tekla structures system manual

Chapter 2: Multiuser Mode Explains how to set up a multiuser system and how to work in multiuser mode.Multiuser mode enables several people to use the same Tekla Structures model at the

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regis-Elements of the software described in this Manual may be the subject of pending patent tions in the European Union and/or other countries

Preface 1

1 Using Tekla Structures effectively 7

1.1 General 7

1.2 Modeling 10

1.3 Drawings and plotters 13

1.4 Autosave 14

1.5 Customizing the interface 17

1.6 Optimizing system performance 20

2 Multiuser Mode 23

2.1 Multiuser mode 23

2.2 Modeling in multiuser mode 31

2.3 Drawings in multiuser mode 36

2.4 Maintenance procedures 37

2.5 Access rights 38

3 Files and Folders 43

3.1 Startup batch file 43

3.2 File types and function 48

3.3 Folders 56

3.4 Customizing Tekla Structures 61

3.5 Log files 74

4 Catalogs 81

4.1 Things you should know 81

4.2 The profile catalog 84

4.3 The material catalog 98

4.4 The bolt and bolt assembly catalogs 103

4.5 The reinforcing bar catalog 112

4.6 For the advanced user 112

5 AutoConnection 121

5.1 AutoConnection setup 121

5.2 AutoDefaults setup 126

5.3 AutoConnection and AutoDefaults rules 131

6 CNC 141

6.1 NC files 141

6.2 DSTV 145

6.3 Peddimat 147

6.4 DXF 150

6.5 Pop-marks 151

6.6 Plate nesting 155

7 Import and export 161

7.1 Import and export basics 162

7.2 Conversion files 165

7.3 Importing models 168

7.4 Exporting files 190

7.5 Reference models 209

7.6 Tekla WebViewer 212

Appendix C : Environment variables 219

Appendix D : File extensions 291

Appendix E : Reserved shortcuts 295

Appendix F : Template fields 299

Index 339

Introduction

This is the Tekla Structures System Manual The following paragraphs explain

how this guide is organized, suggest different paths for different types of user, describe the other guides provided in the package, and tell you how to report any problems you have with the software or guides

as analysis, plant design, CNC systems, etc

How to use this guide

If you are just starting a project using Tekla Structures, or are interested in ting the most out of Tekla Structures, you should read Chapter 1, Using Tekla

get-Structures effectively and the Appendix E, Reserved shortcuts (p 295).

If you are the person who maintains the Tekla Structures environment, you will find useful information in Chapter 2, Multiuser Mode, Chapter 3, Files and

Folders, and in the Appendix C, Environment variables (p 219).

If you are responsible for design standards, codes, standard detailing solutions etc., you should read Chapter 4, Catalogs and Chapter 5, AutoConnection

If you need to import or export information between Tekla Structures and other software, you should read Chapter 6, CNC and Chapter 7, Import and export

Additional help resources

The following resources also provide information about Tekla Structures:

Web sitehttp://www.tekla.com

Email

Contact your local helpdesk via email:

Conventions used in this guide

Typefaces We use different typefaces for different items in this guide In most cases the

meaning is obvious from the context If you are not sure what a certain typeface represents, you can check it here

• Any text that you see in the user interface appears in bold Items such

as window and dialog box titles, field and button names, combo box options, and list box items are displayed in this typeface

• New terms are in italic bold when they appear in the current context

for the first time

• All the text you enter yourself appears in "quotation marks"

• We use italics for emphasis.

• Extracts of Tekla Structures’s program code, HTML, or other rial that you would normally edit in a text editor, appears in mono-spaced Courier font

mate-Area office Email address

China TeklaStructures.Support.CHI@Tekla.comFinland TeklaStructures.Support.FI@Tekla.comFrance TeklaStructures.Support.FR@Tekla.comGermany TeklaStructures.Support.GER@Tekla.comJapan TeklaStructures.Support.JPN@Tekla.comMalaysia TeklaStructures.Support.MY@Tekla.comMiddle East TeklaStructures.Support.ME@Tekla.comSweden TeklaStructures.Support.SWE@Tekla.com

UK TeklaStructures.Support.UK@Tekla.com

US TeklaStructures.Support.US@Tekla.com

• Program names, such as functions, environment variables, and

parameters, appear in Courier bold.

