in Tekla Structures File --> Export if allowed by your configuration.

XS_CREATE_MISSING_MARKS_IN_INTELLIGENT_CLONING

You no longer need to set the advanced option XS_CREATE_MISSING_MARKS_IN_INTELLIGENT_CLONING to create marks toa cloned drawing also for parts that could not be mapped to the cloningtemplate drawing. The functionality is already available in the cloning settings(Other marks --> Create) and in the Master Drawing Catalog cloningsettings (Marks --> Create).

Changes in advanced options 112 Removed advanced options

27 Changes in template attributes

Tekla Structures 2021 introduces several new template attributes.

Bolt hole depth

Use the new DEPTH template attribute on HOLE content type rows in templatesto show the bolt hole depth. DEPTH is useful in reporting the depth of blindholes that do not extend completely through parts.

Formwork area in global coordinate system

Use the following new template attributes to report the formwork areas ofcast-in-place cast unit faces whose normal vector points in the top, bottom, orside direction of the form in the global coordinate system:

• AREA_FORM_TOP_GLOBAL• AREA_FORM_BOTTOM_GLOBAL• AREA_FORM_SIDE_GLOBALThese attributes can be used on CAST_UNIT content type rows in templates.These attributes do not work on PART rows.

Unlike with precast concrete, the formwork areas of cast-in-place concrete arenot dependent on the Top-in-form face settings. With precast cast units, youcan still use the template attributes AREA_FORM_TOP, AREA_FORM_BOTTOM,and AREA_FORM_SIDE.

ROW_IN_ALLPAGES

A new template attribute ROW_IN_ALLPAGES has been added. When you usethis attribute in a value field, the row number incrementing continues on thenext page. Previously, the only attribute available was ROW_IN_PAGE, whichproduces an incremental number starting from 1 at the beginning of each newpage.

SUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS and SUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS_LAST

You can now use SUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS and SUB_ID_WITH_LETTERS_LAST astemplate attributes when you report tapered bar groups created by rebar sets.

Changes in template attributes 113

This improvement was already introduced in Tekla Structures 2020 SP3.

CROSS_SECTION_AREA and WEIGHT_PER_UNIT_LENGTH

The existing template attributes CROSS_SECTION_AREA andWEIGHT_PER_UNIT_LENGTH are now available for reinforcement on the REBARand SINGLE REBAR rows.

Changes in template attributes 114


28 Tekla Structures 2021administrator's release notes

Upgrade guide from Tekla Structures 2020 to Tekla Structures 2021

Administrator's release notes are intended to provide advanced users withinstructions on how to apply the additional customizations available in a newTekla Structures version.

Administrator's release notes: General settings (page 115)

Administrator's release notes: Steel settings (page 130)

Administrator's release notes: Concrete settings (page 130)

28.1 Administrator's release notes: General settingsGeneral customization settings apply to all user groups. Use these settingstogether with your own user group settings.

Administrator's release notes: Model templates in version update (page 116)

Administrator's release notes: Applications & components catalogmaintenance (page 121)

Administrator's release notes: Updates in bypass.ini (page 122)

Administrator's release notes: Property pane updates (page 123)

Administrator's release notes: Ribbon selection with new licenses (page 124)

Administrator's release note: Ribbon updates (page 125)

Administrator's release notes: Shape catalog improvements (page 125)

Administrator's release notes: Instructor pane (page 126)

Administrator's release notes: Batch editor property columns' configuration(page 126)

Tekla Structures 2021 administrator's releasenotes

115 Administrator's release notes: General settings

Administrator's release notes: Tekla EPM (page 127)

Administrator's release notes: Miscellaneous drawings improvements(page 127)

Administrator's release notes: Miscellaneous general improvements(page 129)

Administrator's release notes: Model templates in versionupdate

Update model templates

Consider moving model templates from your environment into TeklaWarehouse. See Uploading content into Tekla Warehouse: files and file types.

If you have sketched profiles or custom components that use sketchedprofiles, download the Sketch solver tool from Tekla Warehouse and install iton your computer before updating model templates.

1. Open Tekla Structures 2021.

2. Create a new model using an existing model template.

3. Give the model the same name as in the previous Tekla Structuresversion.



http://warehouse.tekla.com/


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

4. Open a 3D view.

5. Diagnose and repair the model.



6. Create a project thumbnail, or add a custom image namedthumbnail.png in the model folder.

The preferred size of the image is 120 x 74 pixels.



