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US Custom Variables

Tekla Structures custom attributes Reporting template attributes
Not version-specific
Tekla Structures
Environment
Not environment-specific
United States (Imperial)
United States (Metric)
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1. Purpose and description

This set of custom variables extends the reporting capabilities of Tekla Structures. These variables are available throughout the system: reports, marks as templates, drawings, .Net API, filtering, object representation, etc…

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2. System requirements

Environments: Any

Languages: ENGLISH

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3. Installation

To install the application:

  1. Run the appropriate 32bit (x86) or 64bit (x64) USCustomVariables.msi installation file which is available in the Applications category (or as a search) of Tekla Warehouse.
  2. Have Tekla Structures closed during installation.
  3. Reopen Tekla Structures once the installation is complete.
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4. Usage

To use the application:

  1. You will need to have the prefix “CUSTOM.” in front of each variable where used.
  2. Some of these variables rely on certain user-defined attributes to be used that come with Tekla Structures usimp and usmet environments. These are specified for each case.
  3. The output of these variables will be default metric, the same as any other system template variables. The output can be customized using the template editor formatting: E.g. Length -> ft-in -> 1/16”.  To use these variables in the Organizer they need to be added manually (see TUA article - Create a custom property in Organizer).
  4. These new variables are added to the contentattributes_custom_usa.lst under environments/usimp/template/settings/. If you are in other environments find your contentattributes.lst and add new lines to include the copied files for these new lst files. For convenience in newer versions of Tekla Structures, the installer includes a metric copy of the contentattributes_custom_usa.lst file under Environments\common\template\settings which several environments already map, and the edited contentattributes.lst file (as below) will be sufficient. Otherwise, you will need to manually copy the contentattributes_custom_usa.lst file to the appropriate folder in your installed environment.
Image
USCustomVariablesContentAttributes.png
  1. An XML configuration file has been included with version 6.2, that allows for controlling the units of specific custom variables. These are indicated in the description of the variable. This file allows for indicating the unit type (per the allowed list), the unit format (per the allowed list), and the output format.
    • Custom unit type options:
      • String,
      • Integer,
      • Double,
      • Option,
      • Length,
      • Weight,
      • Volume,
      • Area,
      • DistanceList,
      • Point,
      • Force
    • Unit format options for Force:
      • kg = 0,
      • T = 1,
      • N = 2,
      • daN = 3,
      • kN = 4,
      • lbf = 5,
      • kip = 6

 

Image
Units configuration file example
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4.1. Global Position

These variables read in the PROJ_DATUM_X, _Y, and _Z values automatically. These are designed so you can enter a project datum offset in the project properties user-defined attributes once and it can be ready automatically for these variables helping you to avoid doing long, repetitive formulas and eliminating the need for you to model far from the origin to get the correct value in reports and drawings for positions.

NameTypeRow TypeDescription
CUSTOM.GLOBAL_START_XDistancePartStart offset for part X
CUSTOM.GLOBAL_START_YDistancePartStart offset for part Y
CUSTOM.GLOBAL_START_ZDistancePartStart offset for part Z
CUSTOM.GLOBAL_END_XDistancePartEnd offset for part X
CUSTOM.GLOBAL_END_YDistancePartEnd offset for part Y
CUSTOM.GLOBAL_END_ZDistancePartEnd offset for part Z
CUSTOM.GLOBAL_COG_XDistancePartGlobal Cog X
CUSTOM.GLOBAL_COG_YDistancePartGlobal Cog Y
CUSTOM.GLOBAL_COG_ZDistancePartGlobal Cog Z

***All variables in this section expect to be run only on part-type objects in the model.

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4.2. Local Position

These are not using any global offsets. Some of these values are not available in the templates normally, others save you long, repetitive formulas to get the values you need.

