Automated HVAC Duct and Pipe Network Sizing Analysis in OpenBIM IFC
Extracting MEP flow rates, calculating frictional pressure drops, and auditing duct dimensions automatically from architectural IFC building models.
Manual MEP sizing and pressure drop calculations for complex building ventilation systems are time-consuming and prone to friction estimation errors. Parsing semantic MEP networks from IFC models enables web tools to validate hydraulic requirements instantly.
1. Traversing IfcDistributionFlowElement & Port Topologies
Extracting `IfcDuctSegment`, `IfcPipeSegment`, and port connection relationships builds directed graph networks representing building air distribution and plumbing circuits.
2. Friction Loss Calculations via Darcy-Weisbach Equation
Evaluating fluid flow velocities, hydraulic diameters, and internal roughness coefficients calculates pressure drops and head losses across duct segments automatically.
3. Interactive MEP Clash & Sizing Reports in WebGL
Highlighting under-sized ducts or spatial routing conflicts directly in the 3D WebGL viewport streamlines mechanical coordination reviews for building services engineers.