Last updated on: March 18, 2025
Projects require seamless integration of multiple disciplines, including architectural, structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems. However, this complexity often leads to design conflicts, commonly known as clashes. If not detected early, these clashes result in expensive rework, delays, and material & labour waste, significantly inflating project costs.
Studies have highlighted the significant financial burden of clashes in construction projects. Like, rework and material waste due to clashes can account for up to 30% of project costs. On average, each unresolved clash may cost approximately $1,500+. Collectively, these clashes can lead to substantial financial losses, underscoring the importance of proactive clash detection and resolution in project management.
Now that we understand how costly construction clashes can be, let’s explore what causes them in the first place.
Common Causes of Clashes in Construction
1. Interdisciplinary Conflicts
What happens?
Conflicts arise when the architectural, structural, and MEP systems clash after progressing to LOD 300-350, when models are enriched with system-specific details like hanger placements, insulation, clearances, and equipment access.
Why does this happen?
Even with individual discipline-specific modeling done correctly, combined trade coordination often reveals overlooked spatial and functional conflicts, especially when designs are translated into construction-level details.
Example
The structural team places transfer beams below a mechanical room to support large equipment loads. However, the MEP team has already routed primary HVAC ducts and large diameter piping directly through this zone, assuming a clear soffit based on the previous design.
Why it becomes critical
Such conflicts typically surface after trades begin detailed coordination—this is too late for design changes to happen seamlessly, and often results in expensive structural revisions, resequencing trades, and fabrication delays
2. Spatial Overlaps (Component Buffer Clashes)
What happens?
These clashes are not about obvious overlaps—but rather about clearance, maintenance access, and constructability issues that arise in congested zones when shifting from design intent to real installation.
Why does this happen?
At LOD 350/400, systems include real-world details like hanger supports, insulation thickness, prefabricated spools, valve access panels, fireproofing layers, and ceiling substructure. This level of detail reveals unrealistic spatial assumptions made in earlier design stages.
Example
A prefabricated duct riser is modeled to pass through a shaft, but the actual size, insulation thickness, and seismic bracing requirements leave no clearance for the adjacent fire riser and electrical tray.
Why it becomes critical
This is a frequent clash type in hospital projects, data centers, and high-density mechanical rooms, where space is extremely tight, and equipment access for maintenance is mandatory. It disrupts pre-fabrication workflows, requiring rework and leading to project slowdowns.
3.Workflow Sequencing Issues (Construction Timing Conflicts)
Even if clash detection is done well, poor trade coordination at the site level causes on-site clashes because systems are installed out of sequence or using different layouts than what the model shows.
Why does this happen?
When MEP subcontractors work with shop drawings that are slightly disconnected from the federated model, installation teams sometimes ‘adjust on the fly’, leading to as-built conditions that clash with other trades’ work.
Example
The fire sprinkler contractor installs piping runs before structural embeds for ceiling hangers are placed, requiring later rework where piping obstructs embed locations.
Why it becomes critical
These sequencing clashes don’t usually show up until LOD 400 installation coordination meetings—by then, correcting work often involves physical demolition, re-pour of concrete, or voiding pre-approvals from inspectors, all of which drive up costs.
4.Lack of Communication between Teams
What happens?
With multiple revisions happening during construction, not all changes make it back into the coordinated BIM model, especially for minor field adjustments. Over time, these undocumented changes snowball into larger constructability clashes.
Why does this happen?
Even with a common data environment (CDE), last-minute RFIs, product substitutions, and site-driven changes often bypass the formal update cycle.
Example
Due to long lead times, the MEP contractor substitutes a pre-insulated ductwork system, but the new insulation thickness reduces ceiling clearance—this wasn’t communicated to the electrical team, whose conduits were planned in the same ceiling space.
Why it becomes critical
This is a classic clash type in large, phased projects (hospitals, airports, high-rises), where overlapping trades and constant updates create an environment where what’s on paper no longer matches reality on-site. This breakdown triggers rapid-fire RFIs, out-of-sequence rework, and schedule compression, leading to quality risks.
