IFC-importer (BIM from ArchiCAD, Revit, Allplan...) - pre-release

Coding Python Support
1

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a modern method to create and manage architectural projects.
There are several CAD systems based on this technology: ArchiCAD, Allplan, Speedikon, Revit, SketchUp.

IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is a common format for storing and transferring BIM data.

I am working on implementation of this technology to Blender since December 2010.
IFC-importer is based on IFC-parser written by Marijn van Aerle Marijn’s Graduation Project
It is a part of CADtools project, developed for Blender 2.49b.

For more details please visit www.cad4arch.com/cadtools

2

As reference viewer i am using IFC-Engine-Viewer from www.ifcbrowser.com
And on http://www.ifcwiki.org/index.php/Examples i found a lot of IFC examples.

IFC_importer1a.jpg732×562 90.8 KB

above: an IFC model exported from ArchiCAD 9.0 in IFC-viewer.

below: the same after import in Blender 2.49b:

IFC_importer1c.jpg739×534 59 KB

This early developer version has no GUI, parameters must be set up manually in script code.
Walls and Slabs are imported as plain meshes.
It will be possible to import and edit complete BIM within Blender soon.

3


Importer works correctly for walls and slabs, but other elements are not supported yet: no stairs, no openings like windows and doors.

4

I make a good progress with IFC-Importer.
It can import now all architectural entities:

  • WALL
  • WALLSTANDARDCASE
  • SLAB
  • OPENINGELEMENT
  •      WINDOW

  •      DOOR

  •      ROOF

  •      STAIR

  •      STAIRFLIGHT

  •      COLUMN

  •      BEAM

  •      RAMP

  •      RAMPFLIGHT

  •      PLATE

  •      CURTAINWALL

  •      RAILING

  •      MEMBER

  •      SITE
  • SPACE
  • BUILDINGSTOREY

IFC_importer5.jpg1024×687 152 KB

5

hi folks,
last chance to vote before i drop this project!

migius

6

Hi, this is very interesting! I’m not a programmer, but I work as a BIM-coordinator for a large general contractor.

We are currently looking for a solution to implement the ability to view IFC-models in a web browser.

I don’t know if either you know of any such projects, or if there are an integration of blender with graphical interface for web browsers enableing your IFC-import to be viewed in a web browser?

We want to implement an IFC-viewer into some of our building management systems, don’t know if this is possible, but any feedback would be most appreciated :slight_smile:

Any thoughts?

Inge

7

Hi Inge, i think there are several scenarios, with and without Blender. Contact me per email for more details.
migius