7. Save the model.

If you do not do this, a message may appear warning about the modelbeing created with a previous version.

8. Save the model as a model template.

9. Include the needed catalog files and subfolders from the model folder,and click OK.



10. Remove manually all *.db files (environment database, optionsdatabases) from the model folder.

The *.bak, *.log and xs_user files are automatically removed from themodel folder.

The .idrm files (db.idrm and xslib.idrm) should be kept as they arepart of the model.

The model template is saved in a location pointed by XS_MODEL_TEMPLATE_DIRECTORY.

You now have a sample image for your model template. The Applications& components catalog is now also in order and easy to use.



Administrator's release notes: Applications & componentscatalog maintenanceKeep the Applications & components catalog in shape and usable. For moreinformation about the Applications & components catalog, see .

Set XS_COMPONENT_CATALOG_ALLOW_SYSTEM_EDIT to TRUE to be able to editthe Applications & components catalog definition files that are located in the XS_SYSTEM folders.

Check and fix the following:

1. Add the items to groups

Check Ungrouped items and add the items to the appropriate group.

2. Check the logs for errors

The Applications & components catalog shows the message log buttonin the lower-right corner of the catalog if there are errors or warnings in thecatalog definition files, for example.

If there are references to missing plug-ins, go to the referredComponentCatalog.xml and remove the references manually:



Test thoroughly that these changes do not create any further errors, or changethe structure of your Applications & components catalog. Check at least theUngrouped items and Legacy catalog groups.

As in the example above, there may be errors for:

• CatalogPluginComponentItem?CopyModelDirectoryPlugin• CatalogPluginComponentItem?SaveAsModelTemplatePlugin3. Hide all non-related applications and components from roles

1. In the Ungrouped items catalog, select the Show hidden items checkbox at the bottom.

2. Right-click an application or a component and select Hide / Unhide.

4. Create custom thumbnails

Publish a component in the Applications & components catalog

You may need to use the same component with different settings in differentcases. To easily use the component, you can define the settings for each caseand publish the component in the catalog. This feature can be useful for someroles.

Administrator's release notes: Updates in bypass.iniYou can bypass the login screen by using a separate .ini file where you setthe following advanced options.

• XS_LICENSE_SERVER_HOST to set license server name (https for Onlinelicenses):

XS_LICENSE_SERVER_HOST=https



• XS_DEFAULT_LICENSE to set the default license for a user role:

XS_DEFAULT_LICENSE=CARBONXS_DEFAULT_LICENSE=GRAPHITEXS_DEFAULT_LICENSE=DIAMOND

• XS_DEFAULT_ENVIRONMENT points to the environment-specific .ini file.

• XS_DEFAULT_ROLE points to the role-specific .ini file.

Environments have an example of the bypass.ini file.

The content of such a file could be, for example:

set XS_LICENSE_SERVER_HOST=27007@MY_LICENSE_SERVER_NAMEset XS_DEFAULT_LICENSE=FULLset XS_DEFAULT_ENVIRONMENT=%XSDATADIR%\Environments\uk\env_UK.ini set XS_DEFAULT_ROLE=%XSDATADIR%\Environments\uk\role_Engineer.ini

New Online licenses require updates in bypass.ini.

Administrator's release notes: Property pane updatesYou can define your own property pane values (for example, UDAs) inPropertyTemplates.xml, which can be in the \<user>\AppData,environment, company, or project folder.

The new Tekla Structures version can have new object types or properties.They are not visible if you have your own PropertyTemplates.xml in use.You need to update your own PropertyTemplates.xml files manually.

There are typically three different cases:

• New object types

These come automatically to your property pane from the Default setting.It is good to check these but no action is needed if you do not have yourown UDAs for this object type.

• Changed object types or properties

This may require deleting and adding new properties or groups.

• Removed properties

These do not cause any functional problems but it is good to delete non-existing properties or empty groups from the settings files.

Add these new properties to your property pane configuration

• Bolt: Add Plain hole type and Hole depth to the Holes group.

• Rebar set: Add Follow edges to the Attributes group.

• Rebar set secondary guideline: Add a new group translation:albl_General.



• Rebar set secondary guideline: Add Follow edges under the Generalgroup.

• Rebar end detail modifier: Add Follow edges to the General group.

• Rebar property modifier: Add Follow edges to the General group.