NameTypeRow TypeDescription
CUSTOM.LOCAL_COG_XDistancePart/Assembly/Cast UnitLocal Cog X*
CUSTOM.LOCAL_COG_YDistancePart/Assembly/Cast UnitLocal Cog Y*
CUSTOM.LOCAL_COG_ZDistancePart/Assembly/Cast UnitLocal Cog Z*
CUSTOM.AT_DEPTH_OFFSETDistanceBeam, Polybeam, BoltGroup, Contour Plate (Slab)Profile depth offset value
CUSTOM.AT_DEPTHStringBeam, Polybeam, BoltGroupProfile depth enum (MIDDLE, FRONT, BEHIND)
CUSTOM.ON_PLANE_OFFSETDistanceBeam, Polybeam, BoltGroupProfiles on plane offset value
CUSTOM.ON_PLANEStringBeam, Polybeam, BoltGroupProfiles on plane enum (MIDDLE, LEFT, RIGHT)
CUSTOM.ROTATION_OFFSETDistanceBeam, Polybeam, BoltGroupProfile rotation offset value
CUSTOM.ROTATIONStringBeam, Polybeam, BoltGroupProfile rotation enum (FRONT, TOP, BACK, BELOW)
CUSTOM.START_DXDistancePart, Brep (PART), Bolt Array (BOLT), Bolt XY List (BOLT)Profile start handle x offset
CUSTOM.START_DYDistancePart, Brep (PART), Bolt Array (BOLT), Bolt XY List (BOLT)Profile start handle y offset
CUSTOM.START_DZDistancePart, Brep (PART), Bolt Array (BOLT), Bolt XY List (BOLT)Profile start handle z offset
CUSTOM.END_DXDistancePart, Brep (PART), Bolt Array (BOLT), Bolt XY List (BOLT)Profile end handle x offset
CUSTOM.END_DYDistancePart, Brep (PART), Bolt Array (BOLT), Bolt XY List (BOLT)Profile end handle y offset
CUSTOM.END_DZDistancePart, Brep (PART), Bolt Array (BOLT), Bolt XY List (BOLT)Profile end handle z offset

*These variables are relative to the exact center (calculated by extrema’s) of the start relative end of the part and are limited to part type objects in the model. For assemblies, the main part is used for the relative point.
***All variables in this section expect to be run only on part-type objects in the model.

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4.3. Non-Specific

NameTypeRow TypeDescription
CUSTOM.HANDLE_LENGTHDistancePartThe beam is input object, returns the distance from start handle to end handle in 3d space
CUSTOM.COMPONENT_NAMEStringComponentWorks for any component (plugin, custom component, system component) - Gets class Name field value
CUSTOM.HAS_ANYCUTSIntegerPartReturns 1 if the part has cuts of any type
CUSTOM.HAS_LINECUTSIntegerPartReturns 1 if the part has line cuts
CUSTOM.HAS_EDGECHAMFERSIntegerPartReturns 1 if the part has edge chamfers
CUSTOM.HAS_ANYPARTCUTSIntegerPartReturns 1 if the part has any part type cuts
CUSTOM.HAS_FITTINGSIntegerPartReturns 1 if the part has fittings
CUSTOM.BP_ELEVATIONDistancePartReturns current base point elevation offset value
CUSTOM.BP_LATITUDEFloatPartReturns current base point latitude offset value
CUSTOM.BP_LONGITUDEFloatPartReturns current base point longitude offset value
CUSTOM.PART_TYPEIntegerPart

Unknown = -1

Beam = 0

PolyBeam = 1

SpiralBeam = 2

CurvedBeam = 3

Column = 4

Panel = 5

StripFooting = 6

PadFooting = 7

Slab = 8

LoftedSlab = 9

ContourPlate = 10

BentPlate = 11

Item = 12

CUSTOM.PART_TYPE_STRStringPart

Unknown = "Unknown"

Beam = "Beam"

PolyBeam = "PolyBeam"

SpiralBeam = "SpiralBeam"

CurvedBeam = "CurvedBeam"

Column = "Column"

Panel = "Panel"

StripFooting = "StripFooting"

PadFooting = "PadFooting"

Slab = "Slab"

LoftedSlab = "LoftedSlab"

ContourPlate = "ContourPlate"

BentPlate = "BentPlate"

Item = "Item"

