BIM's HVAC Clash Detection Feature

HVAC clash detection, which drastically reduces the amount of time spent on coordination by providing automatic notification of conflicts detected among any of the mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems and the structure. In addition, building information modeling delivers extensive information to owners of complex structures - far beyond the level of information they are currently accustomed to receiving.

Clash detection is turning out to be one of the most valuable Building Information Modeling HVAC components for the construction industry. Using clash detection has made the feature an asset for their referred to in the article as shedding a "BIM light" on their project, a modeling team was able to use Navisworks and run a clash detection function to determine where ductwork might collide with other systems. Errors were clear from the start, as clash detection recognized brace frames in the first-floor hallway that interfered with the ductwork.

HVAC detection model is a powerful collaborative tool that acts as a referee; it gives clear and undisputable evidence to help determine fault on project errors. At Virtual Build we have found BIM to be our key to success, and believe that when incorporating BIM into a project, the earlier it is implemented the better. Our sentiments are echoed by the Andersen team who has seen the far-reaching value added savings of BIM, and hopes to reach full scale modeling that starts one year before construction for future projects.

• Increased field productivity
• Decreased duplication of drawings
• A more efficient request-for-information process
• Improved visualization, simulation and analysis
• Construction documentation coordination and automatic clash detection
• Increased speed of delivery
• Increased environmental stewardship
• Increased efficiencies in ordering materials and scheduling

Clash Detection and BIM helps to understand how buildings have been designed and built in the past. Traditionally, a building's design drawings originated from an architectural firm, which used 2-D CAD software to produce lines on paper representing a building's form. A construction company reviewed those drawings and made practical changes for building it in the real world.