2.18.8 “Add to/Remove from part” tool in Tekla Structures
We have already examined the “Add to assembly” tool. The following
instrument to be investigated is the “Add to part” tool. Note
that the “Add to assembly” and “Add to part” tools
are quite similar, though still carry out different functions. Let’s
find these tools at the main menu bar, see below:
Tekla Structures v21.1
Tekla Structures v2021
Before commencing work using the “Add to part” tool, let’s
clear up the difference between a part and an assembly exemplified by Lego
kits.
All the structures are composed of prefabricated parts. These prefabricated
parts are mantled into assemblies (into a small homunculus), which is a
definite entity, specified by unique drawings and numbering. The single
part drawings are principally different from the assembly drawings.
SST drawings are separately defined by single part drawings and assembly
drawings when the RC drawings are described only by the cast units drawings,
as there are no special requirements for concrete parts drawings.
The part
represents the smallest undividable units of a structure, which
in total form an assembly (cast unit, homunculus), at the same time all
the parts might be of various characteristics.
All the similar parts are automatically numbered by the TS, but different
parts automatically get unique numbers. For steel parts, it is possible
to generate automatic drawings.
An assembly
represents a group of united parts. Assemblies are defined by unique numbers,
distinct from the single parts numbering. Thus creating exactly the same
homunculus of various postures, makes the TS consider each shape as a separate
assembly and respectively assign to each assembly a unique number. If the
parts of an assembly are absolutely identical and their layout is similar,
then TS will assign to such assemblies the same numbering title.
Also, it is possible to automatically create all the assembly drawings,
as the TS knows the quantity of all unique assemblies in the model and
indicates this number in the drawings.
Let’s proceed to unite the foundation parts in the way to form out
The algorithm for using the “Add to part” tool:
Enable the “Add to part” tool.
Left-click at the first part to get united.
Left-click at the second part to get united.
Press the mouse wheel button or the Space key to finalize selecting component
parts.
Press the Esc key to disable the “Add to part” tool.
Tekla Structures v21.1
Tekla Structures v2021
Select the view by clicking on it and apply the “Redraw view”
tool. Thus you can see that the seam between the parts disappeared,
as the part turned to be an integral one.
Tekla Structures v21.1
Tekla Structures v2021
Let's unite 2 more parts. See below:
Tekla Structures v21.1
Tekla Structures v2021
Let's unite 2 more parts. See below:
Tekla Structures v21.1
Tekla Structures v2021
Redraw the view.
Tekla Structures v21.1
Tekla Structures v2021
Thus we have created an integral part consisting of several parts. It
is important to mention that an integral part object is defined by a single
(common) profile, class type, and other attributes, as well as there are
no seams between the parts.
Tekla Structures v21.1
Tekla Structures v2021
Now, let’s delete from the integral part one of the parts.
Therefore go to the "View settings" and enable the “Cuts
and added material” checkmark, as exploding the part requires indicating
its components.
Tekla Structures v21.1
Tekla Structures v2021
Further, let’s exclude a part from the integral one.
The algorithm for using the “Delete from part” tool is as
Enable the “Delete from part” tool.
Left-click at the part/ parts to get deleted from an integral part out
of the dash-dotted line.
To finalize selecting parts, press the mouse wheel button or the "Space"
key.
Press the Esc key to disable the “Delete from part” tool.
Tekla Structures v21.1
Tekla Structures v2021
Now select the updated integral part, and make sure that one of its components
Tekla Structures v21.1
Tekla Structures v2021
If it is required to completely divide an integral part into components,
The algorithm for using the “Explode part” tool:
Enable the “Explode part” tool.
Left-click at an integral part to be divided.
Press the mouse wheel button or the "Space" key.
Press the Esc button to disable the “Explode part” tool.
Tekla Structures v21.1
Tekla Structures v2021
Thus the integral part was divided. Apply to each part a different
Tekla Structures v21.1
Tekla Structures v2021
Thuswise users can create complex integral parts by uniting simple ones
and create assemblies (cast units) at the same time controlling the element's
line position.
To avoid any confusion between “Add to part” and “Add
to assembly” tools, note that adding to part is reasonable when the
seam between parts is unacceptable and the parts are defined by the same
material type. In all other cases use creating cast units or assemblies.