IFC 5.0: WHAT’S NEW AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR OPENBIM

IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is an open standard developed by buildingSMART International that enables the exchange of BIM model data between different stakeholders and software platforms. IFC has been widely adopted in openBIM workflows, serving as a “common language” for sharing models among tools such as Autodesk Revit, Archicad, Tekla Structures, and many others.

To further expand and standardize data exchange capabilities, buildingSMART International and the ISO/TC 59/SC 13 JWG 12 committee have developed the IFC 5 Core project plan — the foundation for the IFC 5.0 update.

IFC 5.0 is considered the next major step forward after IFC 4.x in the evolution of open BIM standards, aiming to provide a more flexible, extensible, and modern data modeling framework that better supports today’s digital construction and data-driven workflows.

MAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN IFC 5.0

MODULAR STANDARDIZED ARCHITECTURE INSTEAD OF A MONOLITHIC STRUCTURE

Unlike previous versions, IFC 5.0 is built with a modular architecture consisting of a Core layer and Extension modules. This means:

• IFC 5.0 is divided into multiple specialized modules (core and domain-specific) to support different disciplines such as architecture, structural engineering, MEP, and facility operations.
• The Core module defines neutral concepts such as object identification, spatial structures, and extensibility, creating a common foundation for all related applications.
• Extension modules can be developed and updated independently without affecting the core structure, making the standard more flexible and future-ready.

IMPROVED SCALABILITY AND COMPATIBILITY WITH MODERN DATA WORKFLOWS

• The new architecture makes it easier to add new components such as scheduling, cost data, and IoT information based on project requirements.
• IFC 5.0 is designed to provide stronger interoperability with other digital platforms such as Digital Twins, cloud computing environments, and open project data management systems.
• This approach also makes the new version easier for BIM software developers to implement and support.

THE IMPACT OF IFC 5.0 ON THE OPENBIM COMMUNITY

ENHANCED CROSS-SOFTWARE DATA EXCHANGE

IFC has always been the backbone of openBIM, and with the new update:

• BIM model data can be represented more accurately when transferred between different BIM software platforms.
• Engineers, contractors, and project owners can use this open standard to maintain consistency throughout design, construction, and facility operation phases.
• This helps reduce errors during data import/export processes, especially in multidisciplinary and multi-software projects.

SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OPEN BIM ECOSYSTEM

BIM software companies are beginning to prepare support tools for IFC 5.0. For example, ACCA software has been testing and demonstrating tools such as usBIM.ifc5 for managing and viewing IFC 5 data.

This is a positive signal showing that software developers are starting to align with the progress of the new open BIM standard.

ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND ADOPTION OF THE NEW STANDARD

CONSULTATION AND FEEDBACK FOR THE IFC 5.0 PROJECT

The IFC 5 Core Project Plan has been introduced by buildingSMART International for review and feedback by the Standards Committee. The consultation and evaluation process aims to ensure feasibility, transparency, and compatibility across various technological environments.

The results of this consultation process will help shape the final structure of the standard before its official adoption.

COMPATIBILITY WITH IFC 4.X TO REDUCE IMPLEMENTATION RISKS

One of the key goals of the IFC 5.0 update is not to completely replace IFC 4.x, but to expand upon the existing foundation in a flexible way. This approach allows current projects to transition more smoothly without disrupting existing workflows.

STRATEGIC BENEFITS FOR BIM COMPANIES AND ENGINEERS

GREATER FLEXIBILITY AND SCALABILITY FOR BIM WORKFLOWS

With the modular approach in IFC 5.0, companies can:

• Apply data extensions based on their specific needs, such as 4D/5D BIM, IoT integration, and asset management.
• Connect BIM data with larger digital platforms such as Digital Twins, IoT ecosystems, and CDE environments.

This significantly increases the long-term value of BIM data throughout the project lifecycle.

BETTER STANDARDIZATION FOR OPEN WORKFLOWS

The IFC 5.0 update means that building components, spatial information, and domain-specific parameters will be described more clearly under an open standard framework, reducing inconsistencies during data exchange between BIM platforms.

CONCLUSION

The IFC 5.0 update represents the next stage in the evolution of the IFC standard, focusing on modularization, data scalability, and support for more advanced digital workflows. It provides a stronger foundation for improving data exchange efficiency in openBIM and supports the future of digital design, construction, and facility operations.

At BIMCAD Vietnam, we closely follow standards such as IFC 5.0 and openBIM to help organizations implement BIM data solutions that align with the latest standards. Contact our experts to learn how to integrate IFC into your workflow, update your BIM standards, and improve project data quality sustainably.