In Tekla Structures , the term item refers to the parts that have a 3D shape. Shapes are created in an external modeling software, or in Tekla Structures , and they are available in the Tekla Structures shape catalog.

Items are similar to other parts , such as beams and columns. The main difference between items and other types of parts is that a 3D shape defines the geometry of an item, whereas a part has a 2D profile that is extruded to create the length of the part.

You can use items to model objects that would be difficult to model using basic Tekla Structures parts and commands, such as cutting. You can also use items to model objects that use shapes modeled in an external software or by a manufacturer.

Every item has properties that define it, such as shape, material, and location. If you want to use item properties in view and selection filters or in drawing and report templates, you need to use the template attributes of parts and profiles. If you want to separate items from parts, use the IS_​ITEM template attribute.

• Items have a fixed geometry according to their shape, so items cannot be scaled, stretched, or fitted.

• Items cannot be mirrored.

• Items cannot be split or combined. Splitting an imported item creates a duplicate to the splitting position.

• Items can only be cut or attached to another part if they have a solid shape.

• The gross weight value of an imported item may be different from that of an identical Tekla Structures part modeled with cuts. This is because the cuts are not taken into account when calculating the gross weight of parts.

• The contextual toolbar does not work for items.

1. On the Steel tab, click Item .
2. Pick two points.

   Tekla Structures creates the item between the points you picked starting from the first point (yellow handle) towards the direction of the second point (magenta handle), using the item's current properties.

   Current properties are the properties that are shown in the property pane. If you modify the properties, the modified properties become the current properties, and Tekla Structures uses them the next time you create an object of this type.

   

   Tip:

   Alternatively, you can start the command in the property pane.

   1. Ensure that you have nothing selected in the model.
   2. In the property pane, click the Object type list button and select Item from the list.

      Tekla Structures starts the command and shows the properties in the property pane.

1. On the Concrete tab, click Item .
2. Pick two points.

   Tekla Structures creates the item between the points you picked starting from the first point (yellow handle) towards the direction of the second point (magenta handle), using the item's current properties.

   Current properties are the properties that are shown in the property pane. If you modify the properties, the modified properties become the current properties, and Tekla Structures uses them the next time you create an object of this type.

   

   Tip:

   Alternatively, you can start the command in the property pane.

   1. Ensure that you have nothing selected in the model.
   2. In the property pane, click the Object type list button and select Concrete Item from the list.

      Tekla Structures starts the command and shows the properties in the property pane.

1. If the property pane is not open, double-click the item or the concrete item to open the Item or the Concrete Item properties.
2. Modify the properties as needed.
3. Click Modify to apply the changes.

   The modified properties become the new current properties. Tekla Structures uses the current properties the next time you create an object of this type.

When you create or modify an item, you can select the shape from the list that contains all the shapes available in the shape catalog.

1. Double-click an item to open the item properties in the property pane.
2. Click ... button next to the Shape box to open the Shape Catalog dialog box.
3. If needed, use the Filter box to search for a shape.
4. Select a shape from the list.
5. Click OK to close the Shape Catalog dialog box.
6. Click Modify to apply the changes.

Use the Item and the Concrete Item properties to define, view, and modify the properties of an item.