I don't know if it's so much to do with intelligence, which Hulk does have enough of to use improvised weapons, but more a case of such a tactic even coming to mind, let alone him being convinced it would work.
I do imagine there's a strange conceit for any super strength character to figure that if he slammed his palms together hard enough he'd create a shock wave. It doesn't seem all that intuitive. Realistically, you'd think that'd have to be an accidental discovery of one's capabilities. Like Clark Kent attending a play and joining in applause only to find that his applause demolishes the entire building.
But for entertainment purposes, if there's a scenario that's perfect for a thunderclap, use it, even if it doesn't make perfect sense.