Digital construction technology provider 3D Repo has introduced new software that identifies clashes in construction plans by analysing 3D models submitted by project partners and contractors.
The clash detection functionality has been added to 3D Repo’s 3D Diff solution. Launched earlier this year, 3D Diff is claimed to be the first web-based, real-time change detection software for 3D construction models used in BIM.
The the enhanced 3D Diff solution automatically identifies and highlights intersections, and therefore potential conflicts, between different types of models.
From the starting point of the architect’s plans, a range of disciplines, including structural, environmental, mechanical, electrical and plumbing, and potentially many others, will each produce their own models.
Each such model can consist of a range of 3D files with underlying meta data. Since, in many cases, each discipline works in their own silos before design review on a federation happens, clashes such as pipework cutting through a solid steel structure can easily occur.
The software can compare and contrast 3D models, from different disciplines, regardless of the file format or the software used to create them.
A patent pending industry first, the 3D Diff with clash detection operates on models of any type, in real-time via an encrypted web browser. The solution also allows users to share visualisations, highlighting clashes, with project partners and stakeholders irrespective of location or time zone.
These can then be exported as BCF (Building Collaboration Format) files that can be shared with authoring tools. Unlike existing solutions in the marketplace that highlight whole objects that clash, the 3D Repo solution detects and visualises exact intersection points wherever they appear.
“Clashes are often the cause of serious delays in construction projects as the BIM process consists of data originating from different project contributors,” commented Dr Jozef Dobos, CEO of 3D Repo. “Spotting clashes in real-time and at any stage can make an enormous difference in the ease, speed and therefore cost of the rectification process.
“Using online 3D clash detection together with 3D Diff technology could be the difference in a project being on track or not,” he continued. “Models of any type and from any source can be compared with the original designs, and with each other, ensuring clashes are detected at the earliest opportunity to minimise impact.”
Spotting clashes in real-time and at any stage can make an enormous difference in the ease, speed and therefore cost of the rectification process.– Dr Jozef Dobos, CEO, 3D Repo
