Clash Resolution Analyzer for Construction

Overview

Analyze clash detection results from BIM coordination. Prioritize clashes by impact, identify patterns, suggest resolutions, assign responsibility, and track resolution progress.

Business Case

Clash resolution analysis enables:

• Efficient Coordination: Focus on critical clashes first
• Pattern Recognition: Fix root causes, not symptoms
• Clear Accountability: Assign responsibility by trade
• Progress Tracking: Monitor resolution status

Technical Implementation

from dataclasses import dataclass, field
from typing import List, Dict, Any, Optional, Tuple
from enum import Enum
from datetime import datetime
from collections import defaultdict

class ClashPriority(Enum):
    CRITICAL = 1  # Must resolve before construction
    HIGH = 2      # Resolve in next coordination cycle
    MEDIUM = 3    # Resolve before trade starts
    LOW = 4       # Minor, can resolve in field

class ClashStatus(Enum):
    NEW = "new"
    ASSIGNED = "assigned"
    IN_PROGRESS = "in_progress"
    RESOLVED = "resolved"
    APPROVED = "approved"
    VOID = "void"  # Not a real clash

class ResolutionType(Enum):
    ROUTE_AROUND = "Route around obstruction"
    RAISE_LOWER = "Raise or lower element"
    RESIZE = "Resize element"
    RELOCATE = "Relocate element"
    STRUCTURAL_MOD = "Structural modification required"
    DESIGN_CHANGE = "Design change required"
    NO_CLASH = "Not a real clash (tolerance)"
    SEQUENCE = "Resolve by construction sequence"

@dataclass
class ClashElement:
    id: str
    name: str
    category: str
    discipline: str
    level: str
    system: str

@dataclass
class Clash:
    id: str
    name: str
    element1: ClashElement
    element2: ClashElement
    location: Tuple[float, float, float]
    distance: float  # Negative = hard clash, positive = clearance violation
    clash_type: str  # hard, clearance, duplicate
    priority: ClashPriority = ClashPriority.MEDIUM
    status: ClashStatus = ClashStatus.NEW
    assigned_to: str = ""
    resolution_type: Optional[ResolutionType] = None
    resolution_notes: str = ""
    created_date: datetime = field(default_factory=datetime.now)
    resolved_date: Optional[datetime] = None

@dataclass
class ClashPattern:
    pattern_type: str
    disciplines: Tuple[str, str]
    systems: Tuple[str, str]
    clash_count: int
    example_clashes: List[str]
    suggested_resolution: str
    root_cause: str

@dataclass
class ClashReport:
    report_name: str
    total_clashes: int
    new_clashes: int
    resolved_clashes: int
    clashes_by_priority: Dict[str, int]
    clashes_by_discipline: Dict[str, int]
    clashes_by_status: Dict[str, int]
    patterns: List[ClashPattern]
    resolution_rate: float

class ClashResolutionAnalyzer:
    """Analyze and manage BIM clash detection results."""

    # Discipline priority for resolution responsibility
    DISCIPLINE_PRIORITY = {
        'Structural': 1,
        'Architectural': 2,
        'Mechanical': 3,
        'Plumbing': 4,
        'Electrical': 5,
        'Fire Protection': 6,
    }

    # Common resolution strategies by clash type
    RESOLUTION_STRATEGIES = {
        ('Mechanical', 'Structural'): {
            'strategy': ResolutionType.ROUTE_AROUND,
            'responsible': 'Mechanical',
            'notes': 'MEP typically routes around structure'
        },
        ('Plumbing', 'Structural'): {
            'strategy': ResolutionType.ROUTE_AROUND,
            'responsible': 'Plumbing',
            'notes': 'Coordinate sleeves/penetrations with SE'
        },
        ('Electrical', 'Mechanical'): {
            'strategy': ResolutionType.RAISE_LOWER,
            'responsible': 'Electrical',
            'notes': 'Conduit typically more flexible than ductwork'
        },
        ('Mechanical', 'Mechanical'): {
            'strategy': ResolutionType.RESIZE,
            'responsible': 'Mechanical',
            'notes': 'Review duct sizing and routing options'
        },
        ('Fire Protection', 'Mechanical'): {
            'strategy': ResolutionType.ROUTE_AROUND,
            'responsible': 'Fire Protection',
            'notes': 'Sprinkler typically routes around major duct'
        },
    }

