FrameAI for Tekla — Install Guide

Add the FrameAI ribbon to Tekla Structures 2023 or 2024 and run Eurocode checks on any selected bolt group or beam in one click.

System requirements

• Tekla Structures 2023 or 2024 (64-bit)
• Windows 10 or 11
• .NET Framework 4.8 (included in Windows 10 1903+)
• Internet access for API calls (model stays local — only the selected element is sent)
• A FrameAI account with a valid API key — sign up free

Installation

1. 1
   Open the approval email from frameai@polsia.app and download FrameAI-Tekla-alpha.msi.
2. 2
   Close Tekla Structures if it's running. Double-click the installer and follow the wizard. Default install path: %LOCALAPPDATA%\FrameAI\TeklaPlugin\.
3. 3
   Restart Tekla Structures. The FrameAI ribbon tab appears between the standard tabs. If it doesn't appear, see Troubleshooting.
4. 4
   Click any FrameAI button. On first run, a dialog asks for your API key. Generate one at /settings#api-keys. The key is stored in %LOCALAPPDATA%\FrameAI\config.json — it never leaves your machine in plain text (it's sent as a Bearer header only on API calls).

Using the ribbon buttons

Check Connection (EN 1993-1-8)

Select a bolt group in the Tekla model (box-select or click), then click Check Connection. The plugin reads bolt diameter, grade, plate thickness, and applied forces from the Tekla objects and sends them to the FrameAI API. Results appear in the docked panel within 2–3 seconds:

• Shear resistance F_v,Rd and bearing resistance F_b,Rd (§3.6.1)
• Block tearing resistance V_eff,Rd (§3.10.2)
• Governing utilisation ratio with clause reference
• Download-as-PDF link (A4 calculation sheet with all clause outputs)

Check Member (EN 1993-1-1)

Select a beam or column, then click Check Member. The plugin reads the section profile, steel grade, and member length from Tekla and sends them to the API. Results show:

• Cross-section class (§5.5)
• Compression resistance N_c,Rd and buckling resistance N_b,Rd (§6.3.1)
• Lateral-torsional buckling check for beams (§6.3.2)
• Combined axial + bending interaction (§6.3.3)

Export to FrameAI

Exports the currently active Tekla model as IFC 4 and uploads it to a new FrameAI project. After upload, your default browser opens to the project page. The full pipeline runs automatically — member extraction, Eurocode calcs, DXF drawings, BOM. This is the fastest path from Tekla to fabrication-ready artefacts.

Telemetry and opt-out

The plugin sends anonymous usage events (plugin_installed, check_run, export_run) to help improve the product. To opt out, open %LOCALAPPDATA%\FrameAI\config.json and set "telemetry": false. No personal data, no model content — only event type and timestamp.

Troubleshooting

Ribbon tab doesn't appear

Verify the DLL is in the Tekla extensions folder. Tekla loads plugins from %TEKLA_STRUCTURES_FOLDER%\extensions\. If you installed to a custom location, copy FrameAI.TeklaPlugin.dll there manually and restart Tekla.

API key prompt keeps appearing

Your key may have been revoked or expired. Regenerate it at /settings#api-keys and re-enter it when prompted. The key is stored in %LOCALAPPDATA%\FrameAI\config.json — you can edit it directly.

"Connection refused" or timeout errors

The API requires outbound HTTPS on port 443. Check your corporate proxy settings. If you're behind a strict firewall, contact IT to whitelist frameai-structural.polsia.app.

Send feedback

Use the Send Feedback button inside the plugin results panel. Feedback goes directly to the engineering team. You can also email frameai@polsia.app with bug reports.