Tekla Structural Designer

Beginner Tutorial Manual
Website: https://www.tekla.com/sg/products/tekla-structural-designer
Tekla Structural Designer
© Trimble Solutions SEA Pte Ltd | January 1, 2020 Beginner Tutorial Manual
1 Introduction 3 (38)
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
2. The Interface ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
3. Basic Functionality.............................................................................................................................................. 5
4. Modelling Hints & Tips ....................................................................................................................................... 6
5. Exercise Details ................................................................................................................................................... 7
5.1 Structural details ........................................................................................................................................ 7
5.2 Loading details ........................................................................................................................................... 7
6. Modelling ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
6.1 Creating a new model ................................................................................................................................ 8
6.2 Defining construction levels ...................................................................................................................... 8
6.3 Inserting the architectural grid .................................................................................................................. 9
6.4 Inserting additional grid lines .................................................................................................................... 9
6.5 Creating concrete walls ............................................................................................................................ 10
6.6 Creating concrete columns ...................................................................................................................... 10
6.7 Creating concrete beams ......................................................................................................................... 11
6.8 Creating slab on beams ............................................................................................................................ 13
6.9 Creating flat slab ...................................................................................................................................... 14
6.10 Inserting slab openings ............................................................................................................................ 15
7. Loading and Combinations .............................................................................................................................. 16
7.1 Creating load cases .................................................................................................................................. 16
7.2 Applying loads .......................................................................................................................................... 16
7.3 Creating load combinations ..................................................................................................................... 18
7.4 Load envelopes......................................................................................................................................... 20
8. Analysis and Design .......................................................................................................................................... 21
8.1 Analysis and designing the structure....................................................................................................... 21
8.1.1 Analysis and design settings ............................................................................................................ 21
8.2 Reviewing the design status .................................................................................................................... 22
8.3 Interrogating the analysis results ............................................................................................................ 23
8.4 Designing and checking individual elements .......................................................................................... 24
8.5 Slab design ................................................................................................................................................ 25
9. Detail Drawings ................................................................................................................................................ 27
9.1 Drawing settings ....................................................................................................................................... 27
9.2 Creating individual frame element detail drawings................................................................................ 28
9.3 Creating schedules ................................................................................................................................... 28
9.4 Slab detailing ............................................................................................................................................ 29
10. Reports and Integration ............................................................................................................................... 30
10.1 Generating reports ................................................................................................................................... 30
10.2 Managing reports and their content ....................................................................................................... 30
10.3 Integrating your model with another program ....................................................................................... 30
11. Foundations .................................................................................................................................................. 31
11.1 Model of Pad Footing ............................................................................................................................... 31
11.2 Design of Pad Footing .............................................................................................................................. 31
11.3 Model of Pile Cap ..................................................................................................................................... 32
11.4 Design of Pile Cap ..................................................................................................................................... 33
11.5 Model of Piled Mat .................................................................................................................................. 35
11.6 Design of Piled Mat .................................................................................................................................. 36
11.7 Foundation Drawings ............................................................................................................................... 37
11.8 Foundation Report – Pile Cap .................................................................................................................. 38

1 Introduction 4 (38)
1. Introduction
This document offers brief guidance on the basics of using Tekla Structural Designer for concrete structures, using
a simple example. It demonstrates the steps required to complete this example, as well as some other fundamental
concepts.
Detailed information about each program command and setting is available in the Help System – this can be
accessed by pressing ‘F1’ on your keyboard when you have the program open, or by clicking the Help (?) icon in the
top right corner of the ribbon.
2. The Interface
Tekla Structural Designer has a single user interface that allows multi-material models to be build, analysed and
interrogated easily. All concrete and steel elements can be designed and a variety of reports and detailed drawings
can be generated, all within the same program.
The main components of the interface are detailed below:
Quick Access Toolbar
Ribbons
Information Bar
Project
Workspace Scene Views
Properties
Window
Scene Content
Loading Drop List Status Bar
• The Ribbon is located at the top of the screen and is split up into a number of tabs. Each ribbon tab is
labelled based on the type of action that can be carried out when that tab is selected. For example, the
Model ribbon tab allows you to create elements in your model, the Load ribbon tab allows you to apply
loads, etc.
• The Quick Access Toolbar contains certain tools that can always be accessed, irrespective of which tab you
have selected on the Ribbon, such as Delete, Undo and Save.
• The File ribbon tab contains standard options, such as New, Open, Save As and Exit. It also provides a list
of Recent Documents that you’ve been working on.