    def __init__(self):
        self.clashes: Dict[str, Clash] = {}
        self.patterns: List[ClashPattern] = []
        self.history: List[Dict] = []

    def import_clashes(self, clash_data: List[Dict]) -> int:
        """Import clashes from Navisworks or other clash detection software."""
        count = 0

        for data in clash_data:
            clash = Clash(
                id=data.get('id', f'CLH-{count}'),
                name=data.get('name', ''),
                element1=ClashElement(
                    id=data.get('element1_id', ''),
                    name=data.get('element1_name', ''),
                    category=data.get('element1_category', ''),
                    discipline=data.get('element1_discipline', ''),
                    level=data.get('element1_level', ''),
                    system=data.get('element1_system', '')
                ),
                element2=ClashElement(
                    id=data.get('element2_id', ''),
                    name=data.get('element2_name', ''),
                    category=data.get('element2_category', ''),
                    discipline=data.get('element2_discipline', ''),
                    level=data.get('element2_level', ''),
                    system=data.get('element2_system', '')
                ),
                location=(
                    data.get('x', 0),
                    data.get('y', 0),
                    data.get('z', 0)
                ),
                distance=data.get('distance', 0),
                clash_type=data.get('clash_type', 'hard')
            )

            # Auto-prioritize
            clash.priority = self._auto_prioritize(clash)

            # Auto-assign
            clash.assigned_to = self._auto_assign(clash)

            self.clashes[clash.id] = clash
            count += 1

        return count

    def _auto_prioritize(self, clash: Clash) -> ClashPriority:
        """Automatically prioritize clash based on characteristics."""
        # Hard clashes with structure are critical
        if clash.element1.discipline == 'Structural' or clash.element2.discipline == 'Structural':
            if clash.clash_type == 'hard':
                return ClashPriority.CRITICAL

        # Large penetration clashes
        if abs(clash.distance) > 0.1:  # More than 100mm overlap
            return ClashPriority.HIGH

        # MEP-MEP clashes
        mep_disciplines = ['Mechanical', 'Electrical', 'Plumbing', 'Fire Protection']
        if clash.element1.discipline in mep_disciplines and clash.element2.discipline in mep_disciplines:
            return ClashPriority.MEDIUM

        # Clearance violations
        if clash.clash_type == 'clearance':
            return ClashPriority.LOW

        return ClashPriority.MEDIUM

    def _auto_assign(self, clash: Clash) -> str:
        """Automatically assign responsibility based on discipline priority."""
        d1 = clash.element1.discipline
        d2 = clash.element2.discipline

        # Check for known resolution strategy
        key = (d1, d2) if (d1, d2) in self.RESOLUTION_STRATEGIES else (d2, d1)
        if key in self.RESOLUTION_STRATEGIES:
            return self.RESOLUTION_STRATEGIES[key]['responsible']

        # Default to lower priority discipline (typically more flexible)
        p1 = self.DISCIPLINE_PRIORITY.get(d1, 10)
        p2 = self.DISCIPLINE_PRIORITY.get(d2, 10)

        return d2 if p2 > p1 else d1

    def analyze_patterns(self) -> List[ClashPattern]:
        """Identify patterns in clashes."""
        patterns = []

        # Group by discipline pair
        discipline_pairs = defaultdict(list)
        for clash in self.clashes.values():
            pair = tuple(sorted([clash.element1.discipline, clash.element2.discipline]))
            discipline_pairs[pair].append(clash)

        for (d1, d2), clashes in discipline_pairs.items():
            if len(clashes) >= 3:  # Pattern threshold
                # Further group by system
                system_pairs = defaultdict(list)
                for clash in clashes:
                    sys_pair = tuple(sorted([clash.element1.system, clash.element2.system]))
                    system_pairs[sys_pair].append(clash)

                for (s1, s2), sys_clashes in system_pairs.items():
                    if len(sys_clashes) >= 2:
                        # Get resolution strategy
                        key = (d1, d2) if (d1, d2) in self.RESOLUTION_STRATEGIES else (d2, d1)
                        strategy = self.RESOLUTION_STRATEGIES.get(key, {})

