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AI for BIM & IFC models

IFC Material Schedule: Material Takeoffs from BIM

The Nomic agent extracts material data directly from the IFC: what materials are used, in what quantities, and how they are layered in assemblies. Use it to produce material schedules, feed embodied carbon calculations, or prepare procurement data.

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Nomic agent interface showing BIM model tasks: quantity takeoffs, coordination checks, and property validation running over an IFC building model
Every material, every element, every layer
01 / Material extraction

Every material, every element, every layer

IFC files carry material associations for every element, including layered assemblies with individual layer thicknesses and materials. Nomic extracts all of it into structured tables: material names, volumes, layers, and the elements they are associated with.

  • List all materials used in the model with total volume by material
  • Show wall and floor assemblies with individual layer thicknesses and materials
  • Filter by element category, level, or zone
Feed embodied carbon calculations with model data
02 / Carbon and sustainability inputs

Feed embodied carbon calculations with model data

Embodied carbon calculations need accurate material quantities. Rather than extracting data manually from Revit schedules, the Nomic agent pulls material volumes directly from the IFC, ready to map to carbon factors in your LCA tool. The material data stays current with the model.

  • "Total concrete volume by structural element category"
  • "Insulation layer thickness and area for all external wall types"
  • "List all steel elements with volume and level"
From model to material list
03 / Procurement data

From model to material list

The agent generates structured material lists that procurement teams can use directly: quantities by material type, broken down by level or scope package if needed. Every line traces back to specific elements in the model, so quantities are defensible and easy to verify.

  • Export material lists as Excel or CSV for procurement
  • Break down quantities by phasing or construction package
  • Cross-reference material specs in project documents against model materials
Outcomes

What teams get from this workflow

Material schedules without manual exports

Get material quantities from the model directly. No schedule exports, no manual aggregation across sheets.

Current carbon inputs

Material volumes stay current with the model. Rerun the task after any design change and get updated quantities immediately.

Defensible procurement data

Every quantity traces to specific model elements, making material lists easy to verify and update as the design evolves.

FAQ
Questions about this AI for BIM & IFC models workflow

Answers to common questions about this workflow.

Does Nomic extract layer-by-layer assembly data?

Yes. For elements with layered material assemblies (walls, floors, roofs), Nomic extracts each layer's material name and thickness from the IfcMaterialLayerSet. You can ask for the full assembly breakdown of any wall or floor type.

Can I get material quantities by building level or zone?

Yes. Ask for material volumes filtered by building storey, space, or any property, for example: "Total concrete volume on levels 1 through 3" or "Steel volume in the north structural frame."

Can I use this data directly in an LCA or carbon calculation tool?

Yes. Export material quantities as Excel or CSV and import them into your LCA tool (One Click LCA, Tally, EC3, or similar). Nomic gives you the quantities; mapping to carbon factors happens in your LCA tool.

What if materials are not assigned in the IFC?

The agent will report which elements have no material association. Ask "Which structural walls are missing a material assignment?" to get the full list, so you can flag the gap for the model author.

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IFC Material Schedule: BIM Material Takeoff & Embodied Carbon Data | Nomic