Levels Of Development (LODs): Achieving BIM Success With LODs 🚀

Level of Development (LOD) is a crucial aspect of Building Information Modeling (BIM) that has a profound impact on the efficiency and accuracy of your projects. By understanding the different levels of development – LOD 100, 200, 300, 350, 400, and 500 – you can optimize your BIM process and achieve greater project efficiency.

Are you tired of haphazard BIM scopes? Fear not, for I’ve got you covered! Let me walk you through how to implement LOD and how to create custom LODs that are foolproof. Prepare to streamline your BIM LOD scoping process like never before!

🎥 Video in Section 2 below…

Section 1: Understanding LOD

What is LOD and why is it important?

LOD (Level of Detail or Level of Development) defines the complexity and reliability of BIM models via a 100-500 scale.

This scale simplifies communication between BIM modeling teams, clarifying element/component detail for the required BIM purpose at a certain milestone.

LOD can improve BIM planning, budgeting, allocation, communication, collaboration, scheduling, and can help to prevent over modeling and rework.

Overview of LOD 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500

Check out these four images that explain the importance of different Levels of Detail (LOD) for a window’s components. From basic LOD, which only includes window frames, to the inclusion of detailed panes, frames, handles, blinds, and shutters. Each image provides insights into how different levels of detail can impact a window’s BIM requirements and uses. Knowing these LOD differences is critical to avoid over or under modeling.

Thanks to Majid Naghibi for sharing the images!

LOD 100

The first image shows a basic LOD 100 with limited details. The design is simple and there are no decorative elements or textures on display; it only represents the main window opening:

LOD 200

The second image shows LOD 200 for a schematic layout with approximate size, shape, and location – now adding the window frame and rough window panes:

LOD 300

The third image shows LOD 300 for design-specified size, shape, spacing, and location – now adding detailed window frame components, opening details, and even the correct thickness of framing expected:

LOD 400

The fourth image shows LOD 400 with all additional supplementary components added, and even the exact channel sections required for fabrication and field installation:

LOD 500

The fifth image shows a potential example of LOD 500. LOD 500 is an interesting one as it mainly seeks to hold more information rather than additional geometry:

LOD 100 – 500 Summary

So, LOD 100 could show a simple placeholder window, while LOD 200 would add more details like external extents/size and shape. At LOD 300, you might see elements like hinges and a handle, LOD 400 would provide intricate details like screws and weatherstripping, and LOD 500 is focussed on the information that will be important for the life-cycle of the building.

Section 2: Mastering LOD

Creating Your Custom LOD with bSDD

Ok, are you ready to start seeing how LOD can be implemented on your project?

Check out the 🎥 video below to learn how you can implement LOD and even how you could create your own BIM requirements LOD matrix!:

Section 3: Optimizing Your LOD Workflow

So, if you’re searching for a way to smooth out your BIM workflow while ensuring a precise LOD Matrix of requirements, I highly recommend giving Plannerly a try.

Plannerly allows you to easily create and manage LOD BIM requirements in the scope module. It has a built-in LOD library of thousands of predefined assemblies, elements and components!

Just drag and drop these LOD elements into the scope grid and voilà! Your visual scope is crystal clear, simple, and engaging.

The Plannerly platform also allows you to upload your own custom assemblies for a more tailored set of LOD requirements.

Here are some steps to make the most out of the tool:

1. Define your BIM Execution Plan (BEP) – with a single click (using the plan module).
2. Define your LOD requirements – comprehensively define your LOD Matrix requirements according to the necessary level of detail (using the scope module).
3. Organize and allocate tasks – once you have your requirements in order, Plannerly allows you to assign tasks to each project team.
4. Collaborate with your team – Plannerly makes working in a team an effortless process, ensuring that everyone sees the requirements and is on the same page.
5. Auto-check models – Plannerly’s Verify module automatically links and checks that models comply with the contracted scope and information requirements!

Summary

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an essential aspect of any construction project that helps improve efficiency and accuracy. This is where Level of Development (LOD) comes in.

As we learned, in simple terms, LOD describes the level of detail of a BIM model and can be classified on a scale of 100 to 500. Understanding the different LOD levels is crucial for optimizing your BIM process and achieving greater project efficiency.

With Plannerly, you can streamline your BIM process, save time, and achieve superior project outcomes.

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Three Bonus Resources 🥳

1. Other Interesting Reads ⤵

• WHY YOU NEED A BIM MANAGER – 10 IMPORTANT REASONS YOU MUST HIRE A BIM MANAGER!
• LOD 500 EXPLAINED
• 10 REASONS WHY BEING A BIM MANAGER IS THE BEST JOB EVER!

2. The Complete BIM Management Workflow [VIDEO] 🎥

Here’s a video I think you might find valuable 😃 – it covers the complete BIM management workflow:

3. Here are all the LODs explained

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