Settings in the Options dialog box

Tekla Structures
2022
Tekla Structures

Settings in the Options dialog box

The Options dialog box (File menu > Settings > Options) contains the current values for a number of Tekla Structures settings.

Check the settings before you start modeling and change them, if necessary.

The model-specific settings in this dialog box are saved in the options_model.db and options_drawings.db databases in the model folder, and the user-specific settings in options.bin in your local <user> folder. Changing user- or model-specific options in the Options dialog box does not require Tekla Structures restart.

You can also save your own settings by using the Save button. Then the standard.opt file is saved in the \attributes folder under model folder. You might want to copy this file to your firm folder. When you create a model, the standard.opt is read from the firm folder.

The options in the Options dialog box are described below.

Clash check settings

NOTE: Settings on this page are model specific. Changing the settings does not require Tekla Structures restart.

Depending on how the objects selected for clash checking have been modeled, different clash check settings are used. For example, if you have modeled embeds as studs, steel parts, or reinforcing bars, respectively either bolt settings, part settings, or reinforcement settings are relevant.

Note:

Tekla Structures uses a hard-coded tolerance when checking clashes between native parts. If native parts overlap less than 0.25 mm, clashes are not reported.

Option

Description

Allowed penetration volume

Defines the allowed clash check tolerance if small collisions are acceptable and can be ignored.

If the clashing volume is smaller than the given value, for example 1 mm3, then the clash is not reported.

Enter the value in the current volume units.

Clash check between bolt and bolted part

Defines whether the model is checked for clashes that occur between bolts and the related bolted parts.

If you select Yes, Tekla Structures will check the bolts against the real geometry of the bolted part profiles including roundings, and using the real bolt dimensions.

Define the clash check clearance area for bolts

Use to check if bolts collide with parts and if there is enough space to fix the bolts.

Enter the clearance dimensions in relation to the bolt head or nut diameter d (the larger value), and the nut thickness t. The clearance in front of the bolted parts is the same as the bolt length.

If you do not enter a value, Tekla Structures uses the default value.

If you clear the check boxes, the clearance will be zero.

If Tekla Structures cannot find the bolt head or nut diameter in the bolt catalog, it uses the shank diameter instead.

Exact solid weld clash check

Defines whether the model is checked for duplicate and overlapping welds and for clashes that occur between welds and other objects (such as parts and bolts).

If you select Yes, Tekla Structures will check the welds against other welds, against bolts, and against the real geometry of the part profiles including roundings, and using the weld solid dimensions with normal accuracy.

Reinforcing bar vs steel part clearance (negative value to allow overlap)

Defines the minimum clearance or the allowed overlap for reinforcing bars when they are checked against steel parts.

To allow reinforcing bars to overlap steel parts and to ignore the ribs of bars, enter a negative value. The maximum overlap is the actual bar radius.

Tekla Structures only checks the distance from bar side to part. Tekla Structures does not check the distance from bar end to part.

If you clear the check box, Tekla Structures will not check the clearance.

Reinforcing bar clearance (negative value to allow overlap)

Defines the minimum clearance or the allowed overlap for reinforcing bars when they are checked against other reinforcing bars.

To allow reinforcing bars to overlap, enter a negative value.

If you clear the check box, Tekla Structures will not check the clearance.

Reinforcing bar cover thickness

Defines the reinforcing bar cover thickness.

Tekla Structures checks the cover thickness against the part that the reinforcing bar belongs to. Tekla Structures only checks the distance from bar side to part surface. Tekla Structures does not check the distance from bar end to part surface. If the bar penetrates a part surface, a clash is reported, even if the bar is completely inside a cast unit or pour.

If you clear the check box, Tekla Structures will not check the cover thickness.

Components settings

Tekla Structures uses the information about the Components tab when it creates parts using system components.

Component properties defined in component dialog boxes override these settings. Tekla Structures only uses these settings if the corresponding boxes in the component dialog boxes are empty.

If you change settings here, Tekla Structures only applies the new settings to components you subsequently create. Components you created prior to changing the preferences are not affected.

NOTE: Settings on this page are model specific. Changing the settings does not require Tekla Structures restart.

Option

Description

Profile names

Defines parametric profile prefixes for plates. It is important that profile names are set up correctly so that you can use filters and wizards effectively.

