Tekla Tedds Integrator User Guide
2024
Tekla Tedds
Tekla Tedds for Word
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1. Introduction
This guide documents the features of the Tekla Tedds Integrator v6.0.55, an extension for Tekla Structures which provides data integration between Tekla Structures and Tekla Tedds.
Tekla Tedds is easy to use software from Trimble that engineers can rely on for accurate calculations. With Tekla Tedds, engineers can streamline engineering design, avoid errors and present output professionally.
The Tekla Tedds Integrator allows you to link Tekla Tedds documents to your Tekla Structures model. You can link existing documents or create new documents which you or other Tekla Structures users can then easily modify or review during your BIM workflow.
This workflow is supported by using the Integrator which is included in the Tekla Structures installation from version 2024 onwards or available as a free download directly from Tekla Warehouse for older versions. Minimum supported software versions are as follows. Please note that both packages must be available on the same machine:
Tekla Tedds is easy to use software from Trimble that engineers can rely on for accurate calculations. With Tekla Tedds, engineers can streamline engineering design, avoid errors and present output professionally.
The Tekla Tedds Integrator allows you to link Tekla Tedds documents to your Tekla Structures model. You can link existing documents or create new documents which you or other Tekla Structures users can then easily modify or review during your BIM workflow.
This workflow is supported by using the Integrator which is included in the Tekla Structures installation from version 2024 onwards or available as a free download directly from Tekla Warehouse for older versions. Minimum supported software versions are as follows. Please note that both packages must be available on the same machine:
- Tekla Structures 2020
- Tekla Tedds 2023 Service Pack 1
(Although earlier versions are also available with limited functionality, we would strongly recommend the use of Tekla Tedds 2023 with Service Pack 1).
All regional customer service teams will provide support for the Tekla Tedds Integrator.
All regional customer service teams will provide support for the Tekla Tedds Integrator.
2. Scope
The Tekla Tedds Integrator supports different levels of design integration, which level is used is dependent on the structural element selected in the Tekla Structures model.
2.1 Document Linking
If the Integrator is unable to identify the structural element selected in the Tekla Structures model then you will be asked to choose which Tedds calculation to use to create your design documentation. When the design is completed the documentation will then be linked to the model object.
2.2 Data Linking
If the integrator can identify the structural element selected in the Tekla Structures model then the appropriate Tedds calculation will be automatically selected and any appropriate design information available from the model object such as geometry and material will be automatically transferred to the Tedds calculation. When the design is completed the Tekla Structures model object will be updated as appropriate and the documentation will then be linked to the model object.
When using Eurocode design the Integrator includes built-in data linking for Simple Steel Connections, Structural Concrete and Precast Concrete elements, see the list of integrated calculations below. Other structural elements and design codes will be supported in the future or you can add your own integration links, see the Tekla Tedds Integrator Reference Guide on Tekla User Assistance for details on how this can be achieved.
When using Eurocode design the Integrator includes built-in data linking for Simple Steel Connections, Structural Concrete and Precast Concrete elements, see the list of integrated calculations below. Other structural elements and design codes will be supported in the future or you can add your own integration links, see the Tekla Tedds Integrator Reference Guide on Tekla User Assistance for details on how this can be achieved.
3. Installation
The Tekla Tedds Integrator is already included in the Tekla Structures installation from version 2024 onwards. If the Tekla Tedds ribbon tab is not visible in your environment or role, it can be enabled using the the instructions in the administrator's release notes.
For older versions, the Integrator is available as an add-on extension to be installed directly to Tekla Structures. The installation file is available from Tekla Warehouse here in a ‘.tsep’ file format.
To install the extension, simply download the ‘.tsep’ file from Tekla Warehouse and use the Extension Manager to add the Tekla Tedds Integrator.
Please note that the active session of Tekla Structures must be restarted to complete the installation of the Tekla Tedds integrator.
For older versions, the Integrator is available as an add-on extension to be installed directly to Tekla Structures. The installation file is available from Tekla Warehouse here in a ‘.tsep’ file format.
To install the extension, simply download the ‘.tsep’ file from Tekla Warehouse and use the Extension Manager to add the Tekla Tedds Integrator.
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Please note that the active session of Tekla Structures must be restarted to complete the installation of the Tekla Tedds integrator.
