Ts training cm_170_enu

Tekla StructuresConstruction Management and Task Manager

Training ManualProduct version 17.0January 2011

© 2011 Tekla Corporation

© 2011 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved.

This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referenced Software. Use of the Software, and use of this Software Manual are governed by a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement sets certain warranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, defines permitted uses of the Software, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software. All information set forth in this manual is provided with the warranty set forth in the License Agreement. Please refer to the License Agreement for important obligations and applicable limitations and restrictions on your rights. Tekla does not guarantee that the text is free of technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Tekla reserves the right to make changes and additions to this manual due to changes in the software or otherwise.

In addition, this Software Manual is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. Unauthorized reproduction, display, modification, or distribution of this Manual, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the full extent permitted by law.

Tekla, Tekla Structures, Xcity, Xengineer, Xpipe, Xroad, Xpower, Xsteel, and Xstreet are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Tekla Corporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. By referring to a third-party product or brand, Tekla does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or endorsement by such third party and disclaims any such affiliation or endorsement, except where otherwise expressly stated.

Portions of this software:

D-Cubed 2D DCM © 2008 Siemens Industry Software Limited. All rights reserved.

EPM toolkit © 1995-2004 EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rights reserved.

XML parser © 1999 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights reserved.

Project Data Control Library © 2006 - 2007 DlhSoft. All rights reserved.

DWGdirect, DGNdirect and OpenDWG Toolkit/Viewkit libraries © 1998-2005 Open Design Alliance. All rights reserved.

FlexNet Copyright © 2010 Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. All Rights Reserved. This product contains proprietary and confidential technology, information and creative works owned by Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. and their respective licensors, if any. Any use, copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission of such technology in whole or in part in any form or by any means without the prior express written permission of Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. is strictly prohibited. Except where expressly provided by Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. in writing, possession of this technology shall not be construed to confer any license or rights under any Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. intellectual property rights, whether by estoppel, implication, or otherwise.

The software is protected by U.S. Patent Nos. 7,302,368 and 7,617,076. Also elements of the software described in this Manual may be the subject of pending patent applications in the European Union and/or other countries including U.S. patent applications 2004267695, 2005285881, 20060004841, 20060136398, 20080189084, and 20090189887.

Contents

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 1

Introduction 1

LESSON 1 3

1 Starting Tekla Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Saving a model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2.1 Saving a model with a different name..................................................................................................... 4

3 Opening a model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.1 Model created in a previous version ....................................................................................................... 5

3.2 Importing a model ................................................................................................................................... 6

4 Moving around in the view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4.1 Zooming.................................................................................................................................................. 7

4.2 Panning................................................................................................................................................... 7

4.3 Rotating .................................................................................................................................................. 7

5 Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5.1 View properties ....................................................................................................................................... 8

5.2 Display .................................................................................................................................................... 9

5.3 Creating a basic view............................................................................................................................ 11

5.4 Creating a top view ............................................................................................................................... 11

Moving a plane in a top view............................................................................................................ 12

5.5 Creating a grid view using two points ................................................................................................... 12

5.6 Creating a view using three points........................................................................................................ 13

5.7 Opening, closing, and deleting named views ....................................................................................... 15

5.8 Changing part representation in model views....................................................................................... 15

6 Work area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Creating plane views along grid lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Common buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

LESSON 2 21

9 Snapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

9.1 Snap switches....................................................................................................................................... 22


9.2 Orthogonal snapping ............................................................................................................................. 23

9.3 Numeric snapping.................................................................................................................................. 23

9.4 Numeric location coordinates ................................................................................................................ 24

9.5 Creating a temporary reference point.................................................................................................... 25

9.6 Measuring distances, angles, and bolt spaces...................................................................................... 25

10 Mini Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

10.1 Customizing Mini Toolbar ...................................................................................................................... 26

11 Selection switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

11.1 Selection filters ...................................................................................................................................... 29

Selection filter example..................................................................................................................... 30

11.2 Selection examples ............................................................................................................................... 30

12 Modifying the work area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

12.1 Fit work area to selected parts .............................................................................................................. 32

12.2 Fit work area using two points ............................................................................................................... 33

12.3 Fit work area to entire model in selected views..................................................................................... 33

12.4 Hiding the work area.............................................................................................................................. 33

13 Creating a clip plane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

13.1 Moving a clip plane................................................................................................................................ 34

13.2 Deleting a clip plane .............................................................................................................................. 35

LESSON 3 37

14 Entering project information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3815 Switching between single-user and multi-user modes . . . . . . . . 3916 Reference models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

16.1 Inserting a reference model................................................................................................................... 40

16.2 Hiding a reference model ...................................................................................................................... 41

16.3 Updating a reference model .................................................................................................................. 41

16.4 Detecting changes in reference models ................................................................................................ 42

Example ............................................................................................................................................ 43

16.5 Handling large reference models........................................................................................................... 44

17 Model Organizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

17.1 Creating logical areas............................................................................................................................ 45

17.2 Creating object type categories ............................................................................................................. 46

17.3 Viewing logical areas and object type categories.................................................................................. 46

18 Checking the model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

3 TEKLA STRUCTURES 17

18.1 Finding clashes in a model.................................................................................................................... 47

Changing the status of clashes ........................................................................................................ 48

Changing the priority of clashes ....................................................................................................... 48

Symbols used in clash checking ...................................................................................................... 48

Grouping and ungrouping clashes ................................................................................................... 49

Adding comments to a clash ............................................................................................................ 49

Opening and saving clash check sessions....................................................................................... 49

18.2 Flying through the model....................................................................................................................... 50

18.3 Checking using reports ......................................................................................................................... 51

19 Inquiring the model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

19.1 Inquiring object properties..................................................................................................................... 52

19.2 Inquiring assembly objects.................................................................................................................... 53

Displaying all objects connected to a part ........................................................................................ 53

19.3 Inquiring welded parts ........................................................................................................................... 54

19.4 Inquiring the center of gravity................................................................................................................ 54

20 Representing objects in model views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

20.1 Creating object representation settings................................................................................................. 55

20.2 Defining your own colors to model object groups ................................................................................. 56

21 Project status visualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

21.1 Adding planned erection dates.............................................................................................................. 58

21.2 Creating object groups and object representation settings ................................................................... 59

21.3 Using project status visualization .......................................................................................................... 61

22 Phase Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

22.1 Dividing the model into phases ............................................................................................................. 64

23 Lotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

23.1 Creating a lot......................................................................................................................................... 64

23.2 Adding parts to a lot .............................................................................................................................. 65

23.3 Removing parts from a lot ..................................................................................................................... 65

23.4 Deleting a lot ......................................................................................................................................... 66

24 Watch how to use BIM in a live project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

LESSON 4 67

25 Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

25.1 Searching drawings............................................................................................................................... 68

25.2 Filtering Drawing List contents .............................................................................................................. 69

25.3 Opening a drawing................................................................................................................................ 69


25.4 Editing a drawing ................................................................................................................................... 70

25.5 Printing a drawing.................................................................................................................................. 70

26 Screenshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

26.1 Creating a screenshot ........................................................................................................................... 70

26.2 Screenshot settings ............................................................................................................................... 71

27 WebViewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

27.1 Publishing a model as a web page........................................................................................................ 72

28 Tekla Structures Model Reviewer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

28.1 Opening a model in Model Reviewer..................................................................................................... 73

LESSON 5 75

29 Using Tekla Structures Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

29.1 Opening Tekla Structures Help ............................................................................................................. 76

29.2 Browsing Help topics by subject............................................................................................................ 76

29.3 Finding Help topics using the index....................................................................................................... 77

29.4 Searching for Help topics ...................................................................................................................... 77

Viewing the search results ................................................................................................................ 77

Using search filters ........................................................................................................................... 78

29.5 Saving favorite Help topics .................................................................................................................... 78


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

The 3D structural model includes the geometry and design of the structure, and all the information about profiles and cross sections, connection types, materials, structural analysis, etc. Tekla Structures drawings and reports are integrated with the models. Consequently, dimensions and marks are always correct. Drawings and reports can be created at any stage of the project and updated according to the changes in the model.

Tekla helps all new Tekla Structures users to get started and to maintain their development. Our well-defined training course is a jump start to Tekla Structures software and helps to maximize using Tekla Structures to its full potential. During the basic training course, you will be taught the basic principles of Tekla Structures. Each training day contains several exercises so you will learn to apply what you have learned in theory. The instructor will show the correct solution to each exercise. You can freely ask the the instructor questions to make sure you have understood each point correctly.

This training manual is intended to be used during a basic Tekla Structures training course, but you can also use it on your own after the training course. In addition, Tekla provides online learning material so the users can learn how to benefit from version improvements and adapt to using the new features.

The following learning and support material is available on the Tekla Extranet (https://extranet.tekla.com) for all our customers with a valid maintenance agreement. When the material is available also in the Tekla Structures software via the help menu, it is separately indicated.

Type Material Language Location

Training manuals Steel Detailing, Modeling

English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Chinese

Extranet:

Self-learning > Manuals & instructionsSteel Detailing,

Drawings

Precast Concrete Detailing, Modeling

Precast Concrete Detailing, Drawings

Engineering, Modeling

Engineering, Drawings

Construction Management

Cast-in-place Concrete Detailing, Modeling

Cast-in-place Concrete Detailing, Drawings


Product documentation

Help file English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Chinese

Help > Tekla Structures Help

Manuals in PDF format

Extranet:

Self-learning > Manuals & instructions

Release Notes Help > Release Notes

Quick reference guide to Tekla Structures

Extranet:


Keyboard shortcuts Extranet:


Videos and tutorials

First Steps with Tekla Structures - Interactive Tutorial

English, Finnish, Swedish, German, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese

Help > Learning Center > First Steps with Tekla Structures

Extranet:

Self-learning > Interactive tutorials & videos

http://www.tekla.com/firststeps

Top New Features Videos

English, German, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese

Help > Learning Center > Top New Features

Extranet:


http://www.tekla.com/topnewfeatures

First steps with BIM - interactive tutorials

English http://www.tekla.com/bimlessons

More videos and tutorials

English Extranet:


Other support material

Frequently Asked Questions

English Extranet:

Self-learning > Questions & answers

Tekla Structures Glossary

Extranet:

Self-learning > Tekla Structures Glossary

Start-up checklist Extranet:

Self-learning > Start-up checklist

Discussion Forum Extranet:

Discussion Forum

Product Information English, French, German, Japanese, Chinese

Extranet:

Product

Type Material Language Location

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LESSON 1In this lesson, you will learn the following things:

• how to start Tekla Structures

• how to open and save a model

• how to move around in the model

• what views are and how they are created

• what the work area is

• how to create plane views along grid lines

• how to use the common buttons in the dialog boxes


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1 Starting Tekla Structures

To start Tekla Structures:

1. Click the Windows Start button.2. Click All Programs.3. Go to the Tekla Structures 17.0 menu item and click Tekla Structures 17.0.

The Tekla Structures - Login dialog box opens.

4. In the dialog box, select the license, role and environment you want to use.5. Click OK to start Tekla Structures.

2 Saving a model

Tekla Structures prompts you to save the open model when you close Tekla Structures. You should also save your model regularly to avoid losing any work. Autosave also automatically saves your work at regular intervals.

To save the model, click File > Save, or click . Tekla Structures saves the model and the message database stored appears on the status bar.

2.1 Saving a model with a different nameTo save a copy of a model with a different name:

1. Click File > Save as... to open the Save as dialog box.2. Enter the new model name in the Model name box.3. If you want to save the model in a different folder, click Browse... to browse for the

folder.4. In the Save as dialog box, click OK to save the model.

Autosave automatically saves your model and drawings at set intervals. To set the autosave interval, click Tools > Options > Options... > General.

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3 Opening a model

To open a model:

1. Click File > Open..., or click .The Open dialog box opens.

2. Select the model.By default, Tekla Structures searches for models in the ..\TeklaStructuresModels folder. If your model is in another folder, click Browse... to browse for the model folder, or use the Look in list with the recently used folders.

3. Click OK to open the model.

3.1 Model created in a previous versionTekla Structures displays a warning when you open a model that was created in a previous Tekla Structures version.

The information in the Designer and Description columns comes from the Project Properties dialog box.

The Model name list contains the recently used models.


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You can open the model by clicking OK.

If you edit the model and want to save it, the following warning appears:

You have two options:

• If you click Yes, the model is saved and it cannot be opened with the previous Tekla Structures version anymore.

• If you click No, the model is not saved. You can open and edit the model with the Tekla Structures version in which the model was initially created.

3.2 Importing a modelIf you receive a detailed model, you can import it to Tekla Structures. Importing a model retains the numbering information and eases the file sharing because you do not need to upload or e-mail large model folders.

To import a model:

1. Enable the model import.a Open the user.ini file in a text editor, for example Microsoft Notepad. The

file is located in the ..\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Tekla Structures\<version>\UserSettings folder.

b Add the advanced option set XS_ENABLE_MODEL_IMPORT=TRUE to the file.c Restart Tekla Structures to activate the advanced option.

2. Click File > Import > Model....3. Browse to the correct model folder to locate the model database (.db1) file that you

want to import.4. Click Yes to continue.5. Click Yes to import all drawings that are associated with the mdoel.

We recommend that you complete any models you have started using your current Tekla Structures version. Custom components and drawings created in an older version may not work properly in the new Tekla Structures version.

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4 Moving around in the view

There are several tools you can use to change what you see in a view. This topic introduces some of them.

4.1 ZoomingThe zoom tools allow you to focus in on a particular area, or pull out for a wider view.

Use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out in the model: scroll forward to zoom in, scroll backward to zoom out.

You can also zoom by clicking View > Zoom and selecting an option.

4.2 PanningTo pan, hold down the middle mouse button. When the pointer changes to a hand symbol, click and drag the model to move it anywhere in the view window.

To activate or disable the middle button pan, click Tools > Options > Middle Button Pan, or Shift + M. There is a checkmark next to the menu option when the middle button pan is active.

4.3 RotatingTo rotate the model:

1. To set the center of rotation, press the V key.2. Pick the center of rotation.3. Hold down the Ctrl key and drag with the middle mouse button to rotate the model.

5 Views

A view is a representation of a model from a specific location. Each view is displayed in its own window in the Tekla Structures. There are several types of views. For example, you can create views

• of the entire model

• of selected parts and components

• of selected assemblies and cast units

• along grid lines.


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5.1 View propertiesTo define the view properties, click View > View Properties.... The View Properties dialog box opens.

The View Properties dialog box contains the following options:

Option Description

Name Name of the view. You should give a view a unique name if you need to open it in later sessions. When you exit the model, Tekla Structures only saves named views.

Angle Switch between the 3D and Plane angle.

Projection Switch between the Orthogonal and Perspective projection. The options are available only in the rendered view type.

