Analysis of Current BIM Execution Plans and Contract Documents to Support Automation of Clash Resolution

Abstract

Step one of MEP coordination process identifies the clash between MEP elements followed by step two identifying their potential resolution. Clash identification has been automated using software like Navisworks yet clash resolution remains a slow and manual process. Use of Machine Learning has been explored by researchers to automate clash resolution. These researches utilize graphical information and attributes embedded into Building Information Model (BIM) elements to develop a Machine Learning model making BIMs an integral part of the automation. The literature review shows that the successful implementation of BIMs is supported by well-executed BIM Execution Plans (BxP) and Standards. Therefore, it can be said that a successful implementation of clash resolution automation will require the support of these documents. To assess the readiness of BxP to support the automation of clash resolution, the authors in this paper reviewed three BxP and Standard guides. A comparative analysis of three industry standard BxP and Standard guides was conducted to reveal the topic covered by them. Results from the review show that the BxPs and Standards are lacking to support the automation of clash resolution. Suggested potential changes to make these documents ready for the implementation of automation of clash resolution are discussed.