20/06/2023, 16:01 Clash Detection vs Clash Avoidance | United-BIM Inc.

Clash Detection vs Clash Avoidance | Understanding the Core

Differences
AEC PROFESSIONALS (HTTPS://WWW.UNITED-BIM.COM/CATEGORY/AEC-PROFESSIONALS/), MEP (HTTPS://WWW.UNITED-
BIM.COM/CATEGORY/MEP/)

Collaboration among the team of experts who are involved in the creation of designs is
imminent. So, the higher the level of collaboration, the lesser will be the number of clashes.
However, in this instance, both clash detection and clash avoidance must be discussed to better
understand the collaboration requirements and the success probability of the built asset.

Clash detection means identifying any kind of clashes in the construction design. A clash is seen
when two or more elements take up the same space. There are 3 kinds of clashes, Soft, Hard,
and Workflow clashes. The identification of these clashes in the pre-construction phase saves
time and money.

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Clash Avoidance is a part of the clash detection process, but it comes before clash detection.
Clash Avoidance is an attempt to prevent spatial overlaps and ensure spatial coordination.
Coordination amongst the different components of the built asset is one of the benefits of
adopting BIM.

Prevention is better than Cure. We all have heard of this adage. We can say that Prevention is Clash
Avoidance and Cure is Clash Detection. In this article, we are going to talk about Clash detection vs
Clash Avoidance, along with the way forward.

Clash Detection vs Clash Avoidance: Differences

JH Garrett in his research on Collaborative design (https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-
Machine-Learning-Decision-Support-System-for-Ivezic-
Garrett/956fa9f621028fda7b10511cef8b8550daf4dac7)said that concurrency and shared
understanding as general requirements for effective decision making in collaborative
frameworks (Garrett, 1994).

Clash Detection Clash Avoidance

Clash Detection is a reactive process. This means On the other hand, Clash Avoidance is
that clash detection is identified after the process. The steps taken to avoid spat
construction drawing has been prepared. and semantic conflicts in BIM Models
In Clash Detection, the underlying software to as Clash Avoidance.
automatically detects the overlapping of the Clash Avoidance is also prom
structures and different components upon each collaboration amongst the construction t
other.

Clash Detection is more of a pre-construction Clash Avoidance is exercised throu

process. The clashes in the design are detected construction process. Right from the 1
before the construction begins. designing to the last moment, the tech
strategies for clash avoidance are implem

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Clash Detection Clash Avoidance

There are several Clash Detection softwares that Clash Avoidance can be realized by mov
can be utilized for this process. There are separate the clash detection tools. Further, inve
tools that help improve clash-set rules. the root causes of clashes can point
work practices that restrict inhibit av
clashes.

Clash Detection is more of a one-man process. The Clash Avoidance is a collaborative exer
software does all the work. aspect of Clash Detection, the awarene
the stakeholders and AEC professiona
essential.

Clash Detection and correction of the identified The time taken to prevent clashes is less
clashes take time. The designer or the person
responsible for clash detection has to go back and
forth until and unless the perfect design is obtained.

Detect the clashes for your disciplines with us. Drop your email (mailto:info@united-bim.com) or talk to
us on 860.317.7105 (tel:+18607157105)

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Clash Detection vs Clash Avoidance | Understanding the Core

Differences
Don’t have the time to read the whole blog, no worries you can download it and read it at your
convenient time.

DOWNLOAD YOUR PDF (HTTPS://WWW.UNITED-BIM.COM/DOWNLOAD-BLOG-CLASH-

DETECTION-VS-CLASH-AVOIDANCE/)

What to Do After Clash Detection?

In the next part of our debate on Clash Detection vs Clash Avoidance, we are going to talk about
the succeeding steps of clash detection. Clash detection as an exercise is essential. And taking
a cue from the fact that it gives result in the pre-construction phase, the steps that are taken to
eradicate the clashes  also matters.

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After clash detection, the normal course of action is to conduct a qualitative analysis of the
whole model. But in case, there are clashes or interruptions in the current model, then it is
imperative to correct those clashes and then move ahead to the next step.

For every clash that has been detected there has to be a contingency plan that will help in the
correction of the model. Out of the three kinds of clashes, hard clash (representing the collision
of piping with walls) are most visible in any model design. Then there are soft clashes (spatial
inconsistencies in the building design) are the 2nd most prominent clashes. Lastly, there are
workflow clashes that are the result of disputes among the team or delays in the delivery of the
material.
BIM for Clash Detection:

This takes the detection and mitigation process to the next level. Clash detection is the most
important component of BIM. All these detections are automated and are identified digitally.

