Tekla Tedds e-Learning

Tedds Fundamentals

Training manual

Copyright © 1992 - 2016 Trimble Solutions Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Training manual Tekla Tedds e-Learning

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Table of Contents
Typographical conventions ......................................................................................................................6
Note boxes ...............................................................................................................................................6

1 Introduction to Tedds........................................................................................................... 8

1.1 Session topics ..............................................................................................................................................8

1.2 What is Tedds? ............................................................................................................................................8

1.2.1 Opening the Program.................................................................................................................................8
1.2.2 The Tedds Start Page..................................................................................................................................9

1.3 Running a Tedds Calculations ....................................................................................................................10

1.3.1 The Calculation Wizard ............................................................................................................................10
1.3.2 Selecting a Calculation .............................................................................................................................11

1.4 Designing with the Library of Calculations ................................................................................................13

1.4.1 Calculation User Interface........................................................................................................................13
1.4.2 Tedds Data Lists........................................................................................................................................14
1.4.3 Entering Analysis and Design Information ...............................................................................................15
1.4.4 Previewing and Finishing Results .............................................................................................................16

1.5 Starting a New Calculation ........................................................................................................................16

1.6 Working with Built-in Examples ................................................................................................................17

1.6.1 Input Information for Seismic Forces.......................................................................................................18
1.6.2 Tedds Data Tables ....................................................................................................................................19
1.6.3 Output Options ........................................................................................................................................19
1.6.4 Saving and Printing the Document ..........................................................................................................19
1.6.5 Opening an Existing Calculation...............................................................................................................20
1.6.6 Re-calculating a Document ......................................................................................................................20

1.7 Customizing Templates & Setting Tedds Options .....................................................................................21

1.7.1 Document Header ....................................................................................................................................21
1.7.2 Tedds Screen & Ribbons...........................................................................................................................22
1.7.3 Tedds Options ..........................................................................................................................................25

2 Introduction to Tedds for Word.......................................................................................... 27

2.1 Session Topics............................................................................................................................................27

2.2 Introduction to Tedds for Word ................................................................................................................27

2.2.1 Tedds for Word add-in .............................................................................................................................27
2.2.2 Tedds for Word ribbon.............................................................................................................................27
2.2.3 Tedds developer ribbon ...........................................................................................................................28
2.2.4 Tedds template ribbon.............................................................................................................................28
2.2.5 Saving and Printing...................................................................................................................................29

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2.3 Send to Tedds for Word.............................................................................................................................29

2.3.1 Re-calculating after Sending-To Tedds for Word .....................................................................................29
2.3.2 The Progress log .......................................................................................................................................30

2.4 How to add and calculate a module ..........................................................................................................31

2.4.1 Creating a New Document .......................................................................................................................31
2.4.2 Calculating the Document........................................................................................................................31

2.5 Adding a calculation to a document..........................................................................................................32

2.5.1 Finding a calculation in the library ...........................................................................................................32
2.5.2 Inserting the calculation into the document............................................................................................32
2.5.3 Calculating the document ........................................................................................................................33
2.5.4 Hidden Calcs.............................................................................................................................................33

2.6 Modifying the Output of a Tedds Library Calculation ...............................................................................34

2.6.1 Field Codes ...............................................................................................................................................34
2.6.2 Preparing and Modifying the Document .................................................................................................35

2.7 Creating a Professional Report ..................................................................................................................36

2.7.1 Enhancing the Document.........................................................................................................................36
2.7.2 Adding a Cover Page ................................................................................................................................36
2.7.3 Inserting a Document Description ...........................................................................................................36
2.7.4 Inserting a Summary ................................................................................................................................37
2.7.5 Inserting a Picture ....................................................................................................................................37

2.8 Adding a Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................37

2.8.1 Adding an Automatic Table......................................................................................................................37
2.8.2 Modifying the Headings in the Table of Contents ...................................................................................38

3 Creating Documents with Multiple Calculations ................................................................. 40

3.1 Session Topics............................................................................................................................................40

3.2 Introduction to Calc Sections and Variables..............................................................................................40

3.2.1 How does Tedds calculate?......................................................................................................................40
3.2.2 Introduction to Calc Sections ...................................................................................................................40
3.2.3 Variables...................................................................................................................................................41
3.2.4 Adding Calc Sections ................................................................................................................................42

3.3 Creating and Working with Multiple Calculations.....................................................................................43

3.3.1 Managing Calc Sections............................................................................................................................43
3.3.2 Adding Multiple Calculations ...................................................................................................................43
3.3.3 Using the Document map ........................................................................................................................44
3.3.4 Modifying Calc Section Names.................................................................................................................44

4 Introduction to the 2D Frame Analysis................................................................................ 46

4.1 Session Topics............................................................................................................................................46

4.1.1 Introduction to the 2D Frame Analysis ....................................................................................................46

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4.2 Working with the 2D Frame Analysis module ...........................................................................................46

4.2.1 Introduction to the frame analysis...........................................................................................................46
4.2.2 The user interface ....................................................................................................................................47
4.2.3 Defining Nodes.........................................................................................................................................48
4.2.4 Defining Material Properties....................................................................................................................49
4.2.5 Defining Section Properties......................................................................................................................50
4.2.6 Defining Elements ....................................................................................................................................51
4.2.7 Defining Members....................................................................................................................................52
4.2.8 Defining and Adding Loads.......................................................................................................................53
4.2.9 Defining Load Combinations ....................................................................................................................55
4.2.10 Reviewing Results.....................................................................................................................................56
4.2.11 Selecting Output.......................................................................................................................................57

4.3 Creating a template ...................................................................................................................................58

4.3.1 What is a Tedds template?.......................................................................................................................58
4.3.2 Using a template file ................................................................................................................................58

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Conventions used in this guide

Typographical conventions

The following typographical conventions are used in this guide:

Header Usage
Bold Any text that you see in the user interface appears in bold. This
font is used, for example, for window and dialog box titles, box
and button names, and list items.
Italic bold New terms are in italic bold when they appear in the current
context for the first time.
Monospace Extracts of program code, HTML, or other material that you
would normally edit in a text editor, appear in monospaced
font. This font is also used for file names and folder paths, and
for any text that you should type yourself.

