How to Create a View Along Grid Lines in Tekla Structures

Getting Started is a series of videos designed for new Tekla Structures users. The goal is to answer common questions and help users take their first steps into constructable BIM modeling. In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a view along grid lines in Tekla Structures.

Introduction

In large structural projects, it is often necessary to examine the model from a specific direction that follows the building grid system. Creating views along grid lines allows modelers, detailers, and engineers to inspect structural members, connections, and assemblies more efficiently. These views are particularly useful when working on industrial plants, commercial buildings, warehouses, and steel structures where grid systems define the layout of the project.

Tekla Structures provides a quick and easy way to create views aligned with grid lines, helping users navigate the model and focus on specific areas of interest.

Why Create Views Along Grid Lines?

Creating views along grid lines offers several advantages:

• Provides a clear view of structural members aligned with the building layout.
• Improves model navigation and visualization.
• Makes clash detection easier.
• Helps review connections and detailing.
• Facilitates coordination between disciplines.
• Speeds up modeling and checking processes.
• Creates consistent views for drawings and reports.

Understanding Grid Lines in Tekla Structures

A grid is a reference framework used to position structural elements accurately within the model. Grids typically consist of:

• Horizontal grid lines (A, B, C, D, etc.)
• Vertical grid lines (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.)
• Elevation grid levels

Views can be created parallel to any grid line, allowing users to inspect structures from a specific orientation.

Method 1: Create a View Along a Grid Line

Step 1: Open the Model

Launch Tekla Structures and open the project model where you want to create the view.

Step 2: Select the Grid Line

Locate the grid line along which you want to create the view.

• Activate object selection.
• Click on the desired grid line.
• The selected grid will highlight in the model.

Step 3: Create the View

With the grid selected:

1. Right-click on the selected grid line.
2. Select Create View.
3. Choose Along Grid Line if available in your version.

Tekla automatically generates a view aligned with the selected grid line.

Step 4: Open the New View

The newly created view appears in the model view list. Open it to inspect the structure from the grid line direction.

Method 2: Create a View Using Two Points

If a direct grid-line view option is not available, you can create a view manually.

Step 1: Go to View Tab

Navigate to:

View → Create View → View Using Two Points

Step 2: Pick First Point

Select the starting point along the grid line.

Step 3: Pick Second Point

Select a second point along the same grid line direction.

Step 4: Define View Depth

Specify the front and back view depth values based on the portion of the model you want to display.

Step 5: Create the View

Click OK. Tekla creates a new view oriented along the selected grid direction.

Adjusting View Properties

After creating the view, you can customize it to improve visibility and performance.

Display Settings

• Change rendering mode.
• Adjust object representation.
• Control transparency.
• Show or hide reference models.
• Display welds, bolts, and cuts.

View Depth

Modify the front and back depth values to include only relevant objects in the view.

Work Area

Adjust the work area to limit visible objects and improve model performance.

Practical Example

Consider a warehouse building with grid lines A through F and 1 through 10.

If you want to inspect all columns and beams along Grid Line B:

1. Select Grid Line B.
2. Create a view along the grid line.
3. Open the new view.
4. Review member alignment and connections.
5. Adjust view depth if necessary.

This creates a focused view that makes structural review significantly easier.

Benefits of Grid Line Views

• Better visualization of structural layouts.
• Faster model review.
• Improved detailing accuracy.
• Easier connection checking.
• Enhanced multidisciplinary coordination.
• Reduced navigation time.
• More efficient quality control.

Common Tips

• Use meaningful names for created views.
• Delete unnecessary views to keep the model organized.
• Use view filters to focus on specific disciplines.
• Save frequently used view settings.
• Combine grid views with section views for detailed inspections.

Troubleshooting

View Not Created

Ensure that the correct grid line is selected and that the view creation command is available in your Tekla version.

Objects Missing in View

Increase front and back view depth values to include more model objects.

Slow Performance

Reduce view depth or use a smaller work area to improve performance.