lod - level of detail bim

What is Level Of Detail – LOD BIM?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a concept that refers to the process of producing and managing digital information about a built asset such as a building, bridge, highway, or tunnel. It gives a complete idea of the AEC project including the technical and non-technical aspects of the project. BIM has always played a vital role in the process of construction management and designing. 

A model of a structure when represented digitally, it represents certain level of detail of a project. The overall condition of project’s information model at a specific stage in its design process is referred to as BIM Level of Detail / BIM Level of Development. 

Revit BIM LOD comprises not just graphical elements, but also the data linked with them. The Revit BIM model should evolve over time, starting with a rough sketch and progressing to the record drawings and as-builts. 

As one of the leading design-build firms in USA, Tejjy delivers detailed coordinated building construction models in Autodesk Revit with required BIM LOD stages, equivalent to comprehensive Gantt charts that help you to monitor projected progress v/s actual progress of the project.

Backed by an in-house team of expert BIM engineers, we have successfully delivered precise Revit LOD BIM models to our clients with specified Level of Detail and Level of Development, ranging from BIM LOD 100 to LOD 500. Tejjy’s Revit BIM services have assisted clients to boost their projects in terms of cost and time with organized project schedule and overall management of the construction project. 

BIM Level Of Details – LOD 100, 200, 300, 350, 400, 500

 

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) have categorized Revit BIM LOD into six different categories in LOD specification – 2015. Given below are various Levels of Detail. 

🏢 LOD 100 – Conceptual

The Model Element may be graphically represented in the Model with a symbol or other generic representation, but does not satisfy the requirements for LOD 200. Information related to the Model Element (i.e. cost per square foot, tonnage of HVAC, etc.) can be derived from other Model Elements. 

🏢 LOD 200 – Approximate Geometry

The Model Element is graphically represented within the Model as a generic system, object, or assembly with approximate quantities, size, shape, location, and orientation. Non-graphic information may also be attached to the Model Element.  

🏢 LOD 300 – Precise Geometry

The Model Element is graphically represented within the Model as a specific system, object or assembly in terms of quantity, size, shape, location, and orientation. Non-graphic information may also be attached to the Model Element.  

🏢 LOD 350 – Precise Geometry with Connections

The Model Element is graphically represented within the Model as a specific system, object, or assembly in terms of quantity, size, shape, location, orientation, and interfaces with other building systems. Non-graphic information may also be attached to the Model Element.  

🏢 LOD 400 – Fabrication-ready Geometry

The Model Element is graphically represented within the Model as a specific system, object or assembly in terms of size, shape, location, quantity, and orientation with detailing, fabrication, assembly, and installation information. Non-graphic information may also be attached to the Model Element.  

🏢 LOD 500 – Operational/As-built Models

The Model Element is a field verified representation in terms of size, shape, location, quantity, and orientation. Non-graphic information may also be attached to the Model Elements. 

BIM Level of Development specification defines different levels of BIM modeling. Construction professionals can design the models according to the requirements of the project or the requirements of the clients respectively. 

BIM Level of Detail – Standards

Let us understand various levels of LOD BIM standards with an example of light fixture, as mentioned in the BIM LOD specifications. 

Example: – 

Level of Detail / Level of Development  Specifications 
100  Cost/sf attached to floor slabs 
200  Light fixture, generic/approximate size/shape/location 
300  Design specified 2×4 troffer, specific size/shape/location 
350  Actual model, Lightolier DPA2G12LS232, specific size/shape/location 
400  As 350, plus special mounting details, as in a decorative soffit 

(Source – BIM LOD specification 2019 pdf)  

Use BIM Automation to Automate Modeling and Design Activities

Importance of implementing BIM Level of Details in AEC projects 

As we live in a modern world where everything is digital and all key projects implement latest technologies such as BIM modeling, it might be difficult for designers to get other teams to comprehend the project requirements. Most of the time, dealing with a BIM model presents a unique issue because different people have varied definitions of what constitutes “complete.”  

BIM LOD establishes a common definition of what constitutes project completion, hence reducing the likelihood of inconsistencies related with project completion. Because of the use of LOD BIM, teams of construction professionals working in diverse disciplines may communicate with one another more effectively and with greater clarity and transparency.

The employment of innovative techniques and technologies in LOD design improves the clarity of the final product, as a result.  

Conclusion

LOD establishes a consistent definition of project conclusion and removes the possibility of project complexities and disputes. By implementing LOD in Revit BIM models, teams from various disciplines can interact with each other resulting in more clarity and effective decisions. BIM LOD improves design clarity by utilizing latest techniques and technologies. 

Level of Detail or LOD BIM aids in communicating the clarity and dependability of Building Information Models at various stages of the construction project. In brief, it aids in defining the deliverables and milestones of a project. 

BIM LOD has permitted the segmentation of the entire BIM modelling & design process into several levels. It has aided in distribution of task and has made work easier for Engineers, Modelers, Architects, and construction professionals working on project. 

Get in Touch With Us

If you are interested in finding out more about how Tejjy Inc. can help you please get in touch with us by filling in the contact form here, or by emailing info@tejjy.com.