© 2012 Excitech Ltd IFC for Revit Users Excitech

© 2012 Excitech Ltd© 2012 Excitech Ltd

IFC for Revit Users

Excitech


ClosedBIM

Single vendor, example, Revit deliverables only

Multiple vendor, but using proprietary file formats to transfer and store data

Movement of data regardless of tool

Free to access

Certified by

OpenBIM? ClosedBIM?


ClosedBIM

Less problems

Parametrics kept

Full data retention, no mapping

Native formats

Free movement of data

More available workflows

Client expectation (2016 mandate)

Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)

OpenBIM? ClosedBIM?


What is Industry Foundation Class (IFC)?

An open file format developed by

buildingSMART to facilitate interoperability across the AEC industries


How do we use it?


Do we need OpenBIM IFC? (assuming you have a choice!)

Single format projects? No…but….

Design and Build Interoperability?

Likely yes…but…

Federation? It depends

BIM Level 2Asset Information Model

Likely


FM Handover View by Building Smart


Problems – Geometry Loss


Problems – Data Loss


Problems – Not friendly!


If it was just non-element based geometry it would be easy.

It’s the data. Different software, different pots of information.

Why is it so difficult?


Solutions

Do your Quality Assurance on models.

Visually check and back up with geometry files.

Educate.

Developments.

Execute with interoperability in mind.


Positives

Many successful use reports;

IFC solved a problem with regards to coordinates when moving to Synchro Data can be verified and audited in IFC for handover Enabled good integration of Tekla with Revit Have used IFC, via COBie to successfully move data to CAFM systems

Problems are more implementation than format.

Standardisation of data.

Open and free.

Encourages a free market, competition and innovation.


Revit Implementation Tips!

Read the NBS BIM Objects Standard

Top Tip!

Use the NBS Shared Parameter File! Same GUIDs


Revit Implementation

Include these: IfcExportAs IfcExportType

Property Sets are here: http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/ifc/IFC2x3/TC1/html/index.htm

http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/ifc/IFC2x3/TC1/html/index.htm

http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/ifc/IFC2x3/TC1/html/index.htm


Revit Implementation


Great Software to Help!

Pushing lots of data Ideate BIMLink (in Excitech’s portfolio)

Parameter management Sumex Parameter Manager

IFC Export Autodesk IFC Exporter with Alternative UI

(available on Autodesk Exchange)

Model checking Autodesk NavisworksSolibri Model Viewer (free)


Summary : The question….

Is the industry relying more on IFC formats to share data and if so what are the challenges; or is the industry relying on the supply chain using Revit as the BIM platform?

1. Yes, IFC use is increasing.

2. It can be questioned.

3. It is important you are equipped.

4. It is important you can issue a quality assured deliverable.





The future?...

Documents

© 2012 Excitech Ltd IFC for Revit Users Excitech