                        patterns.append(ClashPattern(
                            pattern_type=f"{d1} vs {d2}",
                            disciplines=(d1, d2),
                            systems=(s1, s2),
                            clash_count=len(sys_clashes),
                            example_clashes=[c.id for c in sys_clashes[:3]],
                            suggested_resolution=strategy.get('strategy', ResolutionType.ROUTE_AROUND).value,
                            root_cause=f"Coordination needed between {s1} and {s2} systems"
                        ))

        self.patterns = sorted(patterns, key=lambda p: -p.clash_count)
        return self.patterns

    def suggest_resolution(self, clash_id: str) -> Dict:
        """Suggest resolution for a specific clash."""
        if clash_id not in self.clashes:
            return {'error': 'Clash not found'}

        clash = self.clashes[clash_id]
        d1, d2 = clash.element1.discipline, clash.element2.discipline

        # Get strategy
        key = (d1, d2) if (d1, d2) in self.RESOLUTION_STRATEGIES else (d2, d1)
        strategy = self.RESOLUTION_STRATEGIES.get(key, {})

        suggestion = {
            'clash_id': clash_id,
            'resolution_type': strategy.get('strategy', ResolutionType.ROUTE_AROUND),
            'responsible_discipline': strategy.get('responsible', self._auto_assign(clash)),
            'notes': strategy.get('notes', 'Review and coordinate'),
            'similar_clashes': [],
        }

        # Find similar clashes
        for pattern in self.patterns:
            if d1 in pattern.disciplines and d2 in pattern.disciplines:
                suggestion['similar_clashes'] = pattern.example_clashes
                suggestion['pattern_root_cause'] = pattern.root_cause
                break

        return suggestion

    def update_clash_status(self, clash_id: str, status: ClashStatus,
                            resolution_type: ResolutionType = None,
                            notes: str = "") -> bool:
        """Update clash status."""
        if clash_id not in self.clashes:
            return False

        clash = self.clashes[clash_id]
        old_status = clash.status

        clash.status = status
        if resolution_type:
            clash.resolution_type = resolution_type
        if notes:
            clash.resolution_notes = notes
        if status in [ClashStatus.RESOLVED, ClashStatus.APPROVED]:
            clash.resolved_date = datetime.now()

        # Track history
        self.history.append({
            'clash_id': clash_id,
            'timestamp': datetime.now(),
            'old_status': old_status.value,
            'new_status': status.value,
            'notes': notes
        })

        return True

    def get_clashes_by_discipline(self, discipline: str) -> List[Clash]:
        """Get all clashes assigned to a discipline."""
        return [c for c in self.clashes.values() if c.assigned_to == discipline]

    def get_clashes_by_level(self, level: str) -> List[Clash]:
        """Get all clashes on a specific level."""
        return [c for c in self.clashes.values()
                if c.element1.level == level or c.element2.level == level]

    def generate_coordination_matrix(self) -> Dict[str, Dict[str, int]]:
        """Generate matrix showing clashes between disciplines."""
        matrix = defaultdict(lambda: defaultdict(int))

        for clash in self.clashes.values():
            d1 = clash.element1.discipline
            d2 = clash.element2.discipline
            matrix[d1][d2] += 1
            if d1 != d2:
                matrix[d2][d1] += 1

        return dict(matrix)

    def generate_report(self) -> ConsistencyReport:
        """Generate comprehensive clash analysis report."""
        clashes_by_priority = defaultdict(int)
        clashes_by_discipline = defaultdict(int)
        clashes_by_status = defaultdict(int)

        for clash in self.clashes.values():
            clashes_by_priority[clash.priority.name] += 1
            clashes_by_discipline[clash.assigned_to] += 1
            clashes_by_status[clash.status.value] += 1

