Making Sense of BIM Levels of Detail: Why It Matters At Every Stage

Architects design, coordinate, and execute projects with Building Information Modeling. However, a plurality of experienced professionals could never agree on the correct level of detail within BIM. Questions like "How much is too much detail?" or "When do I use LOD 300 vs. LOD 500?" are generated by many in the industry. Let's keep it simple.

What Is BIM Level of Detail?

The level of detail BIM (better referred to as LOD) establishes the amount of detail and information in a BIM object at various stages in a project. It is not just geometryalthough that is involved. It is also specs, performance qualities, materials, size, and even cost or schedule data.

There are BIM LOD levels of industry standard from LOD 100 (very low conceptual massing) to LOD 500 (detailed, as-built models with accurate data). The higher the level, the more advanced and data-intensive the model element.

Why Are BIM Levels Important?

Uniform LOD levels set expectations among the team. These days, architects need different kinds of information at different times, personally engineers, contractors, and owners. Without a shared understanding of LOD definitions, you could potentially close with misinterpretations, reworks, and slippages in cost and schedule.

For instance, initial design stages may suffice for LOD 200 models to discuss the general layout. But if you are coordinating HVAC or electrics, you might find you must have LOD 350 or more so that you can avoid clashes and make sure everything can be taken to the site.

How to Select the Appropriate BIM LOD Levels

It truly is a matter of project phase, stakeholder requirements, and ultimate model use. For pre-construction estimating, LOD 300 might do. For prefabrication or facilities management, you'll probably require LOD 400 or 500. Stating those requirements up front is the best way to avoid under-modelingor spending effort on details you don't need.

This is where the expertise of consultants such as 3Deling's LOD proves to be useful. Multi-industry, multi-software capable, they assist teams in deploying the appropriate BIM levels for every project milestone.

Final Thought

The correct level of detail BIM should be an astute project management judgment, but not a technical judgment. It reduces friction, improves the coordination, and gives the stakeholders what they require, at the time they require it. In case your project is based on BIM, you should see that the design of the project is done at an appropriate level of detailing in the first place.