ANVÄNDING AV IFC-FILER INOM INFRASTRUKTUR
2024 (Swedish) Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis Alternative title
Use of IFC Files in Infrastructure (English)
Abstract [en]
This study investigates the implementation of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) version 4.3 in the infrastructure sector, focusing on its potential benefits, challenges, and the industry's preparedness for adoption. The research aims to evaluate how IFC 4.3 can enhance data exchange and project management for infrastructure projects while identifying knowledge gaps within the industry. Key research questions include: What are the specific advantages of IFC 4.3 for the construction sector? How prepared are companies and organizations to implement this standard? What areas require further knowledge and training? A qualitative methodology involving interviews with key stakeholders in the infrastructure sector, including representatives from various companies and experts with direct experience in BIM and IFC file management, was employed. Their perspectives and insights were analyzed to provide a multifaceted understanding of the industry's current state and the challenges that must be addressed to achieve effective implementation of IFC 4.3. The findings indicate that IFC 4.3 provides significant advantages for the construction industry by establishing a unified data structure and a standardized format for handling complex geometric data. This standardization facilitates smoother data exchange across different software and stakeholders, reducing the risk of data loss and errors. Additionally, the standard allows for the inclusion of more detailed infrastructure data, such as staked lines and water supply objects, which were challenging to manage using previous formats. Despite these technical advantages, the study reveals several challenges related to the adoption of IFC 4.3. A considerable portion of the industry lacks sufficient understanding and technical expertise to fully utilize the standard's potential, partly due to insufficient training and software support. Furthermore, companies exhibit reluctance to invest the resources required to adapt their workflows, further hindering the transition. A general lack of awareness about IFC and its advantages has also delayed the adoption process. These findings emphasize the necessity of comprehensive training programs and guidelines to bridge the knowledge gap. Clients and organizations such as the Swedish Transport Administration, Trafikverket, could play a crucial role by standardizing the use of IFC 4.3 as a delivery format. A national certification program and courses at technical institutes could also improve understanding and competence in this area. Active efforts to integrate IFC 4.3 as a standard would enhance efficiency, data management, and collaboration in future infrastructure projects.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages 2024.
Keywords [en]
BIM, IFC-files, data exchange, standardization
Keywords [sv]
BIM, IFC, informationsbyte, standardisering
National Category
Other Civil Engineering
Identifiers URN: urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-66424 OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hj-66424 DiVA, id: diva2:1905829
External cooperation
Trafikverket
2024-10-162024-10-152025-10-13 Bibliographically approved