• Filenames and folder paths appear in Arial

Noteboxes We use several types of noteboxes, marked by different icons Their functions are

shown below:

A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of

doing things A tip never contains information that is absolutely necessary

A note draws attention to details that you might easily overlook

It can also point you to other information in this guide that you might find useful

You should always read very important notes and warnings,

like this one They will help you avoid making serious mistakes,

or wasting your time

This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical

informa-tion that is usually of interest only to advanced or technically-

oriented readers You are never required to understand this kind

of information

environ-• TplEd User’s Guide

How to create and edit report and drawing templates

• SymEd User’s Guide

How to use the SymEd graphical interface to manipulate symbols

• Installation Guide

Printed booklet explaining how to install Tekla Structures

Organization

This guide is divided into the following chapters and appendices:

Chapter 1: Using Tekla Structures effectively

A collection of practical suggestions from experienced Tekla Structures users and service personnel It explains how to use Tekla Structures effectively and automate your work processes You will find it useful to read this chapter before starting a project in Tekla Structures

Chapter 2: Multiuser Mode

Explains how to set up a multiuser system and how to work in multiuser mode.Multiuser mode enables several people to use the same Tekla Structures model at the same time

Chapter 3: Files and Folders

Explains where Tekla Structures stores information This chapter also describes the file types Tekla Structures contains and how to use files to customize Tekla Structures You will also find out how to use model, project, and firm folders effectively

It also explains how the startup batch file works and how you can use it to tomize Tekla Structures This chapter also includes information on the various log files and how to interpret them

cus-Chapter 4: Catalogs

Explains how to view and modify catalogs You will also learn how to add defined information to existing catalogs The final section includes some infor-mation on advanced techniques that may be of interest to experienced users

user-Chapter 5: AutoConnection

Introduces AutoConnection, which enables you to create connections cally It also explains how to define connection parameters using AutoDefaults and AutoConnection You can also use AutoDefaults alone to define connection parameters, and apply them to individual connections

automati-Chapter 6: CNC

Explains how to export CNC data for use by machine tools This chapter covers all the available CNC export formats, including DSTV, Peddimat, and DXF It also explains how to generate pop marks in NC files Pop marks are small holes that help the shop assemble individual parts to form an assembly Finally we explain the plate nesting procedure

Chapter 7: Import and export

This chapter describes how to use the import and export features of Tekla tures and the many formats and tools available The first section covers the basics of import and export The second and third sections cover the import and export options in more detail

Struc-Appendix C: Environment variables

Describes the environment variables in alphabetical order Environment ables are global settings that you can use to customize Tekla Structures

vari-Appendix D: File extensions

Lists the filename extensions of the files you can save using the Save as button in dialog boxes, or using the Save defaults command on the Setup menu

Appendix E: Reserved shortcuts

Lists the reserved default shortcut keys you can use in Tekla Structures

Appendix F: Template fields

Lists the fields you can use in report and drawing templates

1 Using Tekla

Struc-tures effectively

Introduction With Tekla Structures you do not have to do everything manually There are

many features you can you use to automate your work processes You will find it useful to read this chapter before starting a project in Tekla Structures

In this chapter This chapter is a collection of practical suggestions from experienced Tekla

Structures users and service personnel on how to use Tekla Structures tively You will also find many links to more detailed explanations of the various features discussed here and step-by-step instructions where appropriate

effec-Contents This chapter is divided into the following sections:

• General (p 7)

• Modeling (p 10)

• Drawings and plotters (p 13)

