PDMS

Not version-specific

Tekla Structures

Environment

Not environment-specific

PDMS is written by the Aveva Group PLC. This page describes how Tekla Structures interoperates with Aveva’s Plant and Marine Design System (PDMS).

NOTE: This article is based on the SDNF format export and import. There is a newer and more versatile way to use the Tekla Aveva interoperability tool applications (one for Aveva and one for Tekla) which can be downloaded from the Tekla Warehouse. The user guide for this functionality can be found and downloaded here. An example video on this form of interoperability can be found here.
(In case of issues with accessing the above links, please make sure that you are already signed in to Tekla Warehouse.)

For the SDNF based solution continue reading below:

Exchange of data

Information between Tekla Structures and PDMS can be transferred in two different ways, as a reference object or as a native object. A set of instructional videos can be downloaded from Tekla Warehouse.

Reference files

Most reference models contain only the graphical information and have no inbuilt intelligence. The reference models will be used by Tekla Structures users who wish to view graphically structural, mechanical or electrical systems that are model in other 3D software. For example the piping and equipment done in PDMS are imported as reference objects because of their use in the design phase, not for construction /fabrication itself.

There are a few different file formats supported for reference models in Tekla Structures. For reference information exchange between Tekla Structures and PDMS are the file formats DGN and DXF used. DGN – DGN has been the standard for data transfer between plant design programs.
It is similar to DWG, in that it is only a graphical data format, but does contain part IDs unique in that given model. GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) is not supported inherently by the DGN format. It is possible to check for clashes between the Tekla Structures model and a DGN reference model (requires Tekla Structures 14 onwards). Change management is not possible with a DGN file.

2D DGN export is available as standard in PDMS, but for 3D DGN export a licence for ExPLANT-I should be obtained from Aveva.

DXF – DXF (Drawing eXchange Format) developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs. As the file format does not contain any form of part ID it is not possible to track changes between different versions of a file. Clash checking is not possible with a DXF file in Tekla Structure. Earlier versions of PDMS do only export 2D DXF files but in PDMS 12.0 SP2 3D DXF export is also possible.

Benefits

A reference model is not stored in the Tekla Structures model, it is just a link to the reference model, so the file size of the Tekla Structures model do not increase. The reference model enables the Tekla Structure user to build the supporting structure around different kind of equipments as it’s possible to snap to a reference object. It is also easy to check for clashes between a reference model (DGN) and the Tekla Structures model (requires Tekla Structures 14 onwards). It is possible to show the reference model in drawings.

Drawback

DGN and DXF do not have any inbuilt intelligence. Therefore is it not possible to get any information about material or weight nor turn the objects into native Tekla Structures objects.

Transfer of steel frame

To transfer the steel frame between Tekla Structures and PDMS the SDNF file format is used. PDMS can not import or export SDNF files directly, Open Steel or a converter is needed.

SDNF - The Steel Detailing Neutral File, SDNF, has been the standard for data transfer for decades, as developed by Intergraph. SDNF is a reliable format to use in transferring steel profile information between applications. The transfer of information is with native objects and the transfer of the Universal ID or Part ID is possible with SDNF.

The SDNF file only transfers steel members and plates. Tekla Structures dose not import or export the gridline from the SDNF file in order to let the user create the gridline and at the same time use this as a check.

Benefits

With the SDNF file format steel members and plates will be transferred between Tekla Structures and PDMS. The objects will act as native objects with steel grade and profile. As Universal ID or Part ID are supported by SDNF it is possible to track objects and manage the changes, see Importing SDNF. With Open steel 2.0 onwards curved members, and openings are now supported. Only steel members and plates can be transferred to PDMS via SDNF. No piping or equipment can be transferred, to get them into Tekla Structures then you will need to use a reference file.

Workflow

When using Tekla Structures and PDMS in the same project we suggest the following workflow seen in Figure 1. The clash checking between the structural model and the equipment model can be done in Tekla Structures as in PDMS. To do the clash checking in Tekla Structures use the reference model from PDMS and check for clashes (requires Tekla Structures v 14.0).

