Create items
Create items
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.
Limitations to items
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.
Create an item
- On the Steel tab, click Item .
- 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.
- Ensure that you have nothing selected in the model.
- 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.
Create a concrete item
- On the Concrete tab, click Item .
- 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.
- Ensure that you have nothing selected in the model.
- 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.
Modify item or concrete item properties
- If the property pane is not open, double-click the item or the concrete item to open the Item or the Concrete Item properties.
- Modify the properties as needed.
- 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.
Change the shape of an item
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.
Before you start, ensure that you have the required shape imported to the shape catalog.
- Double-click an item to open the item properties in the property pane.
- Click ... button next to the Shape box to open the Shape Catalog dialog box.
- If needed, use the Filter box to search for a shape.
- Select a shape from the list.
- Click OK to close the Shape Catalog dialog box.
- Click Modify to apply the changes.
Item and concrete item properties
Use the Item and the Concrete Item properties to define, view, and modify the properties of an item.
The file name extension of an item property file is .ips.
The file name extension of a concrete item property file is .ipc.
If you have customized the property pane layout, the list of properties may be different.
Setting |
Description |
---|---|
General |
|
Name |
User-definable name of an item. Tekla Structures uses part names in reports and in the drawing list, and to identify parts of the same type. |
Shape |
Shape of an item. To select a shape from the shape catalog, click the ... button next to the Shape box. To show the item shape in reports and drawing tables, use the PROFILE template attribute. |
Material |
Material of the item. |
Finish |
Type of finish. Finish is user definable. It describes how the part surface has been treated, e.g. with anti-corrosive paint, hot galvanized, fire retardant coating, etc. |
Class |
Use to group items. For example, you can display parts of different classes in different colors. |
For items: |
|
Numbering series |
|
Part numbering |
Part prefix and start number for the part position number. |
Assembly numbering |
Assembly prefix and start number for the assembly position number. |
For concrete items: |
|
Cast unit |
|
Cast unit numbering |
Part prefix and start number for the part position number. |
Cast unit type |
Indicate whether the beam is precast or cast-in-place. |
Pour phase |
Pour phase of the cast-in-place parts. Use to separate pour objects from one another. |
Position |
|
On plane |
Item's position on the work plane , relative to the item's reference line. |
Rotation |
Rotation of the item around its axis on the work plane. |
At depth |
Position depth of the item. The position is always perpendicular to the work plane. |
End offset |
|
Dx |
Change the length of the item by moving the item end point along the item's reference line. |
Dy |
Move the item end perpendicular to the item's reference line. |
Dz |
Move the item end in the z direction of the work plane. |
Custom properties |
|
More |
Click the More button to open the user-defined attributes (UDAs) of the part. UDAs provide additional information about the part. |