• Autosave (p 14)

• Customizing the interface (p 17)

• Optimizing system performance (p 20)

1.1 General

This section describes how to make the most of various Tekla Structures features when setting up a project

Firm and project folders

Before you customize any object properties for specific projects or organizations, create firm and project folders in which to store them This will save you time setting up future projects and also when you upgrade Tekla Structures

See also Project and firm folders (p 60)

Folder search order (p 57) Predefining part properties (p 11)

Numbering series

Numbering series Before you start modeling, it is good idea to plan the numbering prefixes and

start numbers you will use for the entire project Careful planning prevents bering conflicts

num-Example You could define the prefixes and start numbers for a multi-storey building as

follows:

See also Numbering parts

Numbering Preferences (p 9)

Phases

You can use phases to break up a model into different sections Phases are often used to indicate erection sequences You can create reports and views, hide objects and copy objects from other models according to their phase number

Example You have a large project on which several users will work simultaneously in

sin-gle-user mode First create a basic model which includes, for example, the umns This is phase 1 You then copy this basic model to all users

col-Each user then works on a separate part of the building As each part of the model is completed, you can copy it back to the basic model as a separate phase (phase 2, 3, etc)

Edit > Copy > From model

Profiles Plates Column

assembly

Beam assembly

Brace assembly

Truss assembly 1st floor PR1000 1000 C1000 B1000 V1000 T1000

2nd floor PR2000 2000 C2000 B2000 V2000 T2000

View filter ( Numbers tab)

Preferences

Check that your preferences are set up correctly before you start modeling Click

Setup>Options > Preferences Component properties override preferences Tekla Structures only uses the values in the Preferences tab if the corresponding fields in the component dialog boxes are empty

Tekla Structures uses the information in the Preferences tab when it creates parts using components

Example It is important that profile names are set up correctly so that you can use filters

and wizards effectively

If you change settings in the Preferences tab, Tekla Structures only applies the new settings to components you subsequently create Components you created prior to changing the preferences are not affected

In multi-user mode, all users working in the same model have the same preferences as well as other properties, catalogs, etc

Profile names

In the Preferences tab, profile names are parametric profile prefixes They must exist in the profile catalog If you want to use a parametric profile name that does not exist in the catalog, first add it to profile catalog, then enter it here Tekla Structures uses the Folded plate prefix when you use the Polyplate command in macros

See also The profile catalog (p 84)

Connections

Enter part start numbers in fields Pos1 to Pos4 Cross-check these settings against the numbering series you define to make sure they cannot overlap If they overlap, Tekla Structures may create two non-identical parts with the same part number This generates an error in the log file numbering.history

Edge distance

When you use components, Tekla Structures uses the Factor of bolt edge distance

and Element considered fields to check that the bolts it creates are not too close to the edge of a part Tekla Structures warns you if they are

Check that bolt edge distance is set according to the standard you are using Use the Element considered field to base edge distance checks on bolt or hole diame-ter

See also Getting started in the Detailing manual

1.2 Modeling

This section explains how to make the most of the various modeling tools and features in Tekla Structures

Automating the detailing process

If you have a standard way of configuring connections, save time by saving the connection properties once Store them in firm or project folders for future use See Firm and project folders (p 8)

Tekla Structures includes AutoConnection and AutoDefaults tools to automate the modeling process So you can customize Tekla Structures to suit a particular project and the way you work See AutoConnection and AutoDefaults in the Detailing manual and also AutoConnection (p 121)

There are three levels of automation that you can help you work faster and more accurately.

Predefining part properties

If you have additional information you need to include for particular parts, create user-defined attributes Tekla Structures saves all customized object properties in the current model folder

You can also copy the attribute files to project or firm folders for future use See

Firm and project folders (p 8) and Part properties.

Example For beam properties, this technique guarantees that part names are correct This

means you can easily use a wizard to create drawings See Using drawing

wiz-ards and Creating wizard files (p 70).

