The implementation of BIM requires optimal collaboration with other parties in the supply chain and results in cost savings for all involved. The key to achieving efficient collaboration is standardisation.
I have already observed that parties working in a standardised manner within BIM find it easier to engage in discussions. They almost naturally reach agreements on how to better align their processes. This increase in efficiency for both parties will ensure that they continue to seek each other out in future projects.
BIM stands for Building Information Modelling or Building Information Management. In the first definition, the focus is on the digital model, i.e. the digital representation of a building. In the second definition, the focus is on the management and exchange of information, and perhaps also on the collaboration between the various players.
In both cases, BIM signifies a profound transformation of the construction process, introducing new key concepts such as collaboration instead of competition, and openness instead of the protection of know-how.
Parties that begin working with BIM soon realise that collaboration is not possible without standardisation.
TechBiM was established out of this necessity.
BIM is the abbreviation that is most commonly used for digitalisation in construction. The principle that construction should first occur digitally and only then physically has, by now, convinced everyone. The ‘digital twin’ that is thus created is of inestimable value for optimising the physical reality throughout the entire lifecycle of a building.
In the realm of digital construction, there are 3 layers: the data layer, the content layer, and the application layer. The content layer establishes the digital building blocks (objects) that are essential for creating a BIM model, and serves as the connecting element between the data layer and the application layer. Applications ensure a correct geometric representation of products by combining data from the data layer with parametric objects from the content layer.
The mission of TechBiM is to facilitate collaboration in the digital (construction) world.
All parties can then work together to ensure that the digital twin of the technical installation of a building is constructed as efficiently as possible. Each actor contributes their part. This means that the digital twin can later also be used for decisions regarding the maintenance and operation of the building.
In order to achieve all of this, TechBiM has identified three core tasks:
As previously mentioned, BIM is implemented on three levels: the BIM data layer, the BIM content layer, and the BIM application layer. Standardisation is essential at the data and content layer level.
TechBiM has established the standard for the BIM content layer for technical installations in Belgium.
BIM stands for collaboration. This refers to people, but also to employing technology that facilitates collaboration.
Even a collaboration which involves technology requires agreements. A digital system defines the roles in the digital world and establishes the rights of each role. TechBiM is committed to the establishment of such a digital system in Belgium.
Through the standardisation of the BIM content layer, TechBiM establishes an open ecosystem in which all key players (Users, Manufacturers, Partners, and End Users) can collaborate across each of the three BIM layers.
TechBiM cultivates this open ecosystem with active communities.
The aim of BIM is to efficiently arrive at the most optimal design possible and to reduce failure costs in construction. TechBiM standardises design processes for all technical installations, thereby creating an open ecosystem. This facilitates earlier communication between parties and ensures optimal collaboration, resulting in greater efficiency with fewer errors.
The user is an actor who creates a digital twin of a physical building.
A manufacturer is an entity that produces or assembles physical products. Manufacturers can provide specific digital representations of these products for users in the digital world.
A partner is an entity that supports manufacturers or users with (digital) services.
An end user is an entity who occupies or leases the physical building.
TechBiMThe TechBiM Content (the object library) is published on the TechBiM Content Suite.
This web application allows for easy searching and selection of objects through categories, filters, and search fields. With the Revit plugin, you can load these objects into your BIM model with one click. The TechBiM Content is easily accessible for other integrations via web services.
The use of the TechBiM Content is free for projects located in Belgium under the open-source licence “Creative Commons – Attribution/Non-commercial/Share alike”.
CertifiedThrough its mission, TechBiM provides the generic object library of the installation sector free of charge for projects in Belgium. TechBiM therefore establishes an open ecosystem where both users and manufacturers can find answers to all their questions by contacting:
Are you convinced of the benefits that BIM and active collaboration bring?
Would you like to stay informed about the latest news and upcoming events? You will easily find everything in the TechBiM knowledge centre.