When you run interference detection, the software checks for interferences between the types of objects you specify. You can check for interferences between
- Building systems objects, for example, between ducts and pipes
- Building systems objects and architectural/structural objects, for example, between ducts and walls
The software checks for interferences between objects in the current drawing, between objects in referenced drawings (xrefs), or both (that is, between objects in the current drawing that interfere with those in an xref). When an interference is found, a mass element indicating the interference is inserted at the location. The mass element is removed when you exit interference detection mode, unless the setting to keep mass elements is enabled. In addition, you can add tags to the mass elements and insert opening symbols to show where openings in walls or other structural objects are needed. Also, tags and symbols are removed when you exit interference detection, unless you specify that they remain.
Attention: Interference detection works with 3D objects (whether multi-view block-based or parametric). For plumbing systems, interference detection works only with equipment and fixtures, not plumbing lines.
Running interference detection is helpful for doing the following:
- Analyzing interferences after routing a service (such as supply and return duct), or analyzing interferences for duct objects and MvParts against walls, doors, windows, columns, and beams.
- Coordinating between disciplines for hard and soft clashes. For example, you can ensure that a supply and return system doesn’t clash into other MEP Systems and that there is enough room to mount and maintain the systems. A hard clash occurs when the geometry or 3D volume of an item or object intersects that of another item or object. A soft clash occurs when the space surrounding an item or object intersects that of another item or object. The surrounding space around an object is defined by an offset value and can be configured for pipe work, duct work, cable trays, conduits, and hangers. Hard clashes are usually more noticeable in drawings, while soft clashes are harder to detect.
- Communicating the need for holes in structural components, such as holes in load bearing walls for duct work.
Note: When you run interference detection, the detected interferences are shown by highlighting the intersecting portions of the objects. By default, the interference highlighting color is red for hard clashes and yellow for soft clashes. Prior to running interference detection, you may want to temporarily change the color of any AutoCAD MEP 2023 toolset objects and AEC structural members to a color other then red or yellow. As an alternative to changing colors, you may want create a display configuration set to use with interference detection.