AEC TECH NEWS: Trimble announces Tekla 2017 software for more collaborative workflows

Sunnyvale, Calif. — Trimble released three new versions of its software for structural engineering, fabrication, and construction teams — Tekla Structures 2017, Tekla Structural Designer 2017, and Tekla Tedds 2017.

“In these new Tekla versions, we focus on improving communication and modeling methods because these are directly tied to the productivity of core tasks within large workgroups and projects,” said Jari Heino, general manager of Trimble’s Structures Division. “The software provides a variety of completely new tools for users to expand their scope of work and collaborate with project stakeholders to ensure that the entire team is on the same page.”

Tekla Structures 2017

For general design, the new version of Tekla Structures BIM software offers more control over direct modification, which allows users to create an accurate structural model quicker and easier, the company said. There is a faster organizer for finding and fixing parts, and improved tools for instant information reporting. With the basepoint, engineering offices and architects can now work together in a BIM workflow with consistent and correct common coordinates. Efficient collaboration with architects is now possible with a new plugin that allows live algorithmic modeling for Tekla Structures using graphical algorithm editor Rhino/Grasshopper.

For concrete, Tekla Structures 2017 introduces a reinforcement method that gives users more flexibility to create and modify reinforcements for different types of concrete geometries. A pour unit feature helps manage and report all pour-specific information.

For precast concrete fabrication, the new version improves information exchange between detailing and production with new data transfer links to production management. The new palletizer tool improves model-based production planning, saves time in the planning process, and prevents human errors in information transfer between detailing and production.

For steel detailing, the new version improves modeling of steel bent plates with full support for direct modification. Users can create anything from simple bent gussets to folded profiles, spiral stringer plates, transitional duct sections, complex folded panels, and more.

According to Trimble, enhancements in drawing production enable easier and more flexible shaping of drawings, and help ensure clear communication of design intent and fewer requests for information. The new 2D Library is a productivity tool for replacing repetitive work.

Tekla Structural Designer 2017

Tekla Structural Designer, an analysis and design (A&D) software, compresses design time by enabling an efficient way to quickly establish the best structural solution. Tekla Structural Designer 2017 delivers significant new features and enhancements focused on A&D workflow productivity with numerous enhancements combining to contribute significantly to the overall workflow for both steel and concrete code compliant structural design.

The new version offers comprehensive design functionalities for the common foundation types required in steel and concrete structures. It makes foundation design more efficient by automating the number of piles required, together with comprehensive calculations and material take-off within a single model. In addition, new wind load processes speed the application of wind load on complex-shaped buildings.

Tekla Tedds 2017

Tekla Tedds automates repetitive and error-prone structural and civil calculations, enabling users to streamline engineering design by replacing tedious manual calculations and spreadsheets with professional and consistent output. In version 2017, Trimble added a large number of new calculations and enhancements to existing calculations across various design codes. The software now includes new steel column and base plate design for Eurocodes and U.S. codes. Tekla Tedds can be integrated with Microsoft Word to give engineers control to quickly create professional project documentation that includes calculations, sketches, and notes.

Information provided by Tekla Software by Trimble (www.tekla.com/2017).