The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has teamed up with Finnish software modelling company Tekla and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to promote the use of building information modelling (BIM) among industry practitioners.

BIM is a 3-dimensional (3D) technology which allows conceptual design, detailing, manufacturing and construction projects on a single platform.

The technology would help raise productivity through better planning, work scheduling and the use of information technology. With electronic submissions of building plans for regulatory approvals compulsory by 2015, the use of such BIM software could also help improve efficiency.

BCA said more than S$6 million is available through its construction productivity and capability fund to help over 200 firms defray the cost of BIM adoption.

Tekla will hand out a total of 46 BIM software licenses worth S$2.2 million, while ITE will take care of training and support.