Macalloy tension rod, compression strut and cable systems

Welcome to the custom component package of the Macalloy Tension, Compression and Cable Structures by Macalloy.
In this helpfile you’ll find information about the components and their installation in Tekla Structures as well as links to resellers and our website for Tekla Structures users. This side provides additional information such as quality assurance certificates and approvals etc. as web links.
If you require technical advice regarding our product please contact us or our local partner.
Macalloy contacts
Manufacturer
Macalloy Ltd
Caxton Way,
Dinnington,
Sheffield S25 3QE
Tel: 01909 519200
Email: sales@macalloy.com
Website: https://www.macalloy.com
Macalloy global contacts
Back to topMacalloy tension rod 0 (550 and 460)
Select two points in the direction you wish to place the tension rod 0. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the end point of the component. The handles are positioned in the middle of the hole in the fork end and centric related to the tension rod.

Settings for the tension rod 0 (550 and 460)
Select appropriate size of the tension rod 0 and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, C for Carbon, G for Galvanised and S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- The option to create lockcover is always open for selection.
- The different attribute files for the integrated subcomponents are preloaded.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. If the maximum length of the single tierod is exceeded, it changes color to red (class 1010) in the Tekla Structures model. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS.
Read more here about Macalloy 550 bar system. Macalloy 460 bar system.
Back to topMacalloy tension rod 1 (550 and 460)
Select two points in the direction you wish to place the tension rod 1. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the end point of the component. The handles are positioned in the middle of the hole in the fork end and centric related to the tension rod.

Settings for the tension rod 1 (550 and 460)
Select appropriate size of the tension rod 1 and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, C for Carbon, G for Galvanised and S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- The option to create lockcover is always open for selection.
- The position of the Macalloy turnbuckle with fin plate can be set if Yes is selected in the dropdown menu. The distance is set from the middle of the hole in the fork end to the middle of the turnbuckle with fin plate.
- The component Macalloy turnbuckle with fin plate can be replaced with Macalloy coupler / cross coupler. This field is always open for selection.
- The different attribute files for the integrated subcomponents are preloaded.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. If the maximum length of the single tierod is exceeded, it changes color to red (class 1010) in the Tekla Structures model. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS.
Schematic image of Macalloy tension rod 1.

Read more here about Macalloy 550 bar system. Macalloy 460 bar system.
Back to topMacalloy tension rod 2 (550 and 460)
Select two points in the direction you wish to place the tension rod 2. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the end point of the component. The handles are positioned in the middle of the hole in the fork end and centric related to the tension rod.

Settings for the tension rod 2 (550 and 460)
Select appropriate size of the tension rod 2 and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, C for Carbon, G for Galvanised and S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- The option to create lockcover is always open for selection.
- The position of the Macalloy turnbuckle with fin plate and coupler can be set if Yes is selected in the dropdown menu. The distance is set from the middle of the hole in the fork end to the middle of the turnbuckle with fin plate and coupler.
- The component Macalloy turnbuckle with fin plate and coupler can be replaced with Macalloy coupler / cross coupler / turnbuckle with fin plate. These fields are always open for selection.
- The different attribute files for the integrated subcomponents are preloaded.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. If the maximum length of the single tierod is exceeded, it changes color to red (class 1010) in the Tekla Structures model. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS.
Read more here about Macalloy 550 bar system. Macalloy 460 bar system.
Back to topMacalloy standard compression strut
Select two points in the direction you wish to place the standard compression strut. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the end point of the component. The handles are positioned in the middle of the hole in the fork end and centric related to the compression strut.

Settings for the standard compression strut
Select appropriate size of the standard compression strut and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, C for Carbon, G for Galvanised and S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- The different attribute files for the integrated components are preloaded.
- Under the Taper cone tab you can select settings for the taper cone. Part code is generated from Size and Bar system. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special under the Parameters tab. Recommendation is to keep the standard values and not change the settings.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. If the maximum length of the compression strut system is exceeded, it changes color to red (class 1010) in the Tekla Structures model. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS.
Schematic image of Macalloy standard compression strut.

