Common joint properties Page 1 of 13

Common component properties

Each component type has individual properties. However, there are several properties common to all components. These common component
properties are explained in this section. A detailed description of the individual properties and parameters for each component is provided in the
Tekla Structures Component Help.
The dialog box consists of two parts. The upper part is for saving and loading predefined settings. In this part there are also buttons for opening
dialog boxes for bolts (in some components only), welds and DSTV.

The lower part is divided into severel tabs. Tabs are used for defining the properties of parts and bolts to be created when the component is
used.
Load
This function loads component properties saved earlier (using the Save command) in the dialog box. Component properties are selected from a
combo box.

Save As
This function saves the component properties with the name entered in the text field. The parameters are saved in the model directory with a
filename consisting of the text entered plus the extension jXX0000xxx, where XX is the identifier number of the component developer and xxx the
number of the component (e.g. qwerty.j110000029). Predefined settings can also be copied for use in other projects.

Save
This function stores the modified properties with the original file name.

Modify connection type/Ignore other types

There are two options for modifying connections and details. If Modify connection type is on and several connections are selected, clicking the
modify button modifies all selected connections irrespective of connection type. If the connection type is not the same as that displayed in the
dialog box, the connection type will be changed first. If Ignore other types is on, modifying several selected connections only affects connections of
the type displayed in the dialog box.

Help
This opens a help window.
Symbols
Some components contain lots of list boxes with visual options. There are two generic options that represent:

 Automatic value

Symbol A indicates an automatic value. This option selects the most suitable value for the component automatically.

 Default value

The arrows indicate a default value. The default value can be replaced by AutoDefaults. All other values (the automatic values, too) will be fixed
and AutoDefaults do not change them.

Parts
The Parts tab defines the properties of the parts, which will be created when the component is used.

Dimension fields
Three dimensions are available for plate parts. Depending on the component type some plates get their shape from the component parameters.
In this case usually only the thickness value is available (e.g. Endplate in dialog above).
. t thickness
. b width
. h height
For beams a field for profile name is provided. E.g. L-profile filled in dialog above. The profile can be selected from library or parametric profiles.
The available profiles are shown with the select button next to the field.
TIP: To delete a part, enter zero (0) in the thickness field.

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Pos_no
Consist of two rows having both two parts: prefix and start-number. The first row is for part and the second one for assembly. The default value
for the position number is taken from the Setup->Preferences.

Material
Defines the material for the component part. The available materials are shown with the select button next to the field. The default value for this
is taken from the Joint part material field in the Setup->Preferences dialog box.

3.1.2 Picture

On the Picture tab, you can define the component parameters. The Picture tab contains a general picture of the component
presenting:

 All parts created by the macro and primary part and secondary part(s) of the macro

 Gaps and other distances between different parts

 Picking order of the primary and secondary parts (numbers)

 Up-direction of the macro (green symbol)

The parts the component will create are shown in yellow in the picture. The existing parts to be selected are blue.

3.1.3 Parameters

On the Parameters tab, you can define the component parameters. These parameters have only a literal description.

3.1.4 General

The General tab defines the position of the connection in relation to the current work plane.

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Up direction

This combo box defines how the connection will be rotated around the secondary beam or, in the case of no secondary parts,
around the primary part. The possible selections are: +x, -x, +y, -y, +z, -z relative to current work plane. The characteristic up
direction for a connection is presented in the dialog picture with an arrow symbol.

The Auto option is set as the default direction for every connection. It automatically recognizes the orientation of
primary and secondary parts and is able to switch the up-direction accordingly. Even a skewed, sloped, and rotated
orientation is possible.

The vertical direction of all connections can be set to point to the selected direction of the work plane. However, the direction
parallel to the secondary is forbidden as well as the direction of primary in case of detail (no secondary parts).

There are two additional angles which can be used for rotating the connection around the x- and y-axis of the secondary. The
upper one is for y- and the lower one for x.

Class

The Class parameter defines the class of parts created within the connection. Parts in different classes are drawn with different
colours if the Color by class in Setup menu is ticked on. The visibility and the activity of classes can be altered.

Connection code

A connection code can be given to each connection. This code can be displayed on connection marks and in templates and
reports.

AutoDefaults
Predefined rules can be used for selecting the default values for the connection. When you select a Rule group and
apply or modify the connection, the connection default values are set according to the AutoDefault settings. Please
note that values other than default values will remain fixed and they are NOT set according to AutoDefault settings.
I.e. the values written to text fields or option menu items other than default are taken from the dialog box and the
default values are taken from the AutoDefault settings.
Shear force, Axial force and Bending moment can also be defined for an existing connection (there are no fixed
units, so these can be defined freely). This information only relates to an existing connection and it is not saved in
the connection default settings. These values can then be used as a select criteria in AutoDefaults rule sets.

