Clash detection that actually works on PDFs
Helonic is an AI construction drawing analysis platform for preconstruction teams using Helonic for clash detection.
Find coordination conflicts across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines automatically from your 2D PDF drawing set. No BIM model required. Helonic reads the documents your team actually builds from.
Why does clash detection matter?
A coordination conflict caught in preconstruction is a markup; the same conflict caught after install is demolition, delay, and a change order.
| Figure | What it measures |
|---|---|
| 40% | Rework that comes from coordination clashes |
| $25K | Average field cost per clash (McGraw Hill) |
| 90% | Projects that lack full BIM models |
| 10x | Cheaper to fix in preconstruction |
How does Helonic go from PDF upload to a clash report?
Helonic reads every sheet in the set and surfaces coordination conflicts in minutes, with sheet numbers the team can assign.
- Upload your drawings. Drop your PDF drawing set into Helonic. We handle sets of any size, no BIM model required.
- AI reads every sheet. Our model understands what each discipline shows and where elements are located on each page.
- Verify every finding. Each flagged conflict is checked back against the drawing itself, so what reaches your report is grounded in what the sheet actually shows.
- Prioritized clash report. Get a ranked list of clashes with exact sheet references, page locations, and severity ratings.
What types of clashes does Helonic detect?
Helonic detects coordination issues across discipline pairings, including structure versus MEP, architectural openings versus equipment, and ceiling conflicts.
MEP vs Structural
- Ductwork routing through beams
- Pipe penetrations through columns
- Conduit conflicts with structural elements
- Equipment locations vs structural clearances
MEP vs MEP
- HVAC vs plumbing routing conflicts
- Electrical vs mechanical clearances
- Diffuser vs lighting conflicts in RCP
- Fire sprinkler vs other ceiling elements
Architectural vs MEP
- Ceiling heights vs MEP clearances
- Wall locations vs equipment clearances
- Door swings into equipment
- Casework vs electrical outlets
Dimensional Conflicts
- Dimension strings that do not add up
- Plan vs elevation mismatches
- Grid line inconsistencies
- Scale conflicts between details
Why does 2D clash detection matter when BIM exists?
Most projects do not have complete BIM models from all trades. Even when BIM exists, the 2D construction documents are the legal contract documents that get built. If they have conflicts, those conflicts show up in the field.
Helonic analyzes the documents you actually build from: PDF drawings. We catch coordination issues that exist in the 2D documents, whether or not a 3D model exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 2D clash detection?
Does Helonic need a BIM model for clash detection?
What types of clashes can Helonic find in PDF drawings?
Why run 2D clash detection if the project already has a BIM model?
How are clash findings verified and reported?
Manas Gandhi
Co-founder & CTO, HelonicManas is the co-founder and CTO of Helonic, where he leads engineering and AI research for construction drawing analysis. He works directly with structural, MEP, civil, and fire protection engineers to translate the way they review drawings into AI systems that flag the issues that actually matter in the field. Before Helonic, he built machine learning pipelines for technical document understanding and has spent the last several years interviewing licensed design engineers and discipline leads to ground product decisions in real practice rather than industry assumptions.
- AI for technical document understanding
- Cross-discipline coordination workflows
- Code compliance automation (IBC, NEC, NFPA, IPC, IMC, ASCE)
- Structural and MEP drawing review systems
How this page was researched: Per-clash field cost figure from McGraw Hill. Checks run on 2D PDF architectural, structural, and MEP drawing sets, with no BIM model required.
Last reviewed by Manas Gandhi · October 2026