CUSTOM.IS_STEELIntegerPart1 if steel type, 0 otherwise
CUSTOM.IS_CURVED_BEAMIntegerPart1 if curved beam type, 0 otherwise (modeled with two handles and radius definition in properties
CUSTOM.QTY_SUBASSEMBLIESIntegerAssemblyThe number of subassemblies.
CUSTOM.QTY_SECONDARIESIntegerAssemblyThe number of secondaries.
CUSTOM.DWG_SP_COUNTIntegerAssembly/PartThe quantity of single part drawings.
CUSTOM.DWG_ASM_COUNTIntegerAssembly/PartThe quantity of assembly/CastUnit drawings.
CUSTOM.TcProjectIdStringAnyThe Trimble Connect project ID stored at the project level.
CUSTOM.TcProjectUrlStringAnyThe Trimble Connect project URL stored at the project level.
CUSTOM.TcProjectRegionStringAnyThe Trimble Connect project Region stored at the project level.
CUSTOM.BasePoint_NorthStringAnyThe basic north angle offset determine from the project base point.
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4.4. Concrete Specific

NameTypeRow TypeDescription
CUSTOM.SLAB_PERIMETER_AREAAreaPartSummation of vertical edge face area for the part and any subparts
CUSTOM.SLAB_PERIMETERDistancePartSummation of length around vertical edge faces of the part
CUSTOM.ASSEMBLY_WEIGHTWeightCast UnitNet Weight of concrete/precast assembly: excludes weight due to volume displaced by reinforcement, bolts, studs, and welds. Adds true weight of reinforcement, bolt, studs, and welds. 1
CUSTOM.CONCRETE_WEIGHTWeightCast UnitNet Weight of concrete only: excludes the weight of concrete displaced by reinforcement, bolts, studs, and welds. 1
CUSTOM.CONCRETE_VOLUMEVolumeCast UnitNet Volume of concrete only: excludes volume displaced by reinforcement, bolts, studs, and welds. 1
CUSTOM.POUR_AREA_SIDEAreaCast UnitFormwork area of side (=AREA-AREA_PGZ-AREA_NGZ)
CUSTOM.SURF_AREA_ALLAreaCast UnitSummation of areas of any Surface Treatment or Surfacing object attached to a part or pour object.
CUSTOM.SURF_AREA_BOTTOMAreaCast UnitSummation of surface areas attached to a part or pour object with a property defined as BOTTOM. 2
CUSTOM.SURF_AREA_OPENINGAreaCast UnitSummation of surface areas attached to a part or pour object with a property defined as OPENING. 2
CUSTOM.SURF_AREA_SIDEAreaCast UnitSummation of surface areas attached to a part or pour object with a property defined as SIDE. 2
CUSTOM.SURF_AREA_SIDE_ALLAreaCast UnitSummation of surface areas attached to a part or pour object with a property defined as SIDE or OPENING. 2
CUSTOM.SURF_AREA_TOPAreaCast UnitSummation of surface areas attached to a part or pour object with a property defined as TOP. 2
CUSTOM.SURF_LENGTH_OPENINGAreaCast UnitSummation of surface lengths with a property defined as OPENING. 3
CUSTOM.SURF_LENGTH_SIDEAreaCast UnitSummation of surface lengths with a property defined as SIDE. 3
CUSTOM.SURF_LENGTH_SIDE_ALLAreaCast UnitSummation of surface lengths with a property defined as SIDE or OPENING. 3

1 Assumes concrete sub-assemblies are exterior to Cast Unit; steel are interior.

2 These properties were intended to be used by surfaces added by the form face creator.  The Form Face Creator writes an attribute, FORM_CLASS, as either TOP, SIDE, BOTTOM, or OPENING and this is the property that checked to be considered for summation of areas.  It will also check if USER_FIELD_1,  USER_FIELD_2, USER_FIELD_3, USER_FIELD_4, or NAME of the surface object matches any of those values so that these properties can be used outside of the Form Face Creator extension.

3 These properties were inteded to be used by surfaces added by the form face creator.  The form face creator write an attribute FORM_LENGTH and this is the value that is summed. 

