IFC5 for Collaborative and Traceable Circularity in Construction

Abstract: Contemporary practices like evidence-based circularity and material tracking and tracing, are characterized by collaborative processes to layer, recombine, and update information non-destructively. This paper explores how the emerging IFC5, with USD-inspired, layer-based composition, enables such needs. The data model consists of layers, representing geometry, material characteristics, and lifecycle evidence. We explain how the principles help in a social housing circular window reuse scenario using a python-based web application on top of a Postgres database. By structuring information as composable layers, the introduced data model supports evidence-based circularity tracking, allows material and component matchmaking and information management.