This article explains how to send a Tekla Structural Designer model to IFC file, using BIM Expert.
This BIM workflow is only for bar elements! Plate elements are currently not supported.
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.
- Create the model as usual.
- On the BIM Integration tab, click Autodesk Revit Export. The BIM Integration wizard opens.
- Adjust the location and rotation of the model, and click ‘Next’.
- Select the items that are included in the model, and click ‘Next’.
- Specify the export names of material grades, and click ‘Next’.
- Specify the file name and location.
- Select whether the file is exported for the first time, or whether you want to update an existing model.
- Click ‘Finish’.
2. Send model from Tekla Structural Designer to IFC
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 IFC
In the Model tab, select ‘Export’. Next, choose the destination, namely “IFC’. Click to continue.
By default, your IFC file be saved in the following folder
%localappdata%\BuildSoft\BIM Expert\Ifc
2.2.1 Export options
You can specify the defaults in ‘File > Settings > IFC’, such as the IFC version (scheme), file format, the destination folder and action to take after the save. Unchecking the ‘Always use default settings’, will allow you set the options at every export operation.
