Exporting bridge elements to IFC 4.3: IfcBridge or IfcRoad?

Users IFC
, , ,
1

Dear Colleagues,

I’m currently working on exporting a bridge model to IFC 4.3 and need some guidance regarding the placement of elements on the bridge deck. There seem to be two ways to do this, and I’m not sure which one is correct:

  1. Include deck elements into Ifcbridge:
  • For example, wearing surface (IfcSlab.WEARING), kerbs (IfcKerb), and junction boxes (IfcJunctionBox.POWER) are added as part of IfcBridgePart.SUPERSTRUCTURE [COMPLEX].
  1. Separate deck elements into IfcRoad:
  • These same elements are not part of the bridge model but are instead included within the IfcRoad model.

Which approach complies with IFC 4.3 standards and industry best practices? Are there specific scenarios or criteria for choosing one approach over the other?

I look forward to your advice!

Best regards,
Dmitrii

2

Bridge IFC Hierarchy Proposal (1)_2
Bridge IFC Hierarchy Proposal (1)_21227×690 36.5 KB

GT1
GT11007×455 45.2 KB

GT2
GT2939×420 39 KB

GT3
GT3731×368 23.4 KB

3

IMO, it depends if you consider the bridge in a more traditional sense, or not.

For Civil works, basically everything between the approach slabs is considered part of the Bridge. With the exception being any asphalt wearing course, that usually falls under Road Pavement.

Elements that would normally be part of Civil works, such as kerbs, footpaths, drains (scuppers), barriers, etc, are usually integrated into the Bridge structure. Hence they are considered part of the Bridge.