Building Information Modelling (BIM)
BIM is a collaborative 3D model-based process to efficiently plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure through their lifecycle. Qualified Persons submit a single coordinated BIM model including fixed installations via CORENET X for regulatory approvals, supported by BCA’s BIM Guide and Revit templates.
BCA’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) was introduced to help ensure that all project data is accurate, coordinated, and meets requirements. With BIM, approvals are faster, and teamwork is improved. BIM sets the minimum standards for digital 3D models used in regulatory approvals of lifts, escalators, and car parking systems.

CORENET X
CORENET X is a new digital platform designed to simplify regulatory approvals in the Built Environment (BE) industry. Instead of submitting separate documents to different agencies, Qualified Persons (QPs) can now submit a single, coordinated 3D BIM model for their projects.
This streamlined process is mandatory for projects with a Gross Floor Area (GFA) greater than 5,000m² and now includes Fixed Installation (FI) works such as lifts, escalators, and car parking systems.
New requirements for FI projects
For any new FI installation or major alteration and replacement (A/R) works, prior approval from BCA is required. The BIM models submitted must include specific data structures and detailed component information. BCA’s BIM Guide [PDF, 1.3 MB] sets out the minimum requirements for these submissions, ensuring consistency and clarity across all projects.
Resources to support the transition
To help the industry adapt, BCA has developed comprehensive guidelines Revit templates (.rfa format) for lift and escalator components.
These templates are intended as a starting point and must be customised to match the actual specifications of each project. The guidelines and templates are available below:
Generic Family Model for Lift Components
This section provides the family model templates of the most commonly found equipment in Revit (.rfa) format.
List of lift components and sub-components with associated file attachments
S/N | Component (Family) | Sub-component | File attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lift Car | Interior empty | |
2 | Guiderail | T-type | |
3 | Car and Counterweight Buffer | Hydraulic Buffer | |
Hydraulic Buffer with Spring | |||
Polyurethane Buffer (2x bumper) | |||
4 | Safety Gear | Progressive Safety Gear | |
5 | Counterweight | Counterweight (no sheave) | |
Counterweight Frame (no sheave / no weights) | |||
6 | Governor | Down Direction Governor | |
7 | Traction Machine and Brakes | Lift Machine (Gearless) v1 | |
Lift Machine (Gearless) v2 | |||
8 | Control Panel and Cabinets | input selection at property type to confirm selection | |
9 | Landing Door and Landing Door Lock | Centre Opening (2 Panels) | |
Centre Opening (2 Panels) with windows | |||
Centre Opening (4 Panels) | |||
Side Opening (2 Panels) | |||
Download all | completed bim family component with ifc parameter changed [RAR, 2.4 MB] | ||
Generic Family Model for Escalator Components
This section provides the family model templates of the most commonly found equipment in Revit (.rfa) format.
List of escalator components and sub-components with associated file attachments
S/N | Component (Family) | Sub-Component | File Attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Step | Step/pallet | |
2 | Machine | With chain housing | |
3 | Balustrade/Handrail | “Glass barrier” / Single side | |
4 | Landing Plate | Uniform comb | |
5 | Machinery Space | Machinery Space | |
Standing Area | |||
6 | Access Restriction Device | Side to Side Escalator and interface with safety barrier | |
7 | Anti-slide Device | Non-ingot type | |
8 | Anti-climb Device | Transparent for Perspex type | |
9 | Vertical Deflector | “Triangle” | |
Download all | Completed BIM Family Component with IFC Parameter Changed for Esc [ZIP, 4.4 MB] | ||
Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Fixed Installation (FI) Design Plans Submission
CORENET X will be used by the Built Environment (BE) industry as a One Stop Integrated Digital Shopfront for regulatory approvals in the coming months. It will allow Qualified Persons (QPs, i.e. professional engineers and registered architects) to submit a three-dimensional model of a development or building – created and developed digitally through Building Information Modelling (BIM) – to the regulatory authorities. This will mean that the BE industry will submit one coordinated BIM model1 instead of multiple submissions to the individual agency. Key data structures related to the properties of the different entities and objects of the building needs to be included in the model. Likewise, these requirements will apply to FI such as lifts, escalators and mechanized car parking systems.
In the upcoming regulations for FI works under the Building Control Act, plans approval will be required before commencement of FI works for new installations or major alteration or replacement (A/R) of FI. To assist Specialist Professional Engineers (SPEs) and FI Contractors to prepare the required BIM model(s) for new FI installations and FI intended to undergo (A/R), BCA has developed a BIM Guide for FI2 plans submission. This BIM guide presents the minimum requirements (in the relevant standards) in BIM for FI and their components to be submitted to BCA for approval. SPEs and contractors are encouraged to go above and beyond the requirements set out in this guide for their operational use or asset management.
To aid SPEs and contractors in the preparation of the BIM model, BCA will also provide a set of generic FI component templates in Revit (.rfa format) for firms to use. Minor adjustments to the dimension and parameters according to the actual product’s specification are necessary to present an accurate representation in BIM. Firms are encouraged to try them out and to give BCA feedback via BCA Feedback Form if you encounter any issue or has any suggestions.
1 For construction projects involving gross floor area (GFA) larger than 5,000m2, BIM models of the projects would have to be submitted in BIM to BCA.
2 The BIM guide will be updated progressively to include other FI such as vertical platform lift and mechanized carparking system.
BCA welcomes feedback on the BIM Guide and templates. For questions or suggestions, please contact BCA through the BCA Feedback Form.