When you start defining a custom component, we recommend that you first apply a similar system component in the model and then explode it. Exploding means that you ungroup the objects of an existing component. Once the objects are detached, you can modify, remove or add objects to suit your needs, and then create new custom components using these objects. Exploding a component and using the detached objects as a basis for a new custom component can be useful when you want to create custom components more quickly.

1. In the model, select the component you want to explode.
2. Right-click and select Explode Component.

   Tekla Structures separates the component objects. You can modify the objects and use them when you define new custom components.

1. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to open the Applications & components catalog.
2. Click the Access advanced features button and select Define custom component....

   The Custom Component Wizard dialog box opens.

   

3. In the Type list, select the component type: connection, detail, seam, or part.
4. In the Name box, enter a unique name for the component.
5. Modify the other properties on the Type/Notes tab, Position tab, and Advanced tab, and then click Next >.
6. In the model, select the objects you want to include in the custom component.

   

   You can use area selection to select multiple objects simultaneously. The main and secondary parts and the grids are ignored when you select objects for the custom component.

   Note:

   If you cannot select desired objects in the model, check the selection switches and the selection filter settings.

   If you want to include rebar set modifiers in the custom component:

   • Ensure that Direct modification is switched off when you select the modifiers.
   • Hold down Shift and select the modifiers one by one. Area selection does not select modifiers.
7. Click Next >.
8. Select the main part for the component.

   

9. Click Next >.
10. Select the secondary parts for the component.

    

    To select multiple secondary parts, hold down Shift when you select them. The maximum number of secondary parts in a custom component is 30.

    Note:

    Pay attention to the order in which you select secondary parts. Tekla Structures will use the same picking order when you use the custom component in a model.

11. Define any other properties required for this custom component, such as detail or seam position.

    The properties depend on the component type that you selected in step 4.

12. If you want to adjust any of the settings at this stage, click < Back to return to the previous page of the Custom Component Wizard.
13. When you are happy with the settings, click Finish to create the custom component.

    The custom component is added in the model and in the Applications & components catalog.

14. If needed, add a thumbnail image for the custom component.

    The thumbnail image is displayed in the Applications & components catalog. In the thumbnail image you can show a typical situation where the component can be used.

    1. Take a screenshot of the custom component.
    2. Add a thumbnail image of the custom component in the Applications & components catalog.

       Tekla Structures shows the thumbnail image in the Applications & components catalog:

       

15. If you want to modify custom component settings afterwards:
    1. On the custom component editor toolbar, click the Modify custom component settings button.
    2. Change the settings.
    3. Click OK.

You can define more complex custom components by joining two or more components together as a nested component. This allows you to create smaller, simpler components and wrap them up into a single component. The original components become sub-components in the nested component. Nested components are typically used with precast and cast-in-place components, such as with embeds.

1. In the model, create the components and other model objects that you want to include in the nested component.
2. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to open the Applications & components catalog.
3. Click the Access advanced features button and select Define custom component....

   The Custom Component Wizard dialog box opens.

4. In the Type list, select the type of the nested custom component.
5. In the Name box, enter a unique name for the nested component.
6. Modify the other properties on the Type/Notes tab, Position tab, and Advanced tab, and then click Next >.
7. Select the components and any other objects you want to include in the nested component, and then click Next >.
8. Follow the instructions in the Custom Component Wizard to continue.

   You will be asked to select the main and secondary parts for the nested component. Depending on the component type that you selected in step 4, you may also have to define other properties, such as detail or seam position.

9. When you are happy with the settings, click Finish to create the nested component.

   The component is added in the model and in the Applications & components catalog. The sub-components are shown in the Custom component browser, together with the other component objects:

   

10. If you want to change the settings afterwards:
    1. In the custom component editor, click the Modify custom component settings button .
    2. Change the settings.
    3. Click OK.

This example shows how to define a simple custom component based on an existing end plate component.

1. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to open the Applications & components catalog.
2. Click the Access advanced features button and select Explode component.
3. Select the end plate component in the model.

   

   Tekla Structures separates the objects in the component.

   

4. Click the Access advanced features button and select Define custom component....
5. In the Type list, select Connection.
6. In the Name box, enter a unique name for the custom component.

   

7. Click Next >.
8. Select the objects you want to use in the custom component, and then click Next >.

   

   You can use area selection (left to right) to select the objects. Tekla Structures ignores the main part and secondary parts and the grids when you are selecting objects to include in the custom component.

9. Select the column as the main part, and then click Next >.

   The main part supports the secondary part.

10. Select the beam as the secondary part.

    The secondary part is supported by the main part.

    Note:

    When you select multiple secondary parts, pay attention to the order of selection. The custom component will use the same selection order when you add the component in a model. The maximum number of secondary parts in a custom component is 30.

11. Click Finish.

    Tekla Structures displays a component symbol for the new component.

    

    You have now defined a simple custom component, which you can use in locations similar to where it was originally created. This component is not intelligent and Tekla Structures does not adjust dimensions to suit any changes in the model. To make the custom component intelligent, you need to edit it in the custom component editor.