Tekla Structures 2017

Custom components

March 2017

©2017 Trimble Solutions Corporation

Contents

1 What is a custom component...................................................... 5

1.1 Custom parts..................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Custom connections......................................................................................... 9
1.3 Custom details.................................................................................................11
1.4 Custom seams................................................................................................. 13

2 Create a custom component...................................................... 16

2.1 Explode a component..................................................................................... 19
2.2 Create a nested custom component.............................................................19
2.3 Create a thumbnail image of a custom component................................... 22
2.4 Example: Create a custom end plate component....................................... 23
2.5 Example: Create a nested connection with stiffeners................................26

3 Modify a custom component..................................................... 31

3.1 Protect a custom component with a password...........................................33

4 Add variables to a custom component .................................... 34

4.1 Bind component objects to a plane.............................................................. 35
Bind objects automatically................................................................................................... 35
Bind objects manually...........................................................................................................37
Test a binding......................................................................................................................... 40
Delete a binding..................................................................................................................... 40
Example: Bind an end plate to a plane............................................................................... 41
4.2 Bind component objects using magnetic construction planes or lines... 43
Bind handles using a magnetic construction plane.......................................................... 43
Bind handles using a magnetic construction line..............................................................45
4.3 Add a distance between component objects...............................................45
4.4 Set object properties using parametric variables....................................... 48
4.5 Copy properties and property references from another object................ 52
4.6 Create a variable formula.............................................................................. 53
Functions in variable formulas.............................................................................................55
Arithmetic operators........................................................................................................55
Logical and comparison operators................................................................................ 56
Reference functions......................................................................................................... 56
ASCII file as a reference function....................................................................................58
Mathematical functions................................................................................................... 59
Statistical functions.......................................................................................................... 60
Data type conversion functions......................................................................................61
String operations.............................................................................................................. 62
Trigonometric functions.................................................................................................. 63

2
 Market size function.........................................................................................................64
Framing condition functions........................................................................................... 65
How to avoid cyclic dependencies in formulas.................................................................. 67
4.7 Examples of parametric variables and variable formulas......................... 68
Example: Set the end plate material................................................................................... 69
Example: Create new component objects.......................................................................... 70
Example: Replace sub-components.................................................................................... 71
Example: Modify a sub-component by using a component attribute file...................... 73
Example: Define the stiffener position using construction planes..................................74
Example: Determine the bolt size and bolt standard....................................................... 77
Example: Calculate the bolt group distance....................................................................... 78
Example: Calculate the number of bolt rows..................................................................... 80
Example: Link variables to user-defined attributes...........................................................82
Example: Calculate the number of handrail posts using a template attribute.............. 84
Example: Link an Excel spreadsheet to a custom component.........................................87

5 Save a custom component......................................................... 88

6 Modify the dialog box of a custom component....................... 89

6.1 Custom component input files...................................................................... 92
6.2 Lock or unlock the custom component input file....................................... 92
6.3 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener detail.................................. 93
Example: Create a custom stiffener detail with variables................................................ 94
Create a basic stiffener detail......................................................................................... 94
Create bindings to control the stiffener shape.............................................................96
Create bindings to control the stiffener position....................................................... 100
Create variables to control the stiffener thickness.................................................... 101
Create variables to control the creation of stiffener plates...................................... 103
Example: Add a list with images........................................................................................ 105
Add a list by using the dialog editor.............................................................................106
Add a list by editing the .inp file................................................................................... 108
Example: Arrange text boxes and labels...........................................................................110
Arrange the elements by using the dialog editor.......................................................111
Arrange the elements by editing the .inp file..............................................................112
Example: Dim unavailable options.................................................................................... 112
Dim unavailable options by using the dialog editor.................................................. 113
Dim unavailable options by editing the .inp file......................................................... 115
6.4 Dialog editor settings................................................................................... 116

7 Add a custom component to a model..................................... 117

8 Add or move a custom part in the model............................... 119

9 Import and export custom components.................................122

9.1 Import custom components........................................................................ 122
9.2 Export custom components......................................................................... 123

10 Custom component settings.................................................... 124

10.1 Custom component properties................................................................... 124
Type/Notes tab properties................................................................................................. 124
Position tab properties....................................................................................................... 125

3
 Advanced tab properties.................................................................................................... 126
10.2 Default properties of a custom component.............................................. 128
Default properties of custom parts...................................................................................128
Default properties of custom connections, details, and seams.................................... 130
10.3 Plane types.....................................................................................................132
Examples of component planes....................................................................................... 134
10.4 Variable properties ...................................................................................... 136

11 Hints and tips for using custom components........................ 141

11.1 Tips for creating custom components........................................................ 141
11.2 Tips for sharing custom components......................................................... 142
11.3 Tips for updating custom components to a new version......................... 143

4
1 What is a custom component

You can create customized connections, parts, seams, and details for your
project. These are called custom components. You can use custom components
in the same way as any Tekla Structures system component. You can even
create intelligent custom components that automatically adjust to changes in
the model.

When to use
Create a custom component if you cannot find a predefined system
component that meets all your needs. Especially if you need to create a large
number of complex model objects and copy them across several projects.

Benefits
Once you store a custom component in the Applications & components
catalog, you can easily access it from the catalog and use it in another location
in the same model. If you must modify the custom component, you only need
to make the changes once. When you save the changes, they will be
automatically applied to all copies of that custom component in the model.
You can also import and export custom components as .uel files between
models and share the custom components with your colleagues.

Custom component types

You can create four types of custom components:

What is a custom component 5

 Type Description Example
Custom part Creates a group of
(page 7) objects that may
contain
connections and
details.
Note: Unlike
other custom
components,
custom parts are
not marked with
a component

symbol in
the model.
Custom parts
have the same
position
properties as
beams have.
Custom Creates
connection connection
(page 9) objects and
connects the
secondary parts
to the main part.
The main part
may be
continuous at the
connection point.

What is a custom component 6

 Type Description Example
Custom detail Creates detail
(page 11) objects and
connects them to
a single part at
the location you
picked.

Custom seam Creates seam

(page 13) objects and
connects the
parts along a line
that you create by
picking with two
points. The parts
are usually
parallel.

1.1 Custom parts

Custom parts may consists of a single part or a group of parts, and they often
have a complex composition. The following images show some examples of
custom parts:

What is a custom component 7 Custom parts

 Steel Company
standard bracing
plates

Castellated
beam and cell
beam

Built-up beams/
columns

Built-up beams

Standard glazing
fixings

What is a custom component 8 Custom parts

 Precast Sandwich panel
concrete

Lifters

Standard
embeds/inserts

Standard beams

See also
Custom connections (page 9)
Custom details (page 11)
Custom seams (page 13)

1.2 Custom connections

Custom connections can be used to connect a main part to up to 30 secondary
parts. The connection is made between the main part and the ends of the

What is a custom component 9 Custom connections

secondary parts. The following images show some examples of custom
connections:

Steel Built-up plate

seat

Shear plate

Typical japanese
post connections

Precast Base detail

concrete

Double tee to L
profile

What is a custom component 10 Custom connections

 Column cut-out

Wall panel
connections

See also
Custom parts (page 7)
Custom details (page 11)
Custom seams (page 13)

1.3 Custom details

Custom details can be used to add more information to a single part, such as
extra plates or cut-outs. The following images show some examples of custom
details:

Steel Backing plates

What is a custom component 11 Custom details

 Cast base

Timber base

Out rigger
(stiffeners) and
out rigger plate
(stiffeners)

Precast Door and

concrete window

Column patterns

What is a custom component 12 Custom details

 Hollow core end
details

Lifting details

Mock joint/reveal

Side pocket

See also
Custom parts (page 7)
Custom connections (page 9)
Custom seams (page 13)

1.4 Custom seams

Custom seams can be used to connect a main part to up to 30 secondary
parts. They can also be used on one main part only. The seam is made along

What is a custom component 13 Custom seams

the length of the part. The following images show some examples of custom
seams:

Steel Steel stair step

Turnbuckles

What is a custom component 14 Custom seams

 Handrail

Precast Double tee

concrete connection

Panel to panel
grout tube
connection

See also
Custom parts (page 7)
Custom connections (page 9)
Custom details (page 11)

What is a custom component 15 Custom seams

2 Create a custom component

You can create customized components that have all the details you need.
Start by creating a simple custom component which you can modify later. In
the following example, we will create a simple custom connection.
1. In the model, create a sample component that contains all the necessary
component objects, such as parts, cuts, fittings, and bolts.
To do this quickly, explode and modify (page 19) a similar existing
component.

2. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to

open the Applications & components catalog.

3. Click the Access advanced features button and select Define

custom component.
The Custom Component Wizard dialog box opens.

Create a custom component 16 Custom seams

4. In the Type list, select the component type (page 5): connection, detail,
seam, or part.
5. In the Name box, enter a unique name for the component.
6. Modify the other properties (page 124) on the Type/Notes tab, Position
tab, and Advanced tab, and then click Next.
7. In the model, select the objects you want to include in the custom
component.

You can use area selection to select multiple objects simultaneously. The
main and secondary parts and the grids are ignored when you select
objects for the custom component.

NOTE If you cannot select desired objects in the model, check the
selection switches and the selection filter settings.

8. Click Next.
9. Select the main part for the component.

Create a custom component 17 Custom seams

10. Click Next.
11. Select the secondary parts for the component.

To select multiple secondary parts, hold down Shift when you select
them. The maximum number of secondary parts in a custom component
is 30.

NOTE Pay attention to the order in which you select secondary parts.
Tekla Structures will use the same picking order when you use the
custom component in a model.

12. Define any other properties required for this custom component, such as
detail or seam position. The properties depend on the component type
that you selected in step 4.

Create a custom component 18 Custom seams

 13. If you want to adjust any of the settings at this stage, click Back to return
to the previous page of the Custom Component Wizard.
14. When you are happy with the settings, click Finish to create the custom
component.
The custom component is added in the model and in the Applications &
components catalog.
15. If you want to change these settings afterwards:
a. On the custom component editor toolbar (page 31), click the

Modify custom component settings button .

b. Change the settings.
c. Click OK.

See also
Create a nested custom component (page 19)
Example: Create a custom end plate component (page 23)
Tips for creating custom components (page 141)

2.1 Explode a component

Exploding means that you ungroup the objects of an existing component. This
can be useful when you want to create custom components more quickly.
Once the objects are detached, you can modify them to suit your needs and
then create new custom components using these objects.
1. Select the component you want to explode.
2. Right-click and select Explode Component.
Tekla Structures separates the component objects. You can modify the
objects and use them to create new custom components (page 16).

2.2 Create a nested custom component

You can create more complex custom components by joining two or more
components together as a nested component. The original components
become sub-components in the nested component.
1. In the model, create the components and other model objects that you
want to include in the nested component.

Create a custom component 19 Explode a component

2. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to
open the Applications & components catalog.

3. Click the Access advanced features button and select Define

custom component.
The Custom Component Wizard dialog box opens.
4. In the Type list, select the type of the nested custom component.
5. In the Name box, enter a unique name for the nested component.
6. Modify the other properties on the Type/Notes tab, Position tab, and
Advanced tab, and then click Next.
7. Select the components and any other objects you want to include in the
nested component, and then click Next.
8. Follow the instructions in the Custom Component Wizard to continue.
You will be asked to select the main and secondary parts for the nested
component. Depending on the component type that you selected in step
3, you may also have to define other properties, such as detail or seam
position.
9. When you are happy with the settings, click Finish to create the nested
component.

Create a custom component 20 Create a nested custom component

 The component is added in the model and in the Applications &
components catalog. The sub-components are shown in the (page 31),
together with the other component objects:

10. If you want to change the settings afterwards:

a. In the custom component editor (page 31), click the Modify custom

component settings button .

b. Change the settings.
c. Click OK.

WARNING If you use a component of the type plug-in as a sub-component

of a nested component, and change the sub-component's
properties in the custom component editor, note that those
changes may be lost when you save the nested component and
use it in a model.
To prevent losing any properties, link a variable to each plug-in
property that you want to keep. You can also use component
attribute files to do this. For more information, see Examples of
parametric variables and variable formulas (page 68).

Create a custom component 21 Create a thumbnail image of a custom

component
2.3 Create a thumbnail image of a custom component
Create a thumbnail image for each custom component to make it easier to
find a suitable component when modeling.
1. In the model, select the custom component.
2. Right-click and select Edit Custom Component.
3. Adjust the view and hide unnecessary objects to have a clear view of the
custom component.
4. Take a screenshot of the custom component.
a. On the View tab, click Screenshot --> Screenshot to open the
Screenshot dialog box.
b. Click Pick view and select the view you want to take a screenshot of.
c. Click Options to open the Screenshot Options dialog box.
d. Select Print to file.
e. Select White background and click OK.
f. In the Screenshot dialog box, click Capture.
g. Click Close to close the dialog box.
h. On the File menu, click Open the model folder.
i. Browse to the screenshots folder under the model folder.
j. Open the screenshot file in a graphics editor.
k. Crop the image, if needed.
5. Save the thumbnail image in the screenshots folder under the model
folder.

6. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to

open the Applications & components catalog.
7. Right-click the custom component and select Thumbnails.
The Thumbnails dialog box opens.
8. Click Add thumbnail.
9. Browse to the screenshots folder under the model folder.
10. Select the thumbnail image and click Open.
11. In the Thumbnails dialog box, select the check box next to the image you
want to use and clear the other check boxes.
12. Click Close.

Create a custom component 22 Create a thumbnail image of a custom

component
 Tekla Structures shows the thumbnail image in the Applications &
components catalog:

2.4 Example: Create a custom end plate component

In this example, you will create a simple custom component based on an
existing end plate component.

1. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to

open the Applications & components catalog.

2. Click the Access advanced features button and select Explode

component.
3. Select the end plate component in the model.

Tekla Structures separates the objects in the component.

Create a custom component 23 Example: Create a custom end plate component

4. Click the Access advanced features button and select Define
custom component.
5. In the Type list, select Connection.
6. In the Name box, enter a unique name for the custom component.

7. Click Next.
8. Select the objects you want to use in the custom component, and then
click Next.

Create a custom component 24 Example: Create a custom end plate component

 You can use area selection (left to right) to select the objects. Tekla
Structures ignores the main part and secondary parts and the grids when
you are selecting objects to include in the custom component.
9. Select the column as the main part, and then click Next.
The main part supports the secondary part.
10. Select the beam as the secondary part.
The secondary part is supported by the main part.

NOTE When you select multiple secondary parts, pay attention to the
order of selection. The custom component will use the same
selection order when you add the component in a model. The
maximum number of secondary parts in a custom component is
30.

11. Click Finish.

Create a custom component 25 Example: Create a custom end plate component

 Tekla Structures displays a component symbol for the new component.

You have now defined a simple custom component, which you can use in
locations similar to where it was originally created. This component is not
intelligent and Tekla Structures does not adjust dimensions to suit any
changes in the model. To make the custom component intelligent, you
need to modify (page 31) it in the custom component editor.

2.5 Example: Create a nested connection with stiffeners

In this example, you will create a nested custom connection that consists of
and end plate, a bolt group, welds, and two Stiffeners (1003) components.
The stiffeners are optional, which means that you can choose whether or not
to create them when using the component in a model.
1. Add an End plate (144) component.

Create a custom component 26 Example: Create a nested connection with

stiffeners
2. Explode (page 19) the end plate component.
3. Add two Stiffeners (1003) components.

4. Create a nested custom component that contains the stiffeners and the
end plate objects.

a. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to

open the Applications & components catalog.

b. Click the Access advanced features button and select Define

custom component.
c. In the Type list, select Connection.
d. In the Name box, enter End plate with stiffeners.
e. Click Next.
f. Make an area selection (from right to left) to include the following
objects in the nested component: the column, the beam, the stiffener

Create a custom component 27 Example: Create a nested connection with

stiffeners
 components, and all the end plate objects.

g. Click Next.
h. Choose the column as the main part of the nested component, and
then click Next.
i. Choose the beam as the secondary part of the nested component,
and then click Finish. Tekla Structures creates the nested component.

5. Select the nested component you just created.

6. Right-click and select Edit Custom Component.

7. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.

Create a custom component 28 Example: Create a nested connection with

stiffeners
8. Create the following parametric variables:
a. Click Add to create a new parametric variable P1.
b. In the Value type list, select Yes/No.
c. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Create Stiffener 1.
d. Click Add to create a new parametric variable P2.
e. In the Value type list, select Yes/No.
f. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Create Stiffener 2.

9. Link the variables to the Creation property of the two stiffeners:

a. In the Custom component browser, browse for the uppermost
Connection.
b. Right-click Creation and select Add Equation.
c. Enter P1 after the equal sign, and then press Enter.
d. Browse for the second Connection.
e. Right-click Creation and select Add Equation.
f. Enter P2 after the equal sign, and then press Enter.

10. Save and close (page 88) the nested component.

Create a custom component 29 Example: Create a nested connection with

stiffeners
You now have the following options in the nested component's dialog box:

Create a custom component 30 Example: Create a nested connection with

stiffeners
3 Modify a custom component

Use the custom component editor to fine-tune existing custom components.

When you modify a custom component, Tekla Structures updates all instances
of that component throughout the model with the changes you have made.
1. In the model, select the custom component by clicking the green
component symbol.

NOTE Custom parts do not have a component symbol in the model. To

select custom parts, ensure that the Select components

selection switch is active.

2. Right-click and select Edit Custom Component.

The custom component editor opens. It consists of the following parts:
• The Custom component browser

Modify a custom component 31 Example: Create a nested connection with

stiffeners
 • The Custom component editor toolbar

• Four different views of the custom component

3. Modify the custom component. You can, for example:

• Add or remove component objects
For example, add extra bolts or stiffeners to the component. Only
component objects, not the main or secondary parts, can be modified
in the custom component editor.
• Bind component objects to a plane (page 35)
• Add a distance between component objects (page 45)
• Set object properties using parametric variables (page 48)
4. Save the custom component (page 88). Click Yes when prompted to
replace all occurrences of the custom component in the model. All
instances of the custom component are now updated with the changes
you made.

See also
Protect a custom component with a password (page 32)

Modify a custom component 32 Protect a custom component with a password

3.1 Protect a custom component with a password
You can set a password to prevent others from modifying a custom
component. Password-protected custom components can still be added to
models as usual.
1. In the model, select a custom component.
2. Right-click the custom component symbol and select Edit Custom
Component.

3. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
4. Click Add to create a new variable.
5. In the Name box, enter Password.
6. In the Formula box, enter the desired password.
7. Save the custom component. (page 88)
The next time someone tries to edit this custom component, they will be asked
for the password.

Modify a custom component 33 Protect a custom component with a password

4 Add variables to a custom
component

Variables are the properties of a custom component. You can create variables
in the custom component editor and use them to adapt custom components
to changes in the model. Some of the variables appear in the custom
component's dialog box, while others are hidden and are only used in
calculations.

Variable types
There are two types of variables:
• Distance variable: The distance between two planes, or between a point
and a plane. A distance variable binds parts together, or works as a
reference distance.
• Parametric variable: Controls all the other properties in a custom
component, such as name, material grade, and bolt size. Parametric
variables are also used in calculations.

Distance variables
Use distance variables to bind custom component objects to a plane, so that
the component objects stay at a fixed distance even if the surrounding objects
change. You can create distance variables manually or automatically.
You can bind the following objects to a plane:
• construction planes
• reference points of parts (only custom component objects)
• reference points of bolt groups
• chamfers
• part and polygon cut handles
• line cuts
• reference points of reinforcing bars

Add variables to a custom component 34 Protect a custom component with a password

 • reference points of reinforcement meshes and strands
• fittings
You can decide which distance variables are shown in the custom component's
dialog box. Show the variables if you want to edit their values in the dialog box.
Hide the variables if you only use them to bind objects to a plane.

Parametric variables
Use parametric variables to to set properties for any object the custom
component creates (page 48). After creating the variable, you will be able to
change the value directly in the custom component's dialog box.
You can also create formulas to calculate values. For example, you can
calculate the position of a stiffener relative to the beam length.
You can decide which parametric variables are shown in the custom
component's dialog box. Show the variables if you want to edit their values in
the dialog box. Hide the variables if you only use them in calculations.

4.1 Bind component objects to a plane

Use distance variables to bind component objects to a plane. Binding keeps the
custom component at a fixed distance from the plane even if the surrounding
objects change. Distance variables automatically get the prefix D (distance),
which is shown in the Variables dialog box.

Bind objects automatically

You can bind objects automatically to the main and secondary parts of a
connection or detail. The selected objects, or their handles, are bound to
existing planes if the objects (or handles) are located exactly on the plane.

NOTE You cannot bind custom parts (page 7) automatically, because they do
not have a main part.

1. In the custom component editor, click the Create distances variables

automatically button .
2. Select an object that has handles.

Add variables to a custom component 35 Bind component objects to a plane

 3. Click the middle mouse button to bind the object.
Tekla Structures binds the object from a maximum of three directions to
the existing planes.
Tekla Structures displays a distance symbol for each binding. Select the
object to see the bindings.

Add variables to a custom component 36 Bind component objects to a plane

 The corresponding distance variables are shown in the (page 136) dialog
box:

Bind objects manually

Create the bindings manually if you want to bind a custom component from
specific handles only. You can bind an object to a maximum of three planes.

1. Ensure that Direct modification is switched off.

The selection of handles is easier when Direct Modification is off.
2. Ensure that you are using a model view that shows object faces.
On the View tab, click Rendering, and use one of the following options:
• Parts grayscale (Ctrl+3)
• Parts rendered (Ctrl+4)
3. In a custom component view, select the custom component to see its
handles.

Add variables to a custom component 37 Bind component objects to a plane

 4. Select the handle that you want to bind to a plane.

5. In the custom component editor, click the Add fixed distance button

. You can also right-click and select Bind to Plane.

6. Move the mouse pointer in a custom component view to highlight the
plane that you want to bind with the handles.

Add variables to a custom component 38 Bind component objects to a plane

 For example:

NOTE If you cannot highlight the correct plane, change the plane type
(page 132) on the Custom component editor toolbar. Boundary
and component planes work for most profile types, so try to use
them whenever you can.

7. Click the plane to create the binding.

Tekla Structures displays a distance symbol for the binding.

The corresponding distance variable is shown in the Variables dialog box:

Add variables to a custom component 39 Bind component objects to a plane

 Test a binding
Test all bindings to see that they work correctly.
1. Double-click the binding symbol in a custom component view.
The Distance Properties dialog box opens.

2. In the Value box, enter a new value.

3. Click Modify.
You should see the binding change in the model.

TIP Alternatively, you can test the binding in the (page 136) dialog box:
a. Enter a new value in the Formula box.
b. Press Enter.
You should see the binding change in the model.

Delete a binding
Bindings cannot be modified, but you can delete the existing bindings and
then create new ones to rebind the objects.
1. Select the binding in a custom component view.

Add variables to a custom component 40 Bind component objects to a plane

 2. Press Delete.
You can also select the binding in the (page 136) dialog box and then click
the Delete button.

Example: Bind an end plate to a plane

In this example, you will bind the end plate top to the upper side of the beam.

1. Ensure that Direct modification is switched off. The selection of end

plate handles is easier when Direct Modification is off.
2. In a custom component view, select the end plate to see the end plate
handles.

3. Select the top handle of the end plate.

4. Right-click the top handle and select Bind to Plane.
5. Move the pointer over the upper side of the beam flange to highlight it.

Add variables to a custom component 41 Bind component objects to a plane

 Here we are using the boundary plane type. If the part profile changes,
the boundary plane is always found.

NOTE If you cannot highlight the desired plane, change the plane type
(page 132) on the Custom component editor toolbar.

6. Click the upper side of the beam flange.

A distance symbol appears in the custom component views.

7. Give a descriptive name for the binding you created:

a. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button

.
The Variables dialog box opens.
b. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Plate Top to Flange Top
as the name of the new binding.

Add variables to a custom component 42 Bind component objects to a plane

 4.2 Bind component objects using magnetic construction
planes or lines
Instead of binding each component object handle to a plane separately, you
can use magnetic construction planes and lines. The objects that are directly
on a magnetic construction plane (or line) will move with the plane (or line),
which means you only need to create one distance variable instead of 8, for
example.

Bind handles using a magnetic construction plane

1. In the custom component editor, click Add construction plane.

2. Pick four points to define the shape of the construction plane.
For example, create a plane that goes through all the handles and
chamfers of the custom component.
3. Click the middle mouse button.
Tekla Structures creates a construction plane. For example:

4. Double-click the plane. The Construction Plane Properties dialog box

opens.
5. Enter a name for the plane.
6. Select the Magnetic check box.
7. Click Modify.

Add variables to a custom component 43 Bind component objects using magnetic

construction planes or lines
 Now when you move the construction plane, all handles that are on the
plane are moved as well:

8. Bind the construction plane to a part face:

a. Select the construction plane, right-click and select Bind to plane.
b. Select a suitable part face.
For example, the inner flange of the column:

Tekla Structures displays a distance symbol for the binding. Now if

you move the part face, the handles on the magnetic construction
plane will follow.

NOTE Only the objects whose reference points are directly on the
magnetic construction plane are affected. By default, the
magnetic distance is 0.2 mm. To change this setting, use the
advanced option XS_MAGNETIC_PLANE_OFFSET.

Add variables to a custom component 44 Bind component objects using magnetic

construction planes or lines
 Bind handles using a magnetic construction line

1. In the custom component editor, click Add construction line.

2. Pick the starting point of the construction line.
3. Pick the end point of the construction line.
Tekla Structures creates a construction line.
4. Double-click the line. The Construction Line Properties dialog box
opens.
5. Enter a name for the line.
6. Select the Magnetic check box.
7. Click Modify.
Now when you move the construction line, all handles that are on the line
are moved as well.
8. Bind the construction line to a part face:
a. Select the construction line, right-click and select Bind to plane.
b. Select a suitable part face.
Tekla Structures displays a distance symbol for the binding. Now if
you move the part face, the handles on the magnetic construction
line will follow.