***All variables in this section expect to be run only on concrete part-type objects in the model.
 

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4.5. Rebar Specific

NameTypeRow TypeDescription
CUSTOM.REBAR_IS_VALIDIntegerRebarReturns 1 if the bar has weight and length greater than zero and if the bar has valid geometry.
CUSTOM.FATHER_PARTStringRebarProvided the GUID of the bar's father part.
CUSTOM.LENGTH_AJSUMDistanceRebarSummation of A through G leg values with the start and end uda offsets added*
CUSTOM.LENGTH_AJDistanceRebarThe actual length of the rebar along centerline with the start and end uda offsets added*
CUSTOM.WEIGHT_AJSUMWeightRebarTheoretical weight using the Summation length of A through G multiplied by weight per unit length with the associated weight of the start and end uda offsets added*
CUSTOM.WEIGHT_AJWeightRebarActual weight of the rebar along centerline multiplied by weight per unit length with the associated weight of the start and end uda offsets added*
CUSTOM.CREATION_METHODIntegerRebarGoup

SPACING_TYPE_UNDEFINED = 0

SPACING_TYPE_EXACT_SPACINGS = 1

SPACING_TYPE_EXACT_NUMBER = 2

SPACING_TYPE_TARGET_SPACE = 3

SPACING_TYPE_EXACT_SPACE_FLEX_AT_START = 4

SPACING_TYPE_EXACT_SPACE_FLEX_AT_END = 5

SPACING_TYPE_EXACT_SPACE_FLEX_AT_BOTH = 6

SPACING_TYPE_EXACT_SPACE_FLEX_AT_MIDDLE = 7

CUSTOM.REINF_VOLUMEVolumeAssemblyThe volume of reinforcement in assembly, sub-assemblies, and secondary parts. Includes all reinforcement types.
CUSTOM.REINF_WEIGHTWeightAssemblyWeight of reinforcement in assembly, sub-assemblies, and secondary parts. Includes all reinforcement types.
CUSTOM.MESH_VOLUMEVolumeAssemblyThe volume of mesh reinforcement in assembly, sub-assemblies, and secondary parts.
CUSTOM.MESH_WEIGHTWeightAssemblyWeight of mesh reinforcement in assembly, sub-assemblies, and secondary parts.
CUSTOM.STRAND_VOLUMEVolumeAssemblyThe volume of strand reinforcement in assembly, sub-assemblies, and secondary parts.
CUSTOM.STRAND_WEIGHTWeightAssemblyWeight of strand reinforcement in assembly, sub-assemblies, and secondary parts.
CUSTOM.REBAR_VOLUMEVolumeAssemblyThe volume of rebar in assembly, sub-assemblies, and secondary parts.
CUSTOM.REBAR_WEIGHTWeightAssemblyWeight of rebar in assembly, sub-assemblies, and secondary parts.
CUSTOM.SPACINGTYPEWeightAssemblySpacing type of rebar group.
CUSTOM.NO_SPACINGWeightAssemblyNumber of spacings for rebar group.
CUSTOM.CC_TARGETDistanceRebarGroupCC_TARGET in distance type format
CUSTOM.CC_MINDistanceRebarGroupCC_MIN in distance type format
CUSTOM.CC_MAXDistanceRebarGroupCC_MAX in distance type format
CUSTOM.REBAR_DENSITY1lbs/yd3Cast Unit/PartRebar density factor - Weight of rebar / Volume of Concrete
CUSTOM.REBAR_DENSITY2lbs/ft3Cast Unit/PartRebar density factor - Weight of rebar / Volume of Concrete
CUSTOM.IS_SINGLE_RADIUSIntegerRebarReturns 1 if there is only one radius value for bar bends
