Exporting a clean IFC from Tekla Structures: checklist

Before export

• Run Numbering after the last modification. Outdated numbering shows up as marks with “(?)” and makes quantities unreliable.
• Check that part and assembly marks are unique: two different pieces must never share a mark.
• Assign the correct material to every part (e.g. S355JR, not a concrete or default material on a steel profile).
• Fill the Part mark property for every part that is fabricated.
• Keep non-steel objects (concrete, timber, reference objects) on their own classes so they can be excluded from the steel BOM.
• Use consistent name prefixes (COLUMN, RAFTER, PURLIN, GIRT, BRACE…) – they drive automatic grouping and categories.

Export settings

• Export IFC2x3 or IFC4 with assemblies, so that parts are nested in their assemblies.
• Include the grid if the site team will use grid positions.
• Export bolts if they are to appear in the BOM.

Folder to upload

Upload the whole project export folder (or a ZIP): the IFC plus the assembly and single-part PDF drawings, DXF and NC/DSTV files. File names do not need to be changed – NC files are matched by the piece mark in the DSTV header.

After import

Read the data check warnings on the model summary before releasing quantities to purchasing, and compare the totals of Assemblies, Parts and Material take-off – they must agree.