IFC import

With the BIM import extension an entire building can be imported from a Building Information Model (BIM) in the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data format. After a simulation, some of the simulation results can be exported to an IFC file, see Export results.

To import an IFC file select Import > IFC to ESBO… in the File menu and select an IFC file which includes ifcSpaces. This will bring up a dialog with a table of the ifcSpaces in the IFC file, Figure 16.

Figure 16.

Use template building Select which ESBO building should be used as a template. In this building there should be rooms with the same name as the space types in the IFC file (Room template in the table) and window types, see page 15. A template building can also be created from an IFC file, see below.

Name The name of the ifcSpace. Will be the name of the room if it is imported.

Import Select which ifcSpaces to import.

Room template The name of the space type in the IFC file. If a room template of this name does not exist in the template building the name is red. Any room in the template building can be selected from a drop-down menu. When clicking OK the created room will have the same internal gains, indoor climate standard, heating, ventilation, cooling, constructions and window types as the selected room template. The geometry will however be taken from the ifcSpace.

Area Floor area of the ifcSpace.

Floor level Floor level of the ifcSpace.

AHU name Name of the AHU that serves the ifcSpace if this information is included in the IFC file. This is used for information only. A building in ESBO can only have one AHU. If the building in the IFC file has several AHUs it needs to be divided into several ESBO buildings.

To add room templates from an IFC file to a template building select Import > Room templates from IFC… on the Room tab. This will bring up a dialog where the default constructions of walls, windows and doors are selected, Figure 17.

Figure 17.

When clicking OK the space types in the IFC file are collected and one room template per space type is created. These room templates can then be attributed in the desired configuration to be used in the IFC import of the entire building, Figure 16.