CUSTOM.IS_TAPEREDIntegerRebarGroupReturns 1 if group type is tapered group
CUSTOM.IS_PLANARIntegerRebarReturns 1 if all bar geometry is on the same 3d geometric plane
CUSTOM.NUMBER_BENDSIntegerRebarReturns integer count number for bends required to create bar
CUSTOM.IS_HEAVYIntegerRebarReturns 1 if the bar is classified as 'heavy' bend type
CUSTOM.HAS_START_HOOKIntegerRebarReturns 1 if the bar has a start end hook
CUSTOM.HAS_END_HOOKIntegerRebarReturns 1 if the bar has a finish end hook
CUSTOM.IS_STD_STARTHOOKIntegerRebarReturns 1 if bar start hook is standard radius and length for angle per rebar catalog setup
CUSTOM.IS_STD_ENDHOOKIntegerRebarReturns 1 if bar end hook is standard radius and length for angle per rebar catalog setup
CUSTOM.IS_STD_RADIUSIntegerRebarReturns 1 if main bar bending radius is standard value per rebar catalog setup
CUSTOM.STD_RADIUSDistanceRebarReturns mm value for the standard radius of bar per rebar catalog setup
CUSTOM.LEN_AJSUM_FFIIQStringRebarImperial formatted theoretical length in (ft-ft-in-in-qtr) format string
CUSTOM.LEN_AJ_FFIIQStringRebarImperial formatted actual length (ft-ft-in-in-qtr)
CUSTOM.LEN_AJSUM_FFFFIIStringRebarImperial formatted theoretical length in (ft-ft-ft-ft-in-in) format string
CUSTOM.LEN_AJ_FFFFIIStringRebarImperial formatted actual length (ft-ft-ft-ft-in-in)
CUSTOM.LEN_AJSUM_FFIIStringRebarImperial formatted theoretical length in (ft-ft-in-in) format string
CUSTOM.LEN_AJ_FFIIStringRebarImperial formatted actual length (ft-ft-in-in)
CUSTOM.LEN_AJ_FIIStringRebarImperial formatted actual length without leading zero if the length is less than ten feet (ft-in-in)
CUSTOM.LEN_AJSUM_FIIStringRebarImperial formatted actual length without leading zero if the length is less than ten feet (ft-in-in)
CUSTOM.LEN_AJSUM_FF_IIStringRebarImperial formatted actual length with an added hyphen between foot-inch values (ft-ft-in-in)
CUSTOM.LEN_AJ_FF_IIStringRebarImperial formatted actual length with an added hyphen between foot-inch values (ft-ft-in-in)
CUSTOM.LEN_AJSUM_F_IIStringRebarImperial formatted actual length without leading zero if the length is less than ten feet and adds a hyphen between foot-inch values(ft-in-in)
CUSTOM.LEN_AJ_F_IIStringRebarImperial formatted actual length without leading zero if the length is less than ten feet and adds a hyphen between foot-inch values (ft-in-in)

*OFFSET_START and OFFSET_END are length adjustment fields added to reinforcement default out of the box that are intended to represent the difference in the fabricated and placed on-site state. If the bar needs to be longer pre-fabricated then put a positive value on the corresponding uda field. For group rebar, the length fields are summed to account for quantity, except for tapered which returns 0.0.
**Weight per unit length is pulled from the “rebar_database.inp” tables automatically.
***All variables in this section expect to be run only on reinforcement-type objects in the model.

