Tekla Structures 3D Optimization Phase IV 🚀

Overview

This repository contains the final release and documentation for the Tekla Structures 3D Optimization Project - Phase IV, developed by Jacaranda Flame Consulting - Group 10 for Hanlon Industries. The project enhances the Tekla Billboard Aid Plugin to support curved billboard designs, as well as refining features for linear billboards.

Features

• Curved Billboard Modelling: Automatically generate 3D models for curved billboards.
• Flat Billboard Enhancements:
  • Walkway rails
  • Curved walers
  • LED screen panels
  • Seating plates and Z brackets
• Bug Fixes: Enhanced accuracy and reduced rework time by resolving critical issues from previous phases.
• Improved UI: A more intuitive interface for efficient and user-friendly operations.

Repository Structure

├── Final Release/                     # Contains the executable and source code for the final version
├── Documentation/                     # All documentation related to the project
│   ├── Final Report - Phase IV.pdf    # Detailed project report
│   ├── Technical Documentation.pdf    # Developer guide for code structure
│   ├── User Documentation.pdf         # End-user instructions
│   ├── Project Charter.pdf            # Project scope and goals
│   └── Presentation Slides.pptx       # Summary presentation
└── README.md                          # Project overview and usage guide

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Tekla Structures:
  • Tekla Structures 2023 or later recommended.
  • Tekla OpenAPI (compatible version with your Tekla installation).
• Visual Studio: Required for building and modifying the source code.
• .NET Framework: Ensure the required .NET Framework version is installed.

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com//.git 
   

2. Navigate to the Final Release folder.
3. Open the project in Visual Studio and build the solution.
4. Run the executable or modify the code as needed.

Usage

1. Launch Tekla Structures and ensure it is running.
2. Open the application from the Final Release folder.
3. Input your parameters (e.g., rows, columns, radius for curved billboards, etc.).
4. Click Validate to check the compatibility of the inputs.
5. Click Build to generate the BIM model within Tekla Structures.

For detailed step-by-step instructions and tips, refer to:

• User Documentation

Documentation

• Final Report - Phase IV: Comprehensive project details.
• Technical Documentation: In-depth developer guidance on code structure.
• User Documentation: Instructions for end-users.
• Project Charter: Project goals, scope, and objectives.
• Presentation Slides: Summary presentation of the project.

Future Work

• Code Refactoring: Improve modularity, maintainability, and performance.
• Extended Functionality: Support more complex curved billboard designs and additional features.
• UI Enhancements: Further refine the user interface for an even better experience.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their invaluable contributions and support to the Tekla Structures 3D Optimization Phase IV project:

• Hanlon Industries: For providing the opportunity to work on this project and their continued support in advancing technology for the billboard manufacturing industry.

• Anthony Dumbrell (Supervisor): For his expert guidance, strategic advice, and encouragement throughout the project lifecycle.

• Dean Talbot (Head of People & Growth at Hanlon Industries): For his insights and support in aligning the project with industry needs.

• Dustin Popp (Steel Detailing Manager at Hanlon Industries): For his technical expertise and detailed feedback, which greatly contributed to the project's success.

• Jacaranda Flame Consulting - Group 10:

  • Zeeshan Ansari
  • Mark Sun
  • Josh Ling
  • Terry Wang
  • Ariella Zhao

  The team's dedication, collaboration, and commitment to excellence were crucial in achieving the project goals.

• University of Sydney Faculty of Engineering: For providing resources, mentorship, and a platform to apply advanced engineering principles.

• Previous Project Teams (Phases I-III): For their foundational work and documentation, which served as a critical starting point for this phase of development.