Rotation around Z Rotation angle around the z axis.

Rotation around X Rotation angle around the x axis.

View type View type defines the appearance of the view. The view type options are Rendered and Wire frame.

Color and transparency in all views

Color and transparency settings that are applied to object groups in all views.

View depth: Up View depth upwards from the view plane. The objects within the displayed depth and the work area are visible in the model

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5.2 DisplayYou can define visibility and representation settings of object types in the Display dialog box. To open the Display dialog box, click View > View Properties..., and then click Display... in the View Properties dialog box.

The Display dialog box contains the Settings and Advanced tabs.

Settings tab You can define the visibility of object types on the Settings tab. You can also define the representation settings of model parts and components.

View depth: Down View depth downwards from the view plane. The objects within the displayed depth and the work area are visible in the model

Visibility of object types Define the visibility and representation of object types.

Visible object group Define the visibility of object groups.

Option Description


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The default representation mode for bolts is Exact. It shows bolts, washers, and nuts as solids. The Fast option displays the axis and a cross to represent the bolt head. Fast is the recommended representation mode for bolts, because it increases display speed significantly and consumes less system memory.

Advanced tab You can define the visibility of a part center line, part reference line, part labels and connection texts on the Advanced tab.

You can also define the size of points in views. In model increases the point size on the screen when you zoom in. In view does not.

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5.3 Creating a basic viewBasic views are views parallel to the global basic planes, i.e. xy, xz, and zy. In basic views two axes always define the view plane and they appear in the plane name. The third axis is perpendicular to the view plane. It does not appear in the plane name. In the basic plane view, the model is shown from the direction of that third axis.

To create a basic view:

1. Click View > Create View of Model > Basic View... or .The Create Basic View dialog box opens.

2. Select the plane parallel to the view plane.3. Enter the level coordinate of the view plane.4. Click Create.

Tekla Structures creates the basic view. The active properties of the View Properties dialog box are used in the view.

5.4 Creating a top viewTo create a top view:

1. Click View > View Properties... to open the View Properties dialog box.2. Select plane from the list next to the Load button. Click Load.

The properties are changed.

3. Click OK.

4. Click View > Create View of Model > Basic View... or to open the Create Basic View dialog box.

5. Enter the level distance in the Coordinate box. For example, if you want that the plane view is at level +4500, enter 4500 in the box.

Sometimes the work area in the model can be huge because points are positioned far away from the origin of the model. To easily locate these points for deletion, change the Point size to 1000 or 1500.


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6. Click Create to create the top view.

Moving a plane in a top view

To move a plane in a top view:

1. Click the view.A red frame appears in the edge of the view. The view is now selected.

2. Right-click and select Move Special > Linear....The Move - Linear dialog box opens.

3. Enter the moving distance in the dZ box and click Move.The Confirm View Move dialog box opens.

4. Click Yes.The plane moves.

If you want to change the name of the view, double-click the view and enter the name in the View Properties dialog box.

5.5 Creating a grid view using two pointsTo create a grid view using two points:

1. Hold down the Shift key and click View > Create View of Model > Using Two Points

or click .The View Properties dialog box opens.

2. Select plane from the list next to the Load button and click Load.The view properties are changed.

3. Click OK.4. Pick the first point on a grid line.

Two arrows appear. The arrows indicate the direction of the view.

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5. When the direction is correct, pick the second point on the grid line.A new view is created.

5.6 Creating a view using three pointsYou can use the Create View of Model > Using Three Points command to create, for example, views perpendicular to a plane of a part.

To create a view:

1. Hold down the Shift key and click View > Create View of Model > Using Three Points to open the View Properties dialog box.

2. Define the properties and click OK.3. Pick the first point to indicate the origin of the view plane.4. Pick the second point to indicate the direction of the view x axis.5. Pick the third point to indicate the direction of the view y axis.


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The view is created.

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5.7 Opening, closing, and deleting named viewsYou can open, close, and delete named views in the Views dialog box. To open the dialog box,

click View > View List... or .

The Named views list contains the named views that are closed.

Opening views To open views, select them and click the arrow to move the views to the Visible views list.

Closing views To close a view, move the view to the Named views list.

Deleting views To delete a view, select the view and click Delete.

5.8 Changing part representation in model viewsIn rendered views, you can define separately how Tekla Structures displays parts and component objects.

Use the shortcuts Ctrl + 1...5 and Shift + 1...5 to set the desired representation for parts in the model and components.

The number of the named views is unlimited, but the maximum number of open views is nine.

To select multiple views on lists, use the Shift and Ctrl keys when you select views. To deselect views, hold down the Ctrl key.


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Example

6 Work area

The work area is the main area where you can edit the model. Tekla Structures indicates the work area of a view using green dashed lines.

You can define the work area to suit particular situations, for example, to concentrate on a particular area of the model. Defining the work area makes it faster and easier to work with the model. Objects outside the work area still exist, but they are not visible.

Shaded wireframe (Ctrl + 2)

Rendered (Ctrl + 4)

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7 Creating plane views along grid lines

To create plane views along grid lines:

1. Click View > Create View of Model > Along Grid Lines....The Creation of Views Along Grids Lines dialog box opens.

2. Define the settings you need.For instance, you can define the number of views and the view name prefixes.

Work area

The arrow symbol indicates the work plane.

The green cube in a model view represents the global coordinate system. It is located at the global point of origin.


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3. Click Create.The Views dialog box opens.

4. Move views from the Named views list to the Visible views list.The direction of all views is -x, +y, and -z.

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8 Common buttons

Most of the Tekla Structures dialog boxes contain common buttons. These buttons mean the same thing in all dialog boxes. The common buttons are:

Button Description

Retains the properties in the dialog box without closing the dialog box. Tekla Structures uses these properties the next time you create an object of this type.

Closes the dialog box without retaining the properties in the dialog box or modifying objects.

Creates a new object using the properties in the dialog box.

Fills the dialog box with the properties of the selected object. When you select several objects, Tekla Structures takes the properties at random from one of the selected objects.

Displays the help topics for the dialog box.

Modifies the selected objects using the properties in the dialog box, but does not retain the properties in the dialog box.

Retains the properties in the dialog box and closes the dialog box. Tekla Structures uses these properties the next time you create an object of this type.

Switches all the check boxes in the dialog box on and off.


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• how to snap on points

• how to check distances and angles

• how to use and customize the Mini Toolbar

• how to control the selection of objects.

• how to modify the work area

• how to create, move, and delete clip planes


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9 Snapping

Most Tekla Structures commands ask you to pick points to position objects.

Snap switches specify exact locations on objects, for example, end points, midpoints, and intersections. Snap switches help you to pick points to position objects precisely without having to know the coordinates or create additional lines or points. You can use snap switches any time Tekla Structures prompts you to specify a point, for example, if you are creating a beam.

9.1 Snap switchesThe snap switches are located in the Snapping toolbar.

Main snap switches

The two main snap switches define whether you can snap to reference points or any other points on objects. If both these switches are off, you cannot snap to any positions, even if all the other switches are on.

Other snap switches

You can have Tekla Structures display the snap symbols when you move the mouse pointer over objects. The snap symbol is yellow for model objects and green for objects inside components.

ButtonSnap positions Description Symbol

Reference lines and points

You can snap to object reference points (points that have handles).

Large

Geometry lines and points

You can snap to any points on objects.

Small

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9.2 Orthogonal snappingUse the shortcut O or click Tools > Ortho to activate orthogonal snapping. The mouse pointer locks to the closest orthogonal point on the plane (0, 45, 90, 135, 180 degrees, and so on). The mouse pointer automatically snaps to positions at even distances in the given direction.

9.3 Numeric snappingUse the Enter a numeric location toolbar to enter position coordinates you want to snap to.

ButtonSnap positions Description Symbol

Points Snaps to points and grid line intersections.

End points Snaps to end points of lines, polyline segments, and arcs.

Centers Snaps to centers of circles and arcs.

Midpoints Snaps to midpoints of lines, polyline segments, and arcs.

Intersections Snaps to intersections of lines, polyline segments, arcs, and circles.

Perpendicular Snaps to points on objects that form a perpendicular alignment with another object.

Line extensions Snaps to the line extensions of nearby objects, and reference and geometry lines of drawing objects.

Free Snaps to any position.

Nearest point Snaps to the nearest points on objects, e.g. any point on part edges or lines.

Lines Snaps to grid lines, reference lines, and the edges of existing objects.


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To display the toolbar, initiate a command that requires you to pick positions, and then do one of the following:

• Start entering the coordinates using the keyboard

• Click Tools > Enter a Numeric Location and select an option.

See Numeric location coordinates (p. 24) for information on location coordinates.

9.4 Numeric location coordinatesThe following table explains the types of information you can enter in the Enter a Numeric Location toolbar.

You can enter Description Example

Cartesian coordinates

The x, y, and z coordinates of a position separated by commas.

Polar coordinates

A distance, an angle on the xy plane, and an angle from the xy plane separated by angle brackets.

Angles increase in the counterclockwise direction.

Absolute coordinates

The coordinates based on the origin of the work plane.

Relative coordinates

The coordinates relative to the last position picked.

One value A distance to an indicated direction.

Two coordinates

If you omit the last coordinate (z) or angle, Tekla Structures assumes that the value is 0.

Three coordinates

In drawings, Tekla Structures ignores the third coordinate.

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9.5 Creating a temporary reference pointYou can create a temporary reference point to use as a local origin when snapping in models.

To create a temporary reference point:

1. Initiate a command that requires you to pick positions. For example, create a beam.2. Pick the start point.3. Hold down the Ctrl key and pick a position.

A green cross indicates that this position is now a temporary reference point.

4. Repeat step 3 to create as many reference points as needed.5. Release the Ctrl key and pick the end point.

Tekla Structures creates the object between the starting point and the end point.

9.6 Measuring distances, angles, and bolt spacesYou can measure distances, angles, radius and length of an arc, and bolt spaces. All measurements are temporary. The measurements appear in the rendered view window until you update or redraw the window. Before you start measuring, make sure that you are using appropriate snap settings.

The following measurement options are available:

• Horizontal distance

• Vertical distance

• Distance

• Angle

• Arc


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• Bolt spaces

To measure distances, angles, arcs, and bolt spaces:

1. Click Tools > Measure, or click one of the measurement buttons.2. Follow the instructions that vary according to the measurement option you selected.

10 Mini Toolbar

You can use the Mini Toolbar to inquire objects and check the properties of the objects.

The Mini Toolbar appears next to the mouse pointer when you select an object and fades out when you move the mouse further away or change the selection. You can change the position of the toolbar by dragging it and locking it to a new position with the lock button in the top right corner.

10.1 Customizing Mini ToolbarYou can customize the Mini Toolbar by selecting which commands are visible, and by adding macros and user-defined attributes to the toolbar.

To customize the Mini Toolbar:

1. Move the mouse pointer on the Mini Toolbar to display it.

2. Click to open the Customize Mini Toolbar dialog box.3. Select the elements you wish to show or hide.

The Preview field shows what the toolbar will look like.

4. Include macros and user-defined attributes in the Mini Toolbar.

When you measure horizontal and vertical distances, use a plane view. To switch to a plane view, press Ctrl + P.

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a Select a macro or user-defined attribute in the list of macros and user-defined attributes.

b Click Add to Mini Toolbar after each selected macro and user-defined attribute.The added macros and user-defined attributes are shown in the list of visible elements.

c To remove macros and user-defined attributes from the Mini Toolbar, unselect them in the list of visible elements.

5. Click OK.

11 Selection switches

You can control object selection by using the selection switches. The selection switches are located in the Selecting toolbar.

The selection switches are described below:


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Button Description

Turns all switches on. Select all object types, except for single bolts.

Select component symbols.

Select parts, such as columns, beams, and plates.

Select surface treatments.

Select points.

Select entire grids by selecting one line in the grid.

Select single grid lines.

Select welds.

Select line, part, and polygon cuts, and fittings.

Select model views.

Select entire bolt groups by selecting one bolt in the group.

Select single bolts.

Select reinforcing bars and bar groups.

Select planes.

Select distances.

When you click any object belonging to a component, Tekla Structures selects the component symbol and highlights (does not select) all component objects.

Objects created automatically by a component can be selected.

When you click any object in an assembly or a cast unit, Tekla Structures selects the assembly or cast unit and highlights all objects in the same assembly or cast unit.

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11.1 Selection filtersBy using selection filters you can select particular objects. Tekla Structures contains several selection filters by default. If you use, for example, the columns filter, you can only select columns in the model. The Selection Filter list lists the standard and user-defined filters.

Defining your own filters

To define your own filters:

Select single objects in assemblies and cast units.

Select tasks.

Select selection filters. The list lists both standard and user-defined selection filters.

Create your own selection filters.

Button Description

Selection filters

Click to open the Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box


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1. Click the Selection Filter button, or click Edit > Selection Filter... to open the Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box.

2. Find a filter which has close to the same settings as you need.3. Modify the settings, then enter a new name in the Save as box.4. Click Save as, then OK to exit.

You can now choose the new filter from the list.

Selection filter example

In this example we create a selection filter that selects parts whose class is two:

1. Click the Selection Filter button, or click Edit > Selection Filter... to open the Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box.

2. Select a row and click Delete row to remove the row.Repeat this to every row.

3. Click Add row.Now the Object Group - Selection Filter dialog box contains one row where you can define the filter.

4. In the Property list, select Class. 5. In the Value list, enter 2. 6. Enter a unique name in the box next to the Save as button.7. Click Save as to save the selection filter.

Use the selection filter to select the parts whose class is two.

11.2 Selection examplesScrolling assembly levels

Ensure that the Select assemblies selection switch is active.

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To define the level on which to select objects in nested components or assemblies, hold down the Shift key and scroll with the mouse wheel. Level 0 is the highest assembly level.

The level of the selected assembly is displayed in the status bar.

Level 0:

Level 1:

Selecting objects for reports and drawings

A beam has two end plates.

When you generate reports, drawings, NC files or other types of output of the beam, ensure that

the Select objects in components switch is active. You can then select all the objects. The report displays information of the beam and the end plates.

Level 0

Level 1


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The Select components switch selects objects at the highest level. The end plates created by a component are highlighted but are not selected, and the information of them is not displayed in the report.

12 Modifying the work area

You can modify the work area to suit particular situations. You can fit the work area and it is also possible to hide the work area lines.

12.1 Fit work area to selected partsTo fit work area to selected parts:

1. Select the model objects you want to see in the work area.2. Click View > Fit Work Area > To Selected Parts in Selected Views.

The work area includes the selected objects. The objects outside the work area still exist, but they are not visible.

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12.2 Fit work area using two pointsYou have to be working with a plane view in order to fit work area using two points. If you are currently working in 3D view, press Ctrl + P to switch to plane view.