Profile names must exist in the profile catalog. If you want to use a parametric profile that does not have a name in the catalog, first add it to the Profile Catalog, then enter it here. Tekla Structures uses the Folded plate prefix when you use the folded plates in components.

Bolts

In components, Tekla Structures uses Factor of bolt edge distance and Compare edge distance to to check that the bolts it creates are not too close to the edge of a part, and warns you if they are. Check that Factor of bolt edge distance is set according to the standard you are using. The default edge distance setting depends on your environment.

Compare edge distance defines whether the edge distance checks are based on bolt or hole diameter.

To define the default bolt properties to use in connections, select a Bolt standard and Bolt size.

Parts

Part material defines the default part material grade.

Part start numbers defines start numbers for parts that are Welded to primary and Welded to secondary, Loose parts, and Assembly loose parts.

Cross-check these settings against the numbering series you define to make sure they do not overlap. If they overlap, Tekla Structures might create two non-identical parts with the same part number. This generates an error in the Numbering history log file.

Drawing dimensions settings

NOTE: Settings on this page are model specific. Changing the settings does not require Tekla Structures restart.

For more information about dimension settings, see Define dimensioning.

Option

Description

Exaggeration

This setting defines the default values for Exaggeration limit and Exaggeration scaling.

When you enable the exaggeration of the dimensions, a drawing dimension that is narrower than the defined limit is expanded. Exaggeration limit defines the default value for this limit.

Exaggeration scaling defines whether you are using Paper or Model as the exaggeration scaling method:

  • If you select Paper, the exaggeration limit is multiplied by the view scale.

  • If you select Model, and the scale is 1:10, all the dimensions smaller than 10 mm are exaggerated regardless of the drawing scale.

For more information about exaggerated dimensions, see Create exaggerated dimensions.

Absolute dimensions

Show zero in absolute dimensions > Yes shows zero at the zero points in absolute dimensions.

Draw absolute dimension values parallel to dimension line > Yes shows dimensions parallel to dimension lines in absolute dimensions.

For more information, see Change the appearance of absolute dimensions.

Dimensions in tags

Units, Format and Precision define the default unit, format and precision used in dimension tags.

Available units: mm, cm, m, foot - inch, cm / m, inch, feet.

Available formats: ###, ###[.#], ###.#, ###[.##], ###.##, ###[.###], ###.###, ### #/# and ###/##.###.

Available precision: 0.00, 0.50, 0.33, 0.25, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/10, 1/100, 1/1000

Show dimension in middle tag of automatic dimension

Defines whether you want to create dual dimension tags in assembly, single-part, cast unit, or general arrangement drawings.

For more information about automatic dual dimensions, see Add automatic dual dimensions.

For more information about manual dual dimensions, see Add dual dimensions manually.

When Tekla Structures creates the drawing, it adds the lower dimension tag in the selected unit, format and precision.

Dimension line

Dimension line extension length for line arrow defines the length of the line extension for dimensions that have line arrows.

Note that line extensions are not applied to dimensions that have different arrows from line arrows, and certain knock-off dimension types.

Drawing objects settings

NOTE: Settings on this page are model specific. Changing the settings does not require Tekla Structures restart.

Option

Description

Edge chamfer

Line color defines the default line color of the edge chamfers in drawings.

Line type defines the default line type of the edge chamfers in drawings.

These values are overridden by the values set in the Edge Chamfer Properties dialog box.

For more information about edge chamfers, see Edge chamfers in drawings.

General settings

On this page, Autosave settings are user specific. All other settings are model specific. Changing the settings does not require you to restart Tekla Structures.

Option

Description

Autosave

Autosave interval: Autosave after every xx minutes defines the number of minutes after which Tekla Structures automatically saves the model.

Note:

The time-based autosave interval does not apply to drawings.

Autosave after creating every xx drawings defines the number of drawings after which Tekla Structures automatically saves your work.

For more information, see:

Save a model

Autosaving in multi-user mode

Default adaptivity

Off means that adaptivity is not defined.

Relative defines that handles retain their relative distances to the nearest part faces in relation to the part’s overall size.

Fixed defines that handles retain their absolute distances to the nearest part faces.

You can also modify the adaptivity settings for each part separately. These modifications override the default settings in the Options dialog box.

For more information about adaptivity, see Modify the adaptivity of reinforcement, surface treatment, or edge chamfers in parts.

