Custom GDL objects IFC-Export: Create hierarchical ArchiCAD elements or split into parts

[Lucien]

Hello everyone,

We have created various logistics elements, such as conveyors, for our work as architects and logistics planners. In order to use these objects for BIM coordination, provisions for spaces were created within the objects. Is it possible to export these provisions for spaces and the actual objects separately (see image 1)? Similar to how hierarchical ArchiCAD elements, such as stairs and curtain walls, can be exported?

If this feature is limited to certain ArchiCAD tools, perhaps it is possible to use the “Split Complex Building Elements into parts” option in the IFC exporter.

Link ArchiCAD Help: Geometry Conversion for IFC Export

Image 1

Cheers,

Lucien

[scottjm]

This is not possible with GDL objects unfortunately and that ifc seeing you reference only does this splitting in curtain walls, stairs and railings (pretty sure that’s all). 

I too would love the ability to have sub objects within a main object. 
i would suggest you add it too the Wishlist and hopefully we can get such a feature one day. 

[Davor P]

Have you considered connecting provisions for spacing with a custom model view option? You could then control visibility of physical component and space. In one MVO turn space off, save as view and publish to IFC. Then in the second MVO turn off physical component. Combine IFCs afterwards.

[Lucien]

Hello Scott

Unfortunately I have come to the same conclusion. I managed to separate the two elements during IFC export by assigning them different building materials and setting the IFC exporter to split complex components into “IfcBuildingElementPart”.  Unfortunately, this is not as useful as I had hoped. 

I will create a feature request for user-defined hierarchical elements when I get the chance.

Cheers,
Lucien

[Lucien]

Hi Davor

We have MVO to control the visibility of the provision for spaces geometry. Unfortunately, you cannot use it to control the classification of objects. This would therefore have to be solved via an IFC post-processing process. Although this is possible with IfcOpenshell, it makes the whole process error-prone and complex.

To be honest, it's probably the only option we have at the moment.

Cheers,

Lucien

[Lucien · Accepted solution]

Hi everyone,

Because it is currently not possible to create user-defined hierarchical objects, I have created a feature request for this: Feature Request

Cheers,

Lucien