To fit work area using two points:

1. Click View > Fit Work Area > Using Two Points or click .2. Pick the two points you want as corner points for the work area.

12.3 Fit work area to entire model in selected viewsTo fit the work area to the entire model, click View > Fit Work Area > To Entire Model in Selected Views. The work area includes all model objects in selected views.

12.4 Hiding the work areaIf you want, you can hide the green work area box. This can be useful, for example, when creating screenshots.

To hide the work area:

1. Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options... > Model View.2. Set the XS_HIDE_WORKAREA advanced option to TRUE.3. Click OK or Apply.4. Click View > Redraw All. Tekla Structures hides the work area.5. To make the work area visible again, set the advanced option to FALSE.


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13 Creating a clip plane

To create a clip plane:

1. Click View > Create Clip Plane, or click .2. Select a plane.

The clip plane symbol appears in the model.

3. Repeat step 2 to create as many clip planes as needed. 4. To finish creating clip planes, press Esc, or right-click and select Interrupt.

13.1 Moving a clip planeTo move a clip plane:

Alternatively, hold down the Ctrl and Shift keys when clicking View > Redraw All to hide the green work area box. To make the box visible again, click View > Redraw All again.

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1. Select the clip plane you want to move.2. Click the clip plane symbol and drag it to a new location.

13.2 Deleting a clip planeTo delete a clip plane:

1. Select the clip plane you want to delete.2. Click the clip plane symbol and press Delete.

You can change the location of the clip plane symbol by holding down the Shift key and dragging the symbol.


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• how to enter project information

• how to switch between single and multi-user modes

• how to use reference models

• how to use the Model Organizer

• how to check the model

• how to make inquiries about objects

• how to represent objects in model views

• how to use the project status visualization tool

• how to use the phase manager

• how to create and define lots


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14 Entering project information

When you start a project, enter project information to display the information automatically in reports and drawings.

To enter the project information:

1. Click File > Project Properties... to open the Project Properties dialog box.2. Enter the project information you want to use. All the boxes are optional.3. Click User-defined attributes to open the Tekla Structures Project (1) dialog box,

where you can enter additional information.

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4. Click OK to save your changes and close the Tekla Structures Project (1) dialog box.5. Click OK to save your changes and close the Project Properties dialog box.

15 Switching between single-user and multi-user modes

You can switch between single-user and multi-user modes by using the different options in the Open dialog box.

Opening multi-user model in single-user mode

To open a multi-user model in single-user mode:

1. Click File > Open... to open the Open dialog box.2. Select the multi-user model.

3. Right-click and select Open as single-user model from the pop-up menu.

Opening single-user model in multi-user mode

To open a single-user model in multi-user mode:

1. Click File > Open... to open the Open dialog box.2. Select the single-user model.3. Right-click and select Open as multi-user model from the pop-up menu.4. Tekla Structures prompts for the name of the server. In the Open as multi-user model

dialog box, enter the server name or select it from the list, and then click OK.

16 Reference models

A reference model is a file which helps you to build a Tekla Structures model. A reference model is created in Tekla Structures or another software or modeling tool and imported to Tekla Structures.

For example, an architectural model, a plant design model, or a heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) model can be used as a reference model. Reference models can also be simple 2D drawings that are imported and then used as a layout to directly build the model on.

The contents of the Tekla Structures Project (1) dialog box depend on the Tekla Structures environment. The default tabs and options of the dialog box are different in different Tekla Structures environments.

The Model type column indicates whether the model is a single-user or a multi-user model. The button with three men indicates a multi-user model.


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The following file types are supported:

• AutoCAD (*.dxf)

• AutoCAD (*.dwg)

• MicroStation (*.dgn, *.prp)

• Cadmatic models (*.3dd)

• IFC files (*.IFC)

• IGES files (*.igs, *.iges)

• STEP files (*.stp, *.STEP)

• Tekla WebViewer XML files (*.xml)

You can snap to reference model geometry. Tekla Structures loads the reference model from the file each time you open your model. It does not save the reference model when you save the current model. The filename extension of a saved reference model properties file is *.rop.

16.1 Inserting a reference modelTo insert a reference model in a Tekla Structures model:

1. Click File > Insert Reference Model..., or click .The Reference Model Properties dialog box opens.

2. Click Browse... next to the File name box to browse for the reference model file.3. Set the scale of the reference model, if it is different from the one in the Tekla Structures

(for example, if it uses different measurement units).

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4. Click OK.5. Pick the position for the reference model origin.

Tekla Structures inserts the reference model.

16.2 Hiding a reference modelTo hide a reference model:

1. Click File > Reference Model List... to open the Reference Models dialog box.2. Select a reference model from the list.3. Select Hidden from the Visibility list box.

16.3 Updating a reference modelYou can update the reference models in your Tekla Structures model if there have been changes in the original reference models after you have imported them to Tekla Structures.

To update a reference model:

1. Double-click a reference model.2. In the Reference Model Properties dialog box, browse for the modified file by clicking

the Browse... button next to the File name field.

Set the scale for a DWG or a DXF file already in AutoCAD. When you define the measurement unit for a DWG or a DXF file and save the file in AutoCAD, the unit is recognized in Tekla Structures and the reference model is scaled correctly.


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3. In the Import dialog box, select the updated file and click OK.4. Click Modify.

16.4 Detecting changes in reference modelsReference models are often updated, but the changes are rarely documented. You can see the changes between an old and new reference model by using commands in the Reference Object Properties dialog box. You can detect changes in reference models that are of the following file formats:

• IFC (.ifc)

• Cadmatic (.3dd)

• WebViewer (.xml)

• DWG (.dwg)

To detect changes in a reference model:

1. Select the reference model and double-click it to display the Reference Object Properties dialog box.

2. Browse for the name of the old file by clicking the Browse... button next to the Old file name box.

3. Select an option in the Show list in the Change detection section. For example, select Changed to see the changed objects in a reference model.

You can also update all the reference models in one go.

To update all reference models:

1. Click File > Reference Model List... to open the Reference Models dialog box.

2. Click Reload All.

Tekla Structures goes through all the reference models and regenerates the reference models that have a newer modified date than the one already in the cache.

However, this is not the recommended way to update reference models since it is time-consuming and affects the system performance.

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4. Click Display....Tekla Structures highlights the changed reference model objects.

Example

The following example shows how the changes are displayed in the reference model:

The old file:

The new file:


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The Show option has been set to Changed in the Reference Object Properties dialog box:

16.5 Handling large reference modelsThese are some tips for speeding up large reference models:

• Large, highly-detailed reference models contain lots of snap points. To speed up snapping, activate only the snap switches you need.

• Split large reference models into smaller ones and display only the parts you need in the model.

17 Model Organizer

Use Model Organizer to manage and view different logical areas and object types in your model. You can classify information according to your needs.

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Model Organizer can be used in construction planning and management. You can divide a large model into logical sections and floors to help create building schedules, lots, and erection sequences, and categorize object types, for example, based on purchasing contracts. You can categorize both native Tekla Structures objects and reference objects.

Each part can belong to only one section and one story, but to several object type categories.

To open the Model Organizer, click Tools > Model Organizer....

17.1 Creating logical areasLogical areas may already have been defined for the model. You can create new logical areas for your own needs and add objects to the logical areas.

To create logical areas and add objects to them:

1. Click Tools > Model Organizer....2. Create a path structure.

a Right-click Logical Areas.b Click New Building.c Click New Section. d Click New Story.

You may create as many sections and storys as you need. Note that sections and storys are both created under buildings.

3. Select a section or story in Model Organizer.4. In the model, select the area for the section or the story.

Each model object can belong to only one section and one story.

5. In Model Organizer, right-click the selected section or story, and select Add Selected to Category.


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17.2 Creating object type categoriesTo create object type categories:

1. Click Tools > Model Organizer....2. Create object type categories.

a Right-click Object Types.b Click New Object Type.

You can also create subtypes for object types.

3. In the model, select the objects you want to add to an object type category.4. In Model Organizer, right-click the object type category and select Add Selected to

Category .

17.3 Viewing logical areas and object type categoriesTo view logical areas and object type categories:

1. Click Tools > Model Organizer....The Model Organizer opens.

2. Select a logical area or an object type category.The logical area or objects belonging to the selected object type category are highlighted in the model.

3. To view the classification information of an object, right-click the object in the model and select Model Classification > Show Related Classification, or in the Model

Organizer, select an object and click .

You can also add objects to the selected section or story by right-clicking the object in the model and selecting Model Classification > Add to Selected Classification from the pop-up menu.

In large projects, you can create sites for your project by right-clicking Logical Areas and selecting Show Site(s). You can hide the sites by selecting Hide Site(s).

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18 Checking the model

When the model is complete, you need to check it. There are several methods available for checking the model:

• Clash checking

• Flying through the model

• Checking using reports

• Checking the views

18.1 Finding clashes in a modelYou can run a clash check to find parts, reinforcements, bolts, or reference model objects that collide.

The following reference model file types are supported in clash checking:

• IFC

• DWG

• DGN

To find clashes in a model:

1. Click Tools > Clash Check Manager.2. In the model, select the objects you want to include in the clash check.

Alternatively, if you are using Model Organizer, select the sections and storys for which you want to run the clash check. Right-click and select Select in the Model.

3. Click to check the objects.You can continue working during the clash check. When the clash check is complete, the status bar message changes from Clash checking in progress to Ready.

4. To highlight a clash in the model, select a row in the list of clashes.The related model objects are selected.

5. To zoom the active view so that the selected objects are shown in the center of the view, double-click a row.

6. If you want to include more objects in the clash check, select the desired model objects and re-run clash check.New clashes are appended to the end of the list.

Do not run the clash check for the entire model. For best results, run the clash check only for appropriate sections and storys.

If you cannot find the clashes in the model, change the representation of objects to Show Only Selected (Ctrl+5) for better visibility.


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Changing the status of clashes

To change the status of clashes:

1. In Clash Check Manager, select the clashes whose status you want to change.2. Right-click one of the selected rows to open a pop-up menu.3. Select Status and then one of the status options:

• Assign

• Fix

• Approve

• Ignore

• Reopen

Changing the priority of clashes

To change the priority of clashes:

1. In Clash Check Manager, select the clashes whose priority you want to change.2. Right-click one of the selected rows to open a pop-up menu.3. Select Priority and then one of the status options:

• High

• Medium

• Low

Symbols used in clash checking

Clash Check Manager uses the following flags to indicate the state of clashes:

After removing or modifying objects, you can re-run clash check to see if the clash still exists. To do this, select the desired rows in the list of clashes and re-run clash check.

Flag State Description

(none) Active The default state. The clash is not new, modified, resolved, or missing.

New All clashes are marked as new when they are found for the first time.

Modified If the object has been modified (for example, if the profile has changed), the state changes to modified when you re-run clash check.

Only certain object properties affect this flag. To see which properties have an effect, right-click one of the column headings. Both visible and hidden properties affect the flag.

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Grouping and ungrouping clashes

You can combine several clashes into a group so that the clashes are treated as a single unit. You can also ungroup the grouped clashes.

Grouping clashes To group clashes:

1. In Clash Check Manager, select the clashes you want to group.2. Right-click and select Group > Group from the pop-up menu.3. If you want to add clashes to an already existing group, select the clashes and the group,

and then repeat step 2.

Ungrouping clashes

To ungroup clashes:

1. In Clash Check Manager, select the clash group you want to ungroup. 2. Right-click and select Group > Unroup from the pop-up menu.

Adding comments to a clash

You can add comments to clashes and clash groups. For example, you might use comments as reminders to yourself and other users.

To add a comment:

1. Select the clash or clash group you want to comment on.2. Right-click and select Clash Information from the pop-up menu.3. Go to the Comments tab.

4. Click to open the Add comment dialog box.5. Enter your comment in the Comment box.6. Click OK.

Opening and saving clash check sessions

To open or save sessions in Clash Check Manager, do any of the following:

Resolved If the objects no longer clash, the state changes to resolved when you re-run clash check.

Missing If one or both of the clashing objects have been removed from the model, the state changes to missing when you re-run clash check.

Flag State Description

You cannot create nested groups of clashes.


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18.2 Flying through the modelUse the Fly command to travel through the model. You can change the direction and vary the speed as you go.

To fly through a model:

1. Set view projection to Perspective.a Double-click the view to open the View Properties dialog box.b In the Projection list box, select Perspective.

To Do this

Open a session1. Click .2. In the Open dialog box, select a session.3. Click OK.

Start a new sessionClick .

Clash Check Manager clears the list of clashes without running clash check.

Save the current sessionClick .

Save the current session under a different name or in a different location

1. Click the arrow button next to the icon. A pop-up menu appears.

2. Click Save as.3. In the Save As dialog box, browse to the folder

where you want to save the session.4. In the File name box, enter a new name.5. Click Save.

Save only selected clashes 1. In the list of clashes, select the clashes you want to save.

2. Click the arrow button next to the icon. A pop-up menu appears.

3. Click Save selected.

By default, clash check sessions are stored as XML files in the ..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>\Clashes folder. Tekla Structures creates the folder automatically when you open Clash Check Manager for the first time.

The Fly command only works rendered views with Projection set to Perspective.

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c Click Modify.2. Click View > Fly.3. Select a view. The mouse pointer changes into an arrow and a cross. The arrow indicates

the current flying direction.

4. Drag the mouse to move around in the model.

• To fly forward, move the mouse forward.

• To change the flying direction, drag the mouse in the desired direction.The flying speed grows exponentially when you are approaching the model from a distance.

• To move up or down, hold down Ctrl and drag the mouse forward or backward.

• To change the camera angle, scroll with the mouse wheel.

• To fly in the in the direction of the camera angle, hold down Shift and scroll forward or backward.

5. To stop flying, press Esc.

18.3 Checking using reportsYou can check models using reports. Reports can be lists of drawings, bolts, or parts. Reports can contain information from selected parts or the entire model.

You can generate the following types of reports:

• Bolt, nut, washer, and material lists

• ID listsThe main feature of the ID lists is that the lines that contain profiles can be selected. As a result, the accompanying profile will be highlighted in the model. This is useful if a profile is hard to locate.

• User-defined attributes list

A user-defined attribute list can be used to check that the correct profiles are shortened.

To check using reports:

1. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Series of Selected Objects.

2. Click Drawings & Reports > Create Report..., or click .The Report dialog box opens.

3. Select a report from the report templates4. Click Create from all or Create from selected button.


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19 Inquiring the model

The inquire tool displays the properties of a particular object, or a group of objects, within the model.

The Inquire Object dialog box displays information relevant to the objects you select.

19.1 Inquiring object propertiesUse the Inquire object command to display the properties of a particular object, or group of objects, within the model.

