Geometric-informative design and modeling require the sharing of information in an open format (openBIM).

Sharing the information contained in the models is of fundamental importance in BIM starting from the As-Found to the As-Built. The format that more than others lends itself to creating shareable models that can be used for different purposes is the buildingSMART IFC format. The IFC format offers the following advantages:

• Neutral, open and standard format
• Usable for the following domains: roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, buildings, etc.

To exploit the enormous potential of the IFC format, however, it is necessary that the software have the specific design and modeling functions for the IFC format.

Requests for modeling in IFC

Designing with IFC means creating IFC models that must be consistent with:

• the project
• the information documents requested
• information models in proprietary format (of the software used)

The characteristics of the IFC model

The IFC model must be customized according to the specifications in the the BIM Execution Plan (BEP):

• Version (2x3, 4.1, 4.3)
• Domain (buildings, roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, ...)
• Customization of the structure and positioning of the entities within the structure
• Customization of entities: Which ones must be present in the model and with which representation
• Customization of entity properties

Take part to the SierraSoft Workshops on Working with IFC

SierraSoft periodically organizes free online workshops entitled “The design of road infrastructure with IFC”. The workshops are constantly being reviewed to provide the state of the art on the subject. For more information about these workshops send an email to info@sierrasoft.com.