FAQ on
NEW DATA REQUIREMENTS AND TECHNOLOGY
BIM Software
What is the BIM software that is accepted by CORENET X?
BIM authoring tools that can generate IFC4 models can be used to support the submission. Vendors from 4 of the most commonly used BIM software in the industry (Archicad, OpenBuildings, Tekla and Revit) have also assisted to create IFC-SG configuration files, available in the
IFC-SG Resource Kit.
Can the IFC-SG configuration files be used for different versions of the same software?
IFC-SG configuration files by vendors from 4 of the most commonly used BIM software in the industry support the latest versions as follows:
| Revit |
Revit 2021
Revit 2022
Revit 2023
Revit 2024 |
| Archicad |
Archicad 25
Archicad 26
Archicad 27 |
| Tekla |
Tekla Structures 2022
Tekla Structures 2023 |
| OpenBuildings Designer |
Up to OpenBuildings Designer CONNECT Edition (Update 10) |
The files are available in the
IFC-SG Resource Toolkit.
What is the minimum BIM software required to use the IFC-SG configuration files for the latest draft set?
As of Sep 2023, a set of IFC-SG configuration files is available
here for testing by industry practitioners.
How do I override default IFC classification (from current BIM software) with the IFC-SG requirements stated in the Code of Practice for CORENET X submissions?
It is common for users to amend default settings, including for IFC classifications in the various BIM software. Step-by-step guides on how to amend default settings for IFC-SG can be found at the latest IFC-SG Resource Kit, uploaded here.
OpenBIM Format (IFC-SG)
When will IFC-SG be released for public use?
What is the difference between IFC and IFC-SG?
IFC-SG is the extended version of IFC, introducing new representations for localised regulatory requirements.
What is the IFC format supported in CORENET X submissions?
The IFC4 Reference View is the format supported for CORENET X submissions, and includes local regulatory requirements called IFC-SG.
What is the available Model View Definition (MVD) for IFC-SG?
IFC-SG is based on the IFC4 Reference View MVD.
What is the purpose of using IFC-SG configuration files?
The IFC-SG configuration files help to structure the building information needed for regulatory compliance and export the information to the IFC format from respective BIM authoring tools.
As of Sep 2023, a set of IFC-SG configuration files is available
here for testing by industry practitioners.
Can multiple IFC models (e.g. from different disciplines) be submitted within each CORENET X submission?
Yes, separate models from the different disciplines can be submitted on CORENET X. The Collaboration Platform will federate the models together, as long as the models are coordinated and properly geo-referenced.
How do I export multiple linked files (together with the host file) from the BIM software into an IFC file?
Step-by-step guides on how to export multiple linked files to IFC can be found
here.
Which agencies' parameters are included in the IFC-SG configuration files?
The IFC-SG configuration files include parameters from BCA, LTA, NEA, NParks, PUB, SCDF and URA.
IFC-SG Modelling Requirements
What is required to be modelled in IFC-SG and what can be submitted in 2D?
Please refer to the
CORENET X COP for more details on what is required to be submitted in BIM and what can be provided as non-BIM supplementary information, including details in 2D.
How should trees be represented?
As long as relevant IFC-SG requirements are embedded in the tree object, it is acceptable to model trees as simplified lollipop BIM components We are mindful that more elaborate tree models can increase the file size of the BIM model.
Will landscape be required to be modelled in the IFC-SG model?
Landscape greenery such as trees, shrubs, turfing and other features will need to be modelled by simplified BIM objects (e.g. lollipop component for trees, topographic surfaces or meshes for turfing), as long as their respective IFC-SG data is correctly embedded.
Are M&E services required to be modelled in the IFC-SG model?
The consolidated BIM model should include details that need to be submitted to the various agencies. For example, if there are sanitary works, the details should be included in the submissions to PUB.
Is drainage (new and removed) required to be modelled in the IFC-SG model?
Drains should be in 3D unless there is a suitable representation that makes it easier for the industry to model without compromising on the processing by officers. For example, PUB will check drain curvature, gradient, width, etc. These parameters may be required to be represented as part of the 3D drains in future for automated model checking.
Are details such as rebar couplers and connections required to be modelled in the IFC-SG model?
The elements should be drawn in 3D for coordination. The details or connections can be furnished in 2D.
For example, for rebar couplers, the QP may substantiate a set of 2D wall schedule drawings to present the orientation and arrangement of wall reinforcement for illustration.
Drawings of details for any irregular or complex wall section (e.g. L shape wall, D wall, retaining wall, etc.) can be submitted in 2D with the indication of the drawing number in the IFC-SG parameter “ReferTo2DDetail”.
Please refer to Section 4 of the
CORENET X Code of Practice for more details.
Are details in the current schematic diagrams such as for drainage and sanitary works required to be modelled in the IFC-SG model?
Sanitary drain lines are to be submitted as schematic and/or 2D drawings. It is optional to submit in 3D. If industry submits these details in 3D, it will also be accepted. Please refer to Section 4 of the
CORENET X Code of Practice for more details.