The Solution: BIM-Based Clash Coordination
To mitigate these costly issues, clash coordination using Revit and Navisworks is the industry standard. This method integrates all project disciplines into a single federated model, allowing teams to detect and resolve clashes before construction begins.
So, why should you invest in clash detection services? Beyond just catching errors, proactive coordination leads to smoother workflows, cost savings, and improved project quality. Let’s go over some key advantages that make clash coordination a game-changer.
Advantages of using Clash Detection Services
1. Cost Savings from Reduced Rework
Think about it- every time a clash is discovered on-site, it means tearing things down, reordering materials, and paying for extra labor. That’s money wasted. With clash coordination, these conflicts are caught and resolved early in the design phase, so you’re not paying for mistakes after construction has already started. Fewer change orders, lower material waste, and a predictable budget—who wouldn’t want that?
2. Faster Project Completion
Construction schedules are tight, and every delay pushes back the final handover. Clashes slow things down—workers standing around waiting for conflicts to be fixed, materials on hold, inspections delayed. With a coordinated model, everything runs like clockwork. Trades work efficiently without stepping on each other’s toes, and you hit your milestones without unnecessary downtime.
3. Improved Construction Quality
Ever had to deal with misaligned ductwork or electrical conduits rerouted at the last minute? Poor coordination leads to poor execution. When all systems are properly planned and reviewed in a BIM environment, you get precision-built structures with no surprises. That means better installation, fewer defects, and a final product that meets both design intent and industry standards.
4. Better Collaboration between Teams
Construction isn’t just about materials and schedules—it’s about people working together. But too often, architects, engineers, and contractors work in silos, leading to miscommunication and errors. Clash coordination brings everyone to the table early on, ensuring all disciplines are aligned before work begins. The result? A smoother, more efficient workflow where every team knows exactly what to expect.
5. Enhanced Safety on Site
Safety isn’t just about PPE and regulations—it starts in the planning phase. A clash-free model means fewer on-site modifications, less last-minute cutting and welding, and reduced risk of structural mishaps. When everything fits as planned, workers aren’t improvising fixes on the spot, reducing the chances of accidents caused by rushed adjustments or unexpected structural weaknesses.
6. Efficient Space Utilization
Space is at a premium in any building—especially in ceiling voids, mechanical rooms, and tight corridors where MEP systems compete for space. Without proper coordination, you’ll have ducts squeezed into areas they don’t fit, plumbing crisscrossing electrical runs, or maintenance access blocked. Clash coordination optimizes layouts so that every system has its place, ensuring easy installation and long-term serviceability.
7. Fewer Legal and Compliance Issues
Regulatory headaches? They often stem from design errors or last-minute fixes that don’t meet code requirements. A well-coordinated model ensures that every system is placed correctly, following local building codes, fire safety regulations, and accessibility guidelines. That means fewer red flags in inspections, no costly rework due to compliance failures, and fewer legal disputes with clients or contractors.
Now that we’ve covered the benefits, let’s take a closer look at how clash coordination actually works.
How Clash Coordination Works
Effective clash coordination follows a structured process to ensure that design issues are identified, reviewed, and resolved before construction begins. Here’s how the clash coordination process unfolds:
1. Model Review & Integration
The architectural, structural, and MEP models—created by different teams—are federated into a single coordinated BIM model. The combined model is thoroughly reviewed to identify potential clashes between disciplines, such as MEP elements clashing with structural beams or architectural ceilings.
2. Clash Detection & Reporting
Using clash detection tools (like Navisworks or BIM 360), the system automatically detects clashes between components—highlighting overlapping systems, buffer zone violations, and spatial conflicts. A clash report is generated, documenting all conflicts, along with their severity and location.
3. Model Correction & Coordination Meetings
All stakeholders – architects, structural engineers, MEP trades, and contractors—review the clashes in a coordination meeting. Each clash is discussed and resolved through design modifications, rerouting, or repositioning of components. The teams agree on a revised layout that works for all.