Bolts

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The Bolts tab is used to define the properties of bolt groups included in the component.

Dialog box Description Default

Text
Bolt size Available sizes are defined in the bolt GENERAL / boltdia
assembly database 16 mm (0.75”).
Bolt standard Defines the standard of the bolts generated
inside the component. Available standards
are defined in the bolt assembly database.
Tolerance Gap between bolt and hole.
Thread in mat Defines whether or not the thread may be Yes
within the bolted parts when using bolts
with a shaft. This has no effect when using
full-threaded bolts.
Site / Workshop Where the bolts should be fixed. Site
Delete Delete selected bolts from the bolt pattern.
Select the bolt to be deleted by entering its
number in this field. Bolts are numbered
from left to right starting with the top left
bolt.

Long holes

When creating slotted holes in components, all parts will be given slotted holes. Bolt groups created by components can be modified afterwards
to have long holes only in specified parts. Note, that there are components with which the user can define for which parts the slotted holes will be
created.
Picture Description Default
Above
1 Slotted hole x-dimension Zero which results in a round hole.

2 Slotted hole y-dimension Zero which results in a round hole.

Bolt assembly

Picture Description Default

Above

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The buttons indicate which components of the

selected assembly will be used. If all buttons
are up (not selected) only the hole will be
created.

Extra length

Picture Description Default

above
1 An additional material thickness for the bolt can Zero.
be indicated. This has a direct effect on
automatic bolt length calculation. It is useful
when, for instance, painting requires the bolt
length to be increased. Additional length can
be also built into bolt assemblies.

Bolt group orientation

Options:

Automatic:
Same as Square option.

Staggered:
Bolts are staggered in the direction of the secondary part.

Square:
A square bolt group is positioned horizontally.

Sloped:
A square bolt group is sloped in the direction of the secondary part

Bolt group pattern

Options:

Not staggered

Staggered

Staggered

Staggered

Staggered

Bolt positions

(1) Horizontal positioning

(2) Vertical positioning
The combo box Positioning sets the reference point for both horizontal and vertical bolt position.

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For the horizontal position, when the reference point is right or left, Sec/first is the distance from the edge of the secondary to the left/right most
bolt. Vertically, when Positioning is set to top or below, Sec/first is the distance from the upper/lower edges of the secondary to the upper-
/lowermost bolt. When the reference point is set to middle, Sec/first is the distance from the centerline of the bolts to the centerline of the
secondary part.

(3) Top edge distance

(4) Number of bolts (two) / Vertical spacing
The first field defines the number of bolts vertically. The distances between the bolts are defined in the second field. If only one spacing value is
entered and more than two bolts are selected, the spacing value will be inadequate.
(5) Bottom edge distance
(6) Left edge distance
(7) Number of bolts (two) / Horizontal spacing
The first field defines the number of bolts horizontally. The distances between the bolts are defined in the second field. If only one spacing value
is entered and more than two bolts are selected, the spacing value will be inadequate.
(8) Right edge distance

3.1.6 Welds...

The properties of the welds included in the connection.

No

Number of the weld refers to the picture on the graphic area.

Size

The size of the weld for above and below edge. Marked edge is the first line and counter edge the second.

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Type

The type and the fill type of the welding. Welding type of either marked edge or counter edge may be blank.

Angle

The angle for weld preparations when using e.g. the V-type welds. This symbol will be drawn into the drawings above the weld
type symbol but under the fill type symbol.

Finish

The finishing type of the weld can be defined with this attribute. The finishing symbol will be added to the drawings above
welding type symbol.

Stitch
Defines whether or not the weld is a stitch weld. In stitch welds the welds are staggered on both sides of the part
being welded and the stitch length and the distance between stitches (pitch of weld) can be indicated.

Length
The length of a weld.

Pitch
The distance between welds in the case of non-continuous welding.

Edge/Ar.

Switch defining if the weld is only for one edge or around the face.

Wshop/Site

This combo box defines whether the welding should be done on site or in workshop.

RFT

The root face thickness of the weld

Wtext

Additional text for welding, visible in welding sign on drawings.

3.1.7 Dstv...

This function provides the possibility to set the connection properties according to standard connection parameter tables. There
are two standards included into Tekla Structures currently: SZS (Switzerland) and DSTV (Germany). These standards define the
possible connection properties when profile size, connection type and forces are known. New standards can be added by adding
standard parameter files into the directory \countries\country-independent\inp

Profile, Filter

The profiles from profile database are visible on the list. Filtering can be used for getting subsets of the profile database.