Read more here about Compression struts.
Back to topMacalloy architectural compression strut
Select two points in the direction you wish to place the standard compression strut. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the end point of the component. The handles are positioned in the middle of the hole in the fork end and centric related to the compression strut.

Settings for the architectural compression strut
Select appropriate size of the architectural compression strut and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, C for Carbon, G for Galvanised and S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- The different attribute files for the integrated components are preloaded.
- Under the Taper cone tab you can select settings for the taper cone. Part code is generated from Size and Bar system. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special under the Parameters tab. Recommendation is to keep the standard values and not change the settings.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. If the maximum length of the compression strut system is exceeded, it changes color to red (class 1010) in the Tekla Structures model. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS.
Schematic image of Macalloy architectural compression strut.

Read more here about Compression struts.
Back to topMacalloy swag – swagtens
Select two points in the direction you wish to place the swag - swagtens. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the end point of the component. The handles are positioned in the middle of the hole in the fork end and centric related to the swag - swagtens.

Settings for the swag - swagtens
Select appropriate size of the swag - swagtens and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, for the cable systems only S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- The different attribute files for the integrated components are preloaded.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. If the minimum or maximum length of the swag – swagtens system is exceeded, it changes color to red (class 1010) in the Tekla Structures model. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS.
Schematic image of Macalloy swag - swagtens.

Read more here about Cable system.
Back to topMacalloy swagtens – swagtens
Select two points in the direction you wish to place the swagtens - swagtens. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the end point of the component. The handles are positioned in the middle of the hole in the fork end and centric related to the swagtens - swagtens.

Settings for the swagtens - swagtens
Select appropriate size of the swagtens - swagtens and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, for the cable systems only S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- The different attribute files for the integrated components are preloaded.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. If the minimum or maximum length of the swagtens – swagtens system is exceeded, it changes color to red (class 1010) in the Tekla Structures model. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS.
Read more here about Cable system.
Back to topMacalloy swagtens – inlinetens - swagtens
Select two points in the direction you wish to place the swagtens – inlinetens - swagtens. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the end point of the component. The handles are positioned in the middle of the hole in the fork end and centric related to the swagtens – inlinetens - swagtens.

Settings for the swagtens – inlinetens - swagtens
Select appropriate size of the swagtens – inlinetens - swagtens and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, for the cable systems only S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- The different attribute files for the integrated components are preloaded.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. If the minimum or maximum length of the swagtens – inlinetens - swagtens system is exceeded, it changes color to red (class 1010) in the Tekla Structures model. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS.
Read more here about Cable system.
Back to topMacalloy disc connection (550 and 460)
Select two points in the direction on how you wish to place the disc connection. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the direction of the component. The handles are positioned centric related to the disc connection.

Settings for the disc connection (550 and 460)
Select appropriate size of the disc connection and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, C for Carbon, G for Galvanised and S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- Part code is generated from Size and Bar system.
- Only angles between 40-140 degrees are allowed. If another angle is written which isn’t within the marginal, either 40 or 140 degrees is chosen automatically.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS.
Schematic image of the disc connection.


Macalloy lockcover (550 and 460)
The lockcover is a subcomponent to the tension rod components. If it should be put separately into the Tekla Structures model, select two points in the direction on how you wish to place the lockcover. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the direction of the component. The handles are positioned centric related to the lockcover.

Settings for the lockcover (550 and 460)
Select appropriate size of the lockcover and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, C for Carbon, G for Galvanised and S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- Part code is generated from Size and Bar system.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS.
Macalloy turnbuckle with fin plate (550 and 460)
The turnbuckle with fin plate is a subcomponent to the tension rod components. If it should be put separately into the Tekla Structures model, select two points in the direction on how you wish to place the turnbuckle with fin plate. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the direction of the component. The handles are positioned centric related to the turnbuckle with fin plate.