Note boxes

The following types of note boxes are used in this guide:

A tip might introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways of doing

things.

A note draws attention to details that you might easily overlook. It

can also point you to other information in this guide that you might
find useful.

You should always read very important notes and warnings, like
this one. They will help you avoid making serious mistakes, or
wasting your time.

This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical information

that is usually of interest only to advanced or technically-oriented
reader

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LESSON
1

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1 Introduction to Tedds
1.1 Session topics

 Overview of Tedds
 Using the Tedds library
 Running calculations effectively
 Saving and printing calculations
 Advanced Tedds usage
 Tedds options and help

1.2 What is Tedds?

 A powerful software program that allows you to automate your daily structural and civil
engineering calculations
– Contains a library of built-in calculations that allow you to quickly perform daily designs
– Contains tools to create your own custom calculations
– Contains two parts: Tedds (also referred to as Tedds standalone) and Tedds for Word.
 Tedds standalone is simple to use, powerful, completely self-contained program and requires no
knowledge of any other program.
– Gives you access to all the calculations in the Tedds Engineering Library and most of the
utilities.
 Tedds for Word has all the capabilities of Tedds standalone and is fully integrated with Microsoft®
Word.
– Run all of the calculations in the Tedds Engineering Library
– Combine calculations into a single document and use the editing features of Word to create
complete and professional looking documents and reports.
– Use Tedds features to create your own calculations.

1.2.1 Opening the Program

Double click on the Start Tedds icon to bring up the Start Wizard. You can launch Tedds or Tedds for
Word by clicking in either box.

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1.2.2 The Tedds Start Page

Once Tedds has started, the first window you will see is the Tedds Start Page. Here you can quickly
about using Tedds.

Locale Select your regional library from the drop down menu.
New Click here to bring up the calculation wizard to start a new calculation. Recently used
Document calculations will be listed below. You can click on these titles to start a new calculation of the
specified module.
Open Click here to open an existing document, you will need to browse to the saved file. Recently
Document opened documents will be listed below, click on these titles to open the files directly.
New Project Click here to start a new Tedds Project
Open Project Click here to open an existing Tedds Project that you’ve previously created and saved.
Quick Start Click here to access a tutorial with information and examples on getting started with Tedds.
Guide Listed below are quick access links to the release notes containing information about updates
and releases, the user’s guide with detailed information about the program, and help

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Access the Tedds Start Page any time from the View Ribbon

1.3 Running a Tedds Calculations

1.3.1 The Calculation Wizard

Select what modules you want to run in the Calculation Wizard

 All the Tedds calculations are stored in libraries; the calculations are referred to as library items
 Select the appropriate library from the drop-down menu
 Not all calculations are available in every library

Tedds calculations (Canada SI Units) calculations to Canadian codes in metric units

Tedds calculations (USA SI Units) calculations to USA codes in metric units
Tedds calculations (USA US Units) calculations to USA codes in US standard units
My calculations calculations that have been saved or created by the user

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1.3.2 Selecting a Calculation

The Calculation Wizard is divided into two parts; Library of calculations and Preview Window

Library of Includes all the calculations for the selected library. Calculations are organized in folders
calculations by material and member type, the same calculation can be found in different folders.
Preview window Provides details of selected item including scope, assumptions, limitations and revisions

New and These folders include all the calculations that are new or updated in the most recent
enhanced folders update.
Bulletins Folder includes product bulletins describing recently fixed issues that could affect
previous designs.
Cube icon Calculation command, opens a new blank file. Selecting this option displays
information about the calculation in the preview window
Paper icon Built-in example with predefined values and results. Selecting this option displays the
calculation results in the preview window.
Show examples Toggles the visibility of the built-in example files
Find Searches the Library for a specific calculation, the next and previous buttons allow you
to scroll through multiple results.
Calculate Runs the calculation. You can also double click on a calculation to launch the module.

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1.4 Designing with the Library of Calculations

We’ll work through a couple examples in Tedds. In these examples, we’ll introduce the modules,
highlight common features and provide tips for working through the calculation.

Example 1: Steel Column Design

1.4.1 Calculation User Interface

The User Interface is the window that appears when running a calculation and is where all values are
entered. Tedds uses a consistent approach to the User Interface for all calcs that ensures they are
easy to use and familiar.

Common to all modules is the calculation name and version number displayed at the top of the user
interface. There are 5 buttons down the left hand side for quick reference and help.

Notes Opens the same information as the

Preview Window in the Library.
Sketches Opens a sketch associated with the
calculation; it will be greyed out if
there are none available
Variables Opens the Variable Manager which
lists the values already entered in the
User Interface.
Feedback Allows you to send feedback directly
to the Tedds Development Team.
Support Opens the technical support contact
page on our website

The Variable Manager contains all values entered in

the user interface, as well as any other variables
needed to perform the calculation.

Document Shows all variables from this

document, both default values and
values you have entered
System Shows all constants available in Tedds,
they may or may not be used in the
specific calculation. i.e. π

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When working in Tedds module it is good practice to work from top to bottom and left to right.
Several modules update automatically as information is input and this will make sure the necessary
information is available when needed.

 General information about the calculation or particular input screen may be displayed at the top
of the user interface.
 Hover over information bubbles to display information about the requested input.
 In some cases clicking on the bubble will display the information in the space provided at the top
of the screen.
 If a button is highlighted in red, you must click on it to enter a value, confirm a default or select an
option before proceeding.

1.4.2 Tedds Data Lists

When working in some calculation you may run into data lists. These allow you to make a selection,
for example a section size, reinforcing bar, wood species and grade, etc. Once an option is selected all
the properties associated with the selection are stored in the document to be used in the calculation.

 Work from left to right selecting information from each category.

 The Details button opens a dialog box with all the properties associated with that member.

