From Tekla Structural Designer to Diamonds

This article explains how to send a Tekla Structural Designer model to Diamonds, using BIM Expert.

1. Preparation in Tekla Structural Designer

The conversion is based on the .cxl file format. The .cxl file format is an XML based neutral file format that allows applications to link with Tekla Structural Designer. Tekla Structural Designer accepts and produces files in the .cxl neutral file format.

1. Create the model as usual.
2. On the BIM Integration tab, click Autodesk Revit Export. The BIM Integration wizard opens.
3. Adjust the location and rotation of the model, and click ‘Next’.
4. Select the items that are included in the model, and click ‘Next’.
5. Specify the export names of material grades, and click ‘Next’.
6. Specify the file name and location.
7. Select whether the file is exported for the first time, or whether you want to update an existing model.
8. Click ‘Finish’.

2. Send model from Tekla Structural Designer to Diamonds

2.1 From Tekla Structural Designer to BIM Expert

In the Model tab, select ‘Import’. Next, choose ‘CXL’. Click  to continue.

The model is now in BIM Expert.

2.1.1 Material & section mapping

Most common materials and sections are mapped according to the TSD neutral file mapping conventions. If there is no match found, a default section and material will be applied. You can specify these defaults in ‘File > Settings > CXL’

2.2 From BIM Expert to Diamonds

In the Model tab, select ‘Export’. Next, choose the destination software, namely Diamonds. Click  to continue.

2.2.1 Settings

You can choose to either

• save the model as *.bsf-file
• send the model to the current open Diamonds instance – you see all open instances of Diamonds

Select your choice and click  to continue.

If you choose to open the model directly in Diamonds, you will get a notification in Diamonds on the right side. You can now choose to load the model or to delete it (by using the ‘x’).

2.2.2 Mapping

In rare cases you might see a material and section mapping dialog.

3. Final steps in Diamonds

The model is now in Diamonds, ready for the next steps in the structural analysis.