Importing and processing Building Information Modeling files using the Open Design Alliance SDK

This master thesis presents the development of a software module that enables the import of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data into an existing system. The software aims to enhance interoperability, simplify the codebase, and improve performance within the building design industry. The project focuses on updating the import phase and content processing phase of the existing system, specifically targeting the EC700 software. The EC700 software, developed by Edilclima, is used for calculating the energy performance of buildings and performing related operations such as analysis, certification, and compliance verification. To achieve the desired improvements, the migration process involves integrating the ODA IFC SDK library, provided by the Open Design Alliance. This library offers enhanced compatibility with future updates of the IFC standard and facilitates seamless collaboration between different software modules. The thesis outlines the comprehensive study conducted on the EC700 software and the IFC standard, including their respective functionalities, entities, and relationships. Based on this analysis, the migration process begins with updating the import phase, followed by content processing tasks such as material association and climate zone mapping. Furthermore, the thesis covers the implementation of building representation in the graphical input of the EC700 software, enabling users to interact with two-dimensional and three-dimensional views. This functionality enhances the usability and effectiveness of the software, empowering users to perform various operations supported by the application. Overall, this master thesis showcases the successful development and implementation of a software solution that leverages openBIM principles, software interoperability, and open source standards to enhance the building design industry's capabilities in handling IFC data.