To inquire object properties:

1. Click Tools > Inquire > Object, or click .2. Select an object.

The object can be, for example, a part, a bolt, a component, or a weld.

The Inquire object dialog box opens. It displays the relevant information regarding the object. The information displayed depends on the selected object.

The selected object and all parts of the object are highlighted.

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19.2 Inquiring assembly objectsTo inquire assembly objects:

1. Click Tools > Inquire > Assembly Objects.2. Select the assembly.

Main parts are highlighted with red and secondary parts with yellow.

Displaying all objects connected to a part

In some cases it is useful to see all the objects that are connected to a part, such as components, welds and fittings. You can then examine, for example, whether parts are welded correctly.

To display the objects connected to a part:

1. Select the part.

2. Delete the part.

3. Click Edit > Undo, or click .The part and the accompanying objects are displayed.


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19.3 Inquiring welded parts

19.4 Inquiring the center of gravityYou can inquire an object’s center of gravity. The object can be a part or an assembly.

To inquire the center of gravity:

1. Select an object.2. Click Tools > Inquire > Center of Gravity.

20 Representing objects in model views

Use object representation settings to modify the color and transparency of objects in the model view. Objects are grouped by a set of rules and conditions which can be used to control how the objects are displayed. Changing the object representation settings in the Object Representation dialog box affect all model views.

To set object representation settings in a model view:

1. Click View > Representation > Object Representation....The Object Representation dialog box opens.

2. Load the setting you want to use.The objects are displayed according to the settings. By default, several standard settings are included, but you can also create object representation settings yourself.

3. Click Modify and OK.

Click Tools > Inquire > Primary Welded Part to highlight the main part when you select the secondary part.

Tools > Inquire > Welded Parts to highlight the selected part and all the parts that are welded to it.

When calculating the center of gravity of an object, bolts and welds are not taken into account whereas polygon cuttings, part cuttings, fittings, and line cuts are taken into account in the calculation.

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20.1 Creating object representation settingsBy default, several standard settings are included in the object representation, but you can also create object representation settings by yourself.

This example shows how to create a new object group where all columns will be represented in blue with 70% transparency.

To create object representation settings:

1. Click View > Representation > Object Representation....The Object Representation dialog box opens.

2. Click the Add row button.A second object group is added. Initially, the new object group has the same properties as the first object group.

3. In the Object group list box, select All to activate the arrow button.4. Click the arrow button to open a drop down menu.

The drop down menu contains all the default options for object groups.

5. Select Create new group... from the list.The Object Group - Representation dialog box opens.

6. In the Category list box, select Part.7. In the Property list box, select Name.

The part name is used for selecting columns.

8. In the Condition list box, select Equals.9. In the Value list box, enter COLUMN.

Note that all the letters must be capitalized.

10. In the box next to the Save as button, enter a name for the group. For example, column. You will be able to reuse the new object condition in other models.

Changing the settings in the Object Representation dialog box affects all model views.


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11. Click Close.The Object Group - Representation dialog blox closes. Note that the Object Representation dialog box is still open.

12. In the Object Representation dialog box, in the Color list box, click Color by class to activate the arrow button.

13. Click the arrow button and select blue color from the drop down menu.14. In the Transparency list box, click Visible list box to activate the arrow button.15. Click the arrow button and select 70% transparent from the drop down menu.16. Click Modify.

20.2 Defining your own colors to model object groups

You can customize the color of model objects by selecting a specific color for each object group. You can use an unlimited number of colors.

To define colors for object groups:

1. Click View > Representation > Object Representation.The Object Representation dialog box is displayed.

2. Load the object representation settings that you want to change.3. Click Add row to add a new object group or select an existing object group from the

Object Group list.4. Click the Color list arrow and then click Choose color....5. Do one of the following:

• Click a color in the Basic colors palette or in the color window.

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• Click Define Custom Colors and create a color of your own:

a Click a color in the color window and then click the desired color depth on the color bar on the right, or enter RGB values.

b Click Add to Custom Colors.c Click the color in the Custom colors palette to select it.

6. Click OK.7. Select the desired Transparency option.8. Click Save to save the changes.9. Click Modify to change the representation of the objects.When you open the Object Representation dialog box the next time, the Color list shows a maximum10 colors that you last defined above the dashed line.


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21 Project status visualization

Use the Project Status Visualization tool to review the status of modeling objects in a specific time frame. For example, use this tool to:

• display the erection schedule for groups of parts using different colors

• identify the parts that are scheduled to be fabricated during a specific time period.

The following example demonstrates how the project status visualization tool works. In the example, we

• add planned erection dates

• create object representation settings

• review the status of objects in the time scale with the project status visualization tool.

21.1 Adding planned erection datesWe add planned erection dates for parts.

To add planned erection dates:

1. Double-click a part to open the part properties dialog box.2. Click User-defined attributes...

3. On the Status tab, modify the value of the user-defined attribute Erection Scheduled.

You can define tasks for parts and assemblies with Task Manager. Project status visualization can then be based on the tasks.

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4. Ensure that all the check boxes are cleared.5. Select the Erection Scheduled check box.6. Select all the parts for which you want to use the same erection date.

7. Click Modify.8. Repeat steps 1–7 for each group of parts in your model.You can select the dates but allocate them at least for the time period of one month.

21.2 Creating object groups and object representa-tion settings

Next we create several settings that define which objects are shown in the model and how they are shown. The settings are:

• Objects which have been erected over a week before the review date will be displayed in gray.

• Objects which have been erected in the previous week will be displayed in blue.

• Objects which are planned to be erected in the following week will be displayed in red.

• Objects which are planned to be erected in the future will be displayed in transparent yellow.

• All objects without a set erection date will be displayed in transparent white.

To create the representation settings:

1. Click View > Representation > Object Representation... to open the Object Representation dialog box.

2. Click Object group... button to open the Object Group - Representation dialog box.3. Create an object group whose planned erection date is over a week before than the

review date:

• In the Category list box, select Task.

• In the Property list box, select Planned Start Date.

• In the Condition list box, select Earlier than.

• In the Value list box, select Select date... to open the Select Date dialog box. Enter 7 in the day(s) before the review date box and click OK.

To make it easier to select parts, create a separate selection filter for each group of parts.


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4. In the box next to the Save as button, enter a name for the group. For example, Planned erection over week before review date.

5. Click Save as.6. In the same way, define and save the settings for the Planned erection one

week before review date, Planned erection one week after review date, and Planned erection two weeks after review date object groups.

7. Define the color and transparency settings for the object groups in the Object Representation dialog box. a Click the Add row button.b In the Object group list box, select the Planned erection over week

before review date object group. c In the Color list box, select gray as the color. d In the Transparency list box, select Visible.

8. Define the color and transparency settings for the rest of the object groups.9. In the box next to the Save as button, enter a name for the object representation settings.

For example, Planned erection dates. 10. Click Save as.

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11. Click OK to close the dialog box.

21.3 Using project status visualizationWhen you have defined the object representation settings, you can review the status of the objects on a time scale.

To review the status:

1. Close all the other views except the 3D view to make updates faster.2. Click Tools > Project Status Visualization to open the Project Status Visualization

dialog box.3. Select suitable dates.

• Select a date that is just before the first planned erection date from the Review date list .

• Select the scale start and end dates.

4. Select the Refresh view automatically check box5. Select Planned erection dates from the Object representation list.


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6. Click Refresh.7. Click the step buttons to review the status changes in the model.8. Click Close when you have finished reviewing the status changes.

22 Phase Manager

Use phases to break up a model into sections. Only parts can be split into phases.

Phases are often used to indicate erection sequences. You can create reports and views, hide objects, and copy objects from other models, according to their phase number.

Used the Phase Manager dialog box to create phases. You can open the Phase Manager dialog box from Tools > Phase Manager... or by using the shortcut Ctrl + H.

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Option Description

The Number box You can enter the number of the phase in the Number box.

The Name box You can enter the name of the phase in the Name box.

The Filter button You can use the Filter button to filter the listed phases by the number and/or criteria that has been entered in the Number and Name boxes.

The Set Current button The Set Current button determines to which phase the object belongs. The current phase is indicated by @ character.

The Add button The Add button can be used to create new phases.

The Delete button The Delete button can be used to delete phases.

The Phases by objects button The Phases by objects button can be used to determine in which phase(s) the selected object(s) belong to. If you select objects that belong to several phases, they are highlighted in the Phase Manager.

The Objects by phases button The Objects by phases button can be used to determine which objects belong to the selected phase. The object will be highlighted in the model.

The Modify phase button The Modify phase button can be used to change the phase for one or more objects.


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22.1 Dividing the model into phasesTo divide a model into phases:

1. Click Tools > Phase Manager.... The Phase Manager dialog box appears.

2. Click Add to create new phases.3. Click Set current to make the selected phase the current phase.

From now on, Tekla Structures assigns all objects you create to the current phase. The @ character in front of the phase number indicates the current phase.

4. Divide the model into phases.a To identify the phase of an object, select an object and click Phases by objects.

Tekla Structures selects the phase of the object.

b To see which objects belong to a certain phase, select a phase from the list and then click Objects by phases.Tekla Structures highlights the corresponding objects in the model.

c To change the phase of one or more objects, select the objects, select a phase from the list, and then click Modify phase.

5. Click OK to save your changes.

23 Lotting

With lots you can group assemblies for transporting to site. Lotting means that you evaluate specific model parts with respect to the number of units that can be carried by a transfer vehicle. For example, you can calculate how many concrete truck deliveries are needed to pour the footings or slabs for a specific portion of the model. With this information, it is easier to determine area requirements and create an erection schedule.

When you define lots, you must take into account the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle, because a lot cannot exceed the maximum total load capacity. You can calculate truck load sizes based on material weights and model quantities. For most model parts, the weight is based on the size, length, and material of the part.

The basic lotting process is the same for steel and concrete parts. However, if you are using cast-in-place concrete, remember that the concrete is transported in a volumetric container (for example, in a ten-cubic-yard truck). In that case, you must calculate the weight-carrying capacity of the concrete vehicle before defining the number of lots.

23.1 Creating a lotTo create a lot:

To view the properties of a part, right-click the part and then select Inquire > Part or Properties...

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1. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box.2. Click Properties... to display the Lot Properties dialog box.3. Type a name in the field at the bottom of the dialog box.4. Type a lot number in the Number field.5. Type the maximum weight of the lot in the Max weight field.6. Click Add.

Tekla Structures creates an empty lot with the defined properties.

23.2 Adding parts to a lotAfter you have created the needed lots, you must select each part of the model and assign them to a lot until the total load weight of the lot reaches the specified target.

To add parts to a lot:

1. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box.2. Select an existing lot from the list.

Tekla Structures highlights the parts included in the lot. The total weight of the lot and the number of assemblies it contains are displayed under Applied values.

3. Hold down Shift and select the parts that you want to add to the lot. 4. Click Apply selected.

The weight and number of the added parts is displayed under Current values. Tekla Structures displays a warning message if the weight limit of the lot is exceeded.

5. Click OK to close the dialog box.When you re-open the dialog box, the Applied values include the weight and number of the parts you added.

23.3 Removing parts from a lotTo remove parts from a lot:

1. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box.2. Select an existing lot from the list.

Tekla Structures highlights the parts included in the lot.

3. Hold down Ctrl and select the parts you want to remove from the lot. Tekla Structures deselects the parts.

4. Click Apply selected.5. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Always use the Shift key when adding parts to an existing lot. If you simply select parts, you will overwrite the contents of the lot. When you hold down Shift, you cannot select parts that already belong to another lot.


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23.4 Deleting a lotTo delete a lot:

1. Click Tools > Lotting to display the Lotting dialog box.2. Click Properties...

3. Select an existing lot from the list.4. Click Delete.

24 Watch how to use BIM in a live project

First steps with BIM - Interactive tutorials

Learn more about how to use Tekla Structures for Construction Management by watching interactive video tutorials. The models used in the tutoriasl are from a live project, and you can watch each of the nine videos or just the most interesting ones.

The First steps with BIM - Interactive tutorials are available on the Tekla website, at www.tekla.com/bimlessons.

The videos are divided into three categories:

Getting started

• Bringing in project model

• Classifying models

• Investigating models

Clash detection & management

• Clash Check

• Clash Communication

• RFI management

Construction management

• Quantity take off and estimating

• Model based scheduling, part1

• Model based scheduling, part2

Top New Feature videos

Do not forget to watch the Top New Feature videos that are published with each Tekla Structures main version. Top New Feature videos introduce the new features and show how to use them.

The Top New Feature videos are available on the Tekla website, at www.tekla.com/topnewfeatures.

See also www.tekla.com/bimlessons

www.tekla.com/topnewfeatures

The videos are available only in English.

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• how to display the drawings in the model

• how to create screenshots

• how to publish models as web pages

• how to open models in Model Reviewer


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25 Drawings

All drawings in a Tekla Structures model are displayed in the Drawing List dialog box. You can open and print drawings, and search and sort drawings on the list according to different criteria. You can also modify the drawings, but you cannot save your changes.

You can open the Drawing List in the model by selecting Drawings & Reports > Drawing List (Ctrl + L) or, when a drawing is open, by clicking Drawing File > Open (Ctrl + O).

25.1 Searching drawings1. Click Drawings & Reports > Drawing List....

The Drawing List dialog box opens. You can quickly find the drawings by using the text-based search by entering the desired criteria in the Enter search criteria box.

2. Enter search criteria.You can limit the search:

• by selecting an option from the Search in list

• by selecting the Search within the currently visible drawings check box.

You need to have the templates used in the drawings, otherwise the drawings are not displayed correctly.

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25.2 Filtering Drawing List contentsIn addition to using search, you can select which drawings you want to see in the list and in which order.

To filter the Drawing List contents, do any of the following:

25.3 Opening a drawingYou can open drawings from the Drawing List. You can only have one drawing open at a time.

Do any of the following:

To Do this

Display a predefined set of drawings Select a set of drawings from the select drawing set list.

Saved search results are also displayed in this list.

List all drawings Click Show all.

Invert the contents of the current list Click Invert.

This feature allows you to list the opposite of the current content.

For example, if you had selected to display Locked drawings, clicking Invert shows all drawings except the locked ones.

List selected drawings only Select the drawings and click Selected.

List up-to-date drawings only Click Up to date.

List drawings that need to be updated 1. Click Up to date.2. Click Invert.

Lists only drawings associated with the objects you have selected in the model.

1. Select objects in the model. 2. Click By parts.

Selecting parts that have drawings.

Select parts that do not have drawings.

Select objects does not work in general arrangement drawings.

1. In the Drawing List, press Ctrl + A to select all drawings.

2. To highlight the parts that have drawings, click Select objects.

After completing the previous step you can highlight the parts that do not have drawings by holding down the Ctrl key and selecting the entire model (hold down the left mouse button and drag all the way from left to right).

