IFC 2x3, IFC 4, IFC 4.3
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) isn’t just a file – it’s a comprehensive standard that describes every element of a building in a clear and universal way. The main idea is to ensure compatibility between various BIM programs, so architects, engineers, and project managers can exchange data without unnecessary barriers.
- There are three major versions of IFC: 2×3, 4, and 4x3, each certified by ISO. This certification means they officially meet international data management standards.
- These versions mainly differ in the range of supported classes and concepts. The latest, IFC 4×3, expands the possibilities for describing objects, which is especially helpful for complex infrastructures like roads, railways, or bridges.
- IFC classes (e.g., IfcWindow, IfcDoor) work like labels attached to objects in your model, telling the software, “this is a window” rather than a wall or column. Such categorization makes searching, analysis, and reporting far more precise.
In practice, IFC deals not only with visible geometry but also with a host of additional data: from material properties and dimensions to safety and operational requirements. These details are stored in PropertySets, which you can adapt to your project’s specific needs. IFC comes with a set of universal PropertySets by default, but you can always create custom ones for a unique project.
Thanks to its flexible approach, IFC works well in both small-scale and massive projects. You can start with a simple model containing basic shapes and a few essential properties, then gradually add more advanced attributes or geometry types as the project grows. Every participant (no matter the software) can rely on the same data repository without manually re-entering information or worrying about inconsistencies.
BCF
BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) introduces clarity and organization to communication among everyone involved in a project. If you’ve ever worked on a large BIM initiative, you’ll know how easy it is for emails, notes, and discussions about dozens of small but important changes to pile up. BCF helps you take control of that chaos.
Key BCF benefits include:
- Straightforward comment exchange: You can highlight a specific spot in the model, add a comment, and send it along – no need to attach the sometimes huge IFC file.
- Task management: By assigning priorities and statuses to each issue or task, teams can coordinate work more efficiently. Architects, engineers, and contractors immediately know who is responsible for a task and when it’s due.
- Precise model location: Every comment, issue, or note is tied to a specific place in the project, so there’s no need to sift through hundreds of views to see what the author meant.
- Integration with multiple BIM tools: BCF is compatible with popular software (like Revit, Archicad, Tekla Structures), so professionals can collaborate seamlessly across different platforms.
In practice, BCF provides a clear record of communication – critical when introducing changes or reviewing project milestones. It prevents task duplication and confusion in lengthy email threads, all while centralizing notes, screenshots, and detailed issue descriptions in one accessible format.
bSDD
bSDD (buildingSMART Data Dictionary) is the terminological backbone of the entire openBIM ecosystem. Imagine a centralized database with definitions, names, properties, and classifications for practically any construction or infrastructure element you can think of.
Within bSDD, you’ll find:
- Consistent terminology: It avoids the pitfall where one program calls something an “exterior wall” while another refers to the same thing as a “façade,” leading to misunderstandings.
- Definitions and descriptions: Each term has a definition and often related attributes—this is crucial not only for multilingual teams but also for professionals from varied technical backgrounds.
- Classification compatibility: bSDD can integrate with various classification systems (like Omniclass, Uniclass, or local standards), making it easier to search, compare, and utilize model data.
From a project management perspective (especially in multi-disciplinary teams) having a single standardized “dictionary” often makes the difference between seamless collaboration and a flurry of mistakes. With bSDD, project teams avoid duplicate labels and misinterpretations, which means fewer corrections, better documentation, and fewer conflicts during execution. There’s also no need to start from scratch – if something’s already in bSDD, you can simply adapt it to your own needs and save a ton of time.
IDS
Information Delivery Specification (IDS) might sound like a cumbersome list of requirements at first glance, but in practice, it’s remarkably simple and highly effective. Essentially, you define what information needs to be in the BIM model (such as material type, installation date, or thermal transmittance) and then set an automated process to verify whether those details are actually present.
Instead of poring over spreadsheets and manually checking each element, you can launch a model-wide review with a single click. The software then highlights which data are missing, which are incorrectly described, and what needs adding from scratch.
Because IDS is closely linked to the IFC standard, it’s fully compatible with a wide range of BIM tools. You can even tailor different sets of requirements for different project stages – from concept design and detailed planning, right through to operation and maintenance. This level of automation cuts out a lot of everyday headaches. Right from the start, you’ll see whether your project meets the set criteria, what needs fixing, and who’s responsible for it. In the end, your workflow becomes less chaotic, and the final models are far more complete and valuable for everyone involved in the project.
Validation Service
Finally, let’s talk about Validation Service, a solution that ensures your IFC file (whether IFC 2×3, IFC 4, or IFC 4×3) meets buildingSMART requirements.
How does it work?
You simply upload your IFC file to an online platform, which then analyzes its structure, checks if the required properties are assigned correctly, and verifies that all elements align with the standard’s specifications.
If something’s off – such as missing key information, an incorrectly applied IFC class, or errors in the file’s structure – Validation Service gives you a clear report on what needs fixing.
This quick feedback lets you address issues early on, preventing a long list of corrections later in the project. It also ensures that everyone involved can work with the most reliable version of the model, confident that data is being exchanged smoothly and accurately.
Such a tool becomes especially valuable when the project grows more complex and multiple teams and software solutions come into play. It eliminates the timeless dilemma of “It works on my end; why is it failing on yours?” – because Validation Service identifies discrepancies from the start, allowing for swift and efficient corrections.
