Export in IFC format

You can export a Tekla Structures model or a part of the model in the IFC2x3, IFC4, or IFC4.3 format using the defined export settings. You can also export an IFC file and upload it directly to Trimble Connect. Ensure a successful export by considering the necessary prerequisites and known limitations.

Before exporting

Decide the IFC export hierarchy to use: the IFC export hierarchy from Organizer, IFC export hierarchy defined in the part UDAs, or the IFC export hierarchy defined in the project property UDAs. Using the export hierarchy from Organizer is described in the export settings section below.

For more information about defining export hierarchy in part UDAs, see Adjust object user-defined attributes for IFC export. For more information about defining IFC export hierarchy in the project properties, see Edit project properties.
Check that the parts have known profiles.
Define the IFC entities for Tekla Structures model objects. For more information, see Define IFC entities for Tekla Structures model objects.
Modify the IFC property sets if necessary. You can also define new property sets.
If you want to export the IFC file using a base point, define the base point. For more information, see Base points.
To have pour objects and pour units (from Tekla Structures 2018 onwards) in your model, set XS_ENABLE_POUR_MANAGEMENT to TRUE in the Advanced options dialog.
To control whether the bars created by rebar sets are exported in groups or as individual bars, use the advanced option XS_EXPORT_IFC_REBARSET_INDIVIDUAL_BARS. To export bars in groups, set it to FALSE, and to export bars as individual bars, set it to TRUE. The default value is FALSE.
Note:
In the IFC file 'Total number' always shows 1 for groups created by rebar sets, and 'Total weight' and 'Weight' show one bar weight. Use the NUMBER_OF_BARS_IN_GROUP and WEIGHT_TOTAL_IN_GROUP attributes to export the values of the group to the IFC file.
To export B-rep objects as exact solids in the IFC2x3 export, set the advanced option XS_EXPORT_BREP_AS_EXACT_SOLID to TRUE. The default value is FALSE. If you export B-reps as exact solids, the IFC file size increases, and the export takes more time.
To get smooth edges to the export, you may need to set the advanced option XS_CS_CHAMFER_DIVIDE_ANGLE to 10.
Add classification information to assemblies if needed, see Add classification information to assemblies.
If you are exporting to AutoDesk Revit, see Tekla Structures Base point for coordination with Autodesk Revit.
Read the limitations below.

Limitations in IFC export

The export does not export what you select if certain object types are selected. For example, if a concrete part is selected and the Reinforcing bars checkbox is selected, all rebars in the concrete part will be exported. It is not possible to select which rebars to export with the part. The workaround is to generate two IFC export files: one with concrete parts only, and one with selected rebars only.
Edge chamfers are omitted from the exported IFC model. This is to enable better interoperability with plant design systems. If the geometry with edge chamfers is needed, you can set the IFC export type to B-rep separately for those objects in the object user-defined attributes dialog on the IFC export tab.
IFC2x3:
- Rebar assemblies do not work in the IFC2x3 export. For the IFC export of rebar assemblies, use the IFC4 export version.
- Pour unit export is not supported.
- Export flat wide beams as plates only works with the export types Coordination view 1.0 and Coordination view 2.0, but has no effect in the export types Steel fabrication view or Surface geometry. The workaround is to define IfcPlate as the IFC entity for beam objects.
IFC4: The IFC4 export always contains the full assembly. If the part IFC entity is set to None in the part properties, the part and its bolts are not included in the export.

Export IFC file

Before you start, see the prerequisites and limitations above.

Select the model objects to export.

If you want to export all model objects, you do not have to select any objects here.
On the File menu, click Export > IFC.
If there are predefined export settings available, load the predefined export settings from the list at the top.
The predefined export settings files are located in the environment folders.
If there are several settings files listed, you can start writing the name of the desired settings file to show only the desired file on the list, and then press Enter to select it.
In the File name box, enter the file name without a file name extension.

The extension will be automatically added according to the selected Format. The length is not limited.
Browse for the Folder location.

By default, IFC files are exported to the \IFC folder under the current model folder. Both absolute and relative paths can be defined.
In the Versions list, select the IFC export version: IFC2x3, IFC4, or IFC4.3.

