Benefits
Error Reduction: Detects accessibility issues early, reducing rework and ensuring accurate fabrication.
Real-World Validation: Ensures every bolt in the model can be practically installed using standard tools.
Improved Efficiency: Speeds up the checking process that would otherwise take hours if done manually.
Enhanced Communication: Provides clear, data-backed reports for coordination between design, fabrication, and site teams.
Material & Time Savings: Prevents on-site delays and minimizes the need for late design modifications.
Why Choose the Bolt Access Tool?
The Bolt Access Tool is an essential resource for ensuring real-world constructability in steel detailing workflows.
By combining intelligent clash detection, customizable tolerances, and detailed reporting, it helps teams deliver error-free, fabrication-ready models that perform seamlessly on-site.
The Bolt Access Tool is designed to identify and prevent bolt accessibility issues within Tekla Structures models.
In many cases, bolts are digitally placed without considering real-life space constraints, making it difficult or impossible for workers to tighten or install them on-site.
This tool ensures that every bolt modeled in Tekla can be accessed, tightened, and maintained safely — improving constructability and reducing costly rework.
Key Features
Access Verification:
Automatically checks for head-side, nut-side, or both-side clashes to ensure that bolts can be accessed with standard tools during fabrication and erection.
Edge Distance Validation:
Verifies that there is sufficient distance between the bolt and plate edge to prevent damage during installation. The minimum edge distance can be defined by the user.
User-Defined Tolerances:
Allows customization of access tolerances based on real-world bolt placement conditions, tool clearance, and safety standards.
Flexible Checking Options:
Single Bolt Mode – Treats bolt pairs as single bolts for faster processing.
Ignore Nut Side Option – Checks only the head side for clearance.
Error-Only- Lists only bolts that fail access criteria for focused inspection.
Detailed Bolt Data Sheet:
Generates a tabular report showing grip length, available edge distance, and access results for each bolt, making quality checks simple and organized.
Zoom-to-Bolt Functionality:
Double-click on a listed bolt to instantly zoom into its location in the model for quick review and correction.