link to page

reference model concept 003

what is IFC? 009
why IFC? 011
IFC file versions 013
what is MVD? 017
IFC data types 034
IFC model hierarchy 082
IFC entity vs. ArchiCAD element type 089
geometry representation 104
material representation 124
rendering style 130
IFC-related functions 137
IFC data handling 140
IFC export 183
IFC import 200
IFC guide 220
3
each discipline is responsible for its own model

reference model concept 4

differences between the different disciplines

5
differences between the different disciplines

reference model concept 6

different geometries and sizes

different element types

different element numbers

different element positions reference model concept 7

 a major rule of supporting
the reference model concept:

data loss - in geometry & data - is not allowed

reference model concept 8

9
“the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) describes building and construction industry data”
“to facilitate interoperability in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry”
“commonly used format for Building Information Modeling (BIM)”
“object-based file format with a data model”
“it is a neutral and open specification”
“registered by International Standard ISO 16739”

developed by buildingSMART (International Alliance for Interoperability, IAI)

established in 1995 by American and European Architecture, Engineering and Construction firms
over 600 members with 13 chapters around the World

what is IFC? 10
11
 3D geometry

data-storage

data-filtering

reference model

open code

simple code

international language
why IFC? 12
13
 1999
1.5.1
GS
.ifc normal file format
#103= IFCCOLUMN('3hjrVkkbXDZxGnQh6utgVU',#13,'CRE - 001',…

#178= IFCARBITRARYCLOSEDPROFILEDEF(.AREA.,'W410X114',#174);

2.0
.ifcxml XML file format
<IfcColumn id="i1640“>
<GlobalId>3hjrVkkbXDZxGnQh6utgVU</GlobalId>
<OwnerHistory>
same model data <IfcOwnerHistory xsi:nil="true" ref="i1550"/> 2003
more informative </OwnerHistory> 2X
<Name>CRE - 001</Name> Tekla
300-400% larger …

<IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef id="i1715“> 2X
<ProfileType>area</ProfileType>
<ProfileName>W410X114</ProfileName>
<OuterCurve> 2X2 (AC14)
<IfcPolyline id="i1711">
…
2X3
.ifczip compressed ZIP file format
released:
compression of .ifc by 60-80% down 4 03.2013
compression of .ifcXML by 90-95% down
compatible with normal ZIP files (e.g. WinZip)
IFC file versions 14
 Import Export

2X3 2X3
.ifc .ifcxml .ifczip .ifc .ifcxml .ifczip

Revit MEP
2X3 AutoCAD MEP
MagiCAD
DDS-CAD MEP Energy Plus
Revit Structure CADS Planner Riuska
Bentley Systems MEP Modeler Green Building Studio
SAP2000 ArchiPhysik
ETABS ECOTECT
Tekla Structures Solibri Model Checker IES Virtual Environment
Nemetschek Allplan Solibri Model Viewer
Nemetschek Scia Engineer DDS-CAD Viewer
FEM-Design Nemetschek IFC Viewer
AxisVM FZK IFC Viewer
Tricalc Tekla BIMsight
CYPECAD Autodesk Navisworks
TQS

IFC file versions 15

16
17
energy analysis

facility management

coordination

what is MVD? 18
legal subsets of the IFC schema = IFC standard views
provide implementation guidance/agreements:
classes, attributes, relationships, property sets, base quantity, etc.
defined by buildingSMART International or other organizations

what is MVD? 19
Coordination View first MVD developed by buildingSMART International
currently the most widely implemented MVD
sharing of building information models among the disciplines:
architecture, structural engineering and building/mechanical services
spatial structure, building and service elements needed for the collaboration
the current version: 2.0

what is MVD? 20
Coordination View

21
Coordination View

what is MVD? 22
Coordination View
simplified publishing format (subset) of the Coordination View
Coordination View developed by buildingSMART
(Surface Geometry)
design coordination, clash prevention during design, and clash checking
reproduces the real shape of the element:
specialized sections, connections and solid operations
every element is exported with its boundary representation (BREP) geometry
some parameters are lost (e.g. skin data of composite structures)
BREP elements are ‘non-editable’ (Object vs. Morph)

what is MVD? 23
Coordination View

Coordination View
(Surface Geometry)