3 Basic Functionality 5 (38)
• The Project Workspace contains numerous tabs that display different trees of information. The Structure
tree lists all elements in the model, as well as architectural grids, levels, frames, planes and more, and also
allows you to select and edit elements. Other options include the Loading tree, which compares load
applied against reactions, and the Status tree, which shows the status of various validations and analyses
completed.
• The Properties window lists all properties associated with whatever item(s) are either selected in the
model, or are about to be created.
• The Scene Views show various different views of the model, including 3D views, 2D plans, frames and
planes. These views can also display the model in different View Modes, including Structural, Solver,
Results and Review.
• The Scene Content window controls the information displayed in the currently active Scene View.
• The Loading drop list controls the active load case or combination, and allows you to either apply loads
within, or view results for, the selected option.
• The Status Bar shows the units and design codes used by the open model, and allows you to switch
between View Modes.
• The yellow Information Bar shows the currently active command and what the next step for that command
is, and to press Esc to exit the command.
3. Basic Functionality
• Selecting – When no command is active, you are automatically in Select mode. If you want to edit an
existing item, you must select it and then edit its properties.
o To select an individual element, simply left click on that object.
o To add an individual element to an existing selection, hold the
CTRL key whilst you left click.
o If you place your cursor over multiple elements, the Select Entity
window will automatically appear; use the scroll buttons on your
keyboard or tab key to highlight the reference for the element you
want to select, and then left click or press enter.
o You can select multiple elements by holding the left mouse button
down and dragging a window around the objects. Other select options are available.
• Deleting – Clicking the Delete button, either on your keyboard or from the
Quick Access Toolbar, deletes whatever you currently have selected.
Alternatively, you can activate Delete first, then click on the item to be
deleted. You can also delete by dragging a window around multiple
elements.
• Navigating a scene view - Below are some of the basic ways to navigate a
scene view
o Zoom – Scroll up or down using the mouse scroll wheel
o Pan – Press and hold the mouse scroll button down, then move the mouse
o Rotate (3D view only) - Press and hold the right mouse button, then move the mouse
o Exiting a command – Once you have finished using a particular command, you need to press the Esc
button on your keyboard to exit from that command. If you don’t do this, that command will remain active
for the scene view that it was activated in

4 Modelling Hints & Tips 6 (38)
4. Modelling Hints & Tips
• Manage models
o Define and modify head codes and design codes
o Define and modify units
o Manage object references
o Create and manage user-defined attributes
o Manage settings sets
o Manage material databases
o Manage properties and property sets
o Manage sub structures
Refer to TUA: https://teklastructuraldesigner.support.tekla.com/tekla-structural-designer-
2019i/en/bas_editentityproperties
• Edit the model - after creating the model and the necessary members within it, you may need to make
some modifications
o copy objects and loads
o move objects or move the model
o mirror objects
o delete members
o join and split members
o Automatically join all concrete beams
o Reverse member axes and panel faces
o use cutting planes to hide a part of your model
o remove any unused slopes, frames, construction and grid lines
o merge planes
o Rationalize the model
o create infill members
o edit or add free points
2019i/en/mod_editthemodel
• Edit entity properties - selected entities can have their properties edited
o Edit properties using the Properties window
o Edit properties using the Properties dialog box
o Edit properties of multiple entities
2019i/en/bas_editentityproperties
• Validation
o What is Validation?
o How do I perform a manual Model validation?
o Can I suppress validation issues?
o How do I locate the Validation Error or Warning in the model?
o List of Validation issues
Refer to TUA: https://teklastructuraldesigner.support.tekla.com/support-article/2889441

5 Exercise Details 7 (38)
5. Exercise Details
Base Plan and Structure 3D views
5.1 Structural details
• Design Code = Singapore (Eurocode)

• X direction bays = 5.0m, 2x3.0m, 5.0m, Y direction bays = 5.0m, 3.0m, 6.0m
• 4 storeys of 3.0m (1st – 3rd storey are typical)
• C-shaped 250mm thick core wall
• 13 concrete columns, 600mm x 300mm, to be automatically aligned automatically
• Continuous concrete beam at each storey except the base, 300mm x 600mm
• Flat slab construction at typical storeys, 250mm thick
• One-way and two-way slabs at Roof, 200mm thick
• Grade C32/40 concrete
5.2 Loading details
• Self-weight = Automatically applied

• Dead Slab Load on flat slab (Typical storeys) = 2.0 kN/m2
• Dead Slab Load on one-way slab (Roof) = 1.5 kN/m2
• Dead Slab Load on two-way slab (Roof) = 2.5 kN/m2
• Dead Full UDL on perimeter beam (All storeys) = 4.5 kN/m
• Services Level Load (All storeys) = 1.0 kN/m2
• Imposed Area Loads (Typical storeys) = 3.5 kN/m2
• Imposed Area Loads (Roof) = 1.5 kN/m2