Sort the list according to Column name Click the column name.

To Do this

Open a drawing from the model or when a drawing is open

While you have the Drawing List open, double-click the drawing on the list.

Open the next or the previous drawing on the list

Press Ctrl + Page Down (next) or Ctrl + Page Up (previous).


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25.4 Editing a drawingYou can edit a drawing, but you cannot save it. Editing may sometimes be helpful, for example, if you want to emphasize something in a printed drawing.

Do any of the following:

25.5 Printing a drawingTo print a drawing:

1. In the Drawing List, double-click the drawing you want to print.2. Click Drawing File > Print Drawings... to open the Print Drawings dialog box.3. Select the printer you want to use.4. Click Print to print the drawing.

26 Screenshots

A screenshot is a picture of a dialog box, view, or the entire Tekla Structures window. You can use screenshots in posters, brochures, or other material to show projects carried out using Tekla Structures.

26.1 Creating a screenshotTo create a high resolution screenshot of a rendered view:

1. Ensure that the view type is set to Rendered.2. Click Tools > Screenshot > Custom...

3. To define which view to create the screenshot from, click Pick view and select a view.4. Under Capture, select Rendered view.5. Click Options... The Screenshot Options dialog box appears.6. Set the desired properties and click OK.7. Click Capture.

To Do this

Add dimensions in the drawing Use the dimensioning commands on the toolbar.

Edit part properties 1. Double-click the part.2. Edit the properties.3. Click Modify.

Change the color mode Press B.

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For more information on screenshot settings, see Screenshot settings (p. 71).

26.2 Screenshot settingsUse the Screenshot dialog box to view and modify the screenshot settings.

The following screenshot options are only available in rendered views:

27 WebViewer

You can publish your Tekla Structures models as web pages that can be viewed via the Internet using a web browser. The WebViewer files can also be used as reference models.

Option Description

View name Shows the selected view name.

View Includes the view content and window borders in the screenshot.

View without borders Includes only the view content in the screenshot.

Rendered view Use for high resolution screenshots from rendered views. The Options... button displays the Screenshot Options dialog box.

Place on clipboard Places the screenshot on the clipboard.

Print to file Saves the screenshot to a file.

Option Description

Final width The width of the screenshot.

Uses the same unit as other dimensions in modeling.

Final height The height of the screenshot.

Uses the same unit as other dimensions in modeling.

DPI The pixel density (DPI) of the screenshot.

There are limitations to pixel density. You can change the DPI using a graphics editor.

White background Uses white background.

Smooth lines Uses smooth lines to decrease jagged edges.

Line width Sets the line width.


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27.1 Publishing a model as a web pageTo publish a model as a web page:

1. Click File > Publish as Web Page... to open the Publish as Web Page dialog box.

2. If you want to publish a web page of selected parts, select Selected parts.3. Change the page title if required.4. In the File name box, enter the destination path and file name for the published model.

By default, Tekla Structures creates a PublicWeb folder with sub-folders in the current model folder, and places the published model there.

5. Click Publish. If you select the Open in browser check box, the model opens in your web browser.

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28 Tekla Structures Model Reviewer

Tekla Structures Model Reviewer is a free and improved tool based on the Tekla Structures Web Viewer. Model Reviewer includes excellent model navigation and mark up functionality. With it you can:

• Easily pan, rotate, zoom, and fly through the model

• See important part information

• Fly through a set of saved locations in the model to present it to the project team

• Use clip planes to slice through walls and crowded areas of the model

• Email models easily to other parties

• Create and manage markups (redlines) of specific areas in the model

• Visually track project statuses with different colors in the model

You can use the Model Reviewer tool to improve project communication.

In Tekla Structures, you can publish a model in .wrm, .xml or .zsol format. You can then send the published model to other project participants. After installing the tool, those involved in the project can open the model and add comments to it.

You can download and install Model Reviewer from Tekla’s website. Go to http://www.tekla.com/international/solutions/building-construction/Pages/web-models-model-reviewer.aspx and click the Free Download link.

To learn more, watch the introductory video on the download page.

28.1 Opening a model in Model ReviewerTo open a model in Model Reviewer:

1. Click Windows Start > All Programs > Tekla Structures > Tekla Structures Model Reviewer.

2. Browse for a published model file.Supported file formats are: .wmr, .xml, and .zsol.

When you save the model and the markups in Model Reviewer, the file is saved in .wmr format.


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• how to use Tekla Structures Help

• how to save your favorite Help topics


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29 Using Tekla Structures Help

Tekla Structures Help is a detailed guide to Tekla Structures concepts, tools, commands, and features, with plenty of examples.

29.1 Opening Tekla Structures HelpTo open Help, do one of the following:

• Click Help > Tekla Structures Help.

• Press F1.

If you have a dialog box open, pressing F1 takes you straight to the related topic.

If you want to quickly learn how to use Help and its seach functionalities efficiently, watch the Using Help video tutorial on the Help homepage.

29.2 Browsing Help topics by subjectUse the Contents tab to browse through Help topics using a hierarchical list of topics.

To browse Help topics by subject:

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1. Go to the Contents tab.2. Click a Help topic to open it, or double-click a closed book icon to display the subtopics.

3. Use the red arrow buttons to move to the next or previous topic.

29.3 Finding Help topics using the indexUse the Index tab to search for Help topics using an alphabetical list of keywords.

To find a Help topic using the index:

1. Go to the Index tab.2. Enter a keyword, or scroll through the list of keywords.3. Double-click a title to display that topic, or click a topic title and then click Display.

If a keyword is associated with more than one topic, a list of topics appears and you are prompted to select one of them.

29.4 Searching for Help topicsUse the Search tab to find Help topics based on search terms. You can refine your search using wildcard characters, search operators, nested search terms, and search filters.

To search for a Help topic:

1. Go to the Search tab.2. Enter the words to search for.3. Click List Topics to start the search.

A list of results appears.

4. Double-click a title to display that topic, or click a topic title and then click Display.

Viewing the search results

To view and sort the search results, do any of the following:

To open or close all books on the Contents tab, right-click one of the topics and select Open all or Close all from the pop-up menu.

If you want to find an exact phrase, or if the search term contains special characters, enclose the phrase in double quotation marks. For example, "bolt catalog" or "objects.inp".


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Using search filters

Use any of the following search filters to narrow or broaden your search results:

To enable or disable a search filter, select or clear the corresponding check box on the Search tab.

29.5 Saving favorite Help topicsUse the Favorites tab to save Help topics that you might want to visit again.

To add a topic to your list of favorites:

1. Display the topic you want to save.2. Go to the Favorites tab.3. Optional: If you want to save the topic under a different name, enter a new name in the

Current topic box, and then press Enter.4. Click Add.

To Do this

Display the search results in alphabetical order

Click the Title column heading.

Display the location of a topic in the hierarchical list of topics

Click Locate on the Help toolbar.

Find a specific word or phrase in the open topic

Click the topic and press Ctrl + F.

Move forward and backward through previously viewed topics

Click Forward or Back on the Help toolbar.

Show or hide the navigation pane Click Show or Hide on the Help toolbar.

Disable the highlighting of search terms in the search results

Click Options > Search Highlight Off.

Return to the Help cover page Click Home on the Help toolbar.

Search filter Description

Search previous results Narrows down the search results. The next search will be performed within the topics that were found in the previous search.

Match similar words Includes topics that contain words similar to your search term. For example, also the plural form of the word is included in the search.

Search titles only Searches for words only in topic titles. If the search term appears only in the body of a topic, it is not included in the search results.

Tekla StructuresTask Manager Guide

Product version 17.0December 2010

© 2010 Tekla Corporation

© 2010 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved.

This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referenced Software. Use of the Software, and use of this Software Manual are governed by a License Agreement. Among other provisions, the License Agreement sets certain warranties for the Software and this Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, defines permitted uses of the Software, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software. All information set forth in this manual is provided with the warranty set forth in the License Agreement. Please refer to the License Agreement for important obligations and applicable limitations and restrictions on your rights. Tekla does not guarantee that the text is free of technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Tekla reserves the right to make changes and additions to this manual due to changes in the software or otherwise.In addition, this Software Manual is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. Unauthorized reproduction, display, modification, or distribution of this Manual, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the full extent permitted by law.Tekla, Tekla Structures, Xcity, Xengineer, Xpipe, Xroad, Xpower, Xsteel, and Xstreet are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Tekla Corporation in the European Union, the United States, and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. By referring to a third-party product or brand, Tekla does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or endorsement by such third party and disclaims any such affiliation or endorsement, except where otherwise expressly stated.Portions of this software:D-Cubed 2D DCM © 2008 Siemens Industry Software Limited. All rights reserved.EPM toolkit © 1995-2004 EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rights reserved.XML parser © 1999 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights reserved.Project Data Control Library © 2006 - 2007 DlhSoft. All rights reserved.DWGdirect, DGNdirect and OpenDWG Toolkit/Viewkit libraries © 1998-2005 Open Design Alliance. All rights reserved.FlexNet Copyright © 2010 Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. All Rights Reserved. This product contains proprietary and confidential technology, information and creative works owned by Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. and their respective licensors, if any. Any use, copying, publication, distribution, display, modification, or transmission of such technology in whole or in part in any form or by any means without the prior express written permission of Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. is strictly prohibited. Except where expressly provided by Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. in writing, possession of this technology shall not be construed to confer any license or rights under any Flexera Software, Inc. and/or InstallShield Co. Inc. intellectual property rights, whether by estoppel, implication, or otherwise.The software is protected by U.S. Patent Nos. 7,302,368 and 7,617,076. Also elements of the software described in this Manual may be the subject of pending patent applications in the European Union and/or other countries including U.S. patent applications 2004267695, 2005285881, 20060004841, 20060136398, 20080189084, and 20090189887.


Conventions used in this guideTypographical conventions

The following typographical conventions are used in this guide:

Noteboxes The following types of noteboxes are used in this guide:

Font Usage

Bold Any text that you see in the user interface appears in bold. This font is used, for example, for window and dialog box titles, box and button names, and list items.

Italic bold New terms are in italic bold when they appear in the current context for the first time.

Monospace Extracts of program code, HTML, or other material that you would normally edit in a text editor, appear in monospaced font.This font is also used for file names and folder paths, and for any text that you should type yourself.

A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of doing things.

A note draws attention to details that you might easily overlook. It can also point you to other information in this guide that you might find useful.

You should always read very important notes and warnings, like this one. They will help you avoid making serious mistakes, or wasting your time.

This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical information that is usually of interest only to advanced or technically-oriented readers.


Contents

Conventions used in this guide ........................................................................................................................... 3

1 Introduction to Task Manager .................................................................. 72 Installing and running Task Manager ...................................................... 9

2.1 Installation............................................................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Starting Task Manager ........................................................................................................................... 9

2.3 Exiting Task Manager ........................................................................................................................... 10

3 Task Manager user interface .................................................................. 113.1 Task list................................................................................................................................................. 11

3.2 Gantt chart ............................................................................................................................................ 11

Gantt chart symbols ......................................................................................................................... 12

3.3 How to run commands.......................................................................................................................... 13

4 Changing view settings .......................................................................... 154.1 Enlarging icons ..................................................................................................................................... 15

4.2 Showing and hiding task list items........................................................................................................ 15

4.3 Keeping Task Manager window on top................................................................................................. 16

4.4 Modifying Gantt chart appearance........................................................................................................ 16

4.5 Modifying Gantt chart timescale ........................................................................................................... 16

4.6 Modifying Gantt chart colors ................................................................................................................. 17

4.7 Modifying the appearance of dates and months................................................................................... 17

5 Creating and modifying tasks ................................................................ 195.1 Creating a task...................................................................................................................................... 19

5.2 Creating a subtask................................................................................................................................ 20

5.3 Defining a task type .............................................................................................................................. 20

5.4 Defining a contractor............................................................................................................................. 21

5.5 Modifying a task.................................................................................................................................... 21

Defining general task properties ...................................................................................................... 22

Defining a task schedule .................................................................................................................. 22

Managing individual objects in a task............................................................................................... 23

Defining the order of objects in a task.............................................................................................. 24


Defining a production rate for a task ................................................................................................ 25

Tracking a task schedule ................................................................................................................. 25

Defining additional information for a task ......................................................................................... 26

5.6 Saving a task ........................................................................................................................................ 26

5.7 Removing a task ................................................................................................................................... 26

5.8 Selecting multiple tasks in the task list ................................................................................................. 27

5.9 Selecting multiple tasks in the Gantt chart............................................................................................ 27

5.10 Arranging tasks..................................................................................................................................... 27

6 Managing task dependencies................................................................. 296.1 Task dependencies............................................................................................................................... 29

6.2 Creating a dependency between tasks................................................................................................. 30

6.3 Modifying a dependency between tasks............................................................................................... 30

6.4 Removing a dependency between tasks .............................................................................................. 31

7 Linking tasks to the model ..................................................................... 337.1 Adding objects to a task........................................................................................................................ 33

7.2 Removing objects from a task .............................................................................................................. 34

7.3 Copying objects to another task ........................................................................................................... 34

7.4 Linking a task to user-defined attributes ............................................................................................... 34

8 Importing and exporting tasks ............................................................... 378.1 Imported task information ..................................................................................................................... 37

8.2 Importing tasks ..................................................................................................................................... 37

8.3 Exporting tasks ..................................................................................................................................... 38

8.4 Importing task types.............................................................................................................................. 38

8.5 Exporting task types ............................................................................................................................. 39

9 Managing scenarios ................................................................................ 419.1 Creating a scenario............................................................................................................................... 41

9.2 Removing a scenario ............................................................................................................................ 42

10 Viewing tasks........................................................................................... 4310.1 Highlighting a task ................................................................................................................................ 43

10.2 Viewing related tasks............................................................................................................................ 44

10.3 Viewing related model objects .............................................................................................................. 44

10.4 Viewing selected tasks ......................................................................................................................... 44

10.5 Filtering visible tasks............................................................................................................................. 45

10.6 Creating a view or selection filter for tasks ........................................................................................... 45


11 Customizing the calendar....................................................................... 4711.1 Non-working time .................................................................................................................................. 47

11.2 Adding non-working time to the calendar.............................................................................................. 47

11.3 Removing non-working time from the calendar..................................................................................... 48

11.4 Importing a holiday file .......................................................................................................................... 48

11.5 Importing calendar information.............................................................................................................. 48

12 Visualizing project status ....................................................................... 5112.1 Example: Creating object groups .......................................................................................................... 51

12.2 Example: Creating object representation settings................................................................................. 52

12.3 Example: Visualizing the task schedule ................................................................................................ 53

13 Printing task schedules .......................................................................... 5513.1 Task information reports ....................................................................................................................... 55

13.2 Previewing a schedule before printing .................................................................................................. 55

13.3 Printing a schedule................................................................................................................................ 56

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 7Introduction to Task Manager

1 Introduction to Task Manager

Task Manager is a tool for contractors, sub-contractors, and project managers. Task Manager allows you to incorporate time-sensitive data into 3D Tekla Structures models and to control the schedule at various stages and levels of detail throughout the project.With Task Manager, you can create, store and manage scheduled tasks, and link the tasks to their corresponding model objects. On the basis of the tasks, you can create customizable model views and comprehensive 4D simulations of the progression of the project.You can create tasks interactively or by importing tasks from external project management tools such as Microsoft Office Project or Primavera P6. The import functionality allows you to preserve any schedules that you have created outside the model environment, and thereby maintain schedule intelligence and organization. You can supplement imported schedules with more detail in Task Manager.The above workflow matches what can be found in a normal project delivery – an increasing awareness of activities that support higher level project objectives and milestones. Task Manager gives you a logical storage space for this information, and helps you extend schedule control into powerful 3D representations.


