6.

DIGITAL DRAWING FILE

OPTIMISATION
For Measurement & Estimating Purposes
Simple tips for a collaborative approach
to improved drawing file intelligence
DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION

Contents

1. Introduction 5
2. What to Provide - Overview 6
2.1 3D DWFTM and DWFxTM files from Revit® ............................................................................................... 6
2.2 IFC Files .................................................................................................................................................. 6
2.3 2D CAD Formats..................................................................................................................................... 7
2.4 Vector-based PDFs................................................................................................................................. 7
2.5 Raster image files (incl. raster PDFs) ..................................................................................................... 7
3. General Guidance (All 2D file formats) 7
4. Raster Image Files (incl. Raster PDFs) and their limitations 8
5. Vector based PDF files and their limitations 10
6. 2D CAD files 12
6.1 Blocks ................................................................................................................................................... 12
6.2 Polylines............................................................................................................................................... 13
6.3 X-Refs ................................................................................................................................................... 13
6.4 Layers ................................................................................................................................................... 14
6.5 Model Space and Paper Space ............................................................................................................ 16
7. 3D Drawing Files and BIM Models 17
7.1 Overview.............................................................................................................................................. 17
7.2 Methods of data extraction ................................................................................................................. 18
7.3 BIM Templates..................................................................................................................................... 18
7.4 Model Maps......................................................................................................................................... 19
7.5 Object-based Dimension Groups......................................................................................................... 19
8. 3D DWF™ and DWFx™ Files from Revit® 20
8.1 Export Settings..................................................................................................................................... 20
8.2 Project Units ........................................................................................................................................ 22
8.3 Family Naming Conventions ................................................................................................................ 22
8.4 System Assemblies .............................................................................................................................. 23
8.5 Parts ..................................................................................................................................................... 24
8.6 Areas/Rooms ....................................................................................................................................... 26
8.7 Shared Parameters .............................................................................................................................. 27

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION

9. 3D DWF™ and DWFx™ Files from AutoCAD® MEP 29

9.1 Publish Settings ................................................................................................................................... 29
Publishing the 3D Model view only to a DWFxTM file .......................................................................... 29
Publishing the 3D Model view and 2D Sheets to a DWFxTM file .......................................................... 31
9.2 Layer Setting Visibility ......................................................................................................................... 32
9.3 Property Sets and Property Definitions in AutoCAD® MEP ................................................................. 32
1: Naming Conventions for Additional Property Definitions............................................................... 33
2: Creating a New Property Set ........................................................................................................... 33
3: Creating a New Property Definition within a Property Set ............................................................. 34
4: Adding an Object Based Property Set to an Object......................................................................... 36
5: Adding a Style Based Property Set to an Object.............................................................................. 37
10. IFC Files 39
10.1 The IFC Standard.................................................................................................................................. 39
10.2 Quantities in the IFC 2x3 Coordination View v2.0 ............................................................................... 40
Property Sets ....................................................................................................................................... 40
Proxies ................................................................................................................................................. 40
IFC Files and CostX®.............................................................................................................................. 41
10.3 Base Quantities.................................................................................................................................... 41
10.4 Quantities in IFC4 ................................................................................................................................ 43
10.5 IFC Files - Issues to Consider ................................................................................................................ 44
10.6 IFC Files - What to Provide .................................................................................................................. 45
11. IFC Files from Revit® 46
12. IFC files from ArchiCAD® 48
12.1 Sources of Information ........................................................................................................................ 48
12.2 IFC Export Settings ............................................................................................................................... 49
12.3 IFC Translators ..................................................................................................................................... 50
Appendix A - Shared Parameters in Revit® 53

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION

Acknowledgements
buildingSMART® copyright images and documents reproduced with kind permission of buildingSMART ® International.

Exactal gratefully acknowledges the contribution and assistance of the following individuals and organisations
in the preparation of this document:
Mr. Dana K. “Deke” Smith, National Institute of Building Sciences and buildingSMART ® Alliance Washington DC
Matthew Johnson, Powe Architects Brisbane
David Shorter, Graphisoft® Sydney
Jeffrey W. Ouellette, Nemetschek Vectorworks Inc.Columbia MD
Angel Velez, Autodesk® Waltham MA

Contact Us
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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION Introduction

1. Introduction
All construction projects will have a number of key objectives, and almost without exception these will include
adherence to cost and budgetary constraints. Whilst there is nothing new in these requirements, the way and
speed they can be achieved has improved significantly and continues to improve because of the use of CostX®.
CostX® is an interoperable estimating software tool which supports the seamless transfer of digital design
information between designers and non-CAD users for measurement and estimating purposes.

Amongst other powerful features, CostX® allows its users to measure from a variety of drawing file formats
without running CAD software, and without the ability to amend or alter the files. The measurements are then
utilized in the preparation of working documents required for the various stages of a project, such as option or
change appraisals, estimates, bills of quantities, material schedules, tenders, and the like.

Whilst CostX® supports a wide variety of file formats, thus enabling its use on any project, file formats for
design data vary and each inherently provides differing levels of data richness and functionality. CostX® users
can leverage better drawing file intelligence in a way that can dramatically improve productivity, and this
means that the arrangement and configuration of data for each drawing file format can be optimized to
improve communication and yield the greatest benefit to the team. This enables work that traditionally could
have taken days to complete to be done in hours, leading to improved project delivery and resulting in benefits
to the client and design team alike.

Notwithstanding these benefits, electronic drawing files are commonly issued in the lesser intelligent file
formats, usually basic 2D raster or vector PDF files, sometimes 2D or 3D CAD formats and only occasionally 3D
object-based BIM models. Furthermore, the file data is often not configured in a way to best suit the
measurement process and quantity extraction. This represents a missed opportunity because regardless of the
file format used, the configuration of data for each drawing file format can easily be optimized to improve
communication and yield the greatest benefit to the team.

This document aims to provide general tips and guidance for the more common file formats on how drawing
files may be arranged and optimized to improve team communication, and specifically to assist in the
quantities measurement and estimating activities. It is not intended to be a mandatory requirement for each
file format, but rather to reflect some of the more common optimizations which are of benefit.

Generally, the simple suggestions made in this document will be broadly applicable and could readily be
incorporated into workflows for most projects. However, they are by no means exhaustive and it is up to
project teams to establish their own information exchange protocols and collaborative workflow
methodologies to suit project requirements and individual circumstances.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION What to Provide - Overview

2. What to Provide - Overview

Drawing file formats which can be used for measurement and estimating purposes range from simple 2D raster
formats, through 2D PDF or CAD files, to 3D object-based DWFTM, DWFx™ and IFC BIM models. Each of these
formats progressively provides increasing levels of drawing file intelligence which can be leveraged by CostX®
users to dramatically improve measurement and estimating productivity.

Quantities are obtained either by on-screen measurement from 2D or 3D drawings, or by importing

dimensional information directly from the BIM data model.

The details below reflect a general preference order based on the useable intelligence contained within various
file formats, although CostX® supports the use of all of them.

2.1 3D DWFTM and DWFxTM files from Revit®

If Revit® is the software used to design the building, a multi-sheet DWFTM or DWFxTM export with a default 3D
model view (or series of 3D views each showing different elements) and 2D sheets of all plans, elevations and
sections will enable CostX® users to utilize the database information to automatically generate quantities from
the 3D views, and augment the database quantities with additional measurement from the 2D or 3D drawing
views or sheets.

With Revit®, DWFTM and DWFxTM files are preferred to IFC files but if an IFC is specifically required refer to
Section 11.

There are several optimizations which can assist the team when producing 3D models and views in Revit®,
these are described in Section 8.

As Revit® is also capable of exporting individual DWGTM files of the 2D views and sheets, these may also be
requested where additional measurement functionality may be required. Please refer to Section 6.

2.2 IFC Files

Provide an IFC 2X3 Extended Coordination View export with Base Quantities and with dimensional instance
properties (quantities) mapped as a Property Set. Prior to export ensure that objects are mapped to their
correct IFC categories, which may involve use of override settings and creation of additional IFC-specific
parameters.

For more details refer to Section 10 and if ArchiCAD®has been used also refer to Section 12.