Load modeling settings

Use the settings on the Arrow length tab to scale loads in model views.

Use the settings on the other tabs of this page to define the building code and safety factors Tekla Structures uses in load combination.

NOTES:

  • Settings on this page are model specific. Changing the settings does not require Tekla Structures restart.
  • You should not need to change the building code or safety factors during the project. If you change these settings, you will also need to change the load group types and check the load combinations.

Numbering settings

NOTE: Settings on this page are model specific. Changing the settings does not require Tekla Structures restart.

Option

Description

Position number separator

Defines the default position number separator. The options are dot (.), comma (,), slash (/), and hyphen (-).

Rebar position number separator

Defines the default reinforcing bar position number separator. The options are dot (.), comma (,), slash (/), and hyphen (-).

Part number type

Defines the default part number type. The options are Part number and Combined assembly / part number.

Orientation mark settings

NOTE: Settings on this page are model specific. Changing the settings does not require Tekla Structures restart.

For details of what affects the part orientation and how, see Indicate part orientation.

Option

Description

North direction

Project north (degrees counter clockwise from global x) defines which direction is north in the model. Enter the value in degrees counter-clockwise from the global x axis.

Part viewing direction

Defines which direction parts are viewed from in drawings.

Beam skew limit

Column skew limit

Tekla Structures uses limit angles to determine whether a part is a beam or a column when creating orientation marks. Tekla Structures treats parts outside these limits as braces.

Parts skewed more than 80° are columns.

Parts skewed less than 10° are beams.

Preferred location for mark

Defines the location of part marks in drawings, to the left or right end of the part.

Mark always to center of column

This setting only affects columns.

Yes places part marks in the center of columns in plan views. To indicate part orientation, include compass direction (Face direction) in the part mark instead.

No places part marks on the same flange in general arrangement and assembly drawings.

Rebar set settings

NOTE: Settings on this page are model specific and only apply to rebar sets, not to single reinforcing bars, reinforcing bar groups, or reinforcement meshes. Changing the settings does not require Tekla Structures restart, but you need to update the existing rebar sets in the model. To do this, go to the Rebar tab on the ribbon and click More > Regenerate.

Option

Description

Covers and locations tab

Concrete cover

Under Part global coordinate system, define the default concrete cover thickness between the rebar set bars and the following faces of concrete parts:

  • Top
  • Bottom
  • Sides

To use the parts' local coordinate system, under Part local coordinate system, define the default concrete cover thickness at the following faces of concrete parts:

  • Top

  • Bottom

  • Front

  • Back

  • Start

  • End

You can also define concrete cover settings for each concrete part separately. These modifications override the default settings in the Options dialog box.

Layer prefix

Under Part global coordinate system and/or Part local coordinate system, define the default bar layer prefixes at different faces of concrete parts.

You can also define bar layer settings for individual rebar sets or leg faces, or for individual bars using the user-defined attributes of property modifiers. These modifications override the default settings in the Options dialog box.

Links

Define the bar layer prefix for rebar set bars that have four or more legs, for example closed stirrups.

General tab

Minimum lengths to be created

Define Minimum bar length to prevent Tekla Structures from creating reinforcing bars that are too short. This setting is primarily for straight bars. Enter the minimum bar length as Distance or as Coefficient of bar diameter.

Define Minimum straight start/end leg length for bent reinforcing bars. Enter the minimum leg length as Distance or as Coefficient of bar diameter.

These settings are also available in the Rebar set properties and in the Rebar property modifier properties.

Rounding and step tapering tab

Rounding

Define whether the lengths of straight bars, first and last legs, and intermediate legs are rounded in the model, and whether the bar lengths are rounded up, down, or to the nearest suitable number according to the rounding accuracy.

At splitter locations, define how much the bar lengths can be rounded up.

Rounding settings are also available in the Rebar set properties and in the Rebar property modifier properties.

Step tapering

Define the tapering step values for straight bars, first and last legs, and intermediate legs.

Step tapering settings are also available in the Rebar set properties and in the Rebar property modifier properties.

Units and decimals settings

NOTE: Settings on this page are model specific. Changing the settings does not require Tekla Structures restart.

The number located to the right of each option indicates the number of decimals. The number of decimals affects the input and storage accuracy. Always use a sufficient number of decimals.

For more information about unit and decimal settings, see Change units and decimals.

