BIM Clash Resolution is the process of correcting conflicts identified between building elements during BIM coordination. After a clash is detected, the affected elements are reviewed and modified using methods such as movement, bending, rerouting, or redesign while considering available space, system connectivity, engineering requirements, clearances, and constructability.
BIM clash resolution is different from clash detection. Clash detection identifies the problem, while clash resolution determines and applies a practical solution.
BIM Clash Resolution: Quick Definition
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Term | BIM Clash Resolution |
| Category | BIM Coordination |
| Purpose | Remove or resolve conflicts identified in BIM models |
| Common Methods | Move, bend, reroute, redesign |
| Common Clash Types | MEP vs MEP, MEP vs Structure |
| Previous Stage | Clash Detection |
| Typical Users | BIM Coordinators, MEP Engineers, Designers, Contractors |
| Automation Levels | Manual, Semi-Automatic, Automatic |
| Desired Outcome | A coordinated and constructible BIM model |
What Does BIM Clash Resolution Mean?
During BIM coordination, multiple building systems are combined and reviewed within a common digital environment.
These systems may include:
HVAC
Electrical
Plumbing
Fire protection
Structural elements
Architectural elements
When two elements occupy the same physical space or violate a required clearance, a clash is identified.
However, simply identifying the clash does not solve the coordination problem.
BIM clash resolution is the next stage of the process.
The BIM coordinator or clash-resolution software evaluates the conflicting elements and determines how one or more elements can be modified so that the systems can coexist without creating an unacceptable conflict.
For example, if a cable tray intersects a structural beam, the clash may be resolved by changing the cable tray elevation, introducing a bend, or rerouting the tray around the structural element.
How Does BIM Clash Resolution Work?
A typical BIM clash-resolution workflow includes the following steps.
1. Detect the Clash
The coordination team first identifies a conflict between model elements using BIM clash-detection software or a coordination platform.
The clash may involve:
MEP vs MEP
MEP vs Structure
MEP vs Architecture
clearance requirements
maintenance or access zones
2. Identify the Conflicting Elements
The elements involved in the clash are reviewed to understand:
system type
dimensions
elevation
connectivity
surrounding elements
available space
engineering constraints
This helps determine which element can reasonably be modified.
3. Understand Engineering Constraints
Not every element can be moved freely.
The BIM coordinator may need to consider requirements such as:
pipe slope
minimum service clearance
duct dimensions
structural restrictions
equipment connections
ceiling height
maintenance access
installation requirements
minimum bend radius
These constraints influence the resolution strategy.
4. Select the Element to Be Modified
The coordination team determines which element should move or change.
For example, a gravity drainage pipe may need to maintain its required slope, while a nearby cable tray may have greater routing flexibility.
In such a situation, modifying the cable tray may be more practical than moving the drainage pipe.
5. Select a Clash-Resolution Strategy
Depending on the clash and available space, the resolution may involve:
moving an element
changing elevation
introducing a bend
rerouting the service
adjusting the route horizontally
redesigning part of the system
coordinating multiple elements together
The selected solution should resolve the clash without creating unacceptable engineering or constructability issues.
6. Modify the BIM Model
The selected model element is adjusted according to the chosen resolution strategy.
The modification should maintain important properties such as:
system connectivity
routing intent
required clearances
engineering requirements
constructability
7. Check for New Clashes
Resolving one clash can sometimes create another conflict elsewhere.
For this reason, the modified model should be checked against nearby building systems and surrounding geometry.
8. Verify the Resolution
The clash should be rechecked to confirm that:
the original conflict has been removed
required clearances are maintained
the system remains connected
engineering requirements are preserved
no unacceptable new clashes have been introduced
The coordinated model can then move to the next stage of the BIM coordination process.
Example of BIM Clash Resolution
Consider a situation where a cable tray clashes with a gravity drainage pipe.
The drainage pipe may require a specific slope to maintain gravity flow. Moving it could therefore affect the engineering intent of the drainage system.
Instead, the BIM coordinator may choose to modify the cable tray.
A possible clash-resolution strategy would be:
Keep the drainage pipe in its required position.
Review available space around the clash.
Introduce an appropriate bend or offset in the cable tray.
Route the cable tray around the drainage pipe.