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4.6. Steel Specific

NameTypeRow TypeDescription
CUSTOM.EXACT_WEIGHTWeightPartThe weight as taken from the profile weight per unit length multiplied by length in the model minus the difference in the weight gross and net. Works for part type objects. Returns WEIGHT_NET if part uses parametric profiles.
CUSTOM.IS_HARDWAYIntegerPartIntended for polybeams only. Returns 1 if the beam is bent along flange, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.IS_HOLEIntegerPartIntended for bolt group objects only. Returns 1 if bolt hole element, 0 if bolt type element;
CUSTOM.PROFILE_PREFIXStringPartReturns the profile alpha characters in the profile string. E.g. PL1/4*6” => PL
CUSTOM.PIPE_CIRCUMFERENCEDistancePartIntended for parts with circular hollow tube profiles. Gives the circumference at the centerline.
CUSTOM.TUBE_INSIDE_LENGTHDistancePartMeasures tube inside length
CUSTOM.HAS_PARTCUTSIntegerPartChecks if a part has polygon or part type cuts on it. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.HAS_COPESIntegerPartChecks part flange edges to see if it has any copes. Copes are defined as a flange cut all the way through the width of part >=1/4” back from the end of the fitted end through the flange on top or bottom at any end. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.QTY_COPESIntegerPartChecks part flange edges to see if it has any copes. Copes are defined as a flange cut all the way through the width of part >=1/4” back from the end of the fitted end through the flange on top or bottom at any end. Returns total quantity 0-4
CUSTOM.QTY_BURNSIntegerPartChecks part flange edges to see if there are cuts at the ends. Checks for full or partial flange cuts on each side, each edge, each end at >= 1/4" back from ends of a fitted part. Returns total quantity 0-8
CUSTOM.HAS_BEVELSIntegerPartChecks the report properties (ENDx_SKEW) for each end to see if it has true value. Returns 1 if true if either end has a skew value, 0 if neither does. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.HAS_HOLESIntegerPartChecks part for any bolt hole elements. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.QTY_HOLESIntegerPartChecks part for any bolt hole elements. Returns total quantity..
CUSTOM.HAS_SLOTTED_HOLESIntegerPartChecks part for any slotted bolt hole elements. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.HAS_OVERSIZED_HOLESIntegerPartChecks part for any bolt oversized hole elements. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.HAS_BLIND_HOLESIntegerPartChecks part for any bolt blind hole elements. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.HAS_TAPPED_HOLESIntegerPartChecks part for any bolt tapped hole elements. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.HAS_WELDSIntegerPartChecks part for welds, shop, or field. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.HAS_SHOP_WELDSIntegerPartChecks part for shop welds. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.HAS_FIELD_WELDSIntegerPartChecks part for field welds. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.HAS_BOLTSIntegerPartChecks part for any bolt elements that are not bolted standard “STUD”, field, or workshop. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.HAS_SHOP_BOLTSIntegerPartChecks part for any shop-type bolt elements. Ignores stud-type bolts. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.HAS_FIELD_BOLTSIntegerPartChecks part for any field-type bolt elements. Ignores stud-type bolts. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.HAS_STUDS PartChecks part for bolt type elements with bolt standard set to “STUD”. Returns 1 if true, 0 otherwise.
CUSTOM.TOPCHORD_LENGTHDistancePartDesigned for assemblies made of built-up plates where the main part is the first contour plate designating the angle of the built-up section. Measures along the top of the contour plate along the length of the assembly where it intersects end plates
CUSTOM.SLOPE_ANGLEAngleBeamThe angle of slope in degrees part local x-axis and global XY plane.
CUSTOM.SAW_CUT_LENGTHDistancePartMeasures max distance along beam along its axis from edge apparent intersection points
CUSTOM.ASSEMBLY_WEIGHTWeightAssemblyWeight of steel assembly including secondary parts, sub-assemblies, reinforcement, bolts, studs, and welds.
CUSTOM.BOLT_VOLUMEVolumeAssemblyThe volume of bolts in assembly, sub-assemblies, and secondary parts.
CUSTOM.BOLT_WEIGHTWeightAssemblyWeight of bolts in assembly, sub-assemblies, and secondary parts.
CUSTOM.WELD_VOLUMEVolumeAssemblyThe volume of welds in assembly, sub-assemblies, and secondary parts.
CUSTOM.WELD_WEIGHTWeightAssemblyWeight of welds in assembly, sub-assemblies, and secondary parts.
CUSTOM.CENTER_XDistanceBoltGroupBolt group center position - x component
CUSTOM.CENTER_YDistanceBoltGroupBolt group center position - y component
CUSTOM.CENTER_ZDistanceBoltGroupBolt group center position - z component (half the height of the bolt hole)
CUSTOM.SPACING_XStringBoltGroupDistance list of x bolt spacing values
CUSTOM.SPACING_YStringBoltGroupDistance list of y bolt spacing values
CUSTOM.WELD_LENGTH_INT1StringWeldFarside intermittent weld total length in mm.
CUSTOM.WELD_LENGTH_INT2StringWeldNearside intermittent weld total length in mm.
CUSTOM.SKEW1StringConnectionReturns the skewed angle of the first secondary part. Similar to framing condition function [fAD("skew",GUID)]
CUSTOM.SKEW2StringConnectionReturns the skewed angle of the secondary secondary part. Similar to framing condition function [fAD("skew",GUID)]
CUSTOM.SLOPE1StringConnectionReturns the slope angle of the first secondary part. Similar to framing condition function [fAD("slope",GUID)]
CUSTOM.SLOPE2StringConnectionReturns the slope angle of the second secondary part. Similar to framing condition function [fAD("slope",GUID)]
CUSTOM.CANT1StringConnectionReturns the cant angle of the first secondary part. Similar to framing condition function [fAD("cant",GUID)]
CUSTOM.CANT2StringConnectionReturns the cant angle of the second secondary part. Similar to framing condition function [fAD("cant",GUID)]
CUSTOM.SHEAR1StringPartReturns converted force data for shear. Uses configuration XML file for units control -- see section 4. Usage.
CUSTOM.SHEAR2StringPartReturns converted force data for shear. Uses configuration XML file for units control -- see section 4. Usage.
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4.7. Drawing Properties

