how to add data into IFC attributes

[Anonymous]

Did anyone have a clue for how to add data/information into the attributes of the existing IFC building component in ArchiCAD (or any other BIM software)?
Cheers!

[Andy Thomson]

You mean cost, weight, dimensionality, thermal values or what? And are you referring to ArchiCad library objects or native elements?

[Anonymous]

Thanks andyro,
I would like to add thermal value and carbon emission to the object. I am not very sure what is the different between ArchiCAD library object and native elements...I would imagine the ArchiCAD library objects might be an easier option for modification.

Cheers!
Eugene

[Andy Thomson]

Right, native elements don't have parameter fields that you can add-to (AFAIK), so you can model with objects (ie. a furnace object) and add it's energy characteristics to the parameters. If you want to see how to do this, open up our electrigon object and see how it works. You can add rthese and other fields (such as carbon emissions) based on efficiency + kwh/yr + fuel types, etc.

See here: http://www.archicad.ca/?p=70

You should note however, that these parameters are over and above what is in the IFC spec, so they may not export with an IFC model output - I don't know.