Tekla Structures in Steel Detailing

How Tekla Structures Improves Structural Steel Detailing

Modern structural steel projects require accurate modeling, detailed fabrication information, and coordination between multiple project disciplines. As building designs become more complex, traditional drawing-based workflows can make it difficult to visualize every connection, identify clashes, and maintain consistent project information.

Tekla Structures provides a model-based environment for structural steel detailing, helping detailing teams develop detailed 3D models and produce fabrication-oriented deliverables according to project requirements.

What Is Tekla Structures?

Tekla Structures is a building information modeling (BIM) software application used to create detailed structural models. In steel construction, it supports the representation of members, plates, bolts, welds, connections, and assemblies.

The resulting model can support drawing production, material information extraction, coordination, and communication between design, detailing, fabrication, and erection teams.

1. Detailed 3D Steel Modeling

A 3D steel model helps project teams understand how beams, columns, braces, plates, and connection components interact. This visual representation makes complex structural arrangements easier to review than disconnected drawing views alone.

Detailers can examine member positioning, connection geometry, and interfaces with surrounding components before finalizing deliverables.

2. Shop Drawing Generation

Tekla Structures can support the production of assembly drawings and single-part drawings using model information and configured drawing settings. These drawings communicate dimensions, material information, connection details, and fabrication requirements.

Automated drawing workflows can improve consistency, but drawing templates, dimensions, annotations, and project-specific requirements still need to be checked by qualified detailing professionals.

3. Connection and Bolt Coordination

Steel connections require careful attention to plates, bolts, welds, stiffeners, and surrounding members. A detailed model helps teams visualize these components and identify potential geometric conflicts.

Connection configurations must be based on approved engineering information. Modeling software supports detailing and coordination but does not independently replace structural engineering design or approval.

4. Material Take-Offs and Fabrication Information

Model-based workflows can help extract quantities and component information for material take-offs (MTOs), procurement planning, and fabrication preparation.

Reliable results depend on accurate model data, correct profiles and material grades, appropriate quantity settings, and checks against project specifications. Any required allowances, exclusions, and reporting rules should be clearly defined.

5. Better Coordination and Revision Management

When coordinated models are used alongside a controlled document-management process, teams can review potential conflicts and track changes affecting steel members and drawings.

Clash detection and model reviews can help identify issues involving other structural members, architectural features, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Identified issues should be documented and resolved with the responsible project team before affected information is released for fabrication.

6. Support for Fabrication and Erection Planning

Detailed steel models provide useful information about assemblies, member orientation, and component relationships. Depending on the project workflow, model data can also support fabrication and erection planning.

Clear modeling and drawing standards help fabricators and erection teams interpret the intended configuration of each component and reduce uncertainty during installation.

Why Experienced Tekla Detailers Matter

Software is only one part of a successful steel detailing workflow. Project specifications, design inputs, connection requirements, drawing standards, and quality-control procedures all influence the accuracy of the final deliverables.

Jensen SSC Services LLC supports structural steel detailing and modeling workflows, including Tekla-based modeling, shop drawings, BIM coordination, and material take-off preparation according to project needs.