For any project to be precise and error-free clash detection is one of the most important aspects of a project, it is a process that identifies and addresses conflicts between two models in a virtual environment. There can be multiple types of clashes in a project like when design components such as architectural & Structural elements intersect with MEP elements.Clash detection is an essential part of a BIM process, which is a process of creating detailed models that consist of several different models from various design disciplines.
Independent models are created by MEP engineers, architects, structural engineers, and others, and these models are then connected and integrated to create a BIM model in Revit, which is precisely where clash detection plays an important role. The use of advanced 3D modeling in the construction process reduces or eliminates issues caused by incompatible or clashing models from different disciplines. The correct implementation and use of clash detection software like Revit & Navisworks can also greatly reduce the amount of potentially expensive rework that may happen on-site. It is safe to say that clash detection is an important tool that can save money, time, and effort in any construction project.
Clash detection Improves project efficiency and offers several advantages like easy scheduling, accurate estimates, reduced on-site changes, reduced overall costs, and faster construction which results in higher productivity.
BIM clash detection is a process that identifies and resolves clashes between at least two construction models in a virtual environment. Such clashes occur when two or more design elements, such as structural components, HVAC systems, or electrical conduits, cross or interfere with the buffer zone of another object. Architects & Engineers usually develop models separately while designing. Therefore, when these individual models are federated into one project model, there is a chance that the individual parts would overlap or clash with other elements.
Revit clash detection identifies these clashes early in the preconstruction or design stage, which avoids expensive changes and delays during construction. Revit clash detection identifies where design elements can conflict and generates constructability problems so that we can fix them before progressing to the next phase.
There are multiple types of clashes involved in a project. Different types of clashes have different outcomes on the model and there are different ways to resolve them while keeping the model coordinated. There are 3 types of clashes like hard Clash, Soft CLash, and Workflow Clash
Hard clashes are the type of clashes in which two objects or components occupy the same specific place in the model, such as pipes running through steel beams, plumbing lines occupying the same space as air ducts, and so on.
Soft clashes are types of clashes where a particular element of a model is not given the necessary geometry, these clashes are common with MEP services and allow easy maintenance at later stages of project. Soft clashes can cause various issues regarding safety, like water lines being very close to electrical components.
These are also called 4D clashes and are quite different, they mainly consist of schedule conflicts such as material delivery clashes, equipment delivery clashes, and more.
Revit is one of the many methods for identifying and resolving clashes. The most common software used for clash detection is Navisworks. One has to import Revit models in NWC format into Navisworks which allows one to identify and resolve clashes between multiple disciplines, such as MEP vs AR or AR vs ST.
Revit clash detection is a method for detecting clashes between different building components such as MEP, Structure & Architecture systems. Revit does not have a built-in tool for clash detection like Navisworks but there are a few methods where clashes can be identified, like:
Go to the collaborate tab > Interference check > Run interference check, one can select the categories they want to compare like Beams vs Ducts, this will generate a list of clashes. One can review the clashes and adjust elements manually by using their respective element IDs.
Export the Revit model as an NWC file, Open Navisworks manage and import the files you want to run a clash test between like Structure vs Architecture and so on. Respective teams can resolve the clashes and generate Clash reports.
To conduct a Clash Detection there are a few steps to follow like-
1. Organising Revit Models
Gather Revit models from each discipline, i.e., Architectural, Structural, and MEP. The models must be up to date and contain the latest design information. Use naming conventions for tracking the latest 3d Revit model files.
2. Exporting Revit Models to Suitable Formats
To conduct clash detection in Navisworks, it is necessary to import the 3d models in formats that are readable by Navisworks. To comply with Navisworks format, export the Revit model in NWC or NWF file format. Once you have done that, import the NWC/NWF models to Navisworks.
3. Specifying Clash Settings
To specify clash criteria, such as minimum overlap distance or particular object categories to focus on, use the Clash Detective settings. This is commonly known as the tolerance level.
