Import a reference model

Reference model are imported and managed from the Import Models window.

Reference models enable engineers to more accurately develop the structural model based directly on the architect’s design vision. They can also be used to check compatibility with other disciplines during design decision making and execution.

Benefits of using a reference model

In Plan and Frame views the reference model appears as a shadow layer which can be used to insert Tekla Structural Designer objects, or to model grid/construction lines. You can also measure and dimension directly from the shadow layer.
You can refine the color of the shadow layer as well as the depth of view.
In 3D views, individual layers can be filtered to control the imported content and visibility.
A Hide/Display option is provided in the Import Models window. This allows the reference model to be hidden/displayed with a single click to aid visibility of the structural model.

Note: While you can manually trace over the reference model to create Tekla Structural Designer objects, it is not in itself a structural model. To directly import a connected, solvable structural model, see Import a TrimBIM model, or Import a project from a Structural BIM Import file instead.

Import options

A reference model can only be created from a TrimBIM (.trb) or an IFC file. Applications such as SketchUp or Tekla Structures can readily export to these formats. The exported file can be saved locally, uploaded to Trimble Connect, or (in the case of Tekla Structures) it can be uploaded to the cloud.

If you use a linked Trimble Connect project as your source, you can import a reference model from either a TrimBIM (.trb) or an IFC file. If your source is a local file, or the cloud, only TrimBIM (.trb) files are supported.

Before you can import a reference model from a Trimble Connect project you would need to link to the project using the Trimble Connect window.

Perform and manage reference model import

Select a linked Trimble Connect project as the reference model source

Start a new model, or open an existing model, into which you want to import the reference model.
Open the Trimble Connect window.
In the Trimble Connect window, if necessary link to the project containing the reference model(s).
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

Open the Import Models window.
In the Import Models window, click Import.
The Import Model dialog box is displayed.
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).
Click and then select the required file from the source location.
The selected reference model file is shown in the Import Model dialog box.
Click OK.
The Edit Model dialog box is displayed.
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 Import Models window.
In the Import Models window 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

Open the Import Models window.
Right click on the required .trb or .ifc file and then select Edit from the context menu.
The Edit Model dialog box is displayed.
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

Open the Import Models window.
Right click on the required .trb or .ifc file and then select Delete from the context menu.
The reference model is removed.