Propertyserver in the Open BIM process

The handling of all processes in the life cycle of structures with the aid of a digital building model is inseparably linked with the term Open BIM, especially in Europe. For this reason, the heterogeneous software landscape existing in Central Europe creates problems in data exchange, for which there are basically two approaches for a solution available. On the one hand this is the handling of projects in a closed-BIM approach and on the other hand the use of Open BIM, for which manufacturer-neutral file formats and data structures are required. The IFC format is the state of the art. However, not all so-called characteristics of components, which mainly define their qualities, are mapped there correctly. The essential point in data exchange is the standardization of these features - to speak "a common language". For this reason, the concept of the property server was developed. On this server all corresponding properties, units, measurements, etc. can be stored and provided with a machine-readable code. In order to demonstrate the application possibilities and the need for features, an ideal-typical BIM process along the construction value chain is presented. Special attention is paid to the functions and possibilities of a property-server. The implementation of this concept is shown by means of the property-server developed in the research project freeBIM and the software tools implemented in the course of this server. The concept of a propertyserver makes an essential contribution to the optimization of the Open BIM process, but requires a common and coordinated approach both in the national and international context.