24
 extended versions of the Coordination view
specified by organizations outside of buildingSMART

Coordination View example: ‘Concept Design BIM 2010’ MVD required by

General Services Administration (GSA, US)
Coordination View
(Surface Geometry)
Statsbygg (Norway)
Extended MVDs defined Senate Properties (Finland)
outside of bSa
extra data needed:
Classification Reference
assignments: Space Occupant, Actor, System, TimeSeriesSchedule
specific property sets and properties
specific base quantities, etc.
IFC Type Product
what is MVD? 25
Coordination View

Coordination View
(Surface Geometry)
Extended MVDs defined
outside of bSa

26
27
28
 extended versions of the Coordination view
developed by buildingSMART
Coordination View defines the general requirements for design applications to enable the
handover of facility management information
Coordination View
(Surface Geometry) summarizes the space and equipment list for the spatial and technical
Extended MVDs defined systems of a facility
outside of bSa
extra data needed:
Classification Reference
Basic FM
HandOver assignments: System
specific property sets and properties
relations: Space boundaries and Space containment
IFC Type Product
what is MVD? 29
 All MVDs can be extended by the following ‘Add-on’ model view definitions:
‘Quantity Take-off’ defines base quantities of spatial and building elements
Coordination View
‘Space Boundary’ defines relationship between building elements and spaces
QTO

Coordination View ‘2D Annotation’ supports the exchange of 2D elements and annotations
(Surface Geometry)
Extended MVDs defined
outside of bSa
SB

Basic FM
HandOver
2DA

what is MVD? 30
 developed by buildingSMART ‘s Structural Engineering Group
requirements of ‘structural analysis model’ exchange between
structural modeler and structural analysis applications
Coordination View
QTO

Coordination View
(Surface Geometry)
Extended MVDs defined
outside of bSa
SB

Basic FM
HandOver
2DA

Structural Analysis
View
what is MVD? 31
what is MVD? 32
what is MVD? 33
34
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

project information (elements, materials, relationships etc.) is represented as a set of IFC Entities
includes a fixed number of IFC Attributes, plus any number of additional IFC Properties
some IFC Entities express characteristics of other entities, and some of these correspond to
ArchiCAD attributes: mapped automatically when the IFC model is generated / exported / imported

ArchiCAD Attribute IFC Entity

Layer IfcPresentationLayerAssignment

Building Material / Composite IfcMaterial / IfcMaterialLayerSet / IfcMaterialList

Surface Material IfcSurfaceStyleRendering

Complex Profile IfcProfileDef

35
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

project information (elements, materials, relationships etc.) is represented as a set of IFC Entities
includes a fixed number of IFC Attributes, plus any number of additional IFC Properties
some IFC Entities express characteristics of other entities, and some of these correspond to
ArchiCAD attributes: mapped automatically when the IFC model is generated / exported / imported
IFC scheme encompasses several hundred entities
building element-type entities (such as IfcWall and IfcColumn) represent only 25

36
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

37
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

IFC Container is an IFC entity that does not have its own body geometry
its components contain the geometry and the material relations

38
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

CW (IfcCurtainWall) in ArchiCAD with frame (IfcMember) and panel (IfcPlate) components

39
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

IfcStair from Revit with IfcStairFlight, IfcSlab (PT: Landing) and IfcRailings
40
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

