005 - Add Locations to a Structural Model for Location-Based Quantities

This is an easy dataflow to enrich a structural IFC model with location information and enable quantity take-off by location. In this example, two location hierarchies are added to the model — sections and storeys — to demonstrate different ways of using the object splitting feature. Depending on your needs, you can use just one location or multiple parallel location structures.

Start with a structural model without location information for storeys or sections, where objects are not divided by location (e.g. full-size slabs and walls), and enrich it by adding sections and storeys, splitting selected objects by location, calculating quantities, adding elevation data, and organizing the model into a clear location-based structure.

Why This Matters

In many BIM projects, models are created primarily for design purposes — not for construction planning, scheduling, or logistics. As a result, the model structure rarely supports location-based workflows.

One of the key challenges is that location breakdowns — such as construction sections, zones, or work areas — are not typically included in the model in a usable way. Even when storey information exists, it may not be consistent across all objects or detailed enough for specific use cases.

At the same time, the definition of locations is highly project-specific. The way a site is divided into sections or zones depends on construction strategy, logistics and scheduling needs. These decisions are usually made by planners or contractors — not by model authors. This creates a disconnect between the model structure and the actual needs of downstream use.

Another important limitation is that objects are not modeled according to these location boundaries. A single object, such as a wall or slab, may span multiple sections or zones. Without splitting these objects or assigning them correctly, it is not possible to calculate accurate quantities per location.

To solve this, models need to be enriched with a location structure that reflects how the project is actually executed — and objects must be aligned with that structure.

Without Simplebim - The Traditional Way

Traditionally, location-based quantity calculations are handled outside the BIM model. Planners and estimators often divide the project into sections manually using 2D drawings, spreadsheets, or separate calculation tools.

This approach provides flexibility, but it comes with clear drawbacks:

• Location definitions are not connected to the model
• Quantities must be recalculated or adjusted manually
• The process is time-consuming and difficult to maintain
• Results are hard to reuse or verify

Even when BIM models are used, the lack of consistent location data means that users must manually filter, group, or approximate quantities. If objects span multiple locations, there is no reliable way to split their quantities without additional processing.

In practice, this leads to duplicated work, inconsistent results, and limited scalability.

With Simplebim Dataflows - The Smart Way

With Simplebim, you can define your own location structure and automatically apply it to all objects in the model — regardless of how the model was originally created.

Here is how you can get the job done with Simplebim: quickly, reliably, and automatically. If you have Simplebim open, let’s walk through the dataflow and results together.

1. Select the Dataflows & Configure the Parameters
2. Run the Dataflow
3. Check & Use the Results

1. Select the Dataflows & Configure the Parameters

The dataflow for this use case is straightforward to configure and highly flexible. In the Dataflow Palette, click Add Step, select the required dataflow steps, and add them in the correct order.

This use case consists of three main parts: adding section information, adding storey information, and calculating quantities with elevation data. The dataflow steps used are listed below. Documentation for each dataflow is available via the link.

Add or Modify Group
Dataflow Add Location Prisms
Dataflow Add Location Using Prisms (Optional Split)
Dataflow Generate Groups by Text Property
Dataflow Add Basic Quantities
Dataflow Add Elevation Information to Objects 
 

1. Add Section to All Objects
The first part of the dataflow defines a location structure based on sections and splits objects accordingly.

Step 1.1 Start by adding a step to define the group of objects that will be split. This allows you to control which objects are affected by the splitting process. In this example, only cast-in-place objects will be split.

Step 1.2 Next, import location prisms that represent your section structure. These prisms define the spatial boundaries for each section. The location prisms can be created in Simplebim, but for more complex shapes, it is recommended to use more flexible modeling tools such as SketchUp, Archicad, or Revit.

Step 1.3 Then, use the step that assigns location information to objects based on these prisms. In this step, enable object splitting for the selected group. Objects that intersect multiple prisms will be split according to the section boundaries.

Step 1.4 Finally, generate groups based on the section information. This creates a clear structure in the model where all objects are organized by section.

2. Add Storey to All Objects
The second part adds another location hierarchy — storeys — without splitting objects. In this case, the original model structure contained just one storey for the whole building.

Step 2.1 Start by importing location prisms for storey information. These prisms typically represent building levels.

Step 2.2 Next, assign storey information to all objects based on their position within these prisms. In this step, object splitting is not used.

Step 2.3 Finally, generate groups based on storey information.

3. Calculate Quantities and Elevation Information
The final part of the dataflow enriches the model with quantities and elevation data.

Step 3.1 First, add the step to calculate basic quantities. This generates geometry-based dimensions and quantities for all objects using a consistent property structure.

Step 3.2 Then, add elevation information to the objects. This step calculates vertical positioning data, also using a consistent property structure. 

2. Run the Dataflow

When your setup is ready, just click Run Dataflow. You can run the entire dataflow at once or execute it step by step by selecting individual parts.

3. Check & Use the Results

Now you are ready to review and use the results. Your model now contains:

• Section-based object structure with split objects where needed
• Storey information assigned to all objects
• Location-based groups for easy navigation and filtering
• Geometry-based quantities in a consistent data structure
• Elevation information for all objects

With this setup, you can easily analyze and calculate quantities by location — whether by section, storey, or a combination of both.

How You Can Use the Results

Calculate quantities by location:

• By section
• By storey
• By combined location structure

Plan and manage work:

• Define tasks by location
• Support scheduling and planning

Export and use the data:

• IFC for downstream tools

• Excel or data tables for reporting tools (e.g. Power BI)

   

The Power of Simplebim®: Automated BIM Data Processing

This is one high-impact use case of how you can turn raw BIM models and data into usable and scalable information.

Is it valuable for your work? We look forward to your comments, thank you!