Consider developing a naming policy for files containing customized object properties Then you can easily cut and paste them to firm and project folders This also makes it easier to manage objects in view filters, select filters, drawing properties, etc

Save pre-defined propertiesfor connections and macros

Use AutoDefaults to automaticallyset up the correct properties forexisting connections

Use AutoConnection to createconnections automatically

Level 1Level 2Level 3

In multi-user mode, all users working on the same model use the same preferences and attribute files

Using predefined properties

You can set the properties for macros, connections, and other objects (columns, beams, bolts, etc.) then save them It is then simple to reload these properties either for current or future projects

Macros

Customize the properties of macros you use to create objects, rather than ing the properties manually each time

chang-Example You know you will use the same type of stairs in several projects Set up and

save the stair macro properties once

When you next need to use that particular stair macro you can just load the defined properties, as shown below When you apply the macro, Tekla Structures creates exactly the same stairs

pre-See also Getting started in the Detailing manual

You can use AutoConnection to quickly add connections individually, in phases,

or project-wide This is a useful technique when you are working on a large project using many connections, modifying a model, or importing modified pro-files

See AutoConnection and AutoDefaults in the Detailing manual, and also

AutoConnection (p 121).

1.3 Drawings and plotters

This section explains how to make the most of the select filter, wizards and printer catalog settings to standardize drawing creation and plotting

Drawing properties

Using well-prepared drawing settings and wizards can dramatically reduce the time it takes to create and edit drawings Define the settings for different types of parts and assemblies carefully Then the drawings you create are as complete as possible, with little or no need for editing

Examples Define different assembly drawing settings for columns, beams, secondary

beams, plates, bracings and trusses

Define single-part drawing settings for I and H profiles, tubes, round tubes (wrap-around) and plates

Predefine drawing view properties to use additional views in drawings, such as detail, section or plan views

See also Drawing Properties

Layouts and templates

Plan and define the layouts and templates for drawings you will use before you start a project See Drawing Layout

Reports and symbols

Plan and define special reports and symbols you need for a project

Use wizards to create objects and drawings automatically

See Creating wizard files (p 70) and Using drawing wizards

Defining print devices

Set up print devices before starting the project

See The plotter catalog

1.4 Autosave

Tekla Structures includes the Autosave feature that backs up and saves your work automatically at set intervals In addition, we strongly recommend that you implement and test a corporate backup strategy When restoring system backups, you should always restore an entire copy of a model rather than parts of it Autosave files have the extension db1_<user>

In multiuser mode, Autosave is not equivalent to the Save mand Autosave only saves a single user’s version of the model and does not update the master model

com-Setting Autosave interval

You can define Autosave intervals separately for operations performed in the Drawing Editor or while modeling, and for automatic drawing creation

Click Setup > Autosave to open the Autosave properties dialog box

Check Model and/or Drawing to activate Autosave

The value set for Model defines how often Tekla Structures performs an autosave while working in the model or the Drawing Editor This number represents the number of menu commands issued If the command is recursed, for instance cre-ating many beams without interrupting the Create > Beam command, it counts as one menu command Likewise, in the Drawing Editor, creating many dimensions with the Create > Horizontal dimension command without interrupting the com-mand counts as only one command

The value set for Drawing is the number of drawings Tekla Structures creates automatically between autosaves

Autosave file location

To have Tekla Structures store Autosave files in a specific folder, set the ronment variable XS_AUTOSAVE_DIRECTORY Tekla Structures creates the folder automatically You will find the Autosave file in the autosave folder, in a subfolder with the same name as the model

envi-If you do not set this environment variable, Tekla Structures stores Autosave files in the current model folder

Example You are working in multiuser mode and want Tekla Structures to store Autosave

files locally, not in the model folder Set the environment variable XS_AUTOSAVE_DIRECTORY=%XS_RUNPATH%\autosave

