Workflow from Tekla Structural Designer to Tekla Structures

Currently, there are various ways to integrate Tekla Structural Designer with Tekla Structures. However, this article will focus on a specific workflow, which consists of transferring information from the structural analysis performed in Tekla Structural Designer to Tekla Structures. This process is essential for those who want to leverage the capabilities of both programs, facilitating continuity in structural design and documentation.

To illustrate this procedure, we will start with a model previously created in Tekla Structural Designer, which will serve as the basis for importing into Tekla Structures.

The first step is to save the model on our computer. To do this, we must go to the main menu and select the FILE option, followed by SAVE AS. This procedure will allow us to store the file in a location of our choice for later use.

When selecting the save option, the file explorer of our operating system will open, where we can choose the destination folder and assign an appropriate name to the file. This facilitates the organization and location of the model for future processes.

Once the model has been saved correctly, the next step is to import it from Tekla Structures. To do this, open Tekla Structures and access the model import function.

When starting the import, a specific window will appear allowing us to browse and select the file we previously saved from Tekla Structural Designer. This interface is designed to facilitate locating the file and ensure that the correct model is imported.

Once we have indicated the location of the Tekla Structural Designer model, the import window offers the possibility to edit certain aspects before completing the process. This allows us to customize the import according to our specific needs.

At this stage, we can define several important aspects related to the import:

First, we can select the information we want to import, which allows us to filter data to optimize the model in Tekla Structures. Additionally, we can set the model’s location, ensuring the orientation and position are correct within the working environment.

There is also the option to import the reinforcement steel, which is essential for projects where reinforcement detail is critical for structural analysis and design.

It is also possible to import the structural analysis results, which facilitates the verification and validation of stresses and deformations within Tekla Structures.

Finally, we can edit the conversion databases, allowing adjustment of how certain elements or properties are translated between the two programs, ensuring greater accuracy in data transfer.

After configuring all these aspects in the corresponding menu, we can proceed with the final import of the model.

At the end of the import, two different scenarios may occur:

The first happens if we have the model open in Tekla Structural Designer at the time of import. In this case, the process will take us directly to the Model Comparison Tool, a function that allows reviewing and managing differences between the imported model and the existing one.

The second scenario occurs when we do not have the model open in Tekla Structural Designer. In this situation, the software will automatically start an instance of Tekla Structural Designer to load the model, and then direct us to the Model Comparison Tool to continue the review.

In the Model Comparison Tool, we can closely observe the elements that have been added, those that have been updated, those that have been deleted, as well as those that show no changes. This review is crucial to ensure the import has been successful and that the model correctly reflects the modifications made.

Once these changes have been reviewed, we proceed to accept the modifications so the model in Tekla Structures updates according to the information imported from Tekla Structural Designer.

Finally, the software will continue with the process and show us the updated model along with the complete result of the import process, allowing us to continue with design, documentation, or any other necessary tasks within Tekla Structures.

In this way, we will have successfully leveraged the data already modeled in Tekla Structural Designer, thereby optimizing the workflow and ensuring efficient integration of structural information.

If at any point you have questions or need further clarification, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to provide the necessary support and respond to your inquiries as soon as possible to facilitate your process and ensure you can proceed without issues.