Computer aided DfC (Design for Construction) in the building and construction industries

Although the integration of design and construction (also calledDesign for Construction, DfC) has always been an important issue in the building industries, it is still not realised satisfactorily. Problems that occur in the construction phase, usually have to do with communication between different processes. Especially the transfer of construction knowledge to the design process causes problems. With new IT technologies DfC is within reach. This paper describes how new IT technologies can help to reach Computer Aided DfC. ISO standardisation developments form the basis for CADfC. Especially the product modelling approach of STEP (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data) is interesting. However, modeling of product data is not enough. That is why we developed an extended version for all project information.