4. The Tekla Tedds tab
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The Tekla Tedds tab on the Ribbon in Tekla Structures contains nine commands:-
- Tedds
- Launch the Tedds application.
- New
- Create a new Tedds document for the selected model object. If the structural identity can be determined then the appropriate calculation will be started automatically, otherwise you will be asked to choose which calculation to use.
- Update
- Re-calculate the Tedds document linked to the selected model object, transfer the current data from the model object to the existing Tedds design, show the user interface for the calculation to complete the design, save the document and then return the final design data to update the object in the Tekla Structures model.
- Update Document
- Re-calculate the Tedds document linked to the selected model object, transfer the current data from the model object to the existing Tedds design, show the user interface for the calculation to complete the design and save the document.
- Update Model
- Re-calculate the Tedds document linked to the selected model object, show the user interface for the calculation to complete the Tedds design, save the document and then return the final design data to update the object in the Tekla Structures model.
- Add
- Link an existing document to the selected model object. If the structural identity can be determined then the appropriate calculation will be associated with the document.
- Open
- Open the document linked to the selected model object in the Tedds application.
- Remove
- Remove the document and all associated attributes linked to the selected model object.
- Project
- Send all Tedds documents linked to the model to a new project in the Tedds application.
- Tools > Object Browser
- View properties of the selected model object.
- Tools > Options
- View and change settings of the Tekla Tedds Integrator.
5. Command Description
5.1 Tedds
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The Tedds icon launches the Tekla Tedds application.
5.2 New
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When clicking on the New command, the process performed will depend on the linking method supported by the object.
Integrated Calculations
At present, the following object types within Tekla Structures support the Data Linking method:-
| Tekla Structures object | Prerequisite | Launches Tekla Tedds Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Steel connection end plate component 144 | Profile: I-sections Supported beams: 1 Edge distances: must be set for full/partial depth to be determined |
Steel connection design - EN1993 Connection type: Full/partial depth end plate |
| Steel connection two sided end plate component 142 | Profile: I-sections Supported beams: 2 Edge distances: must be set for full/partial depth to be determined |
Steel connection design - EN1993 Connection type: Full/partial depth end plate |
| Steel connection shear plate component 103 | Profile: I-sections Supported beams: 1 |
Steel connection design - EN1993 Connection type: Fin plate |
| Steel connection two sided shear plate component 118 | Profile: I-sections Supported beams: 2 |
Steel connection design - EN1993 Connection type: Fin plate |
| Steel beam | n/a (data transfer not yet implemented) | Steel member design - EN1993 |
| Steel column | n/a (data transfer not yet implemented) | Steel member design - EN1993 |
| Concrete column | Rectangular (h*b) profile Cast unit : Cast in place |
RC column design (EN 1992) Type of column : Rectangular |
| Concrete column | Circular (D) profile Cast unit : Cast in place |
RC column design (EN 1992) Type of column : Circular |
| Concrete column | Rectangular (h*b) profile Cast unit : Precast |
Precast column design (EN 1992) Type of column : Rectangular |
| Concrete column | Circular (D) profile Cast unit : Precast |
Precast column design (EN 1992) Type of column : Circular |
| Concrete beam | Rectangular (h*b) profile Cast unit : Cast in place |
RC beam design EN1992 Section type : Rectangular |
| Concrete beam | RCL Ledger beam profile Cast unit : Cast in place |
RC beam design EN1992 Section type : Flanged L |
| Concrete beam | T (h-s-t-b) profile Cast unit : Cast in place |
RC beam design EN1992 Section type : Flanged T |
| Concrete beam | Rectangular (h*b) profile Cast unit : Precast |
RC precast beam design EN1992 Section type : Rectangular |
| Concrete beam | RCL Ledger beam profile Rotation : Top Cast unit : Precast |
RC precast beam design EN1992 Section type : L |
| Concrete beam | T (h-s-t-b) profile Rotation : Top Cast unit : Precast |
RC precast beam design EN1992 Section type : T |
| Concrete beam | RCL Ledger beam profile Rotation : Below Cast unit : Precast |
RC precast beam design EN1992 Section type : Inverted L |
| Concrete beam | T (h-s-t-b) profile Rotation : Below Cast unit : Precast |
RC precast beam design EN1992 Section type : Inverted T |
| WallLayout component | Single layer wall. Layer creation: Do not add to cast unit. |
RC wall design (EN 1992) |
| WallLayout component | Single layer wall. Layer creation: NOT: Do not add to cast unit. |
Precast wall design (EN 1992) |
| Concrete stairs component 65 | Cast unit type : Cast in place | RC stair design (EN 1992) |
| Concrete stairs component 65 | Cast unit type : Precast | Precast concrete stair design (EN 1992) |
| Concrete slab | Boundary shape : Rectangular Cast unit : Cast in place |
RC slab design (EN 1992-1) |
5.2.1 Data linking
For Data Linking, an instance of the Tekla Tedds Application is launched as a background process. The user interface for the Tedds calculation associated with the linked document will then be displayed. (See the list above for supported Tekla Structures parts and the relevant Tekla Tedds calculation).
