{"id":161,"date":"2017-12-13T23:08:41","date_gmt":"2017-12-14T07:08:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pe.local\/what-is-clash-detection\/"},"modified":"2024-07-11T10:19:35","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T17:19:35","slug":"what-is-clash-detection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prairielectric.com\/commercial-resources\/what-is-clash-detection\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Clash Detection?"},"content":{"rendered":"

UPDATED: March 21, 2020<\/em>\u00a0 What is clash detection, and how can it help avoid electrical problems?<\/p>\n

Simply put, clash detection is a tool used in the building information modeling (BIM) process. During clash detection, a computer model of a building to be constructed shows the team where parts of the structure \u2014 e.g. pipes, air ducts, even the structural frame itself \u2014 improperly or wrongly intersect and interfere with each other.<\/p>\n

SpatialCorp.com<\/a> provides two examples of object clashes:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Hard clash, such as \u201cplumbing running through a wall in the wrong way.\u201d<\/li>\n
  2. Soft clash, or a design that doesn\u2019t take into account future space requirements. For example, \u201can HVAC system (that) needs space to allow for maintenance workers to operate in to service the system. If the building design lacks that space, it will see a soft clash.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Let\u2019s say we\u2019re in the design phase of a large supermarket. We\u2019re nearing the time to build. Todd, a member of our electric design-build team, boots up the latest version of Navisworks (3D design review software).<\/p>\n

    Todd hits a button and the screen lights up with 3D frames and systems. Most elements of the soon-to-be supermarket \u2014 electrical, mechanical, structural and plumbing \u2014 are laid out in different colors and geometric shapes. He begins to make a few adjustments in the settings, switching rotations by a few degrees so everything is lined up and he can get to work.<\/p>\n

    Within seconds, the first major clash detection <\/i>is spotted: A water pipe is splicing directly through a structural beam. Todd makes a quick note, which is sent to the appropriate teams and keeps moving through the interference check.<\/p>\n

    Clash Detection and 3D Modeling<\/b><\/h3>\n

    This is an example of the kind of headache that can be avoided by using clash detection \u2014 and one aspect of what makes it so useful. It enhances the design process in such a way as to save thousands of dollars \u2014 not to mention hundreds of work hours \u2014 before building time.<\/p>\n

    On a project the size of a supermarket, Todd\u2019s checklist will most likely reveal tens of thousands of errors. This list will have to be worked through daily across various teams.<\/p>\n

    3-D Modeling is nothing new in construction. But it remains a monumental leap forward from the design processes of old. In those days, tradespeople would gather around hard copies of plans laid out on a table. They\u2019d then mark it up as if they were FBI agents coordinating a stake-out.<\/p>\n

    Sketches and 2D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) back then wasn\u2019t perfect; it was the best we had at the time. Still, they were limited and could even be a sort of black hole in terms of resources.<\/p>\n

    This is no longer the case.<\/p>\n

    One story comes to mind: a 90,000-square-foot office building where a mechanical contractor won the bid by submitting a 3D design that reduced costs by 25% and resulted in 150 fewer man hours.<\/p>\n

    Benefits of Clash Detection<\/b><\/h3>\n

    The benefits go beyond the budget, though. Owners love clash detection and 3D modeling because they can do a fly-through of the building and get a feel for the space before it\u2019s built. Architects are able to maximize interiors.<\/p>\n

    Mostly, clash detection allows coordination between trades. In Todd\u2019s example, he had plans from several different disciplines. Each element has to fit in perfectly with the rest \u2014 and in spaces with especially tight dimensions. He was able to isolate overlaps and let each team know what needs to be fixed or redesigned.<\/p>\n

    The problem is that, while many companies have Navisworks, Revit or other modeling software, it doesn\u2019t mean they understand how to properly use<\/i> it. To properly utilize this clash detection software, you\u2019ll need an expert.<\/p>\n

    During design and construction, the clash detection process can show you a master model. It can pinpoint where a clash occurs, such as air conditioning units without adequate maintenance space or features that occupy the same space as others. Once identified, clash problems are simple to manage and clash reports can be sent to all stakeholders.<\/p>\n

    Prairie Electric<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Clash detection is a specialty at Prairie Electric and a fundamental piece of our design process. We have teams in place that are experts in this software and can save your construction project thousands of dollars by avoiding change orders and reducing people hours.<\/p>\n

    The construction process is filled with details. A structural engineer at a construction site has his duties, and the electricians do, too.<\/p>\n

    If you have a multifaceted project, you need a company with deep design expertise. Our Electric Design Build team is the best in the business.<\/p>\n

    Let us know how we can help<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Explore the cutting-edge technology ensuring seamless construction projects\u2014clash detection unveiled.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":162,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wds_primary_category":5,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,7],"tags":[16,17,18],"class_list":["post-161","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-commercial-resources","category-electrical-service","tag-3d-modeling","tag-clash-detection","tag-electric-software"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prairielectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prairielectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prairielectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prairielectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prairielectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=161"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.prairielectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prairielectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/162"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prairielectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=161"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prairielectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=161"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prairielectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}