6 Modelling 8 (38)
6. Modelling
All standard modelling commands are accessed from the MODEL ribbon tab
6.1 Creating a new model
Before creating a new model, the Settings and Materials commands on the HOME ribbon tab should be reviewed
to ensure the required options are selected. New models take a lot of these settings to create their own model
settings for the new file, and can include information such as the default section sizes and the concrete grades.
Once the new file has been created, its model settings can be reviewed and amended via the Model Settings
command on the HOME ribbon tab. Design code-based features in the program, such as automatically generated
Load Combinations, are based on the default Head Code setting also specified in these windows.
Clicking the New command will create a new blank file, ready for you to insert your model.
Ø Review the Settings and Materials, then create a new file based on the Exercise details
Ø Move on to the MODEL ribbon tab
6.2 Defining construction levels
New levels can be created by clicking the Construction Levels command:
• The Level and Spacing columns can be edited to specify storey heights and their Z coordinates
• The Type column defines the setting out position as T.O.S (top of steel), S.S.L (structural slab level) or T.O.F
(top of foundation) for entities placed on that level
• The Source column defines whether a level is unique or a duplicate copy of another defined level
• The Floor column determines if the level is a floor or not and can affect imposed load reductions
• The Name column allows you to give levels more descriptive names
• The Slab Th. column allows you to define the default slab thickness for each level
5
4 6 1
3
2
Ø Insert the construction levels based on the Exercise details

6 Modelling 9 (38)
6.3 Inserting the architectural grid
To insert most elements into a model, Grid Lines or Construction Lines are required. To define an Architectural
Grid, you can click on the drop down arrow below the Grid Line command and select an appropriate option.
Ø Click on the drop down arrow below the Grid Line command and choose Rectangular
Wizard
Ø On the Levels and Grid Name dialog, define a Grid Name, then click Next
Ø On the Select Origin dialog, accept the default (0,0) position for the bottom left corner
of the grid, then click Next
Ø On the Generate dialog, accept the default of All Lines, then click Next
Ø On the X direction extents dialog, select Irregular and enter the Lengths = 5, 2x3, 5 then click Next
Ø Do the same for the Y direction extents dialog with Lengths = 5, 3, 6 then click Finish
6.4 Inserting additional grid lines
Now that the main architectural grid has been created, an additional diagonal grid line can be inserted to
complete the layout.
Ø Ensure you’re working in the St. Base (Base) 2D plan view

Ø Click on the Grid Line command – if this has been replaced with ‘Rectangular Wizard’, you
can select Grid Line by clicking on the drop down arrow underneath that option
Ø Left click on grid intersection (D,4)
Ø Left click on grid intersection (E,3)
Ø Press the ESC button to exit out of the grid line command, as per the text in the yellow information bar
Click 1
Click 2
To know how to import grids from a DXF file or a shadow of the DXF file and
other related information, refer to TUA:
https://teklastructuraldesigner.support.tekla.com/tekla-structural-designer-
2019i/en/mod_importgridsfromdxf

6 Modelling 10 (38)
6.5 Creating concrete walls
Concrete walls can be inserted into a model in a Plan, Frame or Structure 3D scene view, and are created by clicking
the Concrete Meshed Wall button. Once the Create Meshed Shear Wall command is activated, the wall’s
properties can be defined in the Properties window. These include the thickness, cover, top and bottom levels,
and how the wall is aligned in the plan view. Once the Properties are set up as required, you can then insert them
into the model in a variety of different ways, including by left clicking on the grid intersections at the start and end
of the wall, or by clicking on each of the grid intersections that define the wall’s corners when working in 3D or a
frame view.
Ø Click on the Meshed Wall command and review the Properties

Ø Insert 3 panels of 250thk wall, as per the Exercise details
Click 5
Click 6
Click 4
Click 3
Click 1 Click 2
More information on how to create concrete walls and other related topics,
refer to TUA:
2019i/en/mod_createconcretewalls
6.6 Creating concrete columns
Concrete columns can be inserted into a model in a Plan, Frame or Structure 3D scene view, and are created by
clicking the Concrete Column button. Once the Create Cast-in-place Concrete Column command is activated, the
column’s properties can be defined in the Properties window. These include the section size, cover, releases, top
and bottom levels, and how the column is aligned in the plan view. Once the Properties are set up as required,
you can then insert them into the model in a variety of different ways, such as by left clicking on an individual grid
intersection or by dragging a window around a number of grid intersections when in a plan view.
Ø Click on the Concrete Column command and review the Properties

Ø Insert the 13 nos. of column, as per the Exercise details

6 Modelling 11 (38)
2
5
1 9 10
4 7
8
13
Click & drag

a window 11
12
More information on how to create columns and other related topics,

refer to TUA:
2019i/en/mod_createconcretewalls
6.7 Creating concrete beams
Concrete beams can be inserted into a model in a Plan, Frame, Sloped Plane or Structure 3D scene view, and are
created by clicking the Concrete Beam button. Once the Create Cast-in-place Concrete Beam command is
activated, the beam’s properties can be defined in the Properties window. These include the section size, covers,
releases, and how the beam is aligned. Once the Properties are set up as required, you can then insert beams into
the model in a many different ways, such as by dragging a window around multiple columns, and beams will
automatically be inserted between them where a grid line already exists.
Ø In the Structure Tree, expand the option Levels, then double click on St. 1 (1) and St. 4 (Roof) to create the
2D plan scene views for these levels

