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The last time we looked at Tekla Structures for concrete contractors it was all about creating an accurate, buildable concrete model to drive efficiency using the 3D model to calculate concrete quantities, or, as Tekla puts it, working with pours for a better and more productive concrete process. The latest release takes the process a step further, and concentrates on planning and managing the construction process beyond design.

That said, there are enhancements that bring considerable efficiency to the creation of a complete and accurate concrete model to measure and manage. Tekla introduce functionality to import geometry created elsewhere so that, rather than modelling complex geometry from scratch, contractors can simply reuse what already exists and thus speed up their process.

"Import Item" saves modeling time by allowing existing geometry, regardless of complexity, to be reused. An architectural flight of concrete stairs, for instance, can be imported from the design model to be reinforced, measured, counted and reported just like any another Tekla native object. For a contractor concerned with pouring concrete to realise the design vision of architects and engineers it is easier to satisfy their own need to quickly ensure their model is construction complete and fully quantified by importing embeds, anchor bolts and accessories, in addition to adding the rebar the design model cannot handle. This is simply a better way.

Tekla Structures 20 introduces Organiser, which adds considerable contractor value to the project model, allowing operational managers to use the information in the model to build by easily setting up Categories, Locations and Groups. These comprise a total object browser with dynamic checking facilities for interrogation and extraction of data.

Each concrete element - pours or precast, rebars and embeds - is recorded as a separate item, but are available singly or together with other elements to provide current information about any part of the process.

LAYOUT POINTS
Before we look at how the various elements within the 3D model are organised we should mention the improved layout point feature, which handles the distribution and management of layout points. Layout points are selected from a library of layout components and positioned throughout the 3D model's foundations, grouping points together for speeding up the layout process. Once laid out, the layout Manager can be opened to add or check individual properties, and to export point, job and field file data in a number of formats - a significant enhancement to the software.

PLANNING AND ORGANISING
Contractors, who are concerned with pouring concrete, and who have become used to uniting models in various design review applications, seek certainty and predictability in order to manage risk. Tekla Structures 20 is all about offering insight and control for contractors to plan and manage more efficiently. The Organizer is the crux of the whole process, allowing effective project planning, coordination and control by providing quick and easy access to information in the model - objects imported into Tekla Structures 20 can be reinforced, cut, counted and reported just like any Tekla native object.

It is a tool for anyone using model information - essentially a comprehensive browser, broken down into numerous categories and subcategories, each of which is modified manually or using object filters to define its content.

Location categories divide model information based on defined boundaries. Sub-categories show the different types of concrete or steel elements - pads, verticals (columns), walls - in different size groups, and next to them, in brackets, the total number of elements in each sub-category. Categories can also be set up to show Profiles for both concrete and steel, reinforcement and other objects.

Possibly unique among 3D model browsers, selecting any of the categories or sub-categories, highlights those elements within the 3D model. The dynamic Organizer provides real-time access to any and all model information for rapid reporting and accelerates construction information flow. All project planning can be handled in a similar manner.

Formwork Columns, another category in the Organizer browser is treated in the same way, with the template showing the formwork position on the building grid, and its area. Same again with Reinforcement bars, with specific rebar templates showing the rebar sizes and shapes; size, starter bars, stirrups and top bars as separate sub-categories.

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