The Importance Of Clash Detection In BIM

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has brought more efficiency to the construction industry, as it offers a single platform where all the processes and procedures involved in the construction of a building can be managed. There is a wide array of processes involved in the construction of a building which ranges from planning and designing to construction and renovation. All these processes will be handled by different individuals and companies. So there is a possibility for misconceptions and miscommunication to occur, which are often called clashes.

Types Of Clashes

Clashes usually occur when the components, parts, or variables that are associated with the construction of a building or other assets are not properly coordinated. This can lead to conflicts during the construction.

Different types of clashes can happen during the construction process including hard clash, soft clash, and workflow/4D clash.

A hard clash occurs when two components occupy the same space. For example, pipework running through a steel beam or a duct passing through a plumbing line.

A soft clash is a result of not giving enough spatial or geometric tolerance to an element. For example, when placing an air conditioning unit, it should have enough space from a beam to ensure its safety and easy maintenance. If soft clashes are not attended to properly, it can lead to different problems during maintenance.

Workflow/4D Clashes involve conflicts in the workflow timeline. This can lead to site downtimes and delay the entire construction process. A workflow clash usually occurs when the contractors fail to deliver the materials and equipment at the intended time.

So it is important to deal with such clashes for facilitating the smooth going of the construction process.

Why Clash Detection Is Necessary?

Clash detection is important because of a wide array of reasons. It helps to identify, inspect, and report the interferences that can occur during the different stages of the construction. It can also help to inspect the work status and pinpoint the human errors that can occur during different construction processes. The following are some of the benefits of clash detection in BIM:

• Reduction in errors
• Lowering the overall construction cost, reducing the material waste, and mitigating the risks.
• Ensures the safety of the construction site by accurately estimating all the variables in different stages of construction.
• Improvement in sequencing and scheduling.
• Better productivity and faster completion of the project.

Clash detection is an imperative task that you have to consider during the construction of a project. It can have a great impact on the safety of the building, so make sure to hire the best companies to detect the clashes that can occur during the different stages of construction.