IfcRoof from Revit with IfcSlab (PT: Roof), rafter and purlin (IfcBeam) components
41
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

an IFC Entity that defines a particular style/type of other entities by relating to them with common
IFC Attributes and Properties
ArchiCAD assigns Type Product to the following ArchiCAD elements (IFC Entities):
ArchiCAD element (IFC Entity) IFC Type Product Name attribute derives from
Column (IfcColumn) IfcColumnType Profile name + profile size
Beam (IfcBeam) IfcBeamType Profile name + profile size
Wall (IfcWall) IfcWallType Name of Building Material or Composite + thickness
Slab (IfcSlab) IfcSlabType Name of Building Material or Composite + thickness
Curtain Wall (IfcCurtainWall) IfcCurtainWallType '"Curtain Wall Type" fix name
Curtain Wall Panel (IfcPlate) IfcPlateType Panel type ("Main" or "Distinct") + panel size
Curtain Wall Frame (IfcMember) IfcMemberType Frame type ("Boundary", "Mullion" or "Transom")+profile size
Door (IfcDoor) IfcDoorStyle Name of the Library Part without .gsm extension
Window (IfcWindow) IfcWindowStyle Name of the Library Part without .gsm extension
GDL-based Objects e.g. IfcFurnitureType Name of the Library Part without .gsm extension 42
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

43
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

an IFC Entity that defines a particular style/type of other entities by relating to them with common
IFC Attributes and Properties
ArchiCAD assigns Type Product to the following ArchiCAD elements (IFC Entities):

44
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

an IFC Entity that defines a particular style/type of other entities by relating to them with common
IFC Attributes and Properties
ArchiCAD assigns Type Product to the following ArchiCAD elements (IFC Entities)
by default, the IFC data of an IFC Type Product is not editable
type renaming, property management and “re-typing” are available in the IFC Manager

45
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

46
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

47
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

48
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

49
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

IFC Attributes are the main identifiers of IFC Entities

the names of IFC Attributes are fixed and defined by the IFC 2x3 scheme (buildingSMART)
in ArchiCAD, most of the IFC Attribute values are derived automatically from the project

IFC Attribute buildingSMART definition Value derives from

(IfcWall)
GlobalId the Globally Unique Identifier of the element in the IFC model IFC GUID

OwnerHistory the current ownership of the element project and owner data

Name an optional name ArchiCAD ID

Description an optional textual description with a unique value (editable)

ObjectType an optional label-type ID with custom value (editable)

Tag an optional label identifier ArchiCAD GUID (editable)

50
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

51
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

IFC Attributes are the main identifiers of IFC Entities

the names of IFC Attributes are fixed and defined by buildingSMART’s IFC 2x3 scheme
in ArchiCAD, most of the IFC Attribute values are derived automatically from the project (e.g. IfcWall)
OwnerHistory

52
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

IFC Attributes are the main identifiers of IFC Entities

the names of IFC Attributes are fixed and defined by buildingSMART’s IFC 2x3 scheme
in ArchiCAD, most of the IFC Attribute values are derived automatically from the project (e.g. IfcWall)
OwnerHistory

53
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

54
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

Project Info / Architect Details Person and Organization
IFC Assignment
"Architect Name" Person / "FamilyName"

"Architect Position" Person / "Roles"

"Architect Company" Organization / "Name"

"Architect Full Address" / "Address" Person / Addresses / "AddressLines" ("Postal" Address type)

"Architect Full Address" / "City" Person / Addresses / "Town" ("Postal" Address type)

"Architect Full Address" / "State/Province" Person / Addresses / "Region" ("Postal" Address type)

"Architect Full Address" / "Postcode/ZIP" Person / Addresses / "PostalCode" ("Postal" Address type)

"Architect Full Address" / "Country" Person / Addresses / "Country" ("Postal" Address type)

"Architect E-mail" Person / Addresses / "ElectronicMailAddress" ("Telecom" Address type)

"Architect Phone Number" Person / Addresses / "TelephoneNumbers" ("Telecom" Address type)

"Architect Fax" Person / Addresses / "FacsimileNumbers" ("Telecom" Address type)

"Architect Web" Person / Addresses / "WWWHomePageURL" ("Telecom" Address type)

55
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

an Attribute of specific IFC Entity types (e.g. IfcSlab)

predefined generic type specified in an enumeration

56
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

an Attribute of specific IFC Entity types (e.g. IfcSlab)

predefined generic type specified in an enumeration

57
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

an Attribute of specific IFC Entity types (e.g. IfcSlab)

predefined generic type specified in an enumeration

58
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

additional (mostly IFC Element Type-specific) parameters assigned to an IFC Entity

standard IFC properties (defined by buildingSMART) stored in property sets with the prefix “Pset_”

