Physical Intersections
Two modeled elements occupy the same physical space, such as ductwork intersecting structure or piping crossing another service.
MEP • BIM • VDC • MULTIDISCIPLINE COORDINATION
MEP Clash Detection & BIM Coordination Services
Identify, classify, coordinate and track multidisciplinary BIM issues before they become construction conflicts — connecting mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, structure and architecture in one controlled review workflow.
Federate
Multidiscipline Models
Detect
Potential Conflicts
Resolve
Coordination Issues
Verify
Issue Closure
Model Coordination
Finding a Clash Is Only the Beginning
Clash-detection software can identify potential geometric conflicts between models.
But a coordination workflow must determine whether the clash is relevant, who owns the issue, what design or routing decision is required and whether the revised condition has actually been resolved.
Effective coordination is therefore an issue-management process — not simply a clash report.
Federated Model Coordination
Mechanical • Electrical • Plumbing •
Fire Protection • Structure • Architecture
Clash Classification
Not Every Coordination Issue Is the Same Type of Clash
Clash tests should be structured around the project systems, required clearances and coordination objectives.
Soft / Clearance Clashes
Elements may not physically intersect but may violate required access, maintenance or service-clearance zones.
Constructability Issues
Model geometry may technically fit while creating an impractical installation, access or sequencing condition.
Coordination Capabilities
From Model Federation to Coordination Closure
Federated Model Assembly
Discipline models brought together within a common coordination environment.
Clash Test Setup
Clash tests structured around relevant trades, systems and coordination priorities.
Clash Review & Classification
Potential clashes reviewed to separate meaningful coordination issues from irrelevant model intersections.
Issue Prioritization
Issues grouped by trade, location, impact and project-defined priority.
Coordination Issue Tracking
Issues organized for assignment, review and resolution tracking.
Constructability Review
Routing and access considered in relation to installation and construction constraints.
Trade Coordination Support
Project information organized to support multidisciplinary coordination discussions.
Clash Re-Run
Revised models reviewed against the agreed clash rules after updates.
Coordination Closure Review
Issue status reviewed before coordinated model information proceeds to the next project stage.
Coordination Control
Zero Reported Clashes Does Not Automatically Mean the Model Is Coordinated
Clash results depend on what models were included, how current those models are, which rules were tested and what tolerances were applied.
A meaningful coordination process therefore needs model control, issue traceability and closure verification.
Model Version Matters
Clash results are meaningful
only when the intended
model versions are being reviewed.
Test Rules Matter
Different system combinations
and tolerances can produce
very different clash results.
Status Needs Evidence
An issue marked resolved
should be confirmed
against the updated model condition.
Constructability Extends Beyond Clashes
Installation access,
maintenance zones
and sequence constraints
may require separate review.
Coordination Workflow
A Controlled Clash Detection Process
01
Receive Models
Collect required discipline models and project references.
02
Federate
Combine models within the agreed coordination environment.
03
Run Tests
Execute project-defined clash and clearance rules.
04
Classify
Review, group and prioritize relevant coordination issues.
05
Resolve
Incorporate approved coordination decisions into discipline models.
06
Verify
Re-run tests and confirm issue status.
Issue Lifecycle
A Clash Should Have a Visible Path to Closure
Coordination becomes easier to control when every relevant issue has a clear status and responsible workflow.
STATUS 01
Identified
Potential coordination issue
detected in the federated model.
STATUS 02
Under Review
Clash context and
responsibility being evaluated.
STATUS 03
Assigned
Issue routed to
the appropriate discipline
or project participant.
STATUS 04
Resolution Proposed
Routing or model
adjustment prepared
for project review.
STATUS 05
Model Updated
Approved coordination change
incorporated into
the discipline information.
STATUS 06
Re-Tested
Updated model condition
checked against
coordination rules.
STATUS 07
Verified
Coordination condition
confirmed against
the updated model.
STATUS 08
Closed
Issue completed
within the agreed
coordination workflow.
Coordination Interfaces
MEP Coordination Across Connected Building Systems
HVAC vs Structure
Duct routing,
beams, slabs,
framing and openings.