6 Modelling 12 (38)
Ø Click on the Concrete Beam command and review the Properties

Ø Insert the 300x600 beam on St. 1 (1) and St. 4 (Roof) as shown below
7
2
Click & drag

a window 3
Click & drag

a window 6
To place a beam off another beam, hover over the supporting beam to obtain points to connect to. Click on the
point required and then move to the second supporting beam. Again, hover over a point and click on the required
point. If the points do not provide the required position you can press ‘F2’ and define the distance along the beam.
Ø At St. 4 (Roof) level, insert a 2 spans continuous secondary beam as shown below
1 6
4 Click to pick on
perpendicular point
2 Hover the cursor

over this beam
3
Press ‘F2’
Type in the dimension
Double click on the 5
then hit ‘Enter’
perpendicular point
More information on how to create beams and other related topics,

refer to TUA:
2019i/en/mod_beamcreationmethods

6 Modelling 13 (38)
6.8 Creating slab on beams
Slab on beams can be created in a Plan or Structure 3D view, and are created by clicking on the Slabs on Beams
button. Once the Create Slab Item command is activated, the slab’s properties can be defined in the Properties
window. These include the slab depth and diaphragm options. Once the Properties are set up as required, you can
then insert the slab panels into the model in a variety of different ways, such as by left clicking into an individual
axis region, or by dragging a window around or within a number of axis regions when in a plan view.
Ø Ensure you’re working in the St. 4 (Roof) 2D plan view
Ø Click on the Slab on Beams command and insert 200thk one-way slab, as shown below
5 Click
3
4
Ø Insert the remaining 200thk two-way slab, as shown below
Click
7

6 Modelling 14 (38)
6.9 Creating flat slab
Flat slabs can be created in a Plan or Structure 3D scene view, and are created by clicking on the Slabs on Beams
drop down button and selecting Flat Slab. Once the Create Slab Item command is activated, the slab’s properties
can be defined in the Properties window. These include the slab depth and diaphragm options. Once the
Properties are set up as required, you can insert the slab panels into the model in a variety of ways, such as by left
clicking into an individual axis region, or by dragging a window around or within a number of axis regions when in
a plan view.
Ø Ensure you’re working in the St. 1 (1) 2D plan view

Ø Click on the Flat Slab command and review the Properties
Ø Insert 250thk flat slabs, as per the Exercise details
1
Click & drag a window
3 From right to left
4
2
Click & drag a window
8
From left to right
6
7
More information on how to create slabs and other related topics,

refer to TUA:
2019i/en/mod_slabmodeling

6 Modelling 15 (38)
6.10 Inserting slab openings
Once slabs exist in a model, slab openings can be inserted when in a 2D view by clicking the Slab Opening button.
Once the Add Slab Opening command is activated, the opening’s shape and angle of rotation can be defined in
the Properties window. You can then insert the opening by defining the opposite corners of the opening, either
by clicking on the plan view, or by using the Pick Corner of Opening window.
Ø Ensure you’re working in the St. 1 2D plan view

Ø Click on the Slab Opening command
Ø Insert the slab opening, as per the Exercise details
1
4
2
3
More information on how to create slab openings, refer to TUA:

2019i/en/mod_createslabmatopenings

7 Loading and Combinations 16 (38)
7. Loading and Combinations
All standard Loading commands are accessed from the LOAD ribbon tab
7.1 Creating load cases
The Loadcases in your model can be viewed and edited by clicking the Loadcases command. A number of
loadcases are created by default, including Self weight – excluding slabs and Slab selfweight, which are then
automatically calculated based on your model. New loadcases can be created by clicking the Add button in this
window, but the default loadcases are all that’s required for this model.
Ø Click onto the LOAD ribbon tab, click the Loadcases button to review them, and then click OK
7.2 Applying loads
To apply a load under a particular loadcase, you must first select an appropriate scene view, as some load types
can only be applied in certain views. If a load type can’t be applied in the scene view you have selected, then it will
be greyed out. You then need to select the loadcase that you want to apply the load under using the Loading drop
list. Once this is done, you can then select the appropriate load type, adjust their directions and magnitudes in the
Properties window, and apply the load to the model. The Scene Content window allows you to control which load
types are displayed.

Ø Apply all loads to the model under the appropriate loadcases, as per the Exercise details, as shown below
Dead load = 2kN/m2 Dead udl = 4.5kN/m
Services = 1kN/m2 Imposed load = 3.5kN/m2
Dead udl = 4.5kN/m

Dead load = 1.5kN/m2 & 2.5kN/m2
Services = 1kN/m2 Imposed load = 1.5kN/m2

7.3 Creating load combinations
The Load Combinations in your model can be viewed and edited by clicking the Combinations command. New
combinations can be manually created by clicking the Add button in this window. You can then edit the Name of
the combination and control which load cases are included in it – this is done by selecting the required load case
in the Available Loadcases list and using the arrow buttons to move them into the Included list.
1
4
3
2
A series of code-based combinations can also be generated automatically by clicking the Generate... button in this
window, which will then lead you through the Combination Generator. All that’s required for this model is a single
combination containing all of the default load cases, excluding EHFs.
Ø On the Loading window, click on Generate… button

