What is IFC in BIM? Key Benefits for Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the key aspects of Building Information Modeling (BIM). To facilitate that collaboration, you’ll want to be able to easily share information throughout a project’s lifecycle. After all, coordination and communication are crucial for success. That is why the open file format IFC, or Industry Foundation Classes, is an essential asset for BIM in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. This article breaks down what IFC is, examines its components, and explores its benefits. If you’re aiming to streamline project workflows and improve collaboration, understanding IFC could be your next big step. 

What is IFC? 

IFC acts like a common language that allows different tools to work together smoothly, making it easier for architects, engineers, and contractors to exchange information without confusion. Developed by buildingSMART, IFC is an international (ISO 16739-1:2018), vendor-neutral, and open file format. It ensures that different BIM software applications can accurately share and interpret project information throughout a building’s lifecycle. By including a wide range of information, such as geometry, quantities, properties and spatial relationships, IFC ensures that information is interpreted consistently across software platforms. This standard promotes interoperability and helps project stakeholders, like architects, engineers, and construction managers, work together effectively. 

The structure of IFC – the IFC schema 

At its heart, an IFC file includes several components that define the structure and data included in the file. The IFC schema not only captures geometric data and material properties but also includes how different elements relate to each other. This structured approach ensures an accurate depiction of the built environment. Here’s what each component entails: 

1. Entities: these are the core building blocks that represent objects or elements in the model. Think of examples like ‘IfcDoor’ or ‘IfcWall’.  

2. Attributes: detailed properties of an entity, such as materials, dimensions, and so on, offering an in-depth view of the components. For example, an ‘IfcDoor’ may include an attribute such as ‘OverallHeight’. 

3. Relationships: the IFC model maps out how different entities interact and depend on each other. 

4. Inheritance: model entities can inherit properties from parent entities. This helps create a hierarchical and modular data structure.  

5. Property Sets (Psets): this relates to groups of properties that are attached to an entity, e.g. ‘Pset_WallCommon’, which could include properties like acoustic performance for walls or the fire rating.  

These aspects of an IFC model are essential for creating a detailed and practical digital representation of construction projects that can easily be shared among stakeholders. 

IFC data formats 

The IFC schema establishes a common language for BIM data, ensuring that various software platforms in the AEC industries can seamlessly exchange and interpret information. There are various ways IFC files can be stored, exported and exchanged between software platforms: 

1. IFC-SPF (Step Physical File): This is the default format for representing detailed building information, enabling comprehensive documentation and analysis of building projects. This text-based format (.ifc) is widely used due to its compatibility and readability.  

2. IFC-XML: adapted for web usage, this XML format (.ifcXML) allows for easier accessibility and integration of BIM data in web-based applications, enhancing collaboration. 

3. IFC-ZIP: a compact, compressed format (.ifcZIP) optimized for efficient data transfer. Reducing the file size is especially useful when handling large building models, promoting easier sharing and reducing the drive space needed.  

These IFC data formats make sure that IFC files can be used in various applications, enhancing accessibility and flexibility, 

The benefits of IFC in BIM 

The usage of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) in BIM brings numerous benefits to a construction project.  

1. Enhanced interoperability across software platforms 

As mentioned before, the most significant benefit of IFC is that it ensures interoperability between different software used in the AEC industry. IFC acts as the universal language that allows these BIM tools to communicate with each other, which greatly simplifies the integration of different technologies and platforms, no matter the size of the project.  

2. Data integrity and consistency:  
   The standardization of data that IFC offers ensures data integrity and consistency. After all, a standardized format for data exchange minimizes the risk of data corruption or information loss. It ensures all stakeholders involved in a project have access to consistent and reliable information throughout the project lifecycle.  

3. Smooth collaboration and communication 
   Using a standardized data format enhances collaboration and communication in a project. IFC allows AEC professionals to access and share information easily, without being limited to specific software, even when collaborating with partners across the globe. It fosters transparency and reduces misunderstandings and conflicts. Teams can work together seamlessly and make informed decisions, leading to better project execution and high-quality outcomes.  

4. Efficiency and cost savings 
   Of course, seamless data exchange and improved collaboration contribute to significant efficiency gains. Teams spend less time on sharing and interpreting data and can spend more time on activities that add value to their project. Standardizing data results in fewer errors, less delays, lower material waste and more predictable project timelines.  

5. Lifecycle management 
   The IFC format is not only beneficial for the design and construction of a building. It can also play a vital role in its operation and maintenance. IFC data can be used to track the performance of systems in the building, schedule maintenance, and make informed decisions about improvements and renovations.   

IFC and BIM: a partnership for interoperability 

To fully leverage the benefits of IFC, it is crucial that all stakeholders involved in a project ensure their software tools are compatible with IFC standards, like BIMcollab. BIMcollab’s solutions are built on the openBIM standards, using the widely accepted IFC, BCF and IDS open standards, fostering seamless collaboration throughout the lifecycle of a project.  

In the end, IFC Is more than just a file format; it acts as a bridge for sharing information across various disciplines and software applications involved in construction projects. By using IFC, architects, engineers, and contractors can ensure accurate, consistent and accessible data in their project. This synergy between BIM and IFC empowers collaborative decision-making, streamlines project execution, and boosts project efficiency. 

Ready to leverage the benefits of IFC with BIMcollab?

Talk to one of our experts to discover what BIMcollab can bring to your projects.