• Rebar splitter: Add Follow edges to the General group.

• Rebar property modifier: Add a new grouptranslation:albl_Minimum_lengths_to_create under the Advancedgroup.

• Rebar property modifier: Add Minimum bar length under the groupMinimum lengths to be created.

• Rebar property modifier: Add Minimum straight start/end leg lengthunder the group Minimum lengths to be created.

• Rebar set: Add a new grouptranslation:albl_Minimum_lengths_to_create under the Advancedgroup.

• Rebar set: Add Minimum bar length under the group Minimum lengths tobe created.

• Rebar set: Add Minimum straight start/end leg length under the groupMinimum lengths to be created.

See also New blind holes and improvements in bolt holes (page 30) andReinforcement improvements (page 32) in Tekla Structures 2021 releasenotes.

Administrator's release notes: Ribbon selection with newlicensesAll roles can be used with all three different new online licenses. Thecommands on the ribbon are available based the new advanced options (ordefaults).

For example, if you have the Steel Detailer role and the Carbon license, thecommands in the Steel Detailer ribbon may not work.

Add the following lines to all role*.ini files and modify according to the role:

REM For future ribbon optionsset XS_RIBBON_CONFIGURATION_CARBON=albl_up_Carbonset XS_RIBBON_CONFIGURATION_GRAPHITE=albl_up_Engineeringset XS_RIBBON_CONFIGURATION_DIAMOND=albl_up_Steel_Detailing

Note that you do not have to specify all ribbon definition combinations. Thedefaults are:

• Carbon: albl_up_Carbon• Graphite: albl_up_Graphite



• Diamond: albl_up_DiamondFor information on ribbon definitions, see Naming convention for ribbon files.

Administrator's release note: Ribbon updatesYou can customize the ribbon according to your own needs. If the ribbon iscustomized, the additions made in the new Tekla Structures version are notvisible. It is always good to check the changes and add them to your owncustomized ribbon.

Check the changes

You can compare the original ribbon with the changes you have made. Youcan check what has been added and removed, and what has been moved todifferent tabs. See the Check changes section in .

Administrator's release notes: Shape catalogimprovementsIt is possible to create groups for shapes in the new Shape catalog dialog box.

To do:

Create groups for your own shapes and translate the group names.

• Create the group structure using the Shape catalog dialog box.

• Move the wanted shapes to a new group.

• Export the group structure only.

• Save the group file directly to the correct folder in the environment ormove it from the model folder.<File_Name>.ShapeCatalog.Groups.xml has to be in the same folderwhere the shapes are, typically ..\profil\Shapes.

• Delete shape_catalog.settings.user.<username> andShapeCatalog.Groups.User.<username>.xml from the model folder.These are personal settings.

• Test by closing the Shape catalog dialog box and opening it again. If thegroup folder icons are black, the groups are coming from the environment.

• Translations for the group names are in theShapeCatalogDefinitions.ail file which should be found from XS_MESSAGES_PATH.

• Add set XS_MESSAGES_PATH=%XS_MESSAGES_PATH%;%XSDATADIR%\environments\xxxxxx\messages to env_xxx.ini.



• Add the ShapeCatalogDefinitions.ail file with the translations to the\messages folder.

• Modify your group configuration xml file(<File_Name>.ShapeCatalog.Groups.xml) in the \Shapes folder.

Replace the group names with the corresponding albl_... keys used inthe ShapeCatalogDefinitions.ail file.

• Open Tekla Structures again and test.

Administrator's release notes: Instructor paneTekla Structures 2021 introduces the Instructor side pane. You can now addhelp content to applications, components, macros, and custom componentsthat are in the Applications & components catalog.

You can also add this content easily in Tekla Structures service packs. Onegood option is to upload the content to Tekla Warehouse only. This will keepyour environment smaller.

To do:

Add help content to the tools in the Applications & components catalog, seeNew Instructor side pane and other help changes (page 15)

1. Select a tool in the Applications & components catalog.

2. Click the Add help files button in the Instructor side pane.

3. Select the following in the wizard:

• Tool

• Supported languages

• Folder to save the help files in

This can be the model folder. Copy the needed xml file and helpcontent folder to the wanted folder in the XS_SYSTEM path.

4. Open the folder and update the help content in the index.html file.

Administrator's release notes: Batch editor propertycolumns' configurationProperty columns can be configured. Create property columns with attributesaccording to your area needs.