In addition to the IFC, provide a full 2D set of plans, sections, elevations and details in 2D DWGTM format as
described in Section 6.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION General Guidance (All 2D file formats)

2.3 2D CAD Formats

For most other CAD packages, DWGTM files can be used as an interoperable format between design disciplines
to aid coordination, not least because the logical use of layers and blocks within them allows the identification
and isolation of the relevant details, and this assists with the speed of measurement. There are several
beneficial optimizations when producing DWGTM files as described in Section 6. Note that CostX® cannot be
used to alter or amend DWGTM or any other CAD files. 2D DGNTM files are also supported by CostX®.

2.4 Vector-based PDFs

PDF files are a commonly issued output for design data, in part because this format is read-only and can be
easily opened with a number or freely available and simple to use viewing packages. PDF files exported from a
CAD package will usually contain vector coordinates however little else of the embedded intelligence of the
CAD files from which they are generated.

Whilst vector PDF files can readily be used for measurement in CostX®, advanced measurement tools such as
blocks and polylines which rely on CAD intelligence are not available. However if there is no choice but to issue
vector PDF files there are a few optimizations which can enhance the data and thereby usability of the file,
such as including layers in the PDF file to allow isolation of the relevant details which is of assistance for both
review purposes and when taking measurements from the drawing. Please refer to Section 5.

2.5 Raster image files (incl. raster PDFs)

Raster image (JPEG, BMP, TIFF, etc) and raster PDF files provide the least data and do not contain any vector or
other intelligence from the source CAD file. Sometimes, certain export settings in CAD programmes will
determine whether a PDF is produced as a vector or raster file, or a combination – it can be quite common for
PDF files to contain both vector and raster components. Whilst raster or combined raster/vector files can
readily be used for measurement in CostX®, it is preferable to issue the DWGTM source files or all-vector PDFs as
they have a far greater range of use. However if there is no alternative but to issue image raster files, the
details in Section 4 provide several optimisation tips.

3. General Guidance (All 2D file formats)

Irrespective of the file format provided, one of the key features of CostX® is the ability to identify and track
changes which occur on progressive drawing issues. Consequently there are a few general suggestions to
consider when creating and issuing drawings for a project which include:

1. Try to use a consistent scale, orientation and position for progressive issues of each drawing.

2. Try to be consistent with the drawn information included on each drawing for progressive issues.

3. Consider establishing a drawing numbering/referencing structure and use it consistently for

progressive issues.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION Raster Image Files (incl. Raster PDFs) and their limitations

4. Raster Image Files (incl. Raster PDFs) and their limitations

CAD programs are based on vector graphics, however the drawings are often published and issued in one of
the raster image formats which means that the inherent resolution and intelligence is lost. Often the drawings
are difficult to read but cannot be enlarged without further loss of resolution, and the scale can sometimes be
difficult to determine accurately.

CostX® supports both raster and vector formats but uses different modes of measurement for each, reflecting
the nature of the data available. Measurement of a raster image traces an overlay over the top of the drawing,
whereas vector measurement attaches to the actual vector lines within the drawing. Hence vector
measurement is faster and more accurate, and can identify changes in drawing revisions by detecting the
amended vector co-ordinates of the measured lines.

Raster Mode measurement in CostX® Vector Mode measurement in CostX®

For these reasons, although AutoCAD® and similar CAD programs can export/plot raster image files, the
preference is to receive DWGTM files or Vector based PDF files (refer to Sections 6 & 7). If you have no choice
but to issue raster files instead of vector files it is critical to provide scale information, particularly as the image
may get distorted during transmission. This seems basic but is neglected surprisingly often.

1. Provide X and Y scale bars and / or figured dimensions to allow the drawing scale to be calibrated more
accurately.

2. Orientate the drawing to be appropriately rotated (e.g. square to the boundary of the image file).

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION Raster Image Files (incl. Raster PDFs) and their limitations

3. Use a consistent scale and orientation for progressive drawing issues.

4. A JPG or PNG file format would be preferred over BMP and TIFF due to file size and quality
considerations.

5. If plotting from a CAD package directly, choose an appropriate paper size setting (e.g. 1600 x 1280
pixels, A3 etc. or larger for very large drawings) to enhance resolution.

6. Try not to use heavy lineweights, as these may obscure other drawn details.

7. If scanning a drawing use a DPI setting of 100-150DPI generally, for drawings with very fine details use
a DPI setting of 200-300DPI.

8. Try not to have views at different scales in the same image file. Where this is not possible try to
arrange the views at one scale in one area of the sheet and views at a different scale in another area of
the sheet rather than having details at different scales interspersed throughout the image.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION Vector based PDF files and their limitations

5. Vector based PDF files and their limitations

A commonly issued output from CAD programs is a PDF file which contains vector co-ordinates but little else of
the embedded intelligence of the source CAD files. This means that measurement can be done in vector mode
but advanced measurement tools which rely on CAD intelligence such as polylines and blocks are not available.
Also, layer information is commonly excluded from PDF files, which means that the drawing view cannot be
filtered to facilitate the measurement process.

Owing to its superior resolution and accuracy, a vector PDF is preferable to a raster image but the preference
would be to receive DWGTM files (refer to Section 7).If you have no choice but to issue vector PDF files instead
of CAD files, export as a PDF (in preference to plotting to a PDF printer) and be sure to include layer
information. Note – vector PDFs with layers included can also be exported from a DWGTM opened in AutoDesk®
DWGTrueViewTM.

If layers are enabled in PDF and CAD files, the estimating software can filter the display to make viewing and
measurement much quicker and easier, by 1) eliminating unwanted data to reduce clutter and 2) isolating data
for measurement. Hence it is very helpful if layers are configured in a logical manner, for example:

 Put different building elements onto different layers.

 Put like items within an element onto the same layer or

distribute them logically onto a series of layers.

 Ensure the layer states are correct for all layers before
saving the file. Layers which are not required should be
frozen.

 Use the hatching tools to create hatching or include it on

a separate layer.

Wall layers isolated for

measurement in CostX®

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION Vector based PDF files and their limitations

Unfiltered layers in CostX® Filtered layers in CostX®

1. Provide scale annotation, scale bars and / or figured dimensions.

2. Orientate the drawing to be appropriately rotated (e.g. square to the boundary of the image file).

3. Use a consistent scale and orientation for progressive drawing

issues.

4. Try not to have views at different scales in the same PDF file.
Where this is not possible try to arrange the views at one scale in
one area of the sheet and views at a different scale in another area
of the sheet rather than having details at different scales
interspersed throughout the image.

5. Try to include any hatching in the drawing on a different drawing layer(s) to other drawn details to
enable it to be displayed or hidden as necessary.

6. If creating a PDF from AutoCAD® use the export to PDF option rather than
printing to a PDF.

7. If creating a PDF from Revit®, select a hidden line or wireframe visual

style so that the PDF will be in vector format. Styles such as shaded,
coloured, etc will result in raster or combined raster/vector content.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION 2D CAD files

6. 2D CAD files

The 2D CAD formats such as DWGTM, DWF/DWFxTM and DGNTM are capable of being rich in content and CostX®
users (who cannot edit the drawing file as CostX® is read-only) can exploit this intelligence with various
advanced measurement tools.

6.1 Blocks
CostX® can make use of blocks by counting all instances of a block in a single action, hence it is very helpful if
blocks are included in drawing files and are configured in a logical manner.

1. A single block object being 2. Multiple instances of the same 3. Clicking once with the mouse
recognized in CostX. block being recognized in CostX. measures all such blocks on the
drawing in a single action.

 Do not group multiple objects into a single block.

 Co-ordinate blocks with layers so that details can be isolated and then measured very quickly.

 Try not to use the same block for different (albeit visually similar) objects in a drawing, equally try not
to use different blocks for the same object in a drawing.

 It is better to define individual composite ‘objects’ as blocks and not to create blocks comprising
multiple objects.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION 2D CAD files

6.2 Polylines
Simply put, CAD drawings are made up of multiple lines and arcs. The polyline command allows a series of lines
or arcs to be combined into a single continuous entity to create highly complex shapes.

CostX® is able to recognize the geometry of polylines and automatically return the area and perimeter of the
shape, no matter how complex, with a single action. Hence it is very helpful if floor plans, rooms, areas, etc. are
defined by polylines in drawing files.