What is the extent of modelling required for external works submissions?
External works can be submitted in 2D.
Is there a ready set of object library / families that industry can adopt for submission via CORENET X?
Object libraries are currently being explored. There are also feedback that it may stifle creativity or conflict with existing in-house libraries, all these will be taken into consideration, and we will update industry on the plans when ready.
Can I use my firm's IFC-SG template?
The
IFC-SG Resource Toolkit provides templates and configuration files as a base for industry to use. Firms can also incorporate and adapt their company information into the templates.
How will 2D elements (e.g. general notes, standard details, typical details) be modelled in the IFC-SG model?
2D details are to be submitted separately from the IFC model as supplementary documents. Please refer to the
CORENET X Code of Practice on the BIM and non-BIM supplementary documents that are required in each submission package.
Geo-Referencing
Must CORENET X submissions be geo-referenced?
Yes, all submissions must be geo-referenced to SVY 21 and sit properly on the cadastral base. Proper geo-referencing is essential to ensure that project data, including GIS data, are accurately incorporated into the submission model for agencies to process. More information on geo-referencing can be found
here.
Approved Plans
Will the approved plans be IFC models or 2D drawings in CORENET X?
For projects that are mandated for BIM submissions, the approved plans will be the approved IFC models. For projects that are not mandated for BIM submissions, the approved plans will be the 2D drawings.
Will all members (e.g. licensed builders, REs, RTOs) have access to the approved models that were submitted to agencies under CORENET X?
Yes, all project members should have access to the same set of approved plans to ensure consistency and alignment. Construction projects require huge coordination effort among the various stakeholders. Therefore, it is important that the project information is available to all members in the project team.
Will the approved plans in CORENET X be archived so that information will be available to another QP when the development undergoes A&A in the future?
Yes, similar to today’s practice, approved plans will be made available upon owner's consent.
Will CORENET X store our past project documents? If not, how long will the information remain available for access?
CORENET X is not meant to be an archival or information management system for projects. Access to project information will end following 2 years after project completion and the data will be archived.
User Experience and Interface
Will there be other submission functions in CORENET X besides submission for regulatory compliance?
CORENET X will eventually cover all applications available in the current CORENET today. As part of the efforts to redesign and improve the user's experience, we will look into enhancements and improvements to these application types.
Automated Model Checker (AMC)
What are the rules or regulatory codes that will be checked by the Automated Model Checker?
The regulatory codes and guidelines from BCA, URA and other technical agencies such as SCDF, NEA and PUB will be included in the automated model checker. Complex or non-quantifiable requirements will continue to be checked manually.
If the coordinated BIM model has been checked by the Automated Model Checker, will the agencies still perform manual checks?
The Automated Model Checker is targeted to check as many deterministic rules as possible, across multiple agencies. Deterministic rules refer to the geometric, spatial aspects of building elements and spaces. Rules that are not checked in the Automated Model Checker will still be manually checked by the authorities.
Will the QPs be able to view the non-compliances identified by the Automated Model Checker?
Yes, a report on the non-compliances will be generated and QPs can download it to view the non-compliances identified by the AMC.
Can QPs use the Automated Model Checker to check their model before submitting it via CORENET X?
Yes, QPs will be able to use the Automated Model Checker to carry out pre-submission checks and address any non-compliances identified by the AMC before submitting the model via CORENET X.
I have obtained waivers for my project. Will the Automated Model Checker reject my submission due to the deviations?
If waivers have been granted for the deviations from regulations by the relevant agencies, the automated model checker will not fail or reject the submission.
What is the minimum standard for the quality of the coordinated BIM model submitted at each Gateway?
The minimum standard for the quality of the coordinated BIM model will be included in our Code of Practice for CORENET X, which is currently under development.
Will the Automated Model Checker affect modelling methods?
Yes, the IFC-SG model must match a certain IFC schema when exported because the Automated Model Checker is a rules-based checking engine that runs on a definitive set of instructions and data. The IFC-SG model should be configured with the IFC-SG export configuration tools developed by GovTech together with software vendors to ensure that the IFC-SG mapping is accurate when the model is exported.
What is the spelling tolerance for the Automated Model Checker?
For example: Category 4, Cat 4, Block, Blk, etc.
The Automated Model Checker will have a limited level of tolerance for variations in spelling. To prevent misspellings and other discrepancies, we strongly encourage users to follow the list of acceptable IFC-SG values in the
CORENET X Code of Practice, and use our IFC-SG templates and configuration files in the
IFC-SG Resource Toolkit.
Is the Automated Model Checker using AI Technology?
No, the Automated Model Checker is a software that is largely rules-based. The use of AI will be explored in the later phases.
Will the Automated Model Checker "auto-correct" or recommend solutions for non-compliances?
No, all amendments and changes to QPs' designs must be made by the QPs.
For feedback or enquiry related to CORENET X, please complete the form here.