To do:

1. Create the needed categories using the Batch editor user interface. Thelocalization file will be created in <model>\attributes\BatchEditorProperties_<user>.xml.

2. Remove the "_username" part from the file name and copy it to anyfolder in the XS_SYSTEM path in the environment.

The settings are scanned in the attributes sub-folder first from the modelfolder, then XS_PROJECT, XS_FIRM, XS_DRIVER, XS_SYSTEM, and XS_USER_SETTINGS_DIRECTORY.

Administrator's release notes: Tekla EPMTekla EPM plug-in and reports are included in Tekla Structures 2021. They areavailable in the following environments: AUS, Default, Finland, Norway,Denmark, Sweden, France, Portugal, SEA, ME, India, Canada, UK, US, andRussia.

To do:

The needed TeklaEPM_*.rpt reports are located in the \common\systemfolder.

You can exclude the reports in the environments where EPM is not supportedby using the XS_ATTRIBUTE_FILE_EXCLUDE_LIST advanced option.

Administrator's release notes: Miscellaneous drawingsimprovements

Attribute file extension for surface treatment on drawing side haschanged to .dsrfThe file extension for drawing surface treatment attribute files has now beenchanged to .dsrf. This means that the old extension .srf is now only appliedto the modeling side surface treatment attribute file. All related attribute filesneed to either be updated or recreated to reflect this change.

To do: Rename surface treatment attribute files to .dsrf on the drawing side.

Display dimension associativity: XS_INTELLIGENCE_MAX_RULE_COUNTadvanced optionThis advanced option affects the accuracy of the dimension associativity. Ahigher value has a positive impact on drawing update and cloning operationsin terms of accurate dimensioning, especially in conflict cases, when a



dimension point happens to fall into several objects that are located in thesame coordinates.

Also, it allows users to control the maximum number of the rules shown in thedimension associativity rule list. If the needed associativity rule is missing fromthe rule list, you can increase the number of the shown rules by changing the XS_INTELLIGENCE_MAX_RULE_COUNT value.

However, increasing the value will affect the drawing performance. Most of theenvironments are using a value from the common environment, which is 10.

To do: To increase the number of rules shown in the associativity rule list,change the value for the XS_INTELLIGENCE_MAX_RULE_COUNT advancedoption.

Dimension tag content control with associativity rulesDimension tags can be controlled using associativity rules. Selecting the mostappropriate associativity rule will help users to set up dimension tags muchmore easily, without having to create complex exclusion filters.

This feature is especially helpful in conflict situations when dimension pointsmight not be associated to the desired objects, because there are variousother objects in the same point location.

Previously, in these situations, you had to create exclusion filters to remove allredundant objects from the tags. Moreover, in some situations, it wasimpossible to set up a dimension tag in a desirable way even with exclusionfilters.

Automatic view-level dimensioningThe Dimensioning rule properties dialog box contains a new option Andgrid in the Measure from section. This new option includes grid lines to thedimensions. This option is available for the Overall dimensions, Shapedimensions, Filter dimensions, Secondary parts dimensions, Holedimensions, and Recess dimensions dimensioning types.

Weld and weld mark now appear in the relevant views onlyThe new drawing level setting Weld visibility in views allows you to selectwhether welds are visible in all views, or just in a single view. The property hasbeen moved from the old dialog box to the new one.

To do: Create the standard files again.



https://teklastructures.support.tekla.com/2020/en/dra_change_dimension_point_associativity#:~:text=The%20default%20associativity%20rule%20is,is%20highlighted%20in%20the%20drawing.

DR_DEFAULT_WELD_SIZE and DR_DEFAULT_HOLE_SIZE now work in newdrawing dialog boxesPreviously, when the default weld or hole size was defined in the new dialogboxes, it was not shown correctly in templates. Now these attributes work intemplates in the same way as in the old dialog boxes.

NOTE Drawing dialog boxes were renewed already years ago.

To do: Check and update needed templates in drawings (W, A and GA setups)

Administrator's release notes: Miscellaneous generalimprovements

New options in File > SettingsThere are now two new options in File --> Settings that affect DX views:Hatching of overlapping surfaces and Dashed line for hidden line.

These options control whether the hatching of overlapping surfaces on thesame plane is on or off, and whether the dashed lines for part edge lines areshown in the DirectX rendered model views.

