Tekla Structures vs. Revit + EDGE: Which BIM Solution Is Right for Precast Modeling and Detailing?

When it comes to Building Information Modeling (BIM), there's no shortage of powerful tools. Two popular options in structural and multi-disciplinary workflows are Tekla Structures and Revit paired with EDGE. While both have their strengths, the right choice depends heavily on the type of project, team workflows, and specific goals.

Here’s a closer look at how these solutions stack up:

A Tale of Two Platforms

Tekla Structures, developed by Trimble, is a robust, fabrication-level modeling tool known for its strength in steel and concrete detailing.

Revit, from Autodesk, is a multidisciplinary BIM platform widely used across architecture, engineering, and MEP. When combined with EDGE, a precast-specific toolset created by PTAC Engineering, Revit transforms into a complete precast and production workflow solution.

Support Models & Practical Considerations

A unique advantage of Tekla is its direct sales and support model. This makes it easier to get help directly from the source, unlike Autodesk’s reseller network, which can sometimes vary in support quality.

However, firms often report that implementing Tekla at scale requires expensive consultants—and in North America especially, the shortage of experienced Tekla users creates a talent bottleneck.

Revit, on the other hand, is widely taught in universities and embedded in many design workflows. EDGE builds on this familiar environment with over 100 specialized tools and 3,000+ precast families, allowing teams to quickly ramp up and become productive.

Industry Feedback

At PTAC, the team behind EDGE, we’ve worked with many firms that made the move from Tekla (or even AutoCAD) to Revit + EDGE. Common reasons?

• Easier hiring and onboarding (due to Revit being widely taught)

• Lower total cost of ownership (especially when factoring in support and consulting fees)

• Integrated project tools (scheduling, tracking, and management built directly into EDGE)

• Stronger exports and production tools, developed in collaboration with Concrete Vision (ERP) and Progress Group (CNC/CAM)

The devil is truly in the details—and EDGE was built specifically to fill the gaps that precasters and engineers felt were missing in other platforms.

Final Thoughts

If your work is heavily fabrication-oriented, especially in steel, Tekla might remain the best fit. But if you’re in precast, or seeking a more flexible, scalable solution—and one that’s easier to staff, train, and integrate—then Revit + EDGE by PTAC Engineering is a compelling alternative.

In fact, for many firms, it's more than an alternative—it's the next logical step.