BIM Level of Development (LOD) 100, 200, 300, 400 & 500

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The level of development within the Building Information Modelling (BIM) helps to provide a structured way, which represents the completeness of the design model. A numerical lexicon has been used at the level of development, which helps to increase the 3D design models, as well as helps to foster a shared understanding between the stakeholders.

LOD 100 to LOD 500 has been supported within the BIM models, which helps to ensure precision and accuracy at each and every stage of the construction project. This BIM level of development has been used to bridge the gap between the project owners, engineers, architects and contractors.

This collaborative nature of the BIM level of development helps to reduce disputes in the design projects, as well as helps to streamline the decision-making process of the design project. Thus, BIM's level of development facilitates the better planning of the design project and supports the effective execution of the design project.

Adoption of six levels of development in BIM

Six levels of development have been adopted within Building Information Modelling (BIM), which are as follows:

LOD 100–conceptual design

In this type of level of development in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) project, the design model helps to represent the basic size and shape of the design elements, without any detailed information. The overall design intent has been provided at this level of development of the BIM model.

LOD 200–schematic design

In this development phase, the design models have become more refined and incorporate appropriate shapes, sizes, qualities and locations of the design elements. The spatial relationship and the early design concepts have also been analysed in this level of development.

LOD 300–detailed design

In this phase of development, geometric information, shapes and sizes of the design object components have been included in the BIM model. This level of development helps to coordinate different disciplines and produce construction documents.

LOD 350–construction documentation

This BIM level of development includes several information regarding design fabrications or design assemblies in the BIM models. In addition, this level of development has also been used to generate construction documents and shop drawings.

LOD 400–fabrication and assembly

This level of development helps to create detailed design models along with the specific assemblies and connections, which are appropriate for the design fabrication process.

LOD 500–as-built or facility management

This BIM level of development helps to include information regarding the operational design elements of the buildings. Thus, this BIM level of development helps to reflect the real-world conditions for the facility management of the BIM model.

Discuss BIM Level of Details

The amount of information that needs to be included in the BIM model is known as the BIM level of detail. The BIM level of detail includes graphical data and the physical characteristics of building objects. Thus, the BIM level of detail helps to improve the communication between the project team members and enhance the coordination with the design projects.

Comparing the level of development and level of detail within BIM models

1. The level of development indicates the degree to which the geometry and associated information of the building elements have been thought out. Whereas, the visual appearance of the BIM models has been focused on by the BIM level of detail.

2. The BIM level of development helps to represent the completeness, reliability and accuracy of the design information throughout the various stages of the design project. On the other hand, the BIM level of detail helps to represent how complex geometries appear in the visual outputs or drawings.

3. The higher level of development in the BIM models indicates that the design element has been designed with more precision. On the other hand, a design project can appear highly detailed, though there can be a lack of essential development for real-world uses.

4. The BIM level of development helps to achieve a reliable output for the BIM models, whereas the BIM level of detail can be thought of as the input to the design element.

Applications of BIM level of development in AEC projects

The BIM level of development has been widely used in the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. The adoption of the BIM level of development depends upon the project-specific factors.

To get online demonstration, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: AutoCAD & Revit Tools

Download BIM Level of Development

With the help of the BIM level of development, the communication among the design team members can be done in a better way, along with greater clarity. By using advanced techniques and technologies, the BIM level of development helps to enhance the clarity within the BIM design models.