59
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

60
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

additional (mostly IFC Element Type-specific) parameters assigned to an IFC Entity

standard IFC 2x3 properties (defined by buildingSMART) stored in property sets with the prefix “Pset_”
custom properties created by the exporting application or required by an extended MVD

61
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

62
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

63
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

64
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

65
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

IfcClassificationReference is used for arrangement of IFC elements into a category

Item Reference identifier, a classification Name attribute and some other optional parameters can be
assigned to all entity types (building, spatial elements, etc.)

66
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

IfcClassificationReference is used for arrangement of IFC elements into a category

Item Reference identifier, a classification Name attribute and some other optional parameters can be
assigned to all entity types (building, spatial elements, etc.)
Classification rules of country standards (and MVDs) can be fulfill with this data type

67
IFC Entity

IFC Container SWEDEN

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute JAPAN

Predefined Type
NEW ZEALAND
IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

US
IFC Assignment

US, UK, NORWAY

(COBie, CDB-2010)
NETHERLANDS

FINLAND

UK (COBie)

68
69
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

relationship between the different project elements

each assignment items has its own IFC Attribute and standard/custom IFC Properties
Assignment types:
IFC Group – group of any element types

70
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

71
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

relationship between the different project elements

each assignment items has its own IFC Attribute and standard/custom IFC Properties
Assignment types:
IFC Group – group of any element types
IFC Zone – group of IfcSpaces (ArchiCAD Zones)

72
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

73
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

relationship between the different project elements

each assignment items has its own IFC Attribute and standard/custom IFC Properties
Assignment types:
IFC Group – group of any element types
IFC Zone – group of IfcSpaces (ArchiCAD Zones)
IFC System – group of any project elements (especially MEP elements) in (sub)system hierarchy

74
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

75
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

relationship between the different project elements

each assignment items has its own IFC Attribute and standard/custom IFC Properties
Assignment types:
IFC Group – group of any element types
IFC Zone – group of IfcSpaces (ArchiCAD Zones)
IFC System – group of any project elements (especially MEP elements) in (sub)system hierarchy
IFC Actor – actor and role assignment to any elements

76
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

77
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

relationship between the different project elements

each assignment items has its own IFC Attribute and standard/custom IFC Properties
Assignment types:
IFC Group – group of any element types
IFC Zone – group of IfcSpaces (ArchiCAD Zones)
IFC System – group of any project elements (especially MEP elements) in (sub)system hierarchy
IFC Actor – actor and role assignment to any elements
IFC Occupant (Space Occupant) – occupancy relationship between an actor and IfcSpaces/IfcZones

78
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

79
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

relationship between the different project elements

each assignment items has its own IFC Attribute and standard/custom IFC Properties
Assignment types:
IFC Group – group of any element types
IFC Zone – group of IfcSpaces (ArchiCAD Zones)
IFC System – group of any project elements (especially MEP elements) in (sub)system hierarchy
IFC Actor – actor and role assignment to any elements
IFC Occupant (Space Occupant) – occupancy relationship between an actor and IfcSpaces/IfcZones
IFC Time Series Schedule – occupancy, lighting and equipment schedule assignment to any elements

80
IFC Entity

IFC Container

IFC Type Product

IFC Attribute

Predefined Type

IFC Property

IFC Classification Reference

IFC Assignment

81
82
IfcProject

IfcSite

IfcBuilding

IfcBuilding Storey
IfcSpace/Element

IfcSpatialStructureElement

IFC model hierarchy 83

IfcProject

IfcSite

IfcBuilding

IfcBuilding Storey
IfcSpace/Element

ArchiCAD supports

IFC model hierarchy 84

IfcProject

IfcSite

IfcBuilding

IfcBuilding Storey
IfcSpace/Element

ArchiCAD supports

IFC model hierarchy 85

IFC model hierarchy 86
“how to define neighboring buildings site context elements?”

