Australia, 10 March 2021: The key benefit of BIM is that it allows the structural engineers to share the structure's digital model with the fabricators and contractors. It also brings the engineers and their design teams closer, and it enables them to be introduced to improved coordination and collaboration.

Here, the levels of development specifications come to the picture. In the present day, the best structural BIM services in Australia contractor scopes are well defined due to the introduction of the level of development (LOD) specifications from 100 to 500. For example, it might not be said which structural model is LOD 400 or LOD 300.

The structural 3D model is a mix of various level of development for various components:
● The beams and columns for the structural model may be developed at LOD 300, while other constructible elements and components which require a higher amount of detailing maybe at the higher LOD, such as 350 or 400.
● LOD ranges from 100 to 500, and structural engineers need to decide exactly which LOD they require for all the components.
● Structural engineers may refer to the structural information for LOD 100 by writing the short narrative.
● At LOD 200, the objects, generic systems, and assemblies are shown with the approximate dimensions, quantities, shape orientation, and location.
● When the specified reaches LOD 500, the models are populated with non-geometric information.

Moreover, the information is typically useful for the facility managers and the owners- i.e., after the building is ready to be occupied.

Structural engineers typically require LOD between 300, 350, and 400.
● At LOD 300, the details of the exact dimension, orientation, and location- it is appropriate for the permanent sets of permit drawings.
● At LOD 350, the model elements contain the information for the construction layout and cross trade coordination. These models contain the details that are typically included in the construction drawings.
● With LOD 400 specifications, higher-level fabrication models are prepared with the fabrication, complete detailing, assembly, and installation information.

The structural engineers are increasing in demand for the models with the greater details. The BIM technology advancements have empowered the structural engineering firms by lowering the involved risks. The models sent to the contractor are accurate and have the required fabrications of the details. All these constructible 3D models provided to both contractors and engineers also enhance the control over the project, hence reducing the liabilities and risks.