This example covers the export of a completed Revit model into CXL format using the Integrator. The CXL file would then be imported into Tekla Structural Designer as a First Time Import.

The file that we are using already contains a generated Analytical Model and also contains no mapping problems. Reference should be made to the relevant sections should you find that your own file does contain any problems regarding mapping.

To export the model to Tekla Structural Designer, activate the Integrator for Structural Designer program by clicking on the icon held on the Tekla Integration tab.

The following splash screen provides some information about the two base design products used with the Integrator along with hyperlinks to the relevant website page. Click Next to move onto the next page.

The next dialog of the Integrator allows various import and export options to be set for each of the two design programs.

In this example, we are exporting a model for use with Tekla Structural Designer. The model will be imported so that an analysis model is set up from scratch. We therefore choose the option Export model from Revit - First time export. Click Next to continue after making your selection.

The Select Structural Objects to Export dialog allows you to control which items will be exported from Autodesk Revit. As a guideline, all items should be flagged for inclusion in the export but if you have a requirement to omit certain items, then simply deselect the Include option for that item.

The option to update selected items in a model should be used to update entire models held as part of the main Revit file. E.g. A multi-project Revit file may consist of several Tekla Structural Designer models.

The option can also be used to update individual items by selecting the items to be exported prior to launching the integrator. If you have any queries relating to this information please do not hesitate to contact the local Trimble Customer Service team.

The Section and Material Mapping dialog indicates the different section families detected in the exporting file. If there are any numerical entries in the Not Recognized column then there are some mapping discrepancies and these should be investigated before continuing further. (See separate section on mapping objects).

Even if the mapping is correct and no problems exist (as per the example shown), the actual mapping can be checked by clicking to select the Review Mapping option for all Columns, Framing, Materials and Steel Decks.

Click Next to move onto the next page.

The final screen of the export process is to choose the file and location which you wish to use.

Select the correct information and then click Finish to exit from the Integrator dialog and start the processing of the file.

Once the processing of the CXL file has been completed, a log file will be shown. The log file is simply a text file recording the objects exported, deleted or altered along with any warnings encountered.

Please note that the log file is automatically saved in the same directory location used for the CXL file location (although this can be manually moved at a later date).

To import a model into Tekla Structural Designer from Autodesk Revit, we need to use the command Structural BIM Import which is held on the BIM Integration tab.

Clicking on the command will launch the import application which shows several dialogs in a wizard process. The first one to be encountered will prompt for the CXL filename and location which is to be integrated. Use the … button to browse and select the appropriate CXL file.

After selecting a CXL file for import, you should find that the remainder of the fields are populated with the settings read directly from the file. Click Next to continue after reading the information.

The next screen shows the settings related to the file allowing the user to choose Metric or Imperial for the units, a design code and the default level type. The level type can later be adjusted in the construction levels dialog if required.

Please note that the Update Existing Model option should not be used at this time. For changes to existing Tekla Structural Designer models, please refer to Section 9.2

The Relocate Import Model dialog allows for models to be moved to around the datum position in Tekla Structural Designer from a real world coordinate. The extent of the model can be seen from the information displayed on the right hand side of the dialog. After entering suitable values, click Next to continue.

Following on from the position information, the integration filter will be displayed. The five options shown here allow you to verify if grids, levels etc. are to be imported.

Please note that the settings held in the Delete Existing… and three Include… columns should not be used when performing a First Time Import and are only used when synchronizing changes into an existing Tekla Structural Designer model.

Mapping of materials to recognized grades will be shown now. Here you can view the different materials recognized in the incoming CXL file and the options to alter materials with a more preferred grade.

Following on from Material mapping, the dialog for Decking mapping will be shown (if applicable). Again this allows users to view the decking types being imported and have the option of overwriting the details if required.

After setting this information, click Finish to start the import into Tekla Structural Designer