International software company Tekla has recently released its annual main version of Tekla Structures BIM (building information model) software.
The new version 14, which is already in productive use with many Tekla clients, includes several improvements towards more user and environmentally-friendly software, according to a spokesperson for the company.
“In addition to more task-oriented user interface and menus, as well as a more flexible and environmentally-friendly (dongle and shipping-free) licensing system, Tekla Structures 14 includes improved tools for managing and sharing a BIM between software users and construction project participants. The software now enables working on models twice as big as before without the risk of running out of memory,” says the spokesperson.
“This new version introduces an improved task-oriented user interface, more logical menus that follow the user’s workflow, and more organised toolbars. All this enables shorter learning curve for new users and many benefits for existing users of Tekla Structures.
“Tekla Structures 14 features improved multi-user tools and other benefits, too. You can now automatically stay in queue to save your work. The new ‘soft drawing locks’ notify you of possible drawing editing conflicts, and it is easier to see which drawings others have modified. Model history is more informative than before, and there is an administrative tool available for removing model locks from the multiuser server. Outdated drawing files can now be deleted automatically.
“Tekla Structures 14 introduces several improvements to structural engineering, for example to cast-in-place modelling. Conceptual rebar modelling has been added to the Tekla Structures, engineering configuration. You can create reinforcement, including bending types, splice, and intelligent copy, as well as split slabs and walls, and use slab topping for drainage tool,” he elaborates.
Speaking on the company’s commitment to innovation, Tekla’s executive vice president Risto Räty says: “Tekla provides the construction industry with the most advanced BIM solutions that include an accurate, dynamic and data-rich three-dimensional environment. Tekla is committed to continuous product development and to making Tekla Structures software easier to use and learn.
“We release one main and one intermediate release per year in order to offer our customers the most advanced solution on the market. With Tekla Structures 14, I feel confident that Tekla models provide the highest level of constructability on the market.”
Tekla Structures is a premium-brand BIM software that streamlines the delivery process of design, detailing, fabrication, and construction organisations. Its ability to process extensive amounts of data enables highly constructable 3D and 4D models that apply to every stage of design and construction and represent the ‘as-built’ condition of a building.
“Tekla Structures effectively integrates into any best-of-breed software-driven collaborative workflow, which is the key to minimising errors and maximising efficiency, resulting in high profitability and on-time project completion,” he says.
Tekla Structures encompasses specialised configurations for structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, precast concrete detailers and manufacturers, as well as construction companies.
Football stadium
One of the top venues for the European football championships this season, the Salzburg Walz-Siezenheim Stadium in Austria, was modeled and expanded with the help of Tekla Structures software. The refurbished stadium now offers 17,000 more seats. Tekla technology was essential for finishing on time the challenging steel structure which was subject to constant modification requests, according to the spokesperson.
“The Saltzburg stadium, which was renovated to meet the demands of a modern sporting venue, now seats 32,000 spectators, up from the previous capacity of 15,000. In order to complete the project, a further stand and distribution level were added, and the roof was raised by roughly 11 m. The improved steel structure weighs approximately 2,100 tonnes. The expansion work for this challenging project demanded accurate planning by the steel contractors, while allowing multiple project team members to simultaneously review, model and detail the complex structures,” the spokesperson says.
The expansion was carried out with the help of Tekla Structures BIM software, which enables effectively sharing a detailed structural model between the design process participants. Tekla’s advanced 3D visualisation and reporting tools ensured efficient communication between the project team, the spokesperson points out.
“Tekla technology was essential for this project due to the short completion deadline, which had to be met despite the constant changes requested by Fifa and the architects,” he says.
Tekla Structures was also used to model the refurbishment of Wembley Stadium in London and one of the biggest construction projects in Europe, Heathrow Terminal 5.
Founded in 1966 in Finland, Tekla offers model-based software products that make customers’ core processes more effective in building and construction, energy distribution, infrastructure management, and water supply.
Tekla Corporation has area offices and partner organisations worldwide with international operations accounting for 85 per cent of net sales. Its Middle East operations are based in Dubai Internet City.
