IFCCompressor: A content-based compression algorithm for optimizing Industry Foundation Classes files

摘要: Abstract As the commonly used open and neutral file format for Building Information Modeling (BIM) data, IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) aims to facilitate interoperability between various software platforms in AEC industry. However, files generated from different systems often contain enormous redundant information, which will greatly limit IFC-based data storage exchange, management, transmission other applications. To address this issue, paper presents a content-based compression algorithm, named IFCCompressor, optimizing files. Its goal is make large as small possible by reducing its information. The algorithm achieved through an iterative procedure based on model's tree structure. optimization can be lossless or constrained error bound. Compared with pure (ZIP) regardless of information content, presented starts comprehensive analysis structure content file, then eliminates without changing original format. Unlike partial model extraction methods, our results complete but more compact physical file. In contrast some commercial tools such Solibri Optimizer, size smaller. experimental show that particularly effective office/residential building models number duplicated components. rate generally very high (the average 40.32%) tested cases. online IFCCompressor tool demonstration accessed at: http://cgcad.thss.tsinghua.edu.cn/liuyushen/IFCCompressor/ .