Work

Bridging Information from Manufacturing to the AEC Domain: The Development of a Conversion Framework from STEP to IFC

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Interoperability between digital models in the manufacturing and AEC domains is a critical issue in building design of complex systems. Despite the adoption of well-established standards such as STEP (ISO 10303-21) for the industrial domain and IFC (ISO 16739-1) for the construction domain, communication between the two domains is still limited, due to differences in conceptual models, levels of detail and application purposes. Existing solutions for conversion between these formats are few, often proprietary, and not always suitable to ensure full semantic integration in BIM flows. This study proposes a methodological framework for structured conversion from STEP to IFC-SPF (STEP Physical File), based on information and geometric simplification and data enrichment. The process includes elimination of irrelevant components, simplification of geometries, merging of assemblies, and integration of dat useful to the building context. The experimental implementation, carried out using the Bonsai extension for Blender, demonstrates a substantial reduction in geometric complexity and computational load, while maintaining the information consistency required for integration into BIM processes. The approach emerges as a scalable, affordable and sustainable solution for interoperability between industrial and civil models, even in professional environments lacking advanced software development skills.

Source: Systems

DOI: 10.3390/systems13060421

Authors: Davide Avogaro, Carlo Zanchetta

Institution: University of Padua

Language: English

Topic: BIM and Construction Integration

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896