Clash Detection in BIM: How to Prevent Costly Design and Construction Errors

As we all know, modern construction demands are rapidly increasing and evolving daily. This is where design errors are so common; thus, the construction industry needs to detect these issues early. However, after the launch of advanced terms and technologies, the construction sector is also advancing by incorporating digital practices. Where the technology to detect construction errors has also been introduced, namely BIM, a project coordination software that stands for Building Information Modeling, it has completely revolutionized the construction industry. This is what automates the system, providing reasonable control and consistency over the outcome. 

Suppose you are in the construction industry and want to learn more about clash detection in BIM, making an informed decision that benefits your project or business. In that case, this guide is for you, regardless of your level of experience in the industry. Let’s dive into the sections below and learn all about clash detection in BIM that you actually need to know before the successful incorporation of BIM at your construction site.

Understand the Clash Detection in BIM

As described in the title, BIM project coordination software is one of the preferred techniques for detecting clashes on construction sites, where digital modules are effectively utilized for BIM design validation, identifying and resolving issues during the building design process. Constructional conflicts and clashes generally occur because of the overlapping of elements. The BIM clash detection system is a valuable asset for modern construction sites, as it bridges the gap between clash detection workflow and construction trades. Here are the three most genuine types of clashes in BIM that happen:

• Brutal clashes are categorised when two physical elements collide with each other, just like a column overlaying the wall. 
• Another type of clash in BIM is known as a soft clash, which occurs when the two elements are closely aligned. This is what generally happens when components lack sufficient space to settle and receive maintenance. 
• Clashes on data and clash detection workflow occur when inconsistencies arise between the construction team and systems. 

Dive Deeper Into The Purpose Of Clash Detection In BIM?

After reading the above, the supreme role of BIM, a clash detection approach, is to prevent errors in BIM projects, as well as between the construction system and its elements, including beams, walls, and pipes. BIM is a digital 3D model clash detection tool, which is a valuable asset that saves time, money, and reduces waste materials and overall work effort. This leads to correctness, the overall efficiency, and the safety of the entire construction site. 

Why is Clash Detection in BIM important for construction projects?

Clash detection is the heart of BIM; it is what the Building Information Model works on. This enables construction teams to analyze and visualize issues, allowing them to be fixed even before construction starts. This early BIM conflict resolution enables project managers and teams to minimize unnecessary costs and time investment, ensuring that all sections of a system, including electrical, structural, mechanical, and architectural components, can work together to deliver the most reliable and efficient construction system. 

How can BIM be used to resolve clashes during design development?

Here is how the clash detection in BIM actually works. To successfully incorporate such an advanced technology into a project or site, you must be aware of its working process. 

Model Integration

BMI is a technology or approach that facilitates 3D model clash detection and various BIM design validation, including structural, architectural, MEP, and more. With all this, a seamless and successful incorporation can be made in any centralized or decentralized constructional environment.

Detection & Identification

The BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is a valuable tool for construction sites that utilizes integrated modules to scan the entire system and detect areas where the system and its components interfere with each other. 

Analysis & Visualisation

The BIM clash detection software, after detecting and analyzing the clashes, collects data on the conflicting areas via 3D model clash detection. 

BIM conflict resolution

After a thorough analysis of the issues using the BIM technique, the next step is to resolve them before they become a serious concern, which can be quickly and precisely addressed by generating a detailed clash detection report. 

Recentralization

Once everything is done, the updated construction module will be integrated into the system, ensuring that everyone within the site’s boundary can work on the updated version with no serious inconveniences.

How Does Clash Detection in BIM Improve The Workflow Of BIM?

As we have read above, clash detection is simply about identifying and detecting clashes in modern or digital construction systems; there are many benefits of clash detection in BIM. Let’s go below and learn all the significant improvements in clash detection in Revit, BIM, and others.

Cost Reduction

By detecting clashes in advance, the teams on the construction site prevent errors in BIM projects and avoid incurring any extra expenses. Additionally, all modifications will be minimized, eliminating the need to invest in laborers to address the issues. 