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1.4.3 Entering Analysis and Design Information

Tedds uses check boxes when different options are

available within a given calculation. This can toggle
on or off design checks, analysis options, or
overriding variables and properties.

Calculations may have subsections; click on a button to open a new interace with more inputs.

You
will

come across several different ways to input information:

Input box Allows you to type any value directly into the space provided
Drop-down menu You must select from a pre-defined list of values; these will have a grey background.
Edit drop-down You can either select from a pre-defined list of values or type in your own value; these
menu will have a white background

Perform calculations inside input boxes with a white background, i.e.

type 2x10 and click in another box to calculate, resulting value will be
displayed.

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1.4.4 Previewing and Finishing Results

The calculations provide a results summary in the User

Interface that you can review before finishing. This
allows you to amend any inputs before creating your
output document.

Every calculation will have different result options

before you finalize the calculations.

There is usually a setting to control the level of output

detail you want in the final document.

Full Gives you all of the result content including sketches if necessary.
Summary Provides only the information Tedds considers most important or critical, such as
Design status (Pass/Fail).
None Does not output any result, yields a blank document.

Once the parameters have been entered and the preview results are satisfactory, click Finish to exit
and view the output.

1.5 Starting a New Calculation

Open a new calculation by

clicking on the Tedds icon
button in the left-hand corner
of the Ribbon and click on the
New button. Recently used
modules will display under the
Recent Calculations to make
selecting commonly used
modules quick and easy.

Click on New to start a new

calculation

Click on New Project to start a new project

You can also click on the New

icons in the Quick Access toolbar
or the Home ribbon.

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Example 2: Seismic Force

1.6 Working with Built-in Examples

Every Tedds calculation has at least one example file. These can be used as a template for new files or
for you to review a calculation before beginning your own. You can preview the outputs in the Notes
screen before calculating.

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1.6.1 Input Information for Seismic Forces

This calculation follows the basic inputs per ASCE 7. We recommend working your way from top to
bottom and left to right as you input information.

 Most inputs are selected from a drop-down menu or input box.

 Criteria follow the parameters set out in ASCE 7.
 Tedds does not automatically calculation the mapped spectral acceleration parameters
– Visit the USGS website and download their free program.
– http://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/designmaps/javacalc.php
 You can override the calculation R value or select the lateral force resisting system to use the code
defined R value (see page 11)
 You can calculate diaphragm force minimums.
– Check the box to activate a new button similar to the ‘Heights & Weights’ category to input
diaphragm information. (see page 10)
Building Data – Heights & Weights
This is where you input the building information including level heights and weights. This is an
example of a button opening a second interface screen.
 Set the number of levels to make those input boxes active.
 Tedds will keep a summary of the building height and total seismic weight.

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1.6.2 Tedds Data Tables

Some calculations use Data Tables. These tables reference the relevant design codes and are used to
calculate variables required in the calculation.

 Start from left to right and select the appropriate rows and columns.
 Some data tables will allow you to interpolate between values.
 Once all the information has been selected, the ‘Copy to Calcs’ button will be available.

1.6.3 Output Options

Loading calculations do not have

preview options.

In the seismic and wind calculations

you will have the option to output
results in a table.

1.6.4 Saving and Printing the Document

Saving a Tedds document is the same as saving any other kind of document. The file is saved as a
Tedds Document with the file extension ‘.ted’. You can only open a .ted file using Tedds, although you
can import them into Tedds for Word. You can have multiple Tedds documents open at the same
time. Print the completed document by using the ‘Print’ command in the File menu

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1.6.5 Opening an Existing Calculation

Open an existing calculation by clicking on the Tedds icon button on the left-hand corner of the Ribbon
and click on the ‘Open’ button. You will be able to browse to the saved document on your computer
or network. You can also click on the side arrow to see more options

 Click on Open to open an existing document, either a single calculation or a project.

 A list of recently opened files will display below, click on these to open the specific document
without having to browse to it.

1.6.6 Re-calculating a Document

If you want to change any of the input values in the calculation, you can re-calculate the document. Go
to the Home ribbon click on Calculate

 Review inputs for previously saved files and make modifications.

 You can use completed calculations as a basis for a new projects.

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1.7 Customizing Templates & Setting Tedds Options

1.7.1 Document Header

Change header information for the active document by clicking on the Header command in the Home
ribbon. The Header Properties window will have three tabs: Document, Company, and Template.

Fill in the document information to have it displayed in the header.

Change the template for different header layouts and the logo to your own company logo.

Select Choose a different built-in Template. Note: contact our support department for
creating a custom Template.
Browse Select a different logo to appear in the header.
Edit Labels Change the name of each section title

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1.7.2 Tedds Screen & Ribbons

When multiple files are open, you can view all of them within the Tedds screen. You can toggle
between files by clicking on the title. The active file will be the one whose output is visible. The close
‘x’ will also show up on the active document tab.

The Quick Access toolbar along the top of the screen contains commands to start a new document,
save the current active file or print the active file. Clicking print here will automatically send the file to
your default printer; you will not get a screen with printer options.

The Tedds icon contains typical file commands such as new, open, save, save as and print. Hover over
any of these to bring up more options on the right-hand side.

The print option here will

open a separate window with
all the typical printer options.
The Send to option allows you to export a
Tedds file to another location. This includes
sending the file to:

 Tedds for Word

 Regular Microsoft Word
 Open an email and automatically place
this file as an attachment to that email.
 Export the document to a rich text
format file.

The Send to Wizard provides more options

for sending a document from Tedds into
Tedds for Word.

From the selection screen you can choose to

send the calculation to:
 A new Tedds for Word file
 Append to active document, places the file at the
end of the currently open Tedds for Word file.
 Insert in active document, places the calculation
where the cursor is currently located in open
Tedds for Word.

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The ribbons have grouped actions and commands to allow you to quickly navigate through the
program.