Introduction to Task Manager

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 9Installing and running Task Manager

2 Installing and running Task Manager

This section explains how to install and run Task Manager.

Contents • Installation (p. 9)• Starting Task Manager (p. 9)• Exiting Task Manager (p. 10)

2.1 InstallationTask Manager is delivered with your Tekla Structures product package. No special installation is required.

2.2 Starting Task ManagerTo start Task Manager:1. Start Tekla Structures.2. On the Tools menu, click Task Manager...

You can use all Task Manager functions in the Full and Construction Management configurations.In other Tekla Structures configurations, you can view the created task schedules and task information.



Installing and running Task Manager

2.3 Exiting Task ManagerTo exit Task Manager, click the button in the upper right corner of the Task Manager dialog box.


You do not need to save the tasks separately when exiting Task Manager. When you save the model in Tekla Structures, the related tasks are automatically saved with the model.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 11Task Manager user interface

3 Task Manager user interface

This section introduces the Task Manager user interface and explains how to run commands in Task Manager.

Contents • Task list (p. 11)• Gantt chart (p. 11)• How to run commands (p. 13)

3.1 Task listThe task list contains all the tasks included in the current Tekla Structures model and shows the

properties of each task. If the task list is not visible in Task Manager, click > Task List.

See also Modifying a task (p. 21)Showing and hiding task list items (p. 15)

3.2 Gantt chart

The Gantt chart shows the timescale of the project. If the Gantt chart is not visible, click > Gantt Chart.


Task Manager user interface

See also Gantt chart symbols (p. 12)Modifying Gantt chart appearance (p. 16)

Gantt chart symbolsThe following symbols are used in the Gantt chart:

Symbol Description More information

Task that is not linked to any model object.

Adding objects to a task (p. 33)

Planned start and end dates.

Actual start and end dates.

Completeness of the task.

Summary task. Summary tasks can contain other summary tasks as subtasks.

Creating a subtask (p. 20)

Dependency between tasks. Task dependencies (p. 29)

Milestone. Defining general task properties (p. 22)

Locked task. The task is marked as locked

in the task list.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 13Task Manager user interface

3.3 How to run commandsTo run a command in Task Manager, do one of the following:• Click the appropriate icon. If the icon contains more than one command, click the icon

and then select a command from the pop-up menu that appears:

• In the task list or Gantt chart, select the task you want to modify; then right-click and select a command from the pop-up menu.

See also Selecting multiple tasks in the task list (p. 27)Selecting multiple tasks in the Gantt chart (p. 27)


Task Manager user interface

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 15Changing view settings

4 Changing view settings

This section explains how to change some general view settings in Task Manager.

Contents • Enlarging icons (p. 15)• Showing and hiding task list items (p. 15)• Keeping Task Manager window on top (p. 16)• Modifying Gantt chart appearance (p. 16)• Modifying Gantt chart timescale (p. 16)• Modifying Gantt chart colors (p. 17)• Modifying the appearance of dates and months (p. 17)

4.1 Enlarging iconsYou can enlarge the icons in Task Manager by using the Large Icons option.

To enlarge the icons, click > Large Icons.

4.2 Showing and hiding task list itemsYou can define which task list items are visible. To show or hide task list items:

1. Click > Task List Items.2. Click any of the task list items to show or hide them.

A check mark in front of the item indicates that the item is visible.

When you open Task Manager the next time, the selections you made in the previous Task Manager session are in use.


Changing view settings

See also Task list (p. 11)

4.3 Keeping Task Manager window on topYou can have Task Manager always stay on top of other windows on the screen by using the Stay On Top option.

To keep Task Manager on top of other windows, click > Stay On Top.

4.4 Modifying Gantt chart appearanceTo modify the appearance of the Gantt chart:

1. Click > Gantt Chart Settings.

2. Click any of the options to switch them on or off. A check mark in front of the option indicates that it is visible.

See also Gantt chart (p. 11)Gantt chart symbols (p. 12)

4.5 Modifying Gantt chart timescaleYou can change the timescale in the Gantt chart and zoom to selected tasks.To modify the timescale of the Gantt chart, do one of the following:

• Click and select the timescale setting. You have the following options:• Days/Hours• Weeks/Days• Months/Weeks• Quarters/Months• Years/Quarters

To Do this

Show or hide the name of the contractor assigned to the task

Click Contractors.

Show or hide non-working days Click Non-Working Days.Show or hide the actual start and end dates

Click Actual Dates.You must define the actual start and end dates in the task list to be able to show them in the Gantt chart.

Show or hide the planned start and end dates

Click Planned Dates.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 17Changing view settings

• On the Gantt chart, hold down the right mouse button.

• To make the timescale wider, for example from weeks to months, drag the mouse to the right.

• To make the timescale narrower, for example from weeks to days, drag the mouse to the left.


4.6 Modifying Gantt chart colorsYou can change the colors of Gantt chart symbols for tasks linked to the model, tasks not linked to the model, and actual dates.To modify the colors of Gantt chart symbols:

1. Click > Set Colors....2. Click the color you want to change.3. Select a color in the Color dialog box.4. Click OK to close the dialog box.


4.7 Modifying the appearance of dates and monthsTask Manager shows the dates and months as defined in the Windows regional and language settings. To change how dates and months are shown:1. Click the Windows Start button.2. Click Control Panel.3. Go to Regional and Language Options and select the format you want to use.4. Click OK.5. Restart Tekla Structures for the change to take effect.

See also Task list (p. 11)Gantt chart (p. 11)Modifying Gantt chart appearance (p. 16)

To zoom to a task in the Gantt chart, select a task and press Ctrl + 1. To zoom back to the whole scenario, press Ctrl + 2.To place the Gantt chart symbol of the selected task in the middle of the chart, press Ctrl + 3.


Changing view settings

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 19Creating and modifying tasks

5 Creating and modifying tasks

This section explains how to create, modify and remove tasks.

Contents • Creating a task (p. 19)• Creating a subtask (p. 20)• Defining a task type (p. 20)• Defining a contractor (p. 21)• Modifying a task (p. 21)• Saving a task (p. 26)• Removing a task (p. 26)• Selecting multiple tasks in the task list (p. 27)• Selecting multiple tasks in the Gantt chart (p. 27)• Arranging tasks (p. 27)

5.1 Creating a taskEach new task must have at least a name and a planned timeline. You can also define other properties such as a task type, a contractor responsible for the task, and the actual timeline for completing the task, and link the task to model objects.To create a new task, do one of the following:• In Tekla Structures, select one or more model objects, then right-click and select Task >

Create Task from the pop-up menu.The task is automatically linked to the selected model objects.

• In Task Manager, click .You can now link the task to one or more model objects.

• In the Gantt chart, right-click and select Create task from the pop-up menu.


Creating and modifying tasks

See also Modifying a task (p. 21)Adding objects to a task (p. 33)Importing and exporting tasks (p. 37)Selecting objects

5.2 Creating a subtaskTo create a subtask:1. In the task list, select the task under which you want to create a subtask.

2. Click .

5.3 Defining a task typeYou can create new task types, and rename and remove existing task types. You can also define a production rate for a task type and link the task type to user-defined attributes.To define a task type:

1. Click > Task Types....2. Click Add to add a new task type.3. Enter a name for the task type.

To rename a task, select the task and click Rename. Then enter the new name.4. Define a production rate for the task type.

a Select a unit.b Define the quantity.c Define the time.

5. Link the task type to the user-defined attributes for planned and actual dates.

If the task list already contains tasks, Task Manager uses the properties of the selected task as a basis when creating new tasks.

If the newly created task is not shown in Task Manager, click anywhere in the task list to update the view.

You can use Model Organizer when creating tasks. Select logical areas and object types in Model Organizer. In Task Manager, select a task, right-click and select Add selected objects. You can use all Task Manager and Model Organizer functions only in the Full and Construction Management configurations.


6. Click Modify to apply the changes.7. Click OK to close the dialog box.

See also Linking a task to user-defined attributes (p. 34)Defining a production rate for a task (p. 25)Importing task types (p. 38)Exporting task types (p. 39)

5.4 Defining a contractorYou can add new contractors, and rename and remove existing contractors.To define a contractor:

1. Click > Contractors.... 2. Click Add to add a new contractor.3. Enter the name of the contractor.

To rename a contractor, select the contractor and click Rename. Then enter the new name.

4. Click Modify to apply the changes.5. Click OK to close the dialog box.

5.5 Modifying a taskTo modify an existing task:1. Select a task in the task list.2. Right-click and select Task Information... to display the current properties of the task.

If you have selected multiple tasks, only the common basic properties are shown in the dialog box. The properties that have different values are shown as <Not equal>.

3. Modify the task properties.4. Click Modify to apply the changes.5. Click OK to close the dialog box.

To remove a task type, select the task type and click Remove.

To remove a contractor, select the contractor and click Remove.



See also Defining general task properties (p. 22)Defining a task schedule (p. 22)Managing individual objects in a task (p. 23)Selecting multiple tasks in the task list (p. 27)

Defining general task propertiesYou can define general properties, such as a name, task type, dependency, and contractor for a task.To define general task properties:1. Select a task in the task list.2. Right-click and select Task Information....3. Enter a name for the task.4. Mark the task as a milestone task by selecting the check box.

Task Manager selects this check box automatically if you set the task duration to zero.5. Define the dependency.

a Successor moved only forward moves the dependent task forward only when the preceding task is moved forward. If the preceding task is moved to an earlier date, the dependent task is not moved.

b Successor moved always when predecessor moved moves the dependent task in the same direction as the preceding task, according to the dependency type and possible lag time.

6. Select the task type.7. Select the contractor.8. Click OK to close the dialog box.

See also Defining a task schedule (p. 22)Managing individual objects in a task (p. 23)Tracking a task schedule (p. 25)Task dependencies (p. 29)

Defining a task scheduleYou can plan a schedule for a task. You can define both the start and the end date for the task, or enter the start date and duration and allow Task Manager to calculate the end date. Task workload shows the total workload and production rate of the task.

Alternatively, you can modify tasks directly in the task list.To modify a task property, click the field to activate it and then enter a new value. With some task properties you need to select the value from a list.

To modify a date field, click the field. Click the down arrow and select a date from the pop-up calendar that appears.

The gray fields in the task list cannot be modified. Task Manager selects or clears these check boxes automatically depending on the task properties.


Before you define the planned schedule, make sure that you have defined the needed general properties for the task.To define a task schedule:1. Select the task in the task list.2. Right-click and select Task Information... > Scheduling.3. Select the scheduling mode.

a Fixed start and end allows you to select both the planned start date and the planned end date.

b Fixed start allows you to select the planned start date.4. Define the planned start date.5. Define the planned end date.6. Optional: Define the planned length of the task.

You can define the planned length instead of the end date in the Fixed start and end

scheduling mode. Shift corresponds to working day, defined in > Non-working

Periods > Set working day.7. Optional: Define the work duration in hours in the Fixed start mode.8. Click Modify to apply the changes.9. Click OK to close the dialog box.

See also Tracking a task schedule (p. 25)

Managing individual objects in a taskYou can manage the planned dates, actual dates, and the duration of each object belonging to a task.

To define planned and actual dates for individual objects in a task:1. Select a task in the task list.2. Right-click and select Task Information... > General.3. Select a task type in the Task Type list.4. Go to the Objects tab.

The objects belonging to the selected task are shown. 5. Select the date for an object in the Planned date or Actual date list.

You can also modify the duration of the task in the Gantt chart. Place the mouse pointer over the edge of the task bar in the Gantt chart. The mouse pointer changes into a double-ended arrow. Hold down the left mouse button, and then drag the egde to the right or left.

To modify the start date of the whole project, click > Change Project Start Date. Select a new date in the dialog box that opens. All the start dates in the current scenario are changed.

Make sure that you have defined task types and linked them to user-defined attributes for planned and actual dates.



You can define both the planned and actual date, or only either of them. The information you define here is also shown when you open the properties of the object in Tekla Structures.If you have manually entered dates for objects, you can check that the dates are within

task dates. In Task Manager, click > Check Dates. Conflicting dates are shown in red in the task list.

6. Optional: Define the actual or planned work duration for an object.7. Click Modify to apply the changes.8. Click OK to close the dialog box.

See also Defining the order of objects in a task (p. 24)Defining a task type (p. 20)

Defining the order of objects in a taskYou can define and save the order in which objects are stored in tasks.To define the order of objects in a task:1. Select a task in the task list.2. Right-click and select Task Information... > Objects.3. Define the order of objects belonging to the task in any of the following ways:

a Drag the objects in the list manually to the desired order.The selected objects are highlighted in the list during the dragging.

b Click a column heading to sort the objects.The order column shows the saved order of the objects.

c Select the objects in the list, click Select order from model, and in the model, click the objects in the desired order.

You can use all of the above when defining the order within one task.

See also Managing individual objects in a task (p. 23)

If you link an object to a user-defined attribute, you are recommended to keep the object within one scenario. If the dates in a task change, the user-defined attribute dates change as well. The changed dates are then used in all the scenarios the object belongs to.

You can show the order information in the model. On the Objects tab, select one or more objects and press Ctrl + D. The order information is shown on the selected objects in the model. For example, 2-1 means the object belongs to the second task in the task list and that it is the first object in the task. To clear the numbers from the model, right-click and select Update Window.

When you define the cast-in-place work order or work groups within a task, the Custom Inquiry tool is useful for planning the appropriate quantities for each group or lot.


Defining a production rate for a taskYou can define a production rate for tasks. First, define a production rate for a task type and then assign the task type to a task.To define a production rate for a task:

1. Click > Task Types....2. Select a task type in the list.

If the task list is empty, click Add to enter a new task type.3. Select a unit in the Unit column for calculating the production rate.

