This post is a continuation of the series on IFC export. You can find previous articles on this subject written by Konrad here. In other blog posts, you will find articles about exporting to IFC from other popular programs. If you would like to learn more about the IFC format itself I encourage you to read Janusz’s articles. The first one in his series of posts can be found here.
Preparing a model for exporting
IN ARCHICAD exporting to IFC is literally a matter of a few clicks. However, from Konrad’s previous posts, you know that it is not enough to just press the magic button – save as IFC. For the IFC model to be useful, you need to know what purposes it will be used for and to remember a few general rules that will help us to export the model properly.
In the presented example I will be using the international version of ARCHICAD and default ARCHICAD classification system. You can also load a different classification system from the GRAPHISOFT website that you can easily import into your project.
1. Setting the correct classification for elements in the model
2. Setting the id, category and renovation status
3. Proper determination of the home storey
4. Correct connection of elements
5. Setting a survey point and a project north
6. Specify the name of the project, location and building in the IFC schema
7. Using quality control in the form of graphic override
IFC project manager
The manager enables us to create new properties and IFC property sets for individual elements in the project.


Export settings to IFC
1. Export translators
2. Settings of export translators
Ifc schema settings and model view definition
Configuration of the conversion
- Model filtering
- Type mapping
- Geometry conversion
- Properties mapping
- Data conversion
- Unit conversion
Model export to IFC
Summary
Exporting a model from ARCHICAD to IFC is relatively simple.It comes down to selecting the appropriate translator and configuring its settings. However, in order for the model to be useful for the purposes for which it was created, it requires preparation and reflection. It is also important to follow a few rules already at the modeling stage to avoid unnecessary clutter and facilitate the export process. As a summary, I have prepared the graphic below, in which I have included the most important issues that are worth remembering.
Dear Reader, if you have your thoughts or experiences on the subject of exporting to IFC from ARCHICAD, be sure to leave a comment 🙂
Bibliography
- https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/user-guide/77302/
- https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/user-guide-chapter/86920/

