Why is BIM Clash Detection important in the construction projects?

Clash detection in BIM entails identifying clashes or collisions amongst various building materials in a 3D model. BIM modelling services involve a comprehensive master model encompassing different detailed models of several other disciplines. BIM clash detection services play a significant role in the successful execution of projects. The automated nature of the process informs the design teams about the potential clashes in a design, then mitigated at an early construction stage, saving on time and project costs. 

How do clashes occur in the construction projects?

The architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, and other related stakeholders prepare the models independently. Clashes occur in the final design when all the models are overlapped for BIM modelling. BIM clash detection services involve effective identification, inspection, and reporting of interference in a construction model. The inspections enable a consistent check on the work status and minimize the possibility of human errors. The class detection process catalyzes the project completion by identifying these clashes during the design stage, saving budget overruns and invested time.

Types of Clashes in a BIM Model

Three types of clash detections are reflected in the BIM program to resolve any error beforehand.

Soft clash

Soft clashes occur when the building elements are not assigned the required structural or geometric tolerances. They also occur if the line of demarcation is violated. Any BIM modeling software uses proper standards and codes while placing an object in the model. 

For instance, clearances for the Air Handling Unit in a design mandatory for building safety and maintenance fall under soft clash. Ignorance of soft clashes can increase the probability of maintenance and safety issues in a MEP model.

Hard clash

Hard clash refers to a situation where two elements exist in a common space or collide with one another. For instance, the intersection of a plumbing pipeline and an electrical conduit can be referred to as a hard clash. The semantic algorithms or mathematical models in the BIM object library can be accessed to identify this type of clash in the model. If the design process skips any of the steps, it might prove expensive to fix later. 

Workflow clash

Workflow or 4D clash refers to a situation where conflicts like delay in material and equipment conveyance, scheduling of workers by the contractors, or creating a conflict timeline occur. These kinds of clashes can impact the efficiency of the firm and lead to project delays. 

Benefits of BIM Clash detection services

Clash detection services offer several benefits throughout the designing and construction process. Here are a few key advantages of the process –

Error prevention and Increased safety

Planning and working of various disciplines for a project are executed separately, which might lead to errors like the positioning of two elements in the same place or unassigned tolerances to the objects. BIM modeling and clash detection services resolve such errors in the pre-construction stage resulting in minimal errors and re-working on site.

A design with minimal errors also increases the scope of a safety-induced project that mitigates situations like collisions, compromised structural integrity, unacceptable clearances, and many more. 

Reduced design iterations, cost, and time

The BIM modeling services enable the stakeholders to plan and visualize every project detail before the construction starts. A detailed 3D model helps in analyzing every potential conflict at an initial stage which leads to fewer changes during construction. It further reduces the cost and time spent during re-working or problem-solving at the project site.

Enhanced collaboration and team coordination

The digital clash detection process results in streamlined collaboration between the stakeholders and lets them discuss the errors and possible solutions. The BIM modeling services ensure immediate data transfer and its real-time visual reflection that expedites the construction work, eliminating error and negligence. 

Integrated and streamlined construction process

Project designing and construction is a process with hundreds of unconnected documents that make it difficult for the concerned team to visualize the project with every detail in place. When BIM clash detection services are used, it promotes effective collaboration among stakeholders and a well-integrated construction process.

Precise Design Documentation

BIM clash detection services ease the building design process and documentation quality for architects and designers. Any change in a particular drawing is incorporated into all the project drawings automatically. It reduces the manual efforts along with the time spent in maintaining design documents and increases efficiency.

How to spot and avoid clashes using BIM modeling services?

The clash detection and resolution process typically involves the following steps-

1 Model Preparation

This step involves creating a detailed 3D model with all components and relevant building systems.

2 Clash Test Setup

This step specifies the rules and parameters for the clash detection process according to the project requirements.

3 Clash Detection

It involves running clash detection software like Navisworks, Solibri model checker, or any other software throughout the project.

4 Clash Analysis

After clash detection in a model, analyzing and reviewing the clashes on severity basis and impact to prioritize results.

5 Clash Resolution 

The next step is to coordinate with the project stakeholders to eliminate the clashes identified during the process. It requires drawing amendments or coordinating the construction process.

6 Clash Verification

The project is then re-checked using clash detection software to verify the clash removal from the final drawings.

Why are BIM clash detection services essential in the BIM process?

The BIM modeling services assist with error-free and steady project planning and accelerate the construction process, benefitting the project stakeholders. A manual clash detection procedure can be tiring and time-consuming without affirming seamless results for large-scale projects. BIM modeling services remove this tedious process and ensure accurate results, making it an efficient method to incorporate into project design.

BIM modeling services give an edge to everyone in visualizing, analyzing, and eliminating clashes beforehand. It has revolutionized the industry towards a framework with one less issue to stress about. It makes the lives of designers simpler without having to compromise on authenticity due to last-minute changes.