CU1703

SOFTWAREreview
Tekla 2017
Trimble has released the latest
version of Tekla's structural
engineering design and
analysis suite of tools
Enhanced communication and
modelling, together with some
completely new tools to expand
working processes and collaboration are
the main themes of the latest releases from
Trimble of its structural engineering,
fabrication and construction software, Tekla
2017, which incorporates Tekla Structures
2017, Tekla Structural Designer 2017 and
Tekla TEDDS 2017.
This latest release demonstrates Trimble's
commitment to the development of Tekla
Building Information Modelling solutions,
and to innovations in structural engineering,
off-site prefabrication and on-site efficiency.
Placing the release in perspective, Jari
Heino, general manager of Trimble's
Structures Division said: "In these new Tekla
versions, we focus on improving
communication and modelling methods, as
these are directly tied to the productivity of
core tasks within large workgroups and
projects. The software provides a variety of
completely new tools for users to expand
their scope of work and collaborate with
project stakeholders to ensure that the
entire team is on the same page."
TEKLA STRUCTURES 2017
Tekla Structures 2017 comes with next
generation tools that include a new
customisable user interface and contextual
toolbar. Combined with other
enhancements they make modelling
quicker and easier and design
communication more effective. More
control is also provided for Direct
Modification, enabling users to create an
accurate structural model quicker and
easier. A faster Organizer facilitates
speedier finding and fixing of parts, and the
general arrangement and detailed drawings
functions have also been improved.
With this basepoint, engineers and
architects can now work together in a BIM
Tekla Structures 2017 - model UI
workflow with correct common coordinates.
Architects can also take advantage of a
new plugin that provides algorithmic
modelling for Tekla Structures using the
popular Rhino/Grasshopper combination.
For concrete, Tekla Structures 2017
introduces next-generation reinforcement
methods that give users more flexibility to
create and modify reinforcements for
different types of concrete geometries. With
the unique pour unit feature, managing and
reporting all pour-specific information is
made more effective and easier to
implement.
Precast concrete fabrication comes with
improved information exchange between
detailing and production with new data
transfer links direct to production
management. Elsewhere, the new palletiser
tool improves model-based production
planning. Not only do these additions save
time in the planning process, but they also
prevent human errors in information transfer
between detailing and production.
For steel detailing, the new release
improves modelling of steel bent plates with
full support for direct modification. Now,
editing and working with even the most
complex bent plates is simple and intuitive.
Users can create anything from simple bent
gussets to folded profiles, spiral stringer
plates, transitional duct sections, complex
folded panels and more.
Enhancements in drawing production
enable easier and more flexible shaping of
drawings, and help to ensure clear
communication of design intent and fewer
requests for information. The new 2D
Library is a productivity tool for replacing
repetitive work. A nice new addition is that
3D graphics have a new look about them -
they now come with shadows.
Tekla Structures 2017 is further enhanced
for general structural design. Structural
engineering offices can reduce their risks
and add value by minimising the
uncertainty that arises from incomplete and
uncoordinated construction documents,
hence the latest version is specifically
developed for their needs, providing
productivity and workflow improvements for
all structural materials and project types.
With the new release, users can create
documentation that is better coordinated
and thus more reliable, and communicate
structural design more effectively. Fewer
requests for information (RFIs) and postdesign
project management issues help
improve structural engineering office
business performance.
STRUCTURAL DESIGNER 2017:
FOUNDATION DESIGN AND WIND
LOADING EFFICIENCY
Tekla Structural Designer (TSD) is an
analysis and design (A&D) application that
shortens design time, providing an efficient
way to quickly establish optimum structural
solutions. The new version delivers
significant new features and enhancements
focused on A&D workflow productivity,
combining to contribute significantly to the
overall workflow for both steel and concrete
code compliant structural design.
20
March/April 2017