Note: These variables only work if a drawing is open and current.

NameTypeRow TypeDescription
CUSTOM.DRAWING_MARKStringDrawingWorks on any type of drawing. Retrieves the mark without the “[“ or “]”
CUSTOM.SHEET_TOTALIntegerDrawingIntended for cast unit drawings only. Returns the number of other drawings of the same part as the current drawing. This is useful when creating more than one drawing of a cast unit and needs sheet x/y where “y” is the number given by this variable.
CUSTOM.DG_REBAR_TOTALWeightDrawingProvides a summation of the rebar weight for a drawing.
CUSTOM.VIEW_DATUM_LEVELLengthDrawingGets view datum offset value from largest view in a drawing
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5. Limitations and Important Notes

  1. Drawing properties only work on open, current drawings. These are not available for report template use.
  2. Some areas of Tekla Structures functionality give strings always for these type values, for example, filtering, but the values should be there and usable.
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6. Changes

March 5th 2025: Version 6.2

  • Added configuration file for setting units (specified variables only)
  • Added support for slabs/contour plates for CUSTOM.AT_DEPTH_OFFSET
  • CUSTOM.EXACT_WEIGHT returns WEIGHT_NET if part is using parametric profiles
  • Added properties for steel:
    1. CUSTOM.QTY_HOLES
    2. CUSTOM.SHEAR1
    3. CUSTOM.SHEAR2
  • Added properties for concrete:
    1. CUSTOM.SURF_AREA_ALL
    2. CUSTOM.SURF_AREA_BOTTOM
    3. CUSTOM.SURF_AREA_OPENING
    4. CUSTOM.SURF_AREA_SIDE
    5. CUSTOM.SURF_AREA_SIDE_ALL
    6. CUSTOM.SURF_AREA_TOP
    7. CUSTOM.SURF_LENGTH_OPENING
    8. CUSTOM.SURF_LENGTH_SIDE
    9. CUSTOM.SURF_LENGTH_SIDE_ALL
  • Added unit configuration file to control the units of the CUSTOM.SHEAR1 and CUSTOM.SHEAR2 variables.See 4. Usage above for more details.

December 13th 2023: Version 4.1 and 6.1

  • Added properties for rebar:
    1. CUSTOM.REBAR_IS_VALID
    2. CUSTOM.FATHER_PART

December 13th 2023: Version 6.1

  • Added properties for steel parts:
    1. CUSTOM.HAS_BLIND_HOLES
    2. CUSTOM.HAS_TAPPED_HOLES