When the calculation's user interface is shown, geometric information relating to the section shape, governing dimensions, member length and material will be automatically populated.
Some information is not transferred from Tekla Structures to the Tekla Tedds calulation. For example loads and bending moments (where applicable), slenderness information or the national annex to be used.
Where values are not transferred from Tekla Structures, the default values applicable for the Tekla Tedds calculation will be populated.
It should be noted that this is not a limitation of the integration process. The Tekla Structures model does not include this information and so these settings cannot be determined automatically.
The design process for the part can be completed within Tekla Tedds and the calculation performed to suit the required design.
Once the Tekla Tedds design calculation has been completed, the Finish button can be used to complete the design. At this stage, a Save As dialog will be shown so that you can save the documented results of the calculation.
Note: If the Save As dialog is not visible it may be behind other windows on your desktop, use the Alt + Tab or Alt + Esc keys to cycle through the open windows to show the dialog.
The Tekla Tedds document should be saved into a suitable location, we would recommend saving documents attached to your model in a sub folder of the Tekla Structures model folder, this will ensure that the documents are transferred with the model, for example when using Tekla Model Sharing.
Once the Tekla Tedds document has been saved, you will be returned to the Tekla Structures model.
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When the calculation's user interface is shown, geometric information relating to the section shape, governing dimensions, member length and material will be automatically populated.
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Some information is not transferred from Tekla Structures to the Tekla Tedds calulation. For example loads and bending moments (where applicable), slenderness information or the national annex to be used.
Where values are not transferred from Tekla Structures, the default values applicable for the Tekla Tedds calculation will be populated.
It should be noted that this is not a limitation of the integration process. The Tekla Structures model does not include this information and so these settings cannot be determined automatically.
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The design process for the part can be completed within Tekla Tedds and the calculation performed to suit the required design.
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Once the Tekla Tedds design calculation has been completed, the Finish button can be used to complete the design. At this stage, a Save As dialog will be shown so that you can save the documented results of the calculation.
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Note: If the Save As dialog is not visible it may be behind other windows on your desktop, use the Alt + Tab or Alt + Esc keys to cycle through the open windows to show the dialog.
The Tekla Tedds document should be saved into a suitable location, we would recommend saving documents attached to your model in a sub folder of the Tekla Structures model folder, this will ensure that the documents are transferred with the model, for example when using Tekla Model Sharing.
Once the Tekla Tedds document has been saved, you will be returned to the Tekla Structures model.
5.2.2 Document Linking
When using Document Linking, the New button will launch an instance of the Tekla Tedds application in the background and then the Tekla Tedds Select Calculation dialog will be shown.
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From the list, select the required calculation and then click the Calculate button.
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The user interface for the associated calculation will then be shown.
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For Document Linking, no information is transferred from Tekla Structures to Tekla Tedds.
Instead of information transfer, the default values applicable for the Tekla Tedds calculation will be populated.
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Once the Tekla Tedds design calculation has been completed, the Finish button can be used to complete the design. At this stage, a Save As dialog will be shown so that you can save the documented results of the calculation.
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The Tekla Tedds calculations should be saved into a suitable location, we would recommend saving documents attached to your model in a sub folder of the Tekla Structures model folder, this will ensure that the documents are transferred with the model, for example when using Tekla Model Sharing.
Once the Tekla Tedds document has been saved, you will be returned to the Tekla Structures model.
5.3 Identifying which Tekla Structures objects have associated Tekla Tedds calculations
5.3.1 Tekla Tedds User Defined Attributes
Once a Tekla Tedds document has been associated with an object in the Tekla Structures model, two user defined attributes (UDA) will be defined for the object.