These options replace the previously used advanced options XS_HATCH_OVERLAPPING_FACES_IN_DX and XS_USE_DASHED_HIDDEN_LINES.

Blind holeBlind hole is a new property in the Bolt property pane.

To do: Create the standard files again.

For improvements related to blind holes, see New blind holes andimprovements in bolt holes (page 30).

Selection filter speed improvedPreviously, selecting filters in the Object Group - Selection Filter dialog boxcould become very slow when using project or firm folders over networkdrives, especially when the folders contained many subfolders.

You can now use an advanced option to enable optimized filter selection,which reduces the time to select any filter that has already been selected atleast once during the Tekla Structures session. The optimization can beactivated by setting the XS_FILTER_DIALOG_USE_CACHED_SEARCH_RESULTSadvanced option to value true in an initialization (.ini) file. This advancedoption is not shown in the Advanced Options dialog box.

Example: Open teklastructures.ini, and add the following line:



set XS_FILTER_DIALOG_USE_CACHED_SEARCH_RESULTS=trueTo do:

Set XS_FILTER_DIALOG_USE_CACHED_SEARCH_RESULTS=true, if needed.

Mapping file for profiles not used while converting IFC fileIFC object conversion can map profiles to parametric profiles now.

To do:

Add MappedProfiles-default.txt, if needed.

For more information about object conversion and mapping, see Convert IFCobjects into native Tekla Structures objects.

For more information about the conversion logic, see Profile conversion logicin IFC object conversion.

28.2 Administrator's release notes: Steel settingsThe following customization settings only apply to the steel user group.

Administrator's release notes: Steel components (page 130)

Administrator's release notes: Steel componentsThere are several improvements in steel components in Tekla Structures 2021.

Update your standard files if you want to use the new options and features.

For more information about these improvements, see Improvements incomponents (page 40) in Tekla Structures 2021 release notes.

28.3 Administrator's release notes: Concrete settingsThe following customization settings only apply to the concrete user group.

Administrator's release notes: Rebar set updates (page 131)

Administrator's release notes: Updates in tools for automated precastfabrication (page 131)

Administrator's release notes: Miscellaneous concrete improvements(page 131)

Administrator's release notes: Concrete components (page 133)


130 Administrator's release notes: Steel settings

Administrator's release notes: Rebar set updatesRebar sets have many small improvements. See also Reinforcementimprovements in Tekla Structures 2021 release notes.

To do:

Create the standard files again for the rebar set object types in the propertypane.

Minimum lengths to be created:

• Rebar set

• Rebar property modifier

Follow edges:

• Rebar set

• Rebar set secondary guideline

• Rebar end detail modifier

• Rebar property modifier

• Rebar splitter

Administrator's release notes: Updates in tools forautomated precast fabrication

Export Unitechnik (79), Export ELiPLAN file, and BVBS Export containseveral improvements.

For more information about the improvements, see Updates in tools forautomated precast fabrication (page 88) in Tekla Structures 2021 releasenotes.

Administrator's release notes: Miscellaneous concreteimprovements

New template attributes AREA_FORM_TOP_GLOBAL,AREA_FORM_SIDE_GLOBAL and AREA_FORM_BOTTOM_GLOBALThese template attributes show the area of faces whose normal vector pointsin the following directions in the global coordinate system:

• Top of form (AREA_FORM_TOP_GLOBAL)

• Bottom of form (AREA_FORM_BOTTOM_GLOBAL)


131 Administrator's release notes: Concrete settings

• Form sides (AREA_FORM_SIDE_GLOBAL)

Use these template attributes with the CAST_UNIT content type to report theformwork areas of cast-in-place cast units. These attributes and areas are notdependent on the top-in-form face settings.

To report the formwork areas of precast cast units, use the template attributes AREA_FORM_TOP, AREA_FORM_BOTTOM, and AREA_FORM_SIDE.

To do: Update the needed Inquire reports.

Pour properties in IFC property set exportWhat has changed:

Previously, it was impossible to create property sets of "." type properties thatreport hierarchical pour information, that is, the "XXXXX property of the fatherpour unit".

If a property set with such type of properties was created (for example, ASSEMBLY.POUR_UNIT.NAME), the value (for example, NAME) would not beexported at all (it would appear blank). This has now been fixed.

What this means in practice, is that you can now report pour unit informationin the IFC export property sets. So, if you have a property set already localizedfor CIP purposes, you can now add to it some examples that report pour unitor pour object father properties, for example from rebars, embeds, orformwork inside the pour units.

