Tekla StruXML Export 1.1.003 is released

A new version of Tekla StruXML Export tool is now available to download from the StruSoft Installer or from a Download Page. 

The StruXML Tekla Export tool is now compatible with Tekla 21.1.

FEM-Design - Resetting the User Coordinate System (UCS)

Sometimes when the UCS has been changed and you want to reset it to a default state (same as global system).

In FEM-Design 3D Structure there are two ways to do this:

1. By using the graphical user interface (GUI)-buttons

StruSoft StruXml Revit Add-In 1.1.004 is released

A new version of StruSoft StruXml Revit Add-In is now available to download from the StruSoft Installer or from a Download Page. The StruSoft StruXml Revit Add-In is now compatible with Revit 2016, and brings some improvements in comparison to the previous version.

Most of the improvements are made to the Import StruXML mechanism. Among other things, more informative messages have been implemented in case of import errors. For the full list of changes, please look into the release notes.

Tekla StruXML Export 1.1.002 is released

A new version of Tekla StruXML Export tool is now available to download from the StruSoft Installer or from a Download Page. The Tekla Export tool is now compatible with Tekla 21, and brings some improvements in comparison to the previous version.

New features:

1. Tekla wall and Tekla column objects are recognized as walls and columns in FEM-Design (instead of plates and beams as it was so far).

Introducing IMPACT Revit

The progression of Autodesk Revit modelling platform has not eluded anyone. Thanks to its powerful 3D model and versatile family customization it has become a popular successor to AutoCAD in many structural design companies.

As the platform has matured and its user base grown, it is only natural that we should be able to offer IMPACTs prefabrication functionality on Revit as well as AutoCAD.
Today, we are proud to announce the first step in making that a reality.

(BIM) IMPACT Precast IFC

 

 

IMPACT Revit Base Tools 14.2

Now with Revit 2016 support

IMPACT Revit Base Tools 14.2

• New: Revit 2015  support
• New: IMPACT 14 compatibility

IMPACT Tekla Base Tools 1.1

• New: Tekla 21.0 support
• New: IMPACT 14 compatibility
• New: convert components into linked elements, with component mapping
• New: extended property listing for Tekla and IMPACT elements (bounding box and quantities)
• New: Converting slabs (with global slab style mapping, only global X-Y bounding box as contour for IMPACT slab definition)
• New: Converting into linked elements for all supported object
• New: Option to force Tekla assembly positions into element mark string
• Change: Automatic Tekla model update on starting the program is disabled now (due to speed issues). Warning is sent
• Change: Tekla assemblies are converted into linked elements instead of converting the main part, global linked element mapping for assemblies
• Change: Various title changes on UI, harmonize with IMPACT system
• Change: Handle precast slabs as beams and disable form slabs
• Change: Retrieving area values from Tekla is changed and is customised to Tekla element types and IMPACT converted object types
• Fix: Considering global column mapping works now
• Fix: Adding connection, detail or seam from Tekla is not possible anymore (only components or custom parts)
• Fix: Show 'Definition' in IMPACT properties
• Fix: Weight values are transferred in ton instead of kilograms
• Fix: Beam positioning problem workaround (BugzId: 24600)

Challenges at importing FEM-Design model to Revit

The latest version of our StruSoft StruXML Add-In contains a new workflow possibility, which is import a FEM-Design model into Revit. The new transfer direction is a great opportunity for those who usually start their job in FEM-Design and want to be able to reuse that model in Revit.In this article I would like to highlight some of the issues that one may encounter while integrating a FEM-Design model into Revit.

"Unknown section" error at opening struxml file in FEM-Design

The situation is following: 

You have successfully exported your Revit model into a struxml file and you tried to open that struxml file in FEM-Design. But instead of seeing your model, you came across a following warning dialog:

First steps with the Tekla to FEM-Design link

How do I start working withe the Tekla Add-In?
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We aim to satisfy our customers and always deliver a tool that fits to their real needs. Therefore, if you are a Tekla / FEM-Design user and you have some suggestions / requests regarding the future development of the link between the two programs, please let us know in the comment box below, or at iwona.budny at strusoft.com. We will consider each of your suggestion and, if only possible, try to include it in the future releases.

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The first step is to download and install the StruXML Tekla Add-in. You can find it at the:  

• download page:

Connection between Revit and FEM-Design

The transfer of data between Revit and FEM-Design is possible thanks to the StruSoft StruXML Revit Add-In. Data are saved into a XML format and the file is exchanged between Revit and FEM-Design, in both directions. It is not required that both Revit and FEM-Design are installed at the same computer. All the possible information, including links to external articles are gathered on or Revit - FEM-Design integration page. 

If you want to try the connection between Revit and FEM-Design, the first step is to download and install the free StruXML Revit Add-in. After installation, a StruSoft FEM-Design panel will be added into Analyze tab in your Revit Structure.

Current tool version:

StruSoft StruXML Revit Add-In 1.1.004

Release date:

September 2nd, 2015

Compatibility:

Revit Structure version 2015 and 2016

FEM-Design 13.01.003 and later

Download:

Click here to download StruSoft StruXml Revit 2015 Add-In 1.1.004 Win64

Click here to download StruSoft StruXml Revit 2016 Add-In 1.1.004 Win64

Release notes:

Click here to download the release notes.

Manual:

Click here to download the StruSoft Revit StruXML Add-In User Manual.

Tutorial videos:

Click here to go to the Revit- FEM-Design YouTube playlist.

Comparison between Bedding modulus and solid elements using the 3D Soil module

A brand new video related to geotechnical design is now available at our StruSoft Official Channel.

In the video, an analysis and design of two identical foundations using bedding modulus and solid elements is shown, to illustrate the difference between these two methods to model the soil. FEM-Design 3D Soil is used in the case where the soil is modeled as solid elements.

FEM-Design 14 and trapezoidal steel sheet (TRP-plåt)

There are a few features that are not so commonly known, one of which is the Profiled panels and the usage of trapezoidal steel sheet. In the following guide we will explain the usage of profiled panels to enhance the design of lightweight roofs.

FEM-Design 14 and lateral support

When designing steel structures a few of the beams or columns might be supported for lateral torsional or shear buckling. Instead of defining point supports in those points that might cause the model to act as if totally supported, beams and columns can have their buckling length defined as if supported by reducing the buckling length. Here we will explain how and where to set the buckling lengths.

FEM-Design 14 and DWG-import

In the end of 2011 we introduced the External reference-command to be able to have a model that you could connect several dwg-files to. In FEM-Design 11, we have made further refinements to this function, and they are still valid in FEM-Design 14. In this post we will explain the function step-by-step.