In multiuser mode, Autosave only saves a single user’s version

of the model and does does not update the master model

You will notice that in multiuser mode Autosave is much faster than using the

Save command This is because Autosave performs a local save, but the Save

command updates the master model

Keeping Autosave files

By default Tekla Structures deletes Autosave files when you save and close a model

To keep Autosave files, even if you exit Tekla Structures without saving the model, set the environment variable

XS_KEEP_AUTOSAVE_FILES_ON_EXIT_WHEN_NOT_SAVING=TRUE

Usernames

Give all users a different username when working in both single- and multiuser mode Tekla Structures identifies users by username

Single-user In single-user mode, if several users with the same username open a model,

Tekla Structures does not display a warning So you risk conflicts when saving the model

Multiuser In multiuser mode, Tekla Structures saves Autosave files in the master model

folder by default with the filename <model>.db1_<user> So, if several people are using the same username, conflicts are inevitable

See also Multiuser Mode (p 23)

1.5 Customizing the interface

Once you are familiar with Tekla Structures, you can create your own toolbars, menu and shortcuts containing the commands you use every day This section explains how to do this

To open the Customize dialog box, click Window > Toolbars > Customize

Use the Toolbars tab to reorganize toolbars: move commands from one toolbar to another and even create your own toolbars

The tree on the right contains all available toolbars and displays the commands they include

Do not change existing toolbars, particularly the connection toolbars Instead, create new ones See Creating a user-

defined toolbar (p 18).

Tekla Structures displays the icon for the command you select By default, the icon is 16x16 pixels If the icons look too small, check Large icons which are 24x24 pixels Check Tooltips to see the command name when you hold the pointer over an icon

Creating a user-defined toolbar

To create your own toolbar:

1 Click Toolbars > Customize to open the Customize dialog box

2 On the Toolbars tab, click New An new toolbar with the name User Toolbar

1 appears in the toolbar tree You can enter a new name for the toolbar

3 Click commands on the list on the left, then the right arrow to add them to a toolbar Use the left arrow to remove commands from a toolbar

Add or remove commands In the Customize dialog box, click on a

command to select it, then on the toolbar

on which you want the command to appear Click the right arrow to add commands, the left arrow to remove them

Delete commands or toolbars In the Customize dialog box, click a

command or toolbar to select it, then click Delete

Restore original toolbar Click Reset to restore the original

tool-bar

Display toolbar Check Visible to display the toolbar in

Tekla Structures Tekla Structures uses the following icons to indicate if a tool-bar is visible or not:

Move command in toolbar tree Use arrow buttons

Create also the toolbars for Drawing Editor in the Modeling Editor, otherwise they are not written to the registry

4 Repeat step 3 until you have all the desired commands on the toolbar.

5 Click Close.See also Toolbars (p 17) and Creating a user-defined menu (p 19)

Creating a user-defined menu

Each user can create their own menu, which is always named User You can only create one user menu per user

To create your own menu:

1 Click Toolbars > Customize to open the Customize dialog box

2 Click the Menu tab

3 Click commands on the command list on the left, then the right arrow to add them to the menu Tekla Structures displays the commands on the menu on the right of the dialog box

4 Use the left arrow to remove commands from the menu

5 Use the arrow buttons to move a command up or down the toolbar tree

6 Use the line button to add a separator line above the selected command

7 Repeat step 3 until you have added all the desired commands to the menu

Edi-To assign a shortcut to a command:

1 Click Window > Toolbars > Customize to open the Customize dialog box

2 Click on the command on the list on the left of the dialog box Use the Filter

list box to find commands easily Click to select subgroups of commands

ALL displays all the commands available in Tekla Structures You can also type in the command name to search for commands

3 Use the Shortcut fields to assign a shortcut to the command You can use a single letter, or combine a letter with the Shift, Alt or Ctrl keys

4 Copy the command to the User menu to activate the shortcut See Creating

a user-defined menu (p 19).

