For example, an architectural model, a plant design model, or a heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) model can be used as a reference model. Reference models can also be simple 2D drawings that are imported and then used as a layout to directly build the model on. You can snap to reference model geometry.

Tekla Structures loads reference models only when they are needed, not every time you open a model. Tekla Structures does not save the reference model when you save the current model, but it saves the link to the reference model. The filename extension of a saved reference model properties file is .rmip.json. The values of Code , Title , Phase and Description cannot be saved in the standard properties file.

The following file types are supported:

• AutoCAD files .dxf

• AutoCAD files .dwg (supported version ACAD2018 and earlier)

• Cadmatic files .3dd

• IFC files .ifc , .ifczip , .ifcxml

• IGES files .igs , .iges

• LandXML files .xml

• MicroStation files .dgn , .prp

• PDF files .pdf

• Tekla Collaboration files .tczip

• SketchUp files .skp (supported version SketchUp 2018 and earlier)

• STEP files .stp , .STEP

Some reference models are automatically subdivided or split into reference model objects.

Reference model plug-ins in Tekla Warehouse

Reference model plug-ins are available as .tsep plug-ins in Tekla Warehouse. Tekla Structures installation contains the plug-ins, but you can get newer ones from Tekla Warehouse. First download the needed package from Tekla Warehouse , and then import it to the Applications & components catalog.

For more information about .tsep packages, see Import a .tsep extension to the Applications & components catalog.

Reference models in drawings

You can show reference models in drawings and adjust their visibility settings: Show reference models in drawings.