How openBIM Standards Improve Precast Collaboration

Precast concrete projects involve a web of stakeholders who must exchange information accurately and efficiently: architects define the building form, structural engineers size the members, precast fabricators detail and produce the elements, general contractors coordinate erection, and MEP engineers route their systems around and through precast members. When these parties use different software platforms, and they almost always do, the question of how to exchange data without loss or distortion becomes critical. This is the problem that openBIM standards are designed to solve. This article examines the three core openBIM standards that matter most for precast collaboration: IFC for model exchange, BCF for issue tracking, and COBie for facilities handover.

What openBIM Actually Means

The term "openBIM" is used loosely in the AEC industry, and it is worth establishing a precise definition before diving into specific standards. openBIM, as defined by buildingSMART International, is an approach to BIM that uses open, vendor-neutral standards for the creation, exchange, and management of building data. The key word is "open" in contrast to "closed" or proprietary data formats that lock information into a single vendor's ecosystem.

In practice, openBIM means that a precast model created in Tekla Structures can be meaningfully consumed by an architect working in ArchiCAD, a coordinator running Solibri Model Checker, or a facilities manager using a COBie-compliant asset management system, all without requiring any party to purchase or learn the originating software. This vendor neutrality is not merely a philosophical preference; it is a practical necessity in an industry where no single software platform dominates all disciplines.

IFC for Model Exchange in Precast Projects

IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is the foundational openBIM standard, and its role in precast workflows is extensively covered in our companion article on IFC 4.0. Here, we focus on the practical coordination scenarios where IFC serves as the exchange medium between project participants.

Scenario 1: Structural Engineer to Precast Fabricator

The most common IFC exchange in precast projects occurs between the Engineer of Record (EOR) and the precast fabricator. The EOR typically works in a structural analysis and design platform (such as ETABS, SAFE, or RAM Structural System) and produces a structural model that defines member sizes, connection locations, and design loads. This model is exported as IFC and delivered to the precast fabricator.

The fabricator's engineering team imports the IFC model into their detailing platform (Revit or Tekla), where it serves as the starting geometry for precast detailing. DesignLogic's IFC import handler recognizes the structural member classifications and maps them to the appropriate precast element types. An IfcBeam with the appropriate predefined type becomes a precast beam ready for reinforcement detailing. An IfcSlab becomes a double tee or hollowcore slab based on its geometry and property set data.

This IFC-based handoff eliminates the traditional process of the fabricator's engineering team manually rebuilding the structural model from 2D structural drawings. On a mid-size project, this can save 40 to 80 hours of modeling time and eliminate the geometric discrepancies that inevitably arise when two parties independently model the same structure.

Scenario 2: Precast Fabricator to General Contractor (Coordination)

Once the precast fabricator has completed their detailed model, including all connection hardware, lifting inserts, and embeds, they export an IFC coordination model for the general contractor. This model is combined with IFC models from the architect (architectural elements, finishes), the MEP engineers (ductwork, piping, electrical), and other trades in a coordination environment.

The quality of the precast IFC model directly affects the usefulness of multi-trade coordination. If the precast model only contains simplified solid geometry (which is often the case with basic IFC exports), the coordination team cannot distinguish between a weld plate and a lifting insert, and cannot write meaningful clash detection rules for precast-specific scenarios. DesignLogic's IFC export preserves the semantic identity of every precast component, enabling coordination rules like:

Rule 1: MEP Penetration Clearance
  IF: Any MEP element intersects a precast element
  AND: The intersection is within 6" of any IfcReinforcingBar
       or IfcTendon
  THEN: Flag as CRITICAL clash
  REASON: Penetration may sever reinforcement or strand

Rule 2: Connection Access Clearance
  IF: Any element is within 12" of an IfcMechanicalFastener
       classified as a precast connection
  AND: The element is not part of the same precast assembly
  THEN: Flag as WARNING
  REASON: Field crew needs access to connection for welding/bolting

