Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is BIM Clash Detection?
- Benefits of BIM Clash Detection with Navisworks and ACC
- DGTRA’s BIM Clash Detection Workflow
- Applications Across AEC and Infrastructure
- Why BIM Clash Detection in Construction Matters Now
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
On most complex projects, clash meetings still feel like firefighting.
One team runs Navisworks locally. Another uploads models to Autodesk Construction Cloud. Stakeholders join from different countries, time zones, and project standards. As a result, BIM clash detection becomes a weekly crisis instead of a smooth, repeatable workflow.
However, when you connect Navisworks with Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) Model Coordination, you get a single, cloud-backed source of truth for clashes, issues, and decisions. Models aggregate in ACC, while Navisworks handles deep technical clash tests. Issues then sync back to Revit and the field.
This blog shows how mid-to-large BIM and VDC teams can build a modern BIM clash detection workflow for distributed teams, and how DGTRA can help you implement it at scale.
What Is BIM Clash Detection?
BIM clash detection is the process of using 3D models to identify physical conflicts between building systems, such as ducts cutting through beams or pipes crossing cable trays.
Navisworks Clash Detective lets you aggregate multi-format models, run automated clash tests, classify issues, and export structured reports.
Autodesk Construction Cloud Model Coordination extends this by providing a cloud space where design teams upload discipline models, automatically detect clashes, and manage them as issues.
Together, they move clash detection in construction from manual, file-based checking to a connected system where every clash becomes a trackable, assignable workflow item.
Benefits / Importance of BIM Clash Detection with Navisworks and ACC
- One federated truth for clashes
ACC coordination spaces automatically aggregate published models and generate views, so every team reviews the same updated model set.
- Faster, deeper clash analysis
Navisworks Clash Detective supports complex clash matrices, rules, and grouping, which helps VDC teams focus on high-risk clashes instead of noise.
- Closed-loop issue management
Issues raised in ACC or Navisworks can sync back to Revit using issue add-ins, helping designers fix clashes in their authoring environment.
- Better coordination for distributed teams
Cloud-based BIM clash detection lets global project teams coordinate without sending heavy models by email or file servers.
- Measured impact on rework and productivity
According to McKinsey, construction productivity lags behind other industries, yet digital tools like BIM can unlock large efficiency gains across projects.
DGTRA Solutions for BIM Clash Detection Workflows
DGTRA helps AEC organizations design and run BIM clash detection workflows that combine Navisworks, ACC Model Coordination, and project-specific BIM standards.
Key capabilities include:
- Federated model setup and standards
DGTRA configures coordination spaces, file structures, and naming conventions so teams can append ACC models into Navisworks reliably.
- Navisworks clash strategy and automation
We build clash matrices, rules, search sets, and grouping strategies that align with your BIM Execution Plan, reducing “junk” clashes and focusing on constructability.
- ACC-based issue and model coordination
DGTRA sets up issue types, responsibilities, and workflows in ACC so clashes flow as actionable items to the right people at the right time.
- Scalable production support
Our BIM and VDC teams act as an extended digital coordination cell, running regular clash detection in construction for complex, MEP-heavy projects.
Why BIM Clash Detection in Construction Matters Now
The construction sector still struggles with low productivity and high rework. McKinsey estimates that improving construction productivity could unlock up to $1.6 trillion of additional value globally each year.
BIM clash detection with Navisworks and ACC directly targets two root causes: poor coordination and late detection of design conflicts.
Most competitor blogs stop at “what is clash detection” or show only Navisworks screenshots. They rarely explain how to:
- Coordinate distributed BIM teams across offices.
- Standardize issue types, responsibilities, and due dates in ACC.
- Close the loop from ACC → Navisworks → Revit → site.
By focusing on the integrated Navisworks–ACC workflow, this approach closes that gap and gives BIM and VDC managers a practical roadmap they can deploy on live projects today.
Streamline Your BIM Clash Detection
A connected BIM clash detection workflow using Navisworks and Autodesk Construction Cloud empowers your teams to detect, prioritize, and resolve conflicts before they become costly on-site issues. By standardizing how models are aggregated, clashes are tested, and issues are tracked, your organization benefits from clearer accountability, fewer RFIs, and more predictable project delivery across offices and regions.
DGTRA partners with BIM and VDC leaders to design these workflows, configure Navisworks and ACC, and provide scalable production support—allowing your teams to focus on decision-making instead of file management.
Take the next step: Let DGTRA help you implement a modern BIM clash detection workflow that reduces rework, enhances coordination, and drives efficiency on your projects. Contact us today to get started!
About DGTRA:
DGTRA is a global digital engineering partner with expertise in BIM, VDC, Digital Twins, QTO, and scalable delivery models for AEC firms, helping organizations unlock efficiency, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.
DGTRA sets up Navisworks tests and ACC issue workflows so clashes are caught before construction, assigned to the right team, and resolved in Revit. This reduces late discoveries on site and lowers rework rates across projects.
Navisworks is excellent for deep technical analysis, but ACC adds cloud aggregation, automatic clash detection, and standardized issues for distributed teams. DGTRA helps you combine both so Navisworks remains your specialist tool while ACC manages collaboration and accountability.
Yes. DGTRA maps clash tests, issue types, and reporting formats to your BIM Execution Plan and client requirements, including ISO 19650-style information delivery expectations. This keeps clash detection in construction fully aligned with your contractual standards.
For complex projects, DGTRA provides a dedicated BIM/VDC cell that manages federated models, runs regular BIM clash detection cycles, and leads coordination meetings. Our team handles Navisworks and ACC setup so your engineers can focus on design decisions.
Absolutely. Clash-free, well-coordinated BIM models become better inputs for Digital Twins and asset information models. DGTRA helps structure your models and data during clash detection so they can support downstream facility management, analytics, and AI in construction.
DGTRA offers scalable production support. We can act as your extended VDC team, running scheduled BIM clash detection, preparing reports, and driving coordination actions, while your core team focuses on clients and project strategy.