Time Saver

The clash detection in BIM is a process that is performed in advance; thus, there is no delay in any aspect, and no waste of time on unnecessary tasks. All of this contributes to the project’s quick completion and delivery. 

Save on Capital

Early clash detection is a crucial step in preventing serious conflicts in the future; this is what saves money on concerns that could have been avoided due to carelessness. Such an investment can be used for other valuable tasks or stages if the team is well-focused on the workflow.

Seamless & Successful Collaboration

The valuable asset in construction is the clash detection hierarchy, which fosters the entire workflow and teamwork, where everyone works under a well-coordinated model.

Safety Improvisation

Detecting and identifying issues early in the component areas where hazards are most likely to occur. So, clash detection in Revit, BIM, and others is something that can score not only these sections, but the entire system, through early detection of clashes.

No Need for Rework

The clash detection procedure minimizes the need for rework, which can streamline not only a specific project but the entire construction site.

Efficient Resource BIM coordination and clash management

This construction coordination BIM technology is beneficial for all construction structural designs, allowing labour and working teams to manage resources and approach. Through this, any specific project or the site can maintain a well-improved performance.

Result-Driven Planning

Additionally, early clash detection in BIM enables modern construction teams to improve and build confidence by creating effective working plans or models.

Nothing To Process RFIs

The fewer active issues allow construction sites or projects to reduce the need to request required information about the project or the site, as everyone is already updated with all project-centric or construction details, which leads to a quick BIM conflict resolution cycle completion. 

Real World Applications & The Challenges Of Clash Detection In BIM

In this section, you will learn about past construction projects where BIM Clash Detection played a crucial role. Let’s go below to know more:

• Clash Detection In BIM has been incorporated into the complex architectural, structural, & MEP systems of the Heathrow Airport Expansion, which detects 40,000 active conflicts and resolves them before construction begins. It is beneficial for all related members and laborers, as it reduces costs, time, and rework, leading to timely project delivery. 
• One World Trade Center in New York has also incorporated BIM Clash Detection, which facilitates seamless integration between construction systems.

Challenges Come With BIM, Building Information Modeling

Clash Detection in BIM indeed comes with several significant benefits; however, its efficient implementation is associated with a few challenges, which people often overlook due to the valuable and efficient outcomes it provides. 

• BIM clash detection is something that requires a high initial investment to ensure successful incorporation into the system. 
• The teams and the owners on the construction site need to invest enough time to make efficient use of BIM tools. 
• The complex and larger datasets can be maintained through BIM Clash Detection only if the entire infrastructure is sufficiently strong.

Take a Step In The Favour Of Your Constructional Site / Project

When it comes to the construction industry, it requires constant focus and efficiency in the work approach, and previously, it was easy to maintain. However, with advances in the industry, it has become modernized; this is why it now requires much more focus and a strategic working approach, as well as a clash detection workflow. The Clash Detection in BIM is a feature that maintains efficiency and smoothness throughout the entire construction site or any construction project. If you have decided to incorporate construction coordination BIM, Building Information Modeling, into your system, then Ellipsoid Designs is the leading solution provider for the same. 

Explore BIM, Building Information Modeling Services, clash detection hierarchy, and tools, including Revit clash detection, VDC clash detection, and more at Ellipsoid Designs and request a call from our team, or contact us directly via contact@ellipsoid-designs.com or Phone +44 7385 218 015.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who are the construction industry’s rollers who can take advantage of Clash Detection in BIM?

The contractors, subcontractors, engineers, architects, developers, and project owners are the leaders in the construction industry who can improve their strategy and work approach if they are successfully and efficiently incorporated into the framework.

• Do Ellipsoids provide Clash Detection in BIM solution for small projects too?

Yes, the BIM clash detection software we deliver is capable of meeting any demand for any construction site or project. 

• Who do we prefer to take on all the responsibilities of handling clash detection in Revit, BIM, and other systems?

The BIM Managers and coordinators are the two responsible bodies for this. Both are gems for reviewing collaboration and conflicts entirely over the system. They ensure the site, or the project, has no issues until construction starts. 

• Do we provide the clash detection report BIM to the respected person?

Yes, we provide the same; we curate a well-detailed document covering everything related to structural systems and the building.