Option

Units

Modeling tab

Length

mm

cm

m

in (decimal)

ft (decimal)

ft-in

Angle

°

rad

Spring constant

kg/m

kg/cm

kg/mm

T/m

T/cm

T/mm

N/m

N/cm

N/mm

daN/m

daN/cm

daN/mm

kN/m

kN/cm

kN/mm

Ibf/in

Ibf/ft

kip/in

kip/ft

Rot. spring constant

kgm/rad

kgm/°

Tm/rad

TM/°

Nm/rad

Nm/°

daNm/rad

daNm/°

kNm/rad

kNm/°

Ibf-in/rad

Ibf-in/°

Ibf-ft/rad

Ibf-ft/°

kip-in/rad

kip-in/°

kip-ft/rad

kip-ft/°

Factor

(no units)

Force

kg

T

N

daN

kN

Ibf

kip

Distributed load

kg/m

T/m

N/m

daN/m

kN/m

Ibf/in

Ibf/ft

kip/in

kip/ft

Surface load

kg/m2

T/m2

N/m2

daN/m2

kN/m2

psi

psf

ksi

ksf

Moment

kgm

Tm

Nm

daNm

kNm

Ibf-in

Ibf-ft

kip-in

kip-ft

Distributed moment

kgm/m

Tm/m

Nm/m

daNm/m

kNm/m

Ibf-ft/ft

kip-ft/ft

Temperature

°C

°F

°K

Deformation

mm

cm

m

in (decimal)

ft (decimal)

ft-in

Catalogs tab

Section dimension

mm

cm

m

in (decimal)

ft (decimal)

in

ft-in

Angle

°

rad

Area

mm2

cm2

m2

in2

ft2

Section modulus

mm3

cm3

m3

in3

ft3

Moment of inertia

mm4

cm4

in4

Radius of inertia

mm

cm

m

in (decimal)

ft (decimal)

ft-in

Torsion constant

mm4

cm4

in4

Warping constant

mm6

cm6

in6

Cover area

m2/m

mm2/m

cm2/m

ft2/ft

in2/ft

in2/in

Strength

kg/m2

kg/cm2

kg/mm2

T/m2

T/cm2

T/mm2

N/m2

N/cm2

N/mm2

daN/m2

daN/cm2

daN/mm2

kN/m2

kN/cm2

kn/mm2

psi

psf

ksi

ksf

Modulus

kg/m2

kg/cm2

kg/mm2

T/m2

T/cm2

T/mm2

N/m2

N/cm2

N/mm2

daN/m2

daN/cm2

daN/mm2

kN/m2

kN/cm2

kN/mm2

psi

psf

ksi

ksf

Density

kg/m3

T/m3

N/m3

kN/m3

Ibf/ft3

Weight

kg

T

N

Ibf

kip

Strain

o/oo

%

(No units)

Thermal dilat. coeff.

1/°C

1/°F

1/°K

Ratio

o/oo

%

(No units)

Volume

mm3

cm3

m3

in3

ft3

Analysis results tab

Length

mm

cm

m

in (decimal)

ft (decimal)

ft-in

Angle

°

rad

Reinforcement area

mm2

cm2

m2

in2

ft2

Transverse reinforc.

m2/m

mm2/m

cm2/m

ft2/ft

in2/ft

in2/in

Weight

kg

T

N

Ibf

kip

Mass/Length

kg/m

T/m

N/m

daN/m

kN/m

Ibf/ft

Volume

mm3

cm3

m3

in3

ft3

Force

kg

T

N

daN

kN

Ibf

kip

Distributed load

kg/m

T/m

N/m

daN/m

kN/m

Ibf/in

Ibf/ft

kip/in

kip/ft

Surface load

kg/m2

T/m2

N/m2

daN/m2

kN/m2

psi

psf

ksi

ksf

Moment

kgm

Tm

Nm

daNm

kNm

Ibf-in

Ibf-ft

kip-in

kip-ft

Temperature

°C

°F

°K

Stress

kg/m2

kg/cm2

kg/mm2

T/m2

T/cm2

T/mm2

N/m2

N/cm2

N/mm2

daN/m2

daN/cm2

daN/mm2

kN/m2

kN/cm2

kn/mm2

psi

psf

ksi

ksf

Deformation

mm

cm

m

in (decimal)

ft (decimal)

ft-in

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