Home ribbon contains basic commands to work with a single document

New Opens calculation wizard to start a new module

Open Opens an existing calculation
Save Saves the current active file
Duplicate Creates a copy of the currently active file and opens to that copy
Send to Command to send the currently active file to Tedds for Word
Header Allows you to modify the header
Calculate Allows you to re-run the calculation and modify inputs.
Variables Opens the variables box to see all the inputs in the active file.
Find /Next Searches the currently active document for keywords or variables
Locale Changes the location of the document codes
Options Opens a dialog box with settings and properties for the program

Project ribbon contains commands to open, save and manage project files. The header and Calculate All commands
in this ribbon will control all documents in the project. There are several other commands for working
with projects.

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View ribbon contains commands for turning on visibility of different information in the document. You can also zoom
the active file and modify how multiple files are displayed.

Project manager Turns on/off the project manager, this contains all the files within a project
Status bar Turns on information at the bottom of the screen about new updates
Document tabs Displays multiple documents with tabs to allow for easy navigation
Hidden text Some calculations will have hidden text, check this box to display additional information
in a document
Semicolons Turns on the display of semicolons, this is used more in Tedds for Word
Progress log Turns on the progress log after a document has been calculation, this contains
information about the calculation including any errors
Help ribbon contains important information on using and updating the program. The help icon will open the help
dialog box.

Documentation Contains useful literature such as release notes, Quick Start guide, information on the
engineering library items and the user’s guide
Support Provides links to contact your local help desk and send feedback to the development
team.
Check for updates Opens the Update Manager which allows you to view, download and install updates if
available
License manager Opens the licensing utility. If you have a server license you can commute a license from
here so you can disconnect the computer from the network and work from a remote
location

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1.7.3 Tedds Options

Tedds is very flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs by modifying the many options available
via the Tedds Options dialog box. For detailed information on all the options available, please refer to
the Tedds Help documentation.

Documents
Templates - The template determines the
layout of the page and header used in your
document. You can change this default
template and logo from a list of standard
templates. You can also create a custom
company template, send a pdf of your
template and jpeg of your log to the support
department and one will be created for you.

You can set up your default company

details, such as name and address, which
will automatically be filled into the header.

Calculating
Under Results you can control how answers
are displayed in your document, change the
font used for your results, change your
regional settings and choose which kind of
progress log you use.

Change the precision value of output to a

higher significant figure.

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LESSON
2

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2 Introduction to Tedds for Word

2.1 Session Topics

 Introduction to the Tedds Ribbon

 How to add and calculate a module
 Modifying a calculation
 Creating a professional report
– Adding a cover page
– Adding descriptive text & adding pictures
– Adding a table of contents

2.2 Introduction to Tedds for Word

2.2.1 Tedds for Word add-in

Tedds works as an add-in to Microsoft Word. This allows you to use all the same features of Word plus
the tools available in Tedds. The available Word versions are 2007, 2010 and 2013. Tedds is
compatible with both the 32-bit and 64-bit bit versions of Microsoft Word.

2.2.2 Tedds for Word ribbon

The Tedds tools are placed on their own ribbon. The ribbon is broken up into
several groups with associated command buttons.

 You can click on the icon to activate a command

 Some command icons will have an arrow or drop-down menu, these can
be options for properties of the main command, or sub-commands that
are similar in nature but perform a different action.

Library Opens the Library Access System where the built-in Tedds modules or your own calculations
stored.
Calculate Contains options for calculating the document, this includes anything from a single
expression, a single calculation or the entire document.
Header Modifies the header of the active document, similar to the header option in Tedds
standalone.
Calc Section Commands for managing calc sections, this is discussed in Session 3 of Tedds Fundamentals.
Show/Hide Controls visibility of field codes, hidden calcs and semi-colons.
Font Commands to enable different formatting such as Greek font, superscript and subscripts
Insert Contains modules for inserting Tedds fields and a user interface, as well as commands for
engineering symbols and drop-down menus for Greek letters and units.
Tools These are additional tools and important commands that you will work with often

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These are a few important commands within the tools group

Variables Opens a dialog box containing all the variables in the

document.
Locale Allows you to change between Library of calculations from
different regions.
Help Contains useful features such as help, check for updates,
user’s guide and tutorials.
More Contains additional tools such as Import and Tedds Options.
Import Allows you to bring in a saved Tedds standalone file
Tedds Opens a separate dialog box containing basic operating
Options properties of Tedds

2.2.3 Tedds developer ribbon

There is an optional ribbon that holds the Developer Tools. This contains advanced tools for writing
your own calculations and is only recommended for experienced users.

 This contains advanced tools for writing your own calculations

 The same tools the Tedds developers use to create the built-in modules
 The ribbon is hidden by default and you need to turn on the visibility to access it.

All Tedds Ribbons can be toggled on or off in

Tedds Options > Environment > General > check
box to display ribbons

2.2.4 Tedds template ribbon

There is an optional ribbon which contains tools for creating your own template. Here you can
customize what the Tedds sheet will look like to match your calc pads.

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2.2.5 Saving and Printing

Saving and printing a Tedds for Word document is exactly the same as saving and printing any Word
document and both functions can be accessed from the File tab.
Go to File > Print/Save/Save as…

When saving a Tedds file the variables are embedded into the Tedds for Word document. This means
you have a single .doc(x) file which contains all the information needed to store the calculation.

If you have a document that was created in an older version of Tedds (2013 - v15 or earlier) the
variables were not embedded in the file. For older versions of Tedds, saving a file created 2 documents,
regular Word file with the .doc(x) file extension and a variable file with the
.vbl extension. The .vbl contains all the variables in the document

 When moving or sharing files both documents must be kept together or

you will lose all variable information
 You can update old files to have the variables embedded instead of
relying on the separate .vbl file.
– To do this go to the Variables drop-down menu > Embed variables
– Save the file to make sure this setting is stored.

2.3 Send to Tedds for Word

Instead of having to start from scratch in Tedds for Word and having to create a new document with
the same output, we can simply send our existing Tedds document to Tedds for Word. The different
Send-to options are discussed in more detail in the Introduction to Tedds session.