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The User-defined attributes dialog contains a tab for Tekla Tedds associated attributes. These attributes are as follows:-
Tedds Document
This Yes / No switch indicates whether a Tekla Tedds document is associated with an object or not. If Yes then a document is associated; if No then no document is associated.
UDA Name: TEDDS_DOCUMENT
UDA Value: "Yes" or "No"
Tedds Identity
This is an attribute used by the Tekla Tedds Integrator and is only populated when using the New or Update commands for an object which is supported by Data Linking.
The attribute identifies which Tekla Tedds calculation should be used by the Integrator.
UDA Name: TEDDS_DOCUMENT_IDENTITY
UDA Value: Structural identity name as defined by the Tekla Tedds Integrator Identity Provider
Due to the limited number of characters which can be stored in a UDA the actual path of the linked document file is not stored as a UDA rather the file path is stored as a dynamic string property named "TEDDS_DOCUMENT_PATH"
For objects such as components, where the User-defined attributes dialog is not available, the Tekla Tedds Integrator's Object Browser can be used to view the Tekla Tedds associated attributes.
5.3.2 Using the Tekla Tedds Representation
The Tekla Tedds Integrator includes a new representation for use within Tekla Structures called Tedds Documents
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This representation uses a filter based on the Tedds Document UDA. Any part which has an attribute of Yes will be coloured as green. All other parts will be coloured as Grey.
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Important note: Only Tekla Structures parts will be highlighted, components will not be highlighted.
5.4 Add
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The Add command will allow you to select a Tekla Structures object and associate an existing Tekla Tedds document.
After selecting the command, the Select Tedds document dialog will be displayed allowing you to browse and select any previously saved document.
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The selected document is now associated with the model object. If the document is for a type of object which supports data linking and you want to update the Tekla Structures model to reflect the design in the document use the Update Model command.
To change the document associated with an object use the command again and select an alternative document, the newly selected document will then be associated with the object.
5.5 Update
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The Update command allows you to re-calculate the document which is linked to the selected model object. The current data from the Tekla Structures model will be transfered to the existing Tedds design and the user interface for the calculation will then be shown so that any other data can be modified before completing the design. The document will then be saved and finally the design data will be transferred back to the Tekla Structures model to update the model object.
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5.6 Update Document
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The Update Document command allows you to re-calculate the document which is linked to the selected model object. The current data from the Tekla Structures model will be transfered to the existing Tedds design and the user interface for the calculation will then be shown so that any other data can be modified before completing the design. The document will then be saved. No data will be transferred back to the Tekla Structures model object.
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5.7 Update Model
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The Update Model command allows you to re-calculate the document which is linked to the selected model object. The user interface for the calculation will be shown so that any data can be modified before completing the design. The document will then be saved and finally the design data will be transferred back to the Tekla Structures model to update the model object.
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5.8 Open
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The Open command allows you to view and modify a document associated with a model object.
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5.9 Remove
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The Remove command allows a Tekla Tedds document associated with a Tekla Structures object to be removed.
It should be noted that this is simply removing the association between the Tekla Structures object and the saved Tekla Tedds document. The document is still retained in the saved location so that it may be added again if required using the Add command.
If the Remove command is used, the Tedds Document UDA will be set to No.
5.10 Project
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The Project command launches the Tekla Tedds application and creates a new project which includes all of the Tedds calculations associated with the currently opened Tekla Structures model.
You are then able to use the commands within the Tekla Tedds application to modify various aspects of the Project. The documentation order can be changed and the calculation headers can be modified.
Use the Save Project command to keep the project saved with any modified settings and available for future sessions of the Tekla Tedds software.
5.11 Tools
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The Tools menu contains the following commands:
5.11.1 Object Browser
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The Object Browser command opens a separate dialog that allows you to view properties of the selected model object. This is particularly useful when writing your own integrations.
5.11.2 Options
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The Options command opens a separate dialog that allows you to configure various settings of the Tekla Tedds Integrator, such as logging options. It also includes buttons to open relevant folders in Windows File Explorer, such as the folder where log files are stored.
6. Linking your own calculations
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A powerful feature of the Tekla Tedds Integrator is the ability to program integration links to any Tekla Tedds calculation from any part or component.
The process required is covered in the Tekla Tedds Integrator Reference Guide.
7. Further Information
For any further advice on the Tekla Tedds Integrator workflow, please contact your local support team.