The export dialog dynamically updates to display only the settings applicable to the chosen version.
In Format, define the export file format. The available formats are: Ifc, IfcZip, and IfcXml (IFC2x3 only)
Select the Export type.
Options for IFC2x3:
- Coordination view 1.0 is for those who need to export openings as separate objects. We recommend that you use Coordination view 1.0 instead of Coordination view 2.0 when you need to have voids and openings presented by using opening elements:
  - Reinforcing bars are exported as extrusions.
  - Voids and openings are exported as opening elements (ifcOpeningElements).
  - Curved elements are exported as extrusions.
  - Bolts are exported as B-rep.
- Coordination view 2.0: The certified Coordination view 2.0 should be your default export type. We recommend that you use this export type when the geometry needs to be edited and modified in the receiving application:
  - Reinforcing bars are exported as extrusions.
  - The export uses CSG (Constructive Solid Geometry) for presenting cuts and voids.
  - Curved elements are exported as extrusions.
  - Bolts are exported as B-rep.
- Surface geometry is ideal when the need is to view the model, or use as a reference model, without any need for re-using or editing:
  - Reinforcing bars are exported as B-rep.
  - Export does not support CSG (Constructive Solid Geometry).
  - Curved elements are exported as B-rep.
  - Bolts are exported as B-rep.
- Steel fabrication view is designed for the fabrication workflow, and to be provided for manufacturing. Steel fabrication view is recommended for exporting detailed information on steel objects for steel fabrication:
  - Exports assembly presentation and dedicated property sets.
  - Bolt holes are exported as voids.
  - Steel fabrication model view configuration file for property sets and properties (IfcPropertySetConfigurations_AISC.xml) is included in the installation by default.
Options for IFC4 and IFC4.3:
- Reference view is intended to support the design coordination and referencing workflow, and exported files can be used as reference files, and viewed in a viewer. The Reference view is not meant to be used for conversion to native objects. The overall goal of the Reference view is to provide workflows for various software applications that do not require modifying geometry. Such applications enable viewing, estimating, building, operating, and other downstream analysis.
- Design transfer view is intended for the handover workflow, meaning import for further editing. It requires the conversion of the IFC entities into native objects, and the IFC object conversion can be used to convert the IFC entities to Tekla Structures native objects. Typically import and conversion are only needed a couple of times, or even once only. The result may require some rework to accomplish a proper model. One example is the takeover of the structural engineering model (or part of it) into the basis of the structural detail modeling.
- Precast view (IFC4 only) supports the fabrication data transfer workflow of precast elements. At this phase it covers the fabrication of precast walls and slabs including all the needed reinforcement and embeds. This export type is available only in precast roles. For more information about the IFC4precast standard, see IFC4precast.
- The main purpose of the Bridge view (IFC4.3 only) export is to extend Tekla Structures to bridge constructions. The bridge IFC files are based on the IFC4.3 schema.
In Selection, select the objects to be exported.
- All objects: The export will include all objects in the model. The export of bolts, welds, grids, reinforcements, surface treatment and surfaces, and spaces depends on whether their respective checkboxes have been selected in the export settings.
- Selected objects: Only the selected objects will be exported. For example, if you have an assembly with a beam and a plate, and you select only the plate, only the plate will be exported. If you choose Selected objects, you need to select Spatial hierarchy from Organizer.
- Selected objects and their assemblies: Export selected parts and their assemblies. Selecting a plate exports the entire assembly associated with it. For example, selecting only a plate in an assembly exports the entire assembly associated with the selected plate.
- Selection filter: Use a predefined filter to further restrict the export.
- Include assembly information: Select this checkbox to export information about the assembly hierarchy of the objects. The whole assembly hierarchy and information are exported even though only a part of the assembly is exported. When there are three parts in the assembly and if you only want to export two parts, using this option the export file still knows these two parts belong to the same assembly. This option is used together with other selection options.
In Location by, define how the location of objects is defined in the export file.
- Model origin exports the model relative to 0,0,0.
- Work plane exports the model relative to the current work plane coordinate system.
- Base point: <name of base point> exports the model relative to the base point using coordinate system values East coordinate, North coordinate, Elevation, Angle to North, Latitude and Longitude from the base point definition.
In Base point export (IFC4 and IFC4.3 only), select which system to use when you have defined a base point for Location by to ensure that the collaboration works with other parties in the project. The options are:
- IfcMapConversion: Converts model's local coordinate system into the global coordinate system. This option is needed, when the IFC4 format that complies to the IFC4 schema is required.
- IfcSite coordinate system: Converts coordinates in the IFC model for each object separately. This option can be used to produce an IFC4 file that you can view in most IFC viewers, including Trimble Connect. The same conversion method is also used in the IFC2x3 export.
In Object color, select how to export object colors.
IFC2x3: By default, class colors are used. Select Use current view colors to export the objects using the colors defined in object representation. The defined transparency settings are also exported.
IFC4, IFC4.3: Select By object class to use object class colors. If you want to use object representation group colors, select an object representation group. If you select object representation group colors, the defined transparency settings are also exported.
In Layer names as, specify how layer names are generated.