There are many benefits with the suggested workflow. To mention a few of them:

Tekla Structures modelling – powerful, comprehensive tools for structural modelling - steel, concrete, stairs, rails
Reference model (DXF and DGN) manipulation in Tekla Structures
High quality structural drawings – directly linked to model
Tekla Structures model will be used for detailing – makes sense that structural engineer uses same tool – facilitates improved downstream workflow, shop drawing review, etc.
Tekla Structures model can contain all structural items (rebar, connection material) not needed in plant model.
Workflow adopted by other users

Figure 1: Suggested workflow

Exchanging information in practice

This section describes how to export and import files in Tekla Structures.

Importing to Tekla Structures

Reference files

Select the Insert Reference Model icon on your toolbar. or from File > Insert reference model.
In the field File name browse to folder of the reference model and select the desired file.
By default all layers in the model are imported. In Select Layers dialog is it possible to choose which layers to import.
Select OK
Snap to common coordinate system origin in Tekla Structures (make sure the Insert Reference Model icon is still selected.
The reference model will appear.
Interrupt the command and right-click the background, select Fit Work Area to Entire Model.

Figure 2: Reference Model Properties dialog box

In Tekla Structures version 14 onwards, there is an easy way of detect changes between different versions of reference files (only possible with DXF, IFC, 3DD and XML files).

Select the Insert Reference Model icon on your toolbar. or double-click on the existing reference model,
In the field File name browse to folder of the reference model and select the new reference file.
In the field Old file name browse to folder of the reference model and select the old reference file.
In the field Show select New file.
Select OK.
Snap to common coordinate system origin in Tekla Structures (make sure the Insert Reference Model icon is still selected.
The new reference model will appear.
Interrupt the command (by pressing ESC or right-click the background and select Interrupt).
Double-click the reference model and the Reference model properties dialog box appear.
In the field Show choose one of the options (Old file, Unchanged, Changed, Deleted, and Inserted) and then select Display.

Troubleshooting

If a white “X” shows up when the reference model is placed check to make sure the file path is correct, or that the file is actually still in that location (it may have been moved for example).

The white “X” can also turn up if OK or Apply button were not selected before the reference model was placed or the version of the reference file is not supported. Check the version of the software that was used to create the
reference file and the compatibility with your Tekla Structure version. If a white "X" shows up when the reference model is placed, you may need to delete a reference model from the Ref Cache folder in the default models folder. This
problem occurs when a reference model fails to import the first time for some reason. A Ref Cache folder is created for the reference model, even if it failed in the import. So the user must go in and delete that subfolder name before trying to import it again.

Importing SDNF

Version Requirements: Tekla Structures V12.0 onwards

Note - General see the SDNF guide for more information and the Position Number Type should be set to Universal ID in most cases

File > Import > CAD
Select Properties
In the field SDNF version number choose the version for the SDNF file to be imported. Open Steel generally uses SDNF version 2.0.
Go to the Parameters tab.
In the field Input file browse for the file to be imported.
Select either the SDNF or SDNF (PDMS) import type. The differences between these 2 export types are defined below in SDNF Import Options (PDMS toTekla Structures).
If conversions files are needed, define the path to the files in the Conversion tab. Conversion files map Tekla Structures profile and material names with names used in other software.
Select Apply and then OK.
When importing newer or updated versions of a file it is important to be able to manage the changes. In Tekla Structures this is very easy, the model will be color coded marking what have been modified, deleted, ignored and copied. Changes made to the model can then be accepted or rejected all at once or case by case.

Figure 3: Managing changes when importing

SDNF Import Options (PDMS to Tekla Structures)

Tekla Structures has two SDNF import option – SDNF and SDNF(PDMS) options. Only difference between SDNF and SDNF(PDMS) option is how Status and Class information is used. In the SDNF option status from the SDNF file is placed to finish field in Tekla Structures. Class information from SDNF files is placed to part’s class field in TS. In the SDNF (PDMS) option status is placed to class field in Tekla Structures. Class from the SDNF file is placed to finish field in Tekla Structures.

