How do you apply different component types and roles to suit your needs?

1 Component types

Components in Tekla Structures can be classified into four main types: standard, custom, sub, and plugin. Standard components are predefined components that come with the software, such as bolts, welds, and connections. Custom components are user-defined components that you can create and modify using the component editor. Sub components are components that are used within other components, such as stiffeners or plates. Plugin components are components that are created using the Tekla Open API, and they can have more complex functionality and logic.

2 Component roles

Components in Tekla Structures can also have different roles that define how they behave in the model and in the drawings. The main roles are primary, secondary, tertiary, and reinforcement. Primary components are the main structural elements, such as beams, columns, and slabs. Secondary components are the supporting elements, such as braces, purlins, and girts. Tertiary components are the additional elements, such as cladding, insulation, and fireproofing. Reinforcement components are the reinforcing bars, meshes, and stirrups for concrete structures.

3 Applying component types and roles

To apply different component types and roles to suit your needs, you need to select the appropriate component from the component catalog, and then modify its properties and attributes in the component properties dialog box. You can also use the component selector to filter and search for components by type, role, or name. You can also create your own custom components using the component editor, and assign them a type and a role. You can also use the role manager to change the role of existing components in your model.

4 Troubleshooting component issues

If you encounter issues with components in your model, such as errors, warnings, or missing components, you can use the component check tool to check the validity and status of components and fix or delete invalid or outdated ones. The component error dialog box can be used to view and resolve errors and warnings related to components. Additionally, the component repair tool repairs broken links between components and their parent parts, while the component update tool updates the components to the latest version or a different version. Lastly, the component conversion tool converts components from one type to another, such as from standard to custom, or from custom to plugin.

5 Tips and best practices

To make the most of the components in Tekla Structures, you should consider a few tips and best practices. Use the appropriate component type and role for your design and detailing needs, and find and apply components that suit your needs with the component catalog and selector. The component editor can be used to create and modify custom components, while the Tekla Open API can be used to create plugin components. Additionally, you can adjust the properties and attributes of components using the component properties dialog box, as well as fine-tune geometry and position with direct modification tools. Lastly, you can use the component check tool, error dialog box, repair tool, update tool, and conversion tool to troubleshoot any issues with components in your model.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?