Settings for the turnbuckle with fin plate (550 and 460)
Select appropriate size of the turnbuckle with fin plate and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, C for Carbon, G for Galvanised and S for Stainless. If there also is an additional “_fin” after the Bar system material, it means that a fin plate is created. Example: M90_C_fin. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- Part code is generated from Size and Bar system.
- Under the Fin plate tab you can select settings for the fin plate. Part code is generated from Size and Bar system. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special under the Parameters tab. Recommendation is to keep the standard values and not change the settings.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS.
Schematic image of Macalloy turnbuckle with fin plate.

Macalloy coupler (550 and 460)
The coupler is a subcomponent to the tension rod components. If it should be put separately into the Tekla Structures model, select two points in the direction on how you wish to place the coupler. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the direction of the component. The handles are positioned centric related to the coupler.

Settings for the coupler (550 and 460)
Select appropriate size of the coupler and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, C for Carbon, G for Galvanised and S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- Part code is generated from Size and Bar system.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS. Type is generated from size and selections made.
Macalloy cross coupler (550 and 460)
The cross coupler is a subcomponent to the tension rod components. If it should be put separately into the Tekla Structures model, select two points in the direction on how you wish to place the cross coupler. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the direction of the component. The handles are positioned centric related to the cross coupler.

Settings for the cross coupler (550 and 460)
Select appropriate size of the cross coupler and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, C for Carbon, G for Galvanised and S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- Part code is generated from Size and Bar system.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS. Type is generated from size and selections made.
Schematic image of the cross coupler.

Macalloy fork end (550 and 460)
The fork end is a subcomponent to the tension rod and compression strut components. If it should be put separately into the Tekla Structures model, select two points in the direction on how you wish to place the fork end. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the direction of the component. The handles are positioned centric related to the fork end. The Macalloy pin is included as a subcomponent in the component Macalloy fork end.

Settings for the fork end (550 and 460)
Select appropriate size of the fork end and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, C for Carbon, G for Galvanised and S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- Part code is generated from Size and Bar system.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS. Type is generated from size and selections made. The possibility to change the creation of the pin can also be set here under Attribute file pin. If No_Pin is chosen this can be saved as a new setting in the fork end.
Macalloy pin
The pin is a subcomponent to the fork end component. If it should be put separately into the Tekla Structures model, select two points in the direction on how you wish to place the pin. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the direction of the component. The handles are positioned centric related to the pin.

Settings for the pin
The Macalloy pin is included as a subcomponent to the component fork end. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields, where the source is the fork end regarding material and size.
Image- There are two saved settings for the pin, standard and No_Pin which can be chosen in the fork end component. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS. All standard fields are greyed out.
Macalloy conical nut
The conical nut is a subcomponent to the cable system components. If it should be put separately into the Tekla Structures model, select two points in the direction on how you wish to place the conical nut. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the direction of the component. The handles are positioned centric related to the conical nut.

Settings for the conical nut
Select appropriate size of the conical nut and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, for the cable systems only S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- Part code is generated from Size and Bar system.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS. Type is generated from size and selections made.
Macalloy gls
The gls is a subcomponent to the cable system components. If it should be put separately into the Tekla Structures model, select two points in the direction on how you wish to place the gls. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the direction of the component. The handles are positioned centric related to the gls.

Settings for the gls
Select appropriate size of the gls and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, for the cable systems only S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- Part code is generated from Size and Bar system.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS. Type is generated from size and selections made.
Macalloy scs
The scs is a subcomponent to the cable system components. If it should be put separately into the Tekla Structures model, select two points in the direction on how you wish to place the scs. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the direction of the component. The handles are positioned centric related to the scs.