2 3
5
6
You will see that there is a total 5 load combinations have been generated – 2 for gravity and 4 for lateral.
Ø Click OK to exit

7.4 Load envelopes
The Load Envelopes in your model can be viewed and edited by clicking the Envelopes command. New envelopes
can be manually created by clicking the Add button in this window. You can then edit the Name of the envelope
and control which load combinations are included in it – this is done using a similar method to creating new load
combinations, by selecting the required combination in the Available Combinations list and using the arrow
buttons to move it into the Included list.
No envelopes are required for this exercise.
To know more on how to manage load cases, groups, combinations,

envelopes and patterns, refer to TUA:
2019i/en/load_manageloading

8 Analysis and Design 21 (38)
8. Analysis and Design
All standard analysis and design commands are accessed from the ANALYZE ribbon tab and the DESIGN ribbon
tab
8.1 Analysis and designing the structure
All of the various analyses that can be completed in the program can be accessed from the ANALYZE ribbon tab,
and the analysis results could then be interrogated. However, you can get Tekla Structural Designer to run multiple
analyses on the model and then design all concrete frame elements (excluding slabs) for gravity and lateral loads
in one go. This is done by clicking the Design Concrete (All) button on the DESIGN ribbon tab. This process goes
through a series of steps, in part controlled by the Design Settings, with the key steps mentioned below. You can
see which stage the analysis and design process is at by clicking the Show Process button in the bottom left corner
of the screen. Elements designed during this process will be designed for the worst case loading from all sets of
analysis results.
• Validation – The purpose of validation is to trap out problems that will likely cause the analysis or design
to fail. If any issues are found, they will be reported as either a warning or an error in the Status Tree.
Errors MUST be corrected to allow the analysis and design to be completed. You can double click on the
warning and error messages to locate the issues
• Load Decomposition – Slab loads are decomposed into the model frame using an FE mesh, ready for the
3D Analysis
• 3D Analysis – This will analyse the whole stick-frame model at once, following the analysis and design
options
• Grillage Chasedown – This will complete a chasedown of load using the sub models of each floor, from top
to bottom, without the slabs being meshed
• FE Chasedown – This will complete a chasedown of load using the sub models of each floor, from top to
bottom, meshing the slabs at every level
• Auto Design – Once the structure is fully analysed, Tekla Structural Designer will perform a full Auto Design
of all frame elements in the model by default. All concrete columns and beams are automatically placed
into Design Groups based on various parameters as the model is created. All elements inside each design
group will be given the same reinforcement arrangement so that they all work for each others worst case
analysis and design results.
8.1.1 Analysis and design settings
As with all analysis and design packages, it’s important to check the settings for the analyses and designs to be
completed before running them. This should ensure that the analysis results are accurate and correct, and that
the completed designs follow the parameters you want.
The Analysis Settings contain key settings related to each analysis type available in the program, such as the
Modification Factors for E and I values, which will naturally affect the stiffness of the structure.
The Design Settings let you control how the various elements are designed, allowing you to specify things like the
minimum and maximum bars sizes and spacings, bar patterns, link settings and ignorable force limits.
Ø Select the ANALYZE ribbon tab, click the Settings button, review them and accept the defaults
Ø Select the DESIGN ribbon tab, click the Settings button, review them and accept the defaults.

Ø Click the Design Concrete (Static) button, also found on the DESIGN ribbon tab
8.2 Reviewing the design status
Once the Design Concrete (Static) process is complete, the View Mode of your active scene view will automatically
change to the Review View mode, and the newly-created REVIEW ribbon tab will be activated. This will show the
graphical design Status of each element in the model to see if they have passed or failed or if there are any other
issues with them.

Some other key points include:

• The Status Tree has become active in the Project Workspace, showing the status of the validations and
analyses completed – errors and warnings would also be displayed here
• The Status bar shows green ticks and red crosses to highlight completed analyses and designs
• The REVIEW ribbon tab contains several other features to review and edit the model, including checking
which members are pinned and which are set to be auto-designed or check-designed
• The Slab Design Status will be ‘Unknown’ as slab design is completed in a separate process
8.3 Interrogating the analysis results
Once an analysis has been completed, the results can be interrogated by switching view mode to the Results View
on the Status Bar, and a newly-created RESULTS ribbon tab will be activated. Here, you can choose which analysis
you want to view the results for, such as 1st Order Linear, and also select the type of results you want to view,
such as deflections, moment & shear diagrams, reactions, strip results and a variety of contours. The results
displayed are dependent on the load case, combination or envelope selected in the Loading Drop List, and you
can adjust the scale of the diagrams using the Scale Settings.
If you are unsure why you are getting certain results, you can also try switching view mode to the Solver View on
the Status Bar, so you can see the actual analysis model that was analysed. This will give you a different insight
into the model and could allow you to spot the issue more easily.
3 5
1
Solver View Mode Result View Mode
4 2
Ø Change to a RESULTS view mode and investigate some of the various results available
Ø Change to a Solver view mode and take a look at the analysis solver model
As well as being able to view the analysis results for the whole model, you can also view results for individual
elements. These can be accessed by hovering the cursor over the element in question, right clicking and choosing
Open Load Analysis View. A new scene view will be created, and a LOADING ANALYSIS ribbon tab will
automatically open. This will allow you to choose which results are displayed and from which analysis. The
Properties window also helps control the information displayed.

