International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 10, Issue 03, March 2019, pp. 2543-2549, Article ID: IJCIET_10_03_255
Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=10&IType=03
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

© IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed

TEKLA STRUCTURES IN THE TRAINING OF

STUDENTS OF BUILDING SPECIALTIES
Logachev Nikita Andreevich, Safronov Sergey Sergeevich, Karpenko Ilya Sergeevich,
Albegov Georgiy Eduardovich, Shadrina Kseniya Sergeevnа, Tankaev Isa Maulievich,
Romsa Artem Mikhailovich, Kashukoev Kantemir Zhiraslanovich, Todriya David
Akakievich, Komshin Vladislav Alekseevich
Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MGSU) National Research University, 26,
Yaroslavskoye Shosse, Moscow, Russia

ABSTRACT
Information modeling is an effective technology for managing the life cycle of a
construction project. Creating a physical three-dimensional model is the initial stage
of information modeling, the value of the quality and reliability of the physical model
cannot be overestimated.
The article provides a rationale for the possibility of structural modeling in Tekla
Structures. The software allows you to solve the whole range of design tasks. For
reusable structures, custom components can be created, the degree of
parameterization of which depends only on the qualifications and desires of the
designer and the objectives of the project.
Tekla Structures system serves as an effective design tool: it is also able to give
students of building specialties a visual representation of the designs of various types.
The 3D model of the building structure is equivalent to the layout, it is quite
obvious, its complexity may vary depending on the stage of training (course) and the
tasks solved in the educational process.
The work on introducing BIM into the educational process has great potential and
is capable of raising the quality of education of students and their competitiveness in
the labor market to a level that meets modern requirements not only in the Republic of
Belarus, but also beyond its borders.
Keywords: BIM; detailing; drafting; LOD; structural design; Tekla Structures;
information modeling; information Technology; design; industrial and civil
engineering.
Cite this Article: Mikhailovich, Kashukoev Kantemir Zhiraslanovich, Todriya David
Akakievich, Komshin Vladislav Alekseevich, Tekla Structures in the Training of
Students of Building Specialties. International Journal of Civil Engineering and
Technology, 10(3), 2019, pp. 2543-2549
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 Logachev Nikita Andreevich, Safronov Sergey Sergeevich, Karpenko Ilya Sergeevich, Albegov
Georgiy Eduardovich, Shadrina Kseniya Sergeevnа, Tankaev Isa Maulievich, Romsa Artem
Mikhailovich, Kashukoev Kantemir Zhiraslanovich, Todriya David Akakievich, Komshin
Vladislav Alekseevich

Information modeling is an effective technology for managing the life cycle of a construction
project, which is used at all stages of its existence: from marketing research, design and
production of products to direct operation and subsequent disposal (or reconstruction).
Information model of a building is a general digital representation of a construction
object, containing graphic and non-graphic information, including information on the
geometry of the building, materials and structures, permissible loads and impacts,
technology, terms and costs of construction. The information model is not static, it is
supplemented with information corresponding to the current stage of the life cycle. Creating a
physical three-dimensional model is the initial stage of information modeling, the value of the
quality and reliability of the physical model cannot be overestimated.
The most important issue is the selection and configuration of BIM software. On the one
hand, the use of high-quality software allows creating a conceptual model in a short time and
with minimal labor costs, assessing the main technical and economic indicators of the project
and optimizing design solutions. Variant design becomes possible with relatively low labor
costs.
An information model of a building with a low LOD (not higher than 200-300) is an
effective means of preliminary estimating the cost and duration of construction, provides not
only material samples and data for planning the duration of construction, but also an easy-to-
read three-dimensional model in addition to the drawings.
Similar work done in the traditional way, which implies the creation of flat drawings and,
to one degree or another, automated calculation of the volumes of materials and work, would
take much more time with a much lower quality result.
On the other hand, at the design stage, information modeling with the use of high-quality
software allows to obtain certain advantages.
Depending on the LOD-model, you can identify collisions and design mistakes before
starting work. The quality of the project being transferred to production is significantly
increased due to the prevention of possible residuals, the upsetting the timeframe of
construction time and cost overrun are reduced.
However, information modeling itself does not exclude the influence of the human factor
on the occurrence of mistakes; technology only contributes to reducing their number. The
primary factor ensuring the quality of the project is still the qualification of an engineer.
In three-dimensional modeling, the model is primary; drawings are just its related views,
which are updated in case of changes and additions to the model.
With proper use of high-quality software, making even significant changes to a project
becomes a much less labor-intensive process and does not make design unprofitable. At the
stage of concept development, a preliminary optimization of a constructive solution on
models with a low LOD is possible.
Modern practice of designing building structures allows transmitting data for the
production of structures to machines of varying degrees of automation. For example,
automated manufacturing of fittings on CNC bending machines (stirrupbenders), automated
cutting of rolled metal, and in some cases even full automation of the production of building
structures become possible.
The basis of the BIM concept is the effective exchange of information between specialists
of related specialties, its safe storage, and simplification of the process of making changes.

