Model Setup and Grid Definition
A clean model starts with a well-defined grid. Import column grids from the EOR's AutoCAD or Revit files rather than manually inputting coordinates — this eliminates transcription errors in column positioning. Set up grid planes for every floor level using the finished floor elevations from the structural drawings, not round numbers. Define the model origin at the project survey control point if the project will be coordinated with a site survey or civil model. All of this setup takes two to four hours at project start and saves days of troubleshooting later.
Numbering (Piece Mark) Conventions
Establish numbering conventions before a single member is modeled. Tekla's numbering series and prefixes control how piece marks are assigned — once numbering runs, changing the prefix convention scrambles existing marks and can cause drawing mismatches. Common conventions: columns C or W, beams B, braces BR, miscellaneous plates PL, stairs ST. Use a project-specific numbering series if working in a shared multi-firm environment. Freeze the numbering convention in the project kickoff document and treat changes to it as a scope change.
Phased Modeling for Fast-Track Projects
On phased projects, use Tekla's phase attribute to segment the model by zone or floor. Phase attributes control what appears in drawings and what is included in BOM quantities. Numbering by phase prevents conflicts when multiple modeling teams are working on different zones simultaneously. Lock phases that have been submitted for EOR review so accidental edits to approved geometry don't go undetected.
Multi-User Environment Management
Large projects require multiple modelers working in the same Tekla model simultaneously. Tekla's multi-user (TUA) environment uses a central server model with checkout/checkin locks at the object level. Best practices: never lock objects you are not actively editing; commit changes daily or more frequently; run daily model audits to detect orphaned objects or reference model mismatches. Designate one person as the model manager responsible for version control, reference model updates, and resolving lock conflicts.
Drawing Template Management
Tekla's drawing templates — for shop, erection, and assembly drawings — should be standardized across the firm and locked from individual project modification. Templates control title block content, dimension string style, view scale defaults, and part mark appearance. Template drift, where modelers customize templates on a per-project basis, produces inconsistent drawing sets and makes QA/QC harder. Store templates in a firm-wide shared location with access controls, and version-control them the same way you version-control model content.
CNC Output Quality Control
NC1/DSTV files from Tekla are only as accurate as the model. Before CNC output is sent to the shop, run Tekla's NC file preview tool to verify that all holes are present, profile cutting lines are correct, and piece marks match the drawing. Common CNC errors to catch: missing drill holes on short members where the end distance is less than the minimum for the tool; incorrect DSTV profile code for non-standard sections; and mirrored members where the NC file outputs the wrong hand orientation. A 30-minute CNC QC check prevents a whole day of shop re-work.
IFC Export Settings for BIM Coordination
Tekla's IFC export settings have significant impact on how well the coordination platform can consume the model. Use 'Coordination View 2.0' or IFC 4 Reference View for maximum object classification. Map each Tekla class to the appropriate IFC entity (IfcBeam, IfcColumn, IfcSlab, IfcPlate). Export user-defined attributes (piece mark, material grade, phase) as IFC property sets so the GC's BIM coordinator can filter by these values in Navisworks or BIM 360. Test-import the IFC into Navisworks before the first coordination meeting to catch mapping errors before they slow down the session.
Model Audit Before Submittal
Run a full Tekla model audit before each submittal. The audit should check: all members have section profiles assigned; no duplicate piece marks exist; all connections reference valid components (no 'broken' connections from deleted reference objects); all drawing links are valid (no drawings pointing to deleted views); and BOM quantities match the drawing set member count. A 30-minute audit before submittal eliminates a category of embarrassing errors that EORs flag in the first review cycle.