Tekla Structures is a building information modeling software able to model structures that incorporate different kinds of building materials, including steel, concrete, timber and glass.[1][2][3][4][5][6] Tekla allows structural drafters and engineers to design a building structure and its components using 3D modeling, generate 2D drawings and access building information.[2][3][5] Tekla Structures was formerly known as Xsteel (X as in X Window System, the foundation of the Unix GUI).[7]
Features
Tekla Structures is used in the construction industry for steel and concrete detailing, precast and cast in-situ. The software enables users to create and manage 3D structural models in concrete or steel, and guides them through the process from concept to fabrication.[8] The process of shop drawing creation is automated. It is available in different configurations and localized environments.[9]
Tekla Structures is known to support large models with multiple simultaneous users, but is regarded as relatively expensive, complex to learn and fully utilize.[1] It competes in the BIM market with AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, DProfiler and Digital Project, Lucas Bridge, PERICad and others.[1][2] Tekla Structures is Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) compliant.[5]
Modeling scopes within Tekla Structures includes Structural Steel, Cast-in-Place (CIP), Concrete, Reinforcing Bar, Miscellaneous Steel and Light Gauge Drywall Framing.[3] The transition of Xsteel to Tekla Structures in 2004 added significant more functionality and interoperability.[6] It is often used in conjunction with Autodesk Revit, where structural framing is designed in Tekla and exported to Revit using the DWG/DXF formats.[10]
Applications
Engineers have used Tekla Structures to model stadiums, offshore structures,pipe rack structures, plants, factories, residential buildings, bridges and skyscrapers.[1][2] Tekla Structures was used in the construction design for various projects around the world, including:[11][12]
- Grandstand Replacement, Daytona International Speedway (USA)[13][14]
- Frontstretch Grandstands, Daytona International Speedway (USA)[15]
- Denver International Airport Expansion (USA)[16]
- San Jose Earthquakes Stadium (USA)[17]
- BB&T Ballpark (Charlotte, USA)[18]
- Spillway Replacement, Manitoba Hydro (USA)[19][20][21]
- National Stadium Roof, Singapore Sports Hub (Singapore)[22]
- Red Bear Student Center, University of Saskatchewan (Canada)[23]
- Troja Bridge (Prague)[24]
- Tesco Supermarket (Sheringham, UK)[25]
- Baylor University Stadium (Australia)[26]
- Canopée des Halles, Forum des Halles (Paris, France)[27]
- Sutter Medical Center (California, USA)[28]
- Expansion, Chennai International Airport (India)[29]
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Seoul)[30]
- Capital Gate (Abu Dhabi)[4][31][32]
- Midfield Terminal Complex, Abu Dhabi Airport (Abu Dhabi)
- King Abdullah Financial District (Saudi Arabia)[33]
- King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Saudi Arabia)[34]
- National Museum of Qatar (Qatar)
- Hilton Garden Inn (UAE)[35]
- Puuvilla Shopping Centre (Finland)[36][37]
- College Football Hall of Fame (Atlanta, GA)[38]
Tekla Structures was used extensively for the steel design of Capital Gate at Abu Dhabi, UAE.[4] Files exported from Tekla facilitated faster steel fabrication.[4] One of the architects, Jeff Schofield, stated that "it was the right time in history and we had the right technology to make this happen".[4]
The Manitoba Hydro Spillway Replacement was designed using Tekla Structures to "successfully model and co-ordinate its design", a project that won the TEKLA 2012 North American BIM Award for "Best Concrete Project".[39] It was the "first hydroelectric project that has seen steel, concrete, and rebar fully detailed using Tekla Structures".[40]