Ø Try checking the Load Analysis View for one of the beams and columns in the model
More information can be found in Static analysis and design handbook,

refer to TUA:
2019i/en/saad_memberdesignstage
8.4 Designing and checking individual elements
Tekla Structural Designer can autodesign all elements in the model at once, but you can also interactively design
a single member by right clicking over a frame element and choosing Interactive Design…
The Interactive Design will first perform a Check Design on that member, where it checks the element’s current
design against it’s current analysis results, and then allows you to:

• View the existing design status, and adjust various parameters, including bar sizes and links
• View the Interaction Diagrams for columns and walls only
• Preview a Detail Drawing of the element, and adjust the Drawing Settings
As you edit the design parameters, a check design is again performed instantly. Clicking the Check button in this
window also performs another Check Design, and will then allow you to view the check results in more detail, so
you can view the design calculations based on the edited design. Once Check is clicked, a Design Summary is
displayed. You can then drill down to view the appropriate checks on the left hand side and then expand the
calculations on the right hand side to see exactly why a particular element is passing or failing.
Once you are satisfied with the design of the element, clicking OK in the Interactive Design window will confirm
your changes and apply the selected reinforcement to both this element and all other elements in the same Design
Group. Therefore, you may find that if you have not interactively designed the critical element in a design group,
then other elements from that group may be updated to a Fail status.
Ø Try checking and editing the designs of a beam and a column
8.5 Slab design
When slabs are initially created, they have several properties relating to reinforcement – this is known as their
background reinforcement, which will be placed throughout the whole panel. However, designing the background
reinforcement to resist all forces in the slabs would result in excessive reinforcement provisions, so a variety of
Patches of additional reinforcement are also required. Both the slabs and the patches are set to be automatically
designed by default. The placement of the patches is a manual process, so it is important to place appropriately
sized patches in the correct locations.
Patches contain a number of strips, some of which are set to design for the average design forces across their
widths, and others simply gather a maximum value. The patches also have a variety of properties allowing you to
control options like strip widths, bar sizes and their spacings. Patches are inserted into the model by first selecting
the patch command you want to use, then by either left clicking on an appropriate element, or by dragging a
window around multiple elements.

2 3
There’s a variety of different Patch types available, depending on the location of where the patch is to be placed,
and they’re found on the Design ribbon tab. They include:
• Patch Column – Placed on columns in flat slab models, to deal with local peak moments
• Patch Beam – Placed along beams, usually to deal with hogging moments
• Patch Wall – Placed along walls, with options associated with the position and span of the wall
• Patch Panel – Placed in the middle of slab spans to deal with local peak moments
The full intended slab design process is detailed on the following page.
• Insert the Patches in the appropriate locations. It’s important to make sure the patch sizes are appropriate
– the easiest way to do this is to insert the patches whilst viewing the results contours to ensure the peaks
are contained within the patches. You should also ensure that both the slab panel and patch minimum
bar spacings are sensible before attempting the design
• Design the Slab Panels by clicking Design Slabs command on the DESIGN ribbon tab – Autodesign selects
the background reinforcement for the slab panels. The reinforcement is selected ignoring the forces that
develop within the slab patch areas of the slabs, but is placed throughout the whole slab panel
• Review and optimise the panel designs by using the Slab Reinforcement option on the REVIEW ribbon
tab when in the Review View. The Slab setting in the Properties window should be set to Panel first, and
it will then allow you to rationalise the background reinforcement for all slab panels
• Design the Patches by clicking Design Patches command on the DESIGN ribbon tab – Autodesign selects
the additional reinforcement required in the slabs within the patch areas, taking into account the already
placed background reinforcement

9 Detail Drawings 27 (38)
• Review and optimise the patch designs by using the Slab Reinforcement option on the REVIEW ribbon
tab when in the Review View. The Slab setting in the Properties window should be set to Patch first, and
it will then allow you to rationalise the patch rebar
Punching Shear Checks can also be added to specific columns and walls in a similar manner to adding patches,
using the Punching Check command on the DESIGN ribbon tab. These checks should be added once the slabs and
patches have been designed to ensure realistic reinforcement levels are considered during the punching checks.
Once inserted, they can then be checked using the Design Punching Shear command.
Ø Try inserting some patches into the model at St.1 (1) to get the whole slab to work
2
3
1
More information can be found in Concrete member and slab design handbook,
refer to TUA:
2019i/en/saad_memberdesignstage
9. Detail Drawings
All currently available standard drawing commands are accessed from either the DRAW ribbon tab or from the
right-click menu.
9.1 Drawing settings
Once elements have been designed, detail drawings of them can be created. All drawings are created based on
the Drawing Settings, which can be accessed by clicking the Settings on the DRAW ribbon tab. Additional detailing
preferences that affect the actual selection of reinforcement are found in the Design Settings, as discussed
previously. All of these settings allow you to control a wide variety of things, including what information is
displayed in each type of drawing, the colours of the different layers, section information, labels and dimensions.
The detail drawings will be generated as DXF files and will be displayed by exporting them to another program, so
you’ll need a program such as AutoCAD or TrueView to be able to view them.