Standard

The name of the standard parameter table (DSTV or SZS). Tables are stored in files named dstv.lis in the directory \7.0
\countries\country-independent\inp.

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Profile list

Selecting one of the profiles fills the combo box at the top right corner of the dialog with the possible connection parameter
settings of the current standard.

Option menu

Selecting one of these standard settings fills up the forces available for this particular setting. Clicking Apply or OK fills the
connection properties after the selected setting.

Notch
Description:
These options enable the user to add and control the properties of notches required for the secondary beam.
The Notch tab is split into two sections. The upper section controls automatic notching. When automatic notching is turned on, the component
will attempt to automatically create a notch that conforms to the parameters specified in this section. Automatic notching is switched on by
selecting a notch type from the Notch shape combo box. The lower section controls manual notching. When manual notching is activated, the
component will create cuts matching the values entered in the input fields. The controls for the automatic and manual sections operate
independently of each other.

Picture Description Default

above
A Cut dimension in the dx direction. Where 10 mm
applies for the drop-down selection.
B Cut dimension in the dy direction. Where The gap between the edge of the notch
applies for the drop-down selection. and the primary beam flange is equal to the
primary web rounding. The notch height is
then rounded up to every 5 mm.
C Rounding cut increment in the dx direction. Default = 1/8”
D Rounding cut increment in the dy direction. Default = 1/8”
F Flange block depth dimension.
G Radius. Default = 10mm

Automatic notching

Notch shape
Options:

Type 1:

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The notch is created with the cuts square to the main beam.

Type 2:
The notch is created with the cuts square to the secondary beam.

Type 3:
The notch is created with the dy cut square to the main beam and the dx cut square to the secondary beam.
Type 4:
Automatic notching is not used.

Flange cut shape

Select whether the flanges on the secondary beam are bevelled or square.
Options:

Type 1:
Cuts flange of the secondary beam at the bevel to match the main beam.

Type 2:
Cuts the flange of the secondary beam square.

Notch size
Different points can be selected for creating the notch size.
Options:
Type 1:
The notch size is measured from the centerline of the main beam and from the top flange of the main beam.

Type 2:
The notch size is measured from the edge of the flange of the main beam and from the bottom of the top flange of the main
beam.

Notch position
The horizontal cut of the notch can be located above or below the flange of the main beam.
Options:

Cut above the flange.

Cut below the flange.

Rounded notch dimensions

Description:
The “Rounding” switch turns rounding of the notch cut dimensions on and off. It should be noted that dimension rounding
will only be performed in cases where it is appropriate even when it is turned on. See an example.
The “Rounding length” and “Rounding depth” input fields control the rounding increments. The length of the notch cut will be
rounded to the nearest value entered in the “Rounding length” field and the depth of the notch cut will be rounded to the nearest
value entered into the “Rounding depth” field. The default value for each of these fields is 1/8”. The lengths and depths are
measured using the coordinate system of the secondary member.
Note! Entering rounding values rounds the notches up to the closest value.
Options:
Not rounded:
Rounding is turned off. Notch dimensions are not rounded.
Rounded:
Rounding is turned on. Input a rounding value to the fields on the right to round the notch to the next
appropriate dimension.

Notch chamfer
Options:
No chamfer:
The notch is not chamfered.
Line chamfer:
The notch is created with a line chamfer.
Chamfer:
The notch is chamfered.

Manual notching
The manual controls for notching are split so that the top and bottom flange notches can be controlled separately.

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Side of flange notch

Description:
Controls on which side of the beam the notches will be created.
Options:
Type Auto:
Both sides are cut.
Type 1:
Blocks out both sides of the flange.
Type 2:
Blocks out the near side flange.
Type 3:
Blocks out the far side flange.

Flange notch shape

Options:
Auto:
A standard notch is created. The entire flange of the secondary back to the length specified is removed. The default depth
for the notch is twice the flange thickness of the secondary. It is not necessary to enter a width for this cut. The cut will
always run the entire width of the secondary flange.
Type 1:
This chamfer cuts the flange. If no value is entered in the width field the chamfer will default to 45 degrees.
Type 2:
Cuts the flange as in the Auto option unless values are entered in fields A and B.
Type 3:
No cut is created.
Type 4:
Strips the flange according to the values in box A to make
it flush with the web.
Type 5:
Type 5 cuts the flange according to
the values in boxes A and B. It also
takes into account the choice of
flange notch shape and will have no impact if the wrong shape is selected.