IFC2x3: By default, the layer name will be the object's phase number followed by the phase name. Select Layer names as part names to use part names, such as COLUMN and BEAM, as layer names for exported objects. To use a predefined UDA as a layer name, define the UDA for the advanced option XS_IFC_EXPORT_OBJECT_LAYER_FROM_UDA.

IFC4, IFC4.3: You can use phases, part names, or template attributes as layer names for exported objects. Select Name or Phase from the list, or type the attribute name in the box. You can use a UDA as a layer name if the UDA has been added in a property set. If you use a UDA, add the USERDEFINED. prefix before the UDA. The UDA names are case sensitive, so you need to check how the UDA name is written in the property set.
Use Attribute overrides to customize certain IFC entity attributes, such as Name, Description, or Tag, by specifying export values tailored to meet project specifications, standards, and customer requirements.
You can specify a Tekla property, a user-defined attribute, or a custom property as the export value. The essential attributes, such as GlobalId, are hard-coded.
- To define a new set of attribute overrides, select <new> and click .
- To modify an existing set of attribute overrides, select the name from the list and click .
- To use the predefined values, select the default value <none>.
For details about creating attribute overrides, see Create and modify attribute overrides.
In Property sets, define a property set to use in the export.
The property set selection may change when you change the Export type.
- To use a default property set, select the property set from the Property sets list.
- To modify an existing property set, select the property set from the list and click .
  For instructions on modifying property sets, see Modify property sets for IFC export.
- To define a new property set, select <new> and click .
  
  For instructions on creating new property sets, see Create property sets for IFC export.
Cast-in-place export allows you to select more precisely what to include in the cast-in-place export.

The options are Pour units or pour objects and CIP cast units or parts.
Select the desired export Options:
- Export flat wide beams as plates: Select this option to export flat and wide beams as plates. Select this option also if you have modeled plates as beams or columns with flat profiles. For example, some system components use beams or columns instead of plates.
- Spatial hierarchy from Organizer: Spatial hierarchy from Organizer uses the spatial hierarchy ( Building-Site-Section-Floors) created in Organizer in export. Do the following:
  1. Select Spatial hierarchy from Organizer.
  2. Create a project hierarchy in Organizer.
  3. In Organizer, right-click the project, and select Use for reporting.
  4. Before exporting to IFC, synchronize or write the Organizer data in the Tekla Structures model by right-clicking the project in Organizer, and selecting Write to the model for reporting.
    Note that the selected objects are only exported when Spatial hierarchy from Organizer has been selected.
    If you do not select Spatial hierarchy from Organizer, the export uses the IFC export hierarchy defined in the part UDAs. If you have not defined part UDAs, the hierarchy in project property UDAs will be used.
    Also note that in bridge models, the export always uses the hierarchy defined in project property UDAs.
- Exclude single part assemblies (IFC2x3 only): Select this to exclude single part assemblies from the assembly export.
In Object types, select the object types to export:

Bolts

Welds

Grids

Reinforcing bars

Surface treatment and surfaces

Spaces
If you want to save the modified export settings in a new file, give the settings file a new name and click Save as.
The new settings are saved in the \attributes folder under the current model folder.
Click Export.

Tekla Structures exports the IFC file into the specified folder. After a successful export, a message box is displayed. In this message box you can open the folder where the exported IFC model is stored, or view the log file in a browser. The log file gives detailed information of the export process, exported entities, and the errors occurred during the export. You can also check the exported IFC model by inserting it as a reference model in the original Tekla Structures model.

Instead of exporting an IFC file, you can export an IFC file and upload it directly to Trimble Connect. See below for instructions.

Export IFC file and upload to Trimble Connect

You can directly upload the exported IFC file to Trimble Connect, to the specified Trimble Connect project and folder.

Select the model objects to export.

If you want to export all model objects, you do not have to select any objects here.
On the File menu, click Export > IFC.
Define the needed export settings in the Export IFC dialog.
For details, see "Export IFC file" above.
Under Trimble Connect, select a Trimble Connect project.

If the model is already connected to a Trimble Connect project, the Linked Trimble Connect project option is automatically selected. If the model is not connected to a Trimble Connect project, None is displayed, and you can manually select the desired project.
In Trimble Connect folder, select a Trimble Connect folder in the selected project.

You can change the project and folder at any time. Your selections are saved in the export settings.
Select Export and upload to Trimble Connect.

Tekla Structures exports the IFC file and uploads it to Trimble Connect in the specified project and folder.