LOD 300 (Detailed Design)
Specific, accurate location, size, shape, quantity, orientation. Suitable for design development and tender.
LOD 300 (Level of Development 300) is the BIM Forum specification level representing 'Detailed Design'. Model elements are graphically represented with specific (not approximate) dimensions, exact location, defined connections, and accompanying non-graphic data sufficient for design and coordination. LOD 300 is the typical level for tender-stage BIM models in modern Indian construction — sufficient for clash detection, detailed coordination, and tender-quality cost estimation. References: BIM Forum LOD Specification, ISO 19650-1:2018, NBC 2016 Part 11.
Key LOD 300 characteristics: (a) Specific element dimensions (not approximate). (b) Exact location, orientation, and rotation. (c) Defined connections to adjacent elements. (d) Manufacturer-generic but specific to the type and class of element. (e) Properties (strength, materials, fire-rating, finish) defined for each element. For a structural beam at LOD 300: cross-section accurate to within ±5 mm, location accurate to within 25 mm, end connections to columns shown with their type (welded, bolted), but reinforcement layout not yet detailed (that's LOD 350-400). For an architectural wall at LOD 300: thickness exact, material build-up specified, but joinery and finish details not included.
LOD 300 is the threshold of useful BIM for design coordination. Below LOD 300 (i.e., LOD 200), the model lacks specificity for clash detection of secondary systems. Above LOD 300 (i.e., LOD 400), the model includes manufacturer-specific information that may not be available at the tender stage. For Indian construction:Government and PSU projects routinely require LOD 300 for tender-stage models. Major commercial projects (airports, malls, high-rise) typically achieve LOD 350-400 at construction stage. Smaller residential and commercial projects may use LOD 300 throughout, with LOD 400 only for specialty elements (curtain walls, MEP equipment). The progression beyond LOD 300 (350, 400) represents fabrication-ready detail; LOD 500 represents field-verified as-built information for facility management.
- Detailed design stage BIM models
- Tender-stage models for contractor pricing
- Detailed clash detection between major and secondary systems
- Detailed cost estimation and BOQ preparation
- Construction document production (with LOD 350-400 for specific elements)