Error · Spatial structure
How to fix Wrong container
in IFC files
Move the element into the correct spatial container — physical building elements belong in a storey (or space), not directly under Site or Project.
Check your IFC file — free
No account · No upload · Runs in your browser · 44 validation checks
What it means
The Wrong container check
Element contained in a spatial structure of wrong type
The fix
How to fix Wrong container in your authoring tool
Concrete, tool-specific steps. The check itself is schema-agnostic and works for IFC2x3, IFC4, IFC4x1 and IFC4x3.
| Authoring tool | How to fix |
|---|---|
| Revit | Reassign the element to a building Level. Site components and topography are fine at site scope, but building elements must sit on a Level. |
| ArchiCAD | Set the element’s Home Story to the correct storey; avoid placing building elements at site scope. |
| Tekla | Adjust the spatial container mapping in the IFC export so parts land in the correct storey rather than the site. |
| Allplan | Move the object to the correct storey node in the building structure. |
How it works
Find and fix it in the browser
The whole flow runs client-side — your IFC file never leaves your machine.
01
Open your IFC file
Open IFC Viewer Online and drag & drop your IFC file. It is parsed locally in your browser via WebAssembly — nothing is uploaded.
02
Run the Health Score validation
Run validation. The "Wrong container" check (RULE_WRONG_CONTAINER) flags every affected element and pinpoints it in the model tree.
03
Re-validate
Re-export from your authoring tool and re-run validation to confirm the issue is resolved and your Health Score improved.
Related checks
Other Spatial structure checks →
Check your whole model, not just one rule.
Wrong container is 1 of 44 checks. Run the full IFC Health Score to see every issue and a single 0–100 number — free, no account, no upload.
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