Ø Go onto the DRAW ribbon tab and review the Drawing Settings
9.2 Creating individual frame element detail drawings
Detail drawings of individual frame elements can be generated by hovering your cursor over the element in
question, right clicking and choosing Generate Detailing Drawing. Once this option is selected, you will be
prompted to specify the file name and location, drawing type and style, and a drawing scale. Clicking OK will then
open the appropriate program and generate the detail drawing. You can also access this option by clicking the
Detail Drawing button from within the element’s Interactive Design window.
Depending on your drawing settings, the detail drawings generated here will include an elevation of the element,
a number of sections and a quantity table.
9.3 Creating schedules
Schedules can be created for Beams, Columns and Walls using the corresponding options on the DRAW ribbon
tab. Once one of these options has been clicked, you will be prompted to choose which elements you want
included in the schedule, provided there is more than one of these element types present. You will then be faced
with similar options to those when creating a detail drawing, as detailed above.
Ø Try generating some detail drawings and schedules for the frame elements of your choice
More information on how to create member detail drawings, refer to TUA:

2019i/en/dra_createmddrawings

9.4 Slab detailing
Detail drawings for slabs are also available from the DRAW ribbon tab. The General Arrangement option provides
information on the general arrangement of the model, including member labels and slab thicknesses. The Slab
Detailing option can include information about background reinforcement and rebar information for the patches.
Quite a lot of information could be displayed in these drawings which may overcrowd the view and make it look
messy, unless you use one of the standard drawing types. As with the frame element detail drawings, the
information in the drawings can be controlled by the Drawing Settings.
Ø Try generating a general arrangement and slab detailing drawing for the slabs on St.1
More information on how to create slab detail drawings, refer to TUA:

2019i/en/dra_creates_mdrawings

10 Reports and Integration 30 (38)
10. Reports and Integration
All standard report commands are accessed from either the REPORT ribbon tab or the right-click menu.
10.1 Generating reports
There are a number of standard reports available using the Select drop down menu on the REPORT ribbon tab.
Once the required report is selected here, clicking the Show Report button will display the report in a new scene
view. Once the report is generated, there are a number of options on the REPORT ribbon tab, including:
• Settings – Control font and text size, margins, page numbering, etc
• Edit Header/Footer – Control the layout, labels and content of the report’s header and footer
• Navigation – Navigate through the pages of the report using the arrow commands, or by using the
Report Index to quickly get to specific pages, which will become available in the Project Workspace
• Export – Options to export the report to PDF, Word, Excel and Tedds for Word
More information on how to create and modify reports, refer to TUA:

2019i/en/rep_reportingguidelandingpage
10.2 Managing reports and their content
If you want to create your own custom report, or just edit the content of the standard reports, you can use the
Model Report or Member Report options on the REPORT ribbon tab. New report styles can be generated by
clicking Add and then entering a Report Name. Content available for inclusion in the report is listed under the
Chapters and Options list. Once the option required for the report is found, it can be dragged into the Report
Structure list, and then up or down that list to specify the order. Right clicking over the entries in the Report
Structure list allows filters to be applied to the content and items to be removed from the report.
More information on how to manage report content, refer to TUA:

2019i/en/rep_examplereports
https://teklastructuraldesigner.support.tekla.com/support-article/2747001
10.3 Integrating your model with another program
If you’re interested in BIM Integration, there are several import and export options available on the BIM
INTEGRATION ribbon tab. You can currently import 3D DXF and .TEL files, as well as models from Tekla Structures,
Revit, Fastrak Building Designer and Orion, and there are export options for Tekla Structures, Revit and Robot. For
more information on this, please refer to the Tekla User Assistance (TUA).
More information on BIM integration, refer to TUA:

2019i/en/bim_bimintegration

11 Foundations 31 (38)
11. Foundations
You can model and design a Pad & Strip Footing, Pile Cap, Mat Foundation and Piled Mat Foundation.
Provided you already have a model with all pass members, you can model and design different types of foundation.
· Pad Footing
· Strip Footing
· Pile Cap
· Mat Foundation
· Piled Mat Foundation
More information can be found in Foundation Design Handbook, refer to TUA:

