Update history​

IFC Builder

New requirements and errors

The applications included in the Open BIM workflow of the 2019.g version include new requirements and errors that are communicated between them.

  • Between “Open BIM Residential Furniture” and “Open BIM Electrical Mechanisms”
    Electrical outlets should be introduced near electrical appliances.


  • Between “CYPEFIRE CTE” and “IFC Builder”
    The horizontal and vertical dimensions of façade openings must be at least 0.80 m and 1.20 m respectively, and be located at a height, with respect to the floor, not exceeding 1.20 m, according to DB SI 5 Fire-fighter intervention - Section 2.

The requirements and errors that are currently implemented in the Open BIM workflow can be found in the “List of requirements and errors” section of the “Open BIM workflow requirements” webpage.

64-bit Version

As of the 2019.f version, CYPE programs (those downloaded from our website and those downloaded from the BIMserver.center platform) are compiled for 64-bit systems. The 64-bit compilation of CYPE software implies the use of the superior features of 64-bit processors and operating systems compared to those of 32 bits.

Please bear in mind that you must have a 64-bit operating system to be able to work with any 64-bit software.

In any case and as a temporary measure, the 2019.f version is available in 64 and 32 bits on the download area of our webpage. The programs that can be downloaded from the BIMserver.center platform are only available in 64 bits. If you have a 64-bit operating system, you can work with either the 64-bit and 32-bit version of our software, although we strongly recommend that you install the 64-bit CYPE software version.

You can see which operating system is installed on your computer by clicking on "Control panel > System".

Since 64-bit microprocessors began to be massively introduced into personal computers from 2003 and from the Windows XP version, Microsoft already offers the two versions of its operating systems (32 and 64 bits). We understand that almost all our users will have computers with 64-bit processors (x64) and 64-bit operating systems.

It could occur that a user may wish to work with a computer with a 64-bit processor but with a 32-bit operating system. It would be very strange if the computer had a 32-bit processor (x86 - computers over 15 years old). If any of these is your case, we advise you to talk to your hardware or software provider to update your situation as soon as possible. However, you can download the 32-bit version and work with CYPE programs that can be downloaded from our website until your situation is up-to-date.

Multi-instance

The possibility of opening IFC Builder several times simultaneously has been implemented, so users may work on several projects at the same time. This option was already available for other CYPE applications.

Architectural element information in the 3D viewer of BIMserver.center

As of the 2019.a version IFC Builder includes data on the geometric model in the file in "gltf" format, which is used to display the 3D model in the web viewer of the BIMserver.center platform. Thanks to this new feature, BIM project collaborators will be able to obtain the following information regarding the construction elements of the project:

  • Façades, party walls, partitions, basement walls, screeds, floor slabs and roofs.
    • Reference of the type
    • Thickness
  • Doors, external carpentry and glazed openings
    • Reference of the type
    • Width
    • Height
  • Skylights
    • Reference of the type
  • Nearby buildings and other obstacles
    • Height

Export DXF and DWG templates to the IFC model of the building

The 2018.a version of IFC Builder allows users to export the DXF or DWG templates included in the project to IFC format. IFC Builder also allows users to generate a DXF template for each floor of the project to be exported to IFC format. The program generates them based on the construction elements included in the project. These templates can be useful when no previous DXF or DWG files exist.

For all this, two options have been implemented in the Export in "IFC" format dialogue box:

  • Export templates
    Exports the DXF or DWG templates of the project, including what has been managed by users (layer management, displacements, angle of rotation, etc.).
  • Generate DXF plans per floor
    The names of the DXF plans that are generated by the program are composed of the name of the project and that of the corresponding floor.

These templates can be read by CYPE programs linked to that project via the Open BIM workflow, which use a graphical data entry interface: CYPECAD, CYPELUX, CYPELEC, CYPEFIRE CTE, CYPEFIRE Sprinklers, CYPETEL, CYPEPLUMBING Sanitary Systems, CYPEGAS, CYPETHERM (HVAC, EPlus, CTE Plus, REC Plus, C.E...); and their generic and country-specific versions for those who have them.

