Coordination and clash detection
Coordination turns separate discipline models into a buildable whole. Learn how professional teams run clash detection so it resolves real problems instead of producing noise.
In this lesson you will
- Set up a federated model and clash matrix
- Choose tolerances and rules
- Group, prioritise and assign clashes
- Run effective coordination meetings
Federation
Each discipline exports or publishes its model at the agreed cadence. The coordinator combines them in a coordination tool, checks they align (shared coordinates), and saves a federated file referencing the latest versions.
The clash matrix
Don't test everything against everything. A clash matrix lists which model sets are tested, with which rules and tolerances — e.g. Structure vs Mechanical ducts: hard clashes over 25 mm; Mechanical vs Electrical: clearance 50 mm for cable trays. Include priorities: structure and large ducts first, small services later.
| Test | Type | Tolerance (example) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure vs ducts | Hard | 25 mm |
| Ducts vs pipes | Hard | 10 mm |
| Cable trays vs anything | Clearance | 50 mm |
| Architecture vs structure | Hard | 10 mm |
From clashes to issues
A single duct through a beam may produce dozens of clash results. Group them by element, level or zone into issues, set status (new, active, reviewed, approved, resolved), assign a responsible party and a due date, and share them as BCF or through the platform. Track counts over time — the trend matters more than the number.
Meetings
Keep coordination meetings short and visual: review new high-priority issues in the model, agree who moves what, and confirm resolved items. Record decisions. Designers fix their own models; the coordinator verifies in the next round.
Common mistakes
Testing whole models against each other with zero tolerance.
Use a clash matrix with sensible tolerances; otherwise real issues drown in noise.
Reporting raw clash counts as progress.
Report grouped issues and trends; one duct can create fifty results.
Coordinating models with different origins.
Check shared coordinates on every model before running tests.
Exercise
Write a clash matrix
- List the models for a small hospital wing (architecture, structure, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fire).
- Write a clash matrix with types, tolerances and priorities.
- Describe how you'd group results into issues for the first meeting.
You should end up with: A clash strategy that produces actionable issues.
Checklist
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Lesson quiz
Why use a clash matrix?
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