Successfully exporting Revit models to Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) formats is essential for effective collaboration in Building Information Modeling (BIM). Kevin Fielding of Sheppard Robson offers expert guidance on how to perform this process correctly, ensuring data integrity and interoperability. In this article, we will explore key strategies to optimize your Revit to IFC workflows for seamless project delivery.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Revit to IFC Export
Before diving into the practical steps, it’s vital to grasp why a correct Revit to IFC export process is crucial. IFC is a neutral, open standard that facilitates data exchange between different BIM applications, enabling stakeholders to collaborate effectively. However, improper export settings can lead to data loss, misinterpretation, or duplicated elements, which compromise project accuracy and efficiency.
Kevin Fielding emphasizes that mastering the export process requires a deep understanding of both Revit’s export settings and IFC’s data structure. This knowledge ensures that essential information such as geometry, parameters, and classifications are preserved during transfer, supporting smoother coordination across all project phases.
Executing a Proper Revit to IFC Export Workflow
Achieving a high-quality Revit to IFC exchange starts with preparation and precise configuration. Here are essential steps recommended by Kevin Fielding:
- Pre-Export Model Audit: Conduct a thorough review of your Revit model to identify and resolve issues such as duplicated elements, incomplete parameter data, or misclassified objects. Cleaning the model beforehand reduces export errors.
- Configure Export Settings: Use Revit’s Export dialog to customize IFC options. Select appropriate IFC versions (e.g., IFC4 or IFC2x3), and enable feature sets that match your project requirements. Pay special attention to class mappings and property sets to ensure data consistency.
- Mapping and Classification: Ensure that all Revit elements are correctly classified and parameter-labeled according to IFC standards. Kevin advises setting up shared parameter mappings to maintain consistency across projects, which enhances interoperability.
- Test and Validate the Export: Conduct test exports on smaller model sections to verify data fidelity. Use IFC viewers and comparison tools to check that geometry, properties, and classifications transfer accurately. Fine-tune export settings based on these tests for optimal results.
- Export and Quality Control: Once satisfied, export the full model. Post-export, perform quality control checks to confirm that critical data is intact and that the model aligns with project requirements. Address any discrepancies before proceeding to downstream processes.
By adhering to these steps and leveraging Kevin Fielding’s expertise, practitioners can significantly improve the reliability of their Revit to IFC workflows, fostering better collaboration and reducing costly data issues.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of Revit to IFC export, as outlined by Kevin Fielding, involves a combination of detailed model preparation, configuration, and validation. Proper execution ensures accurate data transfer and enhances project coordination across diverse software platforms. By implementing these best practices, professionals can optimize their BIM workflows, leading to more integrated and successful project delivery.