Classification Codes in BricsCAD BIM Explained
Quick answer: Assigning classification codes organizes a BIM model and increases its level of detail, useful for organizing library materials and project reports, estimating costs, and defining product specifications. Eight classification systems are currently available.
The Available Classification Systems
| System | Region/Scope |
|---|---|
| GUBIMClassCA | The BIM Users group of Catalonia |
| GUBIMClassES | Unified classification system for the AEC industry in Spain |
| MasterFormat | Commercial and institutional building projects in the US and Canada |
| NLSfb | AEC industry standards in the Netherlands |
| OmniClass | General classification system for the construction industry |
| UniClass2015 | Standards for all sectors of the UK construction industry |
| Uniformat | Building specification classification, cost estimating, and cost analysis in the US and Canada |
| VMSW | AEC industry standards in Belgium |
Assigning Classification Codes to the BIM
- With the Quad in No Selection state, click Properties on its Bim tab; the BIM Properties dialog opens.
- Click Import… in the bottom-left corner; the Select xml file to import dialog opens.
- Choose a classification system from the list and click Open to import it. If the dialog doesn’t show the Classification folder, enter the path manually:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\BricsCAD V26x64\en_US\Support\Bim\Classification, the same Support folder structure covered on this hub’s BIM Project Info page, just a different subfolder. - The system adds to the namespace as a property set, with the classification code attached to it, applied by default to every type of building element. Optionally deselect categories it shouldn’t apply to, ticking a category checkbox excludes the whole category, or expand it to exclude just a specific element type. Click OK to finish, or import another classification system the same way.
- Select the element you want to assign a code to and open the Properties panel; the classification system and code fields display there.
- Click the arrow icon and choose the classification code for that element from the dropdown.
Exporting the BIM to an IFC file carries each element’s assigned classification system and code along with it, with proper labels and descriptions, visible directly in IFC viewers like BIMvision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exclude just one type of building element from a classification system, rather than a whole category? Yes, expand the category and untick that specific element type instead of the whole category checkbox.
Do assigned classification codes carry over when exporting to IFC? Yes, each element’s classification system and code export with proper labels and descriptions intact.
Where do I find the classification XML files if the import dialog doesn’t show them automatically? Enter the path manually: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Bricsys\BricsCAD V26x64\en_US\Support\Bim\Classification.
Can I import more than one classification system into the same project? Yes, click OK after the first import, then repeat the same import procedure for additional systems.