Cursor positioned over Polyline being recognized A single mouse click captures
polyline in CostX® in CostX® area and perimeter

6.3 X-Refs
Dependant files e.g. Xref’s / non-standard fonts should be either bound in with the DWGTM file or provided as
separate files using the correct relative directory structure.

If exporting to DWGTM from Revit® the Xref views on sheets in the Save to Target Folder dialogue option should
not be ticked.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION 2D CAD files

6.4 Layers
CostX® is able to use layers where provided to filter the
display to make viewing and measurement much quicker and
easier, by 1) eliminating unwanted data to reduce clutter and
2) isolating data for measurement. Hence it is very helpful if
layers are provided and configured in a logical manner.

 Put different building elements onto different layers.

 Put like items within an element onto the same layer

or distribute them logically onto a series of layers.

 Use the hatching tools to create

hatching rather than using other
tools to represent hatching. Try not
to disassociate/explode hatching.

 Review the layer states for all layers before saving the DWGTM, layers which are not intended to be
seen should be frozen.

 If exporting a DWGTM file from Revit® arrange object categories into logical and appropriate layers, eg.
separate the wall finishes from the structure.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION 2D CAD files

 Specifying appropriate Type Properties and Layers where the layers can be specified in conjunction
with the Type Properties (e.g. specifying an Interior or Exterior function for walls) can also be
beneficial.

 Set the Export layer options to “new layers for overrides”

 Under the general tab, tick the check box to export rooms and areas as polylines

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION 2D CAD files

6.5 Model Space and Paper Space

CostX will default to Model space views since these contain the active model and hence are the most accurate
with no scaling required as they are generally at 1:1. If the file contains both Model Space and Paper Space, an
option is provided to load either or both, but Model space is preferred.

 Rather than multiple Paper space sheets with viewports to a single Model space view, a separate
Model space DWGTM file for each plan / elevation / section / etc. is preferred. On larger buildings,
where plans etc. may normally be divided between several Paper space views (eg. to fit onto a series of
A3 sheets), do not break the Model view up in the same way. It is preferred to measure on a single
Model space view for an entire level/floor.

 Avoid using different unit scales in the same Model space, eg. if 1 unit represents 1mm avoid mixing
this with another scale for 1 unit.

 Provide scale annotation, scale bars and / or figured dimensions on Paper space sheets

 Avoid where possible having views at different scales on

the same Paper space sheet, where this is not possible try
to arrange the views at one scale in one area of the sheet
and views at a different scale in another area of the sheet
rather than having details at different scales interspersed
throughout the image.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION 3D Drawing Files and BIM Models

7. 3D Drawing Files and BIM Models

7.1 Overview
It is important to differentiate between BIM models and 3D Drawings.

Traditional 2D and 3D CAD programs use vector graphics to replicate the human process of drawing on paper.
Vector graphics is the use of geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves and shapes or polygons, which
are all based on mathematical equations, to represent images.

Regardless of whether it is rendered in 2D or 3D, a vector based CAD drawing like the following example of an
AutoCAD® DWGTM file is simply a collection of lines, arcs and text.

2D Plan View in CostX® 3D View in CostX®

Because they are based on geometric data, these graphical models cannot describe the physical attributes of
the entities they represent, nor the relationship of the entities to each other. To overcome this limitation,
design-related industries have developed object-based data model applications, specific to their operating
environment, that can represent the physical and performance attributes of entities in addition to their
graphical properties.

In the case of the AEC industry this translates to a data model built around building entities and their
associated inter-relationships. The interface remains graphic, but geometry is only one of the properties of the
entities, which will also contain physical and performance data such as spatial relationships, geographic
information, quantities and properties of the building components.

The process of optimizing the design by interrogating and analyzing the data within the model is referred to as
Building Information Modelling (BIM). Consequently, the data model for a building is referred to as a “BIM
model”.

CostX® is able to view BIM models in DWFTM, DWFx TM and IFC format and access the database to extract
information, with several extraction methods available. The opportunity therefore exists to use this
dimensional data for quantification purposes, instead of measuring the quantities. This greatly improves
productivity, and consequently reduces response times.

Issue of data-rich BIM model files therefore enables the CostX® user to collaborate in the design effort far more
effectively, and designers can respond to this change by increasing the amount of object data held in the
database. However, for estimating or scheduling purposes it will generally be necessary to augment the BIM data
with additional measurement from 2D or 3D drawing views, particularly with early design intent models.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION 3D Drawing Files and BIM Models

7.2 Methods of data extraction

There are three options available to CostX® users for data extraction from BIM models:

 by use of CostX® BIM Templates;

 by use of Model Maps;

 by creation of special object-based Dimension Groups.

7.3 BIM Templates

CostX® ships with a selection of BIM Templates. These templates
are XSLT files which have been written specifically to extract and
sort data from 3D DWFTM and DWFxTM model files. The default
template, called “Revit® General”, categorises the data in
accordance with the Revit® object hierarchy of Element
Category, Family name and Family type. By using the “Import
Dimensions Using BIM Template” button and selecting the
“Revit® General” template, CostX® will create a list of dimension
groups using the Revit® Category to name the Dimension Group
folder, and the Revit® Family Name + Family Type to name the
dimension group. The quantity will generally be drawn from the
first dimension property. An example is shown here, to the right
and below.

The import routine is automatic and works on whatever model

objects are being viewed on the CostX® screen at the time. This means that users can filter the view to limit the
import to selected objects, or they can view the entire model in which case the import will provide them with a
complete schedule of Dimension Groups listing the quantities of every object in the model, all at the single click
of a button.

An optional alternate BIM Template called “by QSID or ELEMENT CODE” will search for a text parameter called
QSID or ELEMENT CODE within the model and use this to group the Dimension Groups. These parameters need to
be added into the model as Shared Parameters (see Section 9.6) if this option is to be used.

These templates are written around model data being presented in standard Revit® family categories and will
generally only produce satisfactory results when used with DWFTM and DWFx TM files exported from Revit®. For IFC
files, Model Maps or object-based Dimension groups will be used.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION 3D Drawing Files and BIM Models

7.4 Model Maps

A Model Definition Tool allows CostX® users to view the model data in a schedule format and configure a Model
Map to extract data from the model using any combination of object properties. This means that instead of
generating quantities using the standard CostX® BIM templates, users have the option to define Model Maps to
customise the quantities extraction. This provides an opportunity to provide additional data within the model to
facilitate the model mapping process.

To assign the Model Definition, the CostX® user filters the model view to the required branch of the model tree,
and then drags and drops the required data from the Schedule into the corresponding field in the Mapping
Definition tab. Free text in quotes may also be entered.

In the example below, the data from the columns in the Schedule headed Level 1 and level 3 will be combined
to name the dimension group folder, the Top Level data will categorise the dimension group, and the
Measurement Type will be volume, using the data from the Volume field in the Schedule.

Model Maps are highly effective for DWFTM, DWFxTM and IFC files. Similar to BIM Templates, they automate
high-volume extraction of model data, but in a custom configuration.

7.5 Object-based Dimension Groups

These work in a similar way to Model maps but are individually created for specific objects or groups of objects.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION 3D DWF™ and DWFx™ Files from Revit®

8. 3D DWF™ and DWFx™ Files from Revit®

The following tips will help to facilitate data extraction from DWFTM and DWFxTM files.

8.1 Export Settings

 Provide a multi-sheet DWFxTM export containing the 3D view (or views) and the 2D views and sheets of
all plans, elevations and sections etc. The 3D views will be used to import BIM dimensions, and the 2D
views and sheets will be used to check and augment the quantities.Some users may also request the
2D sheets and views separately as DWGTM files or the source Revit® RVT file.

 Review the visibility settings and verify all intended / required objects are not hidden in view before
exporting the file.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION 3D DWF™ and DWFx™ Files from Revit®

 Select a detail level on views / sheets etc. as fine to allow additional information to be available in the
2D DWFTM files.

 Select a hidden line or wireframe Graphic Display Option for views as appropriate for the content.

 Set the view range / clip settings appropriately on views / sheets.

 If the model contains linked CAD files with multiple instances of a typical object or group of objects,
the multiple instances may all have the same object ID. With duplicate IDs, the quantities imported
into CostX® from the DWFxTM will derive from the source file, and not from the multiplicity of
instances. For example, if a typical apartment is repeated twenty times in a model and the IDs are
duplicated, the quantities will only relate to one apartment, not twenty. For this reason the Revit®
project should be bound before exporting the DWFxTM to remove the duplicate IDs. If it is preferred
not to bind the project, then copy the project, bind the copy, and export from the copy.