5 Click Close to exit the Customize dialog box

Tekla Structures also includes many predefined shortcuts See Appendix E,

Reserved shortcuts (p 295).

1.6 Optimizing system performance

There are various settings in Tekla Structures that you can modify to improve system performance, which is particularly useful when you are handling large and complex models

Virtual memory

You will probably need to adjust the virtual memory settings in Windows to mize system performance The amount of virtual memory you need depends on the size of the model, and the processes you are using (For example, saving in multi-user mode is more memory-intensive than in single user mode)

opti-Display adaptor

Tekla Structures makes use of OpenGL technology, if your display adaptor ports it You may need to indicate that your display adaptor does not support OpenGL technology Indications can be: objects displayed incorrectly, or diffi-culty selecting objects

sup-To prevent data loss, always use identical values for the Initial size and Maximum size of virtual memory

1 Open User.bat.

2 Set the environment variable: set XS_USE_SOFTWARE_RENDERING=TRUE

3 Restart Tekla Structures

Solid buffer size

To improve performance in large models, try increasing the solid buffer size using the environment variable XS_SOLID_BUFFER_SIZE (p 278) This results in Tekla Structures keeping more solids in memory, so it does not have to continuously recreate them This technique uses a little extra memory, but can result in significant increases in speed In one example, increasing the solid buffer size from 5000 to 20000 decreased the time taken to run the numbering routine by 80%

This environment variable affects many aspects of modeling, drawings and bering

num-See also How Tekla Structures handles solids (p 22)

If you increase the solid buffer to a size that exceeds the able memory, Tekla Structures uses the hard drive This slows down the system significantly Trial and error is the best way to optimize the solid buffer size

avail-How Tekla Structures handles solids

One of the factors that affect performance is the number of verteces in objects For instance, tubes, particularly if they are curved, usually contain a large num-ber of verteces, as can large numbers of round cuts The key to optimizing per-formance in these circumstances is to manipulate the settings that affect how Tekla Structures handles solids Techniques you can try include:

• Try setting the environment variable XS_ROUND_SEGMENTS=21 This results in fewer segment in round cross sections, up to 50% of the original load

• Minimize the number of curved segments in curved beams A value of 20 or less is usually adequate for the bottom chords See Bending

• Maximize solid buffer size See Solid buffer size (p 21)

• Minimize the number of views, when you create assembly drawings For instance, avoid using automatic section view creation in an assembly draw-ing with many tubes When Tekla Structures creates the cuts, the solids are are actually cut in the drawing, which is time-consuming

• When you create assembly drawings, minimize the number of dimensions,

as searching for dimension points in tubes is time-consuming Avoid using automatic dimensioning in trusses See Dimensioning

• It is much faster to use fast, or reference line parts and fast hole and bolt resentation When you want an exact view of the parts, either minimize the work area first, or only the objects you want Tekla Structures to draw with exact lines See View setup

rep-2 Multiuser Mode

Introduction Tekla Structures runs in either single-user or multiuser mode Multiuser mode

allows several users to access the same model at the same time Several users can work on the same project and be aware of the others’ progress This eliminates the need for copying and merging models

This chapter describes how to set up a multiuser system and how to work in tiuser mode

mul-Assumed

background

You need some experience using the Tekla Structures Model Editor

Contents This chapter is divided into the following sections:

• Multiuser mode (p 23)

• Modeling in multiuser mode (p 31)

• Drawings in multiuser mode (p 36)

When to use multiuser mode

You can use Tekla Structures in either user or multiuser mode In user mode, only one user can work on a model at one time When modeling a large project, multiuser mode allows many users to work on a model simulta-neously

single-Advantages • No duplicate models to control, track or store

• Less interfacing reduces onsite errors

• Erection plans based on a single master model

• Bolt and material lists generated from a single master model

• Ability to share the workload of large projects among many users

Other

considerations

As with all projects, you need to plan your multiuser project carefully Some issues to consider are:

