Construction is a complex activity that requires involvement of different stakeholders at various stages, clashes are inevitable. BIM Coordination and Clash Detection is a crucial step to ensure smooth construction process. It helps remove the clashes at the preconstruction stage itself, thereby reducing rework and wastage.
Overview of what exactly is Clash Detection:
Clash Detection as the name clearly resonates with the role of the detective by finding out the clashes/conflicts among the 3 disciplines in the virtual design model. To understand better, in building design, there are 3 disciplines: Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. These disciplines have their own essential role, just like the human body’s organs.
It is an important step that helps identify and mitigate potential design conflicts before breaking ground, thus anticipating construction issues and rework. In simpler terms, Clash Detection is a way to find and fix problems in building designs before they happen.
These conflicts can be classified into the 3 main categories, namely: Hard Clash, Soft Clash and Work-Flow Clash or 4D Clash.
To understand better, let’s look into the comprehensive overview of these 3 clashes
1. Hard Clash
A hard clash is a type of construction conflict that involves geometrical issues that occur when two objects physically collide or occupy the same space. This can happen either within a single trade (e.g., an HVAC duct colliding with a plumbing pipe) or between different trades (e.g., an air conditioning duct running through a load-bearing wall). Therefore, a hard clash is easy to spot because of the logical arrangement of elements and their null dynamics.
2. Soft Clash
Soft clashes usually occur when any element is not given the required spatial or geometric tolerances, or when its buffer zone is breached. Examples include insufficient beam or lintel positioning, not providing sufficient headspace in a room, or a door opening that is too close to a wall, making it difficult to open or close the door, etc. It is imperative to catch soft clashes from a safety point of view.
3. Work-Flow Clash or 4D Clash
Workflow lash, also known as 4D clash, as the name suggests, they are timeline conflicts that occur when there are conflicts between the contractor’s schedule, equipment, and material delivery. However, even though these problems are not directly connected with design they can have a significant impact on the project’s progress. It can not only disrupt the project’s efficiency, but it can also have a domino effect. Even a single major undetected workflow clash can ultimately bring the whole project to a standstill.
How can we detect the BIM Clashes?
To identify clashes, there are many advanced software that are specifically used by the AEC industry, such as Navisworks, Solibri Model Checker, etc.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, clash detection acts as a brain in the construction design process. The breadth of information that any project member must account for is substantial and very much vulnerable to human error. Tesla Outsourcing Services has a decade of valuable experience in BIM Clash Detection Services and can help you identify any clashes and address potential conflicts in the preconstruction stage itself for a smooth workflow.
