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