The default unit is PIECES. 4. Enter the quantity and time.

By default, quantity and time is units per one hour. However, you can set the time to be, for example, the length of the working shift.

5. Click OK to close the Task Types dialog box.6. In the task list, select the task type for the task.7. Click the task list to show the rate in the Planned Production Rate column.When you assign the task type for a task, the production rate is shown in the Planned Production Rate column in the task list. It is also useful to show the overall quantity for a task, for example the number of objects or the size of an area linked to the task. To do this, click

>Task List Items > Quantity.

See also Defining a task type (p. 20)

Tracking a task scheduleYou can track how a task is progressing by defining the actual schedule and task completeness information.Make sure that you have defined the needed general information, planned schedule and object information for the task.To track a task schedule:1. Select a task in the task list.2. Right-click and select Task Information... > Tracking.3. Select the tracking mode.

a Manual allows you to enter the actual start and end dates, and task completeness information.

b Linked to objects shows the schedule and completeness information calculated from the individual objects in the task. You do no need to define any information on the Tracking tab.

To show the actual production rate in the task list, click > Task List Items > Actual Production Rate.

If you change the duration of the task, the production rate is changed. Also, if you change the production rate, the duration of the task is changed.



4. Define the actual start date.5. Define the actual end date.6. Optional: Define the actual length of the task.

Defining the actual length affects the actual end date.7. Define the completed workload.8. Define the actual production rate.9. Define the actual work duration.10. Click Modify to apply the changes.11. Click OK to close the dialog box.

See also Defining general task properties (p. 22)Defining a task schedule (p. 22)Managing individual objects in a task (p. 23)

Defining additional information for a taskYou can define additional information for a task, such as links to web pages, relevant documents, project schedules, and contracts.To define additional information for a task:1. Select a task in the task list.2. Right-click and select Task Information... > Additional Information.3. Optional: Add a link to a document in the Documents field. Click the Add button, select

the link to be added, and click Open. To remove a link, select it in the Documents field and click Remove.

4. Optional: Write additional notes in the Notes field.5. Click Modify to apply the changes.6. Click OK to close the dialog box.

See also Modifying a task (p. 21)

5.6 Saving a taskTask Manager is part of the Tekla Structures product. When you save the model in Tekla Structures, the related tasks are automatically saved with the model. You cannot save tasks directly through the Task Manager user interface.

5.7 Removing a taskTo remove a task:1. Select a task in the task list.2. Right-click and select Delete.3. Click Yes to confirm.

See also Selecting multiple tasks in the task list (p. 27)


5.8 Selecting multiple tasks in the task listTo select multiple tasks at a time, do one of the following:• Drag across the rows that you want to select.• Click a single row, and then hold down the Ctrl key while you click other rows that you

want to select.• Click the first row of the selection and then hold down the Shift key while you click the

last row of the selection.

See also Selecting multiple tasks in the Gantt chart (p. 27)

5.9 Selecting multiple tasks in the Gantt chartTo select multiple tasks at a time, do one of the following:

• Select an area in the Gantt chart. • Select a time period in the Gantt chart by dragging the mouse on the header line.

The tasks within the selected area are highlighted in the task list.

See also Selecting multiple tasks in the task list (p. 27)

5.10 Arranging tasksThere are several ways to arrange tasks in Task Manager. You can change the order and hierarchy of tasks, and the sort order of columns. When you move a task, the related subtasks are also moved to the new location.

Selecting an area in the Gantt chart or a time period in the Gantt chart header line functions in the same way as selecting an area in a model.

To Do this

Change the order of tasksSelect a task and click or until the task is in the desired location.

Place tasks in hierarchical order To make a summary task or change a subtask to a

task, select a task and click .

To make a subtask, select a task and click .



Expand task hierarchiesSelect a task and click . This expands the hierarchies that are on the same level.To expand the hierarchies of all tasks, hold down

the Ctrl key and click .

Collapse task hierarchiesSelect a summary task and click . This collapses the hierarchies that are on the same level.To collapse the hierarchies of all tasks, hold down

the Ctrl key and click .

Change the sort order of tasks Click the column heading you want to sort by.To reverse the sort order, click the column heading again.

Save the sort order of tasksClick and select Save Current Order.

Revert to the saved sort order of tasksClick and select Return to Saved Order.

To Do this

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 29Managing task dependencies

6 Managing task dependencies

This section explains how to create dependencies between tasks.

Contents • Task dependencies (p. 29)• Creating a dependency between tasks (p. 30)• Modifying a dependency between tasks (p. 30)• Removing a dependency between tasks (p. 31)

6.1 Task dependenciesA task can be dependent on another task or a milestone. For example, you can define that Task1 must be completed five days before Task2 can be started. Tasks can be dependent on one another in four different ways:

• Finish-to-Start (FS): The preceding task must finish before the dependent task can start.• Start-to-Start (SS): The preceding task must start before the dependent task can start.• Finish-to-Finish (FF): The preceding task must finish before the dependent task can finish.• Start-to-Finish (SF): The preceding task must start before the dependent task can finish.

The dependencies are represented by arrows in the Gantt chart. The arrow points to the start or the end of the other task, depending on their relationship.

A predecessor is a task that must be completed before the dependent task. It is not possible to create circular dependencies in Task Manager.You can define whether the dependent task is always moved when the preceding task is moved or whether the dependent task is only moved forward when the preceding task is moved forward.

See also Creating a dependency between tasks (p. 30)Modifying a dependency between tasks (p. 30)


Managing task dependencies

Removing a dependency between tasks (p. 31)Defining general task properties (p. 22)

6.2 Creating a dependency between tasksUse the Dependencies tab in the Task Information dialog box to create dependencies between tasks. You can create dependencies only for one task at a time. If more than one task is selected, the tab is not displayed.To create a dependency between tasks:1. Select a task in the task list.2. Right-click and select Task Information... > Dependencies. 3. Select the preceding task from the Task Name list.

You cannot select the summary task of the current task, or a task that already has a dependency with the current task.

4. Select a dependency type from the Type list. The options are:• Finish-to-Start (FS): The preceding task must finish before the dependent task can

start.• Start-to-Start (SS): The preceding task must start before the dependent task can

start.• Finish-to-Finish (FF): The preceding task must finish before the dependent task can

finish.• Start-to-Finish (SF): The preceding task must start before the dependent task can

finish.5. Optional: To add a delay between the tasks, enter a value in the Lag list.

Define the value on a scale of 1 to 100. The time unit of the delay is always Days.6. Go to the General tab.7. Define in General properties > Dependency the direction the dependent task is moved

to when the preceding task is moved.8. Click OK to save.

See also Task dependencies (p. 29)

6.3 Modifying a dependency between tasksUse either the Dependencies tab in the Task Information dialog box or right-click a dependency in the Gantt chart to modify a dependency. You can modify the dependency only for one task at a time. If more than one task is selected, the Dependencies tab is not displayed. To modify a dependency using the Task Information dialog box:1. Select a task in the task list.2. Right-click and select Task Information... > Dependencies.3. Select the preceding task from the Task Name list.

Alternatively, drag a task bar onto another task bar in the Gantt chart to create a basic Finish-to-Start dependency with no lag time.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 31Managing task dependencies

4. Select the dependency type from the Type list.5. Optional: To change the delay between the tasks, enter a new value (days) in the Lag

list. 6. Click Modify to apply the changes.7. Optional: Go to the General tab, General properties > Dependency to define the

direction the dependent task is moved to when the preceding task is moved.8. Click OK to close the dialog box.orTo modify a dependency in the Gantt chart:1. In the Gantt chart, right-click a dependency.2. Modify a dependency in the Gantt chart.3. In the pop-up menu that appears, select the dependency type.4. Optional: Change the lag value (days) and press the Enter key.

The changed dependency is immediately visible in the Gantt chart.


6.4 Removing a dependency between tasksUse either the Dependencies tab in the Task Information dialog box or right-click a dependency in the Gantt chart to remove a dependency.To remove a dependency using the Task Information dialog box:1. Select a task in the task list.2. Right-click and select Task Information... > Dependencies.3. Select the task and click Remove.orTo remove a dependency in the Gantt chart:1. In the Gantt chart, right-click a dependency.2. In the pop-up menu that appears, select Delete.



Managing task dependencies

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 33Linking tasks to the model

7 Linking tasks to the model

This section explains how to link a task to one or more model objects. It also explains how to remove existing objects from the task.

Contents • Adding objects to a task (p. 33)• Removing objects from a task (p. 34)• Copying objects to another task (p. 34)• Linking a task to user-defined attributes (p. 34)

7.1 Adding objects to a taskTo add objects to a task:1. Select a task in the task list.2. In Tekla Structures, select the objects you want to add.3. Do one of the following:

• In Tekla Structures, right-click and select Task > Add to Selected Task from the pop-up menu.

• In Task Manager, click > Add Selected Objects.• In Task Manager, right-click the selected task and click Add Selected Objects.

4. Click the view in Tekla Structures and then click the task again in Task Manager to verify that the objects were successfully added.

As a result, Task Manager changes the color of the task bar in the Gantt chart and selects the Task linked to model check box.

See also Removing objects from a task (p. 34)Copying objects to another task (p. 34)


Linking tasks to the model

7.2 Removing objects from a taskTo remove the selected objects from a task:1. Select a task in the task list.2. Optional: In Tekla Structures, select the objects you want to remove.

If you do not select any model objects, all objects are removed from the task.3. Do one of the following:

• In Tekla Structures, right-click and select Task > Remove from Selected Task from the pop-up menu.

• In Task Manager, click > Remove Selected Objects.• In Task Manager, right-click the selected task and click Remove Selected Objects.• In Task Manager, right-click the selected task and select Task Information... >

Objects. Select the objects you want to remove and press the Delete key.4. Click the view in Tekla Structures and then click the task again in Task Manager to

verify that the objects were successfully removed.

See also Adding objects to a task (p. 33)Copying objects to another task (p. 34)

7.3 Copying objects to another taskYou can copy objects from one task to another in Task Manager. If you want to move objects completely from one task to another, you must manually remove the objects from the original task after copying.To copy objects to another task:1. Select a task in the task list.

2. Click > Keep Selection.All objects linked to the task stay selected.

3. Select the task you want to copy the objects to.

4. Click > Add Selected Objects.

See also Adding objects to a task (p. 33)Removing objects from a task (p. 34)

7.4 Linking a task to user-defined attributesYou can connect higher-level schedules to lower-level schedules with user-defined attributes. To do this, link user-defined attributes to a task type to define planned and actual dates. Then assign the task type to a task.When you modify the schedule of a task in Task Manager, the value of the related user-defined attribute is automatically changed.To link a task to user-defined attributes:

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 35Linking tasks to the model

1. Click > Task Types....2. Select the user-defined attribute from the list for each task type.3. Click Modify to apply the changes.4. Click OK to close the dialog box.

See also Defining a task type (p. 20)Managing individual objects in a task (p. 23)Adding properties


Linking tasks to the model

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 37Importing and exporting tasks

8 Importing and exporting tasks

This section explains how to import and export information between Task Manager and external project management software.

Contents • Imported task information (p. 37)• Importing tasks (p. 37)• Exporting tasks (p. 38)• Importing task types (p. 38)• Exporting task types (p. 39)

8.1 Imported task informationYou can import general building schedules from external project management software, for example Microsoft Office Project, and then make them more specific using Task Manager.

See also Importing tasks (p. 37)Exporting tasks (p. 38)

8.2 Importing tasksYou can import tasks to Task Manager from external project management software.To import tasks:

1. Click > Import....

By default, scheduled dates are imported to Task Manager as planned dates. To import baseline dates to planned dates, you need to select this option in the Import Tasks dialog box.


Importing and exporting tasks

2. Click Browse... to locate the file to import.3. In the Open dialog box, browse for the import file (.xml), and then click Open.4. Define the import options:

a Append imported tasks to scenario adds the imported tasks at the end of the task list.

b Override existing tasks replaces the existing tasks with the imported tasks.c Override selected properties of existing tasks imports certain task properties.

When you select this option, a list where you can select the properties is displayed.

5. Click OK.Imported tasks are marked as imported and locked in Task Manager to make it easier to see what has changed.

See also Imported task information (p. 37)

8.3 Exporting tasksIf the tasks contain only planned dates, they are exported as scheduled dates. If the tasks contain planned dates and actual dates, the planned dates are exported as baseline dates and the actual dates as scheduled dates.To export tasks:

1. Click > Export...2. In the Save As dialog box, browse for the export file and select it.3. Click Save.

8.4 Importing task typesIn addition to importing tasks, you can import task types to Task Manager.To import task types:1. Select a task in the task list.

2. Click >Task Types....3. Click Import....4. In the Import task types dialog box, browse for the import file, and then click Open.5. Select the import option:

a Override task types using the same name replaces the existing task types that have the same task type name as the imported task types.

b Append imported task types adds the imported task types at the end of the task type list.

6. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Dependencies between tasks are imported and exported.The links between Task Manager and the model are imported and exported.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 39Importing and exporting tasks


8.5 Exporting task typesYou can export task types from Task Manager to external project management software.To export task types:1. Select a task in the task list.

2. Click > Task Types....3. Click Export....4. In the Save As dialog box, browse for the export file and select it, or enter a file name in

the File name field.5. Click Save.



Importing and exporting tasks

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 41Managing scenarios

9 Managing scenarios

Contents This section explains how to create and remove scenarios in Task Manager.

• Creating a scenario (p. 41)• Removing a scenario (p. 42)

9.1 Creating a scenarioYou can create different task scenarios for your purposes, for example, design, fabrication and erection schedules to help in project planning. You can also create separate weekly scenarios, for example, for easier project follow-up.To create a scenario:

1. Click .2. Click Add and enter a name for the new scenario.3. Click Open to modify the new scenario.

The new scenario is created based on the existing scenario that you had selected in the Scenario list.

See also Removing a scenario (p. 42)Managing individual objects in a task (p. 23)

To move between the different scenarios, click , select the scenario you want to view or modify, and click Open.

If you link an object to a user-defined attribute, you are recommended to keep the object within one scenario. If the dates in a task change, the user-defined attribute dates change as well. The changed dates are then used in all the scenarios the object belongs to.


Managing scenarios

9.2 Removing a scenarioTo remove a scenario:

1. Click .2. Select the scenario you want to remove.3. Right-click and select Delete.4. In the dialog box that opens, click Yes to confirm.

See also Creating a scenario (p. 41)

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 43Viewing tasks

10 Viewing tasks

This section explains the different methods you can use to view, highlight, and filter tasks.

