Currently, the domestic construction market offers a wide range of BIM software, covering various application areas. However, several challenges remain in their practical use. In this article, we will explore common issues encountered with BIM software during implementation.
1. Errors, Missing Information, and Data Loss During File Transfer
There are multiple BIM-based building design software products, such as Autodesk’s AutoCAD Revit series from the United States and Graphisoft’s ArchiCAD series from Hungary, both of which support IFC file import and export. Despite this, errors and missing information frequently occur during file transfers. For instance, KamCalvin and colleagues at Stanford University examined the HUT-600 platform developed using BIM technology. They found that when importing IFC files into ArchiCAD, discrepancies between the software’s internal database and the IFC file format led to data loss and errors in building components.
Similarly, research by Pazlar, T., and others from the University of Ljubljana revealed that when transferring IFC files among Architectural Desktop 2005, AllPlan Architecture 2005, and ArchiCAD 9, major software vendors depend on proprietary databases to connect with their platforms. Since these databases do not fully comply with the IFC standard, information loss and errors during IFC import and export are unavoidable.
2. Inability to Store Multiple Projects Using IFC Files
Most software vendors currently adopt storage methods similar to Autodesk’s DWG file system, where each file contains only one or a few drawings. This approach is inadequate for managing multiple projects, numerous files, and large datasets. Although Revit can store one project per file, it faces two key limitations: it cannot hold multiple projects within a single file, and project files tend to be very large. These large files slow down importing, exporting, and editing processes, reducing overall efficiency.
3. Limited Professional Software Support for IFC File Format
Architecture is a multidisciplinary domain involving specialties such as structural analysis, preliminary budgeting, and more. Unfortunately, software that fully supports the IFC file format across these varied functions remains scarce. In the long term, there is a need to develop specialized software tailored to these functions with native IFC support. In the short term, creating file format conversion tools to translate IFC files into formats compatible with existing functional software is essential.
In conclusion, these challenges clearly highlight the current limitations faced by BIM software applications. Nevertheless, with ongoing advancements and research in BIM technology in China, these issues are expected to be effectively addressed in the near future.
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