This connection keeps the model updated with any changes that are made to the DXF or DWG templates in IFC Builder.

New colours and textures of the 3D view

The colours and textures of the 3D view have been redefined and adapted to the specification detail of the geometric model.

Program interface improvements

As of the 2017.k version, the interface of IFC Builder has been improved. This new feature consists of an aesthetic and functional improvement, where the toolbar of the program has been adapted to the new screen resolutions.

This new format favours the “usability” of the program due to its options being organised in categories (project, architecture, equipment, edit and results) which aids with the workflow and favours productivity in the modelling process.

As occurred in the previous version (2017.j) with the interfaces of CYPETHERM HVAC and StruBIM Foundations, the menu options that contain several tools, display their options in floating menus. For IFC Builder, these menus contain two viewing options, which are selected alternately by clicking on the icon  located to the left of their heading:

  • Horizontal with large icons and description texts of the tools
  • Vertical with small icons and description texts of the tools

The floating menus can be pinned to the screen by selecting the icon  located to the right of the heading ( Pinned,  unpinned), and this way do not disappear when another tool group is selected or the program is re-entered. They can also be adhered to the sides of the working space to become toolbars (see the Floating toolbars section of the new features of the 2017.j version).

Bathroom fittings in architectural models

As of the 2017.i version, IFC Builder allows users to introduce bathroom fittings in the architectural model of the building. These can be found in the Equipment tab of the program toolbar, where users can choose amongst the following:

  • Sink
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Toilet
  • Bidet

Apart from defining the type of fitting, users can indicate its dimensions and its representation, be it in 2D or 3D, from a “dxf” or “dwg” format file. This way, they will appear on floor plans and in the three-dimensional view of the project.

Finally, thanks to the integration in the Open BIM workflow of IFC Builder, these elements can be exported in IFC format to the project directory and can be viewed, not only in IFC Builder, but also in the other applications that work on the same BIM model.

External precincts

As of the 2017.e version, users can define external precincts.

Reading of point clouds (3DCONS project)

As of the 2017.b version, IFC Builder can read point clouds as a reference for the development of existing buildings.

This module has been developed as part of the "New construction processes using 3D printing (3DCONS)" investigation project, which is part of the strategic program of the "National Business Research Consortia (CIEN)" of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, financed by the "Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI)", co-financed by the "European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)" and carried out by CYPE and the associates of the project: Atanga, Geocisa, Lafarge-Holcim, Placo, Proingesa and Vias; and the collaboration of the following investigation centres: CIM-UPC Foundation, the Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Science (CSIC), the University of Burgos, the CARTIF Technology Centre and the Polytechnic University of Madrid.

The 3DCONS project aims to introduce 3D printing technologies in the construction industry, both in the field of new construction and the rehabilitation and restoration of heritage, using point cloud technologies to read existing buildings. More information of the 3DCONS project.

Point clouds are the result of one or several 3D laser scans composed of a group of vertices in a three-dimensional coordinate system, which are usually defined using X, Y and Z coordinates, and occasionally incorporate additional data such as colour using RGB values.

This way IFC Builder can provide a 3D or plan representation of point cloud files (*.pts; *.ptx; *.txt; *.xyz), which can be used as a support to model the real project in a precise and rapid manner from a BIM environment.

This module is included in IFC Builder, and, as IFC Builder, is also free to use.

IFC Builder. Reading of point clouds (3DCONS project)

As of the 2017.b version, IFC Builder can read point clouds and take them as a reference for the development of existing buildings. This tool has been developed as part of the “New construction processes using 3D printing (3DCONS)” investigation project.

This module is included in IFC Builder and, like IFC Builder, is free to use.

More information on this tool can be found in the Reading of point clouds (3DCONS Project) section in the new features of the 2017.b version of IFC Builder.

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