Importing model to IFC format

The new LIRA-CAD module offers a more flexible and accurate way to define parameters for the work with IFC files. This greatly enhances the import process and data adaptability to project requirements. Users may now configure the correspondence between object parameters in IFC and parameters in the LIRA-CAD module. The settings can be applied individually for each type of objects, ensuring high accuracy of data transfer and correspondence.

Key features and improvements:

• Import of the model with updating of all structures in the model:
  

  Users can import the model to an existing building and replace the previous structures with the current version; it helps to synchronise the data at different stages of the design.

• Import of several structures within the one project:
  

  Import of multiple structures within a single project is supported; it simplifies the work with complex models and improves coordination between different design chapters.

• Improved mechanism for conversion of objects:
  

  An improved algorithm is implemented; it converts general-purpose objects into LIRA-CAD compliant structural elements, speeding up the data integration process.

• Setting the parameters of materials and sections:
  

  It is possible to specify material and cross-sectional parameters for each group of elements on an element-by-element basis. This provides greater flexibility in modelling and analyses, allowing the design to be adapted to specific requirements.

• A mechanism to sort and evaluate data in the dialog box:
  

  In the import dialog box now it is possible to sort columns; it makes working with huge amounts of data more convenient and makes data evaluation and correction easier.

• Option to display the number of elements by groups:
  

  There is a column with the number of elements that belong to certain groups based on materials or sections; it enables the user to quickly assess the scope of the project.

• Flexible modification of additional parameters:
  

  The import tool increases data transfer accuracy and facilitates collaboration with other project participants by enabling the user to set attributes such as IFC identifier, interpretation, tags, and names.

• Improved mechanism for generation of storeys:
  

  Updated algorithm for generation of storeys for imported buildings in case there is no information about storeys or slabs located at intermediate elevations between levels. This ensures correct generation of storeys and facilitates further work with the model.

Exporting the model to IFC format

The program exports the model to the IFC format that supports flexible configuration and permits the exported data to be modified in accordance with project specifications.

This tool provides the following options:

• To select the objects to be exported:
  
  • all objects of the model.
  • selected objects; it is convenient for transferring only individual parts of the project.
  • selected and visible objects with account of the current view of the model on the screen.
• Checkpoint snap of the building:
  

  When exporting, you can set the exact coordinates of the checkpoint snaps for the building; it ensures correct positioning of the models in the general project and makes integrating with other applications and participants easier.

• To customize the settings for the export:
  

  The tool enables the user to flexibly select the parameters to be exported for each element. This includes geometric properties, physical properties, materials and other data important for an accurate description of the model.

• To save the presets of the settings:
  

  The presets for the export settings can be saved for easy reference. So, you could use the preset settings in the subsequent export operation, saving the time and reducing the possibility of configuration errors.

• User-defined parameters:
  

  The User-defined parameters tool allows the user to create a set of additional parameters that you can control during the process.

  These parameters are also transferred to IFC format and can be integrated with other programs, ensuring full data consistency throughout all stages of the design process.

A major improvement that offers more precise and adaptable parameter settings when importing IFC files is included in the latest release. As a result, users now have the ability to establish more detailed relationships between parameters of an IFC object and parameters of objects in the LIRA-CAD module. Each particular kind of object can have this customization applied; it helps with more precise and customized data import.

The following key changes and improvements should be noted:

• Parameters of IFC objects: Now, when importing an IFC file, users can customize parameters of the IFC objects so that they correspond to parameters of objects in the LIRA-CAD module. This makes it possible for the two systems to match data more precisely and facilitates a quicker import procedure.

• Matching for materials and cross-sections: A new option to match materials and cross-sections in elements is added for more in-depth modelling and evaluation. When importing data from IFC, this helps the user determine the element properties more precisely.

• Assign properties to structural elements: Now you can assign properties to structural elements. Then, such elements are imported to LIRA-CAD either with all properties or with selected ones. This makes it possible to fill the model with the necessary information in LIRA-CAD module.

• Filters for objects: New functionality enables the user to filter objects based on the parameters used in IFC objects. This makes it easier to find objects that have a certain set of parameters.

• Export of elements with built-up sections: This feature expands the possibilities for platform and system integration by enabling the export of elements with built-up sections to IFC.

• Check the model after import: When the building information model is imported and the frame structure is created, a check for possible errors is made for the entire model. The inaccuracies are subsequently corrected in an automated procedure.

These updates make working with IFC files much more accurate and flexible. They also make it easier to integrate IFC with the LIRA-CAD module, which in turn helps to design building structures more precisely and efficiently.