Logic for ensuring the data exchange integrity of building information models

Industry domains require distinct data and structures of building information models developed and tailored for their disciplines. To seamlessly exchange the building information models, Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), which is one of neutral formats, has been broadly used in the architecture, engineering and construction, and facility management industries. Model view definition (MVD), which is one of the IFC sub-schemas used by domain experts and BIM software vendors, consists of IFC-mapped data exchange requirements of each domain and helps software vendors develop IFC import and export features that allow project participants share and exchange BIM model information. Because of the heterogeneous translation processes and structures of IFC interfaces according to model views, their validation is imperative to ensure the integrity of BIM data and maintain a consistent data exchange environment. To accomplish this objective, this paper suggests the new approach to evaluating BIM data in accordance with diverse requirements of MVD. Since MVD entails various types of data exchange specifications, this research study examines their embedded checking rule types and categorizes corresponding implementation scenarios. In addition, this paper involves rule logic and IfcDoc-based BIM data validation developed based on the logical rule compositions of identified rules types and checking scenarios. This approach is expected to support sharing consistent BIM data sets and confirming the quality of received data pertaining to a syntax and semantics of a targeted model view.     

Logic for ensuring the data exchange integrity of building information models

Industry domains require distinct data and structures of building information models developed and tailored for their disciplines. To seamlessly exchange the building information models, Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), which is one of neutral formats, has been broadly used the architecture, engineering and construction, and facility management industries. Model views definitions (MVD), which is one of the IFC sub-schemas used by domain experts and BIM software vendors, consists of IFC-mapped data exchange requirements of each domain and helps software vendors develop IFC import and export features that allow project participants share and exchange BIM information. Because of the heterogeneous translation processes and structures of IFC interfaces according to model views, their validation is imperative to ensure the integrity of BIM data and maintain a consistent data exchange environment. To accomplish this objective, this paper suggests a new approach to evaluating BIM data in accordance with diverse requirements of MVD. Since MVD entails various types of data exchange specifications, this research examines their embedded checking rule types and categorizes corresponding implementation scenarios. In addition, this paper involves rule logic and IfcDoc-based BIM data validation developed based on the logical rule compositions of identified rules types and checking scenarios. This approach is expected to support sharing consistent BIM data sets and confirming the quality of received data pertaining to the syntax and semantics of a targeted model view.     

工程设计模型数据库应用系统开发

IFC标准所建立的工程设计模型包含海量的数据信息和复杂的非图形信息,不利于设计者对数据信息的有效查询和管理。通过对IFC模型数据集成机制和EXPRESS数据类型映射规则分析,结合IFC中性文件交换技术和标准数据访问接口原理,以及工程设计模型数据信息的特点,在基于PKPM的CFG图形显示平台上设计和开发了工程模型数据库应用系统。通过对北京某一体育馆IFC格式模型的读取,对该系统所提供的用于模型的读取、查询、创建、二维显示等管理功能进行实际应用。结果表明,该系统有助于提高设计者对基于IFC格式的工程设计模型数据信息的日常维护和管理操作。     

建筑信息化模型的数据转换

介绍了建筑信息模型是通过数字信息化技术,将建筑项目的全生命周期的信息容纳在三维模型数据库中,从根本上改变了传统建筑设计所建立的模型系统,其所采用的IFC标准,是建筑行业的数据交换与共享的基本标准,以IFC为标准,并探讨了建筑信息模型与其他建筑行业的专业软件之间实现数据转换的可行性。     

Semantic Enrichment for Building Information Modeling

Significant difficulties remain in exchanging information between building information modeling (BIM) tools. The industry foundation classes (IFC) exchange schema is too generic to capture the full semantic meaning needed for direct use by different construction project stakeholders’ BIM tools. Although BIM standards that prescribe model view definitions (MVD) for domain‐specific exchanges are under development, insufficient semantic definition of exchanges prevents achievement of the full potential of BIM through seamless interoperability. We propose an innovative approach for supplementing an IFC exchange file with semantically useful concepts inferred from the explicit and implicit information contained in the building model. A prototype software was implemented to test the applicability of the approach. It consists of a rule‐processing engine and allows composition of inference rule‐sets that can be tailored for different domains. The tests demonstrate semantic enrichment with precast concrete building models, adding inferred joint, slab aggregation and connection concepts.     

