The IFC is designed to process all the information of the building, throughout its entire life cycle, from feasibility analysis to its realization and maintenance, passing through the various phases of design and planning, to reach its decommissioning and demolition.<\/p>\n
However, to fully answer the question “what is the IFC<\/em>“, it is necessary to first introduce the concept of BIM.<\/p>\n BIM <\/strong>is the acronym for \u201cBuilding Information Modeling<\/strong>\u201d or Building Information Model. The NIBS (National Institutes of Building Science<\/em>) defines BIM<\/strong> as the \u201cdigital representation of physical and functional characteristics of an object<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n BIM (Building Information Modeling) represents a comprehensive digital methodology that transcends traditional design tools, embodying a holistic approach to construction lifecycle management. It can be conceptualized as an integrated process encompassing:<\/p>\n At its core, BIM utilizes an intelligent informational model that captures and preserves comprehensive data throughout a structure’s entire existence – from initial conception through final demolition.<\/p>\n The methodology’s distinguishing feature is its collaborative ecosystem, where diverse professional stakeholders dynamically interact and contribute specialized knowledge. Each discipline enriches the shared digital model: architectural designers sculpt spatial geometries, structural engineers define load-bearing elements, and various specialists progressively layer their expertise.<\/p>\n This collaborative paradigm necessitates a universal, interoperable data standard that ensures seamless information exchange, preventing errors and preserving data integrity. The IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format emerges precisely to fulfill this critical requirement, enabling professionals to communicate and collaborate across technological platforms and disciplinary boundaries.<\/p>\n BIM interoperability<\/p><\/div>\n IFC is a specific data format that allows the exchange of an informational model without loss or distortion of data or information.<\/p>\n It is an open file format<\/strong>, neutral, non-proprietary, meaning it is not controlled by individual software producers, created to facilitate interoperability among various operators.<\/p>\n IFC was designed to process all the information of an asset throughout its entire lifecycle.<\/p>\n The IFC initiative was born in 1994 when an industrial consortium invested in the creation of a specific computer code (a set of C++ classes) capable of supporting the development of integrated applications; twelve U.S. companies joined the consortium, which was named the \u201cIndustry Alliance for Interoperability<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n In September 1995, the Alliance opened membership to all interested parties and in 1997 changed its name to \u201cInternational Alliance for Interoperability<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n The new Alliance was reconstituted as a non-profit organization, with the goal of developing and promoting the Industry Foundation Classes<\/em> (IFC) as a neutral data model useful for gathering information related to the entire lifecycle of a building and its systems.<\/p>\n Since 2005, the Alliance has carried out its activities through buildingSMART<\/strong>.<\/p>\n BuildingSMART<\/a> is now a global alliance that leads the development of an international standard for tools and training to support the widespread use of BIM.<\/p>\n The IFC architecture is based on:<\/p>\n The elements are designed to describe the components of a building, such as: systems, spaces, zones, furnishings, structural elements (columns, beams, walls, floors, etc.), including the specific properties of each object.<\/p>\n Thanks to this subdivision, it is possible to associate certain quantities to each object, such as:<\/p>\n All this data is generally encoded in one of the three available IFC file formats:<\/p>\n According to buildingSMART, the IFC format is the main tool for implementing Open BIM<\/a>, “which represents a universal approach to collaboration for the design and construction of buildings based on open standards and workflows<\/em>.”<\/p>\n The main advantage offered by the IFC format is the ability to enable collaboration among the various figures involved in the construction process<\/strong>, allowing them to exchange information through a standard format.<\/p>\n This results in higher quality, reduced errors, cost savings, and time savings, with consistent data and information during the design, construction, and maintenance phases.<\/p>\n The IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format is an open standard developed by buildingSMART, designed to ensure interoperability between different BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms. It is distinguished by its ability to represent both geometric content and non-geometric information (alphanumeric data) in a structured manner.<\/p>\n IFC supports an accurate three-dimensional representation of construction elements, using explicit geometries (BREP solids, meshes) or implicit ones (parametric profiles). At the same time, it integrates non-geometric data such as materials, physical properties, system information, regulatory codes, and relationships between elements. This allows for a semantic modeling of the building, useful for energy analyses, quantity take-offs, maintenance, and lifecycle management of the work.<\/p>\n Exporting to IFC format represents a key step in ensuring communication between different BIM software environments. The main software (Revit, Edificius, Archicad, Allplan, Tekla, etc.) offer IFC export and import functionalities, adhering to specific versions of the standard (e.g., IFC2x3, IFC4), and exchange modes such as Model View Definition (MVD), including Design Transfer View or Reference View, which regulate the type and depth of data transferred.<\/p>\n To perform an effective export, it is necessary to correctly configure the mappings of BIM objects to IFC entities (such as IfcWall, IfcSlab, IfcDoor), define custom properties (Psets), and select the level of geometric detail (LOD). The software provides export templates and verification tools that help ensure the consistency of the model with project requirements or with information specifications (EIR).