Introduction
We all know or have heard of the fancy work that BIM (or Building Information Modeling) can produce, but what is it really? Essentially, it is the power of information and the database behind the model/drawings of buildings. When Revit was introduced to our industry, it revolutionized the way we designed buildings by providing a wealth of information behind the drawings. However, Revit is not the only software that does this. Even before the rise of Revit, Proficient had been using BIM for many years with software that runs within AutoCAD. So, what can BIM do for you, and why is everyone talking about it?
As seen in Graphic A, this blog will focus on the level of development and detail (LOD) of a building’s model for the design and the construction teams when using BIM. Proficient has been on both sides. We want to help bridge the gap between the two and ultimately provide a better more constructible model for the owner.
Level of Detail (LOD) by the A/E Design Team
- LOD 100 – Concept Design: The building 3D model is developed to represent the information on a basic level. Thereby, only conceptual model creation is possible in this stage. Parameters like area, height, volume, location, and orientation are defined.
- LOD 200 – Schematic Design: This is a general model where elements are modeled with approximate quantities, size, shape, location, and orientation. We can also attach non- geometric information to the model elements.
- LOD 300 – Detailed Design: Accurate modeling and shop drawings where elements are defined with specific assemblies, precise quantity, size, shape, location, and orientation are created. Here, we can also attach non- geometric information to the model elements.
Level of Detail (LOD) by the Construction Team
- LOD 350 – Construction Documentation: This includes model details and elements that represent how some building elements will interface with various systems and other elements with graphics and written definitions.
- LOD 400 – Fabrication & Assembly: Model elements are modeled as specific assemblies, with complete fabrication, assembly, and detailing information in addition to precise quantity, size, shape, location, and orientation. Non-geometric information for the model elements can also be attached.
- LOD 500 – As-Built: Elements are modeled as constructed assemblies for building maintenance and operations. In addition, accurate non-geometric information in terms of size, shape, location, quantity, and orientation is attached to the modeled elements.
Benefits of BIM for the Design Team
- Create 3-D Laser Scans
- Gain insight into building specifics at the time of the scan
- Reduce measurement cost while producing more accurate models
- Reduce site visits for the entire team
- Save time on design
- Reduce Construction Administration (CA)
- Leverage BIM for a building’s lifespan
Benefits of BIM for the Construction Team
- Reduce RFI’s during construction
- Lower construction cost and time
- Subcontract more efficiently
- Build faster drawings and project schedules
- Save time and money with more offsite fabrication
In the end, BIM is going to make the AEC industry more efficient and effective with our coordination and designs. As described in Graphic B, design teams can produce more constructible models, not just drawings, with incredible and detailed information using BIM, and contractors can build and use this data to improve efficiency and accuracy. As a result, construction administration will be minimal, and the owner will have a beautiful building in the real and virtual world to help manage it.
Conclusion
BIM can now be found almost everywhere when designing and constructing buildings and is used on every project that we engineer. The design and construction teams that take advantage of this technology and become experts in the processes associated with BIM are bound to be the AEC leaders of the future. It may not happen tomorrow, but as an industry, let’s try to bridge the gap between architects and contractors by taking advantage of BIM’s full potential through incorporating its involvement throughout a project.
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