SETTING UP IFC EXPORT FROM REVIT

The correct IFC Export settings are critical to ensure that the necessary information is included in an IFC model.

It is possible to export and import settings via a .json file. In all cases, careful testing and checking is advised to ensure that the settings are correct for the unique model being exported. It is the responsibility of the issuing party to validate the IFC and verify that the model meets the EIR.

The recommended settings can be reviewed, exported and imported from File > Export > IFC.

Click on Modify Setup.

 

1.GENERAL

A .json file can be loaded from the Import setup… icon.

If Import setup… is not available, check https://apps.autodesk.com/ for the latest IFC updates.

Do not forget to set the File Header Information and Project Address. These may already be set in your RVT model. This will only need to be done once and will ensure the IFC contains the correct identification data for COBie. Refer to the project Responsibility Matrix.

 

2. ADDITIONAL CONTENT

It is important that the export view is set up correctly to avoid unrequired elements. Always create an IFCExport view specifically for this purpose.

Using Export linked files as separate IFCs will minimise the file size but will generate individual IFCs for each linked model.

 

3. PROPERTY SETS

The Export user defined property sets needs to be set to the correct mapping table to ensure consistency in all IFC exports.

The Classification Settings… may be blank if not yet set in your RVT model. They are not included in the default settings:

The Name must be Uniclass to ensure consistency in all IFC exports.

The Classification field name is a list of the parameters that will be converted to classifications (a specific type of IFC property). The list must include:

COBie.Type.Category,COBie.Space.Category,COBie.Facility.Category

Should you need to use multiple entries from multiple classifications, a more flexible method is to use the ClassificationCode parameters:

1. Once loaded, Evolve-MasterSharedParameters-ISO19650.txt shared parameters file contains ClassificationCode, ClassificationCode(2) and ClassificationCode(3) in the IFC Properties Parameter Group:
   
2. Add the ClassificationCode parameters as Project Parameters to all necessary elements.
3. The values need to be entered in the following format:
   [Name of classification] Code : Description

   e.g.

   

4. Once the IFC is exported the classifications will be created each as a separate IfcClassificationReference:

 

4. LEVEL OF DETAIL

It should not be necessary to change these settings.

 

5. ADVANCED

The use of Export parts as building elements is ticked by default, however, this will not have any effect on the export unless Parts are set to display in the view. For this purpose, create an IFCExportWithParts view.