4.3 Add a distance between component objects

Use reference distance variables to add a distance between two points or a
point and a plane. The reference distance changes as you move the objects it
refers to. You can use reference distances in calculations, for example, to
determine the spacing of rungs on a ladder. Reference distance variables
automatically get the prefix D (distance), which is shown in the Variables
dialog box.
1. In a custom component view, select a handle.

Add variables to a custom component 45 Add a distance between component objects

 This is the starting point for your measurement.

2. In the custom component editor, click the Add reference distance button

.
3. Move the mouse pointer in the view to highlight a plane.
This will be the end point for your measurement. If you cannot highlight
the correct plane, change the plane type (page 132) on the Custom
component editor toolbar.

4. Click the plane to select it.

Add variables to a custom component 46 Add a distance between component objects

 Tekla Structures displays the distance.

The corresponding reference distance variable is shown in the Variables

dialog box:

Note that the Add reference distance command remains active. You can
click more planes if you want to measure other distances.
5. To stop measuring, press Esc.
6. To check that the reference distance works correctly, move the handle.

Add variables to a custom component 47 Add a distance between component objects

 The distance changes accordingly. For example:

4.4 Set object properties using parametric variables

Use parametric variables to set basic properties (such as name, material,
profile, position number, and so on) for any object the custom component
creates. Parametric variables automatically get the prefix P (parameter), which
is shown in the Variables dialog box.
In the following example, we will create a variable that sets all welds in a
custom component to a given size. After creating the variable, we will be able
to change the weld size directly in the custom component's dialog box.

1. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
2. Click Add to create a new parametric variable.
3. In the Name box, enter a name for the variable.
You can also use the default name, such as P1. In our example, we will
enter Weldsize as the name of the variable.
4. In the Value type list, select a suitable value type (page 136).
The type determines what kind of values can be used with this variable. In
our example, we will select Length, which is suitable for lengths and
distances.
5. In the Formula box, enter a value or variable formula.
In our example, we will leave this box empty.

Add variables to a custom component 48 Set object properties using parametric variables
 6. In the Label in dialog box box, enter a descriptive name for the
parametric variable.
This label will be shown in the custom component's dialog box. In our
example, we will enter Weld size as the label.
7. In the Visibility list, define whether the variable will be visible in the
custom component's dialog box.
Hide the variable if you only use it in calculations. Show the variable if you
want to be able to edit the value in the custom component's dialog box. In
our example, we will select Show.
8. Click Close.
In our example, we have now created a parametric variable with the
following settings:

9. In the Custom component browser, link the variable to the desired

object property.
a. Select the property.
In our example, we will select the Size above line property of the
uppermost weld.

b. Right-click the property and select Add Equation.

Add variables to a custom component 49 Set object properties using parametric variables
 c. After the equal sign, enter the name of the parametric variable.
In our example, we will enter Weldsize here.

You can now modify the Size above line property by using the Weld
size box in the custom component's dialog box.
10. Repeat step 9 for any other property of the same type, if needed.

Add variables to a custom component 50 Set object properties using parametric variables
 In our example, we will repeat the procedure for the other welds as well,
so that they will all be linked to the Weld size box in the custom
component's dialog box.

11. Save the custom component. (page 88)

The variable is now displayed in the custom component's dialog box,
unless you set the visibility of the variable to Hide in step 7.

If we change the weld size value now, the size of all welds within the
custom component will change accordingly.

See also
Copy properties and property references from another object (page 51)

Add variables to a custom component 51 Copy properties and property references from
another object
 4.5 Copy properties and property references from
another object
You can copy properties, such as names and values, from other objects and
use them to determine the properties of a custom component. You can also
copy property references. The link is dynamic, so when the property changes,
the reference reflects the change. For example, you can use a beam length
reference in variable formulas. Even if the length changes, the correct value is
always used in calculations.
1. In the Custom component browser, browse for the object property you
want to copy.
To find the required component object more easily, select it in a custom
component view. Tekla Structures highlights the selected object in the
Custom component browser.
2. Right-click the property and select one of the following:
• Copy Name
Copies the name of the object. For example, Material.
• Copy Value
Copies the value the object currently has. For example, S235JR.
• Copy Reference
Copies the link to the property. For example,
fP(Material,"ID57720EEE-0000-000E-3134-363730393237").

Add variables to a custom component 52 Copy properties and property references from
another object
 3. Right-click where you want to insert the object property, and then select
Paste.
For example, you can paste a reference to the Formula box in the
(page 136) dialog box to use it in a calculation.

See also
Examples of parametric variables and variable formulas (page 68)

4.6 Create a variable formula

Use variable formulas to add more intelligence to your custom components.
Variable formulas always begin with the equal sign (=). At its simplest, a
formula can be a simple dependency between two variables, stating that P2
equals half of P1 (P2=P1/2), for example. To create more complex calculations,
you can use functions and operators inside the formula. For example, you can

Add variables to a custom component 53 Create a variable formula

 add mathematical expressions, if statements, references to object properties,
and so on.
In the following example, we will create a formula that sets the weld size to
half the thickness of the secondary part flange. When the component is used
in a model, Tekla Structures will use the thickness of the secondary part flange
to calculate the size of the weld.

1. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
2. Click Add to create a new parametric variable.
3. In the Name box, enter a name for the variable.
In our example, we will enter w as the name of the variable.
4. In the Custom component browser, go to Input objects --> Secondary
parts --> Part --> Profile properties.
5. Right-click Flange thickness 1 and select Copy reference.

6. In the Formula box, type =, right-click, and select Paste.

Tekla Structures pastes the reference to flange thickness from the
clipboard.
7. After the flange thickness formula, enter *0.5.
The formula should now read:
=fP(Flange thickness 1,"GUID")*0.5
8. Set the other values as follows:
a. In the Value type list, select Length.

Add variables to a custom component 54 Create a variable formula

 b. In the Visibility list, select Hide.

9. In the Custom component browser, go to Component objects --> Weld

--> General properties.
10. Right-click Size above line, select Add equation and type = w.

Functions in variable formulas

You can use functions to calculate values for parametric variables. Variable
formulas always begin with the equal sign (=).
For more information, see Set object properties using parametric variables
(page 48).

Arithmetic operators
Use arithmetic operators to combine expressions that return numeric values.
You can use the following arithmetic operators:

Operator Description Notes

+ addition Use also to create strings of
parameters.
- subtraction
* multiplication Multiplication is faster than division.
=D1*0.5 is faster than =D1/2
/ division

Add variables to a custom component 55 Create a variable formula

 Logical and comparison operators
Use logical and comparison operators inside if statements. You can use if-
then-else statements to test a condition and to set the value according to the
result.

For example:
=if (D1>200) then 20 else 10 endif
You can use the following operators inside if statements:

Operator Description Example

== both sides are equal
!= sides are not equal
< left side is smaller
<= left side is smaller or
equal
> right side is smaller
>= right side is smaller or
equal
&& logical AND =if (D1==200 &&
D2<40) then 6 else
both conditions must 0 endif
be true If D1 is 200 and D2 smaller than 40,
the result is 6, otherwise 0.
|| logical OR =if (D1==200 ||
D2<40) then 6 else
only one condition 0 endif
must be true If D1 is 200 or D2 is smaller than 40,
the result is 6, otherwise 0.

Reference functions
Use reference functions to refer to the property of another object, such as the
plate thickness of a secondary part. Tekla Structures refers to the object on the
system level, so if the object property changes, so does the reference function
value.

You can use the following reference functions:

Function Description Example

fTpl("template Returns the =fTpl("WEIGHT","ID50B8559A
attribute", template attribute -0000-010B-3133-3534323730
"object GUID") value of an object 38")
that has a given
returns the weight of an object
object GUID.
whose GUID is

Add variables to a custom component 56 Create a variable formula

 Function Description Example
ID50B8559A-0000-010B-3133-353
432373038.
fP("user-defined Returns the user- =fP("comment",
attribute", defined attribute "ID50B8559A-0000-010B-3133
"object GUID") value of an object -353432373038")
that has a given
returns the user-defined attribute
object GUID.
comment of an object whose
GUID is
ID50B8559A-0000-010B-3133-353
432373038.
fValueOf("paramet Returns the value If the equation is =P2+"*"+P3,
er") of the parameter. the result is P2*P3
With =fValueOf("P2")
+"*"+fValueOf("P3"), where
P2=780 and P3=480, the result is
780*480
fRebarCatalogValu Returns the fRebarCatalogValue("A500HW
e(BarGrade, reinforcing bar ", "10", 1, 2)
BarSize, Usage, catalog value of
returns the size, usage, and
FieldName) an object.
weight of an object whose
Usage can be reinforcing bar grade is A500HW.
either 2 ("Tie") or
1 ("Main").
FieldName must
be one of the
following:
• 0
NominalDiame
ter
• 1
ActualDiamete
r
• 2 Weight
• 3 MinRadius
• 4 Hook1Radius
• 5 Hook1Angle
• 6
Hook1Length
• 7 HookRadius
• 8 Hook2Angle

Add variables to a custom component 57 Create a variable formula

 Function Description Example
• 9
Hook2Length
• 10
Hook3Radius
• 11 Hook3Angl
• 12
Hook3Length
• 13 Area

ASCII file as a reference function

You can refer to ASCII files to get data. Tekla Structures searches for the files in
the following order:

1. model
2. ..\TeklaStructuresModels\<model>
\CustomComponentDialogFiles\
3. project (set with advanced option XS_PROJECT)
4. firm (set with advanced option XS_FIRM)
5. system (set with advanced option XS_SYSTEM)
The format for reading files is the following:
fVF("filename", "key_value_of_row", column_number)
• Key value of row is a unique text value.
• Column number is an index starting from 1.

NOTE Enter a space at the end of each row in the ASCII file. Otherwise the
information is not read correctly.

Add variables to a custom component 58 Create a variable formula

 Example
The =fVF("Overlap.dat", "MET-202Z25", 5) function is in the Formula
box in the Variables dialog box. The function gets the value 16.0 for the
profile MET-202Z25, from the Overlap.dat file.

1. Key value of the row (MET-202Z25)

2. Column number (5)

Mathematical functions
Use mathematical functions to create more complex mathematical
expressions. You can use the following functions:

Function Description Example

fabs(parameter) Returns the absolute value of =fabs(D1) returns
the parameter 15
if D1 = -15
exp(power) Returns e raised to the power =exp(D1) returns
7.39
e is Euler’s number.
if D1 = 2
ln(parameter) Returns the natural logarithm =ln(P2) returns 2.71
of the parameter (base
if P2 = 15
number e)
log(parameter) Returns the logarithm of the =log(D1) returns 2
parameter (base number 10)
if D1=100
sqrt(parameter) Returns the square root of the =sqrt(D1) returns 4
parameter
if D1 = 16
mod(dividend, Returns the modulo of the =mod(D1, 5) returns
divider) division 1
if D1 = 16
pow(base number, Returns the base number =pow(D1, D2)
power) raised to the specified power returns 9
if D1 = 3 and D2 = 2

Add variables to a custom component 59 Create a variable formula

 Function Description Example
hypot(side1,side2) Returns the hypotenuse =hypot(D1, D2)
returns 5
if D1 = 3 and D2 = 4

1. side1
2. hypotenuse
3. side2
n!(parameter) Returns the factorial of the =n!(P2) returns 24
parameter
if P2 = 4
(1*2*3*4)
round(parameter, Returns the parameter =round(P1, 0.1)
accuracy) rounded off to the given returns 10.600
accuracy
if P1 = 10.567
PI Returns the value of pi to 31 =PI returns
decimal places 3.1415926535897932
384626433832795

Statistical functions
Use statistical functions to calculate sums and averages, and to round values.
You can use the following statistical functions:

Function Description Example (P1 = 1.4 P2 = 2.3)

ceil() Returns the smallest whole =ceil(P1) returns 2
number greater than or equal
to the parameter
floor() Returns the largest whole =floor(P1) returns 1
number less than or equal to
the parameter
min() Returns the smallest =min(P1, P2) returns 1.4
parameter
max() Returns the largest parameter =max(P1, P2) returns 2.3
sum() Sum of the parameters =sum(P1, P2) returns 3.7
sqsum() Sum of the squared =sqsum(P1, P2) returns
parameters: (parameter1)2 + 7.25
(parameter2)2
ave() Average of the parameters =ave(P1, P2) returns 1.85

Add variables to a custom component 60 Create a variable formula

 Function Description Example (P1 = 1.4 P2 = 2.3)
sqave() Average of the squared =sqave(P1, P2) returns
parameters 3.625

Example: Ceil and floor statistical functions

In this example, you have the following parametric variables:
• Beam length: P1 = 3500
• Post spacing: P2 = 450
P1 / P2 = 7.7778
You can use the ceil and floor statistical functions to round the value and
then use the rounded value as the number of beam posts:
• =ceil(P1/P2) returns 8
• =floor(P1/P2) returns 7

Data type conversion functions

Use data type conversion functions to convert values into another data type.
You can use the following data type conversion functions:

Function Description Example

int() Converts data to integer Useful especially for calculating
profile dimensions:
=int(100.0132222000) returns
100, if decimals are set to 0 in the
Options dialog box
double() Converts data to a double
string() Converts data to string
imp() Converts imperial units For the following examples,
length unit is set to mm and
Use this function in
decimals are set to 2 in the
calculations instead of
Options dialog box.
imperial units. You cannot
use imperial units directly =imp(1,1,1,2) meaning 1 foot
in calculations. 1 1/2 inch returns 342.90 mm
=imp(1,1,2) meaning 1 1/2
inches returns 38.10 mm
=imp(1,2) meaning 1/2 inches
returns 12.70 mm
=imp(1) meaning 1 inch returns
25.40 mm
=3’/3" is not possible, but
=imp(36)/imp(3) is ok

Add variables to a custom component 61 Create a variable formula

 Function Description Example
vwu(value, Converts the length =vwu(4.0,"in") returns 101.60
unit) values and angle values. mm, if length unit is set to mm
The available units are: and decimals are set to 2 in the
• "ft" ("feet", "foot") Options dialog box

• "in" ("inch", "inches") =vwu(2.0,"rad") returns

114.59 degrees, if angle is set to
• "m" degrees and decimals are set to 2
• "cm" in the Options dialog box

• "mm"
• "rad"
• "deg"

NOTE The units depend on the settings in File menu --> Settings -->
Options --> Units and decimals.