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8.2 Project Units

The total quantity of each object type is the cumulative value of the dimensions of each individual object. If the
Project Units in Revit® are set to whole numbers (which is the default setting), each dimension will be rounded
off which will affect the cumulative total. Therefore the Project Units need to be set to two or preferably three
decimal places to provide an accurate cumulative total.

Set Project Units to three Difference in quantities in CostX® if Project Units set to three
decimal places decimals instead of no decimals in same model

8.3 Family Naming Conventions

CostX® extracts dimension data (quantities) from the Revit® object properties exported in the DWFxTM file. The
default CostX® BIM Template (Revit® General) groups and sorts the quantities according to the family naming
structure of the model.

Therefore, a more descriptive family naming convention can greatly improve communication.

Default naming – minimal detail

Descriptive naming

In view of the above, try not to use mass or generic model families for objects
in detailed models, and do not group disparate objects into a single mass or
generic family, as this severely compromises the usefulness of the output data.
Select an appropriate element category for each individual object.
Mass naming

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8.4 System Assemblies

In Revit® multiple elements can be combined into a single assembly that can be independently scheduled,
tagged, and filtered. Most model elements can be included in assemblies and layered elements such as walls,
floors, flat roofs, etc are invariably modeled as assemblies.

Floor Assembly in Revit 2012®

When exported to a DWFxTM an assembly such as the floor shown above appears as a composite whole and its
component parts, or layers, are not separately identified within the 3D DWFxTM view and are not represented
on 2D views and sheets.

CostX® screen shot of composite slab assembly

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It is very important that the component details are communicated in full, and to assist in this one or more of
the following solutions could be considered:

 Providing assembly information as a text or “Description” parameter.

 Using more descriptive Family / Type naming conventions.

 Providing detail sections as 2D sheets.

 Providing schedules detailing system assemblies.

Another option is to use the Revit® “Parts” function which will break the layered assembly into its component
layers.

8.5 Parts
In Revit®, many elements can be divided into discrete parts that can be independently scheduled, tagged,
filtered, and exported. The Part function is designed to support aspects of construction workflows, such as
pour schedules for example, by enabling a slab to be separated into areas or zones based on the pour
sequence. Parts can also be generated from elements with layered structures, not just to separate the layers
but also to allow the layers to be individually manipulated or sub-divided. Parts are dependent to elements and
are automatically updated and regenerated when the original element from which they are derived is
modified. Each part can also be independently scheduled and the schedule will also update when parts are
modified.

If a layered assembly is separated into its constituent layers, the layer data will be available in a DWF/DFWx TM
export. Typically this might apply to elements such as:
 Walls (excluding stacked walls and curtain walls)

 Floors (excluding shape-edited floors)

 Roofs (excluding those with ridge lines)

 Ceilings

 Structural slab foundations

In the drawing area, select the elements from which you want to create parts, then in the Create tab of the
Modify ribbon click on the Create Parts button to separate the layers. The DWF/DWFxTM can now be exported
with each layer of the assembly as an individual Part with its own discrete Object Properties.

Alternatively, to avoid disassembling your working model view, create a new default
3D view, select all elements in the view and click on the Create Parts button. Export
the DWF/DWFxTM file from this view.

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For each part, the Identity Data properties have been expanded to contain details of the individual layer and
this data is available for CostX® to create the separate Dimension Groups.

The Parts properties can also be viewed as branches of the Model Tree.

Model View in CostX® – Assembly only Model View in CostX® – Parts

The disassembled slab will now import with the “Revit® General” BIM Template in separate constituent Parts.

CostX® screen shot of disassembled slab Parts – dimensions imported with “Revit® General” BIM Template

The Parts properties can readily be used to create mapping definitions for Model Maps.

CostX® screen shot of disassembled slab Parts – dimensions imported with Model Map

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8.6 Areas/Rooms
Room and area data is very useful for estimating purposes, particularly during the earlier design stages when
composite rates/m2 or ft2 are used to develop budget estimates. Use the Room and Area tools to include this
in models.

Edit the Area Type Properties to show area data.

When exporting the file, open the DWGTM or DWFTM

Properties tab in the export dialogue window and tick the
“Export rooms and areas as polylines” checkbox (if exporting a
DWGTM) or the “Rooms and Areas in a separate boundary
layer” checkbox (if exporting a 2D or 3D DWFTM view). The
room data will now be exported with the file.

Room data in DWFxTM shown in CostX®

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8.7 Shared Parameters

Additional Shared Parameters may be added within Revit® to enrich the data included in the DWF(x)TM file. This
data can then be accessed via Model Maps. Additionally there is a BIM Template available for elemental coding
called “by QSID or ELEMENT CODE”. This requires a text Shared Parameter to be created with the name QSID
or ELEMENT CODE.

If this is included in the model, the BIM template “by QSID or ELEMENT CODE” will sort the dimensions into
QSID or Element folders instead of by Category.

Formula-based parameters can also be added to provide additional measurement data such as window areas
or downpipe lengths.

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Parameters should generally be added as Instance Parameters because not all Type Parameters get written to
the DWF(x)TM file. Refer to Appendix A for details on how to add Shared Parameters into Revit®. Use Autodesk®
Design Review to review the content of DWF(x)TM files.

The following examples are all taken from a single model in which the designer had added the following Shared
Parameters based on advice from his estimator:

 A Building Level/Zone to allow the quantities to be

grouped by location.

 A concrete mix strength to allow the quantities to be

grouped by concrete strength.

 A reinforcement factor (Reo Rate) expressed in kg/m3

to allow an approximate reinforcement tonnage to be
automatically generated.

 Also, ensure that concrete structural framing includes a

length dimension in addition to volume to allow for
calculation of additional estimate items such as
formwork.

Object properties
viewed in CostX®

Volume of concrete and weight of steel grouped Volume of concrete and weight of steel grouped
by CostX® into Building Level by CostX® into Concrete Strength

Column formwork derived from length dimension in CostX®

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9. 3D DWF™ and DWFx™ Files from AutoCAD® MEP

9.1 Publish Settings

Provide as a minimum a DWFxTM file containing the 3D Model view. The 2D views and sheets of plans, sections
and details etc. can also be incorporated into a multi-sheet DWFxTM file. The 3D Model view will be used to
import BIM dimensions, and the 2D views and sheets will be used to check and augment the quantities. Some
users may also request the 3D Model view and 2D sheets and views as the source AutoCAD® MEP DWGTM file.

Publishing the 3D Model view only to a DWFxTM file

 Prior to commencing open the 3D Model view and change the
Viewport Configurations setting to Single and the Visual Styles
setting to Shaded, both of these setting fields are located on
the View Ribbon Toolbar.

 From the main menu double click on the Publish option, alternatively enter publish
on the command line and press the Enter key. The Publish dialog is displayed.

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 In the Publish to: field on the Publish dialog select DWFx. CostX® also supports the DWFTM file format.

 Ensure the 3D Model view is included in the sheet list and remove any other sheets
which are listed, leaving only the 3D Model view, sheets can be added or removed
using the Add and Remove Sheets buttons located above the sheet name column.

 Place a tick in the 3D DWF checkbox to the right of the 3D Model view sheet name.

 Click on the Publish Options button. The Publish Options Dialog is displayed
(shown below).

 Under the DWF data options section ensure the AEC property set data and the AEC automatic
properties fields are selected as Include.
 Also verify that the Published Properties List (PPL) file identified in the AEC DWF options field is the
correct file and also verify that all of the required Property Sets have been selected in this PPL file.
 To verify (or amend) the selected Property Sets for the current drawing click into the AEC DWF Options
field and click on the (ellipsis) button displayed on the far right of the field.

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 Select and open the PPL file, the AEC DWF Publishing Options dialog is displayed (shown left below).
Click on the Add button, the Add Property Sets dialog is then displayed (shown right below), all
property sets for the currently selected drawing will be displayed, ensure all of the required property
sets are selected (checkboxes are ticked) then click the OK button to return to the AEC DWF Publishing
Options dialog and click the OK button to close it and return to the Publish Options dialog.

