The construction and the area responsible for design have gained a lot with the advent of BIM modeling. As we recently wrote in our blog, this is a transformational approach to project management. It puts every stage of the activities undertaken, from design to maintenance, under control. For BIM to be responsible for success, data sharing is key. It should take place between the parties involved and the software tools chosen. Thus, a large responsibility for this is attributed to the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format .
In this article, I decided to lean a little more into IFC. It's a key standard in the BIM ecosystem. That's why it's worth seeking out industry knowledge regardless of your level of familiarity with BIM methodologies. It's all about understanding what potential there is in construction using IFC standards. So sit back and enjoy your reading!
Table of Contents:
1. The problem of fragmentation in BIM workflows
3. What is IFC and why is it critical?
4. Understanding IFC file types
5. IFC and its role in BIM workflows
6. Challenges and limitations of IFC
8. Improve the quality of your operation with Railwaymen
The problem of fragmentation in BIM workflows
Modern BIM software such as Revit, ArchiCAD and Tekla Structures allow the creation of detailed 3D models. Although these models have embedded data and are very professional, they are not without their drawbacks. These tools often save files in proprietary formats (e.g. .rvt, .pln). This causes compatibility problems. This is especially true when many disciplines using other software run on the same project. This situation raises challenges in the form of:
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limited compatibility - native files often cannot be supported by other platforms;
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data loss risks - conversions between formats may have limitations due to data incompatibility;
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coordination bottlenecks - reliance on manual data sharing can translate into inefficiencies and errors.
To overcome these problems, the construction industry is increasingly using open data standards. Chief among them is IFC, which is gaining popularity with construction officials.
From IAI to buildingSMART
Before I get into the details, I'd like you to take a look at the history of the IFC format. Its origins date back to 1994, when Autodesk initiated the creation of IAI. It stands for the International Alliance for Interoperability. The organization was tasked with standardizing the exchange of data between disparate software solutions. As the years passed, IAI evolved into buildingSMART International. The new branding continues to support interoperability standards around the world.
BuildingSMART includes:
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IFC (Industry Foundation Classes): A basic open standard for data exchange;
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BCF (BIM Collaboration Format): A format for exchanging issue tracking data;
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bsDD (buildingSMART Data Dictionary): A centralized database for standardized terminology.
The buildingSMART standards presented contribute to the adoption of openBIM by professionals. It's a methodology designed to promote collaboration between tools and disciplines.
What is IFC and why is it critical?
The time has come to answer the most important question - what is IFC? Industry Foundation Classes is an international standard responsible for exchanging data on buildings and infrastructure. It stands in contrast to proprietary file types because it is neutral and without restrictions. Thus, it ensures compatibility across software platforms.
IFC is distinguished by its multiplicity of data. It collects information about geometry, object properties, parameters and relationality. The standard is scalable, which translates into support for projects of almost any size. Additionally, the open format supports transparency and collaboration in openBIM workflows.
The current version of IFC 4 was released in 2013. For more than a decade, it has been enhancing parametric capabilities and supporting infrastructure domains. Preparations have been underway for some time to implement the new version of IFC 5, which is heralded as an even more functional tool than its proven predecessor.
Understanding IFC file types
IFC handles three main file types. The role of each is to meet different needs. The .ifc type is an ASCII text format that is used for interoperability. The .ifcXML type is a variant that is based on the XML format. It is more structured, but is associated with larger file sizes. The last type refers to .ifcZIP. This is a compressed format that offers much smaller file sizes for efficient data transfer. There are many dependencies when it comes to file sizes. For example, an .ifc file can be compressed by up to 60-80% when saved as an .ifcZIP. This is a great option for large projects that need frequent data sharing.
IFC and its role in BIM workflows
The IFC format functions like a “PDF BIM”, which impacts data integrity and accessibility across platforms. Just as the PDF format allows documents to be shared without compromising their layout or content, IFC streamlines the transfer of 3D models, including their data and relationships, between different programs.
IFC can be used in a variety of construction project situations. Among other things, it is used for project coordination. Architects can export models to ease the work of engineers during structural or HVAC design. IFC also contributes to clash detection. With tools such as Navisworks, it is possible to quickly identify problems. The format in question is also used for facilities management. IFC files collect useful data for the operation and conversation of buildings. In this way, continuity of post-construction activities is possible.
To make the most of IFC's potential, models should be interpreted as references. Assigning them the characteristics of editable sources can result in inaccurate data. Also, remember to verify that all stakeholders have certified software. This can be verified on the buildingSMART website.
Challenges and limitations of IFC
While IFC has proven to be a breakthrough in BIM workflows, it is not free of limitations. Most often, these relate to software dependencies. Often programs interpret IFC data differently, which translates into inconsistencies. The voluminous nature of IFC data can contribute to file sizes being unwieldy for large implementations. Also, specialists often need to take extra training to take full advantage of the capabilities of the described format. All these challenges do not hinder the development of the construction industry. But, an increase in interest in working with the IFC format can be seen in recent years.
Summary
As you may have noticed, the IFC format is a kind of future in construction and architecture. Its capabilities allow for effective collaboration in BIM workflows. The seamless exchange of data translates into transparency and better scalability of construction projects. For architecture, engineering and construction professionals, mastering IFC workflows is not just an option, but a necessity. As the industry moves toward greater digitization, those who adopt open standards such as IFC will be better prepared to thrive in an increasingly connected world. Whether you design skyscrapers or manage infrastructure projects, IFC offers a path to greater efficiency and collaboration, ensuring that your work remains at the forefront of construction innovation.
Improve the quality of your operation with Railwaymen
If you would like to know more about our construction projects, please check out our Case Studies and articles on the company's blog. We also encourage you to fill out the contact form and talk to our representatives. If you are considering technology support for your construction project, you couldn't have come to a better place. Railwaymen has the right experts and experience to create the highest quality industry solutions.
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