It is critical to have effective coordination between the Architectural, Structural, and MEP disciplines involved in the construction of any project, regardless of scale and duration, to prevent, detect, and resolve clashes. Each of these is a distinct process with distinct aims and outcomes.
Effective BIM practices allow the development of federated models by combining inputs from experts of various disciplines to reflect the built asset accurately. Seamless collaboration, clear communication and efficient data sharing are the three pillars that BIM relies on for the purpose of clash avoidance and detection.
The two terms might appear similar in meaning and are often used interchangeably, though there is a key difference between them. Simply put, one can view clash avoidance as prevention, and clash detection as a cure.
Let us deep-dive into the two concepts to understand this better.
What are Clashes?
What are Clashes?
A 'clash' occurs when two elements in your design compete for the same amount of space. When this is discovered on site, the development will be halted, and the overall timeline will be disrupted. The cost and time implications could be severe and irrevocable.
There are three types of clashes: hard clashes, soft clashes, and soft clashes. Hard clashes happen when two components are in the same place at the same time. A duct going through a structural beam, for example, causes a strong collision between Structural BIM and MEP BIM Services. A soft clash occurs when an object's geometric tolerance is not satisfied, or its buffer zone is breached. Finally, a workflow problem occurs when there are scheduling issues.
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) processes allow Clash Avoidance and Detection to be performed early on, allowing for the resolution of prospective conflicts at the pre-construction stage. Both these processes are critical yet differ from each other in some salient aspects.
What is Clash Avoidance?
Clash Avoidance is a ‘proactive process, meaning it is actively undertaken even where there are no evident problems, simply to ‘avoid’ their emergence in the future.
The goal is to take the necessary efforts to avoid spatial overlaps and semantic conflicts altogether, even before they create an issue.
When numerous disciplines (Architectural, MEPF, Structural, etc.) are working on separate areas of the same project, clashes are increasingly difficult to avoid. BIM becomes particularly important in this situation since it improves interdisciplinary coordination and thereby decreases confrontations that can occur due to a lack of effective communication.
Contrary to clash detection, clash avoidance is not a one-time process. It is an ongoing, repetitive process that must be maintained throughout the construction lifespan; clash avoidance approaches and strategies must be implemented from the beginning.
What is Clash Detection?
What is Clash Detection?
In construction processes and implementation, there is always some room for error despite all safeguards (clash avoidance) being taken. This makes it critical to detect clashes in this area through what is called Clash Detection.
It is easy to surmise that unlike clash avoidance, which is a proactive process, clash detection is reactive, that is, it is undertaken in response to certain challenges.
Advanced software such as Navisworks is commonly used by AEC experts to detect any inter- or intra-disciplinary interferences for this purpose. It also allows you to define a tolerance level below which any clash that is less than that value is believed to be minor or one that can be addressed on the spot.
The major goal of clash detection is to find any design problems during the virtual pre-building phase so that time, money, and resources can be saved during the actual on-site construction.
The Key Differences between Clash Avoidance and Clash Detection
The Key Differences between Clash Avoidance and Clash Detection
Conclusion
Conclusion
Building information modelling makes it easier to both avoid and detect clashes through wider collaboration and clearer communication.
At 5D VDC Services, we have a team of experts in architecture, MEPF, structure, and construction technology, as well as software-savvy BIM professionals providing superior clash avoidance services, with complete transparency at every level. Throughout the years, we have assisted various clients in detecting and resolving disputes in a timely manner, resulting in lower costs, increased safety, and increased profitability.
Connect with us to learn more about how we can help you improve the efficiency of your clash avoidance operations and processes. Get in touch right away!
