Navisworks Compare Models

[Stayce Cawthorn]

Thankyou for your post. In this case, there has been an identified issue within the compare tool and Navisworks (specific with Revit models). Our development team has reviewed this in the current software and potential future releases. I do apologize for this inconvenience in the tool use.

What I would suggest is to leverage the Development feedback link below. This link, once the product is selected, goes directly to the Product Manger. They then will take this thoughtful feedback back to the development team to help guide the direction and fixes within the software. This will help further identify the business impact of this tool in its current state. This helps add to the case and discussion around features and enhancements in the product for future releases.

I have to check difference between issued for bid Revit model and issued for construction, to track contractor claims and variation orders.

i need help on how i can write a dynamo script, so i can catch all differences and quantify them.

Thanks,

i need more detailed comparison, so far i tried Navisworks compare and i got visual review about the difference, but i need to truck model progress and quantify the major difference, are there any way to do that using Revit and navisworks.

Data shapes has some nodes for model comparison, although if your models are very large you will struggle with that. ACC is the most user friendly route I am aware of, otherwise you may need to develop your own custom scripts to compare missing/new element Ids, and changed/missing/new element data for those.

But with two versions of the same document you can pull the document difference which will give you a list of new model elements, a list of changes model elements, and a list of deleted model elements. This code will give you that much: Comparing Element ID from 2 linked models - #4 by jacob.small

Verity empowers AEC teams to generate accurate quality assessments at scale. Automatically identify deviations between your Autodesk Navisworks or Revit model and as-built point cloud data to verify the placement of installed work or validate the quality of your models. Streamline QA/QC processes, enhance your clash detection workflows, and ensure final construction matches the intended design so that you can reduce rework, schedule overruns, and overall project risk.

Easily compare as-built point cloud data with your design & coordination models to identify installation or modeling errors on anything from individual elements to entire scopes of work quickly and accurately. Gain a more detailed and actionable analysis in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods

Update your Autodesk Navisworks or Revit model to reflect as-built or existing conditions in just a few clicks. Easily document deviations between reality and your model with as-built geometry. Ensure constructability and facilitate smooth coordination and clash detection workflows based on your high accuracy point cloud data

Generate heat maps and color-coded reports to quickly identify deviation, bending, or deflection. Provide a complete record of installed work and obtain detailed measurements of any deviations outside of specified tolerances.

Perform QA/QC analysis then push properties to Revit to create tagged drawings and schedules that feature deviations and installation errors displayed in the context of the project to precisely locate and remediate issues in the field.

Just like in the human body, all the building systems have to function in-sync to achieve performance and functional expectations in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability, operational efficiency, etc.

Clash detection is the method of identifying and inspecting the various building design interferences which frequently occur during the BIM coordination or Construction Gatekeeping process.

Clash detection will only come into the picture when all the building design trades (Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, and others) are integrated into the BIM model.

A conflict occurs when the elements of different MEPFP or other trades occupy the same space. This conflict can be geometrical (for example, HVAC crossing through structural beam), schedule-based (when the sequence of work is not as per the schedule or multiple things take place at once), or the changes are not updated in the drawings.

Soft Clash occurs when one element is not given the spatial or geometric tolerance and because of which its buffer zone is breached. It is a type of clash which gets flagged when a distance of less than a set tolerance is detected.

Workflow clashes, as the name suggests, are the timeline conflicts. They actually represent a mismatch in the scheduling of contractors or when there is a conflict of timeline with equipment or material delivery. It is knowns as 4D clash as it results from scheduling clashes that affect the efficiency of the entire construction firm.

Autodesk Navisworks acts as a model aggregator as it brings together 3D models and associated design data into a single working environment for the purpose of design review, coordination analysis, simulation of the model, and presentation. There are many specialized tools in Navisworks such as Clash Detective, TimeLiner, Animator, etc. It allows an interactive review of the virtual project model in order to validate the design and provide accurate predictions for construction and operations.

NWC files format is not intended for general use. It contains a cached version of the converted Revit model geometry. It allows users to open files into Navisworks which can be saved in NWF or NWD file format. NWC files are created to load the model more quickly when opened next. However, it does not allow users to save NWC file format.

An NWF file contains data indexed data of all the model files that are being used. It stores all the other data opened in Navisworks. It is recommended to use the NWF file format while working with an ongoing project as any changes or updates made with the original drawings will get reflected in the next time the model gets opened in Navisworks.

NWD files are lighter than CAD files (less loading time), and users can only save them if they have a licensed version. It is used to publish and share the compiled version of the ongoing project for others to review, even if they do not have Navisworks, they can use Freedom (free viewer). This allows the user to retain the source file and can share a secure NWD file.

When we talk about BEP in Clash Detection, we talk about a BIM execution plan which is a comprehensive document that covers and outlines all agreed processes and elements to collaborate in BIM. It is a document that also acts as a reference as it records protocols, roles, responsibilities, standards, Level of Detail, Scope of Work, data requirements, uses, and outcomes.

It is important to state the minimal size of the design drawing that is required to be modeled in BEP so that the models also have sufficient details that will be get analyzed in clash review. All the project teams should agree on the approach of modeling and provide their data so that it is accessible and operational for all.

It is important to have a QC checklist or a plan which runs interference check and discovers the areas or elements that occupy the same space which will be part of the QC process to reveal the design conflicts beforehand. There are basic 4 checks required-

It is important to set clash rules and templates as it will facilitate streamlining of the clash review process. One rule or one template may not be sufficient for all. Hence, it is essential to carefully check the results once rules and templates are integrated.

Navisworks allows users to export or import clash report data in XML format, and with this, we can create a standardized clash review test for the entire project/company. We can reuse the same clash test procedure for the next task/project subject to the selection of the test.

There is a Clash sphere Generator Revit Plugin by BIM One that performs the same function. It reads locations and creates clash spheres in Revit once the report is exported by Navisworks in XML format. Every sphere is associated with an identification number making it easier to track and solve using Revit schedules. This file can be a new linked RVT model for reference. The project team can then view and resolve all the conflicts/interference issues directly inside the discipline model.

Navisworks allows users to compare different versions of the model but not many are aware of it. When working with a BIM project, there are multi-disciplinary teams working and there are possibilities of many possible updates. Any change in the model file might get notified, but it may not possible to see what might have changed. The Compare Tool in Navisworks enables the user to look for differences in any two differences- can be files, layers, groups, or just geometry.

Original Colors: Matched items

Red color: Items with differences

Yellow color: The first item contains things not found in the second item

Cyan: The second item contains things not found in the first item

The rendering option is available using Autodesk 360. These are in the cloud and are faster to use and offer many varieties- panoramic view, still image, interactive panorama, color-coded illuminance, lighting analysis, stereo panorama, etc. user can easily access it by scanning the QR code or by sharing the URL with the client.

Quantification is another core feature of Navisworks where the user can create a highly accurate quantity takeoff based on the access to multiple 3D source files. It also works with 2D takeoffs from DWF sheet sets. For more details on quantification, follow the below link:

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