Cloud Interoperability: Tekla and Grasshopper for Structural Engineering

by VIKTOR Team

Efficient data exchange among diverse software tools is vital in engineering as lack of interoperability can lead to data loss, duplicated work, and exceeded deadlines. Through cloud interoperability in a platform like VIKTOR, you can enable the integration of powerful tools such as Grasshopper and Tekla structures. For example, with a proof-of-concept app that optimizes the processes of modelling, analysing, and detailing steel frames in one app.

Why interoperability?

In our engineering toolbox, there's more than just one tool. We switch between various software for different tasks. But the question is: how smoothly can data flow between these tools? Data loss between software can significantly change the results of calculations. Moreover, it can greatly cost time among interconnected teams, as data that isn't compatible with one team's workflow necessitates rework in a different, compatible software.

That's where interoperability comes in. With interoperability, you can send your model and data from one software to another without any data loss. This enables engineers to pick the best combinations of tools for each task.

In the context of structural engineering, there are two powerful tools in your toolbox:

Grasshopper: with its parametric logic, you can generate tons of designs quickly.
Tekla tools: to handle steel detailing, analysis, fabrication reports, and material lists.

The synergy of these two tools forms a strong asset. So, how can you find this synergy?

Creating synergy:

To achieve fast and efficient data transfer between two or more software programs, certain plugins can be installed like the Tekla Grasshopper Live Link however, there are some limitations, such as required local installation on each device, limited shareability because all data is hosted locally, and constant switching between two separate interfaces.

Luckily, you can solve these challenges easily, and with that enhance your (and your colleagues) productivity big time, by moving to the cloud!

With VIKTOR, you can build a web app that helps you unite tools like Grasshopper and Tekla, running them side by side.

After a one-time installment, your whole team can access both Grasshopper and Tekla through the app simultaneously. Because you all collaborate under a unified, user-friendly interface, your workflow becomes smoother than ever!

Below, you see the proof-of-concept app developed by our colleague Rick van Dijk in only two hours! It showcases a unified workflow for steel frame design. With the sliders, you can tweak the parameters of the Grasshopper model (Frame height and span). In addition, with the option fields you can modify Tekla Structures (materials, detailing, profiles and type of foundations)

What is VIKTOR?

VIKTOR is a user-friendly platform that you can use to create your own online applications only using Python. It's a hub for organizing and sharing data, models, and analyses. You can link VIKTOR with all your data sources and different software tools and collaborate on projects in real-time with all your team members. With high interoperability considered, VIKTOR helps you find efficient solutions swiftly and create the best synergies to automate and optimize your workflow.

Curious to see how this synergy works?

Check out the app code for Tekla and Grasshopper proof-of-concept app. We invite you to join our community forum and share your thoughts on this development. Alternatively, you can check how engineers around the globe are using VIKTOR to enhance their workflows in our apps gallery.