Settings for the scs
Select appropriate size of the scs and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, for the cable systems only S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- Part code is generated from Size and Bar system.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS. Type is generated from size and selections made.
Macalloy stud
The stud is a subcomponent to the cable system components. If it should be put separately into the Tekla Structures model, select two points in the direction on how you wish to place the stud. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the direction of the component. The handles are positioned centric related to the stud.

Settings for the stud
Select appropriate size of the stud and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, for the cable systems only S for Stainless. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- Part code is generated from Size and Bar system.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS. Type is generated from size and selections made.
Macalloy tensioner with fin
The tensioner with fin is a subcomponent to the cable system components. If it should be put separately into the Tekla Structures model, select two points in the direction on how you wish to place the tensioner with fin. The yellow handle symbolizes the start point and the purple handle the direction of the component. The handles are positioned centric related to the tensioner with fin.

Settings for the tensioner with fin
Select appropriate size of the tensioner with fin and press load. All settings are automatically loaded into the dialog fields. The additional letter after the size represent the Bar system material, for the cable systems only S for Stainless. If there also is an additional “_fin” after the Bar system material, it means that a fin plate is created. Example: M36_S_fin. All standard fields are greyed out.
Image- Part code is generated from Size and Bar system.
- Under the Fin plate tab you can select settings for the fin plate. Part code is generated from Size and Bar system. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special under the Parameters tab. Recommendation is to keep the standard values and not change the settings.
- Under the parameters tab you can select class etc. Observe that the material selection is only to get the approximate weight in Tekla Structures. Change can only be made if Type is set to Special. Recommendation is not to change the settings due the link to the Macalloy list MS.
Schematic image of the Macalloy tensioner with fin.

Picking procedure for the tension rod system, compression strut and cable system
Examples in the picture below shows different situations for the tension rod and the compression strut.
When applying the tension rod system, compression strut or cable system into the model, put up help lines from hole to hole to determine the midpoint and centre of the disc connection or where the insertion point on the column should be.

Snap to the intersection of the help lines and set direction of the disc connection to the right or left to get the right position. Snap the tension rod system, compression strut or the cable system to the first point on your column (often a plate is attached to the column), and then to the disc connection hole. Check that the sizes and Bar / Strut / Cable system of the components are the same and that the positions between the components are correct and the holes line up. The handles are placed centric in the tension rod system, compression strut and the cable system. The right picture shows if the tension rod or the compression strut maximum length is exceeded.
Observe the mounting requirements according to the images below.

See links:
https://macalloy.com/macalloy-works-with-tekla-software/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqz6col-H1I
Back to topL Macalloy list MS
L Macalloy list MS creates a report on the parts, the tension rod system, the compression struts and the cable systems in the model.

The name, size and system length are presented for the different tension rod systems, compression struts and the cable systems in the report and also the including parts for every system. The number of each part and the distance of the turnbuckle / tensioner with fin plate / coupler / cross coupler to the middle of the hole of the fork end is shown. Material (Bar system), product code and the approximate tension rod / cable length, Tekla Structures assembly position and Tekla approximately weight are also presented. The report is filtering out only Macalloy parts and assemblies in the model, which has Macalloy and Macalloy system written as default in the fabricator name field in the components, so don’t change that if you want to use this report correctly. This means that an L Macalloy list MS report can be created from the whole model without choosing any parts. Do not change the parts in the components manually, because this report uses the component standard settings.
Back to topMacalloy Production lengths for Tension Bar, Compression Struts and Cable Systems
The tension rod and the Compression strut in the Tekla Structures component turns red when the maximum length is exceeded.
The Cable Systems in the Tekla Structures component turns red when minimum or maximum length is exceeded.
Macalloy web links
Approvals:
https://macalloy.com/downloads/approvals/
Brochures:
https://macalloy.com/downloads/brochures/
Technical downloads:
https://macalloy.com/downloads/technical-downloads/
Installation Instructions:
https://macalloy.com/downloads/installation-instructions/
Terms & Conditions of Sale:
https://macalloy.com/downloads/terms-conditions-of-sale/
Back to top