March 10th, 2023: version 3.0

  • Fixed CUSTOM.HAS_HOLES false reporting results with newer special hole types.
  • Added support for position properties to bolt groups.
  • Enabled COG variable to work at the assembly and cast-unit levels.
  • Added properties for Non-Specific:
    1. CUSTOM.DWG_SP_COUNT
    2. CUSTOM.DWG_ASM_COUNT
    3. CUSTOM.TcProjectId
    4. CUSTOM.TcProjectUrl
    5. CUSTOM.TcProjectRegion
  • Added properties for Steel Specific:
    1. CUSTOM.HAS_SLOTTED_HOLES
    2. CUSTOM.HAS_OVERSIZED_HOLES
    3. CUSTOM.SKEW1
    4. CUSTOM.SKEW2
    5. CUSTOM.SLOPE1
    6. CUSTOM.SLOPE2
    7. CUSTOM.CANT1
    8. CUSTOM.CANT2

April 19th, 2022: version 2.2

  • Fixed local COG variables to work with assemblies with reference to the center of the start end.
  • Added properties for Rebar:
    1. CUSTOM.LEN_AJ_FII
    2. CUSTOM.LEN_AJSUM_FII
    3. CUSTOM.LEN_AJSUM_FF_II
    4. CUSTOM.LEN_AJ_FF_II
    5. CUSTOM.LEN_AJSUM_F_II
    6. CUSTOM.LEN_AJ_F_II
  • Added properties for Non-Specific:
    1. CUSTOM.PART_TYPE
    2. CUSTOM.PART_TYPE_STR
    3. CUSTOM.IS_STEEL
    4. CUSTOM.IS_CURVED_BEAM
    5. CUSTOM.QTY_SUBASSEMBLIES
    6. CUSTOM.QTY_SECONDARIES

September 20th 2017: Version 1.0 - TSEP for 2017i and up

  • Added properties for rebar:
    1. CUSTOM.IS_SINGLE_RADIUS
    2. CUSTOM.NUMBER_BENDS
    3. CUSTOM.HAS_START_HOOK
    4. CUSTOM.HAS_END_HOOK
    5. CUSTOM.IS_STD_STARTHOOK
    6. CUSTOM.IS_STD_ENDHOOK
    7. CUSTOM.IS_STD_RADIUS
    8. CUSTOM.STD_RADIUS
    9. CUSTOM.LEN_AJSUM_FFIIQ
    10. CUSTOM.LEN_AJ_FFIIQ
    11. CUSTOM.LEN_AJSUM_FFFII
    12. CUSTOM.LEN_AJ_FFFII
    13. CUSTOM.LEN_AJSUM_FFII
    14. CUSTOM.LEN_AJ_FFII
    15. CUSTOM.IS_PLANAR
  • Added properties for parts:
    1. CUSTOM.HAS_ANYCUTS
    2. CUSTOM.HAS_LINECUTS
    3. CUSTOM.HAS_EDGECHAMFERS
    4. CUSTOM.HAS_PARTCUTS
    5. CUSTOM.HAS_FITTINGS

October 6th, 2017:

  • Fixes the issue where variables weren't working in selection filters.

December 6th, 2016: 2016 and 2016i V3 released:

  • Fixes issue with CUSTOM.SLOPE_ANGLE not working correctly if the view plane wasn't set to global UCS

November 28th, 2016: Updated V2 installers for 2016, 2016i released:

  • Fixes null exception error that occurs after installing 2016 SP2 or 2016i SP1

June 26th, 2017: (2016 v4, 2016i v4, 2017 v2)

  • Added properties:
    1. CUSTOM.CC_TARGET
    2. CUSTOM.CC_MIN
    3. CUSTOM.CC_MAX
    4. CUSTOM.CENTER_X
    5. CUSTOM.CENTER_Y
    6. CUSTOM.CENTER_Z
    7. CUSTOM.SPACING_X
    8. CUSTOM.SPACING_Y
    9. CUSTOM.REBAR_DENSITY1
    10. CUSTOM.REBAR_DENSITY2
    11. CUSTOM.COMPONENT_NAME
  • Fixes incorrect calculation for formula of CUSTOM.SLOPE_ANGLE

September 13th, 2016: Installer for 2016i V1 released

March 14th, 2016: Version 2016 V1 released

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