All Things BIM: AIA BIM Protocol (E202) Page 1 of 2

All Things BIM

Diary of a 21st Century Architectural Technologist

Monday, December 29, 2008

AIA BIM Protocol (E202)

Despite my recent ranting (aka constructive crticism) about the AIA's communication practices, I
would like to discuss one of their newest contract documents - AIA E202-2008: Building Information
Modeling Protocol Exhibit. As recently discussed by Jim Bedrick (Webcor Builders) in a featured
article on AECBytes.com titled "Organizing the Development of a Building Information Model," the
BIM Protocol has evolved from work initiated by Vico Software and Mr. Bedrick which was
subsequently presented to the AIA's Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Task Force. This document
takes an important step towards the effective downstream use of BIM data by a project team. A
free sample can be obtained from the AIA at www.aiacontractdocuments.org.

In a previous post, I had discussed the use of disclaimers for added protection from liability when
sharing native design data with team members outside of the Design Team. To make the next
logical step - from "little BIM" to "BIG BIM" - I have been conducting discussions with my colleagues,
peers and our firm's legal counsel about ways to start "chipping away" at the shield (disclaimer) in
an effort to establish usable and controllable channels of BIM data. To that end, the AIA has
released E202 to address the issue of integrating BIM data into the contractual environment. It
begins with the general "protocol" in which project teams can define procedural details such as
Model Management, Model Ownership and Coordination & Conflicts. While these areas are
important to define, the key part of E202 is the definition of two fundamental concepts: Level of
Development (LOD) and the Model Element Author (MEA) These two categories are then
combined in a matrix for each phase of the project, corresponding to model element assemblies in
the Model Element Table described in greater detail below.

Level of Development

There are 5 basic levels of development which do not reflect specific modeling guidelines for any
particular software, rather a generic definition of model content and, more importantly, authorized
uses of the model for the respective LOD:

LOD 100 - Essentially the equivalent of

conceptual design, the model would
consist of overall building massing and
the downstream users are authorized
to perform whole building types of
analysis (volume, building orientation,
cost per square foot, etc.)

LOD 200 - Similar to schematic design

or design development, the model
would consist of "generalized systems
or assemblies with approximate
quantities, size, shape, location and
orientation." Authorized uses would
include "analysis of selected systems by
application of generalized performance
criteria."
LOD 300 - Model elements are suitable
for the generation of traditional
construction documents and shop
drawings. As such, analysis and
simulation is authorized for detailed
elements and systems.

LOD 400 - This level of development is

considered to be suitable for
fabrication and assembly. The MEA for
this LOD is most likely to be the trade
contractor or fabricator as it is usually
outside the scope of the architect's or
engineer's services or would constitute
severe risk exposure if such parties are
not adequately insured.
Image courtesy of Mortenson Construction

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All Things BIM: AIA BIM Protocol (E202) Page 2 of 2

LOD 500 - The final level of

development represents the project as
it has been constructed - the as-built
conditions. The model is suitable for
maintenance and operations of the
facility.

Note that the above descriptions are merely excerpts from the original AIA E202 document. Refer
to the free sample available from AIA's Contract Documents website for complete details.

MEA's and the Model Element Table

Quite simply, the Model Element Authors (MEA's) are the parties responsible for developing the
model content as specified in the Model Element Table. The Levels of Development are paired with
an assigned MEA for each major building assembly as shown in a filled-out sample below:

Conclusion

The AIA E202 Building Information Modeling Protocol Exhibit is a compelling tool for use in the
evolving world of virtual design and construction teams. I have had many conversations with my BIM
Specialists as well as project team leaders using it as a basis for development of BIM Management
Plans; however, it has not yet become a formal addendum to any of our project contracts. That will
likely change very soon.

The AIA Document E202 is a copyright of The American Institute of Architects and is protected by
U.S. Copyright Law and International Treaties.

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