 Use the Wizard for more sending options including sending the calculation into an existing Tedds
for Word file. This will allow you to put multiple documents into a single Tedds for Word file.
 Click on the main Send to button to open a new Tedds for Word document and place this
calculation in it.

2.3.1 Re-calculating after Sending-To Tedds for Word

The ‘Variables’ command on the Tedds tab opens the ‘Variable Manager’ in the same way as it does in
Tedds.
 You can see that all values previously entered in Tedds have been retained
 This allows you to re-calculate the document and all of the previous values entered will be
remembered so you don’t have to re-enter them
 You can sort the variable names
 You can sort the names ascending or descending alphabetically by clicking on the ‘Name’ column
 Right-click on along the column titles to group by Name, Value or Dimension
 Hover over a variable to see the name, value in base units and several different unit conversions

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To re-calculate click on the All command in the Calculate section of the ribbon.
 The calculation’s user interface is identical in both Tedds and Tedds for Word.
 Once the document has been re-calculated the Variable Manager will show the updated values.
 The Tedds for Word document is not linked to the original Tedds document.
 The standalone Tedds document will still have the original numbers in it.

2.3.2 The Progress log

The progress log will always run in the background and it

indicates the progress of the calculation. It will display
information such as errors, messages and calc section name.
You can set properties for the log in Tedds options including to
automatically close after calculating and to refresh the
information when recalculating.

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2.4 How to add and calculate a module

2.4.1 Creating a New Document

There are three ways to open a new document:

From the Start Tedds Wizard Go to File > New Tedds Document Select a calculation from the Library

Creating a new document in Tedds for Word is different from the procedure in Tedds standalone. You
need to select the calculation in the library, put it into a document and then calculate the document.
 Tedds calculations are saved in the Library Access System (LAS)
 This utility is the same as the calculation screen in Tedds standalone
 There are 3 ways of inserting a calculation
– Select the calculation and click on Execute
– Double click on the calculation
– Drag and drop the calculation into the document
– Only the first two options are recommended for new users
 Initially only the calc section title and calculation name will appear in the document
 You must calculate the document to
– Run through a module and input information
– Change information in the module
– Store variables and view calculated results

2.4.2 Calculating the Document

There are many calculating options to choose from

All Calculates the entire document from start to finish

Expression Calculates the paragraph where the cursor is
Calc Section Calculates the calc section that the cursor is in
Start to here Calculates from the start to where the cursor
Here to end Calculates from cursor to end of the document
Selection Calculates the currently highlighted text
Recalc selection Calculates whatever was previously calculated using the selection command

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2.5 Adding a calculation to a document

2.5.1 Finding a calculation in the library

The calculation library is held in the Library Access System located in the Library section of the Ribbon.
The Tedds for Word library content is almost identical to that of the Tedds library.

 Choose between different libraries via the drop-down menu

 Calculations are arranged by material type and member type
 Search for calculations in the Find box.
 Select a calculation and click Preview to see the calculation notes.
 Execute places the chosen calc into the document.

2.5.2 Inserting the calculation into the document

You can insert a calculation into the document in three

ways; select it and choose Execute, double click on it,
or drag it into the active document. Double clicking or
choosing Execute allows you to choose how the
calculation is inserted into the document.
 Open a new document with the calculation
inserted
 Append the calculation to the end of the current
active document.
 Insert the calculation where the cursor is currently
placed in the active document.

Add new Calc Section – This creates a calc section based on the above settings, and places the
calculation into that calc section. You can indicate a Title for the calculation and add a page break.

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2.5.3 Calculating the document

When you first input a calculation into the file only the titles are displayed

You must calculate the document to input values and view results

2.5.4 Hidden Calcs

Some values and equations may be hidden in the calculation to minimize the length of output results.
To show these in the document enable the ‘Hidden Calcs’ command in the Show/Hide group.

Hidden text may also be turned on in Word

options. Go to Options > Display > Always
show these formatting marks on the screen >
make sure Hidden text is unchecked.

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2.6 Modifying the Output of a Tedds Library Calculation

2.6.1 Field Codes

It is important to understand fields in order to modify Tedds library calculations. Quoting from the
Word documentation, "A field is a placeholder for data that might change in a document"
 A field contains two parts; the field code and the field result
 A field code is designated by curly brackets, Tedds field codes always begin {=CSC|…}
 Tedds modules are a single field
– The calculation output is the result
– The result is updated each time the field is calculated
– You cannot manually edit the text within a field, the edited text is not recognized by the code
that controls the output
 Any changes made within a field will be overwritten when the document is re-calculated
 You should only change input values in the calculation interface
 You can modify the look of calculation results in Tedds options
 To modify the calculation output you will need to copy and paste text of the built-in modules
– Text must be pasted after the calculation, outside of the field code, use field shading to help
paste the text
– This technique is used to modify units, add calculations, factors and descriptive text
– Active sketches are pictures that change depending on input from the calculation, these will
not maintain the link if copied and pasted.
– Do not copy the sketches in the document by highlighting them with the text.
– The best action is to wait until the calculation is complete, then copy the picture by
clicking on it and paste it where needed.
– It will now be a static picture

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2.6.2 Preparing and Modifying the Document

You can modify a Tedds calculation so the results match what you want to display; add text, change
units or significant figures and insert pictures. Switch between viewing the Field Codes and Field
Results by enabling the ‘Field Codes’ option in the Tedds ribbon.

Enable Field Shading in Microsoft Word Options to quickly view what information is part of a field
code. Go to File > Word Options > Advanced > Show document content > Field shading > set this
option to When selected.

