Updating IFC reference models

[Stefan Videnov]

Hi all,

We're begining to receive almost weekly an updated IFC model the construction. For us it is very useful to import their model in ours and use only the structural steel elements - columns, beams, trusses etc., while filtering everything else e.g. slabs.

The engineers are using Revit and they have multiple reference levels most of which do not match with the floor levels in archicad.

The solution so far has been by importing the IFC into a Helping file story levels that match our main project, deleting all unnecessary elements, then adjusting the Home story and Dispaly Options of most steel elements so they are displayed correctly. After that I link the Helping file as module in the main model. 

This works good, but since it has to be done every time we get an update it becomes a time sinkhole.

How can I improve on this process?

Thank you and kind regards!

[Stefan Videnov]

^bump

[Laszlo Nagy]

When you import the IFC file, do you use the Model Filter in the IFC Translator to bring in only elements you need? That way, you don't need to delete them as they are not even brought in to begin with.

Also, check the Help files for the functionality of the 

File > Interoperability > IFC > Update with IFC Model menu command:

https://help.graphisoft.com/AC/26/INT/index.htm?rhcsh=1&rhnewwnd=0&rhmapid=#t=_AC26_Help%2F121_IFC%2...

It may do what you want when you get a new updated IFC file.

[Stefan Videnov]

Hi Laszlo, 

Thanks for the answer. Biggest issue so far is that the Revit models have completely different levels and I do have to adjust them so the different beams/columns are shown correctly. 
So far I haven't used the Update with IFC model command, because when I tried it it overwrote the home stories I've set.

[Brandon-W_DWa]

@Stefan Videnov  did you ever find a good solution for this? My firm is in the same situation. I, too, thought the "Update with IFC Model" command would function as a way to update a modified IFC file from an engineer, but the Help Center specifically states that "Deleted elements and modified elements are ignored", and "Geometry data (size, color, layer) will not be updated or modified". Unfortunately, that's exactly what we need to be updated. Similar to you, we've had to manually cleanup, layer manage, and adjust story settings of IFC elements of the entire model from our consultants every week. A more efficient process would be greatly appreciated!

[Stefan Videnov]

Bad news is that there's no solution.
Good news is that I have since acquired a lot of know-how on the subject and I can give yo ua few tips.

1. Import IFCs (Merge -> Merge form file)  into an archicad Filter file where you can clean them up manually
2. Export the IFCs as modules and import them into your main file.
3. Demand that your advisors (IFC providers) conform to your project basics - levels, 0-point, naming schemes. It is their responsibility to follow the architect and set IFC standards.
4. Familiriise yourself with how the translators work. I have set it up so that normal elements (e.g. walls) become walls, but weirder elements become Objects. This way I can filter all objects, delete the useless things and convert the ress into usable morphs. Alternatively you can set up the translator so that all the would be objects become Morphs directly.
5. Be careful of the imported attributes. If your project is split between several files then a real nightmare begins ( https://www.digital.skewed.com.au/media/webinars/archintensive-2023-dark-side-attribute-chaos
6. Regularly complain the graphisoft, because this is absurd.