Introduction
There are a number of things to understand when exporting an IFC model. What is often misunderstood is that an IFC file is not simply one file. IFC files are exported for different purposes so when issuing an IFC file it is important to understand the purpose of the exchange. Once you understand the needs of the recipient you can begin to filter your model for different uses. Continue reading
Introduction
Over the past few years we have slowly been finessing our approach to data for our architectural models. The models produced by project teams are now progressing to a point where cost consultants and main contractors are seeing the opportunity to use our models to assist them to produce a detailed cost breakdown of a project. In order to produce these cost plans we need to be able to provide a well built model from both a geometry and data point of view. If we build our models correctly then we should be able to use our approach to produce the required quantities that can then be used for quantification and in turn costing. Continue reading
Introduction
One of the challenges faced as we move into this brave new world of information is what information we want users to complete within their models. When you first start looking at data it can be fairly daunting trying to work out what is and isn’t required. Of course we could leave this to individual users but then this creates inconsistencies between individuals, offices and projects. Without creating a standard approach it also makes it harder to set up standardised schedules and provide consistent training. Continue reading
Introduction
Many of the data fields required to transfer data to other parties are already defined in the IFC (ISO 16739:2013) standard with additional properties also prescribed in COBie 2.4 / BS 1192-4:2014. A further 9 standard data fields have also been defined by NBS in the UK in their NBS BIM Object Standard. These 4 standards form the basis for data to be built around an open workflow for projects in the UK. Continue reading
Introduction
There are really two types of classification when it comes to working with open standards. The first is how you classify the element/component or a space against the standard IFC (ISO 16739:2013) schema. For example, classifying a model element/component as a Wall.
I have covered the detailed application of Element Classification in a series of detailed posts previously. See our series on Element Classification, of which there are 3 posts, for more information on this subject. However this post deals with a second type of classification which is referred to in IFC terminology as an IfcClassificationReference. Continue reading
Introduction
In the last post I talked about the need for organisations in the UK to align their approach with “Level 1 BIM”. One of the requirements is to produce all information with standard file names (BS 1192:2007+A2:2016). Creating BS 1192 compliant file names has to date been a difficult process from ARCHICAD. The process has relied on users manually renaming files once they had dragged their Layout Sheets to the Publisher using ARCHICAD’s Organiser or renaming after publishing the files to a Desktop or Server. Continue reading
Introduction
“Level 2 BIM” is the most talked about term in the UK when it comes to BIM and its impact and implications are now being discussed further afield. This challenging goal has been around since 2011 so the UK will have had 5 years to reach that target. Of course this period does also include developing all the standards, protocols and processes that make up “Level 2 BIM”. Continue reading
Introduction
One part of the process of “Level 2 BIM” in the UK is for each team member to produce a Task Information Delivery Plan (or TIDP for short). These individual Task Information Delivery Plans are then collated into a single document called a Master Information Delivery Plan (or MIDP for short). In ‘old’ terminology a Task Information Delivery Plan (TIDP) is essentially the equivalent of an Information Release Schedule. Continue reading
Introduction
Many users of BIM authoring tools are still focussed on producing the same deliverables they have always produced but in a more efficient way. This means that even if they have adopted an approach to producing data much of it will be focussed on native data fields within their chosen authoring tools. This is fine if the only output is a drawing or a schedule but if others want to use your data for other purposes in a consistent manner on every project, irrelevant of who the model author is, then we believe data needs to be built around a common open standard. Continue reading
Introduction
I’m often asked how to classify certain elements in Graphisoft ARCHICAD for IFC exchange. To many IFC is a weird language that has little to do with everyday language. Many of our classifications are preset up in our ARCHICAD templates but there are always instances where a user needs to manually classify an element. So we thought it would be useful to develop a list to assist model authors understand how to classify model elements against the IFC schema. In fact i’ve been meaning to do this for a long time. Of course in the spirit of OPEN BIM we also decided to share this list. Continue reading