You can use Simplebim for merging (combining) several IFC models and you can export the merged model back to a single IFC model. In between you can use all the trimming, editing and enrichment tools of Simplebim for normalizing the merged model, just like you would with a single model.
Unlike other applications, Simplebim performs a 'deep merge' of the models. Other applications simply place all models on top of each other in the same 3D space and may have some functionality that spans multiple models, such as filtering by building storey. In Simplebim the data structures of the models are merged such that the end result is one holistic model, just like if it was originally created in one application. The resulting model can for example have one set of building storeys, one set of systems, material definitions, type objects etc.
When you merge models you can control how the model tree (containment) of the models is merged.
Scenario | Options | ||||||||
I am creating a model for a larger area, for example a city block. |
Do not merge sites. This way each model you merge will add its own site to the project. |
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I am adding new buildings to sites |
Merge sites, but not buildings. This way all buildings from the merge model will be added to the site(s) of the current model.
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I am adding new building storeys to buildings |
Merge sites and buildings, but not building storeys. This way all building storeys from the merge model are added to the building(s) of the current model.
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I am adding new objects to building storeys |
Merge sites, buildings and building storeys. This way any objects in the imported model are assigned to the corresponding building storey in the current model,
If a matching building storey is not found in the current model, a new building storey is added to the resulting model. |
When containers (sites, building and building storeys) and merged the original container of the merge model is added to the resulting model. However, this container will be empty. These empty containers are added to make it easier to understand the merge process and to allow manual corrections if needed. Most often these empty containers are not needed and you have the option to automatically delete them as part of the merge process.
Even though Simplebim can perform a deep merge the information about the origin of each object is preserved in the Model Information 'object class' shown in the Objects palette. When you select Model Information in the Objects palette the Properties palette shows the individual sub models. You can then for example include or exclude objects based on the name of the sub model.
You can also use the Model Filter for turning sub models on and off. Turning a sub model off is not the same as excluding it, because a sub model that is turned off is completely blocked off. It is as if this sub model did not exist at all.
You also have the option to export information about the sub model as properties to each object separately. This can be controlled with the 'Model Information' IFC Export option. The information that is exported is the name and timestamp of the sub model.