What Is BIM Coordination? Workflow, Clash Detection & Process
What Is BIM Coordination? A Complete Guide to the BIM Coordination Process
BIM coordination is the process of combining and reviewing architectural, structural, and MEP models to identify conflicts, improve coordination, and support accurate construction documentation.
It allows project teams to identify potential issues digitally before they become problems during construction.
For a broader introduction to BIM, see our What Is BIM Modeling? article.
What Is BIM Coordination?
BIM coordination brings multiple building disciplines into a coordinated digital environment.
A typical coordination process involves:
Architectural BIM model
Structural BIM model
Mechanical model
Electrical model
Plumbing model
Fire protection model
Other specialist models when required
These models are reviewed together to identify geometric conflicts, coordination issues, and constructability concerns.
The goal is to create a coordinated and reliable BIM model that supports design, documentation, and construction.
BIM Coordination Workflow
A typical BIM coordination workflow includes the following steps:
1. Collect Discipline Models
Architectural, structural, MEP, and other required models are collected according to the project requirements.
2. Review Model Standards
Models are checked for:
Correct coordinates
Model positioning
Levels
Naming conventions
Model quality
Required information
3. Federate the Models
The discipline models are combined into a coordinated or federated environment for multidisciplinary review.
4. Run Clash Detection
The combined models are analyzed to identify conflicts between building elements and systems.
5. Review & Classify Clashes
Clashes are reviewed and classified based on their severity and project requirements.
6. Assign & Resolve Issues
Issues are communicated to the responsible discipline for correction.
7. Update & Recheck
Updated models are reviewed again to confirm that identified issues have been resolved.
8. Issue Coordinated Deliverables
Once coordination requirements are satisfied, the approved models, drawings, reports, and other required deliverables can be issued.
What Is Clash Detection?
Clash detection is the process of identifying conflicts between elements or systems within coordinated BIM models.
For example, a clash may occur when:
An HVAC duct passes through a structural beam.
A plumbing pipe conflicts with another pipe.
An electrical tray occupies the same space as an HVAC duct.
Equipment does not have sufficient clearance.
MEP services conflict with architectural elements.
Clash detection helps project teams identify these issues before construction.
Types of Clashes
Hard Clash:
Two physical elements occupy the same space.
Clearance Clash:
Required space around an element is not maintained.
Workflow or Constructability Issue:
Elements may not physically clash but may be difficult or impossible to install or maintain.
Not every detected clash is a genuine construction issue. Clash results need professional review and prioritization.
Architecture Coordination
The architectural model provides the primary building layout and spatial information.
Coordination typically includes:
Walls
Doors and windows
Ceilings
Floors
Shafts
Rooms
Equipment spaces
Architectural openings
Architecture must be coordinated with structural and MEP systems to ensure that building services can be installed without compromising the design.
Structural Coordination
Structural coordination focuses on the relationship between the building structure and other disciplines.
Typical elements include:
Foundations
Columns
Beams
Structural slabs
Shear walls
Structural openings
Framing systems
For example, an MEP duct may require an opening through a structural element. BIM coordination can identify the requirement early so the appropriate design team can review it.
MEP Coordination
MEP coordination involves coordinating mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems with architecture and structure.
Typical systems include:
HVAC ducts
Pipes
Plumbing
Electrical conduits
Cable trays
Fire sprinkler systems
Mechanical equipment
Because MEP systems often share limited ceiling and service spaces, coordination is particularly important in congested areas.
BIM Coordination Process
A practical BIM coordination process can be summarized as:
Architecture + Structure + MEP Models
↓
Model Quality Check
↓
Federated Model
↓
Clash Detection
↓
Clash Review & Classification
↓
Issue Assignment
↓
Model Revision
↓
Re-Clash / Verification
↓
Coordinated Model & Deliverables
This process may be repeated through multiple coordination cycles depending on the project's complexity and requirements.
BIM Coordination Example
Consider a commercial building where an HVAC duct needs to pass through a corridor ceiling.
During coordination, the BIM team identifies that the duct conflicts with a structural beam.
Instead of discovering the problem during construction, the project team can:
Identify the conflict in the BIM model.
Review the available space.
Coordinate with the structural and mechanical teams.
Modify the duct route or evaluate an appropriate structural opening.
Update the models.
Re-run clash detection.
Confirm that the issue has been resolved.
This example demonstrates how BIM coordination can help teams identify and resolve design conflicts before they reach the construction site.
Benefits of BIM Coordination
Effective BIM coordination can help project teams achieve:
Early identification of design conflicts
Better multidisciplinary coordination
Improved constructability review
Reduced coordination errors
Better communication between disciplines
More reliable construction documentation
Improved installation planning
Better project information management
The actual benefits depend on the quality of the models, project standards, coordination process, and team collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions About BIM Coordination
What is BIM coordination?
BIM coordination is the process of coordinating architectural, structural, MEP, and other discipline models to identify and resolve conflicts before construction.
What is clash detection in BIM?
Clash detection is the process of identifying conflicts between elements or systems in coordinated BIM models.
What disciplines are included in BIM coordination?
Depending on the project, BIM coordination may include architecture, structure, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and specialist systems.
Why is BIM coordination important?
BIM coordination helps project teams identify potential conflicts earlier, improve communication, and support better construction planning.
What is a federated BIM model?
A federated model combines separate discipline models into a coordinated environment without necessarily merging them into a single authoring model.
When is BIM coordination performed?
BIM coordination can be performed throughout design and construction, with coordination cycles typically repeated as models are developed and updated.
SDC Studio provides BIM coordination and multidisciplinary model coordination services for AEC project teams.
Our BIM coordination workflow can support:
Architectural coordination
Structural coordination
MEP coordination
Clash detection
Model review
Coordination reports
Issue identification
Revit-based coordination
Construction documentation coordination
We focus on developing accurate, coordinated, and project-specific BIM deliverables based on project requirements and coordination standards.
Need BIM Coordination Support?
📩 Contact SDC Studio to discuss your BIM coordination, clash detection, Revit modeling, or multidisciplinary coordination requirements.
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