Implementation of BIM plus WebGIS Based on Extended IFC and Batched 3D Tiles Data: An Application in RCC Gravity Dam for Republication of Design Change Model

The construction of hydropower project is a complex management process, whose management covers the entire construction site. Building information modeling (BIM) + Web Geographic Information System (WebGIS) is an effective means to solve the management of the construction site and main structures. Industry foundation classes (IFC) is commonly used in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry as a standard for BIM data exchange. However, as the components of hydropower projects have not been included in IFC standards, IFC needs to be extended in application. At the same time, WebGIS pays more attention to display whole scene and ignores the processing of high-precision models. There will be deficiencies in network transmission and browser rendering in WebGIS environment of elaborate BIM model. Therefore, the batched three dimensions (3D) Tiles data format, which uses Web Graphics Library (WebGL) as the standard for 3D model rendering, has been widely considered in recent years. At present, in the field of BIM and GIS fusion, the conversion of extended IFC to 3D Tiles data is still blank, and none of the current BIM modeling software has the ability to export the components of hydropower projects. This paper proposes an extended IFC export method based on Autodesk Revit and a data exchange from extended IFC to batched 3D Tiles. Finally, the effectiveness of this method is verified by a design modification case of roller compacted concrete (RCC) gravity dam.

Automated summary

The construction management process of hydropower projects can be improved through the combination of BIM and WebGIS. However, limitations in IFC standards and WebGIS technology need to be addressed for better integration. Conversion of extended IFC to 3D Tiles data format is a potential solution for enhancing the visualization and management of complex infrastructure projects.