使用BIM方法发展三维规划管理系统势在必行

三维规划管理系统是当前城市规划管理信息化发展的热点之一,同时对三维建筑设计也提出了更高的要求。在对其发展现状及使用技术进行了简要概述和总结,认为在建筑全寿命周期的背景下,结合建筑信息模型(BIM)方法,对新建项目构建完善的建筑信息模型,使用IFC进行数据交换,可以促进信息共享交流,避免重复性劳动,提高建设项目管理的科学性和效率。     

A Rule-Based Subset Generation Method for Product Data Models

Abstract:   A neutral product model facilitates data exchange and integration. Particularly in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction product domains, neutral product models have been developed to support integration across segments of the product lifecycle and thus support a range of applications. Because of this, only subsets of the neutral data structures are utilized in any one exchange. Subsets are also called conformance classes (ISO-STEP, CIS/2) or views (IFC), and include subtle conceptual and intentional differences. In current practice, the subset definition method ranges from just selecting entity data types, to defining a sub schema (data model), or to describing the purpose of the subset in natural language. This diversity in defining a subset comes from the complexity of reference relationships and subtyping capabilities of current product data models defined in the EXPRESS product modeling language. This article presents a formal method for defining a schema subset using set theory. It introduces the concept of a base set. A base set works as a building block of a subset with identified rules. It also identifies subset generation rules and a classification of rules according to schema versus instance, and semantic versus syntactic characteristics of subsets. The presented capabilities are intended to facilitate the generation of views within a product model schema supporting specific exchanges.     

Building energy performance simulation as part of interoperable software environments

Interoperable software makes it possible to seamlessly exchange data among different compliant applications. Among other benefits, this offers opportunities to increase the quality of building energy simulation through simultaneous interaction of multiple design and simulation tools, possible because of direct data exchange among them.This paper discusses the new IFC HVAC extension schemata that are included in the latest release of the IFC data model (IFC2×2) and the new functionalities and industry processes it now supports. It describes an example of interoperable software environment, possible gains from interoperable simulation, and discusses current issues in data exchange for such simulation.     

Component based engineering of a mobile BIM-based augmented reality system

Over the last decade, building information models (BIM) have become increasingly popular. Yet their use on construction sites where the digital materializes, is limited. A technology that can bridge the gap between the digital and the real world is augmented reality (AR). We analyze this gap and the AR potential and present how the component based software engineering method can be used to efficiently implement a BIM-based AR system for construction. An architecture of the software system is proposed and verified by a prototype which was tested in a real construction project. We found out that the use of AR can significantly narrow the semantic gap between the digital model and the real world; that components for creating a BIM-based AR systems exist but currently do not scale well to large models; and that the use in AR applications creates additional requirements the for BIM models and tools, particularly related to the BIM's 4th dimension.     

BSPro COM-Server—interoperability between software tools using industrial foundation classes

The continuing development of the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard by the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) creates new possibilities for achieving interoperability for design software through the use of a common object model of the building and its open data transfer standard. Several architectural CAD tools are already IFC-compliant. However, in-depth knowledge of the highly complex IFC object model is required to develop IFC-compliant software. It has proven quite difficult to read the huge amount of building data stored in an IFC file, extract the information needed by a particular application, and correctly update the IFC file with new data. To make this work easier for developers not familiar with the IFC, Olof Granlund Oy has developed a new development tool, BSPro COM-Server for IFC Files. Using this tool, a software developer of new or existing tools can achieve IFC compatibility with a quite reasonable amount of work.     

基于IFC标准的建筑施工信息模型

为了解决当前建筑施工中信息共享问题,基于IFC标准对建筑施工信息组织与表达方式进行研究。通过对建筑施工过程信息需求分析,建立起以B IM为载体的施工统一信息模型;按照IFC标准对建筑信息的定义,把施工统一信息模型分为过程信息模型、资源信息模型和成本信息模型;通过建立与IFC数据实体一致的类和结构体,对IFC标准对所需信息的表达方法进行研究,进而建立起各自的模型。提出的施工信息统一模型基于B IM技术,采用IFC标准为数据表示和交换规范,不依赖于具体的施工流程和信息管理系统,为促进建筑施工过程中不同专业和部门的信息共享和协作提供了支持。     

基于IFC标准的建筑结构模型的自动生成

当前,在各种商业软件盛行的环境下,设计单位最紧迫的问题是要解决本单位各专业之间的信息交互,而在这些信息交互中,建筑与结构专业的信息交互最为急需。针对这一需要,本文介绍了现今国际上建筑信息模型的数据共享与交换的IFC标准,分析了建筑模型与结构模型信息的组成与特点,研究了通用建筑结构有限元模型的表达方法,建立以IFC标准为基础,通过建筑模型自动生成符合多种结构分析与设计软件的结构模型的基本方法。通过实例验证本研究方法的实用性与可行性,结果表明本方法为各种设计软件间信息的共享与交换提供了一种通用解决方案,为企业内部实现建筑设计集成化提供了技术保障。最后,文章讨论了该研究方向中基于IFC标准的建筑模型的结构构件偏心、节点连接、荷载处理等方面的问题和后续研究方向。     

