A brief account on detailing levels based on which BIM models are developed

For manufacturing and developing any product there has to be a criteria available to its developers for example when it comes to the creation of BIM models the information in them is modeled on the basis of LOD (Level of Detail) provided by the clients. In other words clients provide detailed description to BIM modelers in terms of how intricate information is required to be modeled in a 3D model.According to clients’ requirement BIM modeler provide level of detail in architectural, structural and MEP models.  The complexities of BIM models can be enhanced and reduced as per the application of LOD.

Different types of detailing levels are optimized by BIM modelers when they develop 3D models in Revit such as LOD 100, LOD 200, LOD300, LOD 400 and LOD 500.

A brief description of these levels

• For example when it comes to developing an architectural model with LOD 100, it incorporates details such as overall building mass, information regarding area, height of the building, its volume and location etc.
• Revit architecture can effectively model all this information in 3D which allows AEC professionals to evaluate the model on the basis of its volume, area and location etc.
• When it comes to cost estimates this model can be utilized for calculating project cost on the basis of its area and volume etc.
• When it comes to developing a model with LOD 200, information such as size of the elements, their location, their shape and orientation etc are effectively defined. If in case Revit users want to incorporate non-geometrical data to the model it can be done effectively by them.
• Revit users can effectively utilize this model for generating cost-estimates and for scheduling.
• LOD 300 is used when modelers want to develop building elements as specific assemblies wherein their shapes, sizes, and quantities as well as location is clearly specified.
• When a BIM model is developed with LOD 400 apart from the accurate information on t shape, size and location of the elements, details regarding their fabrication and detailing are effectively provided.

In this way, according to the level of detail parameters provided by the clients intricate information can be modeled in 3D models.