Create a shape

In addition to importing item shapes or downloading them from Tekla Warehouse, you can create shapes using existing geometry and parts in Tekla Structures models. For example, you can create a shape using a single part or several parts that have been attached to each other.

The part reference point that has the yellow handle determines the origin of the shape. The positive global x direction determines the direction of the shape. Later on when you create items using the shape, the shape origin and direction will align with the yellow and magenta item handles.

Create a shape by using existing geometry in the model

Use this method if you want to create a new shape using an existing part, but you do not want to delete the part or change it to an item.

Using parts, model the geometry from which you want to create a shape.
If you want to include more than one part in the shape, attach the parts to each other.
Select the part.
Right-click and select Create shape from geometry.

Alternatively, you can go to Quick Launch, search for and select the Create shape from geometry command, and then select the part.

Tekla Structures adds a new shape to the shape catalog using the part name as the shape name.

You can then use the shape when you create items in the model. You can also modify items and shapes further in the Geometry editing mode.

Create a shape by converting a part to an item

When you change an existing part in the model to an item, Tekla Structures also creates a new shape and adds it to the shape catalog.

When you change a part to an item, Tekla Structures deletes the original part and replaces it with the newly created item in the model. The name, material, finish, class, pour phase, and the numbering properties of the original part are saved as the corresponding item properties. Other part type specific properties and user-defined attributes are not saved. The objects that are attached to the original part, such as reinforcement and surfaces, are deleted.

Curved beams, spiral beams, bent plates, lofted plates, and lofted slabs cannot be changed to items.

Create the parts that you want to change to an item.
If you want to include more than one part in the item, attach the parts to each other.
Select the part.
Right-click and select Convert part to item.

Alternatively, you can go to Quick Launch, search for and select the Convert part to item command, and then select the part.

Tekla Structures changes the part to an item and adds a new shape to the shape catalog. The shape name is generated using the part name and part location in the format <grid location>_<elevation>_<part name>. For example:

1/D_+0_FOOTING
3/C_+0-+3600_COLUMN
1-2/A-B_+3600_SLAB

If there is already a shape with the same name in the shape catalog, Tekla Structures adds two underscore characters and a running number at the end of the new shape name. For example, 1/D_+0_FOOTING__1.