        resolved = clashes_by_status.get('resolved', 0) + clashes_by_status.get('approved', 0)
        resolution_rate = resolved / len(self.clashes) * 100 if self.clashes else 0

        return ClashReport(
            report_name=f"Clash Report {datetime.now().strftime('%Y-%m-%d')}",
            total_clashes=len(self.clashes),
            new_clashes=clashes_by_status.get('new', 0),
            resolved_clashes=resolved,
            clashes_by_priority=dict(clashes_by_priority),
            clashes_by_discipline=dict(clashes_by_discipline),
            clashes_by_status=dict(clashes_by_status),
            patterns=self.patterns,
            resolution_rate=resolution_rate
        )

    def generate_report_markdown(self) -> str:
        """Generate markdown report."""
        report = self.generate_report()

        lines = ["# Clash Resolution Report", ""]
        lines.append(f"**Date:** {datetime.now().strftime('%Y-%m-%d')}")
        lines.append(f"**Total Clashes:** {report.total_clashes}")
        lines.append(f"**Resolution Rate:** {report.resolution_rate:.1f}%")
        lines.append("")

        # By status
        lines.append("## Status Summary")
        for status, count in report.clashes_by_status.items():
            lines.append(f"- {status}: {count}")
        lines.append("")

        # By priority
        lines.append("## Priority Breakdown")
        for priority, count in sorted(report.clashes_by_priority.items()):
            lines.append(f"- {priority}: {count}")
        lines.append("")

        # By discipline
        lines.append("## By Responsible Discipline")
        for disc, count in sorted(report.clashes_by_discipline.items(), key=lambda x: -x[1]):
            lines.append(f"- {disc}: {count}")
        lines.append("")

        # Patterns
        if report.patterns:
            lines.append("## Clash Patterns Identified")
            for pattern in report.patterns[:5]:
                lines.append(f"\n### {pattern.pattern_type}")
                lines.append(f"- **Count:** {pattern.clash_count} clashes")
                lines.append(f"- **Systems:** {pattern.systems[0]} vs {pattern.systems[1]}")
                lines.append(f"- **Root Cause:** {pattern.root_cause}")
                lines.append(f"- **Suggested Resolution:** {pattern.suggested_resolution}")

        # Critical clashes
        critical = [c for c in self.clashes.values() if c.priority == ClashPriority.CRITICAL and c.status == ClashStatus.NEW]
        if critical:
            lines.append("\n## Critical Unresolved Clashes")
            for clash in critical[:10]:
                lines.append(f"- **{clash.id}**: {clash.element1.name} vs {clash.element2.name}")
                lines.append(f"  - Location: Level {clash.element1.level}")
                lines.append(f"  - Assigned: {clash.assigned_to}")

        return "\n".join(lines)

Quick Start

# Initialize analyzer
analyzer = ClashResolutionAnalyzer()

# Import clashes (from Navisworks export)
clash_data = [
    {
        'id': 'CLH-001',
        'name': 'Duct vs Beam',
        'element1_discipline': 'Mechanical',
        'element1_system': 'Supply Air',
        'element1_level': 'Level 2',
        'element2_discipline': 'Structural',
        'element2_system': 'Steel Frame',
        'element2_level': 'Level 2',
        'distance': -0.15,
        'clash_type': 'hard'
    }
]

count = analyzer.import_clashes(clash_data)
print(f"Imported {count} clashes")

# Analyze patterns
patterns = analyzer.analyze_patterns()
for pattern in patterns:
    print(f"Pattern: {pattern.pattern_type} - {pattern.clash_count} clashes")

# Get resolution suggestion
suggestion = analyzer.suggest_resolution('CLH-001')
print(f"Suggested resolution: {suggestion['resolution_type'].value}")
print(f"Responsible: {suggestion['responsible_discipline']}")

# Update status
analyzer.update_clash_status(
    'CLH-001',
    ClashStatus.RESOLVED,
    ResolutionType.ROUTE_AROUND,
    'Duct rerouted below beam'
)

# Generate report
print(analyzer.generate_report_markdown())

Dependencies

pip install (no external dependencies)