IFC Reference — Entity Types & Properties
A complete reference for IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) entity types used in BIM models. IFC is the open standard for exchanging building data, maintained by buildingSMART International. Each entity type below represents a distinct category of building element, spatial structure, or system component.
Spatial Element
IfcSite
IfcSite represents the land area on which a construction project is located.
IfcBuilding
IfcBuilding represents a structure that provides shelter for its occupants or contents.
IfcBuildingStorey
IfcBuildingStorey represents a single floor level within a building.
IfcSpace
IfcSpace represents a defined area or volume within a building, typically corresponding to a room or functional zone.
IfcZone
IfcZone represents a grouping of spaces that share a common characteristic, such as an HVAC zone, fire compartment, or lighting control zone.
Abstract Type
IfcBuildingElement
IfcBuildingElement is the abstract supertype for all physical building elements that are part of the building fabric.
IfcDistributionElement
IfcDistributionElement is the abstract supertype for all elements that participate in a distribution system — HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, and other building services.
IfcDistributionFlowElement
IfcDistributionFlowElement is the abstract supertype for elements that participate in fluid or energy flow within distribution systems.
IfcFlowController
IfcFlowController is the abstract supertype for devices that regulate flow within distribution systems.
IfcFlowFitting
IfcFlowFitting is the abstract supertype for connection elements between flow segments — elbows, tees, reducers, transitions, and other fittings that join or redirect sections of duct, pipe, or cable tray.
Building Element
IfcWall
IfcWall represents a vertical construction element that bounds or subdivides spaces.
IfcDoor
IfcDoor represents a construction element that is used to close an opening in a wall or partition.
IfcWindow
IfcWindow represents a construction element placed in a wall opening to allow light and ventilation.
IfcSlab
IfcSlab represents a horizontal construction element that forms the floor, roof, or landing of a building.
IfcBeam
IfcBeam represents a horizontal or inclined structural member that carries loads primarily by bending.
IfcColumn
IfcColumn represents a vertical structural member that transmits loads from beams and slabs to the foundation.
IfcStair
IfcStair represents a vertical circulation element consisting of flights and landings that connect different floor levels.
IfcRoof
IfcRoof represents the top covering of a building that protects against weather.
IfcCurtainWall
IfcCurtainWall represents a non-load-bearing exterior wall system that is hung from the building structure, typically consisting of a metal frame with glass, metal, or stone panel infill.
IfcRailing
IfcRailing represents a protective barrier along stairs, ramps, balconies, and elevated walkways.
IfcRamp
IfcRamp represents an inclined surface that provides access between different floor levels without steps.
IfcPlate
IfcPlate represents a planar, flat structural element with a constant thickness.
IfcMember
IfcMember represents a structural element that carries loads primarily in tension, compression, or bending along a single axis.
IfcFooting
IfcFooting represents a foundation element that distributes structural loads from columns or walls to the ground.
IfcPile
IfcPile represents a deep foundation element driven or drilled into the ground to transfer building loads to deeper, more competent soil or rock layers.
IfcCovering
IfcCovering represents a finishing element applied to the surface of another building element.
Opening Element
MEP Element
IfcFlowSegment
IfcFlowSegment represents a straight or curved section of a distribution system that carries fluid, air, or energy from one point to another.
IfcFlowTerminal
IfcFlowTerminal represents an endpoint of a distribution system where fluid, air, or energy is delivered to or collected from the space.
IfcDuctSegment
IfcDuctSegment represents a straight or curved section of ductwork that carries conditioned air, exhaust, or ventilation air within an HVAC system.
IfcPipeSegment
IfcPipeSegment represents a straight or curved section of piping that carries water, gas, steam, or other fluids.
IfcCableSegment
IfcCableSegment represents a section of electrical cable or wire that carries electrical power or data signals.
IfcAirTerminal
IfcAirTerminal represents a device that supplies or extracts air from a space, such as diffusers, grilles, registers, and exhaust vents.
IfcSanitaryTerminal
IfcSanitaryTerminal represents plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, urinals, showers, bathtubs, and drinking fountains.
IfcLightFixture
IfcLightFixture represents an artificial lighting device that produces illumination in a space.
IfcOutlet
IfcOutlet represents an electrical receptacle or connection point that provides power or data access at a fixed location.
IfcValve
IfcValve represents a device that controls the flow of fluid in a piping system.
IfcPump
IfcPump represents a mechanical device that moves fluid through a piping system by adding pressure energy.
IfcFan
IfcFan represents a mechanical device that moves air through a ductwork system.
IfcBoiler
IfcBoiler represents a heating device that produces hot water or steam by burning fuel or using electrical resistance.
IfcChiller
IfcChiller represents a cooling device that removes heat from a liquid (typically water or glycol solution) through a refrigeration cycle.
Structural Element
IfcReinforcingBar
IfcReinforcingBar represents a steel reinforcement bar (rebar) embedded in concrete to provide tensile strength.
IfcTendon
IfcTendon represents a pre-stressed or post-tensioned steel element used in concrete construction to improve structural performance.
IfcReinforcingMesh
IfcReinforcingMesh represents a prefabricated welded wire mesh used for reinforcing concrete slabs, walls, and other elements.
Furnishing
IfcFurnishingElement
IfcFurnishingElement is the supertype for all movable items within a building that are not part of the building structure.
IfcFurniture
IfcFurniture represents movable objects intended for use in a building space, such as desks, chairs, tables, shelving, cabinets, and workstations.
Transport Element
Other Element
IfcBuildingElementProxy
IfcBuildingElementProxy is a generic placeholder for building elements that do not fit any specific IFC entity type.
IfcAnnotation
IfcAnnotation represents non-physical markup elements used for documentation purposes, such as dimension lines, text labels, symbols, hatching, and survey points.
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