• Only one user can save to the master model at one time

• Use a numbering plan

• Schedule numbering sessions appropriately (it can take some time to number larger models)

• If possible, assign distinct areas of the model to each user

• You should never use a mix of single-user and multiuser setups on one project Saving a multiuser model in single-user mode deletes changes by other users working on the model, and can also corrupt the model See Sav-

ing in multiuser mode (p 27) to find out how saving works in multiuser

mode

Overview of the multiuser system

A Tekla Structures multiuser system runs on a TCP/IP network and consists of:

• A server computer running xs_server.exe

• Client computers running Tekla Structures

The Tekla Structures server

The Tekla Structures server program performs these main tasks:

• Distributes ID numbers for new objects

• Locks the model when somebody saves or numbers the model

• Identifies client computers

We recommend that you only run one Tekla Structures server

on a network

To optimize the performance of a multiuser system, run as few other programs as possible on the Tekla Structures server This ensures that it processes network requests for object ID numbers efficiently.

Server shutdown Users should save their plan models to the master model before the Tekla

Struc-tures server is shut down If the server closes down prior to them saving their plan models, simply restart it, then have users save their plan models to the mas-ter model

How multiuser works

The multiuser model consists of a single master model Each user can access this

model and open their own local view of the model This local view is called a

plan model

Any changes a user makes to his plan model are local and are not visible to other users until he saves the plan model to the master model

The multiuser system can contain several client computers, where users work on

their plan models The master model can be located anywhere on the network, including on any of the client computers

When you open a multiuser model on a client computer, Tekla Structures makes

a copy of the master model and saves it locally on the client computer (a plan model)

When you click Save to save your plan model back to the master model, Tekla Structures:

1 Takes a new copy of the master model and compares your plan model with

mas-• Opens the multiuser model

• Saves a plan model to the master model

• Runs numbering

Setting up the multiuser system

The following steps outline how to set up a multiuser system:

1 Set up one computer to run the Tekla Structures server program, xs_server.exe This program must be launched prior to anybody starting Tekla Structures

2 Create a shortcut on the desktop pointing to xs_server.exe The target should use the syntax: path NAME 1238 (for example, C:\TeklaStruc-tures\10\nt\bin\xs_server.exe NAME 1238)

3 Set up the client computers to find the server Set the environment variable XS_SERVER in the startup batch file on each client computer as shown below:

4 Start the Tekla Structures server program

5 Start Tekla Structures on the client computers

NAME is the name or IP address of the computer running the Tekla Structures server program 1238 is a standard program value

set XS_SERVER=tcpip:NAME,1238

6 Users can now start using Tekla Structures in multiuser mode.

7 Check the DOS window created by xs_server.exe to check that it is running This shows all the server activity (for example, who has a model open, etc.).You can also:

• Run the server program from the command prompt using the same mand

com-• Click Start on the taskbar, select Run and then type the command shown in the box above

Saving in multiuser mode

Tekla Structures multiuser mode uses a flexible master model and plan model concept, rather than more limiting ’file-locking’ technology See How multiuser

works (p 25) for more information.

Save

Tekla Structures preserves the integrity of the model, even if more than one user edits the same model objects If two users modify the same object, then save to the master model, the master model will only contain the changes of the user who most recently saved their plan model to the master model

Tekla Structures creates connections to the right parts, even if the part is moved

by another user

Autosave

Autosave only saves to your computer, and does not reload the master model Other users do not see the modifications you make after an Autosave In mul-tiuser mode, this makes Autosave much faster than the Save command Save

updates the master model

To save quickly during a Tekla Structures session:

1 Set Autosave to save to a local drive

2 Set the autosave interval to 2

3 Periodically double-click the Interrupt icon to autosave manually

To avoid potential save conflicts, have users work on different areas of the model