 Back in the Publish Options dialog under the 3D DWF options

section ensure the AEC Group Individual Objects By field is
selected as Object Type and Style.
 Click OK to save the changes and close the Publish Options dialog and return to the Publish dialog.
 Back in the Publish dialog click on the Publish button, the Specify DWFx File file browser dialog will be
displayed, navigate to the location in which to save the file and amend as desired the file name, when
the required selections have been made click on the Select button to save the file to the selected
location with the selected file name.

 A prompt may appear asking whether the current list of sheets should be saved, to save the current
sheet list click Yes and choose a location and file name for the sheets list, otherwise click No to discard
the sheets list.
Publishing the 3D Model view and 2D Sheets to a DWFxTM file
 The above noted process details how to create a DWFxTM file containing only the 3D Model view, if
additional 2D sheets / views have been created in the AutoCAD® MEP DWGTM file they can also be
included with the 3D Model view in the same multi-sheet DWFxTM file, the process is the same as noted
above except that the required sheets should be added to the sheets list and sheets which are not
required should be removed from the sheets list in the Publish dialog using the Add or
Remove Sheets buttons. Additionally ensure the Type field under the General DWF/PDF
options on the Publish Options dialog is selected as Multi-sheet file.

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9.2 Layer Setting Visibility

Before exporting the DWFxTM file verify the layer settings are correct for the objects intended to be included in
the published file.

 To display the layer settings click on the Layer Properties button located in the Layers
section of the Home Ribbon Toolbar.
 For objects intended to be included in the published DWFxTM file ensure the layer they are included on
is turned on (the symbol is displayed in the On column for the layer), the layer is scheduled to be
included in the plot (the symbol is displayed in the Plot column for the layer) and the layer is not
frozen (the symbol is displayed in the Freeze column for the layer).

 For objects intended to be excluded from the published DWFxTM file ensure the layer they are included
on is turned off (the symbol is displayed in the On column for the layer), the layer is scheduled to be
excluded from the plot (the symbol is displayed in the Plot column for the layer) and the layer is
frozen (the symbol is displayed in the Freeze column for the layer).

9.3 Property Sets and Property Definitions in AutoCAD® MEP

Object property data can be enriched to include additional information for measurement and estimating
purposes by the creation of new Property Definitions within Property Sets. In Design terms Property Sets and
Property Definitions within AutoCAD® MEP are typically used to create text based data for use with scheduling
and tagging functions in the software, however the data can also be included within a published DWFxTM file
enriching the data for measurement and estimating purposes. Property Definition values can be manually
specified i.e. a field in which a value can be entered/amended manually or be formula based i.e. a field in which
a value is automatically calculated or text concatenated based on values derived from one or more other
property values for each object. Property sets can be created, for subsequent addition to objects, at an Object
level (to be added to an individually selected object or to several/many selected objects or all objects of the
same type - if all drawing objects are selected) or at a Style level (to be added to an object belonging to a
specific style name within the host style (e.g. a specific size of duct or pipe within the duct style or pipe style)
which then adds the property set automatically to all other objects belonging to the same specific style name.

Adding Property Sets and Property Definitions is a broad and relatively complex topic and it is envisaged that
this will be undertaken by an experienced AutoCAD® MEP operator who is knowledgeable on this topic, the
following however outlines the basic methodology, some of the text / options within the dialog boxes may vary
to those indicated below based on the style of the source template or drawing on which the current drawing
was based on.

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1: Naming Conventions for Additional Property Definitions

The requesting CostX® user / organization and the AutoCAD® MEP operator / organization should agree the
need for, and format of, any required prefix for the names of the added property definitions to denote them as
additional property set/property definition values as opposed to the default properties. As a suggestion a prefix
of PSMD (Property Set Manual Definition) could be used for added manual property definitions, and PSFD
(Property Set Formula Definition) could be used for formula based added property definitions.

2: Creating a New Property Set

Click on the upper half of the Style Manager button located on the Manage
Ribbon Toolbar (or select the Style Manager option if a sub-menu is
displayed). The Style Manager dialog is displayed.

Property Sets are considered to be documentation objects. Therefore, expand the

Documentation Objects folder listed beneath the required drawing name and select the
Property Set Definitions folder.

Click on the New Style button, in the right hand side of the Style
Manager dialog under the General tab enter a Name for the new style
and optionally a Description.

Click on the Applies To tab.

Property sets can be created, for subsequent addition to objects, at an Object level (to be added to an
individually selected object or to several/many selected objects or all objects of the same type - if all drawing
objects are selected) or at a Style level (to be added to an object belonging to a specific style name within the
host style (e.g. a specific size of duct or pipe within the duct style or pipe style) which then adds the property
set automatically to all other objects in the drawing belonging to the same specific style name.

Generally CostX® users would be importing dimensions at an object grouping level rather than at a Style name
grouping level, and would normally anticipate any manual or formula based property definition values to be
added to all objects of the same type (all objects in the same object group), consequently property sets (and
hence the property definitions created within the property set) should normally be created at an Object level
and be subsequently added to all objects of the same type (all objects in the same object group). If however
the property definitions to be created in the property set only apply to one or more specific style names the
Style and Definitions options could be selected instead.

The following example indicates the grouping levels of objects & style names within CostX® for an example
DWFxTM file exported from AutoCAD® MEP.

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Select either the Objects or Styles and Definitions option as required (please refer to the paragraph above).

Place a tick in the checkbox to the left of the required Object or Style, if
the Classification section of the dialog displays further checkboxes and
classification descriptions these can be used to refine the objects or
styles the property set will be available for addition to, place a tick in the
checkbox to the left of the required classifications / sub-classifications
(although as noted above generally the property set should be added to
all objects of the same type, in which case all checkboxes should be
selected (ticked).

To apply the property set to further Objects or Styles repeat this process for each additional object or style.

The Property Set has now been created and is ready to have Property Definitions defined within it.

3: Creating a New Property Definition within a Property Set

As the values created by the property definitions may be used by the recipient of the published version of the
drawing to filter objects and or extract dimensions for similar drawing objects (i.e. objects having one or more
common property or belonging within the same object group or style name) the property definitions should be
applicable to (and be subsequently added to) all objects of the same object type or style name type, generally
property definitions which intend to add a fixed value or description applicable to all objects of the same type
or style name type should be added as Manual Property Definitions and property definitions which intend to
add values or descriptions which will vary between objects of the same type or style name type (but are
derived from common property sources) should be added as Formula Based Property Definitions.

If a new property set has just been created and is currently selected in the Style Manager dialog then click on
the Definition tab. Otherwise open the Style Manager dialog, click on Manage Ribbon Tab and click on the
upper half of the Style Manager button) and expand the Documentation Objects and Property Set Definitions
folders listed under the required drawing and select the required property set definition object and then click
on the Definition tab. Note: if a new property definition is being added to an existing property set it would be
worthwhile reviewing the settings selected under the Applies To tab, if the new property definition which is to
be created applies to a different selection of Objects or Styles it may be better to create a new property set and
select the required properties or styles for the new property set rather than amending the existing one.

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The new property definition can be either Manual or Formula Based (there are also further options, such
as automatic, but the two mentioned previously are likely to be the most useful in respect to adding
data for measurement purposes), click on the required Add … Property Definition button located at the
right hand side of the dialog.

Add Manual Property Definition

If a Manual Property Definition was selected (e.g. to provide a fixed text description or value to be added to all
or multiple objects, or a blank property field which can be added and completed on an object by object basis)
the New Property dialog is displayed.

Enter the required name in the Name field and select the required Start With
option (this can be either the text or value entered into the Default field (select
the *DEFAULT* option or one of the values from the existing properties), then
click the OK button.

In the Type field click on the drop down selection button and choose the required type setting
for the new property definition.

In the Default field enter the default value for the new property definition. Optionally Units
and Formatting may also be selected. Also ensure the Visible checkbox is ticked.

Add Automatic Property Definition

If a formula based property definition is to be used the properties which will

be used in the formula will need to be added to the property set first as
Automatic Property Definitions. Click on the Add Automatic Property
definition button and select the required properties by placing a tick in the
checkbox to the left of the required properties then click the OK button.
Once added ensure the tick is removed from the Visible checkbox for each
of the added automatic property definitions.

