Automatic generation of pipelines from 2D CAD drawings to 3D IFC models using a parametric method

Abstract

Creating 3D models of pipelines is essential for effective digital building management. However, generating 3D pipeline models from 2D CAD drawings still heavily depends on human-computer interaction at the design stage. This paper addresses this challenge by proposing a method to generate parametric 3D pipeline models from CAD drawings automatically. The framework includes three parts. Firstly, automatic layer recognition algorithms are used to extract data from CAD drawings, and algorithms are designed to match pipeline coordinates and diameters. Then, data on straight pipes is processed, including judging types of pipe fittings and calculating relevant parameters to realize the automatic generation of 3D BIM models. Finally, IFC is utilized to express the geometry and topology of models for BIM model generation. The process is implemented by writing a C++ program in Visio Studio 2019. Experimental results on a building water supply and drainage system demonstrate that the proposed method can significantly improve the generation efficiency and automation level of pipeline models.

Keywords:

• Computer aided design (CAD)
• parametric 3D pipeline models
• pipe fittings
• industry foundation classes (IFC)
• building information modeling (BIM)

Author contributions

Dixian Yin: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – Original Draft, Software, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Data curation, Visualization. Xueyuan Deng: Supervision, Writing – Review and Editing, Software, Project administration, Funding acquisition. Kun Lu: Writing – Review & Editing, Supervision.

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Data availability statement

Data available on request from the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality [No. 21DZ1204600].