Exporting IFC data

Module(s): Interfaces

You can use Export IFC Data to export an IFC model in the following formats: IFC 4, IFC XML 4, IFC 2x3 and IFC XML 2x3. The new IFC interface transfers the geometric data and attributes of elements.

IFC stands for Industry Foundation Classes. IFC define an object-oriented data model for all those involved in the building process. It can be used by all applications that support IFC. It facilitates the accurate exchange of data between these applications. IFC are defined and developed by the IAI.

buildingSMART's IFC interfaces have proven to be a powerful standard for exchanging intelligent, object-oriented model data in the AEC industry.

buildingSMART (founded in 1995 as IAI - International Alliance for Interoperability) is a worldwide consortium. It is committed to driving the development of open internationally-recognized standards, tools and training to support the wider use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) by the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) and Facilities Management (FM) industries. In supporting BIM, buildingSMART believes significant improvements in cost, value and environmental performance can be achieved through the use of open sharable asset information in the creation and operation of civil infrastructure and buildings worldwide. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. A building information model is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition. Open BIM is a universal approach to the collaborative design, realization and operation of buildings based on open standards, in particular the IFC format registered by ISO as ISO 16739.

You can find further information on buildingSMART on the Internet.

Note: If Certified CV2.0 data export is required, you can use the Export IFC 2x3 Data tool.

Tip: You can use Modify Attributes to assign IFC attributes to architectural elements.

Note: The data transferred by Export IFC Data differ from the data transferred by Export IFC 2x3 Data. Before you export data, check whether the selected interface transfers the required elements.

To export an IFC file

• The building structure has to be in compliance with IFC. You can check this using Restrictions of building structure.

1. Click Export IFC Data (How).
   

   Activate Export IFC Data in one of the following ways

   • Actionbar:Role Draft Task Teamwork Task area Export

   • Menu bar: File Export

   • Palette: Tools Create area in the following module(s):

   Interfaces

   • Toolbar: Quick Access Allplan icon Export

2. The 'Select drawing file' dialog box opens. Select the structural levels and drawing files you want to export to the IFC model. Click OK to confirm the dialog box.

   Note: You can only export drawing files you have already assigned to the building structure.

3. Click Settings to adjust the IFC export settings.
4. Enter the path and file name in the data entry box or click Browse ... to select the path and file in a dialog box.

   Note: You can specify the default setting for the path using the Options - Desktop environment page - Folders for saving.

5. Select the format of the IFC file in the File type area.

   You can choose between IFC 2x3, IFC XML 2x3, IFC 4 and IFC XML 4.

6. Click OK.
7. Check the log file and click OK.

   The log sorts elements that cannot be transferred by problem category and IFC object type, listing the elements with the Name and Allright_Component_ID attributes.