Import of IFC files

For importing IFC Files, there are two different import tools that can be used. Depending on the type of model to be imported and its properties, as well as the requirements and desired results, either of these functions may work best.

IFC Import

• This is normally the best tool for importing a significant IFC Model

• The IFC Explorer has extra facilities to handle elements of IFC classes groups and layers, and it always imports to an E3D Design Zone and stores repeated IFC property sets efficiently. In case the project requirements for IFC navigation are different than what the IFC Explorer provides then it is possible to configure an alternative flexible explorer for this purpose Sample Addin FlexibleExplorerAddin (aveva.com).

• For cases where the requirements that go beyond the capabilities of the standard IFC Import process, there is an opportunity to customise the process by using PML Objects. For more information refer to How to customise ifc import and export processes (aveva.com).

MultiCAD Import

• The MultiCAD Import also offers an option to import IFC files which can be tried where the regular IFC Import does not provide the desired results

• The MultiCAD Explorer does not have IFC specific groupings but can import to lower level elements, for example EQUI. The MultiCAD Import may therefore work better for importing for importing components rather than whole buildings

• For 32bit versions of E3D Design, the MultiCAD Import can potentially import somewhat larger IFC files.

Transfering models from Autodesk Revit

• For cases where the model originates from Revit, MultiCAD Import also supports native Revit format. This might give better results than IFC depending on the model properties and requirements.

• Refer to the following documents that provide guidance on how to best prepare and export models from Revit:

  • Suggested way to export model from Revit to E3D

  • Limiting number of elements exported from Revit to E3D, using Revit IFC interface.