String operations
Use string operations to manipulate character strings. Strings must be inside
quotation marks in variable formulas.

You can use the following string operations:

Operation Description Example (P1 = "PL100*10")

match(param Returns 1 if parameters =match(P1, "PL100*10")
eter1, are equal and 0 if returns 1
parameter2) different.
Accept all profiles starting with
You can also use PFC: =match(P4, "PFC*")
wildcards *, ?, and [ ]
Accept profiles starting with PFC,
with the match function.
and height starts with 2,3,4 or 5:
=match(P4, "PFC[2345]*")
Accept profiles starting with PFC,
heights are 200,300,400 or 500
and width starts with 7:
=match(P4, "PFC[2345]00?
7")
length(param Returns the number of =length(P1) returns 8
eter) characters in the
parameter.
find(paramete Returns the order number =find(P1, "*") returns 5
r, string) (starting at zero) of the
specified string and -1 if
the specified string is not

Add variables to a custom component 62 Create a variable formula

 Operation Description Example (P1 = "PL100*10")
found from the
parameter.
getat(paramet Returns the n:th (starting =getat(P1, 1) returns "L"
er, n) at zero) character from
the parameter.
setat(paramet Sets the n:th (starting at =setat(P1, 0, "B") returns
er, n, zero) character to the "BL100*10"
character) specified character in the
parameter.
mid(string, n, Returns x characters from =mid(P1,2,3) returns "100"
x) the string starting from
n:th (starting at zero)
character. If you leave out
the last argument (x),
returns the last part of
the string.
reverse(string) Reverses the given string. =reverse(P1) returns
"01*001LP"

Example 1
To define profile size PL100*10 with two variables P2 = 100 and P3 = 10, enter
the formula as follows:
="PL"+P2+"*"+P3

Example 2
Tekla Structures handles bolt spacings as strings. To define bolt spacing, set
Value type to Distance list and enter the formula as follows:
=P1+" "+P2
This results in 100 200, if P1 = 100 (length) and P2 = 200 (length).

Trigonometric functions
Use trigonometric functions to calculate angles. You can use the following
trigonometric functions:

Function Description Example

sin() Returns the sine value =sin(d45) returns 0.71
cos() Returns the cosine value =cos(d45) returns 0.71
tan() Returns the tangent value =tan(d45) returns 1.00
asin() Inverse function of sin(), =asin(1) returns 1.571 rad
return value in radians

Add variables to a custom component 63 Create a variable formula

 Function Description Example
acos() Inverse function of cos(), =acos(1) returns 0 rad
return value in radians
atan() Inverse function of tan(), =atan(1) returns 0.785 rad
return value in radians
sinh() Returns the hyperbolical sine =sinh(d45) returns 0.87
value
cosh() Returns the hyperbolical =cosh(d45) returns 1.32
cosine value
tanh() Returns the hyperbolical =tanh(d45) returns 0.66
tangent value
atan2() Returns the angle whose =atan2(1,3) returns 0.32
tangent is the quotient of the
two numbers. Return value in
radians

NOTE When you use trigonometric functions in variable formulas, you need
to include a prefix to define the unit. If you do not include a prefix,
Tekla Structures uses radians as the default unit.
• d is degree. For example, sin(d180)
• r is radians (default). For example, sin(r3.14) or sin(3.14)

Market size function

Use the market size function in a custom component to select a suitable plate
dimension (usually plate thickness) from the available market sizes. For
example, a plate’s thickness should match the web of a beam.

Function Description Example

fMarketSize(material, Returns the next available =fMarketSize("S235JR
thickness, extrastep) market size for the ", 10, 0)
material from the
marketsize.dat file,
based on the thickness
you specify.
The file must be in the ..
\environments
\your_environment
\profil folder or the
system folder.
For extrastep enter a
number to define the
increment to the next size
(default is 0).

Add variables to a custom component 64 Create a variable formula

 Example
In this example, you have the following data in marketsize.dat:
S235JR,6,9,12,16,19,22
SS400,1.6,2.3,3.2,4.5,6,9,12,16,19,22,25,28,32,38
DEFAULT,6,9,12,16,19,22,25,28,32,38

The first item in a row is a material grade followed by available plate

thicknesses in millimeters. The DEFAULT line lists the thicknesses available in
all other material grades.
With the above data, the function =fMarketSize("S235JR",10,0) would
return 12, and =fMarketSize("S235JR",10,1) would return 16 (one size
up).

Framing condition functions

Use the framing condition functions to return the skew, slope, and cant angle
of the secondary beam relative to the main part (column or beam). You can
use the following framing condition functions:

Function Description Example

fAD("skew Returns the skewed angle =fAD("skew","ID50B8559A-0000-
", GUID) of the secondary part 010B-3133-353432373038")
whose GUID is given. returns 45
ID50B8559A-0000-010B-3133-353432
373038 is the GUID of the secondary
part, which is at a 45 degree angle to
the main part.

fAD("slope Returns the sloped angle =fAD("slope","ID50B8559A-0000

", GUID) of the secondary part -010B-3133-353432373038")
whose GUID is given.

Add variables to a custom component 65 Create a variable formula

 Function Description Example
fAD("cant" Returns the cant angle of =fAD("cant","ID50B8559A-0000-
, GUID) rotated secondary part 010B-3133-353432373038")
whose GUID is given.

NOTE • These functions do not return positive and negative slope and
skew values. It is not possible to determine up or down slope and
left or right skew with these functions.
• The maximum skew angle to return is 45 degrees.
• Tekla Structures calculates the angles in 2D so that slope and skew
are isolated from each other. For example, the skew angle is not
taken into consideration when calculating the slope angle, which
means that the slope angle value stays the same regardless of the
secondary part's rotation around the primary part.
To find out the true 3D slope with the skew included, you can use
the following mathematical formula:
TRUE_SLOPE = atan( tan(SLOPE) * cos(SKEW))

Example 1
The slope and skew are relative to a beam framing into a column.

Side view Top view

1. Column
2. Beam

Add variables to a custom component 66 Create a variable formula

 3. Slope
4. Skew

Example 2
With two beams, the slope is actually the horizontal skew of the beam framing
into the other beam, and the vertical slope of the beam relative to the main is
actually the skew angle.

Side view Top view

1. Skew
2. Slope

How to avoid cyclic dependencies in formulas

Be careful not to create cyclic dependencies between variables, or else the
custom component will not work correctly. A cyclic dependency chain contains
formulas that make a variable eventually dependent on itself.
In the following example, variable P1 becomes dependent on itself, through
variables P2 and P3:

Cyclic dependencies may also occur when binding handles to other objects or
when using magnetic construction planes. When you create new formulas,
bindings, or magnetic construction planes, Tekla Structures checks if they
create cyclic dependency chains in a custom component. If that happens, a
warning message "Caution. Operation created cycle." is displayed.

Add variables to a custom component 67 Create a variable formula

 Tekla Structures also writes the message "Cycle detected in parametric solver"
into the session history log file and lists the objects involved in the cyclic
dependency, to help you find and remove the cyclic dependency. If you do not
remove it, the custom component will not work correctly.

4.7 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
Here you will find some examples that demonstrate how to use parametric
variables and variable formulas to create intelligent custom components that
adapt to changes in the model.
The examples are independent from each other.
• Example: Set the end plate material (page 69)
In this example, you will link a parametric variable to the end plate material
of a component object.
• Example: Create new component objects (page 70)
In this example, you will create a parametric variable that adds bolts to the
custom component.
• Example: Replace sub-components (page 71)
In this example, you will create a parametric variable that replaces sub-
components with other sub-components.
• Example: Modify a sub-component by using a component attribute file
(page 73)
In this example, you will create a parametric variable that modifies a sub-
component on the basis of a component attribute file.
• Example: Define the stiffener position using construction planes
(page 74)
In this example, you will use construction planes for determining the
position of the stiffeners. You will position the stiffeners so that they divide
the beam into three equally long sections.

Add variables to a custom component 68 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 • Example: Determine the bolt size and bolt standard (page 77)
In this example, you will create two parametric variables that determine the
bolt size and bolt standard.
• Example: Calculate the bolt group distance (page 78)
In this example, you will create a variable formula that calculates the bolt
group distance from the beam flange.
• Example: Calculate the number of bolt rows (page 80)
In this example, you will create a variable formula that calculates the
number of bolt rows based on the beam height. You will use if statements
in the calculations.
• Example: Link variables to user-defined attributes (page 82)
In this example, you will link parametric variables to the user-defined
attributes of panels. You can then use the user-defined attributes in view
filters to show or hide the panels.
• Example: Calculate the number of handrail posts using a template attribute
(page 84)
In this example, you will create a variable formula that calculates the
number of handrail posts based on the length template attribute of the
beam. The handrail posts were created at both ends of the beam and one
of them was copied with the Array of objects (29) component.
• Example: Link an Excel spreadsheet to a custom component (page 86)
In this example, you will link a parametric variable to an Excel spreadsheet.
For example, you can use Excel spreadsheets to check connections.

Example: Set the end plate material

In this example, you will link a parametric variable to the end plate material of
a component object.

1. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
2. Click the Add button.
A new parametric variable appears.
3. In the Value type list, change the variable's value type to Material.
4. In the Label in dialog box box, enter End Plate Material.

Add variables to a custom component 69 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 5. In the Custom component browser, browse for the end plate material.

6. Right-click Material and select Add Equation.

7. Enter P1 after the equal sign, and then press Enter.
8. Save the custom component.
9. Close the custom component editor.
You can now change the end plate material in the custom component's dialog
box.

Example: Create new component objects

In this example, you will create a parametric variable that adds bolts to the
custom component.

1. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
2. Click Add to create a new parametric variable.

Add variables to a custom component 70 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 3. Modify the variable as follows:
a. In the Value type list, select Yes/No.
b. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Create bolts.

4. Select the bolt group in a custom component view to highlight it in the

Custom component browser.
5. In the Custom component browser, browse for Bolt.
6. Right-click Creation and select Add Equation.
7. Enter P1 after the equal sign, and then press Enter.

8. Save the custom component.

9. Close the custom component editor.
You now have the following option in the custom component's dialog box:

Example: Replace sub-components

In this example, you will create a parametric variable that replaces sub-
components with other sub-components.

Add variables to a custom component 71 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 1. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .
The Variables dialog box opens.
2. Click Add to create a new parametric variable.
3. Modify the variable as follows:
a. In the Value type list, select Component name.
Tekla Structures automatically adds the suffix _name in the variable
name. Do not delete the suffix.
b. In the Formula box, enter the name of the sub-component.
c. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Cast-in plate.

4. Link the variable to the Name property of both sub-components:

a. In the Custom component browser, browse for the Name attribute
of the first sub-component.
b. Right-click Name and select Add Equation.
c. Enter P1_name after the equals sign.
d. Repeat steps 4b–4c for the other sub-component.

Add variables to a custom component 72 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 5. Save the custom component.
6. Close the custom component editor.
You can now change the sub-components by using the Cast-in-plate option in
the custom component's dialog box.

Example: Modify a sub-component by using a component

attribute file
In this example, you will create a parametric variable that modifies a sub-
component on the basis of a component attribute file.

1. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
2. Click Add to create a new parametric variable.
3. In the Value type list, select Component attribute file.
Tekla Structures automatically adds the suffix _attrfile in the variable
name. Do not delete the suffix.
4. In the Formula box, enter the name of the component attribute file.
5. In the Name box, ensure that the variable has the same prefix as the
variable that is linked to the component name.
In this example, the prefix is P1.

NOTE The component name and the component attribute file variables
must always have the same prefix, otherwise they do not work.

6. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Properties file.

Add variables to a custom component 73 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 7. In the Custom component browser, browse for the component attribute
file property of the sub-component.
8. Right-click Attribute file and select Add Equation.
9. Enter P1_attrfile after the equal sign, and then press Enter.

10. Save the custom component.

11. Close the custom component editor.
You can now modify the sub-component by using the Properties file option in
the custom component's dialog box.

Example: Define the stiffener position using construction

planes
In this example, you will use construction planes for determining the position
of the stiffeners. You will position the stiffeners so that they divide the beam
into three equally long sections.

Add variables to a custom component 74 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 1. Ensure that Direct Modification is switched off. The selection of
handles is easier when Direct Modification is off.

2. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
3. Click Add to create a new parametric variable.
4. Get the GUID of the beam.

a. On the ribbon, click Inquire objects .

b. Select the beam.
c. In the Inquire Object dialog box, check the GUID of the beam.
5. Modify the variable as follows:
a. In the Formula box, enter
=fTpl("LENGTH","ID4C8B5E24-0000-017D-3132-383432313432
").
ID4C8B5E24-0000-017D-3132-383432313432 is the GUID of the
beam.
The value of the variable is now the same as the beam length. If you
change the beam length, also the value changes.
b. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Beam Length.
6. Click Add to create another parametric variable.
7. Modify the new variable as follows:
a. In the Formula box, enter =P1/3.
b. In the Label in dialog box box, enter 3rd Points.
8. Create a construction plane:
a. In the custom component editor, click the Add construction plane

button .
b. Pick the required points and then click the middle mouse button to
create a construction plane in the center of a stiffener at one end.

Add variables to a custom component 75 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 9. Bind the stiffener to the construction plane:
a. Select the stiffener.
b. Hold down Alt and use area selection (from left to right) to select all
stiffener handles.

c. Right-click and select Bind to plane.

d. Bind the stiffener handles to the construction plane.
10. Bind the construction plane to the beam end:
a. Select the construction plane.
b. Right-click and select Bind to plane.
c. Bind the construction plane to the beam end.

Add variables to a custom component 76 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 11. Repeat steps 9–11 for the stiffener at the other end.
12. In the Formula box, enter =P2 for the two distance variables that bind the
construction planes to the beam ends.
13. Save the custom component.
14. Close the custom component editor.
If you now change the beam length, the position of the stiffeners changes so
that the stiffeners divide the beam into three equally long sections.

Example: Determine the bolt size and bolt standard

In this example, you will create two parametric variables that determine the
bolt size and bolt standard.

1. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
2. Click Add twice to create two new parametric variables.
3. Modify the first variable as follows:
• In the Value type list, select Bolt size.
Tekla Structures automatically adds the suffix _diameter to the name
of the variables. Do not delete the suffix.
• In the Label in dialog box box, enter Bolt Size.
4. Modify the second variable as follows:
a. In the Value type list, select Bolt standard.
Tekla Structures automatically adds the suffix _screwdin to the
name of the variable. Do not delete the suffix.

Add variables to a custom component 77 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 b. In the Name box, change the prefix of the second variable so that the
prefixes for the two variables are the same.
In this example, the prefix is P1.

NOTE The bolt size and bolt standard variables must always have
the same prefix, otherwise they do not work.

c. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Bolt Standard.

5. Link the parametric variables to the bolt group properties:
a. In the Custom component browser, browse for the size property of
the component object.
b. Right-click Size and select Add Equation.
c. Enter P1_diameter after the equal sign, and then press Enter.
d. Right-click Bolt standard and select Add Equation.
e. Enter P1_screwdin after the equal sign, and then press Enter.

6. Save the custom component.

7. Close the custom component editor.
You can now determine the bolt size and bolt standard for the custom
component in the custom component's dialog box.

Example: Calculate the bolt group distance

In this example, you will create a variable formula that calculates the bolt
group distance from the beam flange.

Add variables to a custom component 78 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 1. Modify the bolt group properties as follows:
a. In the custom component editor, double-click the bolt group.
The Bolt Properties dialog box opens.
b. Clear all values that are under the Offset from area.
c. Click Modify.
The bolt group moves to the same level with the start point handle of
the bolt group.

2. Bind the bolt group to the beam flange:

a. In the custom component editor, select the bolt group.
b. Select the yellow top handle.

c. Right-click the handle and select Bind to plane.

d. Select the top flange of the beam.

Add variables to a custom component 79 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 A new distance variable appears in the Variables dialog box.

3. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
4. Click Add to create a new parametric variable.
5. Modify the variable as follows:
a. In the Formula box, enter a distance value.
b. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Vertical distance to
bolt.
6. In the Formula box, enter =-P1 for the distance variable.

7. Save the custom component.

8. Close the custom component editor.
You can now determine the bolt group distance from the beam flange by
changing the Vertical distance to bolt value in the custom component's
dialog box.

Example: Calculate the number of bolt rows

In this example, you will create a variable formula that calculates the number
of bolt rows based on the beam height. You will use if statements in the
calculations.

Add variables to a custom component 80 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 1. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .
The Variables dialog box opens.
2. Click Add to create a new parametric variable.
3. In the Value type list, select Number.
4. In the Custom component browser, browse for height property of the
beam.
5. Right-click Height and select Copy Reference.
6. In the Formula box, enter the following if statement for the parametric
variable:
=if (fP(Height,"ID50B8559A-0000-00FD-3133-353432363133")< 301) then 2
else (if (fP(Height,"ID50B8559A-0000-00FD-3133-353432363133")>501) then 4
else 3 endif) endif

In the formula,
fP(Height,"ID50B8559A-0000-00FD-3133-353432363133") is the
beam height reference copied from the Custom component browser.
The variable gets its value in the following way:
• If the beam height is under 301 mm, the value is 2.
• If the beam height is over 501 mm, the value is 4.
• If the beam height is between 300 and 500 mm, the value is 3.
7. Click Add to create another parametric variable.
8. In the Value type list, select Distance list for the new variable.
9. In the Formula box, enter =P1+"*"+100 for the new variable.

Add variables to a custom component 81 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 In the formula, 100 is the bolt spacing and the P1 value is the number of
bolt rows.

10. In the Custom component browser, browse for Bolt group distance x.
11. Right-click Bolt group distance x and select Add Equation.
12. Enter P2 after the equal sign, and then press Enter.
13. Save the custom component.
14. Close the custom component editor.
When you now change the beam height, the number of bolt rows changes as
well.

Example: Link variables to user-defined attributes

In this example, you will link parametric variables to the user-defined
attributes of panels. You can then use the user-defined attributes in view
filters to show or hide the panels in the model.

1. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
2. Click Add to create a new parametric variable.
3. Modify the variable as follows:
a. In the Value type list, select Text.

Add variables to a custom component 82 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 b. In the Formula box, enter Type1.
c. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Panel1.
4. In the Custom component browser, browse for the user-defined
attributes of the first panel.
You will link the P1 variable to the USER_FIELD_1 attribute. However, the
attribute is not visible in the Custom component browser.
5. Make the user-defined attribute visible in the Custom component
browser:
a. Double-click the first panel.
The panel properties dialog box opens.
b. Click User-defined attributes.
The dialog box for user-defined attributes opens.
c. Go to the Parameters tab.
d. Enter text in the User field 1 box.
e. Click Modify.
6. In the Custom component browser, click Refresh.
USER_FIELD_1 appears under User-defined attributes in the Custom
component browser.
7. Link P1 to USER_FIELD_1.
a. Right-click USER_FIELD_1 and select Add Equation.
b. Enter P1 after the equal sign, and then press Enter.

8. Create two new parametric variables and link them to the user-defined
attributes of the other two panels.
9. Save the custom component.
10. Close the custom component editor.
You can now create a view filter in the model to hide or show panels using the
User field 1 attribute and the Formula values you entered for the parametric
variables in the filter.

Add variables to a custom component 83 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 Example: Calculate the number of handrail posts using a
template attribute
In this example, you will create a variable formula that calculates the number
of handrail posts based on the length template attribute of the beam. The
handrail posts were created at both ends of the beam and one of them was
copied with the Array of objects (29) component.

1. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
2. Create three new parametric variables by clicking Add.
3. Modify the variable P1 as follows:
• In the Formula box, enter 250.
• In the Label in dialog box box, enter End Distance.
4. Modify the variable P2 as follows:
• In the Formula box, enter 900.
• In the Label in dialog box box, enter Spacing.
5. Modify the variable P3 as follows:
• In the Value type box, select Number.
• In the Label in dialog box box, enter Number of Posts.
6. Inquire the GUID of the beam:

a. On the ribbon, click Inquire objects .

b. Select the beam.

Add variables to a custom component 84 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 c. Check the GUID of the beam in the Inquire Object dialog box.
7. In the Formula box of the P3 variable, enter
=(fTpl("LENGTH","ID50B8559A-0000-010B-3133-353432373038")
-(P1*2))/P2.
fTpl("LENGTH","ID50B8559A-0000-010B-3133-353432373038") is
the length template attribute of the beam and
ID50B8559A-0000-010B-3133-353432373038 is the GUID of the beam.
The number of the posts is calculated as follows: First the end distances
are subtracted from the beam length, and then the result is divided by the
post spacing.
8. In the Custom component browser, link the variables P2 and P3 to the
properties of Array of objects (29).
a. Right-click dist_between_elem and select Add Equation.
b. Enter P2 after the equal sign, and then press Enter.
c. Right-click number_of_arrays and select Add Equation.
d. Enter P3 after the equal sign, and then press Enter.

9. Bind the first post to the beam end.

a. Select the post in the custom component view.
b. Hold down Alt and use area selection (from left to right) to select the
post handles.
c. Right-click and select Bind to Plane.

Add variables to a custom component 85 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 10. Bind the last post to the other beam end by following the instructions in
step 9.
11. Modify the distance variables as follows:
a. In the Formula box, enter =P1.
b. In the Visibility list, select Hide.

12. Save the custom component.

13. Close the custom component editor.
You can now change the spacing and the end distance of the handrail posts in
the custom component dialog box. Tekla Structures calculates the number of
posts based on the spacing, end distance, and length of the beam.

Add variables to a custom component 86 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 Example: Link an Excel spreadsheet to a custom component
In this example, you will link a parametric variable to an Excel spreadsheet. For
example, you can use Excel spreadsheets to check connections.
1. Create an Excel spreadsheet.
The name of the spreadsheet file must be
component_"component_name".xls. For example,
component_stiffener.xls for a custom component whose name is
stiffener.
2. Save the Excel spreadsheet in the model folder: ..\<model>
\exceldesign\. Alternatively, you can save the spreadsheet in the folder
defined with the XS_EXTERNAL_EXCEL_DESIGN_PATH advanced option.

3. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
4. Click Add to create a new parametric variable.
5. Modify the variable as follows:
a. In the Value type list, select Yes/No.
b. In the Name box, enter use_externaldesign.
c. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Use external design.

6. Save the custom component.

7. Close the custom component editor.
The custom component dialog box now contains the Use external design
option.

Add variables to a custom component 87 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
5 Save a custom component

After modifying a custom component, save the changes.

To Do this
Save changes to all copies of 1. In the custom component editor, click the
the custom component
Save component button .
2. In the Save confirmation dialog box, click
Yes.
Tekla Structures saves the changes and
applies them to all copies of the custom
component in the model.
Save the component with a 1. In the custom component editor, click the
new name
Save with new name button .
2. Enter a new name for the component.
Save and close the component 1. In the custom component editor, click the

Close button .
2. In the Close custom component editor
message, click Yes.
If you click No, the custom component editor
closes without saving the changes.

See also
Tips for sharing custom components (page 142)

Save a custom component 88 Examples of parametric variables and variable

formulas
 6 Modify the dialog box of a
custom component

Tekla Structures automatically creates a dialog box for each custom

component you define. You can customize the dialog box by using the Custom
Component Dialog Editor tool.
To open the dialog editor, select a custom component in the model, right-click,
and select Edit Custom Component Dialog Box.

To Do this
View and edit object properties 1. Select a dialog box element. For
example, a text box.
2. Click Modify --> Properties.
Now you can view and edit the
current properties of the dialog
box element. For example, you

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 89 Examples of parametric variables and variable
formulas
 To Do this
can check that you have the
correct text box under each label
in the dialog box.
Alternatively, you can double-click the
dialog box element. If the dialog box
element will not open for viewing and
editing, try double-clicking the space
right underneath the check box:

Add a dialog box element Click Insert and select a suitable

element from the list. The options
are:
• Tab Page: add a new tab
• Label: add a label for a text box or
list
• Parameter: add a text box
• Attribute: add a list
• Part: add some basic part
properties
• Profile: add some basic profile
properties
• Picture: add an illustrative image
of the custom component
Add an image 1. Click Insert --> Picture to show
the contents of the Image Folder
set in Tools --> Options.
2. Select an image.
The image must be in the bitmap
(.bmp) format.
3. Click Open.
4. Drag the image to the desired
location.
Add a tab 1. Click Insert --> Tab Page .
2. Double-click the new tab.
3. Enter a new name, and then
press Enter.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 90 Examples of parametric variables and variable
formulas
 To Do this

NOTE Each tab may contain up to

25 fields. If you have more
than 25 fields visible, Tekla
Structures automatically
creates another tab.