Add Formula Based Property Definition

If a Formula Based Property Definition was selected (e.g. to add

values or descriptions which will vary between objects or style
name types but which are derived from common property
sources) the Formula Property Definition dialog is displayed.
Enter the name for the property definition in the Name field
and construct the required formula in the Formula field by
double clicking (or right click and select Insert) on the required
Property Definitions and VBScript codes augmented by directly
entering any other requirements for the formula (e.g.
quotation marks or other text or values).

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Note: For property values of property definitions to be added into the formula correctly they need to be
inserted from the Insert Property Definition list and be inserted from the same property set as the formula
based property definition is being added to, if VBScript functions have been used in the formula the formula
should start with RESULT =.

To review a Sample Result of the formula enter sample values as required against each of the properties listed
in the Enter Sample Values: section of the dialog, the result of the formula based on the sample values will be
displayed in the Sample Result: section of the dialog, if necessary amend the formula until the desired result is
obtained.

Once the required formula has been constructed, click the OK button to add the property definition. In the
property definitions list select as appropriate any required Units and Formatting and ensure the Visible
checkbox is ticked for the property definition.

To add further property definitions repeat the above process as required. Once the required property
definitions have been added, click the OK button to close the Style Manager dialog.

4: Adding an Object Based Property Set to an Object

As the property definitions may be used by the recipient of the published version of the drawing to filter similar
drawing objects and or extract dimensions the property set should normally be added to all objects of the
same type.

To ensure all of the required objects are displayed in the 3D Model view ensure all of the required layers are
visible, not frozen and not locked.

If objects have been isolated end isolating the objects by clicking on the end isolate objects button on the
information bar beneath the drawing window or use the end isolating objects option on the right click menu
under the isolate objects option.

Either select the required object or objects or select the entire drawing (the object type to add the property set
to can be filtered in subsequent steps) in the 3D Model view.

Display the Properties window (click on the Properties vertical tab usually docked on the left or right
of the user interface, otherwise press Ctrl + 1 on the keyboard). Display the Extended Data section by
clicking on the Extended Data vertical tab.

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If multiple objects were selected use the drop down object type selection list to select the required object type.

At the bottom of the properties window click on the Add Property Sets button, add or remove the ticks
from the checkboxes to the left of the property set names in the Add Property Sets dialog to select or de-select
them and click on the OK button when the required selections have been made.

The property set(s) will then be displayed in the extended data section
of the properties window. If multiple objects are currently selected the
property fields may be unavailable for editing and may display
*VARIES* rather than formula based data. If Manual Property
Definitions were created in the property sets these will display the
entered default value (assuming the Start With option was selected as
Default when the property definition was created). If it was intended
that a manual property was added and its value completed / amended
on an individual object by object basis or to otherwise review property
definition values for specific objects ensure only the required object is
selected in the 3D Model view.

It is also recommended to verify formula based property definition values for a number of objects to ensure
they are displaying the calculated value which would be anticipated for the selected object.

5: Adding a Style Based Property Set to an Object

As the property definitions may be used by the recipient of the published version of the drawing to filter similar
drawing objects and or extract dimensions the property set should normally be added to all styles names
within the style, this will need to be done for each style name in turn.

Select an object belonging to the required style name type in the 3D Model view and right click over it and
select the Edit …. Style option.

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The … Style Properties – style name dialog is displayed.

In style name properties dialog (example shown left) under the general tab click the Property Sets button. The
Edit Property Set Data dialog is displayed (shown right).

Click on the Add Property Sets button at the bottom of the Edit
Property Set Data dialog, the Add Property Sets dialog is displayed, add or
remove the ticks from the checkboxes to the left of the property set names
in the Add Property Sets dialog to select or de-select them and click on the
OK button when the required selections have been made.

The property set(s) will then be displayed in the Edit Property Set Data
dialog, click on the OK button to close this dialog then click on the OK button on the style name properties
dialog to close this dialog.

The property set(s) and property definitions within will then be added to the extended data section for the
selected object and all objects belonging to the same style name type within the drawing.

To review these properties for the selected object open the properties window (click on the
Properties vertical tab usually docked on the left or right of the user interface, otherwise press Ctrl + 1
on the keyboard) then select the Extended Data vertical tab. If Manual Property Definitions were
created in the property set this will display the entered default value (assuming the Start With option
was selected as Default when the property definition was created) if it was intended that a manual
property was added and its value completed / amended on an individual object by object basis review and
amend as necessary the default values (this will also need to be done for each object individually). It is also
recommended to verify formula based property definition values for a number of objects to ensure they are
displaying the calculated value which would be anticipated for the selected object.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION IFC Files

10. IFC Files

10.1 The IFC Standard

The current IFC release is IFC 2x3 Edition 3 (Feb. 2003) as amended by IFC 2x3 TC (Technical Corrigendum) 1
(July 2007). TC1 did not amend the IFC 2x3 exchange file and both versions can be used.
IFC4 (formerly called 2x4) was released on 12 March 2013, published as ISO Standard 16739. It will be the basis
for upcoming IFC solutions and incorporates numerous improvements and enhancements over the current IFC
2x3 release. Implementations will start appearing in authoring applications from 2015 onwards.
IFC cannot replicate the authoring functions of the various proprietary BIM applications, nor is that its
intention. It is a file format whose purpose is to facilitate cross-discipline data sharing and exchange by
providing a broadly based, vendor-neutral repository for data relating to building objects.
The process of sharing data via the IFC format is termed an IFC Exchange. In practical terms, the need to
convert the host data to IFC format and the fact that the IFC is structured to support a multiplicity of data types
across a wide range of disciplines can lead to a high level of complexity in the IFC model. IFC exchanges
therefore follow what is termed an “Exchange Requirement” which specifies the data that needs to be present
in any given exchange and thereby limits the scope of the exchange to more manageable proportions.
The buildingSMART® Standard for Processes, formerly called the IDM (Information Delivery Manual), defines
typical exchange requirements for a given discipline or scenario, so that different audiences can focus on the
data relevant to them. An associated IFC View Definition, or MVD (Model View Definition) defines a subset of
the IFC schema that will satisfy the specified exchange requirements. In other words, when you export an IFC
governed by an MVD, you are only exporting selected parts of the information which goes to make up the
entire data model.
The MVD provides implementation guidance for all IFC concepts (classes, attributes, relationships, property
sets, quantity definitions, etc.) used within the subset. It thereby represents the specification for the IFC export
by BIM applications, so that their exports satisfy the exchange requirements.
The official buildingSMART® MVD for the AEC industry is the IFC2x3 Coordination View Version 2.0. This can be
extended with add-on model view definitions to support additional exchange requirements including:
 The Quantity Take-off add-on view which adds the ability to transmit Base Quantities for spatial,
building, building service and structural elements.
 The Space boundary add-on view - it supports the use of BIM in thermal and energy analysis by
adding building element to space relationships.
 The 2D Annotation add-on view - it supports the exchange of additional 2D element
representations and annotations of building models
 The IFC2x3 Structural Analysis View
 The IFC2x3 Basic FM HandOver view
Work is currently underway in defining the first IFC4 based BIM work flow support definitions (MVD).
For further information refer to http://buildingsmart-tech.org/specifications/ifc-view-definition and for further
details refer to www.buildingsmart.tech.org

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10.2 Quantities in the IFC 2x3 Coordination View v2.0

When exporting an IFC file, IFC-compliant architectural BIM software maps the IFC export to the requirements of
the IFC2x3 Coordination View v2.0 model definition. The main purpose of the Coordination View is to allow
sharing of model data between the architectural, structural and MEP disciplines for coordination purposes. The
standard does not specify requirements for export of dimensions (termed “out of view”).

