Tekla Structures Profile Catalog Jun 2026
Report: The Tekla Structures Profile Catalog 1. Executive Summary The Profile Catalog in Tekla Structures is a centralized, parametric database of cross-sectional shapes used in structural modeling. It replaces the legacy profdb.bin file from older versions (pre-2017) and provides a more flexible, user-friendly interface for managing, searching, and customizing profiles. The catalog supports standard shapes (I-beams, channels, angles, hollow sections) as well as parametric and user-defined profiles. Its efficient management is critical for accurate detailing, material estimation, and connection design. 2. Purpose & Importance
Centralized Profile Management: Stores all profile geometry and properties in one accessible location. Modeling Accuracy: Ensures that the geometric representation of beams, columns, braces, and other members matches real-world dimensions. Interoperability: Facilitates data exchange with analysis software, fabrication systems (e.g., CNC), and BIM platforms (e.g., IFC export). Automation: Supports automated drawing production, BOM (Bill of Materials) generation, and weight calculations.
3. Catalog Structure & Access Access Paths
Ribbon: Catalog > Profile catalog Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + F (when focus is on profile selection in property pane) tekla structures profile catalog
Main Interface Components
Search & Filter Panel: Search by profile name, type, material, or custom properties. Profile Tree: Hierarchical grouping by shape family (e.g., I, L, C, T, RECT, PIPE, CIRC). Profile Preview Window: 2D/3D preview with dimension annotations. Parameter Grid: Displays all geometric parameters (depth, width, flange thickness, web thickness, radii, etc.). Property Tabs:
General: Name, material, shape type Parameters: Dimensional data Analysis: Properties for structural analysis (area, Ixx, Iyy, etc.) User-defined attributes Report: The Tekla Structures Profile Catalog 1
4. Profile Types | Type | Description | Example Names | |------|-------------|----------------| | Standard | Pre-defined from industry standards (AISC, British, European, etc.) | HE400B, IPE300, W12x26 | | Parametric | Defined by formulas; dimensions adjust based on inputs | I, L, C, RHS, TUBE | | User-defined (UDM) | Custom shapes drawn in the catalog editor or imported from DXF/DWG | Custom cold-formed section | | Recurve | Recurved profiles for special architectural shapes | Recurve trapezoidal | | Chamfered | Profiles with rounded corners (e.g., for corner posts) | Chamfered rectangle | 5. Key Features 5.1 Powerful Search & Filtering
Wildcard search ( * , ? ) Filter by profile type, material, source standard, or custom property Example: HE* returns all HE profiles; *300* returns profiles with 300 in the name
5.2 Dynamic Preview & Dimension Display
Hover over any parameter in the grid to highlight it in the preview. Ability to toggle between 2D cross-section and 3D extruded view.
5.3 Profile Modification & Cloning