Show or hide the pixel grid

Click .
Tekla Structures displays a pixel grid
that makes it easier to align elements
in the dialog box.
Move a dialog box element Drag the dialog box element to a new
location.
You can also use the keyboard
shortcuts Ctrl+X (cut), Ctrl+C (copy),
and Ctrl+V (paste). For example, to
move a dialog box element to another
tab: select the dialog box element,
press Ctrl+X, go to another tab, and
press Ctrl+V.
Select multiple dialog box elements Hold down the Ctrl key and click the
dialog box elements, or use area
selection.
Rename a tab or text box label 1. Double-click the tab or text box
label.
2. Type a new name.
3. Press Enter.
Remove a dialog box element 1. Select the dialog box element you
want to remove.
2. Press Delete.
Remove a tab 1. Select the tab.
2. Right-click and select Delete.
Add images to a list 1. Select the list element.
2. Click Modify --> Properties.
3. Click Edit Values.
4. Click Browse Add.
5. Select the image you want to use
and click Open.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 91 Examples of parametric variables and variable
formulas
 To Do this
6. Repeat steps 4–5 for any other
images you want to use.
7. Click OK to save the changes.
Save the changes Click File --> Save.

NOTE If you are an advanced user, you may also modify the dialog box input
(.inp) files manually in a text editor. Be careful when modifying an
input file, as errors may cause the dialog box to disappear.

See also
Dialog editor settings (page 116)
Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener detail (page 93)

6.1 Custom component input files

Each custom component has an input file that defines the contents of the
custom component's dialog box.
When you create a new custom component, Tekla Structures automatically
creates an input file for the component. The input file is located in the
CustomComponentDialogFiles folder under the model folder. The input file
has the same name as the custom component, and the file name extension
is .inp.
When you modify a custom component (page 31), you will lose any changes
you have made to the input file. However, when you modify the custom
component, Tekla Structures automatically creates a backup copy of the input
file. The backup copy has the file name extension .inp_bak, and it is located
in the CustomComponentDialogFiles folder under the model folder. Tekla
Structures displays a notification when the backup file is created.

See also
Lock or unlock the custom component input file (page 92)

6.2 Lock or unlock the custom component input file

You can lock the custom component's input file to prevent accidental
modifications. If the file is unlocked, and someone else updates the custom
component in the custom component editor, all your modifications to the
dialog box will be lost.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 92 Custom component input files
 1. In the model, select the custom component whose input file (page 92) you
want to lock or unlock.
2. Right-click and select Edit Custom Component Dialog Box.

3. In the dialog editor, click the Lock/Unlock button .

If someone modifies the custom component in the custom component editor
when the .inp file is locked, the .inp file will not be updated. You can still
modify the dialog box in the Custom Component Dialog Editor even if
the .inp file is locked.

6.3 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener detail

In this example, we will edit the dialog box of a custom stiffener detail to make
it easier to adjust the settings later on.
When we begin, the dialog box looks like the following:

Do this
1. Create a custom stiffener detail with all the needed variables that control
the creation of stiffener plates.
2. Add a list with images.
3. Arrange text boxes and labels.
4. Dim unavailable options.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 93 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 Example: Create a custom stiffener detail with variables
In this example, we will create a stiffener detail with variables that control the
shape and position of the stiffeners.

Create a basic stiffener detail

In this example, we will create a basic stiffener detail.
1. Create a beam with two stiffeners.

TIP To create the stiffeners, you can use the Stiffeners (1003)
component and then explode the component.

2. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to

open the Applications & components catalog.

3. Click the Access advanced features button and select Define

custom component.
The Custom Component Wizard dialog box opens.
4. In the Type list, select Detail.
5. In the Name box, type Stiffeners.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 94 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 6. Click Next.
7. Select the stiffeners and the beam as the objects that form the custom
component.

8. Click Next.
9. Select the beam as the main part.
10. Click Next.
11. Select the middle point of the beam as the reference point.

TIP Switch to the plane view to select the middle point more easily.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 95 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 12. Click Finish to finish creating the stiffener detail.
Tekla Structures displays a component symbol for the new custom
component and adds the stiffener detail to the component catalog.

Create bindings to control the stiffener shape

In this example, we will bind custom component handles to a plane to control
the shape of the stiffeners.
1. Open the stiffener detail in the custom component editor.
a. Right-click the custom component in the model.
b. Select Edit Custom Component.
The custom component editor opens showing the custom component
editor toolbar, the component browser, and four views of the custom
component.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 96 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 2. On the View tab, click Rendering --> Parts rendered.
Part surfaces and available planes can be selected only when they are
rendered.
3. On the custom component editor toolbar, select Outline planes from the
list.

4. In the custom component editor, select the stiffener on the right.

5. Bind the two inside handles of the stiffener to the beam web.
a. Select the two handles next to the beam web.

b. Right-click and select Bind to Plane.

c. Move the pointer over the face of the web to highlight it.

d. Click the web to bind the handles.

6. Bind the two outside handles of the stiffener to the face of the top flange.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 97 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 Use the same method as in step 5.

7. Bind the two bottom handles of the stiffener to the inside face of the
bottom flange.
Use the same method as in step 5.

8. Bind the two top handles of the stiffener to the inside face of the top
flange.
Use the same method as in step 5.

9. Repeat steps 4 –11 for the stiffener on the left.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 98 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 10. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .
The Variables dialog box opens.
11. Click Add to create a new parametric variable P1.
12. Modify the variable P1 as follows:
a. In the Formula box, enter 10.
b. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Stiffener set back.
13. In the Formula box, enter =P1 for all variables that got values during the
binding of the handles.
For example:

The variable P1 now controls the distances of these variables.

14. In the Visibility list, set the variable P1 to Show and the other variables to
Hide.
We have now created distance variables that control the stiffener shape.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 99 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 Create bindings to control the stiffener position
In this example, we will bind custom component handles to a plane to control
the position of the stiffeners.
1. Open the stiffener detail in the custom component editor.
a. Right-click the custom component in the model.
b. Select Edit Custom Component.
The custom component editor opens showing the custom component
editor toolbar, the component browser, and four views of the custom
component.
2. On the custom component editor toolbar, select Component planes from
the list.

3. Select all the handles of both stiffeners.

4. Right-click and select Bind to Plane.

5. Bind the handles to the vertical component plane.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 100 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 We have now created distance variables that control the position of the
stiffeners.

Create variables to control the stiffener thickness

In this example, we will control the stiffener thickness so that it is one and a
half times the web thickness rounded up to the nearest available plate
thickness. The available thickness values are 10, 12, and 16 mm.
1. Open the stiffener detail in the custom component editor.
a. Right-click the custom component in the model.
b. Select Edit Custom Component.
The custom component editor opens showing the custom component
editor toolbar, the component browser, and four views of the custom
component.

2. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
3. Click Add to create a new parametric variable P2.
4. Modify the variable P2 as follows:
a. In the Formula box, enter =1.5*.
b. In the Visibility list, select Hide.
c. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Plate calculation.
5. Select the beam in the custom component editor to highlight the beam
(primary part) in the custom component browser.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 101 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 6. In the Custom component browser, select Web thickness of the
primary part.
7. Right-click and select Copy Reference.

8. Paste the reference value to Formula after =1.5*.

NOTE A reference function refers to the property of an object, such as

the web thickness of a part. If the object property changes, so
does the reference function value.

9. Click Add to create a new parametric variable P3.

10. Modify the variable P3 as follows:
a. In the Value type list, select Number.
b. In the Formula box, enter =if (P2 < 12 && P2 > 10) then 12
else if (P2 > 12) then 16 else 10 endif endif.
This means that if P2 is less than 12 and greater than 10, the
thickness is 12. If P2 is greater than 12, the thickness is 16. If none of
these conditions are met, the thickness is 10.
11. In the Custom component browser, link the variable P3 to the Profile
property of the first contour plate.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 102 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 12. Repeat step 11 for the second contour plate.
We have now created and linked all required variables that control the
stiffener thickness according to the web thickness.

Create variables to control the creation of stiffener plates

In this example, we will create five variables to control which stiffener plates
are created and what is the class of the plates.
1. Open the stiffener detail in the custom component editor.
a. Right-click the custom component in the model.
b. Select Edit Custom Component.
The custom component editor opens showing the custom component
editor toolbar, the component browser, and four views of the custom
component.

2. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

The Variables dialog box opens.
3. Click Add to create a new parametric variable P4.
4. Modify the variable P4 as follows:
a. In the Formula box, enter 2.
b. In the Value type list, select Number.
c. In the Visibility list, select Show.
d. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Plates created.
5. Click Add to create a new parametric variable P5.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 103 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 6. Modify the variable P5 as follows:
a. In the Formula box, enter =if P4==0 then 0 else 1 endif.
b. In the Value type list, select Yes/No.
c. In the Visibility list, select Hide.
d. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Do not create right.
7. Click Add to create a new parametric variable P6.
8. Modify the variable P6 as follows:
a. In the Formula box, enter =if P4==1 then 0 else 1 endif.
b. In the Value type list, select Yes/No.
c. In the Visibility list, select Hide.
d. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Do not create left.
9. Click Add to create a new parametric variable P7.
10. Modify the variable P7 as follows:
a. Rename P7 as LeftC.
b. In the Formula box, enter 4.
c. In the Value type list, select Number.
d. In the Visibility list, select Show.
e. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Left plate class.
11. Click Add to create a new parametric variable P8.
12. Modify the variable P8 as follows:
a. Rename P8 as RightC.
b. In the Formula box, enter 5.
c. In the Value type list, select Number.
d. In the Visibility list, select Show.
e. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Right plate class.
13. In the Custom component browser, link the variables P5 and RightC to
the right stiffener plate.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 104 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 14. Link the variables P6 and LeftC to the left stiffener plate.

Example: Add a list with images

In this example, we will add an illustrative list in the stiffener dialog box. You
can do this either in the custom component dialog editor or by editing the
input (.inp) file manually.
When we begin, the dialog box has the text box shown below, and the user
needs to know the values (0 is left, 1 is right, and 2 is both plates) that control
the creation of stiffener plates.

We will replace the text box with a list that is easier to use:

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 105 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 Add a list by using the dialog editor
1. Create a custom stiffener detail (page 93) with all the needed variables
that control which stiffener plates are created.
In our example, the variable is called Plates created.
2. Open the stiffener dialog box for editing.
a. In the model, select the custom stiffener detail.
b. Right-click and select Edit Custom Component Dialog Box.
3. Check the name of the parametric variable that controls the plate
creation.
a. In the dialog editor, double-click the Plates created box.
The Object Properties dialog box opens.
b. Check the name of the parametric variable.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 106 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 In our example, the name is P4.

c. Click Cancel to close the dialog box.

4. Select the Plates created text box and press Delete.
5. Click Insert --> Attribute to add a new attribute list.
6. Drag the attribute list to a suitable location, next to the Plates created
label.
7. Select the attribute list and then click Modify --> Properties to edit its
properties.
8. Enter P4 as the Name of the attribute.
Now the attribute list is linked to the parametric variable that controls the
plate creation.
9. Click Edit Values to add the list items.
10. In the Edit Attribute Values dialog box, add an image for the left plate.
a. Click Browse Add.
b. Browse for a suitable image.
If you make new images, make sure they are in the bitmap (.bmp)
format. Save the images in the ..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\<version>\Bitmaps folder.
c. Click Open.
11. Repeat step 9 to add an image for the right plate, and then for both
plates.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 107 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 12. In the Edit Attribute Values dialog box, select the image of both plates
and then click Default to make the attribute the default value.

13. Click OK.

14. Click Apply in the Object Properties dialog box, and then click Cancel to
close the dialog box.
15. In the dialog editor, click File --> Save to save the changes.
16. Close and reopen the model for the change to take effect.

Add a list by editing the .inp file

1. Create a custom stiffener detail (page 93) with all the needed variables
that control which stiffener plates are created.
In our example, the variable is called Plates created.
2. In the model, click File --> Open the model folder to open the current
model folder.
3. Go to the CustomComponentDialogFiles folder.
4. Open the .inp file in a text editor.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 108 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 5. Remove the following line:
parameter("Plates created", "P4", integer, number, 2)
6. Add a new Plates created attribute with the following settings:

7. Add a new P4 attribute with the following settings:

The list now contains three options, and Both is the default value. The list
options are linked to the variable P4 that controls the creation of the
stiffener plates.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 109 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 8. Edit the line numbers so that there are no empty rows between the
variables in the dialog box.

9. Browse for the images you want to use in the dialog box.
If you make new images, make sure they are in the bitmap (.bmp) format.
Save the images in the ..\ProgramData\Tekla Structures
\<version>\Bitmaps folder.
10. Replace the option texts with the actual filenames of the images, but with
the filename extension .xbm.