87
88
89
“default” element conversion between AC Element and IFC Entity types

IFC entity vs. AC element type 90

“default” element conversion between AC Element and IFC Entity types

IfcWall
IfcWallStandardCase IfcAnnotation IfcGridAxis
IfcDoor IfcAnnotation IfcWall
IfcWindow IfcAnnotation IfcWindow

IfcColumn IfcAnnotation IfcFlowTerminal

IfcBeam IfcAnnotation IfcAnnotation

IfcSlab (PT: Floor) IfcAnnotation IfcAnnotation

IfcStair IfcAnnotation IfcAnnotation
IfcSlab (PT: Roof) IfcAnnotation
IfcSlab (PT: Roof)

IfcWindow
IfcCurtainWall

IfcBuildingElementProxy

IfcSpace
IfcBuildingElementProxy

IFC entity vs. AC element type 91

IFC entity vs. AC element type 92
93
IFC entity vs. AC element type 94
IFC entity vs. AC element type 95
 “default” element conversion between AC Element and IFC Entity types
custom “Element Classification”

96
 “default” element conversion between AC Element and IFC Entity types
custom “Element Classification”

97
98
IFC entity vs. AC element type 99
IfcSite

IFC entity vs. AC element type 100

IfcSite GEOMETRY REPRESENTATION
without geometry
ArchiCAD Mesh (“ArchiCAD Type”)

IFC entity vs. AC element type 101

IfcSite GEOMETRY REPRESENTATION
without geometry
ArchiCAD Mesh (“ArchiCAD Type”)
ArchiCAD Object with “Ifc2x_Site” subtype

IFC entity vs. AC element type 102

IfcSite GEOMETRY REPRESENTATION
without geometry
ArchiCAD Mesh (“ArchiCAD Type”)
ArchiCAD Object with “Ifc2x_Site” subtype
any element classified as “Site Geometry” item

IFC entity vs. AC element type 103

104
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

the geometry is described by a body and an axis geometry

parametric = “swept solid” representation
swept solid types:
EXTRUDED

IfcWallStandardCase
IfcWall

IfcWall
axis

body body

body
105
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

the geometry is described by a body and an axis geometry

parametric = “swept solid” representation revolved
IfcWall
swept solid types:
EXTRUDED extruded

axis
REVOLVED IfcWall

body
axis

body
106
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

the geometry is described by a body and an axis geometry

parametric = “swept solid” representation
swept solid types:
EXTRUDED retains the elements’ parameter values:
REVOLVED thickness, height, reference line/edge position, skin structure of composite materials…
special cuts and solid operations are not important
usually supported by static analysis programs

107
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

the geometry is described by a body

general representation types:
BOUNDING BOX

simplest geometric representation

maximum extend of the body
required as extra data in some MVDs
108
additional IFC export option in ArchiCAD
 parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

the geometry is described by a body

general representation types:
BOUNDING BOX
BOUNDARY REPRESENTATION (BREP)

“precise geometry”
non-editable elements
some parameters are lost (e.g. composite materials)
Coordination View (Surface Geometry) MVD 109
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

the geometry is described by a body

general representation types:
BOUNDING BOX
BOUNDARY REPRESENTATION (BREP)
FACE-BASED SURFACE

set of connected face sets

110
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

the geometry is described by a body

general representation types:
BOUNDING BOX
BOUNDARY REPRESENTATION (BREP)
FACE-BASED SURFACE
GEOMETRIC SET

“wireframe” representation
set of survey points and contours
REVIT’s site geometry export 111
parametric

non-parametric
reuse of a geometry definition of a type at all
solid operations
occurrences of the same type
openings

the geometry is described by a body

general representation types:
BOUNDING BOX
BOUNDARY REPRESENTATION (BREP)
FACE-BASED SURFACE
GEOMETRIC SET
MAPPED ITEM

112
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

113
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

“Trim Elements to Roof/Shell”

114
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

“Trim Elements to Roof/Shell”

“Solid Element Operations”

115
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

“Trim Elements to Roof/Shell”

“Solid Element Operations”
automatic intersections

116
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

“Trim Elements to Roof/Shell”

“Solid Element Operations”
automatic intersections

GEOMETRY EXPORT TYPES

117
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

“Trim Elements to Roof/Shell”

“Solid Element Operations”
automatic intersections

GEOMETRY EXPORT TYPES

118
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

real openings: doors/windows

filling rel. void rel.