 You can only paste information after the calculation outside of the field code.
– Turn on Semi-colons to find the end of a calculation.
 Turn on highlighting in Word Options to differentiate between field values and pasted values.
 Do not copy pictures from the built-in calculations
– Take a screenshot of the picture and paste the image into the copied text.
 Do not change the results themselves; this should only be changed in the User Interface.
 Type in new units, you do not need to perform conversions.
 Change significant figures by replacing the result with =?f# where # is the number of decimals
 Re-calculate the document and uncheck outputs or choose summary level none

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2.7 Creating a Professional Report

2.7.1 Enhancing the Document

Once you’ve completed your calculations, you can enhance the document with several features to
create a professional looking calculation package

2.7.2 Adding a Cover Page

You can use Word features to create a cover page for your
document. There are some tricks in order to work within
the Tedds for Word environment. Follow the steps below:

Create the Page Break:

 Place your cursor at the start of the document before

any calculations.
 In the Page Layout ribbon select Breaks and from the
drop-down menu choose Next Page Break.
 Turn on the paragraphs view in the Home ribbon.
 Enter a few spaces to give yourself room before the
page break.

Disable the Header Link and Format Page Numbers:

 Double click in the header area.
 In the Header Design ribbon click on Link to Previous
– this will break the header link to the first page.

 In the Header Design ribbon, click on Page Number and choose Format Page Numbers
 Set the page numbering to start at 1.

Now you can delete or edit the header, input text and format the cover page as needed.

2.7.3 Inserting a Document Description

You can insert a descriptive text at the beginning of your document before any of the calculations. This
can be a summary of the information to follow, scope of work, design assumptions, etc.

 If the first calculation in your document is in a calc section, then it doesn’t matter if your text is in a
section or not.
 If the first calculation in your document is not in a Calc Section, do not add a calc section for the
document description.
– This will add your first calculation into that same section and could potentially stop your
document from calculating as intended.

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2.7.4 Inserting a Summary

Inserting a summary is basically the same as inserting descriptive text.

 Make sure you can see all semicolons in the document before inserting the summary; there are
often single semicolons at the end of the document to show representing the end of the
calculation output.
 Semicolons can be shown by enabling the ‘Semicolons’ option in the Show/Hide group of the
Tedds ribbon.

2.7.5 Inserting a Picture

Inserting a sketch into a Tedds for Word document is done in the same way as for any other Word
document.

 You can insert a sketch anywhere in your document

– If placed within a built-in calculation the picture will be lost when you recalculate.
– If placed outside of a built-in calculation then the picture will remain when you recalculate.
 Go to the ‘Insert’ tab and click on the ‘Picture’ command in the ‘Illustrations’ group.
 To insert a .dwg file, use the ‘Object’ command in the ‘Text’ group of the same tab.
 You can highlight, label, and edit your image by using the built in Word tools in the Insert and
Format ribbons.

2.8 Adding a Table of Contents

2.8.1 Adding an Automatic Table

A table of contents can be created and updated very easily using the standard Word feature. The text
included in the Table of Contents is determined automatically based on the Styles used in the
document.
 There are 2 Automatic Tables which are created based on predefined style settings for the
different outline levels

 There is a manual table that allows you to create and fill out a table of contents independently of
the document content or styles.

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2.8.2 Modifying the Headings in the Table of Contents

There is an option to Insert Table of Contents that allows you to create a custom table based on
specific paragraph styles.

 You can navigate to the specific locations in your document using the Table of Contents:
– Simply hold down the ‘Ctrl’ button and click on the line you want to go to.
 If the document is changed, you can update the Table of Contents by going to the ‘References’ tab
and using the ‘Update Table’ command.
– You can either ‘Update page numbers’ only or ‘Update entire table’ which will also update the
text in the table.

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LESSON
3

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3 Creating Documents with Multiple Calculations

3.1 Session Topics

 Introduction to Calc Sections and variables

 Creating a document with multiple calculations
 Add Calc Sections
 Manage multiple calculations
– Copy calculations
– Using the navigation pane

3.2 Introduction to Calc Sections and Variables

3.2.1 How does Tedds calculate?

Tedds works linearly as it calculates working from left to right and from top of document to bottom.
The program uses variables to store values and calculate expressions. The value is stored in the
Variables Manager as it’s calculated. For documents that include more than one calculation, most
likely the same variable name will be used several times. Each time the variable is calculated the new
value is stored, resulting in a second calculation overriding the value of a previous calculation. Tedds
uses Calc Sections to fix this problem.

3.2.2 Introduction to Calc Sections

Calc Sections are used to separate variables between calculations. They keep variables in individual
lists that cannot be easily communicated to each other or overwritten by each other.

There are two types of sections:

Calc Sections keep variables in separate individual lists that cannot be overwritten by each other
Document Sections maintain global variables that can be used in any calc section

 All Calc Sections can use document variables and system constants.
 A Calc Section ends at either the next Calc Section title or the end of the document, whichever
comes first.
 Each Calc Section has a ‘Section ID’ which is unique in that document.
– View the Section ID by showing ‘Field Codes’: {=CSC|Section|1}
– The Calc Section ID ensures that the variables in one Calc Section are stored separately to
those in another Calc Section and the ID should never be modified
 The current Calc Section is determined by the location of the cursor

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3.2.3 Variables

There are three types of sections:

Document Variables Can be used by any calculation, consider these as global variables
Defined at the beginning of the document before any Calc Section
Defined within a Document Section
Can be promoted from within a Calc Section
Calc Section Variables Only occur in and can be used by their Calc Section
System Constants Are common engineering values that are predefined in Tedds and can be used in
any Calc Section

 The ‘Variables’ command in the Tedds

ribbon stores the calculated variables and
allows you to edit and manage them.
 The Document, Calc Section and System
tabs will show the variables in each
category
– The Calc Section tab will show the variables for the current calc section.
– You can copy variables in these tabs to paste into other documents.
 The Manage tab allows you manipulate the existing variables

– Document variables are shown on the left and the current Calc Section variables are shown on
the right
– You can promote Calc Section variables by selecting the variable and using the ‘Add’
command
– You copy, paste or delete variables

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3.2.4 Adding Calc Sections

There are two ways to insert a Calc Section

Manually insert ‘Calc Sections’ using the ‘Insert’ command, this is most useful for calc writing.
 Choose from a regular Calc Section or revert to a Document Section
 Start writing your own calculation within the Section
 Drag and drop a calculation below the Calc Section title
Insert the ‘Calc Section’ when adding a new calculation to the document.

