Add objects to cast units

Tekla Structures
2022
Tekla Structures

Add objects to cast units

You can use different methods to add objects to cast units. The available methods depend on the objects' material and on the hierarchy you want to create in the cast unit.

  • The default way of working is to use the Add to cast unit command. Using this command you can add concrete parts that need to be in the same casting unit. The parts retain their geometry and you can use them as input when modeling components, shown in drawings.

  • Use the Add as sub-assembly command to add embeds. Embeds are always added as sub-assemblies on a lower level in the cast unit hierarchy. Sub-assemblies can consist of one or multiple parts. In both cases the parts have to be added to a cast unit as sub-assemblies. Sub-assemblies in a cast unit retain their own assembly information and their main part. If in a precast cast unit the precast element consists of numerous shells or layers, the secondary cast units need to be added as sub-assemblies to the main cast unit.

  • Use the Attach to part command to attach one or more concrete parts to another part in the cast unit. Additionally, you can use the command to merge parts if you need them to be reported or drawn as one part.

Add an object to a cast unit

You can add objects to cast units in the following ways:

To

Do this

Available for

Add an object as a secondary part

  1. On the Concrete tab, click Cast unit > Add to cast unit.

  2. Select the object you want to add.

  3. Select an object in the cast unit.

Concrete, timber, miscellaneous materials

Add an object as a sub-assembly

  1. If you are adding a custom part, ensure that the Select components (custom objects) selection switch is active.

  2. On the Steel tab, click Assembly > Add as sub-assembly.

  3. Select the object you want to add.

  4. Select the cast unit to which you want to add the object.

Steel, concrete, timber, miscellaneous materials

Some best practices for creating cast units

  • When a cast unit consists of several parts, always ensure that the main part is the intended one. Keep the sub-assembly hierarchy clear.

  • Always check that all the concrete parts and related accessories are connected to the cast unit.

  • To indicate the casting direction of a precast concrete part, you can define which part face you want to face upwards in the casting form. Therefore, this face will be the front face view in the fabrication drawing. Casting direction affects the numbering of parts. By modeling beams and interior walls from left to right, bottom to top, the default front face is towards the viewer, and any fixed part marks are oriented upright. When using wall layout for exterior walls, model in the clockwise direction.

  • If you copy fully detailed cast units in a model, use the Copy special > Copy all content to another object command. With this command, all objects in a cast unit are copied to other similar cast units without individually selecting each object to copy. This means that, for example, secondary parts, sub-assemblies, components, and cuts and fittings are copied with the cast unit.

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