Export ARCHICAD Files to MEP Software

Preparing the ARCHICAD Model for Export
Before handing an ARCHICAD file over to an MEP engineer using MEP-specific software, certain simplifications have to be made to the architectural model. Like structural engineers, MEP experts need only certain parts of the project - those which are relevant to their work. Naturally, the workflows of the two disciplines are not exactly the same. While the structural specialist must often modify existing parts of the project (e.g. widening a slab, increasing or decreasing the diameter of beams and columns, or changing their position) as well as adding new elements, the MEP engineer typically adds equipment, while trying to avoid the designed geometry of the load bearing structures.
Relevant Data for Export to MEP
Typically, the most relevant 3D elements for export to MEP are:
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load bearing structures,
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elements of the building envelope,
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the boundaries of interior spaces.
Also important:
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structural grid of the load bearing structure,
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planned placement of lighting objects, bathroom and kitchen equipment,
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positioning of built-in furniture,
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all space functions and numberings, must also be clearly indicated,
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levels, geometry and structural grid of suspended ceilings and false floors (this will assist the engineer to correctly design HVAC equipment (air inlets, sprinklers etc.).
Layers containing elements of the architectural model that are irrelevant to the MEP design should be switched off and thus excluded from the export data. Irrelevant elements are usually these:
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floor claddings,
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door and fenestration details,
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furniture.
It is possible to define separate layer combinations that specify content suited for the electrical, plumbing, lighting, acoustic, low current system engineer or elevator design specialist.
See Layer Combinations for information on setting up a Layer Combination in ARCHICAD.
Applying the appropriate conversion method
The two most commonly used file formats to export ARCHICAD data to MEP applications are DWG and IFC.
Save Views to DWG
The majority of MEP engineers work in a 2D design environment (mostly Autodesk AutoCAD) and therefore wish to receive AutoCAD DWG files.
In ARCHICAD, the architect creates DWG files by defining floor plan, section or elevation views, and exporting these, rather than exporting the 3D model itself. It is advisable to create a Publisher Set with pre-configured settings in ARCHICAD to enable easy creation of the documentation to be handed over to the MEP expert. This way, the preset views representing the most up-to-date state of the project may be saved in the specified destination folder in DWG format, by a touch of a button.
See Working with DWG/DXF Files.
Save Models to IFC
Some MEP engineers design directly in a 3D work environment (AutoCAD MEP or Revit MEP). To fit this workflow, GRAPHISOFT has developed a translator-based IFC data exchange feature.
See Export Functions.
This feature translates the ARCHICAD model to IFC, which is currently the most advanced BIM model exchange format. When creating IFC content for the MEP specialist, it is advisable to set up a IFC translator customized for your needs.
See Import/Export Settings.
From the Save as (IFC) dialog box, select “Entire project” as the Export option. It is also advisable to include the structural grid system in the IFC data, as the basis of reference for 3D element positioning.
Many MEP applications support BIM Collaboration Format (BCF)-based communication as an enhancement to IFC-based data exchange. The BCF workflow enables participants to add comments to the overlapping issues (e.g. collisions). BCF comments include the referenced IFC elements’ GUIDs and an attached preview (snapshot) picture; these enable users to easily locate the “problematic” model elements in the referenced view, using the same exact camera position as the snapshot. ARCHICAD’s Mark-Up tool supports BCF commenting, import and export.
See Workflows for Using BCF in Project Mark-Up.