Dimensionality of BIM LODs in the Digital Twin Continuum

Building information modeling (BIM) plays a foundational role in the implementation of digital twins (DTs) in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry. However, there remains a lack of clarity over how varying BIM levels of development (LODs) align to the DTs digital model developed from BIM models, especially from a data maturity and DT application perspective. This research presents a pioneering effort to align the BIM LODs to the different classes of DTs. The dimensionality of BIM data, i.e., the evolving number of model features and attributes as the model progresses, is mapped onto the different classes of DTs, leading to the definition of a novel taxonomy for classifying BIM-based DTs. The ensuing taxonomy, validated by stakeholders in industry and academia, helps clarify the utility of as-designed and as-built models in the implementation of BIM-based DTs in the AECO industry. Ultimately, the research clarifies how LOD 500 relates to BIM-based DTs for facilities management (FM) from an element modeling perspective. This research provides a theoretical foundation for future DT researchers on how to classify their BIM-based DTs for FM and practical guidance for owners on what the LOD requirements are for different types of DTs for FM.