从节能设计IFC数据生成IDF数据的机制及关键算法

为研制基于BIM技术的建筑节能设计软件,需要实现从IFC数据到能耗模拟软件所需数据的转换。目前国内外已经有一些相关研究,但其具体转换机制和算法并未公开,也没有实现商业化应用。本研究首先建立了建筑节能设计信息需求模型,然后通过分析IFC标准和主流能耗模拟内核EnergyPlus的IDF格式分别建立起了基于IFC标准和IDF格式的建筑节能设计信息模型,之后在该模型的基础上,通过解决一些关键算法建立并实现了由节能设计IFC数据生成ID F数据的转换机制。实际X-程的应用表明所建立的机制能大大提高建模效率。本研究为开发基于B IM技术的我国建筑节能设计软件奠定了基础。     

Design knowledge modeling and software implementation for building code compliance checking

Design knowledge formalization and design information modeling are critical issues in the development of building design support systems such as automated building code checking systems. This paper presents an object-based building modeling approach and its J2EE (Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition) implementation in a distributed system to facilitate the automated online code-checking process. It examines the issues of object-based representation of code provisions Industry Foundation Class (IFC)-compliant object model for building designs; Java-based rule inference and IFC-based geometric reasoning; and software prototype implementation on the J2EE platform. Application scenarios and online services of the prototype demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach and the system for building design conformance checking in a distributed environment.     

IFC and building lifecycle management

This paper presents an extension of the BIM technology that allows to manage information during the entire lifecycle of an AEC project. Usually, AEC projects and facility management are dissociated. Our building information system plays a central role in the improvement of the design and the management process. The building activity generates a great number of data and information of various kinds. The management and the communication of these data by the various participants is complex. Our design and management methods use IFC files to facilitate the sharing process for a better qualification and validation of data.     

“Virtual Design Studio”—Part 1: Interdisciplinary design processes

The “Virtual Design Studio (VDS)” is a software platform currently under development in support of an integrated, coordinated and optimized design of buildings and their energy and environmental systems. It is intended to assist collaborating architects, engineers and project management team members throughout from the early phases to the detailed building design development. The platform helps to facilitate the workflow and the processing of information in combination with appropriate, task-based performance simulation tools as further analyzed in Part 2 of this study (DOI: 10.1007/s12273-013-0111-1). The present paper summarizes how VDS relates to the building design process and its typical project stages, performance-based design considerations and respective performance optimization strategies. It outlines the methodology and scope for the organization, implementation and respective requirements for the VDS platform development based on the interdisciplinary design needs. Part 2 will present the methodology for the systems integration and software implementation of VDS.     

Representing Engineering Information for Constructional Steelwork

This paper examines the concept of data representation in the construction industry. It is concerned with the formal representation of engineering information to facilitate a more integrated and effective approach to construction. It considers the need for change, describes some of the concepts and methodologies employed in the development of product models, and considers the relevance of ISO/STEP to construction.
This paper discusses two techniques in particular— IDEF1X (a graphic modeling language) and EXPRESS (now an International Standard)—emphasizing their relative strengths and weaknesses. The authors suggest approaches to translation between the two languages, highlighting the problems arising from differences in functionality.
This paper is based on the authors' experience during the development and implementation of the CIMsteel Logical Product Model (LPM). The LPM is a product model for structural steelwork building frames, currently covering the design stage of the life cycle.     

基于BIM 的项目文本信息集成方法研究

建筑领域文本信息管理难度大、利用效率低,基于建筑信息模型（BIM）的文本信息集成管理可极大地提高建设项目管理的效率。在介绍BIM 的概念和数据交换标准（IFC）的基础上,提出了基于BIM 的中文文本信息集成方法:基于向量空间模型进行建筑文本分类;利用Revit API 提取模型对象的属性信息并生成查询向量,通过计算其与文本向量的相似度,检索出与模型对象相关的文本文档;利用IFC 提供的外部资源引用将文本关联到BIM 模型,实现文本信息与项目模型的集成。运用该方法从Revit 模型中提取了楼板属性信息并在楼板与文本间建立了关联关系,验证了该方法的可行性。该方法可为基于BIM 的建筑文档集成管理系统的开发提供支持。     

关于建筑数据表示和交换的标准IFC

IFC标准是为了满足建筑行业软件的信息交互与共享而产生的统一数据标准。本文首先概要介绍了IFC标准的产生、发展历程,以及IFC的整体框架结构,而后通过一个例子简要说明了IFC标准的模型实现,最后讨论了业内人士应该更加积极地利用IFC标准为建筑行业软件服务。