#bimlevelofdevelopment

This BIM LOD (Level of Development) blog seeks to address the concept and understanding about LOD in AEC industry with clear guidance on its origin, definition and benefits.

What is LOD (Level of Development)?

The concept of “Level of Development” (LOD) aims to tackle the challenge that certain model elements progress at varying speeds throughout the design phase. LOD provides a way to describe the progressive growth of specific model elements from the idea stage to actualization. The metric of LOD allows for a more precise definition of project deliverables. As a widely accepted industry standard, it facilitates effective communication and collaboration among project stakeholders.

History of LOD?

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) developed the concept further in AIA Document E202 – 2008 Building Information Modeling Protocol Exhibit. It includes this definition:

“The Level(s) of Development (LOD) describes the level of completeness to which the model element is developed.”

It outlines a model element’s logical progression from the initial conceptual approximation stage to the final level of representation precision. The document establishes five distinct Levels of Development, ranging from 100 to 500. Each succeeding level is constructed on top of the previous one, resulting in a hierarchical structure.

The definition of LOD was amended in AIA draft document G202-2012 Building Information Modeling Protocol Form to the following:

“The Level of Development (LOD) describes the minimum dimensional, spatial, quantitative, qualitative, and other data included in a model element to support the authorized uses associated with such LOD.”

The BIMForum Level of Development specification authors recognized a necessity for a specific LOD that would adequately describe model components to enable coordination between various disciplines, such as clash detection and avoidance. Although the standards for this level surpass LOD 300, they are not as demanding as those for LOD 400. Consequently, the authors assigned the designation LOD 350 to this particular level.

What is BIM (Building Information Modeling)?

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building or infrastructure project. BIM is a process that involves creating and managing digital models of a project’s design, construction, and operation, which can be used for decision-making throughout the project’s lifecycle.

BIM models typically contain 3D geometry, as well as data and information about the building’s components and systems, such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems. BIM models can also include data about cost, schedule, sustainability, and other important project information. 

Architectural BIM Services Structural BIM Services 4D Construction Simulation Services Scan to BIM Services MEP BIM Services BIM Coordination Services Clash Detection Services Revit Family Creation Services CAD/PDF to BIM Conversion Services Shop Drawings Services

BIM LOD (Level of Development)

BIM LOD is a measure of the completeness and accuracy of the information contained in a BIM model for a particular building element or system. The level of detail required for a BIM model can vary depending on the intended use of the model. The level of development required for a BIM model will depend on the stage of the project and the needs of the stakeholders involved.

There are typically five levels of development that are used to describe the level of completeness and detail of a BIM model.

The LOD 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 definitions are produced by the AIA (The American Institute of Architects) and LOD 350 was developed by the BIMForum working group.

LOD 100: Conceptual

The model element may be graphically represented in the model with a symbol or generic representation, but does not satisfy the requirements for LOD 200. Information related to the model element (i.e. cost per square meter, etc.) can be derived from other model elements.

LOD 200: Approximate Geometry

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

LOD 350: Connection Details

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

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

LOD 500: As-built

The model element is field verified representation accurate in terms of size, shape, location, quantity, and orientation.

Benefits of LOD (Level of Development)

There are several benefits of LOD (Level of Development) in construction and design projects, including:1

1) Standardization: LOD standards created by AIA and BIMForums provides a common understanding that helps to improve communication and collaboration among project stakeholders.

2) Clarity: It provide clarity for the level of information required at the different design stages that helps to avoid misunderstandings and confusion.

3) Improved Coordination: LOD helps to improve coordination among different disciplines by specifying the level of detail required to facilitate clash detection and other coordination tasks.

4) Early Issue Identification: By defining the expected level of detail and accuracy at each stage, LOD can help to identify potential issues early on in the design and construction process.

5) Improved Quality: By specifying the expected level of detail and accuracy at each stage, LOD helps to improve the quality of the project deliverables.

6) Reduced Costs: By identifying potential issues early on in the process, LOD can help to reduce the cost of rework and other remedial measures.

7) Better Decision-making: By providing a clear framework for project delivery, LOD helps project stakeholders to make better decisions.

Conclusion

If you are venturing into the world of construction, you will come across two terms. One is Building Information Modeling (BIM) services and the second is Level Of Development (LOD) Services. The complete process of LOD BIM is easy and if followed with proper and accurate stages those are defined, the result for the project will be the best and as per the expectations. Hence, with this said in this blog the complete topic is to understand what are LOD Services and its stages which helps the constructors to create a better future tomorrow in the form building.

The Level Of Development Definition is easy to understand and simple to implement the same in BIM. The term is defined and described as the precision of a model. This detail gives us the actual look of the model as a when created and drafted. In other words, it is said that it will give you specific shapes and measurable locations in the model. The service of LOD was published by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in the year 2009 and then was further developed by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) that expands its definition.

Fundamentals and Different Types of BIM Level of Development services

Let us proceed further and check on different types of BIM levels Of Development and know why they are important and considered to be a helping tool.

●        BIM LOD 100 - This is the initial stage of the model. Here the model elements are created and with the graphical representation, it will give you the general information that how the first stage of the model will be looking like. In other word, it can be said that is stage of “Conceptual Model”.

●        BIM LOD 200 - In this stage where it will let the contractors and owners know about the approximate usage of the materials that would be required. These are in quantities, shapes, sizes, and orientation of the model. In another word, this level of development is called “Schematic Design”.

●        BIM LOD 300 - The stage where the owner will get to know the process of the designs that are getting developed. This third stage is said to receive accurate modeling and the shop drawings of the project. This stage will have the complete concept of “Design Development”, that will be getting converted from 2D to 3D.

●        BIM LOD 350 - This is the level where the result of the need for LOD would be defined. This stage actually plays a vital role and the reason for it is to enable coordination between the disciplines and clash detection. Therefore, this is called the “Clash Detection” stage.

●        BIM LOD 400 - This is the stage where the construction of the model is implemented. In this stage, all the drawings that are drawn are getting converted into the shape and figures. This level of development is called “Construction Stage”.

●        BIM LOD 500 - In this stage, the complete decision is in the hands of the owner. Here complete information is related to the support and maintenance of the project that is been taken in the construction. This stage and level are called “As-Built” and “Field Verified”.

Conclusion:

The services of BIM LOD levels play an important role in each project that is undertaken by the outsourcing companies as it is one of the stages without which the process of construction is totally incomplete. Moving further, in this service where there is a requirement of Revit LOD 300, LOD Revit, the engineers take the same into consideration and proceed further with the completion of work.