Use of LoD Decision Plan in BIM-projects

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is new to many companies, and the implementation is consequently challenging. Challenges include unstructured processes that often leads to time and cost overruns. This study assesses how the creative design processes can be scheduled in projects using BIM tools. More specifically, it seeks methods that assures a proper schedule by decision planning. One of the decision tools studied uses the theoretical concept of Level of Development (LoD) to structure design processes.This paper is based upon a literature review followed by four case studies. The cases, which are all using BIM, are studied through interviews and document studies of execution plans, decision plans and BIM-manuals. Three general interviews and twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with key personnel from owners, contractors and consultants.The study reveals that decision plans are seldom used in the design process and decisions about design elements are seldom formally locked during the process. This demands much from the design manager who has to point out the critical path to assure keeping schedule. It also reveals that several models are delivered with a higher or lower LoD-level than necessary. This can lead to a high number of change orders.The paper concludes with a conceptual model of a LoD decision plan. Furthermore, the findings show that such a LoD decision plan can help owners, designers and contractors to communicate decisions in a timely manner and control the design process. In the long run, the conceptual model facilitates for knowledge transfer from one project to another.It is not common to use LoD decision plan in Norwegian BIM-projects. This conceptual model can be of use for companies who want better control over their BIM design processes.