3.2 IFC types

Beam

An IfcMember is a structural element that is used to carry loads between or beyond support points. It is not necessary for it to be load-bearing. The orientation of the member (horizontal, vertical or inclined) is not relevant for its definition (in contrast to IfcBeam and IfcColumn).

Application examples:
Struts, studs, beams, roof components, framing timber, etc.

IfcMember

Beam

An IfcBeam is a horizontal or almost horizontal component that can be loaded primarily by bending.

Application examples:
Beams, girts, purlins...

IfcBeam

Beam

An IfcColumn is a vertical or near-vertical component that transfers the weight of the structure above it to other structural elements below it through pressure. However, it is not necessary for it to be load-bearing.

Application examples:
Posts, columns,...

IfcColumn

Panel

An IfcPlate is a planar and often flat part with a constant thickness. A panel can be a structural part that carries loads between or beyond support points, but it does not have to be load-bearing. The position of the panel (horizontal, vertical or inclined) is not relevant for its definition (in contrast to IfcWall and IfcSlab (as a floor slab)).

Application example:
Cladding, lining,...

IfcPlate

Panel

An IfcFooting is a part of the foundation of a structure that distributes and transfers the load to the ground. A foundation is also known as a shallow foundation, where the loads are transferred into the ground close to the surface.

Application example:
Foundation

IfcFooting

Panel

An IfcSlab is a component of construction that normally encloses a room vertically. The panel can form the lower support structure (Floor) or the upper structure (Roof slab) in any room in a building. It should be noted that only the core or structural part of this construction is considered as  IfcSlab.

The upper finish (Flooring, roof cladding) and the lower finish (Soffit, Ceiling, suspended ceiling) are regarded as a covering.

Application examples:
Ceiling- and roof elements, floor slabs,...

IfcSlab

Panel,
Surface, Auxiliary element

Definition for elements that cover a part of another element and are dependent on this other element.

Application examples:
Surface finish, coatings, treatments,...

IfcCovering

Panel

Curtain wall, non-load-bearing wall that stands on the outside of a building and encloses it.

Application example:
Curtain wall

IfcCurtainWall

Panel

The wall is a vertical construction that can delimit or divide rooms. Walls are usually vertical or almost vertical, flat elements that are often designed to absorb static loads. However, a wall does not have to be load-bearing

Application example:
Internal or external walls

IfcWall

Room

A room represents an actual or theoretically limited area or volume. Rooms are areas or volumes that provide certain functions within a building.

IfcSpace

Opening

The opening element stands for openings (window, door opening).

Application example:
Window and door openings

IfcOpeningElement

Axis (CA, Drilling), Auxiliary element

• Glued joint:
  A fastening joint where glue is used to join elements together.
• Weld seam:
  A weld seam that is used to join components together.
• Grout:
  Mortar used to join construction elements. The strength of the joint can be taken into account in calculations.

Application example:
Welds, glued joints, grouts,...

IfcFastener

Window variant

Construction for closing a vertical or almost vertical opening in a wall or pitched roof, which lets in light and possibly fresh air.

Application example:
Windows

IfcWindow

Door variant

Construction for closing an opening that is primarily intended for access with hinge, turn or slide operation.

Application example:
Doors

IfcDoor

Stairs

A vertical passageway that allows occupants to walk (step) from one floor level to another floor level at a different height. A landing may be included as an intermediate floor slab.

Application example: Stairs

IfcStair

Stairs (Beam/Panel)

The steps and any stringers are included in this object.

IfcStairFlight

Circular MEP

The distribution flow element IfcFlowSegment defines the occurrence of a segment of a flow distribution system that is typically straight and contiguous and has two connections (e.g. a section of a pipe or duct).

Application example:
Cables, conduits

IfcFlowSegment

Various

The railing is a frame construction that is used on circulation areas and on some room boundaries instead of walls or as a supplement to walls.

IfcRailing

Various

The BuildingElementProxy type is to be used to exchange special types of building elements for which there is not yet a semantic definition in the current IFC release.

Application example:
Indeterminate components not classified in the IFC schema

IfcBuildingElementProxy