Exporting from Tekla Structures

This section describes how to export files from Tekla Structures.

Before exporting – select what to export

With most export file formats in Tekla Structures, you cannot export model elements that are not highlighted. So highlight them first before going to File > Export…
Select Objects in Components – Make sure this icon is selected to make sure parts are included from components in the model, like stairs for example. To NOT include connections in the export, only select the parts icon as shown.

It is recommended that the Tekla user set up View Filters specifically for isolating only the objects to be exported from Tekla Structures.

Exporting reference models

Export DGN DGN files are very heavy in PDMS and therefore for large models it’s better to use DXF.

Select the parts to export.
File > Export > 3D DGN
Enter the name of the export file, or click Browse... to locate it.
To export the model, click:
1. Export all to export the whole model, or
2. Export selected to export selected parts from the model.
Tekla Structures creates the export file in the current model folder. A note should appear in the lower left corner of the Tekla Structure window that states “DGN file created”.

Figure 4: DGN export dialog box

Export DWG/DXF

Select the parts to export.
File > Export > 3D DWG/DXF
Modify the export options as required.
Accept the default file name, or use Browse... to navigate to another file.
Select whether to export as DWG or as DXF.
To export the model, click:
1. Export all to export the whole model, or
2. Export selected to export selected parts from the model.
Tekla Structures creates the export file in the current model folder. A note should appear in the lower left corner of the Tekla Structure window that states “DWG/DXF file created”.

Figure 5: DWG/DXF export dialog box

Exporting SDNF

Note - General see the SDNF guide for more information and the Position Number Type should be set to Universal ID in most cases.

Select the parts to export.
File > Export > CAD
In the SDNF tab, set Apply cuts and fittings to Yes.
Go to the Parameters tab.
Define a file name in the Output file.
Select either the SDNF or SDNF (PDMS) export type. The differences between these 2 export types are defined in SDNF Import Options (PDMS toTekla Structures).
If conversions files are needed, define the path to the files in the Conversion tab. Conversion files map Tekla Structures profile and material names with names used in other software.
Select Apply and then Create.

Figure 6. SDNF export dialog box in Tekla Structures

Importing Tekla to PDMS (using SDNF)

PDMS can not import SDNF files direct, a converter or Aveva Open Steel is needed to get the information transferred.

Troubleshooting SDNF Import/Export with PDMS

Structural profiles and material grades are not reading across – Chances are the profile conversion file (*.cnv) is not properly set up with the correct object names for either Tekla Structures or PDMS.
Channel orientation is not coming in correctly to PDMS. The part orientation in Tekla Structures is not being read by PDMS. – On solution could be to use angels for the rotation instead of the four options for defining the orientation (Front, Top, Back and Below).
Object fitting and trimming is not being correctly read across to PDMS – Verify that the Apply Cuts and Trims are defined as Yes in the Tekla Structures export dialog box (see Figure above).
Position of vertical braces is not correctly placed in PDMS - Make sure the End Offsets are not being used to adjust the work points of the vertical braces in Tekla Structures.
If global coordinates are used problem can accrue, a solution for the problems are provided by Tekla.
A SDNF Doctor kit which contains a setup.exe is provided by Tekla to verify the integrity of certain features of the SDNF files being exchanged, including possible errors in the file. Request the SDNF_Doctor from Tekla.
Steel members overlap in PDMS model – Tekla models in the objects from work point to work point and then trims and fittings are applied to those parts when connections are applied to the joints. If it's desired to have beams and braces "fitted" to adjacent columns and beams, the Tekla user can:
1. Make sure the SDNF export setting for Apply Cuts and Fittings is set to YES.
2. Connections are applied to members so that fittings are present
  OR
3. Fitting of parts is made if no connections are applied. Fitting command can be performed using the System Component 13 (Fitting) or using Auto Connection.