Modularized rule-based validation of a BIM model pertaining to model views

Diverse domain experts have defined the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) Model View Definition (MVD), which encompasses their specialized requirements for building data exchanges and reflects practical construction processes. However, once an IFC file, a neutral format, is mapped with the specifications of the MVD through the export and import features of building information modeling (BIM) authoring tools, end-users find it challenging to validate the IFC file with regard to conformance to the data exchange requirements of the applied MVD. In addition, software vendors have trouble identifying the causes of errors regarding model views when they debug numerous mappings of native models to be translated into the IFC schema. To address these challenges, this research suggests a robust MVD validation process using a modularized validation platform that evaluates an IFC instance file according to diverse types of rule sets of MVDs. To extract rule templates that consist of ten types of rule logic this research employs the MVD of the precast concrete domain. Using the identified rule logic and checking structures, the MVD validation tool, which includes an object-oriented checking method and the IFC server ActiveX component, allows users to define various types of rule sets and validate an IFC instance file with regard to compliance with the syntax and semantics specified in the modularized concepts of the MVD. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.