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 Tekla Structures in the Training of Students of Building Specialties

The choice of the software used and the scheme of the organization of the design process are
of great importance.
Thus, the most important task is the systematic implementation of information modeling
technology in the management of the life cycle of a construction (investment) project. The
importance of training competent BIM specialists is increasing.
There are various approaches to the organization of the BIM design process, including the
concept of a unified information model. As the name implies, for the development of all
sections of the project documentation it is assumed to use one software product, creating a
single model.
On the one hand, this approach most closely matches the very idea of information
modeling, since the model has maximum data saturation.
On the other hand, with currently available software products, it is difficult to implement
such an approach qualitatively: the model is cumbersome, demanding of the computing
power of a PC, it is excessive in its information saturation for each individual specialist.
There are acute issues of information security, protection of the diversion of unwanted
changes, the damage of the model. Software that would allow the qualitative development of
all sections of the project in one model is currently missing.
The concept of OpenBIM involves the use of specialized software products for the
development of individual sections. The project manager and tools for collision searching and
matching models that can be converted into a single .ifc format become a link between these
fragmented models.
It becomes possible to use the best specialized programs to work on each of the sections,
parts of the system can be updated and improved independently of each other. Well-
functioning project management leads to a fair and sufficient distribution of powers between
the participants, ensures the relevance and safety of information. Requirements for computing
power when working with such models are more loyal. The flexibility of the system within
the framework of this concept does not preclude a gradual transition to the use of a single
software product for the development of all sections, when such appears and proves its
effectiveness.
Tekla Structures is a system for information modeling, buildings and structures with
structures of various materials, supporting the ability to work together in accordance with the
concept of OpenBIM. This software allows you to fulfill the model operation of buildings
and structures of varying degrees of complexity, to obtain samples of materials that
correspond to the current state of the model, to perform technological design of construction,
scheduling, to obtain drawings associated with the model in accordance with the applicable
regulatory legal acts, to transfer data for the manufacture of valves and structures to
automated machines.
The models created in Tekla Structures allow you to visualize a project with high quality,
which improves its perception. The connection with the programs for the calculation of
building structures has been implemented; there is the possibility of preparing an analytical
model.
As a reference model, three-dimensional models created using various software can be
used, including photogrammetry data, laser scanning, and topographic surveys. You can
deeply automate the process of model operation and creating drawings, fine-tuning the
system, creating your own applications using the Tekla Open API. Tekla Structures work
skills are in demand all over the world and in the context of growing interest to BIM, they are
a significant competitive advantage of a specialist.

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 Logachev Nikita Andreevich, Safronov Sergey Sergeevich, Karpenko Ilya Sergeevich, Albegov
Georgiy Eduardovich, Shadrina Kseniya Sergeevnа, Tankaev Isa Maulievich, Romsa Artem
Mikhailovich, Kashukoev Kantemir Zhiraslanovich, Todriya David Akakievich, Komshin
Vladislav Alekseevich

Model operation of reinforced concrete structures using Tekla Structures

In the framework of the annual student conference organized by the Department of
Reinforced Concrete and Stone Constructions of the Belarusian National Technical
University, some possibilities of structural modeling using Tekla Structures were
demonstrated.
By the example of the simplest single-span frame (Fig. 1), the process of modeling
monolithic structures using standard parametric components is shown. Prior to the creation of
directly monolithic structures, the grid of coordination axes was edited.
Axes serve not only for the correct arrangement of structures: with reference to axes and
level marks, model views can be created, which greatly enhances the convenience and
visibility of the modeling process. The frame consisting of two monolithic columns on
columnar foundations and a closing beam is modeled using the tools of the Concrete tab. For
each of the elements, a properties window is available in which the properties of the parts can
be edited (both individually and for a group of parts).

