Working in partnership with Trimble Solutions, Lindapter is pleased to announce the launch of a new Tekla plug in-tool, which will help to 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 steel connections, the Hollo-Bolt system is Lindapter’s range of ICC-ES approved 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 provide a faster alternative to welding or through-bolting, enabling steel erectors to reduce construction time and labor costs.

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

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 steel connection design, in turn contributing to a more seamless installation and assembly stage in the field with minimal rework required.

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 Steel 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 installation in the field.

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

To learn more about Tekla Structures and to download the plug-in, please visit: www.Tekla.com