Simulation based on the product model standard IFC

We consider a strictly three-dimensional modeling technique as a basis for numerical simulations. Applications range from

• a high-resolution indoor air flow modeling using the so-called thermal lattice Boltzmann method,
• combined with a multizone network model for the building energy simulation,
• to the scope of structural engineering, i.e. a three-dimensional high order solid finite element analysis of a building.

Starting from a building product model described by the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard, we derive an intermediate geometric B-rep model based on the ACIS geometric kernel (Spatial Corp.). This ’consistent’ (e.g. free from gaps) and ’corrected’ (e.g. due to intersections) geometric model is decomposed into a so-called connection model. We describe the analysis and discretization of this strictly volume- oriented model, which serves as the basis for all numerical simulations and thus enables automatic mesh generation with respect to different numerical schemes. A database manages additional attributes and the relation between IFC and ACIS objects. The last section sketches how structural simulation and thermal building simulation can be embedded into a on simulation environment.