Rule 3: Lifting Hardware Clearance
  IF: Any element is within 18" directly above a lifting insert
       (IfcMechanicalFastener with PredefinedType = USERDEFINED
        and custom property "HardwareType" = "LiftingInsert")
  THEN: Flag as WARNING
  REASON: Crane rigging requires overhead clearance at lift points

Rule 4: Blockout Coordination
  IF: A precast element contains a void/blockout
  AND: No MEP element passes through the void
  AND: The void is not tagged as "structural opening"
  THEN: Flag as INFO
  REASON: Unused blockout may indicate coordination gap

BCF: Model-Based Issue Tracking for Precast Coordination

The BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) is an openBIM standard for communicating model-based issues between different BIM applications. Think of BCF as a structured, model-aware version of email-based RFIs. Instead of describing an issue in text ("There appears to be a conflict between the HVAC duct on level 3 near grid line B/4 and the precast spandrel"), a BCF issue captures the exact camera viewpoint, the specific model elements involved, the markup annotations, and the status tracking metadata in a standardized format that any BCF-compliant application can display.

How BCF Works

A BCF file (or BCF API exchange) contains one or more "topics," each representing a single coordination issue. Each topic includes:

• Viewpoint: A camera position and direction that frames the issue in the 3D model. When the receiving party opens the BCF issue, their application navigates to exactly the same view, eliminating the need to search for the problem location.
• Component references: The specific IFC elements (identified by their GlobalId) that are involved in the issue. The receiving application can highlight these elements, making it immediately clear which components need attention.
• Markup: Visual annotations (lines, arrows, text) overlaid on the viewpoint snapshot. These annotations communicate the nature of the issue without requiring the receiving party to have domain-specific knowledge.
• Topic metadata: Title, description, priority, assigned party, due date, and status (Open, In Progress, Resolved, Closed). This structured metadata enables workflow tracking and accountability.
• Comments: A threaded discussion attached to the issue, allowing multiple parties to discuss the resolution without leaving the model-based context.

BCF in a Precast Coordination Workflow

Consider a practical example. During multi-trade coordination, the clash detection engine identifies that a 24-inch HVAC duct on Level 3 passes through the web of a precast spandrel panel. The coordination lead creates a BCF issue with the following information:

The precast fabricator opens this BCF issue in their Tekla or Revit environment (via DesignLogic's BCF integration). The application navigates directly to spandrel panel SP-12, highlights it and the conflicting duct, and displays the coordination lead's markup. The precast engineer can immediately evaluate the three proposed options, determine whether a blockout is structurally feasible (checking reinforcement clearances and structural adequacy), and respond with a recommendation, all within the model-based context rather than through a chain of emails and PDF markups.

DesignLogic's BCF module enhances this workflow by adding precast-specific context to BCF responses. When the precast engineer responds to a blockout request, the plugin automatically includes the structural impact assessment: which reinforcing bars would need to be modified, what additional reinforcement is required around the penetration, and how the change affects the piece weight and production schedule. This information flows back to the coordination environment as structured BCF comment data, not as an unstructured email attachment.

COBie: Precast Data for Facilities Management

COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange) is often the least understood openBIM standard among precast producers, but it is increasingly required by building owners, particularly government agencies and institutional clients. COBie defines a standardized format for delivering as-built building information to facilities management teams. For precast elements, this means providing structured data about every installed piece that the building operator will need for maintenance, repair, and eventual renovation.