Some useful attributes:



POUR_UNIT.NAME - reports pour unit name from an assembly belonging to apour unit (for example, a formwork panel, embed), and also, from a rebarbelonging to a pour unit.

ASSEMBLY.POUR_UNIT.NAME - reports pour unit name, from a part belongingto a pour unit (for example, a formwork panel, embed).

If you add POUR_OBJECT.xxxxx after "...POUR_UNIT.", you can also reportpour object properties.

Administrator's release notes: Concrete componentsThere are several improvements in concrete components in Tekla Structures2021.

Update your standard files if you want to take the new options and featuresinto use.

For more information about these improvements, see Improvements incomponents (page 40) in Tekla Structures 2021 release notes.



29 Localization release notes

Environment-specific Tekla Structures localization release notes introduce newand changed features in the new Tekla Structures version from the localizationpoint of view. It lists the features that have been localized in your environmentand also helps you in your own customization tasks. The localization releasenotes are supplied by the localization teams at your local area and reselleroffices.

Localization release notes 134

30Disclaimer

© 2021 Trimble Solutions Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved.

This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referencedSoftware. Use of the Software, and use of this Software Manual are governedby a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement setscertain warranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims otherwarranties, limits recoverable damages, defines permitted uses of theSoftware, and determines whether you are an authorized user of theSoftware. All information set forth in this manual is provided with the warrantyset forth in the License Agreement. Please refer to the License Agreement forimportant obligations and applicable limitations and restrictions on yourrights. Trimble does not guarantee that the text is free of technicalinaccuracies or typographical errors. Trimble reserves the right to makechanges and additions to this manual due to changes in the software orotherwise.

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

Tekla Structures, Tekla Model Sharing, Tekla PowerFab, Tekla StructuralDesigner, Tekla Tedds, Tekla Civil, Tekla Campus, Tekla Downloads, Tekla UserAssistance, Tekla Discussion Forum, Tekla Warehouse and Tekla DeveloperCenter are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Trimble SolutionsCorporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other countries.More about Trimble Solutions trademarks: http://www.tekla.com/tekla-trademarks. Trimble is a registered trademark or trademark of Trimble Inc. inthe European Union, in the United States and/or other countries. More aboutTrimble trademarks: http://www.trimble.com/trademarks.aspx. Other productand company names mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks oftheir respective owners. By referring to a third-party product or brand, Trimbledoes not intend to suggest an affiliation with or endorsement by such thirdparty and disclaims any such affiliation or endorsement, except whereotherwise expressly stated.

Portions of this software:

Disclaimer 135

http://www.tekla.com/tekla-trademarks

http://www.tekla.com/tekla-trademarks

http://www.trimble.com/trademarks.aspx

EPM toolkit © 1995-2006 Jotne EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rightsreserved.

Portions of this software make use of Open CASCADE Technology software.Open Cascade Express Mesh Copyright © 2019 OPEN CASCADE S.A.S. All rightsreserved.

PolyBoolean C++ Library © 2001-2012 Complex A5 Co. Ltd. All rights reserved.

FLY SDK - CAD SDK © 2012 VisualIntegrity™. All rights reserved.

This application incorporates Open Design Alliance software pursuant to alicense agreement with Open Design Alliance. Open Design Alliance Copyright© 2002-2020 by Open Design Alliance. All rights reserved.

CADhatch.com © 2017. All rights reserved.

FlexNet Publisher © 2016 Flexera Software LLC. All rights reserved.

This product contains proprietary and confidential technology, informationand creative works owned by Flexera Software LLC and its licensors, if any. Anyuse, copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission ofsuch technology in whole or in part in any form or by any means without theprior express written permission of Flexera Software LLC is strictly prohibited.Except where expressly provided by Flexera Software LLC in writing,possession of this technology shall not be construed to confer any license orrights under any Flexera Software LLC intellectual property rights, whether byestoppel, implication, or otherwise.

To see the third party open source software licenses, go to Tekla Structures,click File menu --> Help --> About Tekla Structures and then click the 3rdparty licenses option.

The elements of the software described in this Manual are protected byseveral patents and possibly pending patent applications in the United Statesand/or other countries. For more information go to page http://www.tekla.com/tekla-patents.

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Tekla Structures 2021 release notes