BIM Clash Detection for Better Construction Execution

BIM clash detection involves the identification of clashes that might exist between different building components in the three-dimensional model of BIM. It helps the project team to consider all the architectural, structural, and MEP models together and thus helps identify problems before construction starts. Clash detection defines the place where a clash occurs, and clash resolution defines how this clash can be corrected. It is one of the parts of the entire BIM coordination process. 

Architectural Clashes

Architectural clashes occur when architectural elements conflict with other building components or when space requirements are not properly coordinated. 

Structural Clashes

Structural clashes occur when structural elements interfere with architectural or MEP components. 

MEP Clashes

MEP clashes occur when mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems interfere with one another or with architectural/structural elements. 

Hard Clash

A hard clash happens if there is overlapping of physical components in the same place, like a duct running through a structural beam.

Soft Clash

A soft clash happens if there is inadequate clearance, access or maintenance space left by the component for some other component.

Workflow or 4D Clash

A workflow clash happens when the construction process clashes with the schedule process.

MEP Coordination Clashes

These clashes happen when the mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems or any other system of a building clash with each other or architectural/structural elements. 

Why Is BIM Clash Detection Important in Construction?

BIM clash detection allows teams to identify and address coordination issues before they become expensive site problems.

Key benefits include:

• Early conflict identification
• Improved multidisciplinary coordination
• Reduced project delays
• Better construction accuracy
• Improved decision-making
• Enhanced construction quality
• Reduced material and labor costs

By resolving issues during the design and coordination stages, project teams can reduce rework and improve overall project efficiency.

BIM clash detection solutions include modeling integration, conflict identification, accuracy check, tracking, and coordination tools. The specific features of each platform will help to make a choice depending on the need for project coordination, collaboration, and information management.

1. Autodesk Navisworks Manage

Supports multi-disciplinary design, automates clash checks, generates visualization, facilitates coordination reviews, and simulates the construction process. Multi-disciplinary teams can view architectural, structural, and MEP conflicts.

2. Solibri

Performs rule-based model checking and quality assurance. It allows model data verification, detection of geometric clashes, and ensuring that models comply with project requirements.

3. Revizto

Combines 2D/3D coordination with issue management functionality. Teams can view conflicts, assign issues, exchange changes, and track conflict resolution within a single project environment.

4. BIMcollab

Focused on BIM issue coordination and management. Teams can create, assign, prioritize, track, and resolve clashes and other related issues.

5. Trimble Connect

Cloud-based solution for modeling coordination and information sharing. Models are accessed and reviewed by multi-disciplinary teams and visualized in order to identify conflicts.

6. Bentley iTwin / SYNCHRO

This tool combines BIM coordination with 4D construction planning, infrastructure management, and a digital twin. This software is suitable for projects that require coordination among design, construction, and asset management.

Traditional Approach BIM Clash Detection Issues identified on-site Issues identified before construction Manual coordination Digital clash checking Higher rework risk Early issue resolution Mainly 2D drawings 3D model-based coordination Difficult visualization Better spatial understanding Reactive approach Proactive risk identification   How BIM Clash Detection Supports BIM Coordination Clash detection is an important part of the BIM coordination workflow. It brings architectural, structural, and MEP systems together within a coordinated digital environment. It helps teams: Identify conflicts between disciplines Improve communication Review issues visually Resolve problems before construction Maintain coordinated construction documentation BIM Models → BIM Coordination → Clash Detection → Clash Resolution → Coordinated Construction

1. Professional Experience in BIM Coordination

Professional BIM specialists are capable of identifying complicated coordination clashes. The professionals help resolve the clashes for teams.

2. Quick Identification of Clashes

The automated check system quickly helps find multiple clashes to be able to solve them before construction.

3. Structured Approach to Coordination

A systematic process allows detecting and checking clashes systematically to improve coordination in the project.

4. Reports About Clashes

Detailed reports provide information about the location and type of clashes to be able to understand the problems and solve them immediately.

5. Improved Coordination of Several Disciplines

Integration of architectural, structural, and MEP systems in BIM improves collaboration and prevents clashes between them.

6. Less Workload for Internal Team

Professional services perform time-consuming coordination activities, leaving the internal team focused on their tasks in the project.

7. Capability to Handle Complex Projects

Experienced BIM professionals are capable of working with complex models to coordinate several disciplines.

8. More Efficient Pre-construction Coordination

Clash detection allows identifying and solving the issues before construction starts to prevent any rework, delays, and changes.

Clash Detection BIM Workflow: from Modeling to Coordination

It includes the following stages:

Modeling → Model Coordination → Clash Detection → Clash Classification → Clash Review → Clash Resolution → Rechecking → Final Coordination. 

Identify and resolve design conflicts before they reach the construction site. Strengthen coordination across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines with a structured clash detection and resolution workflow.

Reduce rework, avoid costly site-level changes, improve construction readiness, and support smoother project execution with expert BIM coordination.
Talk to Clove’s BIM Team →

1. What is BIM clash detection?

BIM clash detection is a procedure of detecting clashes in various building elements in a coordinated BIM model.

2. How is BIM clash detection carried out?

This process involves merging various discipline BIM models, testing the models for any clashes, analysis of the clashes, resolving the clashes, and finally testing the model again.

3. What are the various kinds of BIM clashes?

Common types of clashes are hard clashes, soft clashes, workflow/4D clashes, and MEP coordination clashes.

4. What is the importance of BIM clash detection in construction?

Clash detection helps in problem detection early enough, reducing rework, coordinating the construction process, saving time and achieving good construction results.

5. When should BIM clash detection be done?

BIM clash detection should be done throughout the entire design process.