What COBie Data Looks Like for Precast

COBie organizes building data into worksheets (when delivered as a spreadsheet) or structured tables (when delivered as XML or IFC). For precast elements, the relevant COBie data includes:

COBie.Component:
  Name:           "DT-14A"
  TypeName:       "Double Tee 12x34"
  Space:          "Level 3, Parking Bay B"
  Description:    "Prestressed double tee, 60'-0\" span"
  SerialNumber:   "2026-PRJ042-DT-14A"
  InstallationDate: "2026-03-15"
  WarrantyStartDate: "2026-03-15"
  WarrantyDuration:  "1 year (structural), 5 year (waterproofing)"

COBie.Type:
  Name:           "Double Tee 12x34"
  Manufacturer:   "Acme Precast LLC"
  ModelNumber:    "DT-1234-60"
  NominalLength:  "60'-0\""
  NominalWidth:   "12'-0\""
  NominalHeight:  "34\""
  Material:       "Precast Concrete, 8000 PSI"
  Weight:         "33,200 lbs"
  ExpectedLife:   "75 years"
  ReplacementCost: "Contact manufacturer"

COBie.Attribute (selected):
  ConcreteStrength:     "8000 PSI"
  ReinforcementType:    "Prestressed, 12 x 0.6\" dia 270 ksi LR"
  FireRating:           "2 hour (unrestrained)"
  AcousticRating:       "STC 52"
  ThermalResistance:    "R-4.2 (uninsulated)"
  MaintenanceSchedule:  "Visual inspection annually,
                          sealant replacement every 10 years"

Producing COBie data manually is tedious and error-prone. It requires the fabricator to compile installation dates, warranty information, material specifications, and maintenance recommendations for every precast element in the project and format them according to the COBie schema. For a project with 500 precast elements, this represents a substantial documentation effort.

DesignLogic simplifies COBie delivery by extracting most of the required data directly from the BIM model and the CastLogic ERP system. The model provides the component type information, dimensions, materials, and spatial location. The ERP provides the production date (as a proxy for installation date), serial/batch numbers, and quality certifications. The engineer supplements this with warranty terms and maintenance recommendations, and DesignLogic formats the complete data set as a COBie-compliant deliverable.

Multi-Discipline Coordination Benefits

The individual standards (IFC, BCF, COBie) each address specific data exchange needs, but the real power of openBIM emerges when they work together in a coordinated workflow. Consider the full lifecycle of a precast coordination issue:

• 1
  IFC Model Exchange: The precast fabricator provides an IFC model of their precast elements to the project coordination platform. The model includes full geometric detail, reinforcement data, and connection hardware, all semantically classified using IFC 4.0 entity types.
• 2
  Clash Detection: The coordination platform combines the precast IFC with models from all other trades and runs rule-based clash detection. Because the precast IFC contains semantic data (not just geometry), the clash rules can be specific and intelligent: "flag MEP penetrations near strands" rather than just "flag all geometric intersections."
• 3
  BCF Issue Creation: Detected clashes are converted to BCF issues with viewpoints, element references, and priority classifications. These BCF issues are distributed to the responsible parties through the project's BCF server or via file exchange.
• 4
  Resolution in Native Environment: The precast engineer opens the BCF issues in their Revit or Tekla environment, evaluates each issue against the detailed precast model, and proposes solutions. Modified precast elements are updated in the model.
• 5
  Updated IFC Delivery: The fabricator exports a revised IFC model reflecting the resolved issues. The coordination platform compares the new model against the previous version, verifying that the identified clashes have been addressed.
• 6
  COBie Data Collection: As coordination issues are resolved and the design stabilizes, COBie data is accumulated. By the time construction is complete, the COBie deliverable is largely pre-populated from the coordination process rather than assembled from scratch.

Real-World Collaboration Scenarios

Architect, Structural Engineer, and Precast Fabricator

Consider a healthcare building where the architect has designed an exposed precast concrete facade with specific reveal patterns and finish requirements. The structural engineer has sized the panels based on wind loads and seismic forces. The precast fabricator must reconcile the architectural intent with the structural requirements while producing panels that can be manufactured efficiently.

