Collaboration IFC webinar series showcases data exchange using open formats

Collaboration IFC is the latest in Central Innovation’s ongoing webinar series and showcases how collaboration across different BIM platforms via open formats can facilitate a superior workflow and better outcomes.

“It’s important to understand BIM is not one type of software or platform in itself but rather a process of many tools working together,” explains Central Innovation’s Principal BIM Specialist, Chandrasekar Rajamani.

“It is a process by which you are building the entire facility as a model virtually inside the computer – this allows you to identify and pre-empt problems which could otherwise occur on site during construction. As with any work process, you get maximum efficiency when you use the right tools for the right job, as opposed to whatever is to hand.

 

And that is the essence of open BIM and what we are demonstrating with the Collaboration IFC series.”

For example, you may be using ARCHICAD but need to bring in other tools into the workflow process, such as in a case when you are working with collaborators who are using Revit files. The IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) file exchange process provides a means of sharing that data through an open BIM format – as opposed to keeping it locked within the application in which was created, accessible only to those who have a license for the proprietary software. The Collaboration IFC series focuses on the benefits of using the IFC open file format – whenever teams working across different platforms need to collaborate.

“As part of the series, we also show how you can use Solibri to review the architectural and engineering designs for different aspects like data integrity, model quality and physical safety compliance,” Chandrasekar adds. “Solibri has several functions which we look at, showcasing functionality for rule-based checking and issues management.

“For example, Solibri enables you to put the various models together to run clash detection tests. To give an overview of the process: you use your own software to share an IFC of the file to another consultant who is working on their native software, who also sends back an IFC. Then we put both IFCs together within Solibri to begin checking the design. This is where a clash detection needs to be done, to ensure elements are not overlapping or clashing. Once you start identifying these clashes, you can then create an ‘issue’ within Solibiri and work to resolve it. You assign that issue to a particular person within the workflow to act on, they then update their model accordingly and send back the IFC again – and that process keeps on happening back and forth until the design is resolved.”

“This is one of the key benefits of using BIM and IFC, in that it enables all parties to work collaboratively – irrespective of the native software formats they are using.

 

“Collaboration via IFC breaks the barrier of working with just the one platform, and we are excited about being able to virtually walk users through the process and show how everyone can use their tool of choice.”

Chandrasekar Rajamani, Principal BIM Specialist at Central Innovation, focusses on Interoperability and OpenBIM processes to help our customers achieve their goals whilst advocating the “right tool for the task at hand” approach. A registered Architect in his hometown India, Chandra has a career spanning 20+ years of international experience (both as Design Architect & BIM Manager) spread across UAE, India, Singapore and Australia. One of his goals is to emphasize the significance of “I” in BIM – it’s all about Information or data. Chandra strives to keep himself up-to-date in the ever-evolving fabric of BIM.

You can register for our webinars here