Maintain the required clearance.
Check the revised tray against nearby services.
Verify that the original clash has been removed.
This illustrates why BIM clash resolution requires more than simply moving one object away from another.
A practical solution needs to consider the behavior and constraints of the complete building system.
BIM Clash Detection vs BIM Clash Resolution
BIM clash detection and BIM clash resolution are closely related, but they perform different functions.
| BIM Clash Detection | BIM Clash Resolution |
|---|---|
| Identifies conflicts | Corrects identified conflicts |
| Shows where elements interfere | Determines how elements should be modified |
| Usually occurs first | Usually follows detection |
| Can generate clash reports | Can change model geometry |
| Helps identify coordination issues | Helps produce a coordinated model |
| Answers “Where is the problem?” | Answers “How can the problem be solved?” |
A project can therefore have highly effective clash detection and still contain unresolved clashes.
Detection identifies the issue. Resolution completes the coordination process.
What Are the Main Types of BIM Clash Resolution?
BIM clashes can be resolved using different levels of human involvement and automation.
Manual Clash Resolution
In manual clash resolution, BIM coordinators review each clash and decide how the affected elements should be modified.
The coordinator may manually:
move elements
change elevations
introduce offsets
create bends
reroute services
recheck the model
Manual resolution gives engineers direct control, but it can become time-consuming when a project contains a large number of clashes.
Semi-Automatic Clash Resolution
Semi-automatic clash resolution combines software assistance with engineering decisions.
The software may help with tasks such as:
selecting clashes
filtering conflicts
identifying routing possibilities
applying predefined movement strategies
applying bend strategies
checking surrounding elements
The engineer remains involved in selecting, reviewing, or approving the proposed resolution.
Automatic Clash Resolution
Automatic clash resolution uses software to analyze supported clashes and apply suitable modifications with reduced manual intervention.
Depending on the system and supported scenarios, automatic resolution may evaluate:
clashing elements
available space
surrounding services
movable and non-movable elements
engineering constraints
possible movement directions
bend or rerouting options
The objective is to automate repetitive coordination work while maintaining appropriate engineering controls.
Common BIM Clash-Resolution Methods
Movement Strategy
A movement strategy resolves a clash by changing the position of an affected element.
The element may be moved:
vertically
horizontally
laterally
to another available routing zone
The new position should preserve system requirements and avoid conflicts with surrounding elements.
Bend Strategy
A bend strategy introduces an offset or bend so that one service can pass around another element.
This can be useful when completely moving a service is undesirable or when another clashing element must remain in place.
Rerouting
Rerouting changes a larger portion of the service route to avoid one or more conflicts.
This method may be required when:
the area is highly congested
a simple movement cannot resolve the clash
several clashes occur along the same service
engineering constraints limit local adjustments
Redesign
Some clashes cannot be resolved through a simple movement or bend.
In these situations, the relevant discipline may need to redesign part of the system or reconsider the coordination arrangement.
MEP vs MEP Clash Resolution
An MEP vs MEP clash occurs when two building-services systems interfere with each other.
Examples include:
duct vs pipe
pipe vs cable tray
duct vs cable tray
pipe vs pipe
electrical conduit vs mechanical service
Resolving these clashes requires determining which service has greater routing flexibility while considering factors such as slope, dimensions, access, connectivity, and installation requirements.
MEP vs Structure Clash Resolution
An MEP vs Structure clash occurs when an MEP service conflicts with a structural element.
Examples include:
duct vs beam
pipe vs column
cable tray vs structural framing
service route vs structural wall
Structural elements usually have limited routing flexibility, so the MEP service often needs to be adjusted.
However, the appropriate solution depends on project-specific engineering and coordination requirements.
Why Is BIM Clash Resolution Important?
Effective BIM clash resolution can help project teams:
produce better coordinated BIM models
identify constructability issues before installation
reduce unresolved coordination problems
reduce repetitive manual model revisions
improve communication between disciplines
maintain required clearances
improve coordination between MEP and structural systems
reduce the risk of discovering avoidable conflicts during construction
The value of clash resolution is therefore not simply removing a visual intersection from the BIM model.
The objective is to develop a coordinated solution that can realistically be implemented.
