From Tekla Structural Designer to Revit

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

Attention

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.

  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 Revit

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 Revit

Shortcode

As the export is directly to Revit, make sure that you a empty Revit file open.

Good practice

The best you can do as a user is to create a “Template” revit project where you have already preloaded your often materials and families and then, use it on each new exportation.

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

2.2.1 Settings

In case there is more than 1 Revit file open, you should choose the correct one by clicking

The import will now continue in Revit.

2.2.2 Material mapping

In case not all materials can be automatically mapped with the Revit document materials, you will see a dialog window to map BIM Expert’s materials with Revit’s document materials.

It is good practice to map all incoming BIM Expert materials with Revit document materials.  Choose ‘R Document’ and then search for a match in the pull down list. Note that the material should already exist in the Revit material library.

If you cannot find a suited match, you can choose ‘Create New’.

2.2.2 Section mapping

2.2.2.1 Bar sections

In case not all sections can be automatically mapped with the Revit document sections, you will see a dialog window to map BIM Expert’s sections with Revit’s document sections.

It is good practice to map all incoming BIM Expert sections with Revit document sections. Choose ‘R Document’ and then search for a match in the pull down list. If no suited match can be found, you can choose ‘Create New’ of select it from a ‘Library’.

For I, H, RHS, CHS, L, C. U, rectangular and circular cross-section, BIM Expert will create a new family symbol (cross-section) for you. There is no need to open a Revit library.  If the ‘Continue’ button (right bottom corner) is enabled, all sections can be converted and you simply can move forward without any mapping.

When to choose & open ‘Library’?

  • you are using “non-typical” shapes
  • you have created your own family of cross-sections (symbols) to match
  • you really want to match with existing Revit libraries

Section from Library

Click on the 3 dots in the Library column to open File Explorer. Next, navigate to the library of your choice and open it.

Downloaded libraries from the Autodesk website are usually installed at

C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\RVT {latest version}\Libraries

Note: Libraries can be user-made, delivered by a suppier/partner or downloaded from the Autodesk Revit website.

A new dialog window will pop up to select the matching family symbol (cross-section).

When there is at least one library loaded, you can choose it again for next matching operations. BIM Expert will try to find a match.

2.2.2.2 Plate sections

In case not all plate sections can be automatically mapped with the Revit document plate sections, you will see a dialog window to map BIM Expert’s sections with Revit’s document plate sections.

Choose ‘R Document’ and then search for a match in the pull down list. If you cannot find a suited match, you can choose ‘Create New’. It is not uncommon to add all plate sections as new.

Note: The slab type ‘Breedplaat/Predal’ is converted to a precast slab in Revit. However, the original plate configuration is saved. When converting to other software supporting this type of slabs (ex. Diamonds), the plate will be recognized as ‘Breedplaat/Predal’.

2.2.4 Connections and components

Connections are currently not being transferred.

3. Final steps in Revit

The model is now in Revit, ready for the next steps.

4. Get started with BIM Expert

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