Clashcheck

Clashcheck is a term used in building information modeling and mechanical design to describe the process and tools used to identify interferences between components within a digital model. The goal is to detect conflicts before fabrication, assembly, or construction begin.

Clashes, or interferences, arise when geometry overlaps in ways that cannot physically occur, such as a duct encroaching on a structural beam or a pipe passing through a wall cavity. Clashcheck commonly distinguishes hard clashes (geometric intersection) from soft clashes (close proximity beyond a defined tolerance).

Typical workflow involves aggregating models from multiple disciplines into a common coordinate system, setting size and tolerance thresholds, running a clash test, and reviewing reported clashes in a clash viewer. Clashes are categorized by severity and assigned to responsible teams for resolution, which may involve geometry modifications, routing changes, or redesign.

Industry tools that support clashcheck include Navisworks Clash Detective, Solibri Model Checker, Tekla Structures clash check, and Autodesk BIM 360 Model Checking. Results can be exported to reports or clash lists, linked to issues in project management software, and tracked through to resolution.

Benefits include earlier detection of design conflicts, reduced rework, and improved coordination among consultants. Limitations involve reliance on model quality, potential false positives, and the need for consistent naming and standards to manage large clash datasets.