What is ISO 167392013

ISO 16739:2013 is a standard that defines the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data schema. This technical article will thoroughly discuss the key aspects of ISO 16739:2013.

Introduction to ISO 16739:2013

ISO 16739:2013, titled "Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) for data sharing in the construction and facility management industries," is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its purpose is to facilitate interoperability and data exchange between different software applications used in the construction and facility management sectors.

Key Features of ISO 16739:2013

The main features of ISO 16739:2013 include the following:

Industry Foundation Classes (IFC): The standard defines a data model based on IFC, which is an open standard for representing building and construction industry data. IFC provides a common language and format for exchanging information among various software applications.

Express Language: ISO 16739:2013 uses the Express language for defining the information model. Express is a standardized data modeling language specified by ISO 10303, which allows precise definition of data entities and their relationships.

Object-Oriented Approach: The standard adopts an object-oriented approach, where different types of building elements, properties, and relationships are encapsulated as objects. These objects can have attributes, operations, and associations with other objects, enabling comprehensive representation of building information.

Semantic Definitions: ISO 16739:2013 provides semantic definitions for various concepts and entities used in the building industry. It defines a wide range of entities, such as walls, doors, windows, spaces, and more, along with their properties and relationships.

Benefits and Applications

The adoption of ISO 16739:2013 brings several benefits to the construction and facility management industries:

Interoperability: The standard promotes interoperability between different software applications, allowing seamless data exchange and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.

Better Decision-Making: ISO 16739:2013 enables better decision-making by providing a comprehensive and standardized representation of building information. This leads to improved coordination, efficiency, and accuracy in various processes, such as design, analysis, construction, and maintenance.

Cost Savings: The use of ISO 16739:2013 reduces errors, rework, and inconsistencies caused by data exchange issues. This results in cost savings due to improved productivity and reduced project delays.

Integration with BIM: Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms can leverage ISO 16739:2013 to enhance their capabilities and extend support for advanced analysis, simulation, and visualization tools. This leads to enhanced collaboration and innovation in the industry.

In conclusion, ISO 16739:2013 plays a critical role in achieving interoperability and data exchange in the construction and facility management sectors. Its comprehensive data model based on Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) facilitates seamless information sharing, leading to improved efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration across all stages of the project lifecycle.