{"id":14509,"date":"2025-01-30T13:17:19","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T13:17:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/?post_type=ht_kb&#038;p=14509"},"modified":"2025-02-20T09:15:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T09:15:06","slug":"from-saf-to-tekla-structures","status":"publish","type":"ht_kb","link":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/knowledge-base\/from-saf-to-tekla-structures\/","title":{"rendered":"From SAF to Tekla Structures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This article explains how to send a model from SAF to Tekla Structures, using BIM Expert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-preparation-in-revit\"><strong>1. Good to know<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SAF (Structural Analysis Format) is a file format that is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saf.guide\/en\/stable\/getting-started\/who-supports-saf.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">supported by many programs<\/a>, so this workflow can also be used when you want to go<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>From <strong>SCIA Engineer<\/strong> to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Risa <\/strong>to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Graphisoft \/ Archicad <\/strong>to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Allplan <\/strong>to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>RadImpex <\/strong>to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>AxisVM <\/strong>to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Sofistik <\/strong>to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Dlubal <\/strong>to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>mbAECStrukturEditor <\/strong>to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>D.I.E<\/strong> to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>InfoGraph <\/strong>to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>NextFEM <\/strong>to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>MasterSap <\/strong>to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Prota Structure<\/strong> to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From <strong>Karamba3D <\/strong>to Tekla Structures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-send-the-revit-model-to-tekla-structures\"><strong>2. Send the SAF model to Tekla Structures<br><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-1-from-revit-to-bim-expert\">2.1 From SAF to BIM Expert<\/h3>\n\n\nIn the Model tab, select \u2018Import\u2019. Next, choose &#8216;SAF&#8217;. Click <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"img_inline alignnone wp-image-9082\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 29px) 100vw, 29px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow.png 43w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow-35x33.png 35w\" alt=\"\" width=\"29\" height=\"28\" \/> to continue.\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-14607 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bimexpert_importfromsaf.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"253\" height=\"258\" \/>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4 id=\"2-1-2-material-mapping\">2.1.1 Material mapping<\/h4>\r\nDatabase materials such as steel (e.g. S235, ASTM-Grades), concrete (e.g. C25\/30, M50) and timber (e.g. C24, D50, GL28c) are mapped automatically. In some cases, the match is not automatically found, because the name differs (<em>Concrete grade C25<\/em> instead of <em>Concrete grade C25\/30<\/em>). In that case, you can select the correct material from the database. Below the material list, there is a list of the current selected material&#8217;s properties.\r\n\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-14606 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bimexpert_importfromsaf_materialmapping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"395\" height=\"412\" \/>\r\n\r\nIf you cannot find a suited counterpart in the BIM Expert database, the material can be added as new.\r\n<h4 id=\"2-1-2-material-mapping\">2.1.2 Section mapping<\/h4>\r\nDatabase sections (such as I, H, UB, UC, W, C, U, O, \u2610 and L sections) are mapped automatically. In some cases, the match is not automatically found, because the name differs\u00a0 (e.g. name is\u00a0<em>HEB300 \u2013 S235<\/em>\u00a0instead of <em>HEB300<\/em>). In that case, you can select the correct cross-section from the database.\r\n\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-14605 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bimexpert_importfromsaf_sectionmapping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"531\" height=\"351\" \/>\r\n\r\nParametric sections (e.g. rectangles, circle, trapezium, \u2026) and user defined sections are not in the database. They should always be added as new.\r\n\r\nThe model is now in BIM Expert.\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.2 From BIM Expert to Tekla Structures<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>In the Model tab, select &#8216;Export&#8217;. Next, choose the destination software, namely Tekla Structures. Click\u00a0<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"img_inline alignnone wp-image-9082\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"29\" height=\"28\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow.png 43w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_arrow-35x33.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 29px) 100vw, 29px\" \/> to continue.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9055 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_exporttotekla.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"336\" height=\"204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_exporttotekla.png 602w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_exporttotekla-300x182.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_exporttotekla-50x30.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_exporttotekla-60x36.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_exporttotekla-35x21.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>2.2.1 Settings<\/h4>\n<p>Choose &#8216;Export considering an analysis model&#8217; and hit &#8216;Continue&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-9059 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_analysisorconnections.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"258\" height=\"114\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_analysisorconnections.png 303w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_analysisorconnections-300x133.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_analysisorconnections-50x22.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_analysisorconnections-60x27.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_analysisorconnections-35x15.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 258px) 100vw, 258px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Select the desired version of Tekla Structures, select the desired\u00a0options and click &#8216;Export&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-9058 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_tekla_versionoptions.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"342\" height=\"309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_tekla_versionoptions.png 610w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_tekla_versionoptions-300x270.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_tekla_versionoptions-50x45.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_tekla_versionoptions-60x54.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_tekla_versionoptions-35x32.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 342px) 100vw, 342px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In case the Tekla Structures project has already a model inside, BIM Expert will ask you how the new analysis model should be handled:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Option 1: replace the old analysis model by the new one<\/li>\n<li>Option 2: create a new analysis model + give the new analysis model a name<\/li>\n<li>Option 3: copy the properties and settings of the old analysis model and export the new model to this.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In case the Tekla Structures project is empty, you can opt to specify the insertion data:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8216;Yes&#8217; to define the insertion data.