Create cast units

Tekla Structures
2021
Tekla Structures

Create cast units

In Tekla Structures, each modeled concrete part is considered as its own cast unit. When you model concrete parts in Tekla Structures, you may need to merge several concrete parts into one cast unit. For example, a single cast unit could consist of a column with corbels. The cast unit can then have the production drawings and other deliverables.

When you start to model cast units, take the following into account:

  • Cast units always have a main part. The main part in a cast unit is usually the part with the largest volume of concrete. You can change the main part. Always ensure that the main part is the intended one as the cast unit gets many of its properties from the main part.

  • Cast units get their position numbers according to the numbering settings. Identical cast units have the same position number and they are included in the same drawing. In addition to the position numbers, you can assign other identifiers to separate the cast units with the same drawing and position number.

  • The cast unit drawings contain all the hierarchical content included in the cast unit. Always check that all of the concrete parts, cuts, reinforcement, and surface treatment are connected to the correct parts and that embeds are added as sub-assemblies to the cast unit. This ensures that all the objects are included in the drawings.

Additionally, you can

  • inquire the cast unit’s general properties, such as volume and weight which are automatically calculated

  • inquire the cast unit’s own properties, such as position number

  • inquire the cast unit’s main part properties

  • list all parts, rebars and sub-assemblies of the cast unit.

Define the cast unit type of a part

You must define the cast unit type of concrete parts. Tekla Structures checks the cast unit type of the main part each time you create or modify a cast unit. Precast and cast-in-place parts cannot be mixed within a cast unit.

  1. Double-click a concrete part to open the part properties in the property pane.
  2. Go to the Cast unit section.
  3. In the Cast unit list, select one of the following:
    • Cast in place

      Cast units that are constructed fully in their final location.

    • Precast

      Cast units that are built at another location and transported to their final location for placement in the full structure.

  4. Click Modify to save the changes.
Note:

It is important to use the correct cast unit type, because some functionalities, for example numbering, are based on the cast unit type.

Create a cast unit

You need to specify which parts form the cast unit. Cast units can include reinforcement, as well as concrete parts.

  1. On the Concrete tab, click Cast unit > Create cast unit.
  2. Select the objects you want to include in the cast unit.
  3. Click the middle mouse button to create the cast unit.
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