In the design, construction, and operation phases of a construction project, numerous BIM software tools are used. Establishing direct information interoperability between these software systems is essential. For software users, information exchange between software can be categorized into four main types: bidirectional direct exchange, unidirectional direct exchange, intermediate translation, and indirect exchange. From the software perspective, information exchange methods include direct exchange, dedicated intermediate file formats, public product data model formats, and XML exchange formats. Among these, the most widely adopted public information exchange standard worldwide is IFC.
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) was introduced by the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI). It is system-independent and serves as a standard for information exchange and sharing throughout various project stages.
The IFC framework forms the core of the IFC standard, detailing specifications for different information descriptions and definitions. It is structured into four layers: the resource layer, core layer, shared layer, and domain layer. The resource layer contains general building information such as materials, dimensions, and pricing. The core layer defines abstract industry concepts including personnel, teams, relationships, and workflows. The shared layer covers common elements like walls, beams, and slabs. Lastly, the domain layer specifies different project domains such as architecture, structural engineering, and equipment.
IDM (Information Delivery Manual) clearly segments the project lifecycle stages. It precisely defines the building information required at each stage and by each professional role, offering a comprehensive set of process modules. IDM identifies creators, users, and other stakeholders of building information, outlining information requirements and methods to filter data using various specialized software tools.
In February 2006, the Dutch company STABU and the Norwegian company BARBI signed an agreement to jointly develop the International Framework for Dictionaries (IFD) standard, building on their prior work. The IFD standard primarily includes concepts and attributes, establishing globally unique identifiers (UUIDs) for names and concepts. These UUIDs link concepts, each defined by a set of attributes connected through these identifiers.
Only through the formulation and enforcement of such standards can effective information sharing and conversion among different departments and disciplines within the construction industry be truly realized.
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