General Modelling Practices

IFC+SG · Modelling Guidance

General Modelling Practices

Prepare your BIM model for IFC+SG submission by following common modelling practices for structure, coordinates, naming, model quality, and IFC export readiness.

Model structure
Coordinates
Model quality
IFC readiness
This page covers general modelling practices. For BIM authoring tool–specific guidance, refer to the BIM Authoring Tools guide. Access the BIM Authoring Tools guide here.

Set up the model structure before modelling

Start with clear level naming, spatial structure, and block setup. These items affect IFC export, federation, and CORENET X submission review.

Level Naming and Organisation
Model Setup

Level Naming and Organisation

Organise levels clearly so storeys can be understood and checked correctly after IFC export.

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Block Mechanism
Spatial Structure

Block Mechanism

Understand how architectural, structural, and MEP models should align with the IFC+SG block mechanism.

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Model elements with the correct information

Use the correct IFC entities, subtype values, and reference documents so model elements carry the information required for IFC+SG submission.

Use correct IFC entities
IFC Classification

Use correct IFC entities

Select the correct IFC entity so each model element is recognised and reviewed properly after IFC export.

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Predefined Type VS USERDEFINED
IFC Subtype

Predefined Type VS USERDEFINED

Understand when to use standard predefined types and when USERDEFINED is needed for IFC+SG subtype requirements.

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When to use COP, Excel Mapping File and Glossary
Reference Documents

When to use COP, Excel Mapping File & Glossary

Understand how the COP, IFC+SG Excel Mapping File, and Glossary support different parts of modelling and data preparation.

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Project coordinates and model federation

Set up coordinates and check model alignment before IFC export. This helps reduce federation issues when different discipline models are combined for review.

Project Coordinates and Geo-Referencing
Coordinates

Project Coordinates & Geo-Referencing

Understand how project coordinates and geo-referencing affect model placement, IFC export, and downstream review.

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Ensure models align correctly in federation
Federation

Ensure models align correctly in federation

Check that architectural, structural, and MEP models align correctly when federated in IFC viewers or coordination tools.

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Improve model quality before IFC export and submission

Review model quality, GUID consistency, coordination status, and file performance before federating and exporting IFC models for submission.

Maintain unique GUIDs across models
IFC Identity

Maintain unique GUIDs across models

Prevent duplicated IFC GUIDs when creating multiple blocks, copying templates, or managing linked discipline models.

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Manage file size for performance
Performance

Manage file size for performance

Reduce unnecessary model complexity and optimise file size to improve IFC export, loading, federation, and review performance.

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Clash detection and coordination
Coordination

Clash detection & coordination

Review clashes and coordination issues early before IFC export and submission to reduce downstream review problems.

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Export gridlines to all storeys
Modelling

Export gridlines to all storeys

Ensure gridlines are exported across all storeys in the IFC model to maintain spatial reference and improve coordination across disciplines.

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