Haunch
Sets the parameters for adding a haunch plate to a component.

Create plate
Options:
Auto:
Automatically checks if haunch plates are needed. Top, bottom or both plates can be created when the clip angle crosses the
secondary beam flange(s).
Yes:
Always creates both haunch plates. If only one plate is needed the other can be omitted by setting the thickness of the plate to
zero.
No:
No haunch plates are created.

Top haunch plate / Bottom haunch plate

Dialog Description Default
Text
T Haunch plate thickness Equal to the secondary part web thickness

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B Haunch plate width

H Haunch plate height
Pos_No Part position number and Assembly position Part start number defined in the
number Preferences dialog box.
(See Preferences in the Tekla Structures
Modeling manual)
Material Haunch plate material The default part material is defined in the
Preferences dialog box.
(See Preferences in the Tekla Structures
Modeling manual)
Name Haunch plate name The default part name is defined in the
message file.
(See Messages in the Tekla Structures
System manual)

Haunch plate chamfer

Note: The numbers in the above illustration identify the same parts on each tab.
Picture Description Default
above
A Horizontal dimension of the top haunch line Haunch plate width/2
chamfer
B Vertical dimension of the top haunch line Haunch plate width/2
chamfer
C Vertical dimension of the bottom haunch line Haunch plate width/2
chamfer
D Horizontal dimension of the bottom haunch line Haunch plate width/2
chamfer

Beam cut
Creates end preparations, rat holes and flange cuts.

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Picture Description Default

Above
t Backer bar thickness. 1/8" imperial, 3.0 mm metric.
b Backer bar width. 1" imperial, 25.0 mm metric.
Pos_No Part position number and assembly Based on Setup Options
position number.
Material Backer bar material grade. Based on Setup Options.
Name Backer bar name. Backer Bar
1 Vertical measure of top and bottom rat hole. 3/4" or thickness of web, whichever is
greater.
2 Gap between the secondary web and the Zero
primary. The gap given here is added to the
gap given on the “Picture” tab
3 Horizontal measure of top and bottom rat hole Minimum of web thickness x 1.5
4 Gap between the secondary flange and the Zero
primary. The gap given here is added to the
gap given on the “Picture” tab
5 Radius of the rat hole. This value can be 1/2"imperial, 12.0 mm metric.
entered only for the last two rat hole options in
the top and bottom rat hole combo box.

Rat hole
Options:

Round:
Creates a rat hole with a radius

Square:
Creates a square rat hole.

Diagonal:
Creates a rat hole with a line cut.
(Note: not available for connection 181).

Round
Creates a rat hole for which you can determine the radius.

Conical
Creates a cone-shaped rat hole for which you can determine the radius.

Top flange cut

Options:

No:
Does not cut the top flange.

Yes:
Cuts the top flange.

Bottom flange cut

Options:

No:
Does not cut the bottom flange.

Yes:
Cuts the bottom flange.

Beam end preparation

Options:

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Automatic:
Does not prep beam end.

No:
Does not prep beam end.

Yes:
Preps beam end.

Top:
Preps the top flange.

Bottom:
Preps the bottom flange.

Backer bar
Description:
These options define if the backer is created.
Options:
Not created:
Backer bar not created.

Created:
Backer bar created..

US Design
Runs a design check which calculates the connection and its components according to AISC (ASD) specifications.

Is design check required?

The “Yes” option runs the check each time the connection is created or modified.

Vertical shear force

Depending on the type of connection (the number of secondary parts), the vertical shear force can be given separately for the first and second
secondary.

To run the check:

Ensure that the option “Yes” is selected. Pick the connection symbol and click the Modify button. If the connection and its components will bear
the shear force indicated, the connection symbol is shown in green in the model. A red symbol indicates that the connection will not bear the
shear force. To view the results of the check, click the connection symbol and select Inquire from the pop-up menu. This presents a summary of
the design checks and some additional information.
A section of a check might look like this:
“Primary angle, Gross shear [AISC ASD F4-1 (p5-49)]
applied = 250.00, allowable = 190.80, capacity = 1.31
FAIL (t = 0.5000, tmin = 0.6551)”
The first row shows the part checked, the name of the check and a reference to the AISC specification. The second row shows the applied and
allowed force and how much capacity has been used. The third row shows what elements have failed and suggests solutions. (In this case the
thickness of a primary angle plate was too small. The program has suggested the minimum thickness to be used so that the angle plate can bear
the gross shear force).
If the part has passed the check, the result will look like this:
“Primary, Net shear: c = 0.51 (PASS) “
The syntax shows the part checked, the check name and the capacity used.

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