topic Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry in Collaboration with other software

Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

GOBA — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 10:19:15 GMT

Hi all!

I tried to place an Ifc using “General import” translator and the geometry is incorrect.

Using “Exact geometry” it’s correct, but I would like that architects can see the information, so I would like they use the other translator.

I spoke with SIMBIM (Spain) and they told me they needed the exportation schema, but I don’t have it and I haven’t been able to obtain it from the software company.

I have the Ifc file expecting someone from Archicad would be able to see what’s happening. I think all the necessary information is in the Ifc file:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/b4qjkas3ihz6t07/E0012_StruBIM%20Steel.ifc?dl=0

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

Miha_M — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 16:46:50 GMT

I get the same results. Also importing as exact geometry (morph or object based) works. In Solibri anywhere the model looks ok.

Which information would you like the architects to see? I don't see any information missing in the exact geometry import - I used the object based one.

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

GOBA — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:05:40 GMT

Hi Miha!

Thanks, I’m not sure what I could have different in the “Exact Geometry” translator but I think it’s correct.

The thing is I don’t know how to select each element as you do because all the model is 1 object.

There is something I suppose I’m not doing ok.

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

GOBA — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:12:41 GMT

Is it possible that you are in an independent file?

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

Djordje — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:17:09 GMT

In general:

We rarely directly link the IFCs directly into our master models.

We usually link them into an empty PLN started from our template, troubleshoot there, save, and then link into the master file as a Module. Best of both worlds, as you can edit it in the individual file, update the IFC if needed (link if you expect revisions, open if you don't), manage objects, layers, remove rivets, nuts, bolts, and washers (quite necessary on a 24 000m2 distribution facility...), have LOD reference MVOs and layer combos, etc...

The Info is still present, and the scheduling works.

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

GOBA — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:24:38 GMT

Ok, thanks!!!

But the initial question remains, because in the empty PLN geometry is not correct. I would like to know if there is a problem in importation or if in the ifs itself (so I would speak with the other software company.

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

Miha_M — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:30:25 GMT

I had it opened in an independent file, true. Imported through exact geometry (object based) so imported elements are translated into library elements. As @Djordje noted, using an independent file and linking that one to your project does make life easier.

Based on what I can see from your post maybe you only have to suspend groups, then you can select each element?

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

Miha_M — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:46:55 GMT

You can and should set the IFC translator settings. For "General Import" you have some options for geometry conversion and it was the "Parametric Construction and MEP Elements" option for me which produced geometry errors. If you switch this one to "Objects" you should get correct geometry conversion. This way you get the same settings as the "Exact geometry" translator has - im my case on v26 INT.

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

GOBA — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:14:29 GMT

Ok, thanks, I see what you mean. Beams, columns are now objects. So once I import with “General Import > Objects”, I suspend groups. If the architects want to see if a beam is an IPE xx they need to open the dialog and consult the properties.

When elements are imported as native, only placing the mouse over the element, a box shows this information (I think this is much better). But due to the incorrect geometry, this is not the way.

So, I don’t really know why this is happening, I am not going to be able to improve it, but at least there is a solution.

Thanks!!

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

Djordje — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:26:32 GMT

Is it possible that this is a bug in the Translator/import process that was not noticed until now?

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

Miha_M — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:45:40 GMT

Translating IFC geometry into parametric objects is probably far more complex then just translating geometry data. Geometry and data are well defined through the ifc format standard, while translation processes which recreate parametric objects are not and probably depend on both software, the exporting and the importing one. I guess the translation process which translates construction elements into native archicad elements (beams, columns, etc.) is the one which wasn't working well here. Now if this is caused by the original software ifc output method or the Archicad import settings I don't know. This question should be addressed to GS.

I didn't try to ativate the Profile Attributes in the following picture. Maybe this would give better results?

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

GOBA — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 08:29:32 GMT

Ok, thanks, that’s not working but I didn’t know that so it’s great.

I think I’m stuck here because in SIMBIM (one of GS distributors in Spain) need information from Cype (software used to create the structural model). I think I’m not going to be able to have that information. I’m gonna try again.

I really appreciate you all participating in this topic! 😄

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

Miha_M — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:08:26 GMT

More info about the IFC import options is available here:

Geometry Conversion for IFC Import (graphisoft.com)

Re: Ifc placed with hotlink has errors in geometry

GOBA — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 07:10:23 GMT

Thanks!

I finally was able to get the information of the exportation. It’s the zip attached in this site:

https://www.aisc.org/technical-resources/ifc/

I sent it to SIMBIM to study it. Once I have an answer, I’ll let you know.