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 · 38 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
Fix in 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.
04
Fix in ArchiCAD
Set the element’s Home Story to the correct storey; avoid placing building elements at site scope.
05
Fix in Tekla
Adjust the spatial container mapping in the IFC export so parts land in the correct storey rather than the site.
06
Fix in Allplan
Move the object to the correct storey node in the building structure.
07
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 38 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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