Contents • Highlighting a task (p. 43)• Viewing related tasks (p. 44)• Viewing related model objects (p. 44)• Viewing selected tasks (p. 44)• Filtering visible tasks (p. 45)• Creating a view or selection filter for tasks (p. 45)

10.1 Highlighting a taskTekla Structures contains a selection switch that can be used for highlighting tasks in the model. When you place the mouser pointer over a model object that belongs to a task, Tekla Structures highlights the task and the related subtasks. The green box shows the boundaries of the task.

To highlight a task in the model:


Viewing tasks

1. In Tekla Structures, click to activate the Select Tasks switch.2. Place the mouse pointer over a model object. If the object belongs to a task, Tekla

Structures highlights the task.

See also Viewing related tasks (p. 44)Viewing related model objects (p. 44)Creating a view or selection filter for tasks (p. 45)

10.2 Viewing related tasksThe Show Related Task command selects all the tasks the model object belongs to in the task list. The tasks are highlighted but not selected in the model.To view the related tasks:1. Ensure that the Select Tasks switch is not active.2. Select a model object.3. Right-click and select Task > Show Related Task from the pop-up menu.

Task Manager highlights all the tasks the object belongs to in the task list.

See also Highlighting a task (p. 43)Viewing related model objects (p. 44)Creating a view or selection filter for tasks (p. 45)

10.3 Viewing related model objectsYou can view the model objects related to a certain task by using the Remove Other Selections command. The command highlights the model objects that belong to the task selected in the task list. All other model objects are removed from the selection, even if they were previously selected.To view related model objects:1. Select a task in the task list.

2. Click > Remove Other Selections.

See also Highlighting a task (p. 43)Viewing related tasks (p. 44)Creating a view or selection filter for tasks (p. 45)

10.4 Viewing selected tasksYou can define that only the selected tasks are shown in the task list.To show only the selected tasks in the task list:1. Select a task in the task list. You can also select multiple tasks.

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 45Viewing tasks

2. Click to show only the selected tasks.

3. Click to show all tasks again.

See also Filtering visible tasks (p. 45)

10.5 Filtering visible tasksYou can filter tasks in Task Manager by status, contractor, task type, and start and end dates. The filter you select determines which tasks are visible in the task list.To filter tasks:

1. Click .2. Select the filters you want to use. 3. Click Filter.4. Click Show all to show all tasks.

10.6 Creating a view or selection filter for tasksYou can use the filtering functionality available in Tekla Structures to create view and selection filters for tasks. The filters are based on the object group functionality. The filters you create determine which objects are shown in the model and which objects can be selected.

Example

To create a selection filter for tasks that have a start date and a task type:1. In Tekla Structures, click Edit > Selection Filter....2. Click Add row.3. Enter the planned start date, for example 15.01.2009.4. Enter the task type, for example Fabrication.5. Enter the filter name next to the Save as button, then click Save as.

See also Creating a view filterCreating a selection filterObject groups

You can also filter the task list by using the search field. To start the search, enter two characters in the search field. The search covers all visible fields in the task list.

Only the tasks in the current scenario in Task Manager are used for filtering.


Viewing tasks

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 47Customizing the calendar

11 Customizing the calendar

This section explains how to customize the Task Manager calendar by adding non-working time such as vacations and public holidays.

Contents • Non-working time (p. 47)• Adding non-working time to the calendar (p. 47)• Removing non-working time from the calendar (p. 48)• Importing a holiday file (p. 48)• Importing calendar information (p. 48)

11.1 Non-working timeYou can define non-working time, such as vacations and public holidays, in the Non-working Periods dialog box. Non-working time is taken into account when calculating task length in Task Manager. Weekends are non-working days by default. You can also define recurring non-working days.

See also Adding non-working time to the calendar (p. 47)Removing non-working time from the calendar (p. 48)Importing a holiday file (p. 48)

11.2 Adding non-working time to the calendarYou can add non-working time to Task Manager calendar.

When you add or modify a non-working day, the task duration (Planned End Date or Actual End Date) is not automatically changed. This means that the workload of a task may change because of the non-working days.


Customizing the calendar

To add non-working time:

1. Click > Non-working Periods....2. Click Add...3. Enter a descriptive name for the non-working time.4. Enter the day of the week.5. Enter the start date and the end date.6. Set the recurrence frequency. You have the following options: Non-recurring, Weekly,

and Yearly.7. If the non-working time is recurring, set the recurrence range.8. Click OK.

See also Removing non-working time from the calendar (p. 48)Importing a holiday file (p. 48)

11.3 Removing non-working time from the calendarYou can remove non-working time from Task Manager’s calendar.To remove non-working time:

1. Click > Non-working Periods.... 2. Select an item from the list.3. Click Remove.

See also Adding non-working time to the calendar (p. 47)

11.4 Importing a holiday fileYou can import holiday files (.hol) from Microsoft Outlook.To import an Outlook holiday file:

1. Click > Non-working Periods.... 2. Click Import Holidays....3. Browse for the holiday file.4. Select your country from the list.5. Click OK.

See also Non-working time (p. 47)Removing non-working time from the calendar (p. 48)

11.5 Importing calendar informationYou can import a calendar to Task Manager, for example, from Microsoft Project.To import calendar information from Microsoft Project:

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 49Customizing the calendar

1. Click > Import... .2. Click Browse to locate the file to import.3. In the Open dialog box, browse for the import file, and then click Open.4. Select the Import calendar check box.

The imported calendar information will overwrite the existing calendar information.5. Click OK.

See also Importing tasks (p. 37)


Customizing the calendar

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 51Visualizing project status

12 Visualizing project status

This section explains how to visualize task schedules using the project status visualization tool available in Tekla Structures.In the following example, you will first create object groups to define which tasks are shown in the model. After that you will create object representation settings to define how the tasks are shown in the model. Finally, you will visualize the task schedule using the project status visualization tool.

Contents • Example: Creating object groups (p. 51)• Example: Creating object representation settings (p. 52)• Example: Visualizing the task schedule (p. 53)

12.1 Example: Creating object groupsIn this example, you will create object groups to define which tasks are shown in the model. The object groups created here are related to the Task Manager scenario currently in use.To create object groups:1. In Tekla Structures, click View > Representation > Object representation....2. Click Object group....3. In the Object group - Representation dialog box, create an object group with the

following settings:

4. Enter a name for the group, for example Completed. Enter the name in the field next to the Save as button, and then click Save as.

5. Repeat steps 3 - 4 to create an object group called Started. Use the following settings:


Visualizing project status

6. Repeat steps 3 - 4 to create an object group called NotStarted. Use the following settings:

7. Repeat steps 3 - 4 to create an object group called All. Use the following settings:

8. When you have created all the required object groups, click Close.

See also Example: Creating object representation settings (p. 52)Example: Visualizing the task schedule (p. 53)Object groups

12.2 Example: Creating object representation settingsIn this example, you will create object representation settings to define how the tasks are shown in the model.To create object representation settings:1. In Tekla Structures, click View > Representation > Object representation....2. In the Object Representation dialog box, click Add row to add a new row.3. In the Object group column, select the object group Completed from the list.4. In the Color column, select a color for the object group, for example White.5. In the Transparency column, select a transparency setting for the object group, for

example Visible.6. Repeat steps 2 - 5 to define the color and transparency settings for the other object

groups (Started, NotStarted, and All).For example, you can use the following settings:

7. Enter a name for the object representation settings, for example Tasks, and then click Save as.

See also Example: Creating object groups (p. 51)Example: Visualizing the task schedule (p. 53)Object representation settings

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 53Visualizing project status

12.3 Example: Visualizing the task scheduleIn this example, you will visualize the task schedule using the Project Status Visualization tool.To visualize the task schedule:1. In Tekla Structures, click Tools > Project Status Visualization....2. Select Tasks from the Object representation list.3. Click the step buttons to change the Review date and to view the changes in the model.

See also Example: Creating object groups (p. 51)Example: Creating object representation settings (p. 52)Visualizing project status


Visualizing project status

TEKLA STRUCTURES 17 55Printing task schedules

13 Printing task schedules

This section explains how to create reports from task information and how to print task schedules that include both the task list and the Gantt chart.

Contents • Task information reports (p. 55)• Previewing a schedule before printing (p. 55)• Printing a schedule (p. 56)

13.1 Task information reportsYou can create reports from the task information in Task Manager and list various details about the tasks, such as task name, task type, planned and actual start and end dates, and task completeness. When you create a report, you can use the existing Task Manager template in the report template list in Drawings & Reports > Create Report.... You can customize the report for your needs by modifying the existing template or creating a new template in Template Editor.

See also Creating a reportViewing a report Creating a template

13.2 Previewing a schedule before printingYou can use the Print Preview command to see what a task schedule will look like when it is printed.To preview a schedule:

1. Click > Print Preview....2. Do any of the following:


Printing task schedules

See also Printing a schedule (p. 56)

13.3 Printing a scheduleYou can print a schedule from Task Manager.To print a task schedule:

1. Click .2. Optional: Click Page Setup to modify the page settings.3. Optional: Select Print to the project end date to print the whole schedule.4. Optional: Adjust the page size or fit the print to a page.5. Click Print to print the schedule.6. Modify the printer settings if needed.7. Click Print.

See also Previewing a schedule before printing (p. 55)

To Do this

Select how many pages to view at a time

Click one of the Page Layout buttons:

If the task list is very long, it is spread out on several pages.

Zoom the page in or out Click .

Print the current page Click .

Return to Task Manager Click .

Printing starts from the first date visible in the Gantt chart and ends to the last date visible in the Gantt chart. Selecting Print to the project end date prints the whole schedule even if the end date is not visible.


Index

aactual schedule ............................................................ 25adding

days to calendar.................................................... 47objects................................................................... 33

additional information ................................................... 26adjusting summary tasks.............................................. 20alternative scenarios .................................................... 41arranging tasks............................................................. 27

ccalendar..................................................................47, 48

customizing ........................................................... 47importing ............................................................... 48Task Manager ....................................................... 47

changing colorsGantt chart ............................................................ 17

changing view settings ................................................. 15collapse ........................................................................ 27commands.................................................................... 13

Task Manager ....................................................... 11contractors.................................................................... 21copying objects

task........................................................................ 34creating

tasks...................................................................... 19creating reports ............................................................ 55

task information..................................................... 55customizing calendar.................................................... 47

ddate fields ..................................................................... 21defining order ............................................................... 24defining task properties ................................................ 22defining task schedule

planned end date .................................................. 22planned start date ................................................. 22

dependencies ...............................................................31dependencies between tasks ................................ 29, 30

eenlarging icons .............................................................15exiting Task Manager ...................................................10expand..........................................................................27exporting

task types ..............................................................39exporting tasks ...................................................... 37, 38

ffiltering

tasks ......................................................................43filtering tasks.................................................................45

gGantt chart ....................................................................11

changing................................................................17colors .....................................................................17showing and hiding items ......................................16symbols .................................................................12timescale ...............................................................16

hhiding

Gantt chart items ...................................................16task list items.........................................................15

hierarchy of tasks .........................................................27highlighting tasks ..........................................................43holiday files...................................................................48


iimporting

calendar.................................................................48holiday files............................................................48non-working time ...................................................37schedules ..............................................................37task types ..............................................................38tasks ................................................................. 7, 37

importing tasks..............................................................37indentation ....................................................................27installing

Task Manager..........................................................9installing Task Manager..................................................9

llag time .........................................................................30language settings..........................................................17linking

model objects to task.............................................33tasks ......................................................................34user-defined attributes...........................................34

mmanaging dates

actual dates ...........................................................23planned dates ........................................................23work duration .........................................................23

managing hours ............................................................23managing individual objects..........................................23model objects

adding....................................................................33linking to task.........................................................33task ........................................................................33

modifyingappearance of dates and months ..........................17date fields ..............................................................21dependencies ........................................................30task properties .......................................................21tasks ......................................................................19

modifying timescale ......................................................16

nnon-working days..........................................................48

non-working time....................................... 16, 37, 47, 48

oobject groups

tasks ......................................................................51object representation settings

tasks ......................................................................52order of objects

task ........................................................................24organizing tasks ............................................................27

ppredecessors ................................................................29printing schedules .................................................. 55, 56printing task schedules .................................................55printing tasks.................................................................55production rate ..............................................................20

task ........................................................................25project status visualization ............................................53

rregional settings............................................................17removing

dependencies ........................................................31non-working days...................................................48objects ...................................................................34scenarios ...............................................................42tasks ......................................................................26unrelated objects ...................................................44

reportscreating ..................................................................55tasks ......................................................................55

ssaving tasks ..................................................................26scenarios................................................................ 41, 42

tasks ......................................................................41schedules........................................................................7

exporting ................................................................38importing ................................................................37previewing..............................................................55printing ............................................................ 55, 56visualizing ..............................................................53


searching tasks ............................................................ 45selecting

commands............................................................. 13task........................................................................ 27tasks...................................................................... 27

selection switch ......................................................43, 44showing

tasks...................................................................... 44sort order ...................................................................... 27starting Task Manager.................................................... 9subtasks ....................................................................... 20symbols ........................................................................ 12

ttask

copying objects ..................................................... 34duration ................................................................. 25production rate ...................................................... 25removing objects ................................................... 34selecting ................................................................ 27

task completeness........................................................ 25task dependencies ....................................................... 29task information ............................................................ 26

reports ................................................................... 55task list ......................................................................... 11

hiding items ........................................................... 15showing items ....................................................... 15

Task Managercommands............................................................. 11installing .................................................................. 9view settings.......................................................... 15

task properties.............................................................. 22task scenarios .............................................................. 41task schedule

defining schedule .................................................. 22tracking schedule .................................................. 25vizualising.............................................................. 51

task types ..................................................................... 20exporting ............................................................... 39importing ............................................................... 38

tasks ...............................................................................7arranging ...............................................................27changing the order ................................................27creating..................................................................19dependencies ................................................. 29, 30exporting......................................................... 37, 38filtering............................................................ 43, 45hierarchy................................................................27highlighting ............................................................43importing................................................................37linking to model object .................................... 19, 33modifying ...............................................................19modifying the properties ........................................21object groups.........................................................51object representation.............................................52organizing..............................................................27previewing .............................................................55printing............................................................ 55, 56removing................................................................26saving ....................................................................26searching...............................................................45selecting ................................................................27showing .................................................................44sort order ...............................................................27subtasks ................................................................20viewing ........................................................... 43, 44viewing related tasks .............................................44visualizing..............................................................53workload ................................................................47

timescale ............................................................... 11, 16Gantt chart.............................................................16

tracking task schedule ..................................................25

uuser-defined attributes........................................... 20, 34

vview settings

large icons .............................................................15stay on top.............................................................16Task Manager .......................................................15

viewingrelated model objects ............................................44related tasks ..........................................................44selected tasks........................................................44tasks ............................................................... 43, 44

visualizing project status...............................................53vizualising schedule......................................................51


vizualizing project statusTask Manager........................................................51 w

workload........................................................................47