BIM Clash Detection and Coordination| Process, Benefits, and Best Practices

The construction industry plays a crucial role in building infrastructure and boosting the economy. However, it often faces common challenges of project delays, budget overruns, lack of communication and collaboration, etc. which affects overall efficiency.

These challenges can be prevented by utilizing the enormous benefits of BIM.

BIM – Building Information Modeling is the process of preparing a 3-dimensional digital representation of a building and its elements incorporating physical and functional characteristics. While using BIM, it is necessary to detect clashes and resolve them during the pre-construction stage in order to generate a flawless BIM 3D model.

What is Clash Detection in BIM?

Clash Detection in BIM: The Key to Preventing Expensive Delays and Design Errors

Clash detection in BIM is a crucial process that helps project participants identify and resolve multi-disciplinary conflicts or clashes within the 3D model. BIM is a digital modeling process that integrates all the trades of a building project, including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, into a single, coordinated 3D model.

Clashes refer to errors where two or more elements from different disciplines or systems intersect or occupy the same space in the 3D model. These clashes may lead to construction errors, delays, increased costs, and safety hazards. Therefore, it is necessary to detect and address clashes early in the design or planning stages.

Clash detection involves using specialized BIM software such as Navisworks, Revit, BIM 360, etc. to analyze the 3D model and automatically identify clashes or conflicts. Building components such as structural beams intersecting with ductwork, plumbing pipes running through walls, or electrical conduits conflicting with architectural features, etc. are a few examples of clashes.

Process of BIM Clash Detection

How to Detect Errors Before They Cost You Big?

The process of clash detection in BIM involves several steps to identify and resolve conflicts between different building elements within a construction project. Here is the general overview of the clash detection process:

1. Prepare 3D Models: Prepare 3D models of the various building components and systems involved in the construction project. These models should be created using BIM software such as Revit, BIM 360, etc., and represent architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc. systems and elements.
2. Combine 3D Models: Use BIM software to combine or federate the 3D models from different disciplines into a single, coordinated model. The process is known as BIM Coordination. This coordinated 3D model is essential for clash detection, as it allows different systems to be analyzed together.
3. Define Clash Detection Rules: Specify the clash detection rules and criteria based on project specifications and industry standards. The following guidelines outline the criteria for identifying a clash or conflict that may arise during the construction. For example, a clash might be defined as two elements intersecting within a specified tolerance.
4. Run Clash Detection: Various BIM software tools are used to perform automated clash tests on the coordinated 3D model. The software will analyze the model and identify clashes based on the predefined rules.
5. Review Clash Reports: Analyze the clash detection reports generated by the BIM software such as Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360, etc. These reports provide detailed information about the clashes, including their location, intensity, and the elements involved. Prioritize the clashes based on their impact and criticality to the construction project.
6. Collaborate and Resolve Conflicts: Collaborate with project participants, including architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors, to review the clashes, discuss design options, and resolve clashes. This may involve design changes, rerouting of systems, or other modifications to ensure that all elements fit and function correctly.Click here to learn more about multi-disciplinary Clash Detection
7. Documentation and Implementation of the Resolutions: Document the resolutions for each identified clash and update the 3D model accordingly. It is very important to keep track of these changes to maintain coordination and ensure that all project teams are on the same page.
8. Repeat Clash Detection Process: After resolving clashes, re-run the clash detection process to confirm that conflicts have been successfully resolved and no further clashes have emerged due to the updates.
9. Regularly Monitor and Update: Throughout the BIM project lifecycle monitor and update the 3D model according to design change order. Repeating clash detection as needed helps maintain coordination and prevent clashes from reoccurring.
10. Final Validation: Before construction begins, conduct a final clash detection and coordination review to ensure that all issues have been addressed and the model is ready for construction use.

Clash detection is an iterative process that continues throughout the design and construction phases. It helps to improve the overall efficiency and quality of the project. Collaboration and communication among project teams are critical to successfully detect and resolve clashes.

Benefits of BIM Clash Detection in Construction Projects

Clash detection plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency and quality of construction projects by identifying and resolving multi-disciplinary clashes.

A study published in IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science says that:

"The number of clashes for the Structural vs. Precast components was 289 clashes, for Structural vs. MEP components was 191 clashes, and for Precast vs. MEP components was 42 clashes. The cause of clashes with the highest percentage was caused by design error (52.36%), followed by design inconsistency (39.13%), and the last was a design discrepancy (8.51%). Based on the calculation of cost changes, a potential saving can be made for HCS panel material and for ducting pipe material as much as 10% of the initial cost."

Here are the enormous benefits of incorporating clash detection into AEC projects:

• Error Prevention: Clash detection helps identify design and coordination issues during the early designing stage, preventing costly mistakes and rework during construction.
• Cost Savings: Identifying clashes before the construction begins helps project participants avoid costly change orders, delays during the construction phase, and material wastage, which significantly saves costs.
• Time Efficiency: Resolving clashes before construction starts ensures the smooth execution of construction projects and reduces the risk of project delays.
• Enhanced Safety: Identifying clashes and generating clash-free BIM models promotes a safer construction environment by eliminating potential hazards and conflicts that could pose risks to workers.
• Improved Collaboration: Clash detection in BIM fosters better communication and collaboration among architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors.
• Quality Assurance: BIM clash detection and coordination ensures that all building components fit and function together correctly, resulting in higher-quality construction with fewer defects.
• Streamlined Project Management: Clash detection tools often include project management features that help project managers track and manage clashes, assignments, and progress efficiently.
• Sustainability: By optimizing building systems and reducing potential errors, clash detection can contribute to sustainable construction practices and reduce environmental impact.
• Regulatory Compliance: The BIM clash detection process ensures that the project complies with building codes and regulations. This reduces the risk of regulatory issues and fines.
• Client Satisfaction: BIM clash detection and resolution through coordination helps in achieving client satisfaction. It increases the likelihood of receiving a project that meets their expectations and ensures scheduled project delivery within budget.
• Minimized Disputes: Fewer design errors during the construction process ensure fewer disputes between project teams. This helps in smoother project execution and improved relationships among stakeholders.
• Documentation and Audit Trail: Clash detection provides valuable documentation of the clash resolution process, which is essential for audits, inspections, and record-keeping.
• Efficient Resource Allocation: By resolving clashes and optimizing construction processes, project teams can allocate resources more efficiently, leading to improved productivity.
• Risk Mitigation: Detecting and resolving clashes in BIM reduces the overall risk associated with the construction process which results in a more predictable and manageable project outcome.
• Long-Term Benefits: Clash detection ensures that building systems work efficiently and mitigates the requirement of costly retrofits or repairs after construction is completed.

Wrapping Up

Clash detection and BIM coordination are the fundamental components of modern construction projects. Clash-free BIM 3D models offer a wide range of benefits that contribute to cost-effective, safe, and high-quality construction outcomes. It enhances collaboration, minimizes errors, and ultimately ensures that the project meets or exceeds stakeholders' expectations.