Picture. 1. Model of single-span monolithic frame (general view)

Since an informational (and not just three-dimensional) model is created, in addition to
geometric properties (section, shortening / lengthening, spatial references, deformations),
non-geometric parameters are also set (material properties, data for automatic numbering,
manufacturing information, custom attributes, etc. .), which can then be used to create
drawings, count samples and other purposes.
It should be noted that a wide catalog of sections and materials is available for the
elements. The content of the catalog is brought into compliance with the technological
regulations of a particular country by installing environment packages (Environments).
Thus, the installation of the “Russia” environment makes available a catalog of materials
in accordance with National State Standard / Technical Conditions; layouts of drawings that
correspond to National State Standard and unified system of engineering drawings become

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 Tekla Structures in the Training of Students of Building Specialties

available. Also, material catalogs can be added by the user, and drawing templates are
changed.
Tekla Structures has quite effective tools for creating structures from various materials. It
is easy enough to fit the parts and get relatively complex shapes.
As an auxiliary tool, mention should be made of the functions of direct changing
components, filtering displayed and selectable objects, setting up the presentation of objects
of one type or another, creating section planes, rendering settings, circling and rotating the
model, hiding or selectively displaying its parts, etc.
Many features are available through keyboard shortcuts.
The system allows you to search for a particular function through the corresponding line,
there is a detailed reference information available in the form of online help or pdf-files. It
should be noted low system requirements for computing power, the work is comfortable even
on the not very productive PC.
Using various modeling tools, a model of monolithic frame structures has been created.
Demonstrated the use of parametric components of the reinforcement of the columnar
foundation, columns and beams, available in the catalog of applications and components (Pic.
2).

Picture. 2. Setting the properties of the parametric component of the reinforcement of the column
foundation
The search for the required component can be performed by name or number, detailed
information is available for each component. It should be noted that the Tekla Structures
system and reference manuals are available in several languages, including Russian.
After applying a component to a particular part, it is necessary to adjust its parameters
(diameters and quantities of reinforcement and some design parameters) in accordance with
the calculation (conceptually in this example). Property sets on a number of Tekla Structures
menus can be saved for reuse or assigned by default. After simple manipulations, a frame
model with reinforcement was obtained.

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 Logachev Nikita Andreevich, Safronov Sergey Sergeevich, Karpenko Ilya Sergeevich, Albegov
Georgiy Eduardovich, Shadrina Kseniya Sergeevnа, Tankaev Isa Maulievich, Romsa Artem
Mikhailovich, Kashukoev Kantemir Zhiraslanovich, Todriya David Akakievich, Komshin
Vladislav Alekseevich

Since parametric components were used, when, for example, the geometric dimensions of
the structures are changed, the reinforcement (bar dimensions and quantities) changes
automatically.
The capabilities of structural modeling in Tekla Structures are not limited to a set of
standard components from the catalog. It is possible to model individual rods, groups of rods
and grids.
For reusable structures, custom components can be created, the degree of
parameterization of which depends only on the qualifications and desires of the designer and
the objectives of the project.
An example of such a non-catalog construction is a double beam for a series of 18 m
long span (Fig. 3). The modeling of the concrete body and the reinforcement elements was
carried out exclusively by Tekla Structures. As part of the beam, flat and bent grids, curved
rods, embedded parts, pre-tensioned reinforcement are modeled. For these elements,
collisions of mutual position were identified and eliminated.

Picture. 3. Model of precast reinforced concrete beams with a span of 18 m

Picture. 4. Model of columns of the precast bezel-free framework of the KUB system, catalog of user
components
The models demonstrated illustrate the fact that the Tekla Structures system not only
serves as an effective design tool, but is also capable of giving students of construction

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 Tekla Structures in the Training of Students of Building Specialties

specialties a visual representation of various types of structures using fairly simple examples.
The 3D-model of the building structure is equivalent to the layout, quite clear. Its complexity
may vary depending on the stage of training (course) and the tasks solved in the educational
process.
Information modeling is a dynamically developing technology, therefore, teaching this
course at a high quality level is possible only under conditions of continuous training of
teachers by mastering new software products and approaches to organizing life cycle
management, as well as through close cooperation between departments and faculties in this
direction.
In April 2017, an introductory course on building structure modeling was organized for
the teaching staff on Tekla Structures. Work in this direction has a great potential and it is
able to raise the quality of education of students and their competitiveness in the labor market
to a level that meets modern requirements not only in Russia, but also abroad.

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