In Tekla Structures, the Profile Catalog is the central database containing all cross-sectional data for beams, columns, and plates. It acts as a library that defines how 3D parts look and behave in your model. 🛠️ Key Components
Fixed Profiles: These have set dimensions and cannot be changed during modeling (e.g., standard AISC wide flanges).
Parametric Profiles: These use variables (like width or thickness) so you can adjust dimensions on the fly.
Shape Catalog: A separate but related library for more complex, non-linear 3D geometries (like tanks or architectural details). 📂 Essential Operations To manage your catalog effectively, use these core tools:
Importing Items: Add single .lis files or entire directories to your local model via File > Catalogs > Profile catalog > Import.
Defining from DWG: You can turn a 2D AutoCAD cross-section into a Tekla profile by importing the DWG file under the Define profiles menu.
Editing: You can modify existing profiles or copy and rename them to create custom company standards.
Analysis Values: You can enter specific structural analysis data (like moments of inertia) directly into the profile's properties for use in engineering checks. 💡 Pro Tips
Import profile catalog items - Trimble User Assistance - Tekla
Comprehensive Guide to the Tekla Structures Profile Catalog The Tekla Structures Profile Catalog is a central database that stores all information related to profiles, including their structural properties, rules, and cross-sectional types. This catalog is essential for structural modeling, as it defines the physical geometry and analytical data for every beam, column, and plate used in a project. Core Functions and Storage tekla structures profile catalog
The profile catalog displays profiles in a hierarchical tree, grouping them by specific rules (e.g., I-profiles, HEA, or L-profiles).
Data Storage: All catalog information for a specific model is stored in the profdb.bin file located in the model folder.
Firm Folders: To share a customized catalog across all future projects, the profdb.bin file should be copied to a shared firm folder. Types of Profile Catalog Items
Tekla Structures categorizes profiles into five distinct types:
Fixed Profiles: Profiles with static dimensions that do not change, such as standard AISC wide flanges.
Hard-coded Parametric Profiles: Pre-defined parametric shapes built into the software.
Sketched Profiles: Custom cross-sections created using the Sketch Editor.
User-defined Parametric Profiles: Custom profiles defined using .clb files.
Rule Sets: Logic used to group profiles within the hierarchical tree. How to Customize Your Profile Catalog 1. Importing Custom Shapes from DWG In Tekla Structures, the Profile Catalog is the
One of the most powerful features is the ability to create custom profiles using DWG files. This is ideal for manufacturers' specific shapes like cladding, gutters, or custom decking.
Process: Navigate to Catalogs > Define Profiles > Using DWG file. Link your DWG cross-section, assign a profile name, and select two points in the model to generate the profile and add it to the catalog.
Settings: It is often recommended to use a question mark ? for the profile attribute type when dealing with irregular or non-standard shapes. 2. Adding User-Defined Attributes (UDAs)
You can add custom data fields to profiles, such as "Historical Profile" or specific manufacturer codes.
Steps: Open the Modify Profile Catalog dialog, go to the User attributes tab, and click Definitions to add new rows for custom strings, weights, or areas. 3. Managing and Grouping To maintain organization, users can modify grouping rules.
Rules: Tekla reads rules from top to bottom. A profile will appear in the highest group where it meets the defined criteria.
Tags: In newer versions, you can use Tags to automatically group profiles into tag-based folders for easier navigation. Importing and Exporting Data
Transferring profiles between models or environments is common for BIM managers.
Standard Profiles: Typically imported/exported as .lis files. Name : The selection name (e
Sketched Profiles: These must be handled individually as .uel files.
Handling Duplicates: When importing profile catalog items, Tekla provides options to Leave (ignore), Merge (update existing with new attributes), or Replace (overwrite). Best Practices for Catalog Management
Source from Tekla Warehouse: Always check Tekla Warehouse for manufacturer-specific catalogs before creating profiles from scratch.
Backup: Always back up your profdb.bin before making major changes or deletions.
Material Association: You can restrict certain profiles to specific materials (e.g., Steel or Concrete) so they only appear in the relevant selection dialogs.
Customize the profile catalog - Trimble User Assistance - Tekla
Here’s a curated selection of interesting papers, technical resources, and deep-dive articles related to the Tekla Structures profile catalog — ranging from customization and parametric profiles to interoperability and data management.
In the dialog box, enter the dimensions. Use standard naming conventions (e.g., MyWideFlange-400x200).
Core Parameters Map:
Name: The selection name (e.g., HE400B).h: Total height of profile.b: Flange width.s (or tw): Web thickness.t (or tf): Flange thickness.r1: Root radius (fillet).For truly unique sections (e.g., a custom hollow core slab or a boat-shaped column):
Auxiliary properties (Weight, Surface area per m) if Tekla cannot infer them.