Modeling and implementation of smart AEC objects: An IFC perspective

Smart AEC objects are an evolutionary step that builds upon past research and experience in AEC product modeling, geometric modeling, intelligent CAD systems, and knowledge-based design methods. Smart objects combine the capability to represent various aspects of project information required to support multidisciplinary views of the objects, and the capability to encapsulate “intelligence” and “knowledge” by representing behavioral aspects, design constraints, and life cycle data management features into the objects. An example implementation of smart objects to support integrated design of falsework systems is discussed. The paper also discusses the requirements for extending existing standard industrywide data models, specifically the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), to support the modeling of smart AEC objects.