Benchmark tests for BIM data exchanges of precast concrete

Data exchanges between building information modeling (BIM) tools have been tested in a structured set of detailed benchmark tests using a small but complex building model. The tests have shown that despite progress in developing and implementing Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), much work is still needed to achieve fully effective interoperability. Imperfect exchanges arose from the lack of uniformity in the way the internal object schemas were mapped to IFC objects and properties. The benchmark tests showed clearly the need for a mutually agreed upon standard that defines how precast architectural facades should be modeled and mapped to the IFC schema and what information is required for each exchange in the workflow. Such definition is essential for coherent interoperability for this, and indeed any, domain.