4. Creating a Clash Test
Once you have specified the clash setting, you will also need to define the models to compare for the clash test. For instance, you can create a clash test between Architectural vs MEP.
5. Running the Clash Results
Once you click the “Run Test” button, Navisworks will quickly run through the potential clashes between the defined models.
Each clash will show details like involved elements, their properties, and a visual representation of the model with red and green markups. You can also generate a report in Navisworks that documents the identified clashes and their resolution status. You can also share this clash report with the respective project stakeholders to take action on the clashes. The above 5 steps demonstrate a typical process of conducting clash detection in Navisworks. Depending on the clash tolerance and disciplines requiring clash detection, it is important to define the correct clash settings and create a clash test.
It is very important to choose the right tool for accurate clash detection and Resolution, the right tool will automate repetitive tasks and teams can spend less time manually searching for conflicts and put more time into resolving clashes. A few of the major tools that are widely used by the AEC industries are-
Revit Clash Detection is a powerful method for detecting clashes between different building systems, such as HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, and Structural systems, as well as between different architectural components, such as walls, doors, and windows.
It is the most powerful tool in the market for Clash detection capabilities and quantification tools. Navisworks 4D & 5D simulation lets your animation interact with objects and create schedules directly from the models. Multiple clash tests can be conducted across different disciplines, allowing for the integration of various models from different disciplines. This makes it the ideal choice for Clash Detection and Resolution.
Revizto is an integrated collaboration platform that offers cutting-edge BIM technologies and features, including clash detection, among other things. The overall accessibility and ease of use make Revizto an excellent choice for companies looking for a solution that performs clash detection with ease.
Fuzor is a multifunctional platform with several versions of its software, including clash detection. It can create clash reports and also check for both hard and soft clashes. One of its main advantages is the number of file formats and types supported, making it an excellent option for clash detection outside Autodesk.
Using Revit for BIM Clash detection comes with several advantages that can help construction projects -
Design errors contribute a large amount of percentage of cost overruns of construction process. Revit clash detection can eliminate these errors before a project goes on site.
Design errors/changes are a major concern amongst project stakeholders. It is the ultimate goal of design consultant to develop an error-free design. However, coordinating the design with different disciplines leads to clashes and errors. Adopting Revit Clash Detection techniques allows project stakeholders to coordinate these clashes with design stakeholders and eliminate them before finalizing the design.
Using Navisworks promotes design accuracy right from the conceptualization stage.Project stakeholders can coordinate their design and take necessary actions to eliminate the errors, hence promoting design accuracy.
As project stakeholders eliminate potential issues early on, project managers have the insights they need to drive toward timely delivery and exceed client expectations.
When clashes are identified, all relevant parties must work together to resolve them, ultimately promoting better coordination across stakeholders.
Revit lacks fully developed advanced clash detection capabilities which leads to certain limitations and challenges when used as a clash detection tool.
1. Limited Clash detection capabilities
2. Model coordination issues
3. False clashes
4 . Difficulty in managing large models
5 . Manual Review effort
Revit clash detection is a feature that greatly improves modern construction project processes, especially when it comes to collaboration between different stakeholders. Clash detection is a much-needed tool for an industry that already has a lot on its plate in general.
The AEC industry can also take advantage of numerous technological advancements in the near future like artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc. This should make clash detection in general much more accurate while also opening up the possibility for more common virtual reality/augmented reality integration, AI-powered clash detection, and so on.
Revit checks for interference between model elements but one has to manually adjust the elements to resolve that particular interference.
Navisworks helps in clash detection by federating multiple models, customizing clash settings for tolerance & other properties, and generating clash reports to share with the client
To minimize clash detection in Revit, the team has to maintain BIM modeling standards for various disciplines, run regular clash detection & use Revit worksets to manage model.
Clash reports help in providing detailed model conflicts, which helps in prioritizing issues and helps teams resolve clashes systematically.
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