When discussing building information exchange standards for BIM, the first term that comes to mind is IFC. Indeed, IFC is widely recognized as the international BIM standard. But what other standards exist besides IFC? Today, we will explore the main building information exchange standards used in BIM.
1. Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)
To enable smooth and effective data exchange between different BIM software, it is essential to have a standardized data format supported across all platforms. This common standard allows seamless data sharing. The international organization IAI (International Alliance for Interoperability) introduced the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), a comprehensive set of integrated building data standards.
For most BIM users, understanding the literal meaning of “Industry Foundation Classes” is less important than recognizing IFC as the standard format for BIM information exchange. IFC is an open data format designed to facilitate the exchange and sharing of information throughout all stages of construction management.
This standard covers both physical objects—such as doors, windows, walls, lighting fixtures, and furniture—and abstract concepts like spaces and structures. The data is organized in an object database format, enabling various stakeholders to use different software while generating interoperable data. This data can then be shared, applied, and integrated seamlessly across different project phases.
2. Information Delivery Manual (IDM)
IDM stands for Information Delivery Manual. It is important for BIM users to understand what IDM is and why it matters. While IFC provides an open data exchange format to support information sharing among team members and software, the complexity and diversity of projects introduce unique challenges.
Projects differ in type, complexity, and duration, and information exchange often targets specific projects, participants, or workflows. It is neither practical nor necessary to exchange the entire IFC dataset every time information is shared.
Here, IDM plays a crucial role by defining exactly what information needs to be exchanged during each communication. For particular projects or tasks, IDM specifies the required data exchange, which is then executed using the IFC format.
Additionally, understanding the role of MVD (Model View Definition) is helpful. MVD acts as a translator, converting the general language of IDM into the computer-readable format used by IFC.
3. International Framework for Dictionaries (IFD)
Given the diversity and ambiguity of natural languages worldwide, ensuring consistent interpretation of information across different countries, regions, languages, and cultures can be challenging. The International Framework for Dictionaries (IFD) addresses this issue by assigning a globally unique identifier (UUID) to every term and message.
This means that each piece of information within IFC is linked to a unique identifier. When exchanging data, this identifier guarantees that the message is understood uniquely, regardless of the user’s language or background. Thus, the specific terminology used becomes less significant.
For example, in the official IFD documentation, the Norwegian word “dør” and the English word “door” are both commonly translated as “door.” While this might be acceptable in everyday language, it causes confusion in architectural contexts. In Norwegian, “dør” technically refers to a “door frame,” whereas in English, “door” refers to the door itself. This distinction underscores the importance of unique identifiers to avoid misunderstandings during construction information exchange.
In summary, these three standards—IFC, IDM, and IFD—form a solid foundation for data interoperability across different BIM software, moving beyond theoretical concepts.
At the same time, we look forward to the introduction of domestic BIM standards, which will provide a legal basis and practical framework to support BIM applications in China.
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