Informatics knowledge for setting requirements on IFC data and its suitability in education for chemical engineers

Abstract

IFC becomes popular for the exchange of building information model data among participants in construction projects. To get the desired data, it is necessary to specify requirements on these data. The paper identifies fields of informatics knowledge required to understand the IFC data schema mostly to get the ability to define requirements on the desired IFC file content. There were identified mostly topics connected with the EXPRESS data specification language but also with the STEP data format and computer graphics. There were also mentioned fields of informatics knowledge related to processes that use or produce the data. It is generally assumed that building information model data collected and stored during design and construction processes are valuable also during the operation of the modeled facility. Sometimes the biggest value is expected during the operation of the modeled facility. Then the requirements on data for facility operation may differ based on the purpose and use of the facility. Specific knowledge related to the purpose of the built environment may need to be taken into account during the setting requirements on building information model data – including IFC data. This sets the question about the importance of informatics knowledge for setting requirements on building information model data (also IFC data) also for other professions than those from information technology and civil engineering domain. A brief review of the discussion about using building information modeling principles and building information model data for plant engineering is included in the paper. The focus is on the use of the IFC data. It was found that the building information modeling principles and informatics knowledge connected with an understanding of the IFC data schema may have an important role also in education for chemical engineers especially with the connection to the development of the implementation of building information modeling principles in plant engineering.