Design information and dimensional coordination 1-7

Low detail representation Medium detail representation

Scale 1:100/1:200 Scale 1:50

High detail representation

Scale 1:20

4.6 Graded components Component Grade 2 – Defined

With 3D modelling systems it is possible to replace an object with
another showing more detail as the design progresses. To facilitate
this, the AEC BIM Standards recommend that all components cre-
ated, or otherwise obtained should be graded, named and stored
accordingly in the project structure as follows.
x Contains all relevant meta-data and technical information, and
is sufficiently modelled to identify type of chair and component
materials.
x Typically contains level of 2D detail suitable for the ‘Preferred’
scale.
x Sufficient for most projects.

Component Grade 3 – Rendered

x Identical to the Grade 2 version if scheduled or interrogated by

annotation. Differs only in 3D representation.
x Used only when a 3D view at a sufficient scale deems the detail
Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 necessary due to the object’s proximity to the camera.

In addition to the grading, a component may make use of Low,

Medium and High levels of detail to control its graphical representa-
tion in relation to the chosen scale as indicated in Section 4.3.

Component Grade 1 – Concept
x Simple place-holder with absolute minimum level detail to be
identifiable, e.g. as any type of chair.
x Superficial dimensional representation.
x Generic in terms of manufacturer information and technical data.
5 DIMENSIONAL COORDINATION
5.1 General
Current building practice involves the assembly of many facto-
ry-made components: in some cases the whole project consists of
such components slotted together like a child’s construction kit.
Dimensional coordination (DC) is essential to ensure the success
of the system, and consists of a range of dimensions relating to the
sizing of building components and assemblies, and to the build-
ings incorporating them. DC enables the coordination of the many
parts that go to make up the total construction which are supplied
from widely separated sources. At an international level, 100 mm
is accepted as the basic module (often referred to by the letter ‘M’).
Dimensional coordination relies on establishment of rectangular
three-dimensional grids of basic modules into which components
can be introduced in an interrelated pattern of sizes, Figure 1.9. The