<\/p>\n Despite the growing adoption of the standard, compatibility between tools can vary depending on the implementations of the IFC format by various software. Proper interoperability depends on the compliance of exports with MVDs, the quality of the original model, and the ability of the recipient software to correctly interpret the IFC entities.<\/p>\n BuildingSMART International has defined a certification process that ensures the correctness of the import and export of its IFC data, with the guarantee of compliance with standards.<\/p>\n It is therefore essential for a software to provide the assurance of being able to read, write, and exchange information with other programs.<\/p>\n To date, ACCA software offers a wide range of BIM authoring software and BIM tools integrated into the BIM process, ready for every interoperability need required by the openBIM\u00ae approach, certified for the standard IFC format<\/strong> by buildingSMART international:<\/p>\n ACCA software is an official member of buildingSMART International<\/strong> since October 2018.<\/p>\n The IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format is an open and neutral standard developed to ensure interoperability between different software in the context of Building Information Modeling (BIM). It is not proprietary and allows the exchange of informational models between different platforms without data loss or distortion.<\/p>\n BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a methodology that digitally manages the information of a project throughout its lifecycle. IFC is the standard format that allows sharing and transferring this information among all actors in the BIM process, enabling collaboration between different software.<\/p>\n The main advantage of using IFC is the possibility of collaboration among the various professionals involved in the project. This translates into higher project quality, fewer errors, cost and time savings, and better consistency of information between design, construction, and maintenance.<\/p>\n The IFC architecture is structured to represent both the geometry and non-geometric data of a building. Each object can contain information such as shape, location, costs, energy performance, and much more, thanks to the association of properties, relationships, and semantics.<\/p>\n There are three main formats: .ifc (ISO-STEP standard), .ifcxml (XML-based), and .ifczip (compressed archive that can also include PDF files, images, or documentation).<\/p>\n For a correct export in IFC format, it is necessary to properly map BIM objects to IFC entities (e.g., IfcWall, IfcDoor), set custom properties (Psets), choose the level of detail (LOD), and perform a verification using tools provided by BIM software.<\/p>\n buildingSMART is an international non-profit organization that promotes the development and dissemination of the IFC standard. It is responsible for certifying software that ensures interoperability through the correct use of the IFC format.<\/p>\n ACCA software has obtained IFC certification for many of its tools, including: usBIM, usBIM.platform, usBIM.geotwin, usBIM.maint, Edificius, PriMus, CerTus, CerTus-PN, CerTus-HSBIM, EdiLus, TerMus, Solarius-PV, ManTus, and NeXus. These software are compliant with buildingSMART standards for importing and exporting IFC data.<\/p>\n Certification ensures that software can read, write, and exchange IFC data in compliance with international standards. This ensures that information remains consistent and reliable during the transition from one software to another, an essential condition for proper interoperability in the BIM process.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n An overview of the IFC file format: its characteristics, advantages and connection to BIM including a list of ACCA software with buildingSMART Certification<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":44295,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"keyword_en":"ifc what is\u200b","keyword_es":"","keyword_fr":"","keyword_de":"","keyword_ptb":"","_note_content":"What is BIM and its connection with IFC<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/biblus.accasoftware.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/IFC-what-is.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
![\"BIM](\"https:\/\/biblus.accasoftware.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/04\/BIM-interoperability.jpg\")
What is IFC<\/h3>\n
Brief History of IFC and buildingSMART<\/h3>\n
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Advantages of Using IFC in BIM<\/h3>\n
Technical Characteristics of the IFC Format<\/h2>\n
Geometric and Non-Geometric Content<\/h3>\n
Exporting IFC Files and Software Interoperability<\/h3>\n
Exporting from a BIM Software<\/h3>\n
Compatibility Between Tools<\/h3>\n
IFC Certification of BIM Software and Compliance Assurance of Software and Applications<\/h3>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions about the IFC File<\/h2>\n
What is the IFC file format?<\/h3>\n
What is the link between IFC and BIM?<\/h3>\n
What advantages does IFC offer?<\/h3>\n
How does the IFC file technically work?<\/h3>\n
What file formats are available for IFC?<\/h3>\n
How do you correctly export a model in IFC file format?<\/h3>\n
What is buildingSMART?<\/h3>\n
Which ACCA software is IFC certified by buildingSMART?<\/h3>\n
Why is IFC certification important?<\/h3>\n
![\"usBIM\"](\"\/wp-content\/themes\/enfold-child\/img\/banner_prodotto\/usbim-en.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n![\"usBIM\"](\"\/wp-content\/themes\/enfold-child\/img\/banner_prodotto_mobile\/usbim-en.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\r\n EN<\/td>\r\n ifc what is\u200b<\/td>\r\n 20<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n FR<\/td>\r\n qu\u2019est-ce que le format IFC<\/td>\r\n 0<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n PTB<\/td>\r\n significado da IFC<\/td>\r\n 0<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n ES<\/td>\r\n qu\u00e9 es IFC<\/td>\r\n 0<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n DE<\/td>\r\n was ist IFC<\/td>\r\n 30<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>","footnotes":""},"categories":[1890],"tags":[5220],"class_list":["post-44292","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ifc-open-bim","tag-newsletter-401"],"yoast_head":"\n