Save as

To avoid losing information, never use Save as in the model while in multiuser mode

Shutting down the model

Do not shut down the computer containing the master model while other users are working on their plan models They will not be able to save their changes to the master model

If this does happen, to avoid losing any changes, follow the steps below:

1 Keep the plan model(s) open on the client computer(s)

2 Restart the computer containing the master model

3 Open the master model on the computer containing it and click the Autosave

icon to save the model

4 Click Save on the client computers to save the plan models to the master model

Copying multiuser models

To avoid losing information, never use Save as in the model while in multiuser mode

To copy a multiuser model:

1 Have all users quit the master model

2 Open Tekla Structures in single-user mode

3 Open the model and use Save as to make a copy of the multiuser model

4 Exit Tekla Structures and re-open the model in multiuser mode to continue working on it

Remember to save regularly to the master model by clicking

Save

Error messages

This section describes the error messages you might come across when you work

in multiuser mode, their probable causes, and possible solutions

Error message Problem Solution

Database write flicts detected

con-More than one user has changed an object

Check the conflict.log It lists the ID numbers of the objects that more than one user has changed This is not usually a criti-cal problem No need to use the Check database

tool See also Save

(p 27)

Could not save model

Disk is full or write protected

You tried to save a tiuser model to a com-puter or folder that you could not access

mul-• Check that the puter where you want to save the model is switched on

com-• Check that you have permission to write

to the model folder

• Check that there is enough disk space to save the model

• Restart the computer where you want to save the model Try

to save the model again

Client computer

Have as much RAM as possible (128 Mb minimum) This speeds up saving in multiuser mode See Save (p 27) to find out more about the multiuser save pro-cess

Tekla Structures not access the server defined in the bat file

can-The line XS_SERVER=tcpip:NAME,1238 is not correctly set The multiuser model has been moved and the original model server is still running When Tekla Structures cannot access the server defined in the batch file, it automati-cally tries to find the model on the server where the model was last accessed

Correct the line in the batch file

(Check NAME is in the right case and correct.)

Database locked not open model

can-Computer crashed while saving the model, which locks the model

To unlock the model, the user whose system crashed should open the model in multiuser mode and save it

Error message Problem Solution

We also recommend using a fast processor, particularly for computers where you run numbering

LVD (Low Voltage Differential) drives speed up the saving and opening of

mod-els, if the system does not have to use virtual memory (or file swapping to the hard disk)

Network

Ensure that the TCP/IP protocols are set correctly:

• Each PC on the same network has a unique ID number

• Each PC on the same network has an identical Subnet mask

NC and DXF files

It is a good idea to have NC files and DXF files in separate folders This will speed up the opening of the dialog boxes See CNC (p 141)

2.2 Modeling in multiuser mode

This section describes aspects of modeling in Tekla Structures that are specific to multiuser mode

Working with a master model

Before you start a project, assign each user an area of the model To prevent potential save conflicts, you need to avoid having more than one user working on the same, or adjacent model objects See also Saving in multiuser mode (p 27)

Example If three users are to model a project, User #1 could model columns, User #2 the

1st floor beams, and User #3 the 2nd floor beams

In the following example, three users are working on the same model in Tekla Structures multiuser mode You can see how modeling and saving works in prac-tice

To find the IP address of a computer, type ipconfig at the DOS prompt In Windows 2000 you can also use Control

panel > System > Network identification

The master model contains columns and grids, as you can see here.

Each user opens the model in multiuser mode All users are now working on plan models, locally

On the plan models:

User #1 adds base plates to the columns:

User #2 adds and connects the 1stfloor steel beams:

User #3 adds and connects the 2nd floor steel beams:

User #1 clicks Save to save to the master model His plan model now shows the base plates he added and looks like this:

User #2 clicks Save to save to the master model His plan model now shows his 1st floor framing and and User #1’s base plates: