Clash Detection Based on IFC/BIM Models - Case Studies Process Parameterization

Construction is a complex process, that includes and generates a huge amount of data. Information management, cooperation between the branches and the coordination of partially delivered models is a non-trivial and responsible task that involves various groups of stakeholders and requires the involvement of various teams. Building Information Modelling (BIM) brings indisputable benefits to construction process, specifically in terms of managing design process and design verification. Clash detection process allows for significant reduction of cost overruns or unforeseen delays. As an element of BIM models checking and coordination between the branches it makes possible elimination of errors which are often the potential causes of problems. The purpose of this manuscript is to resume and discuss briefly clash detection process itself and present three case studies based on different BIM models both monodiscipline and multi-discipline. The different methodologies, depending on assumed parameters of process accuracy, produced various results in terms of reported number of clashes. The number clashes reported in the study ranges from 0 to few thousands depending on models’ complexity and assumed accuracy. Additionally, the duration of individual clash detections was measured. The obtained results range from t < 1 sec for residential building model to t = 1 min and 20 sec for industrial structure model. In order to be able to achieve the goal of the paper, an application developed in Poland – BIM Vision IFC viewer was selected for clash detection analysis.