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3.3 Creating and Working with Multiple Calculations

3.3.1 Managing Calc Sections

There are several commands that help you to work with Calc Sections

Insert Creates a new Calc Section in the document

Edit Edits the title of the current Calc Section. You should not do this manually in the
document as you may break the Tedds Calc Section Field which will then no longer be
recognized as a Calc Section
Delete This command will delete the current Calc Section completely from the document
Next This allows you to quickly browse through a large document that has multiple Calc
Sections
Cut Copies the Calc Section to the clipboard and removes it from the document
Copy Copies the current Calc Section to the clipboard
Paste Inserts the copied Calc Section where the cursor is located

Do not use Word’s Copy and Paste commands to copy calc

sections; this will not work correctly

3.3.2 Adding Multiple Calculations

When adding multiple calculations to a single document always use Calc Sections to separate the
calculations.
 Manually add the Calc Section and drag and drop the calculation
 Check the Calc Section option when adding a calculation from the Library Access System
 Copy calculations by using the Copy and Paste commands in the Calc Section Ribbon
– This is a quick way to have multiple similar calculations without having to input all the values
from scratch.

When working with a large document built-up of several

calculations, you may not want to calculate the full
document every time. The easiest is to calculate just the
Calc Section, which allows you to input information for the
current module.

The progress log will indicate where you are in the document. it will
display the Calc Section title and can be useful when calculating several
sections at once.

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3.3.3 Using the Document map

The Document Map is a built-in Microsoft Word tool that allows you to quickly navigate the document.

 Clicking on a heading listed in the Document Map takes you to that paragraph in the document.
 The text that appears in the document map is created automatically based on the ‘Styles’ used in
the document.
 If you have text in your document that you want to appear in the document map it must be
formatted using one of the heading styles or a style that is not defined at the body text outline
level

3.3.4 Modifying Calc Section Names

You should not manually edit the calc section name by typing directly into the document. This will
cause an error and could potentially break the link of the field code causing the section to longer be
recognized. Always use the ‘Edit’ command in the calc section group of the ribbon.

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LESSON
4

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4 Introduction to the 2D Frame Analysis

4.1 Session Topics

4.1.1 Introduction to the 2D Frame Analysis

 Overview of the user interface and inputs for creating a structure

– Discuss options for adding loads
– Graphically review results within the user interface
– Define the results to be output to the document
 Creating a template

4.2 Working with the 2D Frame Analysis module

4.2.1 Introduction to the frame analysis

The 2D frame analysis module uses a powerful analysis solver which is built-into Tedds.
The module itself is intended as a simple 2D frame and truss analysis calculation. It was designed for
ease of use for small projects in line with the component design that Tedds is known for. It is not
meant to be used for 3D analysis with a graphical interface or an FE analysis. There are other
programming solutions available from Tekla Solutions for this.
 The module includes the following features:
– Unlimited nodes and elements
– Tabular style input and output
– Graphical view of geometry, loading and design results
– Output results for design forces and deflections
– Output drawings for geometry, loading and design results

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4.2.2 The user interface

This is the basic user interface for this module

Graphics space (top) Updates automatically as information is input. Change the location from above to
the left of the input table using the Vertical button.
Input table (bottom) Through the series of tabs, input in tabular form the information needed to define
and analyse the structure.

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4.2.3 Defining Nodes

The nodes are defined with a simple coordinate system where x is in the horizontal direction and z is in
the vertical direction.
 Nodes must be created for the ends of every element
 Nodes can be added for reaction points
 Nodes can be added for releases within a beam span, for example adding a hinge
 Nodes can be added to get specific analysis information at a given point

 Define the fixity of support conditions, change the X, Z or rotation from free to fixed
– Hold down control to select several cells at once, then click on the last cell again and change
the fixity, this will change all select cells
 You can define unique coordinate systems for different nodes, this could make it easier to define
and work with sloped members
 You can define an semi-rigid support condition by inputting spring information for the node

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4.2.4 Defining Material Properties

The materials tab is where you define the material of the members. You can define
several different material types as needed for your specific design.
You can define a unique material by typing your own name and corresponding
properties into the cells in each column.
There are also several built-in materials which will populate the property
information automatically for the chosen material.

You can select these from the drop-down

menu under Name

Once you’ve selected an option, click

outside of the drop-down menu to
populate the property information

Some materials will open a data list where you can select specific types with their corresponding
properties, for example selecting wood then clicking outside the Name cell will open the NDS data
table where you can select the species and grade of the wood member.

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4.2.5 Defining Section Properties

The sections tab allows you to define the specific properties of the section in the structure. You can
input your own unique section name and properties by typing them into the appropriate cells. You can
also import section sizes from data lists or a section tool depending on the material. You can define
and/or import as many different sections as needed for your specific design.
Click the Import button to choose a section size.
 Steel sections will be available from data tables
 Concrete and wood sections will allow you to input the dimensions of the shape and the program
will automatically calculate the required properties.

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4.2.6 Defining Elements

The next tab is where you define the analysis elements spanning between nodes. You must create an
element between every node or else that node will not be recognized.
 Indicate the start and end node numbers to create an element
 The material and section are populated automatically from the first selection in the previous tabs.
– Change the material or section by clicking in the cell and choosing a new option from the
drop-down menu
– This will have all the options that were defined in the previous tabs
 Control the fixities of the elements by releasing each end for moment and/or axial load, if two
members are fully fixed for all options then they will act as a single member
 Check the box in the ‘Rotate’ column if the element is rotate 90 degrees about its longitudinal
axes, for example a horizontal element with load in the z-direction will be loaded on its minor axis.

