General AEC reference model (GARM) an aid for the integration of application specific product definition models

Abstract

The General AEC Reference Model (GARM) is developed for AEC applications within the ISO/STEP standardisation effort. The goal of this standard is to facilitate data-exchange between computer-applications for design, production and maintenance of discrete products, including products for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry. The major difference between STEP and other data-exchange formats, such as IGES, DXF and SET, is that STEP-files or -databases will be directly interpretable by advanced computer-applications without human interaction. The other formats allow only the exchange of drawings or 3D geometric models which are intended for human interpretation. GARM will be the integration model for AEC applications in the STEP standard; its high level of abstraction makes it usable for a variety of applications and products, and eases the development or adaption of generic software products.