Can BIM Clash Resolution Be Automated?
Yes, some BIM clashes can be resolved automatically, depending on the elements involved, available space, model quality, system requirements, and capabilities of the clash-resolution software.
Automatic resolution is more practical when the software can clearly determine:
which elements are involved
which element may be modified
required clearances
allowable movement
routing constraints
available space
suitable resolution strategies
However, complex or unusual coordination situations may still require engineering review and manual decision-making.
Automation should therefore be used within clearly defined technical and engineering boundaries.
What Is AI-Based BIM Clash Resolution?
AI-based BIM clash resolution uses computational techniques to assist with the analysis and resolution of coordination conflicts.
Depending on the technology, the software may evaluate:
clash geometry
element properties
surrounding services
available routing space
possible movement directions
resolution alternatives
engineering constraints
The system can then help recommend or apply an appropriate resolution strategy.
AI-based clash resolution is intended to reduce repetitive coordination work while allowing technical requirements and engineering judgment to remain part of the BIM coordination process.
BIM Clash Resolution in MEP Coordination
BIM clash resolution is an important stage of the broader MEP coordination process.
A simplified coordination workflow can be represented as:
Model Creation → Model Coordination → Clash Detection → Clash Review → Clash Resolution → Rechecking → Coordinated Model
Clash detection therefore should not be treated as the final stage.
The identified conflicts must be reviewed and resolved before the coordination process can be considered complete.
BIM Clash Resolution and Constructability
A solution that removes a clash digitally is not automatically a good engineering solution.
A practical clash resolution should also consider whether the revised geometry can realistically be installed and maintained.
Constructability considerations may include:
installation space
service accessibility
equipment maintenance
minimum clearances
fabrication requirements
connection points
allowable bends
slope
routing hierarchy
For this reason, BIM clash resolution should combine geometric coordination with engineering requirements.
How VAVETEK AI Approaches BIM Clash Resolution
VAVETEK AI develops BIM coordination technologies that support different stages and levels of clash-management and resolution workflows.
KlashBIM focuses on BIM clash detection and coordination information.
HUBAROC supports engineer-assisted and semi-automatic clash-resolution workflows, allowing coordinators to remain involved in selecting and applying resolution strategies.
BAMROC is designed to automate supported BIM clash-resolution scenarios using strategies such as movement and bending while considering surrounding model elements and system constraints.
These tools address different stages of the coordination workflow rather than treating clash detection and clash resolution as the same process.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is BIM clash resolution?
BIM clash resolution is the process of modifying conflicting building-model elements to remove clashes identified during BIM coordination while considering engineering requirements, clearances, connectivity, and constructability.
What is the difference between clash detection and clash resolution?
Clash detection identifies where model elements conflict. Clash resolution determines and implements the changes required to remove the conflict.
How are BIM clashes resolved?
BIM clashes can be resolved by moving, bending, rerouting, redesigning, or otherwise modifying affected model elements according to available space and engineering constraints.
Can BIM clashes be resolved automatically?
Certain BIM clashes can be resolved automatically when the software can evaluate the affected elements, surrounding geometry, allowable movements, clearances, and engineering constraints. More complex situations may still require engineer involvement.
What are the common methods of BIM clash resolution?
Common methods include element movement, vertical or horizontal offsets, bends, rerouting, and system redesign.
What is automatic BIM clash resolution?
Automatic BIM clash resolution uses software to analyze supported clashes and automatically apply appropriate model modifications with reduced manual intervention.
Who is responsible for BIM clash resolution?
Responsibility varies by project, but BIM coordinators, MEP engineers, designers, contractors, trade coordinators, and other project stakeholders may participate in reviewing and resolving clashes.
Is resolving a clash the same as deleting it from a clash report?
No. Marking, hiding, or closing a clash in a report does not necessarily resolve the physical coordination problem. The affected model geometry must be appropriately coordinated when the clash represents a real design or constructability issue.
Can resolving one BIM clash create another clash?
Yes. Moving or rerouting an element can create a new conflict with nearby systems. The revised model should therefore be rechecked after resolution.
What happens after BIM clash resolution?
After a clash is resolved, the modified model should be checked again to confirm that the original conflict has been removed and that the change has not created unacceptable new clashes.