IFC in CAD refers to the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format, a standardized data structure specifically designed for exchanging digital information within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.
Understanding IFC
At its core, IFC is a data model that defines how building and construction data should be structured and stored. Unlike proprietary CAD formats that might be limited to a single software application, IFC aims to provide a universal language for project information.
As stated in the reference: "The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format is a CAD exchange data schema intended for describing data in the architecture, construction, and building industry."
This schema allows different software applications used throughout the building lifecycle (from design and construction to facility management) to share and understand project information.
Key Aspects of IFC
Think of IFC not just as a file format, but as a robust data model for describing building elements and their relationships.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard | An open, international standard (ISO 16739) managed by buildingSMART International. |
| Purpose | Facilitates data exchange and interoperability between different software. |
| Scope | Covers geometrical, spatial, and properties data of building elements. |
| Context | Crucial for Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows. |
Why is IFC Important in CAD/BIM?
The AEC industry relies on many specialized software tools – architects use one program, structural engineers another, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) engineers yet another. Historically, exchanging data between these programs was difficult, often leading to data loss or rework.
IFC addresses this by providing a common framework. When a CAD or BIM software application exports a project in IFC format, it translates its native data into the standardized IFC structure. Another application can then import this IFC file and understand the building elements, their properties, and how they connect, regardless of the software that created it.
Benefits of Using IFC
- Interoperability: Enables seamless data exchange between diverse software platforms.
- Data Preservation: Reduces data loss when transferring models between different disciplines or project phases.
- Collaboration: Improves communication and coordination among project stakeholders.
- Lifecycle Support: Supports data exchange not just during design and construction, but also for facility management and operations.
- Open Standard: Prevents vendor lock-in by providing a neutral format.
Practical Use Cases
- Design Coordination: Architects can share their design model in IFC with engineers (structural, MEP) who use different software.
- Model Checking: Regulatory bodies or project managers can use IFC viewers to check models against requirements, even if they don't have the authoring software.
- Quantity Take-off: Estimators can extract precise quantities of materials from an IFC model exported from design software.
- Handover: The BIM model containing rich data can be handed over in IFC format to facility managers for ongoing maintenance and operations.
In essence, IFC is the bridge that allows data to flow freely and intelligently between the various digital tools used in designing, constructing, and managing buildings. It moves beyond just exchanging lines and shapes (common in traditional CAD) to exchanging information about building objects with properties and relationships.
