Solibri Optimizer - safe to use?

SigneLaksaa

Re: [Solibri IFC Optimizer](lost geometry in ventilation)

As mentioned in this post and in previous cases I have sent to Solibri Support the Solibri Optimizer would delete or just loose geometry in the model. I was wondering if this problem is fixed? Anyone else has experience with it?

Jimin

I must say that I find it safe to use it based on my experience

Stefan L.

I remember some hiccups regarding IFC4, which I experienced myself.
Link to “ventilation”:
https://society.solibri.com/post/3312

–
Stefan

Ricardo

@Stefan-L said in Solibri Optimizer - safe to use?:

I remember some hiccups regarding IFC4, which I experienced myself.
Link to “ventilation”:
https://society.solibri.com/post/3312

–
Stefan

There are still a lot of programs not certified for IFC4 (reading and writing), I would suggest only using IFC2x3 with the optimizer. I have some similar experiences with IFC4 as you, but it is kind of expected (for now).

SigneLaksaa

I was hoping to get an official statement from Solibri on this matter. We sent a support case on this several years ago with proof that with some models, Solibri Optimizer deleted objekcts in the model. It was not consequent and therefore we felt it not safe for use in our projects. I have tried to ask support again, but they keep refering to Solibri Society.

Any tip on who to tag here so I can get an official respond from Solibri?

paultoner

Havent had an issue in all the years I have used it. IFC 2x3 though.

sarahhielscher

@SigneLaksaa Solibri IFC Optimizer is no longer being further developed and is no longer actively promoted by Solibri. Due to the increasing use of IFC 4.0, its use cannot be recommended, as the optimiser does not actively support this IFC version.

Jimin

@sarahhielscher said in Solibri Optimizer - safe to use?:

@SigneLaksaa Solibri IFC Optimizer is no longer being further developed and is no longer actively promoted by Solibri. Due to the increasing use of IFC 4.0, its use cannot be recommended, as the optimiser does not actively support this IFC version.

Oh? Where did I miss this part? Have the announced it before?

sarahhielscher

@Jimin I am not the right person to give an official confirmation about the future of the Optimizer. I can only pass on what the Solibri support communicates.
From the point of view of the further development of the IFC standard, which the optimiser has not followed for some time, there will be more and more problems with its use in the future. Therefore, I personally cannot recommend the use wifh IFC 4 data. However, the optimiser is still available and can be used after consideration by the user.

Maybe @david-polanski can give feedback to the future of the optimizer?

paultoner

This is very disappointing news.
I understand it is widely used amongst consultants and team members that we work with. Proving invaluable at times, when being stretched for IFC file size.

Hopefully someone from @Solibri_Isaac can respond with a clear and concise response.

For IFC 2x3 it is essential. Please say you are developing a IFC 4.0 version… or at least can we give recommendations in this thread for alternatives.

Ricardo

@paultoner

Simplebim is my go to software when IFC files are corrupt or when I am experiencing weird behaviour.
It’s also one of the few programs where you can edit an IFC file (We use that functionality for splitting up models).

Jimin

@Ricardo Is it possible to optimize with SimpleBIM?

paultoner

@Ricardo

Thank you for providing a rabbit hole for me to shimmy down. I will look into that!

Ricardo

@Jimin

Yes, but in a different way. For example you can optimize the model by leaving out unnecessary information in the export;

Schermafbeelding 2023-02-14 154534.png

There are also standard scripts that will let you remove assemblies, double elements etc. However with most problematic IFC’s it’s just a matter of re-exporting (for me) to make them work. Also the size gets smaller for me most of the time by doing that.

FYI; not sponsored in any way, these are my own experiences.

SigneLaksaa

@Jimin Yes. Just by opening and saving a new file with SimpleBIM the file size is often reduced.

sarahhielscher

Here is the official statement from Solibri.

Just want to add a few thoughts on this topic:

If the quality of the IFC is so poor that it cannot be used without optimisation, it should be returned to the planner instead of optimising it afterwards.
There are very few use cases for optimisers that are actually necessary. Mostly the cause is poor export quality. Instead, one should start exactly there and improve it. If there are problems because the export of the authoring programme “can’t do it better”, instead of finding workarounds, pressure should be exerted on the development of the authoring software to better support the open and certified standard.

Double exported PSets, identical attributes existing several times in different PSets, etc. are not a reason for IFC optimisation, but problems that have to be solved in the authoring software. This also includes that models do not have to be separated in the IFC, be it due to their size or the fact that several buildings were modelled in one model.

One should keep in mind here that the planner owes a deliverable that is free of faults. Specifications on content and data quality should therefore be precisely defined in the BEP and also enforced.
Such duplicates and other flaws in the data quality are to be detected and communicated with Solibri so that they can be corrected.