09 Jul
As Building Information Modeling (BIM) becomes increasingly essential in construction, understanding the role of the IFC file in BIM is critical—especially for BIM Managers tasked with coordinating multidisciplinary teams and ensuring data consistency across the project lifecycle.
What is IFC and why was it created?
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is an open and neutral data format developed by buildingSMART to enable interoperability between different BIM software tools. Think of it as the universal language that helps your design tools, modeling platforms, and project management systems talk to each other—seamlessly.
The main reason IFC was created? Interoperability. With AEC projects involving architects, engineers, contractors, and clients using different tools, there was a real need to break down communication barriers and avoid data loss. IFC solves this by providing a standardized way to share information across platforms.
How IFC Work: A Look at Their Structure
An IFC file organizes building information in a structured way, reflecting how we think and build in real life. Here’s a quick breakdown of its anatomy:
- Entities: Represent real-world objects like walls, doors, HVAC systems.
- Attributes: Describe the properties of those entities (e.g., height, material, manufacturer).
- Relationships: Define how entities are connected (e.g., a door belongs to a wall).
- Inheritance: Entities can inherit properties from parent types, reducing duplication.
- Property Sets (Psets): Allow customization—project teams can define their own sets of relevant properties beyond the basic schema.
This structured data format ensures that an IFC model isn’t just geometry—it’s rich in meaning and context, essential for coordination, analysis, and data management.
IFC and BIM: A Symbiotic Relationship
When integrated into BIM workflows, IFC enhances every stage of the project lifecycle. Here’s how:
✅ Enhanced Interoperability
IFC is platform-neutral. Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla, Navisworks, and more can all export or import IFC files. This gives BIM Managers the flexibility to collaborate without worrying about proprietary lock-in.
🔒 Data Integrity
Because it’s standardized, IFC ensures that the information stays consistent and accurate when transferred between software, reducing rework caused by data loss or misinterpretation.
🔁 Smooth Collaboration
IFC files help all disciplines work from a shared source of truth, enabling better coordination across teams, even when they use different tools.
💡 Efficiency & Cost Savings
Clash detection, quantity take-offs, scheduling, and simulations can all be done earlier and more accurately using IFC data. This leads to fewer change orders and better cost control.
♻️ Lifecycle Management
From design to construction to facility management, the data in an IFC file remains relevant. This makes it ideal for long-term asset management and sustainability tracking.
Key Benefits of IFC Files for BIM Managers
If you’re a BIM Manager, here’s why you should care deeply about using IFC in your workflows:
IFC Files Are Your BIM Coordination Ally
As a BIM Manager, your role is all about ensuring data-driven, error-free, and timely delivery of construction projects. The IFC file in BIM is not just a technical standard—it’s your ally in achieving reliable interoperability, smooth stakeholder collaboration, and streamlined model coordination.
IFC unlocks a truly openBIM environment, and when used alongside platforms like BIMWorkplace, it becomes even more powerful. Whether it’s clash management, collaborative workflows, or lifecycle data integrity, IFC is the backbone of efficient BIM.
