How do I combine two separate Tekla Structural Designer model files into one?

Question

I have two Tekla Structural Designer model files and would like to combine them. Is this possible?
 

Answer

In this article you will learn how to combine multiple separate models into a single model file.

If you have two models then you can combine the geometry from one model (herein known as the secondary model) into the other (herein known as the primary model).

Before doing this ensure you have backups of the models.

1. Ensure the secondary model is located at the correct co-ordinates to suit where it needs to come into the primary model. Use the Edit ribbon tab  > Move model command to set the correct location.
2. In the secondary model Home ribbon tab  > Export to Revit command to create a .cxl file of the geometrical information (no loading, combinations, design data etc.).

3. Open the primary model and use Home ribbon tab > Structural BIM Import to read in the .cxl file (ensuring you check the option to update existing model). Note. Since the secondary model has already been set at the correct location it will be positioned to the side of the existing to suit.
4. Loading and Combinations will exist in the primary model for the primary model only
   • You will need to review the loading carefully.
5. You will need to assign appropriate design attributes to the imported secondary model since only the geometry (section and grade) is brought in.