The Lookup и DynamicStringProperties for the TeklaStructures

The TeklaStructures OpenAPI has such thing called as Dynamic Strings. It appeared in the program in the 2016 version. And makes possible to save and store a string data more than 255 chars in ModelObjects or in the ProjectInfo. Such limitation exists for the ordinary string UserProperty (UDA).

We can use Dynamic Strings for 2 possible cases:

1. Writing a data into an object and getting it inside reports (*.rpt) and drawing templates (*.tpl)
2. Writing a data into the object and export it to the IFC format

Below you can see screenshots different ways of Dynamic Strings output.

The Dynamic String output as a report

The Dynamic String output as a drawing template

The Dynamic String output as a property for an IFC object

In the Lookup 2.1 version, I implemented a possibility for manipulating with existed and new Dynamic Strings. 

Peculiarities of the new feature:

1. From the TeklaStructures db, it's impossible to get the list of all Dynamic Strings for the object. That's why the Lookup needs to know a certain property name for db querying.
2. To make easier getting repeated properties, I made a special file where all Dynamic Strings properties which were used in the Lookup are stored. This file is called DynamicStringsProperties.lkp, and stored in the installation folder  C:/TeklaStructures/202x.0/Environments/common/Lookup/ 
3. When a user adds new or deleted an existed property from the list - the above described file is updated
4. When a user wants to get some info from a Dynamic String for the next object, the DynamicStringsProperties file is read and the Lookup through the OpenAPI does a query to the TeklaStuctures db.
   
   

Below, you can see a screenshot with the new Dynamic String Properties tab

The Dynamic String Property editing tab in the Lookup app

As a result, I developed an additional option that makes possible to store, change and display large amounts of text in the different places of the TeklaStructures and even export them to the IFC format

The new version you can download here.

Lookup and UDA properties

 

Lookup in TeklaStructures. Getting UDA properties for a model object element

The Lookup, which was described in the previous post, has been got a new function. Obviously it's possible to get from ModelObject not only it's public and private properties, fields, etc. but through a bunch of GetUserProperty() methods also get values from user defined attributes. And I thought that's this function would be very useful for users.

Tekla Structures and Lookup

I suppose, that all who develops application for Revit and AutoCAD, knows such plugins as RevitLookup, ARXDBG and MGDDBG. These apps can seriously help to understand an object API model of the program, and also to see what hide under hood of the program. 

Unfortunately for the Tekla Structures it's impossible to find something which would be match by its functions on the Tekla's Warehouse. Of course this doesn't interfere a process of software developing, but if such application would exist it definitely helps in work.

If anybody didn't invent bicycle, yet, I will be the first in this direction. Meet the application for the Tekla Structures - Lookup.

Fig. 1. Main window of the program

[RC] Eurocode 1992-1-1 and Excel (part 1)

Hello to all! I'm starting to blog again after a long break.

In this article we will talk about reinforced concrete calculation and Excel

Today, the structural engineer must use calculation programs almost always. It helping a lot in work and it is necessary to carry out calculation every year faster and faster. Sofware developers improve their programs, listen to users, making them more convenient and functional. However, along with this, it is necessary to understand what the results of the calculation program. Many design programs may calculate reinforcement in bar and shell finite element, but it also important to be able to verify results alternatively. But today less and less engineers able to analyse rebar in simple reinforce section manually. I believe that anyone should not completely trust the calculation program. Therefore, I provide you with a dynamic library (dll) of custom functions for calculating reinforced concrete beams and sections in Excel.

[RC] Small program for analyse rc members based on Eurocode 1992-1-1

My hobby is programming. I just like write simple programs that can help me in everyday engineering practice. It can be in Excel or Smath Studio (like this), but the most fast and powerful is written in C#.

[RC] Moment bearing capacity of T-beam with double reinforcement (Eurocode 2)

In previous post I told in a few about moment bearing capacity of rectangular section. Today I continue my "micropost" tradition and share some my motes for moment bearing capacity for T-shape (see below)

[RC] Moment bearing capacity of rectangular RC section with double reinforcement (Eurocode 2)

In this post I'll write about moment bearing capacity of rectangular RC section with double reinforcement. 

Sometimes in my working practice I need to calculate bearing capacity of existing beams. But the most common aims for RC Eurocode analysis doesn't consist any information for this case. And I try to answer on this question:)