<\/li>\n<li>&#8216;No&#8217; to use the default insertion data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9062 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_insertionpoint.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"402\" height=\"157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_insertionpoint.png 402w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_insertionpoint-300x117.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_insertionpoint-50x20.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_insertionpoint-60x23.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_insertionpoint-35x14.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 402px) 100vw, 402px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<h4>2.2.2 Material mapping<\/h4>\n<p>In case not all sections or materials can be automatically mapped, you will see a dialog window to map BIM Expert&#8217;s materials with Tekla Structures materials. Click on the button with the 3 dots\u00a0<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"img_inline alignnone wp-image-9084 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_matchmore.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"30\" height=\"24\" \/> to open Tekla Structures&#8217; material library and search for a match.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9063 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_materialmatch.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"456\" height=\"394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_materialmatch.png 785w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_materialmatch-300x259.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_materialmatch-768x664.png 768w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_materialmatch-50x43.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_materialmatch-60x52.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_materialmatch-35x30.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 456px) 100vw, 456px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Alternatively, you could type in the Tekla Structures&#8217; material name directly.<\/p>\n<h4>2.2.2 Section mapping<\/h4>\n<p>In case not all sections can be automatically mapped, you will see a dialog window to map BIM Expert&#8217;s section with Tekla Structures&#8217; sections. Click on the button with the 3 dots\u00a0<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"img_inline alignnone wp-image-9084 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_matchmore.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"30\" height=\"24\" \/> to open Tekla Structures&#8217; section library and search for a match. Tekla Structures&#8217; section library depends on the environment that you have chosen. If no sections at all can be mapped, you might want to restart Tekla Structures with a different environment.<\/p>\n<h4>2.2.3 Preview &amp; creating the model<\/h4>\n<p>The model will now be previewed in Tekla Structures and you get an overview of all new elements, native Tekla Structures elements. You could choose to leave some elements out by unchecking the &#8216;Accept<em>&#8216; <\/em>box<em>,<\/em> but in most cases you click &#8216;OK&#8217; here.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9064 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_newparts.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"620\" height=\"286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_newparts.png 952w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_newparts-300x138.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_newparts-768x354.png 768w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_newparts-50x23.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_newparts-60x28.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_newparts-35x16.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>2.2.4 Connections and components<\/h4>\n<p>Once the whole model is in Tekla Structures, BIM Expert will start the connection conversion. Whenever possible BIM Expert will convert connections to Tekla Structures components. You will first get an overview of all connections that are recognized as components. When clicking the little eye button <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"img_inline alignnone wp-image-9083 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_eye.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" \/>, you get a pop-up window showing the connections. You could choose to leave some elements out by unchecking the &#8216;Accept<em>&#8216; <\/em>box<em>,<\/em> but in most cases you click &#8216;OK&#8217; here.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9061 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_connectionsoverview.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"799\" height=\"285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_connectionsoverview.png 1677w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_connectionsoverview-300x107.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_connectionsoverview-768x273.png 768w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_connectionsoverview-1024x365.png 1024w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_connectionsoverview-50x18.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_connectionsoverview-60x21.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_connectionsoverview-35x12.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If there are materials of sections to be mapped, they will appear in the next pop-up window. In the column &#8216;Bolt Assemblies Tekla Structures&#8217; you can set a (different) bolt material.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9060 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_boltmatch.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"523\" height=\"284\" srcset=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_boltmatch.png 1022w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_boltmatch-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_boltmatch-768x417.png 768w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_boltmatch-50x27.png 50w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_boltmatch-60x33.png 60w, https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bimexpert_totekla_boltmatch-35x19.png 35w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 523px) 100vw, 523px\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Final steps in Tekla Structures<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The model is now in Tekla Structures, ready for the&nbsp;next steps in the project process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div>\n<h2 id=\"1-preparation-in-revit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Get started with BIM Expert<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\"><div class=\"su-button-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\" class=\"su-button su-button-style-flat\" style=\"color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#E74C3C;border-color:#b93d30;border-radius:0px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color:#FFFFFF;padding:8px 26px;font-size:20px;line-height:30px;border-color:#ef8277;border-radius:0px;text-shadow:none\"><i class=\"sui sui-arrow-right\" style=\"font-size:20px;color:#FFFFFF\"><\/i> Download your free trial of BIM Expert<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div><div class=\"su-spacer\" style=\"height:75px\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This article explains how to send a model from SAF to Tekla Structures, using BIM Expert.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"ht-kb-category":[1306,1138],"ht-kb-tag":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/14509"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/ht_kb"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14509"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/14509\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14813,"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/14509\/revisions\/14813"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"ht_kb_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb-category?post=14509"},{"taxonomy":"ht_kb_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/support.buildsoft.eu\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb-tag?post=14509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}