Autodesk 235B1-05A761-1301 User Guide - Page 611

Using Industry Foundation Classes The International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) has established international standards for common architectural and construction objects in the building industry. In particular, the International Alliance for Interoperability developed an Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data model to define CAD graphic data as 3D real-world objects. The IFC file format provides interoperability between IFC-certified software applications and reduces loss of information when files are transmitted. You can export drawings saved in AutoCAD MEP to the IFC format and then import the file into another IFC-certified application. The dimensions of any 3D architectural objects, including building system objects, are preserved when exporting to IFC. Before you can export an MEP drawing file to IFC, you need to map each MEP object to the appropriate IFC classification. This step allows MEP objects developed in AutoCAD MEP to display properly in other IFC-certified applications. You can assign IFC classifications to the following MEP objects: ■ Cable tray ■ Cable tray fitting ■ Conduit ■ Conduit fitting ■ Duct ■ Duct custom fitting ■ Duct fitting ■ Duct flex ■ Hanger ■ Multi-View part ■ Panel ■ Pipe ■ Pipe custom fitting ■ Pipe fitting ■ Pipe flex The IfcShareBldgElements (MEP) DWG drawing file contains the IFC classifications for these MEP objects. This file resides at \ProgramData\Autodesk\MEP 2010\enu\Styles. The following IFC object classifications are supported in AutoCAD MEP: ■ IfcDistributionChamberElement ■ IfcDistributionControlElement ■ IfcDistributionFlowElement ■ IfcEnergyConversionDevice ■ IfcFlowController ■ IfcFlowFitting ■ IfcFlowMovingDevice Using Industry Foundation Classes | 593