The catalog data is not stored in a single black-box file. Instead, it relies on three primary file types located in your environment or model folders:
By default, the Tekla Structures profile catalog is pre-loaded with a massive library of standard profiles corresponding to your specific environment (e.g., US, UK, Metric, Eurocodes). This includes: tekla structures profile catalog
When importing external models (like IFC files), Tekla uses the Profile Catalog to map incoming names to native profiles. If a name matches perfectly, Tekla uses that profile; if not, it attempts to find a match based on parametric values. The catalog data is not stored in a single black-box file
: These have predefined dimensions (e.g., HEA120). You cannot change their specific dimensions once selected from the tree. If a name matches perfectly, Tekla uses that
When manually creating fixed profiles, ensure that the fields for weight, surface area, and moments of inertia are filled accurately. Leaving these blank or incorrect will cause errors in downstream structural analysis and shipping weight calculations.
Watch this step-by-step tutorial on how to import custom cross-sections from DWG files directly into your Tekla Profile Catalog: Create Profile from DWG in Tekla Structures Tekla Software YouTube• Jan 16, 2018 5. Managing Profiles in IFC Conversions