IfcDoor
IfcOpening IfcWall
IfcWindow

119
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

real openings: doors/windows

openings derived by solid element operations

void rel.
IfcOpening IfcWall

120
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

real openings: doors/windows

openings derived by solid element operations

GEOMETRY EXPORT TYPES

121
parametric AC’s IFC import:
non-parametric hidden “IFC Openings” layer
solid operations

openings

real openings: doors/windows

openings derived by solid element operations

GEOMETRY EXPORT TYPES

122
parametric

non-parametric

solid operations

openings

AC’s IFC import:

hidden “IFC Openings” layer

real openings: doors/windows

openings derived by solid element operations

GEOMETRY EXPORT TYPES

no link between
IfcWindow/Door and IfcWall

123
124
IFC Material

single material

material layer set usage

material list

IFC Material versions Meaning in ArchiCAD

single material one element has one material only Building Material

material layer set usage location, thickness and orientation of - “Composite” Wall (IfcWallStandardCase)
material layers - “Composite” Slab (IfcSlab; PT: Floor)
- “Composite” Roof (IfcSlab; PT: Roof)
material list list of different materials used in an element - other multi-material extruded elements
- all multi-material BREP elements

125
IFC Material

single material

material layer set usage

material list

126
IFC Material

single material

material layer set usage

material list

127
IFC Material

single material

material layer set usage

material list

128
IFC Material

single material

material layer set usage

material list

“building element part”

(single materials by parts)

“complex profile”
(material list)

129
130
IfcSurfaceStyleRendering = ArchiCAD Surface

rendering style 131

IfcSurfaceStyleRendering = ArchiCAD Surface

rendering style 132

IfcSurfaceStyleRendering = ArchiCAD Surface
texture is not supported by the IFC 2x3 scheme, and so is not exported by applications
rule of surface color export: 1 color per 1 body
extruded geometry: 1 color per 1 element

rendering style 133

rendering style 134
IfcSurfaceStyleRendering = ArchiCAD Surface
texture is not supported by the IFC 2x3 scheme, and so is not exported by applications
rule of surface color export: 1 color per 1 body
extruded geometry: 1 color per 1 element
BREP: 1 color per 1 component

rendering style 135

rendering style 136
137
data handling
import
export

IFC-related functions 138

data handling
import
export

IFC-related functions 139

140
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

“Name” attribute
“LoadBearing” property
“IsExternal” property
IFC Entity type

custom property

attributes standard and custom properties classification reference

141
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

“Name” attribute
“LoadBearing” property
“IsExternal” property
IFC Entity type

custom property

NEW! custom data

attributes standard and custom properties classification reference

142
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

“Name” attribute
“LoadBearing” property
“IsExternal” property
IFC Entity type

attributes
standard and custom properties
classification reference

143
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Element Settings dialog IFC Manager

management level element-level project-level:

- element
- IfcProject
- IfcSite
- IfcBuilding
- IfcBuildingStorey
- IfcContainment
- site context elements
IFC data type - Attribute (only per tools) - Attribute
- standard and custom Property set and Property - standard and custom Property set and Property
- Classification Reference - Classification Reference
- Assignment
- Type Product
functions - collects and lists IFC data - collects and lists IFC data
- enables to create, edit and delete IFC data - enables to create, edit and delete IFC data
- navigation between the AC and the IFC model
- displays IfcSpace containments

144
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager
update filtration
editing IFC data navigation
IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options containment list

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

Attributes
Properties
Classification References

Assignments
and
Type Products
new data

145
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

146
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

147
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

148
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

149
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

150
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

151
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

152
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup “Show model selection in list”

