| Product(s): | OpenBuildings Designer | ||
| Version(s): | CONNECT Edition | ||
| Area: | Import/Export | ||
| Subarea: | IFC |
Problem:
How do I convert the model prepared on OBD into IFC format?
Solution:
There are three ways to export DGN to IFC using the OpenBuildings Designer described as follows:
Case 1. Exporting to IFC without extended dataset
Case 2. Exporting to IFC with extended dataset with IFC Psets
Case 3. Exporting to IFC with extended dataset with IFC Psets plus Facilities Management Handover (COBie)
You should follow the steps mentioned below for exporting to IFC as per your requirements.
Case 1. Exporting to IFC without extended dataset:
A) Start OpenBuildings Designer and open the file required to be exported to IFC.
B) Go to File > Export > Exchange File Types > IFC (*.IFC)
C) Thus, the following window appears.
The active DGN file and all displayed References are exported using information and settings specified (Output tab). Author information can also be entered (Author tab) to be exported with the model.
D) The exported IFC (along with the IFC Log) is stored in the following path by default.
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\OpenBuildings CONNECT Edition\Configuration\WorkSpaces\Work_Space_Name\worksets\Work_Set_Name\Output\IFC
Case 2. Exporting to IFC with extended dataset with IFC Psets:
A) Close all instances of the OpenBuildings Designer that is active on the system.
B) Go to the worksets folder located at the following default path.
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\OpenBuildings CONNECT Edition\Configuration\WorkSpaces\Work_Space_Name\worksets
C) Then open the workset CFG file using any text editor (e.g., Notepad or Notepad++ etc.).
For example, if the target file (to be exported to IFC) is to be opened using the workset named "Building_Template_NM", then the file named "Building_Template_NM.cfg" has to be opened located inside the worksets folder.
D) Then scroll down to the bottom most part of the text file and assign the value of the variable 'IFC_WORKSET' to 1. Then save and close the CFG file. This extends the dataset with IFC property sets.
E) Then restart the OpenBuildings Designer.
In the following example, it can be seen how the IFC Psets have been added to the properties panel after the whole process of extending the dataset is complete.
F) After that, go to File > Export > Exchange File Types > IFC (*.IFC) and continue with the exporting process as described in the previous case (from case 1).
Case 3. Exporting to IFC with extended dataset with IFC Psets plus Facilities Management Handover (COBie)
A) Follow the steps up to point (E) described in case 2. The only difference is you have to assign the value of 'IFC_WORKSET' to 2 in this case.
B) Then go to File > Export > Exchange File Types > IFC (*.IFC). Then select Facilities Management Handover in the IFC Export dialog box and click Export.
For additional information on this topic, you can visit the following wiki links.