2019i/en/fdh_foundationdesignhandbook
Ø Go to DESIGN ribbon tab and run Design Concrete (Static) command
11.1 Model of Pad Footing
You can model the pad footing supporting columns in the 3D view or Base 2D view.
Ø Set to St. Base (Base) 2D view, go to FOUNDATION ribbon tab and click on Pad Base Column command
Ø Review the Properties window – tick on Auto-design depth, size & reinforcement and set Bearing Capacity
to be 200kN/m2
Ø Insert pad footing at Gridline A/1 and B/1
11.2 Design of Pad Footing
Ø To design the pad footing, go to FOUNDATION ribbon tab and click on Design Pad Bases command

In the REVIEW ribbon tab, you can examine the design efficiency by switching from Foundations Status to Ratio.
Note that the tool tip also indicates the base size and status as you hover over any base.
More information pad base design workflow, refer to TUA:

2019i/en/fdh_padbasedesignworkflow?da=GUID-72BDE17B-6542-4EC5-AFF3-
85A5AEDCFFC3
11.3 Model of Pile Cap
You can model the pile cap supporting columns in the 3D view or Base 2D view.
Before a pile cap can be placed the Pile Type Catalogue must contain at least one pile type.
Ø Switch to St. Base (Base) 2D Structural view
Ø Go to FOUNDATION ribbon tab and click on Catalogue button
Ø Click on the Add… button
Ø Insert name as P500
Ø Others input remain as Default value

Ø Next, click on Pile Cap Column command
Ø Review the Properties window – tick on Auto-design depth, piles & reinforcement
Ø Insert the pile cap, drag a window (from left to right) to encompass all the columns
11.4 Design of Pile Cap
Ø Click on Design Pile Caps command

In the REVIEW ribbon tab, you can examine the design efficiency by switching from Foundations Status to Ratio.
Note that the tool tip also indicates the pile cap size and status as you hover over any of it.
You can also examine the design efficiency of the piles by switching from Piles Status to Ratio.
More information pile cap design workflow, refer to TUA:

2019i/en/fdh_pilecapdesignworkflow?da=GUID-72BDE17B-6542-4EC5-AFF3-
85A5AEDCFFC3

11.5 Model of Piled Mat
The current modelling of mat or piled mat foundation can be in several ways.
· Minimum Area – Creates an overhanging polygonal mat so as to minimise the area required
· Rectangular – Creates an overhanging rectangular mat by one of two methods
o at a specified angle to the global axes, or
o smallest rectangular area (aligned to the global axes)
· Strip – Creates a constant width mat along a series of points that are not restricted to being in the same
line
· Area – Creates an overhanging polygonal mat by identifying points around its outline
· Bay - Creates a mat with no overhang by clicking within a closed grid area
Ø Switch to St. Base (Base) 2D Structural view
Ø Click on Area command
Ø Adjust the slab thickness as 400mm, tick ‘Use Ground Bearing Spring’ box, enter Allowable Bearing Pressure
as 200kN/m2 and tick ‘Auto-Design’ box
Ø Click on Point 1, follow by Point 2, Point 3 and Point 4
Ø Click on the Point 4 again to create the mat

Ø To insert pile on the mat, click on Pile Array command – select ‘Pile 1’ type and spacing X & Y set to 1.0m
Ø Select on the mat, click on the same mat again and pick Reference Point at axis intersection B/2
11.6 Design of Piled Mat
Analysis is required to establish the bearing pressures and the moments to be used for the piled mat design.
Ø Go to ANALYZE ribbon tab and click on Analyze All (Static) command
You can check the mat bearing pressure and 2D deflection contours from the Results View for each of the analysis
type that have been performed before commencing the detailed design.

Ø Go on the FOUNDATION ribbon tab, then click on Design Mats command
Ø To check the design, right click on the mat and select Check Panel
Mat foundation is included in the full 3D model analysis. Hence “soil structure interaction” is inherent. Engineers
may not always have done this, but codes all hint that this is what should be done.
More information piled mat design workflow, refer to TUA:
2019i/en/fdh_piledmafoundationdesignworkflowmetric?da=GUID-72BDE17B-
6542-4EC5-AFF3-85A5AEDCFFC3
11.7 Foundation Drawings
Foundation drawings refer to isolated foundation detail drawings and foundation layout drawings.
Isolated foundation detail drawings display an individual foundation detail in plan. If necessary, you can also display
the detail in cross section and a reinforcement quantity table.
As for foundation layout drawings, they display the piling layout and the layout of isolated foundations. If necessary,
you can also display isolated foundation details, a reinforcement quatity table, an isolated foundation schedule,
and a pile location table.
Ø Go to DRAW ribbon tab and click on Foundation Layout command
More information on how to create foundation drawings, refer to TUA:

2019i/en/dra_createfoundationdrawings

11.8 Foundation Report – Pile Cap
Ø Go to REPORT ribbon tab and click on Model Report…

Ø In the Report Contents page, click on Add button – Name as Pile Cap Design
Ø From the Chapters and Options column, select on Concrete > Pile Cap Design and drag it into Report
Structure column
Ø Click OK to exit
Ø In the Select list, choose Pile Cap Design and then click on Show Report command


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The main components of the interface are detailed below:

Quick Access Toolbar