BIM Xella digital planning

QUICK
GUIDE
Project handling with the
data exchange format IFC

1. Which advantages does digital data exchange offer?

Consistent transfer of information during the whole course of the project

Topicality Every party involved works on
the same version and shares the same
data situation.
Reduction of errors Clashing errors can
be detected and prevented early in the
3D-model. Additionally, data does not
have to be translated, as it can be
interchanged directly (A plan always has
to be read and translated, while the
model is just interchanged).
Material testing Advice on optimization of
material selection and alternatives with
simultaneous examination of statics,
building physics and profitability.
Time saving Real time data exchange in
the same log

Classic 2D planning Digital 3D planning

Floor plans
Cuttings
Views

Intelligent
building model /
object

WE 4
-C S -2

1|4 BIM Quick Guide | Project processing via IFC

2. Which format should be used for interchanging data?
As the IFC-format has been used successfully for interchanging models and
information since the 1990s, it is generally regarded as the standard-format
internationally.
Nowadays, every established planning The construction industry has agreed on this format as
software offers an IFC-Export. being the standard und uses it comprehensively.

Classical 2D Planing Digital 3D Planning

MICROSOFT WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT PDF FORMAT

SKETCHUP, ARCHICAD, REVIT, ALLPLAN, VECTORWORKS IFC FORMAT

STRUCTURE AND DESIGN OF A 3D IFC MODEL

IFC Project

IFC Site

IFC Building

IFC Buildingstorey

IFC Building Elements

Wall 01

Wall 02

2|4 BIM Quick Guide | Project handling via IFC

3. What do I have to keep in mind when working on a 3D-model?
Explanation of the model-structure
A distinct approach on modeling saves time and prevents doing work twice.
Furthermore it is the basis for the IFC-data-export.
3.1 Intersections of walls have to be 3.3 Overlapping of components has to be 3.6 The model-structure inside a building
modeled in advance (Bumps, dovetailing) avoided: Wall-to-wall, wall-to-ceiling should be modelled floor by floor, e.g.
3.2 Layered components have to be 3.4 If surfaces have to be defined, they 00 ground floor, 01 1st floor etc.
avoided: individual wall layers are must be defined consistently The created objects / entities should be
modeled separately. 3.5 Most programs offer the clash clearly assigned to the floors
detection option

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.6

4. How do I create an IFC-file? Explanation of the attribute-mapping

when exporting a 3D-model
Beside the basic conventions in organizing an IFC-File, Xella emphasizes working
with an extended agreement for securing a loss-free data communication.
Ask your software providers: most of them will provide an IFC-export add-on.

After modelling the 3D-model, the Attribute mapping The correct use and
attributes of the individual objects must classification of components (entities) is
be conveyed into the different classes of particularly important. Depending on the
the IFC-file: software used, this is automated.

Type and type-name, e.g. wall, Walls > ifcWall

exterior wall Layer thickness
Layer thickness Load-bearing / non-load-bearing
Load-bearing / non-load-bearing Exterior / interior
Exterior / interior Strenght class
Strenght class …
... Material  ifcMaterial
Material (e.g.: ACC) Vents  ifcWindow, ifcDoor, ifcOpening …
Vents ...

3|4 BIM Quick Guide | Project handling via IFC

5. Which object information is provided to us?
We simplify the short- and long-term communication by defining the features
and feature-sets distinctly

You receive the following features from Xella as an IFC-export:

Xella P-Set:
X_Plant
X_CAD-No.
X_ERP-No.
X_Fire-rating

Do you have more questions? Please contact our BIM-experts at

bluesprint@xella.com.

About Xella
With sales of 1.6 billion Euros, 95 plants and over 7,000
employees, the Xella Group is one of the leading international
solution providers in the building and insulation materials
sector. Xella is the parent company of such well-known brands
as Ytong, Silka, Hebel, Multipor and Ursa and, with its digital
planning service blue.sprint, is one of the pioneers in digitally
supported construction processes.
www.xella.com

4|4 BIM Quick Guide | Project handling via IFC