I have shared many articles about the BIM standard system before. In recent years, China has also introduced relevant policies and standards. Many readers have expressed interest in learning more about these standards. Today, I will present an Introduction to IFC and COBie in the BIM Standard System!
1. IFC
IFC was developed by an international non-profit organization called buildingSMART, with the primary goal of establishing international standards for cross-platform collaboration and the sharing of building information models. In 1994, twelve American software companies joined forces to create a set of standards. The International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) was officially established in October 1995 and gradually promoted these ideals worldwide. Today, buildingSMART has 13 chapters and 22 member countries globally. In 2006, IAI was renamed buildingSMART.
IFC is an open information exchange standard designed to integrate all data throughout a building’s lifecycle into a single BIM, enabling software across the entire lifecycle to share and exchange information seamlessly.
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The IFC structure is divided into four levels, each containing several modules. Generally, developers and users don’t need to understand the entire IFC standard but only the relevant parts after grasping the overall framework and core structure. For example, if you want to find geometric information, you can look into the geometric modules within the resource layer.
The biggest advantage of IFC is interoperability, meaning information can be shared and circulated across different system platforms. IFC provides very detailed structural components to describe 3D buildings accurately.
2. COBie
The Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) standard was published by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 2007. Its primary purpose is to collect and integrate facility management information necessary for future handover to the operations team during the design and construction phases, facilitating the building’s operation and maintenance.
COBie, also known as the Construction Operation Building Information Exchange Standard, focuses on the exchange of information obtained throughout design, construction, operation, and management. This data is provided by architects and engineers for floor layouts, spaces, or facilities, and by contractors for equipment product numbers, models, and more, allowing all project participants to input relevant data at each stage for use by future facility managers.
The COBie information architecture can be divided into two main parts:
(1) Space and equipment: Spaces include floors, rooms, and zones;
(2) Equipment: Divided into types, components, and systems. To support maintenance operations, spare parts, tasks, and resources are linked to the equipment types.
Using COBie helps capture and record crucial project data from the very beginning, such as equipment lists, product datasheets, warranties, material inventories, and preventive maintenance plans. Once the building is completed and operational, this information becomes essential for supporting operations, maintenance, and asset management.
That concludes our Introduction to IFC and COBie in the BIM Standard System. I hope this article has been helpful to everyone!
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