IFC Validation Tools for BIM Projects

IFC validation ensures that BIM models meet industry standards, are error-free, and work seamlessly across platforms. Here’s why it matters:

• Improves Data Accuracy: Avoid costly mistakes and rework.
• Streamlines Workflows: Simplifies coordination among stakeholders.
• Ensures Compliance: Meets ISO 16739 and other standards.
• Supports Automation: Enables efficient data sharing using formats like .ifc, .ifcXML, and .ifcZIP.

5 Best IFC Validation Tools

1. buildingSMART IFC Validation Service: Free, official tool for ensuring IFC compliance (supports files up to 250 MB).
2. Solibri Model Checker: Advanced rulesets for clash detection, code compliance, and more.
3. BIMQ: Focuses on managing and standardizing information requirements.
4. Autodesk Model Checker for Revit: Integrates directly with Revit for seamless validation.
5. IfcOpenShell: Open-source toolkit with multi-format support and custom schema loading.

Quick Comparison

Use this guide to select the right tool based on your project’s size, complexity, and specific needs.

Revit and IFC validation in seconds

How to Choose IFC Validation Tools

Selecting the right IFC validation tool is key to ensuring smooth integration within BIM workflows. Here’s what to focus on when making your choice:

IFC Version Support

Make sure the tool supports the IFC versions you need. Compatibility with multiple versions is essential, especially for projects that might involve different standards. Tools that use the EXPRESS interpreter are particularly useful, as they can read and write new IFC versions based on schema description files from buildingSMART International.

User Interface

A well-designed interface saves time and boosts productivity. Look for tools that offer:

• Clear visualization of results
• Intuitive navigation for identifying and addressing errors
• Easy-to-configure rule settings
• Quick access to key features

In addition to usability, the tool should perform thorough validation checks to ensure accuracy.

Checking Options

Your tool should handle these core validation tasks:

• Verifying STEP syntax
• Validating the IFC schema
• Assessing compliance with normative IFC rules

Software Connections

The tool should integrate effortlessly with popular BIM platforms to keep your workflows efficient. It’s also helpful if the tool supports automated validation processes and can manage compressed .ifcZIP files without compromising data integrity.

Error Reports

Effective error reporting is crucial for troubleshooting. Look for tools that provide:

• Detailed descriptions of issues, explaining what went wrong
• Exact locations of errors within the model
• Clear differentiation between critical errors and warnings
• Suggested steps for resolving issues

A good validation tool will separate normative rule violations (errors) from less critical non-normative issues (warnings), helping you prioritize fixes and maintain a steady workflow.

Industry professionals recommend running validation checks early in the workflow. This proactive step lays a strong foundation and helps avoid cascading problems or costly rework later in the project.

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5 Leading IFC Validation Tools

These tools are designed to ensure accurate IFC validation, helping streamline BIM workflows and catch errors early. They focus on compliance, efficiency, and maintaining high standards across projects.

buildingSMART International IFC Validation Service

This is the official open-source platform for validating IFC files against industry standards. It handles files up to 250 MB and performs checks like STEP syntax, schema validation, and normative rule compliance. Beyond basic validation, it also evaluates industry practices and ensures alignment with the buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD).

Solibri Model Checker

Solibri Model Checker provides over 70 predefined rulesets for thorough BIM validation. Its features include geometric analysis, clash detection, IDS and COBie support, and checks for code compliance, accessibility, and fire safety.

BIMQ

BIMQ focuses on managing information requirements across BIM projects. It helps project teams define, share, and maintain consistent information standards. Oleg Scharapow, Senior Function Lead at STRABAG Innovation & Digitalisation, highlights its impact:

"BIMQ helps us to define, manage and share information requirements across the project team and organisation, driving BIM standardisation within the company. The defined information requirements foster a common BIM language across professional and organisational boundaries."

It has been used in government projects, such as Statsbygg’s validation of IFC4 and IFC2x3 models.

Autodesk Model Checker for Revit

This tool integrates seamlessly with Revit, simplifying IFC validation for teams already using Autodesk’s ecosystem.

IfcOpenShell

IfcOpenShell is an open-source toolkit that supports multiple IFC versions, including IFC2X3, IFC4, and IFC4X3. It allows custom schema loading at runtime and works with various file formats like IFC-SPF, IFCJSON, IFCXML, IFCHDF5, and IFCSQL. It also features an IFC authoring API and advanced geometry conversion tools.

Tool Comparison

Here’s a breakdown of two leading IFC validation tools, focusing on their unique strengths. buildingSMART IFC Validation Service is designed to ensure strict IFC compliance, while BIMcollab Zoom centers on model checking and project coordination.

Feature Comparison Chart

Key Details

The buildingSMART IFC Validation Service operates securely through Azure data centers in Amsterdam and Dublin, ensuring encrypted data transfer and storage. This tool is ideal for verifying strict IFC compliance.

On the other hand, BIMcollab Zoom offers robust visualization and coordination features. According to Pascal Croes from BureauEAU:

"BIMcollab Zoom provides a clearer graphical image compared to other BIM tools."

Its Smart Views allow dynamic visualization of components, and Smart Issues streamline clash detection, making it a strong choice for large-scale projects requiring detailed oversight.

While buildingSMART is completely free, BIMcollab Zoom offers free trials and demos for users to explore its capabilities.

Recommendations

When choosing the right IFC validation tool, keep these practical tips in mind to ensure your selection aligns with your project needs.

Key Considerations

• IFC Standard Compliance: Focus on meeting IFC standards before diving into custom checks.
• File Size Matters: For models under 250 MB, online validation tools like the buildingSMART IFC Validation Service are ideal. Larger files should use local or enterprise-grade solutions.
• Validation Scope: Determine if your project needs specialized checks beyond standard IFC validations. As Paola Bronzo highlights:

"One of the most important steps in the BIM process is Model Validation. This activity includes all essential checks for improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of the construction project."

Recommended Tools by Project Size

How BIM Heroes Can Help

BIM Heroes offers expert support for IFC validation workflows:

• Validation Setup: Their consultants design validation protocols tailored to international standards and specific project requirements.
• Quality Assurance: They implement IFC validation standards, automate checking processes, and integrate workflows for efficiency.