4. Model Update & Clash Clearance
After resolving clashes, each trade updates their respective models. The federated model is refreshed, and a final clash check is performed to verify clearance and coordination accuracy. Once all critical clashes are cleared, the coordinated model becomes the construction-ready model.
Read more about how clash detection in Navisworks works.
How Clash Coordination Works
Effective clash coordination follows a structured process to ensure that design issues are identified, reviewed, and resolved before construction begins. Here’s how the clash coordination process unfolds:
1. Model Review & Integration
The architectural, structural, and MEP models—created by different teams—are federated into a single coordinated BIM model. The combined model is thoroughly reviewed to identify potential clashes between disciplines, such as MEP elements clashing with structural beams or architectural ceilings.
2. Clash Detection & Reporting
Using clash detection tools (like Navisworks or BIM 360), the system automatically detects clashes between components—highlighting overlapping systems, buffer zone violations, and spatial conflicts. A clash report is generated, documenting all conflicts, along with their severity and location.
3. Model Correction & Coordination Meetings
All stakeholders – architects, structural engineers, MEP trades, and contractors—review the clashes in a coordination meeting. Each clash is discussed and resolved through design modifications, rerouting, or repositioning of components. The teams agree on a revised layout that works for all.
4. Model Update & Clash Clearance
After resolving clashes, each trade updates their respective models. The federated model is refreshed, and a final clash check is performed to verify clearance and coordination accuracy. Once all critical clashes are cleared, the coordinated model becomes the construction-ready model.
Read more about how clash detection in Navisworks works.
Who Benefits from Clash Coordination?
Effective clash coordination enhances project efficiency by ensuring seamless integration of architectural, structural, and MEP systems. It helps different stakeholders involved in the construction projects:
1. General Contractors
Clash coordination helps general contractors avoid last-minute surprises, ensuring that all systems fit together before construction begins. This reduces the risk of costly change orders, trade conflicts, and installation delays.
2. MEP Engineers & Subcontractors
For MEP professionals, clash coordination ensures that ducts, pipes, electrical systems, and fire protection components are properly routed without conflicts. This allows for smoother installations and fewer site modifications.
3. Architects & Structural Engineers
By integrating architectural and structural models early, designers can identify space conflicts, optimize load-bearing elements, and ensure seamless integration of MEP systems without affecting aesthetics or functionality.
4. Project Owners & Developers
Developers and owners benefit from reduced risks, lower costs, and timely project delivery, ensuring that projects stay within budget while maintaining quality standards.
Key Tools for Clash Coordination
Clash coordination relies on advanced BIM tools to detect, manage, and resolve conflicts before construction begins. Below are some of the most essential software solutions used for effective clash detection and resolution.
1. Autodesk Navisworks – Industry-Leading Clash Detection
Navisworks allows users to integrate multiple models (architectural, structural, and MEP) into a single federated model to detect conflicts. Its Clash Detective tool automatically identifies design clashes, while its 3D visualization and reporting features provide clear insights for resolution. Seamless integration with Revit ensures real-time updates for effective clash mitigation.
2. Autodesk Revit – Early Clash Prevention in Design
Revit primarily serves as a BIM modeling tool, but it also plays a crucial role in preventing clashes during the design phase. Features like Interference Check allow users to identify design conflicts before they escalate. With its parametric modeling and work sharing capabilities, Revit ensures smoother interdisciplinary coordination.
Final Thoughts
Avoidable clashes shouldn’t be the reason your project faces costly rework, delays, or compliance issues. By integrating advanced clash detection and coordination early in the design phase, you can ensure a smoother, more cost-effective construction process. Investing in BIM-based clash coordination isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity for modern, high-performance projects.
As a reputed BIM company in USA, we specialize in delivering precise and efficient clash coordination services, leveraging industry-leading tools like Navisworks, Revit, and BIM 360. Our team of experts ensures that you’re architectural, structural, and MEP systems are seamlessly integrated, minimizing conflicts and maximizing efficiency.
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