11. Save the .inp file.

12. Close and reopen the model for the change to take effect.

Example: Arrange text boxes and labels

In this example, we will arrange the text boxes and labels around a list in the
dialog box. You can do this either in the custom component dialog editor or by
editing the input (.inp) file manually.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 110 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 When we begin, the dialog box looks like the following:

We will arrange the dialog box elements more nicely, in the following manner:

Arrange the elements by using the dialog editor

1. Create a custom stiffener detail (page 93) with all the needed variables
that control the creation of stiffener plates.
2. Open the stiffener dialog box for editing.
a. In the model, select the custom stiffener detail.
b. Right-click and select Edit Custom Component Dialog Box.
3. Drag the Plates created label above the list with images.
4. Drag the Left plate class label and the corresponding text box to the left
side of the list.
5. Drag the Right plate class label and the corresponding text box to the
right side of the list.
6. Drag the Stiffener set back label and the corresponding text box
underneath the list.
7. In the dialog editor, click File --> Save to save the changes.
8. Close and reopen the model for the change to take effect.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 111 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 Arrange the elements by editing the .inp file
1. Create a custom stiffener detail (page 93) with all the needed parametric
variables that control the creation of stiffener plates.
2. In the model, click File --> Open the model folder to open the current
model folder.
3. Go to the CustomComponentDialogFiles folder.
4. Open the .inp file in a text editor.
5. Edit the file as follows:

6. Save the .inp file.

7. Close and reopen the model for the change to take effect.

Example: Dim unavailable options

In this example, we will dim the unavailable options in the stiffener dialog box
based on conditions. You can do this either in the custom component dialog
editor or by editing the input (.inp) file manually.
When we begin, all the options are available:

We will define that the Left plate class text box is unavailable if only the right
plate is created, and vice versa.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 112 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 Dim unavailable options by using the dialog editor
1. Create a custom stiffener detail (page 93) with all the needed parametric
variables that control the creation of stiffener plates.
2. Open the stiffener dialog box for editing.
a. In the model, select the custom stiffener detail.
b. Right-click and select Edit Custom Component Dialog Box.
3. Define that the Left plate class text box must be dimmed if only the right
stiffener plate is created.
a. In the Plates created list, select the image for the right plate class.
Note that a blue selection border must be displayed for the image:

b. Hold down the Ctrl key and click the Left plate class text box.

c. Click the Toggle visibility button.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 113 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 The Left plate class text box is now dimmed:

4. Unselect the Left plate class text box by clicking the Right plate class
text box.
5. Define that the Right plate class text box must be dimmed if only the left
stiffener plate is created.
a. In the Plates created list, select the image for the left plate class.
Note that a blue selection border must be displayed for the image:

b. Hold down the Ctrl key and select the Right plate class text box.

c. Click the Toggle visibility button.

The Left plate class text box is now dimmed:

6. In the dialog editor, click File --> Save to save the changes.
7. Close and reopen the model for the change to take effect.

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 114 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 Dim unavailable options by editing the .inp file
1. Create a custom stiffener detail (page 93) with all the needed parametric
variables that control the creation of stiffener plates.
2. In the model, click File --> Open the model folder to open the current
model folder.
3. Go to the CustomComponentDialogFiles folder.
4. Open the .inp file in a text editor.
5. Add the following line to the end of the attribute P4 line:
"toggle_field:LeftC=0;RightC=1"

The logic is the following:

Selecting the image CC_left returns 0, CC_right returns 1, and CC_both
returns 2.
toggle_field:RightC=1
When 0 (left) is selected, RightC is dimmed.
toggle_field:LeftC=0
When 1 (right) is selected, LeftC is dimmed.
6. Save the .inp file.
7. Close and reopen the model for the change to take effect.

TIP If you want to hide unavailable options instead of dimming them in the stiffener
dialog box, add an exclamation mark in the conditions:
"toggle_field:!LeftC=0;!RightC=1"
The option is now completely hidden when unavailable:

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 115 Example: Modify the dialog box of a stiffener
detail
 6.4 Dialog editor settings
Click Tools --> Options in the Custom Component Dialog Editor to view and
modify some basic settings of the dialog editor.

Option Description
Image folder The location of the image folder. To
restore the default folder setting, click
Default.
Project folder The location of the project folder.
When you create a completely new
input file by clicking File --> New and
then save it, the file is saved in the
project folder. Note that existing input
files are saved under the model
folder.
Parameter width The default width for text boxes.
Attribute width The default width for lists.
Grid spacing X The spacing of the pixel grid (page 89)
in the X and Y directions. The default
Grid spacing Y
value is 5.
Snap to grid Select to show or hide the pixel grid.

See also
Modify the dialog box of a custom component (page 89)

Modify the dialog box of a custom component 116 Dialog editor settings
7 Add a custom component to a
model

Use the Applications & components catalog to add your custom component
to a model.

1. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to

open the Applications & components catalog.
2. To search for a component, browse the catalog or enter a search term in
the search box. Custom components have the following symbols in the
catalog:

Type Symbol
Custom part

Custom connection or seam

Custom detail
3. Select the custom component you want to add.
4. Follow the instructions on the status bar to add the custom component in
the model.
5. To modify the properties, double-click the custom component in the
model.

Example: Add a custom connection to a model

In this example, you will add a previously created custom end plate connection
to a model. Because you have not modified the custom component to adapt to
different situations in the model, you need to add it to a similar location where
it was created. Otherwise the custom component may not work as required.

1. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to

open the Applications & components catalog.

Add a custom component to a model 117 Dialog editor settings

 2. In the catalog, select the custom end plate connection you want to add.
Tekla Structures displays instructions on the status bar.
3. Select the column as the main part.
4. Select the beam as the secondary part.
Tekla Structures adds the end plate connection to the model.

See also
Add or move a custom part in the model (page 119)

Add a custom component to a model 118 Dialog editor settings

8 Add or move a custom part in
the model

Use the direct modification handles and dimensions when you add or move
custom parts. If you are unable to select custom parts in the model, ensure

that the Select components selection switch is active.

NOTE This method cannot be used when adding custom parts to surfaces
that have cuts or edge chamfers. You need to hide the cutting parts
and edge chamfer objects from the view before you add custom parts
on cut or chamfered surfaces using direct modification.
We do not recommend using this method with custom parts that are
parametric, and in which the input points define the dimensions of the
custom part. The preview is simplified, based on the default custom
part dimensions, and snapping has a different focus than usually.

1. Ensure that Direct modification is switched on.

2. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to

open the Applications & components catalog.
3. In the catalog, select the custom part you want to add.
4. Move the mouse pointer over part faces and edges in the model, and see
how the custom part turns over and adjusts to the part faces.
If you are adding the custom part to another part, Tekla Structures shows
location dimensions from the first input point of the custom part to the
nearest part faces.
If you are adding a custom part that has only one input point, press Tab to
rotate it in 90-degree steps around the work plane Y axis.
5. Depending on the number of custom part input points, pick one or two
points to place the custom part in the model.

Add or move a custom part in the model 119 Dialog editor settings
 Tekla Structures shows the coordinate axes, rotation handles, and location
dimensions that you can use to fine-tune the location and rotation of the
custom part. The handles are red, green, and blue, according to the local
coordinate system of the custom part.

6. Click the middle mouse button to confirm the location and rotation.
Tekla Structures adds the custom part to the model.
7. To move the custom part along any of its coordinate axes, drag the
relevant axis handle to a new location.

8. To rotate the custom part around any of its coordinate axes, drag the
relevant rotation handle to a new location.

Add or move a custom part in the model 120 Dialog editor settings
 Press Tab to rotate the custom part in 90-degree steps in the direction of
the selected rotation handle.

9. To move or rotate the custom part by specifying a distance or angle:

a. Select an axis handle, a rotation handle, or a dimension arrowhead.
b. Type the value by which you want the dimension to change.
When you start typing, Tekla Structures displays the Enter a Numeric
Location dialog box.
c. Click OK to confirm the new dimension.
10. To stop modifying, press Esc.

Add or move a custom part in the model 121 Dialog editor settings
9 Import and export custom
components

You can import and export custom components as .uel files between models.

TIP You can share your custom components in Tekla Warehouse, and also download
custom components made by other users.

9.1 Import custom components

You can import previously made custom components to another model.

1. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to

open the Applications & components catalog.

2. Click the Access advanced features button , and then select Import.
3. Browse for the folder that contains the export file.
4. Select the export file.
5. Click Open to import the custom components.

TIP You can import custom components to a new model automatically

by using the XS_UEL_IMPORT_FOLDER advanced option. Export all
custom components to certain folders and enter these folders as
the value for the XS_UEL_IMPORT_FOLDER advanced option to
easily import the custom components to new models.

Import and export custom components 122 Import custom components

 9.2 Export custom components
You can export custom components in an .uel file. Do not change the file
name after exporting the custom components.

1. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to

open the Applications & components catalog.
2. In the catalog, select the custom components you want to export.
3. Right-click the selection, and then select Publish.
4. Browse for the folder where you want to save the file.
5. Enter a name for the export file.
By default, the file name extension is .uel.
6. Click Save to export the custom components.

TIP If you want to export custom components as separate files, select

the custom components in the Applications & components
catalog, right-click, and then select Publish separately.

Import and export custom components 123 Export custom components

10 Custom component settings
Here you will find more information about the various custom component
properties and plane types.

• Custom component properties (page 124)

You must define these properties when you create new custom
components. You can change some of these properties when you modify
an existing custom component.
• Default properties of a custom component (page 127)
Each custom component has a dialog box that you can modify. By default,
the dialog box has a Position tab for custom parts and a General tab for
custom connections, details, and seams.
• Plane types (page 132)
When you create distance variables for a custom component, you must
select a plane type. The plane type defines what planes you can select.
• Variable properties (page 136)
Use the Variables dialog box to define properties for distance and
parametric variables.

10.1 Custom component properties

You must define these properties when you create new custom components
with the Custom Component Wizard. You can change some of these
properties when you modify an existing custom component.
For more information, see Create a custom component (page 16) and Modify a
custom component (page 31).

Type/Notes tab properties

On the Type/Notes tab, you have the following options:

Custom component settings 124 Custom component properties

 Option Description
Type Select the type of the custom component.
Type affects how you insert the custom component
in the model. Type also defines if the custom
component connects to existing parts.
Name Enter a unique name for the custom component.
Description Enter a short description for the custom
component. Tekla Structures shows the description
in the Applications & components catalog.
Component identifier Enter an additional name or reference for the
component, for example a design code reference.
This can be shown in general arrangement and
assembly drawings, and in lists.
To show this in drawings, include Code in the
Connection Mark Properties dialog box.

Position tab properties

On the Position tab, you have the following options:

Option Description Note

Up direction Sets the default up Not available for parts.
direction.
Position type The position (or origin) Not available for details
of the component, and parts.
relative to the main part.

You can define the position for custom connections and seams. You have the
following options:

Option Description Example

Middle Where the center lines
of the main and
secondary parts
intersect.

Box plane Where the main part box

and the center line of
the secondary part
intersect.

Custom component settings 125 Custom component properties

 Option Description Example
Collision plane Where the main part
and the center line of
the secondary part
intersect.

Endend plane Where the center line of

the secondary part hits
the end of the main part.

Gusset plane Where the center lines

of the main part and the
first secondary part
intersect. The x direction
is perpendicular to the
center line of the main
part.

Advanced tab properties

On the Advanced tab, you have the following options:

Option Description Note

Detail type Determines on which Only available for details
side of the main part the and seams
component is located.
The options are:
• Intermediate detail
Tekla Structures
creates all
components on the
same side of the
main part

Custom component settings 126 Custom component properties

 Option Description Note
• End detail
Tekla Structures
creates all
components on the
side of the main part
closest to the details
Only affects asymmetric
components.
Definition point Determines the position Only available for details
position in relation to you pick to create the
primary part detail, relative to the
main part.
Definition point Determines where the Only available for
position in relation to component is created, connections and seams
secondary part relative to the secondary
part.
Allow multiple Select this option to Only available for
instances of create many connections and seams
connection between components to the same
same parts main part, in different
locations.
Exact positions Select this option to Only available for seams
position the seam based
on the positions that you
pick in the model.
Clear the check box to
let Tekla Structures use
automatic seam
recognition to position
the seam. This is useful
especially with warped
seams.
Use the center of the Select to position the Only available for parts
bounding box in custom part based on
positioning the center of its
bounding box (the box
that surrounds the
actual part profile).

Custom component settings 127 Default properties of a custom component

10.2 Default properties of a custom component
Each custom component has a dialog box that you can modify. By default, the
dialog box has a Position tab for custom parts and a General tab for custom
connections, details, and seams.
For more information, see Modify the dialog box of a custom component
(page 89).
To view the current properties, double-click the custom component in the
model.

Default properties of custom parts

By default, the dialog box of a custom part has the following options:

Option Description Example

On plane Changes part location on the work Middle
plane.

Right

Left

Custom component settings 128 Default properties of a custom component

 Option Description Example
Rotation Rotates the part in steps of 90 Top and Below
degrees.

Front and Back

At depth Changes part location perpendicular Middle

to the work plane.

Front

Behind

Custom component settings 129 Default properties of a custom component

 Option Description Example
Show third Sets the third handle of a nested None
handle custom part visible in the desired
direction.
You can bind the third handle in the
desired direction and thus force the
part to follow the rotation of another
part.

Above

On the left

Default properties of custom connections, details, and

seams
By default, the dialog box of a custom connection, detail, or seam has the
following options:

Custom component settings 130 Default properties of a custom component

 Option Description Note
Up direction Indicates how the component
is rotated around the
secondary part, relative to the
current work plane. If there
are no secondary parts, Tekla
Structures rotates the
connection around the main
part.
Position in relation The creation point of the Only available for
to primary part component, relative to the details.
main part.
Position in relation Tekla Structures automatically By default, only
to secondary part places the component available for seams.
according to the selected
If you want to use this
option.
property in
connections, select
the Allow multiple
instances of
connection between
same parts check
box on the Advanced
tab when you create
the component.
Place to picked Select this option to place the Only available for
positions seam at the points you pick. seams.
Detail type Determines on which side of Only available for
the main part the component details.
is located. The options are:
• Intermediate detail
Tekla Structures creates all
components on the same
side of the main part.
• End detail
Tekla Structures creates all
components on the side
that is closest to the
details.
Only affects asymmetric
components.
Locked Select Yes to prevent other
users from modifying the
properties.