 The graphics will update automatically as information is input in the table

 The options on the right-hand side of the graphics space control what information is visible
– The check box next to Node icons controls visibility and the slider to controls the size
– Change the ID drop down menu to display element lengths, material types or section sizes.
– The remaining check boxes control the visibility of the element numbers, the global axis
system, element ends (if the element lines extend to the node) and the element end releases.

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4.2.7 Defining Members

You can link several elements together and define them as a single member. This will allow you to
input loads on the member as a whole instead of having to input them one by one on each element.
You will also be able to view results for the entire member instead of for each individual element.
 Input your own name for the member
 Choose the first element from the drop-down menu
 Choose the last element in the member, all elements between the start and end will be included
automatically
 Click on the next line to update the module
 The graphics will show the member with a blue square around it

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4.2.8 Defining and Adding Loads

You must define all of the load cases that are going to be used in the project.
 The name can be anything that fits the project; it does not have to be dead, live, snow, etc.
 You can add a self-weight factor by putting 1 in the column for the load case; this is calculated
automatically based on the section size and element lengths.
 Once the load cases are defined, the loads are added to the structure on the right-hand side

Loads can be added to nodes, a single element, or an entire member if

defined.
 The direction of loads match the global coordinate system indicated in
the graphics, positive for horizontal load to the right and positive for
downward vertical load
 Enter negative load values for the opposite direction

Node Loads – Will place a concentrated load directly on a defined node

 Choose the node from the drop-down menu or type in directly
 Choose the load case – this will automatically match whichever load case is selected
 Add the load in the global coordinates, x horizontally or z vertically, you can also add a point
moment.

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4 Introduction to the 2D Frame Analysis 54 (58)

Element and Member Loads – This option will place the loads on the chosen element or member. The
load options and properties are the same for elements and members. The only difference is
referencing the individual element or the group of elements that were defined as a single member.

 Choose the element /member from the drop down menu or type in the element number /member
name
 Choose the load case – this will automatically match whichever load case is selected
 You can input different load types in the ‘All’ tab or go into each individual load type tab to input a
specific type
 Loads can be input referenced off a global axis or a local axis, you can also choose the orientation,
horizontally or vertically
– For sloped members live and snow loads can be placed on the projected Z-axis while dead
loads can be vertical along the slope in the global Z-axis
 The location of loads can be input as a ratio or an absolute value
– Ratio – based on a factor of the length from 0 at the start to 1 at the end and a fraction for
somewhere along the length of the element/member
– Absolute – input the actual distance in feet, referenced from the start of the element or
member extending along the local axis
– For inclined or sloped elements/members it is easier to input loads based on a ratio as
opposed to calculating the absolute dimension

 The graphics will update to show the loads as you apply them to the structure
– The loads will be filtered by load case, toggle between the different cases to see the loads on
the structure for each case

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4 Introduction to the 2D Frame Analysis 55 (58)

4.2.9 Defining Load Combinations

Load combinations must be defined in order to proceed to the analysis, even if you add a single
combination with load factors of 1.0 for all cases.
 The name can be any description
 If a load case is not used in a particular combination, set the factor to zero (0)
 The graphics will update to show the total loads in the selected combination

Newer versions of this module now allow you to quickly generate the
load combinations. Simply click on the Generate button as shown
below

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 4 Introduction to the 2D Frame Analysis 56 (58)

4.2.10 Reviewing Results

Once you click on the results tab the analysis is performed and result information can be reviewed.
You can view this information in a table or graphically.
 Choose the information you want displayed, either single load case or load combination or
envelopes of each
 Once select you can choose the specific case/combination to view the results for

Results can be viewed in the table for nodes, elements or members. You can view global or local
results for max/min shears, moments, deflections and reactions. These values correspond to the load
case or combination that was previously selected.
 Toggle between tabs to view the results for the different nodes, elements or members
 You can sort the data by a specific column to quickly locate worst case values
– Click on the column title, for example in the global reaction click on “Vert (kips)”, to sort by
ascending or descending value for that category.

View the results graphically by

choosing the deflected geometry
or different diagrams; moment,
shear, deflection and axial forces.
These values correspond to the
selected load case or combination
from the table.

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 4 Introduction to the 2D Frame Analysis 57 (58)

You can view the results graphically for a single element or member. This will be helpful for large
project with several elements.

 Choose the element/member from the table

 Check on the option to “Only show current selection”
 Use the graphics toolbars to show the information on the screen

4.2.11 Selecting Output

The output information is completely customizable through a series of drop down menus and selection
boxes. Choose between different sketches and tables for load cases and/or combinations for all nodes,
elements and/or members.

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© Trimble Solutions Corporation | March 1, 2016 Tedds Fundamentals
 4 Introduction to the 2D Frame Analysis 58 (58)

4.3 Creating a template

4.3.1 What is a Tedds template?

There are no real template files in Tedds. This is simple a saved calculation file that you can open
instead of starting a new calculation from scratch. You can then recalculate the document and modify
the inputs for the new analysis. This will save time by having typical load cases and combinations pre-
defined, you won’t have to type them out again.
In order to save this semi-completed calculation, you must input some basic information. The most
effective way to use the template is to create a single beam with pinned supports, which means there
will be less to edit for a different project.
 Input two nodes to form the start and end of the beam
 Add a single material and section, these can be changed later depending on what the project calls
for
 Create a single element connecting the two nodes, you do not need to create any design members
 Input typical load cases and combinations, this is the information that you want stored to save
time on future projects
 In order to save the calculation without analyzing it, you have to hold Ctrl on your keyboard while
clicking finish
– This will store the information you’ve input that can be recalculated at a later time

4.3.2 Using a template file

Once a template file has been created you can use it for any new projects.
 Open the file like you would any other Tedds document
 Make sure to ‘Save As…’ so as not to override the original file
 Make changes to match your new project
– Add/modify nodes, materials and sections
– Create new elements and design members as needed
– Modify load cases for the specific project, you can add new ones, delete existing, or simply
leave them blank
– Modify load combinations as needed

Training manual Tekla Tedds e-Learning

© Trimble Solutions Corporation | March 1, 2016 Tedds Fundamentals