It is critical to have proper coordination between the Architectural, Structural, and MEP disciplines involved in the construction of any building, regardless of size. When AEC professionals use the Building Information Modelling process, federated models created by these various disciplines are used to reflect the built asset. BIM’s ability to avoid, detect, and resolve clashes is one advantage. The BIM team uses Clash Avoidance to avoid spatial overlaps and improve coordination. Clash Detection comes next to ensure that if despite best efforts, some clashes occur, they are detected. Finally, once the clash has been identified, the proper steps must be taken to resolve the clash for a smooth onsite construction process. In this blog, we will look at the Difference Between Clash Detection and Clash Avoidance
What Is Clash Avoidance?
Avoiding clashes is the ideal goal, and it is more of a proactive process. Architects, engineers, and BIM modelers take steps here to ensure spatial coordination and that no overlaps occur at any intra or interdisciplinary level. It means that various strategies must be implemented from the start of the project. It also implies that a proper framework must be determined with input from all project participants. A BIM execution plan must be created, and proper precautions must be taken to ensure that it is followed. Furthermore, a proper collaboration between all project members is required to ensure that no information is lost and that everyone is on the same page.
What Is Clash Detection?
Clash detection, in contrast to clash avoidance, is a reactive process. Even with all precautions, there is still a margin of error. Clash detection is critical in this situation. Clash Detection software, such as Navisworks, can be used by AEC professionals to detect any inter or intra-disciplinary interferences. There are three types of clashes. A hard clash occurs when two components occupy the same location. A duct running through a structural beam, for example, causes a hard clash between Structural BIM and MEP BIM Services. A soft clash occurs when an object’s geometric tolerance is not met or its buffer zone is breached. Finally, scheduling conflicts can cause a workflow clash.
Difference Between Clash Detection and Clash Avoidance
| Clash Detection | Clash Avoidance |
| Clash Detection is a pre-construction procedure. Before construction begins, design clashes are identified. | Throughout the construction process, Clash Avoidance is practiced. Techniques and strategies for clash avoidance are implemented from the beginning of the design process to the end. |
| There are several Clash Detection software available for use in this process. There are separate tools for improving clash-set rules. | Beyond the clash detection tools, Clash Avoidance can be realized. Furthermore, investigating the root causes of clashes can point us toward work practices that limit or inhibit clash avoidance. |
| Clash Detection is a one-man operation. The software handles everything. | Clash Avoidance is a group activity. The awareness levels of stakeholders and AEC professionals are also important in this aspect of Clash Detection. |
| Clash detection and correction of identified clashes are time-consuming processes. The designer or the person in charge of clash detection must go back and forth until the perfect design is obtained. | It takes less time to avoid clashes. |
FAQ
What software is used for clash detection?
Navisworks is the most widely used clash detection tool on the market.
What are the benefits of clash detection?
- Streamlining and/or scheduling.
- Accurate estimates throughout the construction phase, resulting in fewer accidents.
- Increased productivity and faster construction.
- Errors are reduced at all stages of a construction project.
- Smaller risks, lower overall costs, and significantly less material waste
How do you resolve clash detection?
There are several ways to find and resolve interferences in a Revit model, including visual checks in Navisworks Freedom, Simulate, or Manage.
What is clash avoidance?
Clash Avoidance is a method of avoiding spatial overlaps and ensuring spatial coordination. One of the advantages of using BIM is the ability to coordinate the various components of the built asset.