BIM can help identify the clashes during the process of building design and that saves a lot of time to
check and correct the clashes after the designing process is completely finished.

This automated detection response within BIM not only saves time, but it also leads to a
decrease in the overall costs. The engineers and architects are working on different models only
to amalgamate them into one single clash-free model.

Read more about: Clash Detection, its processes, and future scope? (https://www.united-
bim.com/what-is-clash-detection-in-bim-process-benefits-and-future-scope-in-modern-day-aec-
industry/) Explore our top ranking blog.

Promoting Clash Avoidance

Another point of difference in clash detection & clash avoidance is that in clash avoidance we
can implement n number of strategies. Developing a framework that gives importance to
interdisciplinary coordination is one of the first aspects of clash avoidance.

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In that, precedence must be given to the organization’s work procedure and culture. This
approach is particularly important for developing a single BIM Model devoided of clashes and
conflicts.

Listed below are a few strategies that help in clash avoidance:

In the past years, few frameworks and tools have been developed with a motive to better the
workflow processes. One example is the implementation of Process Workflow that is practiced
by the AEC professionals. As per this process, the tasks and works that are essential for
delivering a project are given importance and priority.

Similarly, the Design-Planning tool helps with the decision making process with the help of
Design Structure Matrix (DSM). With this matrix, making the decision between critical, important,
and nice-to-have activities becomes possible.

Proper integration of the activities related to the domain of Engineering, Procurement, and
Construction.

Using up to date and new-age software for the detection process.

Promoting Co-Creation among the design professionals who are also sharing the
workspace.
BS1192 and PAS 1192, both are BIM Level 2 Standards. These standards talk about
coordinating the design process based on a common data environment.
Exercising extreme care while making designs. On their part, the other groups of
professionals must also act with extreme caution.

BIM for Clash Avoidance:

Garrett, 1994 in his study has also mentioned using the wide applicability of BIM to help with
Clash Avoidance. With the help of BIM, Clash Avoidance becomes an integral part of the
construction process.

Over-the-wall information sharing has also been known to promote clash avoidance. Looking at
this, Autodesk has developed a cloud-based designing tool in its BIM 360 platform.

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This helps the designers to co-create the building and component design by sharing information among
themselves in real time. This promotes information verification and identification of conflicting or
contradictory guidelines provided by the respective designers.

BIM standardizes the processes and strategies that are beneficial for construction activities. It
helps with collaboration and ensuring that all the stakeholders and professionals are on the
same page.

To that end, one of the BIM Standards has also talked about the document management of the
Common Data Environment. More importantly, it talks about specifying the four stages of
coordination process:

1. Work in Progress Folder

2. Shared Folder
3. Published Folder
4. Archived Folder

Related Blog: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started with BIM (https://www.united-
bim.com/ultimate-guide-to-getting-started-with-bim-pilot-project/)

To End the Debate…

Promoting co-creation, a reduction in professional errors, and sharing information openly are
seen as important activities to promote clash avoidance and reduce clash detection. Where the
traditional practice of hoarding information thereby ignoring the possible clashes along the way
inhibits clash avoidance. Both Clash Detection and Clash Avoidance can be realized if the
Structural designers and MEP professionals choose to be more transparent and collaborate on a
higher level.

References:

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20/06/2023, 16:01 Clash Detection vs Clash Avoidance | United-BIM Inc.

1. https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/Clash_detection_or_clash_avoidance_An_investigation_
(https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/Clash_detection_or_clash_avoidance_An_investigation_
2. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Clash-Detection-or-Clash-Avoidance-An-
Investigation-Akponeware Adamu/f8a78c823c4410f4bc5db7e5dc418b26acc423b7
(https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Clash-Detection-or-Clash-Avoidance-An-
Investigation-Akponeware%20Adamu/f8a78c823c4410f4bc5db7e5dc418b26acc423b7)
3. https://openresearch.lsbu.ac.uk/item/86y2z (https://openresearch.lsbu.ac.uk/item/86y2z)
4. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/7/3/75/pdf (https://www.mdpi.com/2075-
5309/7/3/75/pdf)
5. http://www.ijarse.com/images/fullpdf/1530177054_J1164ijarse.pdf
(http://www.ijarse.com/images/fullpdf/1530177054_J1164ijarse.pdf)

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