Our Features

3D BIM Generation

MatchFEM is built-in Grasshopper and Rhino 3D, leveraging their advanced geometric capabilities to generate BIM models for buildings and bridges. It supports a wide range of IFC geometries—including Breps, AdvancedBreps, SweptSolids, and SweptDisks—allowing precise and flexible modeling. Each element can be classified according to IFC PredefinedTypes, ensuring standardized data organization. MatchFEM is fully compatible with the latest approved IFC standard, 4x3_ADD2, which introduces extended functionalities for infrastructure modeling.

4D BIM Planning and Scheduling

4D BIM is a powerful tool in construction project management, combining 3D models with time to visualize and optimize the entire construction process. By linking schedules to 3D models, it enhances clash detection, improves communication, and streamlines conflict resolution. Project managers can simulate different scheduling scenarios to minimize delays and optimize resource allocation. It also enables real-time progress tracking and risk mitigation, helping reduce both delays and cost overruns. Additionally, 4D BIM improves client engagement by clearly illustrating the construction sequence. MatchFEM extends these capabilities by integrating Plans, Schedules, Tasks, and Calendars directly with IFC elements, while also generating Bills of Quantities for more accurate project planning.

IoT Monitroing

A key feature of Digital Twins is their ability to continuously update virtual models with real-time onsite data. IoT technology provides the infrastructure to collect, store, and manage this data efficiently. With numerous commercial IoT solutions available—each with its own architecture—the choice of platform depends on the specific needs of the project. MatchFEM integrates with the Arduino Cloud platform, a widely adopted solution. Through this integration, users can easily configure IoT variables, capture measurements, and implement real-time monitoring by retrieving live data directly into Grasshopper.

Additional IoT platforms can be incorporated on-demand, contact the creators for more details ([e-mail])

Data Processing

Onsite data is often raw and not directly readable. Processing is essential to analyze states or conditions. Sensor-based data processing techniques enable analysis, simulations, predictions, and Performance Indicators estimation within a Digital Twin. There are many data processing techniques for diverse and multiple purposes.

MatchFEM includes a set of custom data processing components designed to estimate key physical values for assessing the performance of built assets. Currently, the platform processes strain gauge signals to evaluate deformations, Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) data to assess deflections, and concrete temperature data to apply the Maturity Method (ASTM C1074-17), enabling the prediction of early-age concrete compressive strength. This set of components is expected to expand, addressing a broader range of data processing needs for construction and maintenance activities. By-design, this feature is understood as an expandable tab.

Structural Analysis Models

Structural analysis models simulate the physical behavior of built assets, providing insights into the performance of structures. During construction and operation, these simulations are often performed using onsite measurements, creating a link between the physical and virtual worlds, a key capability of Digital Twins.

MatchFEM enables the generation of structural simulations directly from Grasshopper geometry, adhering to the IFC Structural Analysis Domain. Leveraging this open standard enhances interoperability with established commercial software, such as SAP2000 and ETABS, and with web-based platforms.

The geometric engine of Grasshopper enables a simultaneous generation of BIM and structural models based on the same geometry, enhancing accuracy and streamlining workflows, resulting in significant time savings.

Video Overview

Got 30 seconds? Watch this quick overview of the generation of an IFC-BIM of a bridge using MatchFEM: