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Learn how to load IFC files into AI-BIM App and understand what happens during the import process.

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Supported File Formats

AI-BIM App supports three import formats:
  • IFC Files (.ifc) - Industry Foundation Classes files
  • Fragments (.zip) - Pre-converted IFC files for faster loading
  • BIM Tiles - Streamed models optimized for large projects

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Loading an IFC File

1

Access the Import Toolbar

Navigate to the Import tab in the floating toolbar at the center of the viewport. This is where all file loading options are located.
2

Click the IFC Button

Click the IFC button to open your system’s file picker. The app accepts standard .ifc files from any BIM authoring software.
3

Select Your IFC File

Choose an IFC file from your computer. The file will begin loading immediately after selection.
4

Wait for Processing

The app automatically processes the IFC file through several stages:
  • Fragment conversion - IFC geometry is converted to optimized fragments
  • Property extraction - Element properties and metadata are extracted
  • Indexing - Relationships between elements are indexed
  • Classification - Elements are classified by entity type (walls, slabs, beams, etc.)
5

View Your Model

Once loading completes, your model appears in the 3D viewport. The camera automatically fits the view to show the entire model.

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What Happens During Import

When you load an IFC file, AI-BIM App performs several automatic operations:

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Fragment Conversion

The IFC geometry is converted into an optimized fragment format for better performance. This allows the app to handle large models efficiently.

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Property Indexing

The IfcRelationsIndexer processes all IFC relationships, including:
  • Spatial containment (which elements are in which building storeys)
  • Property sets and quantities
  • Material associations
  • Element classifications
Reference: LoadIfcFile component at /src/bim-components/LoadIfc/index.ts:64

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Entity Classification

Elements are automatically classified by their IFC types:
  • IFCWALL / IFCWALLSTANDARDCASE
  • IFCSLAB
  • IFCBEAM
  • IFCBUILDINGSTOREY
  • IFCMATERIAL
This classification enables data visualization and AI queries.

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Data Preparation for AI

The system extracts relevant data and prepares it for AI queries:
  • Material properties
  • Building storey information
  • Element quantities
  • Property sets
Reference: AddIfcFileDataToGenerallString method at /src/bim-components/LoadIfc/index.ts:23

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Alternative Loading Methods

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Loading Fragments

For faster loading, you can use pre-converted fragment files:
1

Click Fragments Button

In the Import toolbar, click the Fragments button.
2

Select ZIP File

Choose a .zip file containing:
  • geometry.frag - Fragment geometry data
  • properties.json - Element properties (optional)
  • relations-map.json - Relationship data (optional)
3

Model Loads Instantly

Fragment files load much faster than IFC files since conversion is already complete.

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Loading BIM Tiles

For very large models, use the streaming tiles format:
1

Click Tiles Button

In the Import toolbar, click the Tiles button.
2

Select Directory

Choose the directory containing your processed tile files (files ending in -processed.json and -processed-properties.json).
3

Model Streams On-Demand

The model loads progressively as you navigate, perfect for large projects that would be slow to load entirely.

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File Requirements

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IFC Files

  • Must be valid IFC2x3 or IFC4 format
  • Should contain geometric representations
  • Property sets enhance AI query capabilities

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Fragment Files

  • Must be packaged as .zip archives
  • Require geometry.frag at minimum
  • Optional properties and relations enhance functionality

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Tile Directories

  • Must contain -processed.json geometry files
  • Should include -processed-properties.json for full functionality
  • All tile files must be in the same directory

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Troubleshooting

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Model Doesn’t Appear

  • Ensure the IFC file contains geometric data (not just metadata)
  • Check browser console for error messages
  • Try zooming out or using the “Fit Model” camera control

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Loading Takes Too Long

  • For large models (>100MB), consider using BIM Tiles instead
  • Close other browser tabs to free up memory
  • Fragment files load significantly faster than IFC

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AI Queries Don’t Work

  • Ensure the model has loaded completely
  • IFC files must contain property sets for meaningful AI responses
  • Check that elements have material and storey assignments

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Properties Missing

  • Some IFC files may have incomplete property sets
  • Use a BIM authoring tool to verify property data exists
  • Fragment files require properties.json for property access

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Tips for Best Results

For files larger than 50MB, use the Fragments or BIM Tiles format for better performance.
Ensure your IFC files include property sets and material assignments for the best AI query experience.
After loading, use the “Fit Model” button in the Camera toolbar to properly frame your model in the viewport.

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Next Steps

After loading your model:

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