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Import 3D reference models

Tekla Structural Designer
Modified: 10 Mar 2025
2025
Tekla Structural Designer

Import 3D reference models

Reference models are used to accurately model and check compatibility with other disciplines during design decision making and execution.

Reference models are imported and managed through the dedicated Reference Models side pane.

TrimBIM (TRB) files, but not IFC files, stored locally can be imported as reference models.

Alternatively, if you use a linked Trimble Connect project as your reference model source, you can import either TrimBIM or IFC files as reference models.

Before you can source reference models from a Trimble Connect project you would need to link to the project using the Trimble Connect side pane.

Select a linked Trimble Connect project as the reference model source

  1. Click the Trimble Connect side pane to open the Trimble Connect window.
  2. In the Trimble Connect window, if necessary link to the project containing the reference model(s).
  3. Confirm that the required .trb or .ifc file exists in the project by navigating to the folder where it should be located.

Import a TrimBIM or IFC file and use it as a reference model

  1. Click the Reference Models side pane to open the Reference Models window.
  2. In the Reference Models window, click Import.
    The Import Reference Model dialog box is displayed.
  3. Select the Source as either:
    1. Local file, (if the required .trb file is accessible from your local drive), or
    2. Trimble Connect, (if the required .trb or .ifc file is accessible from a linked Trimble Connect project).
  4. Click and then select the required file from the source location.
    The selected reference model file is shown in the Import Reference Model dialog box.
  5. Click OK.
    The Edit Reference Model dialog box is displayed.
  6. Apply any required offsets or rotations and unselect any layers that you don't want to import, then click OK.
    The reference model is displayed in the Structure 3D view and the reference model is listed as "Visible" in the Trim BIM side pane.
  7. In the Trim BIM side pane you can then click to hide and to show the reference model as required.

Edit the offsets used, or layers displayed in a reference model

  1. Click the Reference Models side pane to open the Reference Models window.
  2. Right click on the required .trb or .ifc file and then select Edit from the context menu.
    The Edit Reference Model dialog box is displayed.
  3. Apply any required offsets or rotations and unselect any layers that you don't want to be displayed, then click OK.
    The reference model is updated in the Structure 3D view.

Remove a reference model

  1. Click the Reference Models side pane to open the Reference Models window.
  2. Right click on the required .trb or .ifc file and then select Delete from the context menu.
    The reference model is removed.
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