Interoperable validation for IFC building models using open standards

In this paper we are reporting on a prototypical implementation of a model view checker for model instance validation of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) models. This checker is developed based on the open standards mvdXML as the format for structuring validation rules and the BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) to issue reports as a result of the checking process. The checker is implemented on top of the open source bimserver.org framework. The research presented here has two main aims: (1) to develop an open source IFC validation tool based on flexible and standardized method; (2) to identify issues and capabilities of the current mvdXML rules based on real-world scenarios and to develop stable and easy-to-use IFC validation methods using open standards. Two BIM operational standards required by local building regulations and laws, the Dutch Rgd BIM Norm, and the Norwegian Statsbygg BIM Manual are used to validate both the mvdXML standardsO capabilities and the tools implementation. The rules from these standards are categorized into different rule types and converted to mvdXML templates and rules. These rules are then tested using a prototypical, open source software tool. By combining this tool with a BCF server we demonstrate the deployment of such automated checking procedures in real working processes. Based on these experiences, a detailed discussion about identified issues is provided as the starting point for the future research and a feedback to standardization organizations.