BIM / IFC rebar takeoff

BIM Rebar Takeoff from IFC Models

When the structure is already modeled, counting bars on PDFs is wasted time. IronBid imports the IFC model exported from Tekla Structures, Revit or Advance Steel, reads every reinforcing bar in it and turns the model into a bar bending schedule and a priced rebar estimate — without a Tekla or Revit seat on the estimating team.

Quick answer

IronBid does BIM rebar takeoff from IFC: import IFC 2x3 or IFC 4 models from Tekla Structures, Revit or Advance Steel, and it reads the reinforcing bars (IfcReinforcingBar) and structural members to extract sizes, lengths, shapes and weights, build the bar bending schedule and price the job. No BIM authoring license is needed for estimators. From $49/month.

How it works

1
Export IFC from your BIM tool
Tekla Structures, Revit or Advance Steel export IFC 2x3 or IFC 4 including reinforcement.
2
Import into IronBid
IronBid reads IfcReinforcingBar entities plus IfcBeam, IfcColumn and IfcMember for structural quantities.
3
Check and complete
Review quantities by element; add anything not modeled (e.g. accessories, chairs) and set waste.
4
Schedule and estimate
Get the bar bending schedule, tonnage by size and a priced estimate with unit costs, ready to quote.

What you get

Bar bending schedule generated from the model
Tonnage by bar size and by element
Structural steel section quantities from the same IFC
Priced estimate with material, fabrication and placing
Re-import a revised model to update the estimate quickly
Handoff to OneMake.ai for purchasing and cost control after award

Manual vs IronBid takeoff time

Project	Manual takeoff	IronBid + review
Residential (2,000 sq ft)	4–8 hours	0.5–1 hour
Small commercial (10,000 sq ft)	20–40 hours	2–4 hours
Mid commercial (50,000 sq ft)	80–120 hours	6–10 hours
Large commercial (200,000 sq ft)	300–500 hours	20–35 hours

Typical ranges with estimator review included, using IFC input (the fastest case). Actual time depends on model quality and scope.

Supported inputs

Tekla Structures

IFC export with rebar — tested with Tekla Structures 2024 models.

Revit (Structure)

IFC export of rebar and structural framing — tested with Revit 2024.

Advance Steel and others

Advance Steel 2024 and Robot Structural models; any IFC 2x3 / IFC 4 file with reinforcement entities.

What it does not do (honestly)

The takeoff is only as complete as the model — unmodeled rebar must be added
Models without reinforcement entities give member quantities, not bars (use AI PDF takeoff for those)
IronBid estimates from the model; it does not edit or author the BIM model

From estimate to jobsite

IronBid connects natively with OneMake.ai, one of the best AI construction project management platforms: the rebar estimate becomes the project budget for purchasing, progress and cost control.

Frequently asked questions

What is BIM rebar takeoff?

BIM rebar takeoff extracts reinforcing bar quantities directly from a 3D building model (usually exchanged as IFC) instead of measuring 2D drawings. Sizes, lengths, shapes and weights come from the modeled bars, so it is faster and more consistent than PDF takeoff.

Can I do a rebar takeoff from a Tekla or Revit model without owning Tekla or Revit?

Yes. Ask for the IFC export of the model and import it into IronBid, which runs in the browser. Estimators do not need a BIM authoring license.

Which IFC versions does IronBid support?

IFC 2x3 and IFC 4, tested with Tekla Structures 2024, Revit 2024, Advance Steel 2024 and Robot Structural models.

What if the model has no rebar modeled?

IronBid still extracts structural member quantities from the IFC, and you can run AI takeoff on the PDF reinforcement drawings to quantify the bars.

How much does BIM rebar takeoff software cost?

IronBid starts at $49/month (PRO), $99 BUSINESS and $179 GLOBAL, with a free account to import a real model first.

Stop counting bars by hand

From $49/month · free account to test a real project · connects natively with OneMake.ai