BIM modeling is something everyone in the AEC industry is familiar with. It is the present and the future of the industry. And it is seen that in recent years a large number of big and small companies are highly reliable on 3D BIM models.

To start with, BIM (building information modeling) is an intelligent technological tool that creates three-dimensional models for various architectural, constructional and engineering purposes. It gives a visualising dominance to the projects, wherever it is used. BIM is a very common tool that is used by architects, engineers, contractors and project owners.

There are numerous attributes of Building information modelling that makes it such a popular tool to be used by so many users. It has for sure changed how this industry functioned earlier. The three-dimensional aspect is something that every user counts on as it brings excess details to the table. These details help in levelling up the project in various positive ways. Once stakeholders get BIM models for their project, there is no going back. The amount of ease it provides to the users calls for it.

With 3D BIM modeling services, LOD is a very important aspect that has real value in the project. LOD is the acronym for Level of Development which is used to define the entire procedure starting from how a project function will start off till how the finished project will appear as. To make it simpler, LOD is a collected set of parameters that provides the AEC industry with the requisite information. This detail helps in documenting the process and bringing efficiency to it.

This allows all the stakeholders in representing their project elements in a refined manner through various levels of development. The desired results are always got when the BIM specialists work with the architects and designers to finalise the LOD the project requires. It helps all the other project users in understanding the project a bit better with specific details of it.

How Lod Does Help In Detailed BIM Modeling?

It is because of the level of detail used in the BIM models that the geometric elements stay in place. The information that is generated through this makes the procedure much more effective in terms of quality and sheer accuracy. It allows the professionals of the team to rely on the information up to a certain standard.

The use of a level of detail makes the entire BIM modeling procedure a systematic approach towards success. In other words, it optimizes the regulates the process towards an efficient output.

The LOD also lets the designers of the project is getting to know about the features in a detailed form and incorporate them at various project phases. It gives a clear understanding of the model that is worked on. This also leads to a much finer execution and outcome of the BIM project.

The use of level of details also opens a communication channel for the designers, contractors, and other team members. This adds to the usable feature of BIM, making it even more practical. The LOD framework is such that it can be a very effective communication medium for the project stakeholders.

Where The Concept Of Lod Did Come In?

LOD is a term instigated by AIA, the American Institute of Architects. The instigation dates to 2008. It was then that five various levels of details were introduced for providing the detailing stage of any 3D BIM model.

Though the credit of the term obviously goes to AIA, the initial concept was already there. It is viewed that Vico software which is a software for construction analysis has been using a similar concept where they used the models in respect to the project costs. There were certain stages where they found their designing process to be at. Though with time this concept has taken turns and has been upgraded to six levels, its original roots did exist in the 2000s.

The Different Level Of Details (LOD)

LOD 100 (Concept Designing)

This is the very first stage in a construction project. The model of the construction project is shown from a very basic point of view with least information. The models are represented through graphical connotations or symbolic usage. The detail usually defines the area, heights, orientation, volume, etc., that the model is to be comprised of. The information in this model is generally considered to be on approximate terms.

LOD 200 (Schematic or Geometric Designing)

The second stage of detailing consists of the stipulations about the materials to be used in the project and the quantity of them. The model is generalized here, and the different modelling characteristics are shown as per their approximate shape, quantities, locations, sizes, and orientation of the construction project. Even non-geometric or non-graphical information is added during this stage. Even this stage is on approximate terms.

LOD 300 (Accurate Designing)

At this stage, all the measurements and related information are put out in a more accurate form. Each of the characteristics of the model is presented in a more specific way. This model produces very correct details as per the size, shape, quantity, location, and orientation. The details are calculated based on the requirement of the raw materials and other resources. Here, the start of the project gets a definition, as well as the elements, is positioned properly.

LOD 350 (Documentation details)

After the base for the construction is put together, the actual work is started. The function of clash detection is carried out right at this stage, and the clashes are rectified as soon as detected. The specific construction element is seen in respect to systems of other buildings and a connection is formed between all. There are certain non-graphical characteristics that are included at this stage.

LOD 400 (Fabrication & erection)

This happens to be a vital stage in the modeling process. Here the minute details are added to the model for the final execution of it that is for the erection purpose of the model. The entire detailing of the project process is done at this stage.

LOD 500 (As-Built model)

The final stage of the process takes the graphical features into the actual finished project and the result is produced. All the changes and deviations from the initial design are appropriately shown at this stage. This as the final model acts as a reference for all the operational activities to be held in the future for the building construction. It stays for the entire project life cycle.

Conclusion

The presence of Level of Details (LOD) in the BIM modeling process creates the intelligence of BIM that it is known for. It represents the model in a more informative form without jeopardizing its basic details of it.

The LOD maintains the flow of communication and lets the professionals have a more informative environment regarding the construction process. It also sets the graphical outcome correctly so that the accuracy of the final model is not compromised anyhow. Going by the various stages assures that the individual stage of the project gets sufficient focus, and the work is carried out in a productive manner. The designers and other professionals can vouch for the productivity that LOD brings to work.