Quantity Properties Out of View (buildingSMART® IFC 2X3 Coordination View Definition v.2.0)

Generally, this will mean that a standard IFC exported from architectural BIM software will not include explicit
quantity data, unless the Quantity Take-Off add-on view extension has been used to include Base Quantities in
the export (see 10.3 below) or the dimensional instance properties (ie. quantities) of the host model have been
specifically included in the IFC export as a Property Set. Note that some IFC Viewer software such as Solibri®
Model Viewer calculates quantities and displays them as entity properties. These quantities are not an
attribute of the IFC file, and have been separately calculated by the Viewer program from the IFC geometry.
Consequently, the same IFC opened in CostX® (or other IFC Viewers such as Data Design System® DDS-CAD) will
not have those quantities. Because the quantity values are not explicit model properties and are not based on
the original model and intentions of the model author, their accuracy is dependent upon the calculations
undertaken by the Viewer program and the data it uses as the basis of the calculations.
Property Sets
Some properties of an object are absolute. These fixed properties are termed Attributes. Other properties are
more variable because they may be seen or interpreted differently by different parties, or may be contextual,
or assigned to an object by a relationship. These types of properties can be grouped together as a “Property
Set” and added to the object as additional parameters to suit particular situations. The properties within a set
can be either standard (conforming to the rules of the IFC schema) in which case the set name will begin with
the prefix “Pset_” or they can be custom, which means they are created by the exporting application and the
names of these sets will normally include the name of the exporting application.

Proxies
When BIM applications export to IFC, the data has to be mapped from the host schema into the IFC schema.
Many architectural object classifications have direct IFC counterparts and will be mapped accordingly, eg. an
object having a Wall-subtype in ArchiCAD® will be classified as IfcWall. If an object has no corresponding IFC
element type it will be exported as a Proxy. The default setting is to export the objects as a general solid object
in a generic IfcBuildingElementProxy element. As a general solid object, it has geometry but no properties
which is obviously undesirable and therefore to be avoided. It is possible to map objects to alternate IFC
elements prior to export, to reduce the number of proxies, or proxies can be defined with geometry and
property sets to behave like regular entities.

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IFC Files and CostX®

Owing to differences in IFC implementation by the various authoring applications and the multiplicity of
supported data types, IFC file configuration and data content will differ between projects. Consequently it is
difficult to define a standard for automatic quantities extraction via a CostX® BIM Template. Data extraction
from an IFC file is therefore supported with Model Maps and Object-based Dimension Groups (see Section 7
above).
Whilst the IFC is structured to accommodate proprietary data models, the responsibility for creating them lies
with the authoring application that exports the IFC. If the correct associations are not explicitly made in the
source file, they cannot proceed in the IFC and hence may not appear in a downstream application. Thus, how
a model file is prepared for export to IFC is extremely important and is a critical factor in the ultimate success
of the IFC exchange process.

10.3 Base Quantities

In 2006 buildingSMART® commenced work on a definition of model-based quantities to create an open
standard for quantification of building spaces and elements, termed “Base Quantities”. These are described in
the document “Information Requirements for Model-based Quantities - Definition of Base Quantities” dated
2010-12-08.
To augment the IFC 2x3 Coordination View definition, the Quantity Take-off add-on view adds the ability to
transmit Base Quantities for selected spatial, building, and structural elements. However, it is important to
note that Base Quantities are not explicit dimensional properties of the model – they are separately calculated
from the model geometry as part of the IFC export process.

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Currently, Base Quantities can generally be included in an IFC export as a tick-box option. They will however be
an integral part of the forthcoming IFC 2X4 release.

Graphisoft® ArchiCAD® 15

IFC 2X3 Reference Guide for ArchiCAD ®15

Base Quantity definitions have only been written for

selected elements, and Base Quantities are only included
in the export for those elements.

No Base Quantities are provided in the IFC for excluded

elements such as Casework and Plumbing.
Footings and Roofs do not have Base Quantity definitions
as these are “container” elements, meaning they are an
aggregation of sub-components (slabs, beams, etc). The sub-components can contain their own quantity
information but when aggregated into IfcRoof or IfcFooting the quantities are not identified. It is expected that
these will be available in the IFC4 release.
It is also possible for Base Quantities to be manually entered by the user, overriding the automatic calculation
during the export process. The Base Quantity specification only indicates the standardized means of measuring
and recording the quantity data, to eliminate possible errors in receiving applications that may miscalculate
any automatic derivation from the given geometry. Preferably, the dimensional instance properties of the
model should be included in the IFC as a Property Set as these are explicit model properties unlike the Base
Quantities which are separately calculated from the model geometry as part of the IFC export in accordance
with a set of rules published by buildingSMART®.

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10.4 Quantities in IFC4

For details of the new IFC4 standard, refer to http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/specifications/ifc-
releases/ifc4-release/buildingSMART_IFC4_Whatisnew.pdf. Two changes relating to support for new BIM
workflows and 5D model exchanges which should appear in IFC4 implementations are stated as:

 Standardized quantities for QTO - Definition of international base quantities, defined as separate XML
schema + configuration files linked to IFC spec. This includes the welcome addition of a BaseQuantities
Definition for IfcRoof Element.

 Major efficiency improvement for 5D - Similar rework for cost items and construction resources, now
linked to schedule and BIM. This relates to the definition of cost items within 4D schedules.

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10.5 IFC Files - Issues to Consider

 IFC is an open standard data specification. The responsibility for populating the data model with the
appropriate parametric properties and relationships lies with the host authoring application.
 As an open standard, IFC by definition cannot exactly replicate a closed proprietary system. Hence an
IFC is not an exact copy of a proprietary data model, but is an alternate representation based on its
own open geometry standard (STEP). Different standards of IFC implementation by the various
authoring applications can lead to data loss in the IFC exchange.
 Proprietary data models need to be mapped to their corresponding IFC categories which may involve
translation routines, override settings, and creation of additional IFC-specific parameters.
 Objects that do not have corresponding place-holders in the IFC schema may need to be manually
mapped to an alternate IFC element prior to export. If this is not done they will be exported as a
general solid object Proxy (IfcBuildingElementProxy), which means that the geometry gets exported
but not the properties.
 Export of quantities is not part of the IFC 2X3 Coordination View definition. Consequently, a standard
IFC export from most IFC-compliant AEC applications will not include quantity data unless the model
dimensional properties are specifically mapped to the IFC as a Property Set, or the Base Quantity add-
on is used. A MVD for IFC4 has not yet been written but when published is expected to include Base
Quantities by default.
 Base Quantity values are calculated from the model geometry as part of the IFC export process and are
not explicit properties of the host model. The model dimensional properties should be included in the
IFC as a Property Set in preference or in addition to Base Quantities.
 Base Quantity definitions have currently only been written for selected building elements and spaces,
and the quantities included in a Coordination View IFC with Quantity Take-Off add-on will be limited to
those elements.

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10.6 IFC Files - What to Provide

If the design package is Revit®, DWF(x)TM files are preferred to IFC owing to their closer integration with the
host application. Provide a multi-sheet DWFxTM export as described in Section 8 above.
For other BIM software, or if an IFC is specifically required from Revit®, provide an IFC 2X3 Extended
Coordination View export with Base Quantities (or IFC4 when available). For Revit® this is described in Section
11 below and for ArchiCAD® in Section 12. Prior to export ensure that objects are mapped to their correct IFC
categories, which may involve override settings and creation of additional IFC-specific parameters. Include the
host model dimensional instance properties (quantities) as a Property Set in the IFC.
Review the resultant IFC by use of an IFC Viewer such as DDS-CAD Viewer. Bear in mind that some IFC Viewer
software such as Solibri® Model Viewer calculates quantities and displays them as entity properties. These
quantities are not an attribute of the IFC, and have been separately calculated by the Viewer program from the
IFC geometry. Consequently, the same IFC opened in CostX® will not have those quantities.
Hence you may potentially see three alternate sets of quantities - the model dimensions, the IFC Base
Quantities and the Solibri® Quantities.
Of these, the model dimensions are preferred because they are explicit properties of the model itself. Next are
the Base Quantities which are calculated from the model geometry in accordance with a set of rules published
by buildingSMART®. The Solibri Quantities are not part of the IFC and will not be available when the IFC is
opened in CostX®.
In addition to the IFC, provide a full 2D set of plans, sections, elevations and details in 2D DWG TM format as
described in Section 6 above. 2D DGNTM files are also supported by CostX®. The IFC will be used to import BIM
dimensions, and the 2D views and sheets will be used to check and augment the quantities.

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11. IFC Files from Revit®

Refer to Section 8 above for Revit® optimisations prior to export. To export an IFC from Revit®, there are two
alternate User Interface options. The standard interface which installs with Revit® has no configuration options
available to the user. The alternate User Interface can be downloaded for free from either SourceForge or the
Autodesk Exchange Apps Store and with that, you can create user-defined Property Sets. For 2014 there are
two files to download and for 2015 a single file.

https://sourceforge.net/projects/ifcexporter/?source=directory

To export an IFC, select the Export button under the main menu.

