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New expansion bolts plug-in tool for Tekla Structures

Published Date
Lindapter Hollo-Bolt part end view and 3D view with dialog box

Working in partnership with Lindapter, Trimble Solutions (UK) is pleased to announce the launch of a new Tekla plug in-tool, which will facilitate the efficient and accurate detailing of the Hollo-Bolt system into structural steel models.

Available to download within Tekla Warehouse, the time-saving tool enables Lindapter’s innovative Hollo-Bolt system to be incorporated directly into a Tekla user’s 3D BIM model in Tekla Structures.

Renowned in the industry for manufacturing and supplying innovative steelwork connections, the Hollo-Bolt system is Lindapter’s range of CE UKCA marked expansion bolts that only require installation access to one side of the steel. Suitable for both End-Plate and profile-to-profile connections and with three bolt heads available (Hexagonal, Countersunk and Flush Fit), the products are a faster alternative to welding or through-bolting, enabling steelwork contractors to reduce construction time and labour costs. 

The new Tekla plug-in tool takes these time-saving benefits even further, providing a more efficient and accurate detailing process. 

Tekla Structures views of Lindapter Hollo-Bolt Countersunk bolt type with head

Prior to the launch of the tool, Tekla and Lindapter customers would have had to manually model a generic steel bolt connection with no specific attributes. The generic connection is not linked to any manufacturer, making it impossible to generate precise take-offs. Now, using the tool, users can automatically detail the Hollo-Bolt connection, with the associated product-specific information and data (including product codes and attributes) leading to more accurate quantity take-offs and estimates. 

What’s more, rather than detailing a bolt connection in isolation, the tool creates a parametric component. A more intelligent detailing experience, this automatically prevents users from going outside of the set parameters – for example, the positioning of the Hollo-Bolt products has to allow for a pre-stated distance between both the bolts and the inside edge of the steel section. The tool’s intelligent parametric capabilities help to ensure a correct first-time steelwork connection design, in turn contributing to a more seamless installation and assembly stage on site with minimal rework required. 

Lindapter End Plate connection with Countersunk bolt type

Talking about the launch, Sunny Bansal, Engineering Director at Lindapter said: As a business, we’ve been wanting to integrate our products into BIM software for a while. As the global industry leader in Structural Steelwork Detailing Software, Tekla was the ideal partner for Lindapter to work with to further enhance our digital journey. For us, it’s all about providing our customers with a product that’s easy to use, right from the initial design & detailing stage through to on-site installation. 

This plug-in tool does exactly that, providing a simplified and improved user experience for fabricators and steel detailers, enabling them to utilise our Steelwork Connection Solutions within Tekla’s digital and automated 3D environment.

Craig Johnson, Business Development Manager – Detailing & Manufacturing at Trimble, added: We were delighted to have the opportunity to work with Lindapter on this new plug-in tool, combining the Hollo-Bolt system’s time-saving capabilities with our constructible 3D modelling software; providing our customers with an enhanced design and detailing process.

Availability

The Lindapter Hollo-Bolt plug-in is now available to download, visit:  www.warehouse.tekla.com

For more information on Lindapter's steelwork connections, please visit: www.Lindapter.com