Linking Files and Information to an IFC Model
To update and manage an IFC model, it can be useful to add files and information over time. Let's see how to do it with a free tool
Is it possible to add files, information, and documents to an IFC model? How?
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at how to attach documents to an IFC file and which tools to use. We can immediately point out that you can do it with online and free BIM viewer applications that allow you to manage your IFC file in a completely openBIM process, without downloading anything to your PC.
Brief introduction to the IFC format
The IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format is an open and interoperable standard useful for data exchange in the construction sector and the complete management of the building life cycle. Created by buildingSMART, the IFC format allows the exchange and management of BIM (Building Information Modeling) models between different proprietary software, maintaining the structure and information of the objects in the model unchanged: being an open format, it allows data exchange between different software without proprietary constraints.
In practice, the IFC file is designed to facilitate exchanges between the various actors involved in the construction process and transfer geometries and information while maintaining the structure of the whole and its parts. Objects imported via IFC, in fact, retain their correct spatial location and are distinguished by categories, characteristics, and functions.
The use of IFC files and the implementation of openBIM working methodologies promote interdisciplinary coordination, allowing professionals from different disciplines (architecture, structural engineering, building services) to collaborate using shared models without losing information.
The conceptual structure of the IFC model allows data to be managed flexibly, choosing which components to exchange, which information to include, and which attributes to assign to objects.
Furthermore, the IFC format ensures data accessibility over time, regardless of the software used, making it ideal for long-term archiving and facilitating the secure and lasting preservation of project information, ensuring traceability, reliability, and data transparency in the various phases of the building’s life cycle, from design to maintenance.
In summary, the IFC format is essential for the success of the BIM methodology thanks to its ability to facilitate open and transparent collaboration among all project participants, regardless of the software used. Moreover, the use of international standards is essential to improve productivity, meet construction project deadlines, estimated costs, and the quality of the final result.
How to add files and information to an IFC model
The IFC file already contains a series of information and properties characterized during the model creation phase. The properties are defined and assigned to the model’s objects using a BIM authoring software that allows you to model in 3D, add properties, and finally export the file in the open IFC format.
After exporting, can the IFC file be edited?
With specific IFC editing tools, it is possible to add, delete, and modify the set of properties and make small variations to the geometric model. For example, in a building model, you can insert new furnishings, delete existing ones, or replace them with other objects. If you need to edit an IFC file without using BIM authoring software, read this article that shows you how to do it. IFC editor: editing an IFC model created with BIM authoring software.
How to edit properties online in an IFC file with an IFC editor
As we have repeatedly emphasized, the IFC file is the tool that allows the management of an asset throughout its entire lifecycle. Therefore, the need to link attachments and files to the model, in order to enrich or update the information system over time, is a rather frequent operation. For example, it can be very useful to attach graphic tables, metric calculations, energy performance certificates, technical sheets of materials and components, photos, construction documentation, etc.
How can it be done? Do you need to use a BIM authoring software? Not necessarily. On the contrary, it is always preferable to conduct a completely openBIM process to promote interdisciplinary integration and collaboration among stakeholders.
By using an online BIM viewer, you can link to the model:
- any file uploaded to the cloud platform;
- the link to any web page.
Simply upload the IFC model and the files to be attached to the cloud and associate them with a simple drag and drop to have the documents:
- available at any time and from any device;
- safely stored in your cloud space;
- shared with other stakeholders.
The following video shows you how to navigate a BIM model in IFC format online, review the drawing models in pdf attached to the 3D model, and create a federation of IFC models of any size.
