The BIM coordination process is a central pillar in successful construction delivery. It ensures that design disciplines—architecture, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and others—collaborate effectively using shared digital models. Through coordination, clashes are minimized, rework is reduced, and project timelines are met more efficiently.
What Is BIM Coordination?
BIM coordination refers to the collaborative practice of integrating multi-disciplinary BIM models to detect and resolve design conflicts before construction begins. This digital-first approach facilitates informed decision-making, improves communication, and enhances the constructability of a project.
Traditionally, design coordination in construction was fragmented, relying on manual overlay and physical meetings. With virtual design construction and cloud-based BIM coordination tools, real-time updates and collaboration now define modern workflows.
The BIM Coordination Process in 6 Steps
The BIM coordination process is an iterative cycle, demanding precision and effective communication at each step.
1. Model Creation and Preparation
The initial stage involves each discipline generating their individual BIM models using their authoring software. Crucially, these models must adhere to agreed-upon standards, including consistent coordinate systems, delivery specifications, naming conventions, levels of detail (Level of Development) and level of information need (LOIN). This ensures that when models are brought together, they align accurately in the virtual space. Here a well-defined BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is crucial, as it sets the groundwork for model quality and data exchange protocols, often leveraging open standards like IFC and IDS.
2. Model Aggregation and Federation
Once individual models are prepared, they are combined into a single, federated model within a common data environment (CDE). This unified model provides a comprehensive view of the entire project, allowing for a holistic understanding of how different systems and components interact. The CDE acts as a central repository, ensuring all team members have access to the latest, most accurate project information.
3. Clash Detection and Analysis
With the federated model established, the next critical step is clash detection. Using specialized BIM coordination tools/software, the BIM coordinator identifies interferences between elements and information from different disciplines. These clashes can be hard clashes (physical intersections), soft clashes (insufficient clearance), or workflow clashes (sequence conflicts). The software generates reports, detailing the nature, location, and severity of each clash. Additionally, leveraging the Information Delivery Specification (IDS) standard, BIM managers can identify missing, incomplete or non-compliant information within the respective BIM models.
4. Coordination Meetings and Issue Resolution
Clash reports form the basis for regular coordination meetings. These gatherings, often facilitated by the BIM coordinator, bring together relevant designers, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders. The focus is on collaboratively reviewing identified clashes, discussing potential solutions, and assigning responsibilities for their resolution. The emphasis is on finding optimal solutions that satisfy all parties and adhere to project requirements. For example, during the MEP coordination process, a duct clashing with a structural beam would be discussed to determine if the duct can be rerouted or the beam modified, considering cost and schedule implications.
5. Model Revision and Iteration
Following coordination meetings, the responsible parties revise their individual BIM models to incorporate the agreed-upon solutions. These updated models are then re-integrated into the federated model, and the clash detection process is repeated. This iterative loop ensures that new conflicts are not introduced and that all previously identified issues have been resolved. The process continues until a substantially clash-free model is achieved, leading to what is often termed design coordination in construction.
6. Documentation and Reporting
Throughout the BIM coordination process, thorough documentation is essential. This includes clash reports, meeting minutes, resolution agreements, and model revision logs. Comprehensive documentation provides an auditable trail, enhances accountability, and serves as a valuable resource for future project phases, including virtual design construction.
Best Practices for Experienced BIM Managers
For seasoned BIM Managers, optimizing the BIM coordination process goes beyond mere execution; it demands strategic foresight and continuous refinement.
- Establish a Robust BIM Execution Plan (BEP): A well-defined BEP, developed collaboratively with all stakeholders, is the bedrock of successful BIM coordination. It should clearly outline project goals, delivery specifications, responsibilities, communication protocols, model LOD and LOIN requirements, and technological standards. This preempts many coordination challenges.
- Leverage a Centralized Common Data Environment (CDE): A single source of truth for all project data is non-negotiable. A robust CDE streamlines information flow, version control, and access for all team members, reducing errors stemming from outdated information.
- Automate Clash Detection and Reporting: While human judgment is crucial for resolution, automating initial clash detection saves considerable time and identifies a greater volume of potential conflicts. Implement intelligent rulesets to filter out minor, non-critical clashes, allowing the team to focus on significant issues.
- Prioritize and Categorize Clashes: Not all clashes hold equal weight. Experienced BIM Managers should work with the project team to define a clear prioritization matrix based on impact on cost, schedule, safety, and constructability. This ensures efforts are directed towards the most critical issues.
- Foster a Culture of Proactive Collaboration: Encourage open communication and a solutions-oriented mindset among all disciplines. Regular, structured coordination meetings, coupled with accessible online platforms for issue tracking and commenting, facilitate swift resolution.
- Implement a Defined Issue Management Workflow: Beyond clash detection, a clear process for assigning, tracking, and resolving all project issues is vital. This includes defining clear ownership, deadlines, and verification steps.
- Regularly Review and Optimize Workflows: The BIM coordination process is not static. Periodically review the effectiveness of current workflows, tools, and protocols. Gather feedback from team members and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.
- Invest in Continuous Training: Ensure all team members, from modelers to project managers, are proficient in the relevant BIM coordination tools/software and understand the overarching coordination objectives.
- Embrace Open Standards: Utilizing open standards like IFC, BCF and IDS promotes interoperability between different software platforms, crucial for multi-disciplinary projects and avoiding vendor lock-in.
Conclusion
In an industry where delays and cost overruns are common, the BIM coordination process provides a proven pathway to reducing risk. Projects that emphasize early coordination experience:
- Fewer RFIs and site changes
- More accurate quantity take-offs
- Faster project delivery
- Better stakeholder alignment
When used in tandem with broader BIM and design coordination workflows, coordination becomes more than just clash detection—it becomes a foundation for project excellence.
The BIM coordination process is vital for aligning multi-disciplinary teams, preventing conflicts, and ensuring project constructability. By adopting structured coordination workflows, leveraging cloud-based tools like Catenda Hub, and focusing on collaborative practices, construction professionals can realize significant project efficiencies.
For BIM managers aiming to lead successful coordination, the goal is clear: build smarter, clash less, and deliver more reliably through connected data and collaborative models.