Geometry

IFC-IMPORT
IFC FILES
The 'Industry Foundation Classes' (ifc) is an open standard in construction for digital description of building
models, it is also referred to as BIM (Building Information Modelling).
Logical building structures (e.g.: walls, slabs, openings) and their related properties (e.g.: material,
component strength) are mapped. With the help of ifc files, complex spatial planning data can be transferred
between different software systems.
ifc is supported by numerous software for exchange of building data. Its application areas are, among others
2d/3d CAD, statical and energy analysis, determination of quantities or costs.

IMPORT
AxisVM supports the import/export of ifc files from versions 2.0
through 2x4 (current Version, also referred to as ifc4). ifc files can be
imported through the menu "File" : "Import".
In case the ifc file is not shown, the file type must be changed (selection
menu on the bottom of the window).
On import, several options can be
chosen.
If an ifc model is already imported
in the current model, it is possible
to update it to readjust changes.
The modifications are documented in an additional window.
Files with format ifc 2x4 (current version) can contain the definition of
loads, supports and joints, as well as other structural elements. In this
case, the option "Static model" is available for reading the file.

After importing the file the architectural model will be

visible in AxisVM.
The individual components are colored by type.
Wall (vertical surface), brown

Slab (horizontal surface), green

Column (vertical bar), blue

Beam (horizontal bar), yellow

The quick access button (bottom right)

toggles the visibility and/or snap function for
lines and nodes of the architectural model.

The visibility and the snap function of individual object groups on the ifc-model
can be activated or deactivated from the layer manager.

Copyright by IngWare AG 1 01.06.2016

Geometry

STATICAL MODEL
The function "Architectural Model" (tab "Elements") is used for the generation of a statical model based
on the ifc data.

AUTOMATIC GENERATION
First, the elements from the architectural model to be edited can be
selected. This is done with the button "Create Model Framework".
After the selection of the desired
elements and the confirmation
with "OK", the components
properties can be defined.

The properties are assigned independently for

every type of structural element. The
component's thickness (for surface elements)
or cross-section (for line elements) can be
inherited from the architectural model ("auto")
or it can be manually set.
If different properties are to be assigned to a single type of structural
element, it can be done in multiple steps, selecting only elements with
matching properties. Alternativeley the properties can be set uniformly
at first and be modified subsequently in the AxisVM model.

After the assignment of all nescessary properties of

structural elements, an AxisVM model is created.
An automatically generated model from ifc data uses
the same elements as a model built entirely inside
AxisVM. The same procedures to complement and
modify the model apply.

Copyright by IngWare AG 2 01.06.2016

Geometry

POST-IMPORT MODIFICATIONS
After importing the architectural data and generating the static model, it usually must be edited. Below some
typical differences are given between architectural and calculation models.
Depending on the software and procedures used for modelling, additional differences between the ifc model
and the intended statical system can occur. In any case the automatically generated model ha to be checked
and if necessary, adjusted by the engineer. However, the adjustments usually take less effort than the
manual modelling of the structure.

WALL/SLAB CONNECTION
Depending on the input method, it can happen, that walls are extended above slabs.
The top edge of the wall has to be be corrected so that the axes of both elements
connect and thus allow for the consideration of the statical relationship between wall
and slab.

DETAIL LEVEL & MODEL SIMPLIFICATIONS

In many cases is the architectural model too detailed for a statical analysis (e.g.:
minor misalignment of elements). The static model should be simplified at these
points to simplify later modifications, optimize calculation time and facilitate the
result analysis.

CORNERS BETWEEN WALLS

Depending on the input method used, corners between walls can be correctly
connected (left picture, bottom walls) or they can feature a gap between them (left
picture, top walls). This depends on input method and can be corrected in the statical
model.

OVERLAPPING SLABS
An overlap of slabs may result from the creation of
stepped slabs. Such an overlap does not reproduce
the structural behaviour of slab recesses.
In general, the architectural model doesn't contain
any statical connection between the two parts of the
slab. Therefore the slab recess has to be modelled manually after the ifc import.

NON-STUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Non-structural elements or elements with no statical significance (e.g: railings) have to be removed (deleted)
from the model. It is important to ensure that not only the unwanted elements but also the associated
geometry objects (nodes, lines) are deleted since there will affect the mesh generation.

COMPLEMENTING THE MODEL

Architectural models do not contain all statically relevant information. Particularly the following properties
have to be complemented in many cases.
 Material properties (can be taken from the material database in the generation of the static model)
 Supports
 Element connections (e.g.: joints)
 Loads

Copyright by IngWare AG 3 01.06.2016