With the standard interface, only tick box options are available as shown below. Be sure to tick the Export base
quantities box. The Revit® dimensional properties will be included as a Property Set by default.

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With the alternate interface, there are several configuration options available.

Click Modify setup to access user configurations. The Export base quantities box is under the Export property
sets tab. Note the ability to export schedules and user defined property sets and to export Parts as building
elements under the Advanced tab.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION IFC files from ArchiCAD®

12. IFC files from ArchiCAD®

12.1 Sources of Information

The Graphisoft® website is a good source of IFC-related information.

The IFC Reference Guide for ArchiCAD® (available for various versions 15 through 18) is an essential reference
for information on IFC management when using ArchiCAD®. It covers IFC data types, IFC functions, working with
IFC data, IFC export, import, and revision control, IFC Translators, and Model filtering. It may be downloaded
from the Graphisoft® website.

The following pages contain some suggested settings to help optimize IFC files exported from ArchiCAD ® 15 for
use in CostX®.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION IFC files from ArchiCAD®

12.2 IFC Export Settings

From the main File menu select Save as…. In the menu dialogue there are a
number of selections to be made.

In the Save as type: field, select IFC 2x3 file (*ifc)

In the File name: field, enter a name for the IFC file

In the Translator: field, there are a number of configuration options for mapping the ArchiCAD® elements to
their corresponding IFC elements. The default General Translator can be used, or the Settings… button can be
used to edit the translator or create a new Translator (see 11.3 below).

The Export: field can be used to filter the elements for the current export so that the content of the IFC can be
limited to the specific requirements of the information exchange. The reason for filtering the elements rather
than including all of them is to keep the IFC file size down and make model navigation easier for the recipient.
These settings can be fine-tuned with the Model Filter…options.

Owing to their potential complexity, IFC files can reach very large file sizes leading to problems with file
transmission and the hardware capabilities of the recipient.

Consequently, it may be necessary to create a set of IFC files with each one limited to particular elements or
disciplines.

IFC files can be zipped to reduce their size for transmission purposes. They can also be further compacted by
use of a utility such as Solibri® IFC Optimizer, described as a lossless IFC optimizer that purges redundant data
from the IFC. The concern with such a process is the potential effect on data integrity and whether required
information is lost or reformatted so that it is not recognised or processed correctly by downstream
applications.

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12.3 IFC Translators

Although the Export settings can be used to modify the content of an IFC, exports generally will be governed by
the settings of the selected Translator. These settings can be configured within the IFC Translation set-up to
suit the requirements of the intended recipient and filter the IFC to limit its file size.

In the example below, a new Translator has been created called Data Exchange with CostX®.

The Model Element Filter determines which elements will be included in the export.

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Under Export Options there are a number of key settings. The Coordination View option should be selected as
the IFC View Definition. The alternate BREP option provides more exact geometry but the object properties are
lost, consequently there would be no data for CostX® to use for model mapping. Within the Complex Element
Options, select With extruded geometry.

The Derived Model Data to export... options include the key attribute of Base quantities. Ensure that the Base
quantities (length, area and volume) check box is ticked.

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In addition to the Base quantities box, tick the IFC Space boundaries... box to include space (room) area and
quantity data.

The All library part properties as Custom Property Set box should not be ticked.

In the IFC Model Units menu, select appropriate units. Standard metric units would be as shown below.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION Appendix A - Shared Parameters in Revit®

Appendix A - Shared Parameters in Revit®

Object property data can be enriched to include additional information by the creation of new Shared
Parameters for measurement and estimating purposes. A Shared Parameter which contains UniFormat coding,
for example, would allow the object dimensions and quantities to be extracted from the DWFxTM and
presented elementally. (This is different to UniFormat Assembly Coding covered in 4 below). Formula-based
parameters can also be added to provide additional measurement data such as window areas or downpipe
lengths.

1: Creating a New Shared Parameter

In the Manage ribbon menu click on Shared Parameters

In the Edit Shared Parameters box, create a folder (in this case called ASTM UniFormat) to hold the parameter
file in a suitable location. In the Groups section of the Edit Shared Parameters window click New to create a
new parameter group. Enter a name for your group (in this example, ASTM UniFormat) then click OK.

Still in the Edit Shared Parameters window click New under the Parameters section. This will create a new
shared parameter within the previously created parameters group. Enter a name (in this example UniFormat
level 1), leave the discipline as Common and use the drop-down menu to select a type of parameter (in this
example Text). Click OK.

The new Shared Parameter(s) wll be listed in the Edit Shared Parameters window. Click OK to complete the
configuration.

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2: Adding the Shared Parameter to the Project

The new Shared Parameter needs to be added to the project, so from the Manage ribbon click on the Project
Parameters button.

In the Project Parameters window click Add.

In the Parameter Type section of the Parameter Properties window select the Shared parameter option then
click Select.

The Shared Parameters window will open. Use the drop-down menu to select the Parameter group (in this
example ASTM UniFormat) then select the Parameter (UniFormat Level 1) and click OK.

Ensure that the Instance option button is selected, then In the Categories section, use the checkbox to select
those categories that the parameter applies to (In this example the parameter will be applied to all objects so
click the Check All button). Click OK.

Select any other parameters and then click OK in the Parameter Properties box. Then click OK in the Project
Parameters window to create the new parameters in the project.

The new Shared Parameters are now available to be applied to the objects within the model.

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION Appendix A - Shared Parameters in Revit®

3: Applying Shared Parameters to Objects in the Model

Option 1 – Edit the instance properties

Select an object in the model to display its Instance Properties in the task pane. (In this example the UniFormat
Levels 1, 2 and 3 shared parameters will be listed under the Text heading.)

If there are more than one instance of the same object in the model click the right mouse button and use the
Select All Instances option to update them all in one operation.

Click into the field beside the shared parameter (in this example UniFormat Level 3). Type in a suitable entry for
the selected object(s) and click Apply.

Repeat this process for all objects in the model for which the additional shared parameter information is to be
applied.

Option 2 – Enter the parameters in a schedule

In the View ribbon, reate a new Schedule, assign the required properties and enter the relevant details against
the objects

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION Appendix A - Shared Parameters in Revit®

Option 3 – Edit the Family Type to set default Instance Parameters

Select an object, right click and select Edit Family. The Edit view for the Family will open. Click the Family Types
button in the Properties section of the ribbon.

The Family Types edit box will open. Click the Add button in the Parameters section.

In the Parameter Properties box, check Shared Parameter and click the Select button, then select the required
Parameter and click OK.

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You will return to the Parameter Properties box and the parameter data will be shown. Make sure the Instance
option is selected. Click OK.

In the Family Types box, enter the values and click Apply and OK.

Now click the Load into Project button in the Family Editor section of the ribbon, and Then click Overwrite the
Existing Version.

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The data has now been added to every instance of the Family Type.

Individual instances which require to have different parameter values can now be edited either by selecting the
object and editing its instance properties, or in the schedule.

The dimensions may now be extracted and sorted by UniFormat codes.

Quantities in CostX®by UniFormat code

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DIGITAL DRAWING FILE OPTIMISATION Appendix A - Shared Parameters in Revit®

4: UniFormat Assembly Codes

All model elements in Revit® include fields for Assembly Code and Assembly Code Description
properties. You can populate these fields from a hierarchical list of UniFormat codes drawn
from a data file held in the Revit® 2012 Program directory (uniformat.txt).

 Select an object in the model and click on the Edit Type button.

 In the Type Properties box, click the Assembly Code value box, then click on the menu button to open
the UniFormat Classification hierarchy. Select a code and click OK.

 Alternate classifications are available in the drop-down at the top of the dialog.

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 The Assembly Code and its associated Assembly Description will be added into the Type Properties.

 Click Apply to update the Type properties of all applicable objects then OK to exit the dialog.

 Create a Schedule to check that all objects have been assigned a code. Codes can also be assigned
within the Schedule.

 A DWFxTM file exported from the model will include the Assembly Code (but not the Assembly
Description) which can be used in CostX to group the dimensions.

Model dimensions grouped by CostX® into UniFormat Assembly Codes

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