Autodesk 235B1-05A761-1301 - AutoCAD MEP 2010, User Manual

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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
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