Standardisation of the BIM content layer

The BIM content layer provides objects with a specific geometry with a functionality that is utilised in BIM modelling software (BMS) such as Revit, DDS-CAD, BricsCAD, Archicad, and others.

Learn more about the types of objects

Content per BIM modelling software

Each BMS operates in a different manner, resulting in content behaving differently and allowing for alternative functionalities. This entails that collaborative agreements regarding the BIM Content Layer must be established for each BMS.

At this moment, TechBiM has only established collaboration agreements with Belgian Revit users, which have resulted in the shared TechBiM Content. The TechBiM object library (i.e. the TechBiM Content) is currently only available for the BMS Autodesk Revit. It has been decided to begin with Revit first, as this BMS is currently employed by the majority of engineering and consultancy firms, contractors, and installation companies for technical installations. In a subsequent phase, the intention is for TechBiM to work on object libraries for other BIM modelling software.

Common, generic, and parametric TechBiM content

Common

  • Created for and by BIM users.
  • The use is free* but limited for projects located in Belgium.
  • Managed by a technical committee of BIM users.
  • Available in Dutch (BERSnl) and in French (BERSfr), and in the future also in German.

  • In accordance with the principles of the Revit Standards, where the geolocation of the building/project determines which object library should be utilised, TechBiM does not provide BERS or RSen (English). Both Belgian language versions are equipped with a tooltip function that allows the description of the object to be displayed in both national languages and in English.

Generic

The objects describe products in a generic, neutral manner. In the generic objects, generic data (typical dimensions, etc.) is already included.
The user can also define other generic products themselves by, for example, entering the dimensions of a small, large, and medium version of that product as data within the object.

In a later phase of the construction process, the user will overwrite the generic data with the actual dimensions of a specific product from a manufacturer, either manually or using applications provided by the manufacturer. This will be a generic object filled with specific data. (with or without mention of the logo or the name of the manufacturer on the object)

Parametric

Due to the parametric nature of the objects, the dimensions of the object can change by entering different values for each of the parameters.

The generic object can thus adopt the (main) dimensions of a specific product from a manufacturer. This results in the visual representation of an object in the BMS continuously changing in accordance with the altered values in the parameter fields.

The TechBiM Content Suite

The 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 a single click. The TechBiM Content is easily accessible for other integrations via web services.

*The use of the TechBiM Content, the object library, is free for projects located in Belgium according to the open-source licence Creative Commons – Attribution/Non-commercial/ShareAlike.

The TechBiM Content is based on the Witas Localiser edition 2018 for the annexes BERSnl and BERSfr and is now available for Revit Release 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 in Dutch and French.

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