scope:

Purpose and scope

The purpose of this guideline is to standardise the requirements for the data exchange of CAD systems so far as they communicate with one another in the computer- aided planning process within Building Services (heating, air conditioning, sanitary and electrical systems) and the parties involved in the build. In particular, it describes structures for plant engineering which must be complied with as a minimum requirement in order to allow the recipient to work with the data meaningfully without the need for any additional processing. This involves information that goes beyond the purely geometrical description. At the same time, this guideline establishes conditions whereby this data can be captured, expanded and updated over the various lifecycles of a building, and made available for any desired further applications.

The guideline makes a distinction between system components and system networks. For system components, the guideline defines their local allocation, their product description and an open structure within which to enter design parameters. Other data sources are accessed by reference where possible. Local component allocation is established using the link to the building model in VDI 6021. VDI 3805 forms the basis for the provision of product data in Building Services, as it describes data structures for product data exchange. Provided this information is linked to the components in the drawing in a known manner, the recipient of a data exchange file can also access the manufacturer's information about those components. This guideline defines a general data record for components which are not currently included in VDI 3805.

For system networks, the general network structure and the advanced network description are laid down. The structure indicates which components are arranged in a network, and in which sequence. Intermeshed networks are taken into consideration. The position of the networks within the building can also be inferred from the local allocations of the components.

The topography is described as well as the pure topology. Additional information about the geometrical characteristics of the components is provided in the data descriptions. The three-dimensional representation of the described system can be derived from this information if required. It is expressly pointed out however that this guideline does not describe a format for the exchange of geometry data between CAD systems.

It is a basic principle that the recipient party can compress the information in accordance with his own wishes when importing the data. However the data exchange files must meet the requirements laid down in this guideline in their entirety.