Plumbing vs Structure
Drainage routes,
penetrations,
slopes and structural constraints.
Electrical vs MEP
Containment,
equipment,
services and access zones.
Fire Protection vs MEP
Sprinklers,
pipework and
ceiling/service coordination.
MEP vs Architecture
Ceilings,
walls, shafts
and room geometry.
MEP vs Equipment
Connection points,
service access
and maintenance clearances.
MEP vs Openings
Sleeves,
penetrations and
coordinated builder's-work requirements.
MEP vs MEP
Service crossings,
elevation conflicts
and routing priorities.
Coordination Deliverables
Typical Outputs from Clash Detection & Coordination
Federated Coordination Model
Multidiscipline model environment assembled for coordinated review.
Clash Reports
Organized coordination issues based on agreed clash tests and project review requirements.
Issue Tracking Information
Structured issue status, assignment and review information.
Coordination Views
Model snapshots and project views supporting issue discussions.
Revised Coordination Models
Updated discipline information reflecting approved coordination decisions.
Closure Review
Re-tested coordination status after model updates.
Project Information
What Goes Into the Coordination Workflow
Typical Inputs
- Architectural BIM models
- Structural BIM models
- Mechanical models
- Electrical models
- Plumbing models
- Fire-protection models
- Design drawings / specifications
- Project coordination requirements
Typical Coordination Outputs
- Federated model
- Clash-test results
- Classified coordination issues
- Issue snapshots / viewpoints
- Discipline coordination updates
- Re-tested clash results
- Coordination-status information
- Updated coordinated models
Coordination QA
Clash Detection Needs Controlled Model Inputs
Reliable clash review depends on more than running software tests.
Model versions, coordinates, discipline completeness, tolerance rules and issue status all affect the result.
Model Version
Confirm the intended
model revision is used.
Coordinates
Check model alignment
within the coordination environment.
Clash Rules
Confirm system combinations
and required tolerances.
False Positives
Review results
before treating every intersection
as a project issue.
Issue Status
Maintain clear
coordination-state visibility.
Closure Verification
Confirm resolved issues
against updated models.
Project Applications
Coordination for Complex Building Environments
Data Centers
Dense power,
cooling and technical
infrastructure coordination.
Healthcare
Highly coordinated
building-service environments
with constrained technical spaces.
Commercial Buildings
Multidiscipline coordination
for offices,
mixed use and corporate environments.
Industrial Facilities
Process,
utilities and
technical-building coordination.
Life Sciences
Technical service
coordination in laboratory
and controlled environments.
Semiconductor & High-Tech
High-density utilities
and technically constrained
facility coordination.
Coordination Responsibility
Coordination Does Not Replace Engineering Authority
Coordination can identify project conflicts and support routing decisions.
Design changes, engineering calculations, system performance, code compliance and professional approvals remain subject to the responsible project disciplines and agreed contractual scope.
Identify
Surface potential
multidisciplinary coordination issues.
Communicate
Provide clear model context
for project review.
Incorporate
Apply approved project
coordination decisions.
Verify
Recheck updated conditions
before issue closure.
Related Services
Connect Clash Detection to the Wider BIM Workflow
Frequently Asked Questions
MEP Clash Detection FAQs
Which disciplines can be included in clash detection?
Depending on project scope, coordination can include mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, structural and architectural models.
What is a hard clash?
A hard clash occurs when modeled physical elements occupy overlapping space, such as ductwork intersecting structural framing.
What is a clearance or soft clash?
A clearance issue occurs when elements do not physically intersect but violate a required access, maintenance or project-defined clearance zone.
Is clash detection the same as BIM coordination?
No. Clash detection identifies potential conflicts. BIM coordination includes review, classification, assignment, approved resolution, model updates and closure verification.
Does a clash-free model mean it is ready for construction?
Not automatically. Model completeness, constructability, maintenance access, unresolved design information and project approvals may still require review.
Can revised models be rechecked after coordination changes?
Yes. Revised discipline models can be federated again and clash tests re-run to review issue status.
BIM Coordination Review
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