Custom component settings 131 Default properties of a custom component

 Option Description Note
Class The class of the parts that the
custom component creates.
Connection code Identifies the component. You
can display this connection
code in connection marks in
drawings.
AutoDefaults rule The rule group used for
group setting the connection
properties.
AutoConnection rule The rule group Tekla
group Structures uses to select the
connection.

10.3 Plane types

When you add distance variables to a custom component, you must select a
plane type. The plane type defines what planes you can select.

You have the following options:

Plane type Description Example

Boundary planes You can select the edges of a
bounding box that surrounds
the profile.

Custom component settings 132 Plane types

 Plane type Description Example
Center planes You can select the center
planes of a profile.

Outline planes You can select the outer and

inner surfaces of a profile.

Cut planes If the part contains line, part,

or polygon cuts, this option
enables you to select cut
surfaces. Fittings cannot be
selected.

Component planes What you can select depends

on the component type and
the Position type of the
custom component.

Custom component settings 133 Plane types

Examples of component planes
See below for examples of possible component planes. What you can select
depends on the component type and the Position type of the custom
component.

Part component planes

Connection component planes

Custom component settings 134 Plane types

Detail component planes

Seam component planes

Custom component settings 135 Plane types

10.4 Variable properties
Use the Variables dialog box to view, modify, and create parametric variables,
and to view fixed and reference distance variables.

Tekla Structures uses variables with custom components (page 34), sketched
cross sections, and parametric modeling. The examples below are given for
custom components, but the same principles apply also to sketched cross
sections and parametric modeling.

Option Description
Name A unique name of a variable. Use this name to refer to the
variable in the custom component editor.
The maximum length is 19 characters.
Formula Use this box to enter a value or a formula.
Formulas begin with =.
Value Shows the current value of Formula.
Value type Select a value type from the list. The type determines what kind
of value you can enter for the variable.
For more information, see the table below.
Variable type This property can be either Distance or Parametric.
Visibility Use this setting to control the visibility of a variable.
Set to Show to display the variable in the custom component
dialog box.
Label in dialog box The name of the variable that Tekla Structures displays in the
custom component dialog box.
The maximum length is 30 characters.

You have the following options for the value type:

Option Description
Number A whole (integer) number. Use for quantity and multiplier.
Length A decimal (floating point) number. Use for lengths and distances.
Length numbers have unit (mm, inch, etc.) and they are rounded
to two decimal places.
Text A text (ASCII) string.
Factor A decimal value without a unit. You can set the number of
decimals for the value type in File menu --> Settings --> Options
--> Units and decimals .
Angle A decimal number type for storing angles, stored to one decimal
place, in radians.

Custom component settings 136 Variable properties

 Option Description
Material A data type associated with the material catalog. Use to select a
material from the standard material dialog.
Profile A data type associated with the profile catalog. Use to select a
profile from the standard profile dialog.
Bolt size Data types linked to the bolt catalog. Bolt size works with Bolt
standard. They have a fixed naming format: Px_diameter and
Bolt standard
Px_screwdin. Do not change the fixed name.
To show values for these in the component’s dialog box, x must
be the same for both, for example, P1_diameter and
P1_screwdin.

Bolt type For determining the bolt type (site/workshop) in the custom
component dialog box. Linked to the Bolt type property of bolts
in the Custom component browser.

Stud size Data types linked to the bolt catalog. Stud size, Stud standard
and Stud length work together. They have a fixed naming
Stud standard
format: Px_size, Px_standard and Px_length. Do not change
Stud length the fixed names.
To show values for these in the component’s dialog box, x must
be the same for all of them. For example, P9_size,
P9_standard, and P9_length.

Custom component settings 137 Variable properties

 Option Description

Distance list Use with options that have several length values, such as bolt
spacings.
Use space as a separator between the distances.

Weld type A data type for selecting the weld type.

Chamfer type A data type for determining the shape of a chamfer.

For more information, see Corner chamfer types and
dimensions.
Welding site A data type for determining the welding place: workshop or
building site.
Rebar grade Data types linked to reinforcement catalog. Rebar grade, Rebar
size, and Rebar bending radius work together. They have a
Rebar size
fixed naming format: Px_grade, Px_size, and Px_radius. Do
Rebar bending not change the fixed name.
radius
To show values for these in the component's dialog box, x must
be the same for all, for example, P1_grade, P1_size, and
P1_radius.

Rebar hook type Used for rebar set end detail modifiers, to specify the hook type.
Rebars to split Used for rebar set splitters, to specify how the bars are to be split
(1/1, 1/2, and so on).

Custom component settings 138 Variable properties

 Option Description
Rebar stagger type Used for rebar set splitters, to specify the stagger type (left/right/
middle).
Rebar lap side Used for rebar set splitters, to specify the side of the overlap
(left/right/middle).
Rebar lap Used for rebar set splitters, to determine whether the lapping
placement bars are parallel to each other or on top of each other.
Rebar lap type Used for rebar set splitters, to determine whether the reinforcing
bars are kept straight at lap splices by offsetting entire bars, or
placed slanted by offsetting bar ends.
Reinforcement For determining meshes in custom components. Linked to the
mesh Catalog name property of reinforcement meshes in the Custom
component browser.
Cross bar location Used for rebar meshes, to determine whether the crossing bars
are located above or below the longitudinal bars.
Component name Use Component name for replacing a sub-component inside a
custom component with another sub-component. Linked to the
Component
Name property of objects in the Custom component browser.
attribute file
Use Component attribute file for setting the properties of a
sub-component inside a custom component.
Component name and Component attribute file work
together. They have a fixed naming format: Px_name and
Px_attrfile. Do not change the fixed name.
To show values for these in the component's dialog box, x must
be the same for both, for example, P2_name and P2_attrfile.

Yes/No For determining whether or not Tekla Structures creates an

object in a custom component. Linked to the Creation property
of objects in the Custom component browser.

Bitmask For defining bolt assembly (nuts and washers) and parts with
slotted holes. Linked to the Bolt structure and Parts with

Custom component settings 139 Variable properties

 Option Description
slotted holes properties of bolts in the Custom component
browser.
The value is a five-digit series of ones and zeros. This relates to
the check boxes in the Bolt Properties dialog box. 1 means that
a check box is selected, 0 means that a check box is clear.
In the example below, the value of 10010 means that a bolt with
a washer and a nut is created in the bolt assembly.

Custom component settings 140 Variable properties

11 Hints and tips for using custom
components

Here you will find some useful tips on how to create and use custom
components more efficiently.
• Tips for creating custom components (page 141)
Follow these guidelines when creating new custom components.
• Tips for sharing custom components (page 142)
Follow these guidelines when sharing custom components with colleagues.
• Tips for updating custom components to a new version (page 142)
When you start using a new version of Tekla Structures, always check that
custom components created in older versions work correctly in the new
version.

11.1 Tips for creating custom components

Follow these guidelines when creating new custom components.
• Enter short, logical names for custom components.
Use the description field to describe the component and to explain what it
does.
• Create simple components for specific situations.
Simple components are easier and faster to model, and also much easier
to use. Avoid creating a single, complex component which you will use for
every possible purpose.
• Consider creating a separate component model.
Use that model when you create and test custom components.

Hints and tips for using custom components 141 Tips for creating custom components
 • Use the simplest part you can.
For example, if all you need is a rectangular shape, use a rectangular plate,
not a contour plate. Rectangular plates only have two handles, so you only
need to create a few bindings to manipulate them. Contour plates require
more bindings because they have four handles.

1. Rectangular plate
2. Contour plate
• Model parts only as accurately as you need.
If the only part information required is a part mark in a general
arrangement drawing, plus a quantity on a materials list, create a simple
bar or plate. If you need to include the part in a detailed view later on,
simply re-model the part more accurately at that point.
• Model embeds as custom parts and include them in components.

11.2 Tips for sharing custom components

Follow these guidelines when sharing custom components with colleagues.
• Use Tekla Warehouse to share and store custom components.
• Provide essential information.
If you distribute your component to other users, remember to list the
profiles it works with.
• Use fixed profiles whenever possible.
• If your custom component contains user-defined profile cross
sections, remember to include them when you copy the custom
component to a new location.

Hints and tips for using custom components 142 Tips for sharing custom components
 11.3 Tips for updating custom components to a new
version
When you start using a new version of Tekla Structures, always check that
custom components created in older versions work correctly in the new
version.
When you edit custom components created with an older version of Tekla
Structures, and the new version contains improvements that require an
update, Tekla Structures asks whether you want to update the component. If
you do not update the component, it works in the same manner as in the
version where it was originally created, but you do not gain the benefits of the
new improvements.
If you choose to update the component, you need to check and sometimes
recreate dimensions depending on the improvements. When you delete a
dimension and create a new one (even with the same name), the equations
that contain the dimension also need to be modified, because the dependency
created by the equation is lost when a dimension is deleted. You can recreate
dimensions and modify equations in the custom component editor.

Hints and tips for using custom components 143 Tips for updating custom components to a new
version
Hints and tips for using custom components 144 Tips for updating custom components to a new
version
Index

A custom component view..............................31

Custom component wizard..........................16
Applications & components...........................5 properties...............................................124
exporting custom components........... 122 custom components
importing custom components...........122 about custom components......................5
arithmetic operators.....................................55 adding to model.................................... 117
arithmetic operators...............................55
binding objects................................... 35,43
B construction planes and lines................43
copying property references..................51
binding objects creating.....................................................16
plane types.............................................132 default properties................................. 127
to a plane................................................. 35 dialog box files.........................................92
boundary planes......................................... 132 exporting................................................ 122
importing................................................122
inp files..................................................... 92
C locking.......................................................92
calculations.................................................... 53 modifying................................................. 31
center planes...............................................132 modifying the dialog box........................89
closing nested components................................ 19
custom component editor..................... 88 plane types.............................................132
component planes.............................. 132,133 preventing modifications....................... 92
component symbol......................................... 5 protecting with passwords.....................32
components seams........................................................13
exploding..................................................19 settings................................................... 124
nested components................................ 19 sub-components..................................... 19
sub-components..................................... 19 thumbnail images................................... 21
connections types............................................................5
custom connections...............................5,9 variables................................................... 34
construction lines..........................................43 custom connections........................................9
construction planes...................................... 43 custom details............................................... 11
copying custom parts....................................................7
property references................................ 51 adding to model.................................... 119
creating custom seams............................................... 13
custom components............................... 16 cut planes.....................................................132
Custom component browser................. 31,51 cyclic dependencies ..................................... 67
Custom component dialog editor............... 89
setting options.......................................116
custom component editor........................... 31 D
closing.......................................................88 dependencies
saving........................................................88 in variable formulas................................ 67

145
details exploding
custom details...................................... 5,11 components............................................. 19
dialog boxes exporting
modifying................................................. 89 custom components.............................122
dialog editor...................................................89
distance variables.................................... 34,35
distance
reference distance...................................45
F
formulas
arithmetic operators...............................55

E in custom components...........................53
functions........................................................ 53
editing
custom components............................... 31
editors
Custom component dialog editor......... 89
G
examples grid planes................................................... 132
adding option to create object in custom
component...............................................70
component planes................................ 133 I
creating custom connection.................. 23 importing
creating parametric variable..................69 custom components.............................122
determining bolt group distance from inp files
beam flange............................................. 78 in custom components..................... 89,92
determining bolt size and bolt standard
................................................................... 77
determining number of bolt rows in
custom component.................................80 L
exploding components...........................23 linking
modifying custom component dialog box parametric variables to object properties
................................................................... 93 ................................................................... 48
modifying dialog box of stiffener detail.... locking and unlocking
93 custom components............................... 92
nested components................................ 26
replacing sub-components in custom
component...............................................71
sub-components..................................... 26
M
using construction planes in custom magnetic construction planes and lines.... 43
component...............................................74 modifying
using Excel spreadsheets with custom custom components..........................16,31
components............................................. 86
using properties file in custom
component...............................................73 N
using template attributes in custom nested
components............................................. 84 components........................................19,26
using user-defined attributes in custom
components............................................. 82
Excel
using with custom components............ 86

146
O V
operators........................................................53 value types...................................................136
outline planes..............................................132 variable formulas.......................................... 53
variables
creating dependencies........................... 48
P dependencies.......................................... 67
distance variables....................................35
parametric variables.....................................34 in custom components...........................34
creating.....................................................48 parametric variables............................... 48
linking....................................................... 48 value types............................................. 136
parts variable properties................................136
custom parts........................................... 5,7
passwords
protecting custom components............ 32
plane types.................................................. 132
properties
Custom Component Wizard................ 124
custom components.............................127
variable properties................................136

R
reference distance variables.................. 34,45

S
saving
custom component.................................88
seams
custom seams.......................................5,13
settings
custom components.............................124
dialog editor settings............................ 116
sub-components........................................... 19
examples.................................................. 26

T
thumbnail image
of custom component............................ 21
tips
creating custom components..............141
custom components in new Tekla
Structures version................................. 142
sharing custom components...............142

147
148