By Garry sto
Navisworks is just one of the many software applications included in the Autodesk AEC Collection (Architecture, Engineering, Construction). It plays a key role in helping organisations work within the BIM workflow by allowing them to bring together models from different project stakeholders, into one digital environment and analyse how they interact with each other. It can be used to identify physical clashes between different building components within each discipline’s digital models as well as visualise how the project progresses over time.
So, what is Navisworks? It is project review software that allows Architecture, Engineering and Construction professionals to review integrated models and data with stakeholders, contractors and consultants during preconstruction to better control project outcomes. Below is a list of some tools and functionalities:
- Clash Detection
- Coordination
- Animations/Walkthroughs
- 5D Project scheduling - Timelining
- Rendering – Material Mapping
- 4D Construction Simulation – Project Management
Navisworks is available in three versions; Navisworks Simulate, Navisworks Manage and Navisworks Freedom (free downloadable viewer for native NWD files). Manage is the fully functioning top level version and includes all features.
Navisworks Similar comes in different file formats:
- NWC – Cache file. This is the snapshot of your current model. This file is automatically created once you load a Native file.
- NWD – Use this format when you want to publish your model to coordinate with 3rd parties (or cloud or server locations) This does not contain links to any native files.
- NWF – This is where you usually work and append your files. This contains the links to all appended files.
So, who should use Navisworks? As previously mentioned, this software is intended primarily for professionals working within the AEC industry and frequently within Plant, Pharma and Water industry sectors. It is a misconception that this software is to be used only by Builders or Project Managers.
More and more people involved in the above industries are becoming more pro-active in running a project through efficient design and document management within their company prior to collaborating with other disciplines. This reduces a lot of discrepancy and resolves possible issue within their own model, saving everyone a lot of time doing Design and Project Coordination work.
This software offers many benefits in terms of Project Review and Collaboration, see list below:
- The main Navisworks file format is NWD, which is a relatively small file size that contains overall 3D project information which clients can use to review through the use of Navisworks Freedom, which is a free download at https://www.autodesk.com/products/navisworks/3d-viewers.
- Performing Clash Detection allows Stakeholders and 3rd parties to resolve issues early on during the design phase therefore, saving not only effort but most importantly cost and time.
- Aggregated models can be analysed regardless of the file format. You can bring together Revit, Inventor and AutoCAD models all in one environment to analyse and inspect how they interact with each other. In fact, Navisworks supports more than 50 different model formats from Autodesk and other vendors.
- Easily manipulate how the model appears with the use of selection and search sets.
- Several export options for various tools means users can re-use certain settings for other relevant projects.
- Construction simulation helps everyone involved in the project to visually understand and relate any site movement with project schedule over time.
- Autodesk’s BIM Collaborate provides access to Navisworks models in a cloud environment to provide a more collaborative workflow with external project members.
Now that you have learned the what and why of Navisworks, the next thing that you might be asking is How do we use it? As with any other software applications, being able to use it correctly through best practices is the right path to take. Cadline has a standard 1 day training course, enrolling on one of these would be the best way to get the most from the application, ensuring your return on investment.