Exporting IFC Files using Revit - Step by Step Guide

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Click

Export Options

(IFC Options)

Iftikhar Ismail BSc MSc MIET

Exporting IFC Files from Revit

Rev. P1

Date: January 2 022

Click

Export

Options

(IFC Options)

IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is an ISO standard data schema for holding and transmitting facility information throughout the Facility lifecycle. See below for workflow for exporting Revit models to IFC. The first step is to create a 3D view within Revit, with only the required geometry visible. Turn off all linked models, any elements that are not your responsibility do not need to be visible. Turn off any ‘Concept’, ‘Generic’ elements or Worksets and if no data is required for an existing building this phase can also be turned off. This will be the view to export the IFC model file from, eg, IFC EXPORT VIEW.

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• Open 3D IFC Export View in Revit

• Export > Options > IFC Options

• Load IFC Mapping file (.txt)

• Export IFC models using Revit

• Export > IFC

• Select: IFC 2x3 Coordination View 2.0

• Create new setup with New Name

• Update all tabs (Modify Setup)

• Export IFC Model File

• Issue IFC Model File (after testing)

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Load IFC Mapping File using Revit

When you export a 3d model from Revit to IFC, you first need to map the appropriate Revit Categories with IFC classes. The simplest method to do this is to use an IFC shared parameter (.txt) file. There is a download link below. See steps below to set up the correct options for IFC elements mapping.

Revit > Export > Options > IFC Options

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Revit Export Classes dialogue box opens up. Click Load.

Load in the file provided by BIM Manager/BIM Coordinator named “ExportIFCOptions-Default”.

It may need to be edited manually; this will be reviewed after the first round of IFC files are issued. You can download the .txt file from HERE ( download and save the .txt file).

This file maps Revit category’s to IFC categories when exported. For example, any element belonging to Revit category “Ceilings”, will appear in the IFC file on the category “IFCCeilings”. This can be edited as required.

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Export IFC models using Revit See below steps for exporting IFC model files using Revit.

1. Click on the Export > IFC button 2. Select the IFC 2×3 Coordination View 2.0 for which the software is also certified.

3. Hide the elements that you do not need to export.

Ensure the file is exported to the correct location on the company server or CDE and follows the Model Naming Conventions outlined within the project BIM Execution Plan. The IFC will usually be named using the same name & numbering as the RVT/NWC/DWF model files.

Remember - No revisions or dates allowed at the end of model file names!

Select IFC Version: IFC 2x3 Coordination View 2.0

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Click on Modify setup.. and ensure the below settings are adjusted to suit.

General 1. Create new setup using the <IFC2x3 Coordination View 2.0 Setup>.

2. Create new name – add ‘PPP’ reference to end of name > OK. 3. New setup is now listed.

☑ Include Steel Elements – This setting was introduced in Revit 2019 and is checked by default. It is meant to export structural steel connections.

Additional Content

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Property Sets The below settings may be changed depending on file sizes. If required, the BIM Manager will provide a custom file for exporting only the required parameter (if applicable).

Level of Detail ☑ Keep Tessellated Geometry as Triangulation checked – This is to allow for enhanced Clash Detection, otherwise some clashes get missed.

Note: If you find that the overall model file size is too large, you can have this box Unchecked. I recommend comparing model file size with & without ‘keep Tessellated’ and then decide which IFC model to use.

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Advanced

Select – OK, then finally Export IFC Model.

NOTES: • Remember to create a separate 3D view in Revit containing only elements that are meant for export.

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Check the export-view settings beforehand to reassure yourself that all display filters are set correctly.

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If the overall model file size is too large, then go back and uncheck ‘keep Tessellated’ under tab – Level of Detail and resave model to see if the model file size comes down after the export.

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Do not add revision letters or dates to the ends of ‘live’ or current 3D IFC model files.

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Only archived or frozen 3D model files can have dates/revisions at the end of the file name.

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REFERENCES 1.

Revit IFC Manual 2.0 (Autodesk) https://oliebana.files.wordpress.com/2021/09/revit-ifc-guide-autodesk.pdf

2.

Revit IFC Manual 1.0 (Autodesk) https://damassets.autodesk.net/content/dam/autodesk/draftr/2528/180213_IFC_Handbuch.pdf

3.

IFC Exporter Settings and Modelling Workflows in Autodesk Revit (Bond Bryan) https://bimblog.bondbryan.co.uk/ifc-industry-foundation-classes-ifc-exporter-settings-and-modellingworkflows-in-autodesk-revit/

4.

IFC file: all you need to know (by BibLus) https://biblus.accasoftware.com/en/ifc-file-all-you-need-to-know/

5.

IFC class mapping file (by BibLus) https://biblus.accasoftware.com/en/ifc-class-mapping-file/

6.

IFC 2×3 Coordination View 2.0: what is it and how does it work (by BibLus) IFC 2x3 coordination view 2.0 - BibLus (accasoftware.com)

7.

Load and Modify an IFC Mapping File (by Autodesk) https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit/learnexplore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/Revit-DocumentPresent/files/GUID-B85CE60D-2868427E-A37C-37C4F09D6016-htm.html

8.

Export a Project to IFC (by Autodesk) https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit/learnexplore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/Revit-DocumentPresent/files/GUID-14037C31-EBAD41A8-9099-E6DD65BB626E-htm.html

9.

Exporting IFC from Revit part 1: Mapping (by BIMCorner) https://bimcorner.com/exporting-ifc-from-revit-part-1-mapping/

10. Exporting IFC from Revit part 2: Top-level IFC entities (by BIMCorner) https://bimcorner.com/exporting-ifc-from-revit-part-2-top-level-ifc-entities/ 11. Exporting IFC from Revit part 3: User-defined properties (by BIMCorner)

Exporting IFC from Revit part 3: User-defined properties – Bim Corner 12. Exporting IFC from Revit - 4 Page Summary document (by BIMCorner)

Revit IFC Export part 3 - properties.pdf - Google Drive 13. 10 Common IFC Export Mistakes to avoid – part 1 (by BIMCorner) https://bimcorner.com/10-common-ifc-export-mistakes-to-avoid-part-1/

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