153
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup “Show list selection in model”

154
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup 1.“Show model selection in list”

155
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager
3. “List visible…”
editing IFC data
2. “Show Selection/Marquee in 3D”
IFC Scheme Setup 1.“Show model selection in list”
IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

156
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

157
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

158
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

159
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

160
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

161
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

“Show Selection/Marquee in 3D”

162
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

editable as an ArchiCAD native parameter
IFC Options
editable with the “IFC Scheme Setup” command
Find & Select

IFC Attribute
“must”, derived, non-editable
exported, derived, editable value
optional, custom, editable value

standard IFC Property

optional, custom, editable value
exported, derived, editable value

custom IFC Property

exported, custom, editable items

exported, derived, editable value

optional, custom, editable items

IFC Classification Reference

exported, custom, editable items

163
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

custom IFC properties can be defined by IFC Entity / Type Product and Assignment types

164
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

custom IFC properties can be defined by IFC Entity / Type Product and Assignment types
data is stored in XML files (predefined set)
“Get Current Project Settings” collects all the current custom IFC Psets and their contents;
one item vs. entity type
parent vs. child properties

165
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

166
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

custom IFC properties can be defined by IFC Entity / Type Product and Assignment types
data is stored in XML files (predefined set)
“Get Current Project Settings” collects all the current custom IFC Psets and their contents;
one item vs. entity type
parent vs. child properties
derived custom properties are not available here as they are non-editable
can be upload items from the IFC Manager too

167
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

168
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

definition of Owning User data

mapping Library Part (Object, Door, Window, Skylight, Stair, Zone and Lamp) parameters to IFC
standard/custom properties

169
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

170
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

171
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

definition of Owning User data

mapping Library Part (Object, Door, Window, Skylight, Stair, Zone and Lamp) parameters to IFC
standard/custom properties
“Space Containment” view mode of IFC Manager

172
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

173
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

definition of Owning User data

mapping Library Part (Object, Door, Window, Skylight, Stair, Zone and Lamp) parameters to IFC
standard/custom properties
“Space Containment” view mode of IFC Manager
folder-system option for Library Parts import

174
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

works for all IFC Properties and Classification references of elements

searching by IFC entity type
searching by Assignment
searching by IFC Type Product

175
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

176
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

177
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

178
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

list of all IFC Properties and Classification references of elements

field for IFC entity type
field for Assignment
field for IFC Type Product

179
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

180
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

181
Element Settings dialog

IFC Manager

editing IFC data

IFC Scheme Setup

IFC Options

Find & Select

Interactive Element Schedule

Pick Up & Inject Parameters

182
183
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

export check

“Save as”

ArchiCAD project

“Merge to IFC Model”

IFC model

“Publish”

184
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

export check

entire model selection

3D view
or
Floor Plan view

185
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

export check

entire model selection

export

3D view
“ visible”
or
visible layers
Floor Plan view
“Partial Structure Display”
3D: “Filter and Cut Elements in 3D”
Floor Plan: “Model View Option”

186
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

export check

entire model selection

export

3D view
“ selected”
or
selection in the current view
Floor Plan view
“Partial Structure Display”
3D: “Filter and Cut Elements in 3D”
Floor Plan: “Model View Option”

187
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

export check

entire model selection

export

3D view
“ entire project”
or
regardless of any selection or layer setting
Floor Plan view
“Partial Structure Display”
3D: “Filter and Cut Elements in 3D”
Floor Plan: “Model View Option”

188
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

export check

export

“ visible”
optional:
Grid and 2D Annotations
(“IFC Translation Setup”)

additional filtering
export (“Model Filter”) export

“ selected” “ entire project”

189
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

export check

export

“ visible”

export export

“ selected” “ entire project”

“Save as” “Publish” “Merge to IFC Model”

190
 structural engineer

3 X “Save as”

mechanical engineer

CAD manager

191
 structural engineer

1 X “Publish”

mechanical engineer

CAD manager

192
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

export check

specific structural

general structural
sketch model import
specific MEP

general Revit

MVD
user-defined (“Duplicate”)