In a closed-BIM workflow, this coordination happens through 2D drawing exchanges, markups, and conference calls. The architect sends AutoCAD elevations with reveal patterns. The structural engineer sends structural drawings with panel sizes and connection loads. The fabricator manually combines these into their detailing model, inevitably discovering conflicts where reveal grooves intersect with connection hardware, where the architect's panel joints do not align with the structural joints, or where the panel thickness required for structural adequacy does not match the architectural section.

In an openBIM workflow, the architect provides an IFC model with the architectural facade geometry, including reveal patterns as surface features. The structural engineer provides an IFC model with panel boundaries, connection locations, and load data. The fabricator imports both IFC models into their detailing environment, where DesignLogic overlays the architectural and structural intent on the same geometric reference. Conflicts between reveal patterns and connection hardware are visible immediately, panel joint discrepancies are detected during import, and thickness conflicts are flagged by the plugin's validation rules. Issues that would previously require weeks of drawing exchanges are identified and resolved in days.

MEP Engineer and Precast Fabricator

MEP coordination with precast is one of the most challenging aspects of multi-discipline coordination because MEP systems frequently need to penetrate precast elements. Every penetration through a precast element requires structural evaluation (will the opening weaken the element beyond acceptable limits?), production planning (the blockout must be formed into the element during casting), and field coordination (the MEP contractor must know the exact location and size of the opening).

openBIM standards streamline this process by enabling the MEP engineer to place penetration requests as BCF issues with precise model coordinates. The precast fabricator evaluates each request against the detailed reinforcement model, determines whether the penetration is structurally feasible, adds blockouts to the precast model where approved, and responds with BCF comments indicating approval, denial (with alternatives), or approval with conditions (such as additional reinforcement required). The entire exchange is model-based, tracked, and auditable, eliminating the confusion and errors that plague email-based penetration coordination.

DesignLogic's openBIM Integration

DesignLogic integrates the three core openBIM standards into a unified workflow for precast fabricators. The plugin provides:

Overcoming openBIM Adoption Barriers

Despite the clear benefits, openBIM adoption in the precast industry faces several practical barriers. Understanding these barriers is the first step toward addressing them.

Data quality concerns: Many precast producers have had negative experiences with IFC imports that produced unusable geometry or lost critical property data. These experiences, often caused by poor IFC export configurations rather than fundamental standard limitations, create skepticism about IFC-based workflows. The solution is better tooling (like DesignLogic's precast-optimized IFC engine) and clear IFC exchange requirements in project BIM execution plans.

Process change resistance: openBIM workflows require changes to established coordination processes. Teams accustomed to PDF-based RFI workflows may resist adopting BCF-based issue tracking, even if the BCF approach is objectively more efficient. Successful adoption requires executive support, clear process documentation, and training that demonstrates the time savings in concrete (no pun intended) terms.

Contractual ambiguity: BIM execution plans often specify "IFC deliverables" without defining the required Model View Definition, property sets, or level of detail. This ambiguity leads to disputes when the delivered IFC does not meet the receiving party's expectations. Effective openBIM contracts should specify the IFC version (4.0), the MVD (Reference View or Design Transfer View), the required property sets, and the intended use case (coordination, quantity takeoff, facilities management).

Conclusion

openBIM standards provide the technical foundation for vendor-neutral collaboration in precast concrete projects. IFC enables model exchange without platform lock-in. BCF enables structured, model-based issue tracking that is faster and more reliable than email-based coordination. COBie enables structured handover of precast element data to building operators. Together, these standards create a collaboration framework that reduces coordination errors, accelerates issue resolution, and delivers better data to every project stakeholder.

For precast fabricators, adopting openBIM standards is not about ideology; it is about competitive advantage. Producers who can deliver high-quality IFC models, participate in BCF-based coordination workflows, and produce COBie-compliant handover data are better positioned for projects that require these capabilities, which is an increasing share of the market, particularly in institutional, healthcare, and government work. DesignLogic provides the tools to make openBIM participation practical and efficient, integrating IFC, BCF, and COBie support directly into the Revit and Tekla workflows that precast engineers already use every day.