Journal of Information Technology in Construction
Journal of Information Technology in Construction
ITcon Vol. 31, pg. 420-438, http://www.itcon.org/2026/19
Automated generation of IFC-compliant bridge information models from structured design data
| DOI: | 10.36680/j.itcon.2026.019 | |
| submitted: | December 2025 | |
| published: | April 2026 | |
| editor(s): | Kumar B | |
| authors: | Yu Chen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Hirosaki University, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1187-4761 yu.chen@hirosaki-u.ac.jp Chao Lin, Ph.D Candidate The University of Tokyo, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1517-8392 chao-lin@g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp Haitong Sui, Ph.D., Project Assistant Professor Nagoya University, Japan https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1373-1596 sui.haitong.y4@f.mail.nagoya-u.ac.jp Ryota Okauchi The University of Tokyo, Japan https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5391-7133 ryoutaokauchi@g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp Aya Akita IMG Inc., Japan akita.aya@e-img.co.jp Pang-jo Chun*, Ph.D., Project Professor (corresponding author) The University of Tokyo, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9755-8435 chun@g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp | |
| summary: | This paper presents an automated framework for generating high-fidelity bridge information models based on the IFC4x3 standard. Addressing the challenges of manual modeling and data consistency in bridge engineering, the proposed solution enables the seamless transformation of structured design data (e.g., Excel tables) as input into detailed and semantically rich IFC models as output through programmatic generation. The workflow integrates a JSON intermediary layer to facilitate flexible data exchange and supports the rapid assembly of complex bridge components, including main girders, secondary beams, connections, bolts, stiffeners, and diaphragms. A key innovation lies in the system’s parameter-driven geometry generation, which allows for efficient adjustment and iteration of bridge designs. The framework ensures both geometric precision and semantic completeness, providing the geometric and semantic foundation for downstream workflows including structural modeling, asset management, and maintenance planning. Furthermore, the architecture is designed with future AI integration in mind, enabling large language models to interact with and modify bridge parameters via natural language commands. Case studies on steel plate girder and box girder bridges demonstrate the system’s capability to handle intricate structural details and generate models swiftly, with performance scaling linearly with complexity. While current limitations include a focus on steel structures and reliance on comprehensive metadata, the paper outlines future directions such as expanding to other bridge types, implementing automated design rule checks, and enhancing AI-driven design support. Overall, this research advances the digitalization and automation of bridge modeling, providing a robust foundation for intelligent design, analysis, and lifecycle management within the civil engineering domain. | |
| keywords: | bridge information model (BrIM), digital twin, bridge engineering, computer-aided design, steel construction | |
| full text: | (PDF file, 1.965 MB) | |
| citation: | Chen, Y., Lin, C., Sui, H., Okauchi, R., Akita, A., & Chun, P-J. (2026). Automated generation of IFC-compliant bridge information models from structured design data. Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), 31, 420-438. https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2026.019 | |
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