193
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

export check

194
export functions

exported item COBie, Concept Design BIM 2010

IFC Translation Setup geometry, Concept Design BIM 2010

“Quantity Take-off” Add-On View

export check
custom IFC Properties

“Space Boundary” Add-On View

custom IFC Classification Reference

195
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

“Quantity Take-off” Add-On View
export check

196
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

export check

Coordination View (Surface Geometry) MVD

geometry

197
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

export check

ArchiCAD

Solibri Model Viewer

Tekla BIMsight Solibri Model Checker

DDS-CAD Viewer Navisworks

Nemetschek IFC Viewer

198
export functions

exported item

IFC Translation Setup

export check

199
200
import functions

Model Filter ArchiCAD project

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model

“Open” “Hotlink” PLN

“Merge”

IFC model “Update with IFC Model”

Update IFC properties only

“Update with IFC Model”

Import new elements and update
existing IFC properties

“Detect IFC Model Changes” 201

import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options “Update with IFC Model”

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model

properties only

entire IFC model

model part

“Model Filter”
and
“IFC Translation Setup”

“Open” “Merge”

202
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model

properties

entire IFC model

version 1
model part

“Detect IFC Model Changes”

model part
entire IFC model
version 2

properties
203
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model

entire IFC model

version 1 “deleted” (“Old” layer)

“Detect IFC Model Changes”

“modified” (“Old” and “New” layers)

entire IFC model

version 2 “new” (“New” layer)

204
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

205
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup “Update with IFC Model”

display of referenced model Update IFC properties only

ArchiCAD
project

ArchiCAD
IFC model
(IfcSpaces) “Update with IFC Model”
Import new elements and update
existing IFC properties
IFC model with
IfcSpace entities

Space
management

206
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model

function Open Merge Hotlink PLN Update with Detect IFC

(IFC) IFC Model Model Changes
original IFC GUID yes no no no (yes) no (yes)

Model Filter yes yes (yes) no yes

display IFC properties yes yes yes yes yes

editable IFC properties yes yes no (yes) yes yes

manage non-geometrical data yes yes no (yes) yes yes

(IFC Assignments and Type Products)
story mapping no yes no (yes) no yes

apply IFC Translator yes yes (yes) no (yes) yes

criteria of change - - - IFC property geometry

change issue types - modified property - new instance

- new instance - deleted instance
- modified pairs

207
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model “Open IFC” – Story system

IFC File

IFC Story 06

IFC Story 05

IFC Story 04

IFC Story 03

IFC Story 02

IFC Story 01

new stories

208
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model “Merge IFC” – Story system

“same story-system” issue
(6 IFC stories vs. 6 AC stories)

IFC File

IFC Story 06

IFC Story 05

IFC Story 04

IFC Story 03

IFC Story 02

IFC Story 01

story mapping

209
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model “Merge IFC” – Story system

“different story-system” issue
(6 IFC stories vs. 4 AC stories)

IFC File

IFC Story 06

IFC Story 05

IFC Story 04

IFC Story 03

IFC Story 02

IFC Story 01

new stories and story mapping

Floor Plan Display > Show on Stories: “All Relevant Stories”
210
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model “Merge IFC” – Story system

“different story-system” issue
(1 IFC story vs. 4 AC stories)

IFC File

IFC Story 01

story mapping
Floor Plan Display > Show on Stories: “All Relevant Stories”
211
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model

212
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

213
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model

214
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model

215
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model

216
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model

217
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model

no intersection between the architectural and reference

model elements,
but intersection between the referenced items

intersection between the architectural and reference

model elements,
and intersection between the referenced items

218
no intersections
import functions

Model Filter

IFC Options

IFC Translation Setup

display of referenced model

219
220
 ArchiCAD HELP
http://www.graphisoft.com/downloads/addons/ifc

221
 ArchiCAD HELP
http://www.graphisoft.com/archicad/open_bim/

222
IFC guide
 www.graphisoft.com

223