What Do You Need Before Running Clash Detection in Navisworks?
Before starting Navisworks clash detection, it is vital to ensure that models from all disciplines like architectural, structural, and MEP are accurate and up-to-date. They should also have a common coordinate system and be correctly aligned to avoid false clash results. Furthermore, assessing model quality, eliminating unnecessary components, and confirming that all project teams are working with the latest models is pivotal for the success of model coordination.
How Do You Perform Clash Detection Step by Step?
Under the umbrella of Navisworks, there are two software; Navisworks Manage and Navisworks Simulate. Both tools offer features such as data integration, 5D BIM, model rendering, 2D sheet takeoff, and integration with BIM. In addition to these capabilities, Navisworks Manage contains clash detection functionalities and interference management.
Here’s a step by step guide to perform clash detection:
Step 01: Append the project models
Import multidisciplinary models into Navisworks Manage. Ensure all of them are using the same coordinate system and are rightly arranged to avoid inaccurate results. If you are exporting from Revit to Navisworks, check the model settings before creating the NWC file.
Step 02: Open the Clash Detective tool
Navigate to the Home tab and launch the Clash Detective window. This workspace is where you create clash tests, review results, and manage construction coordination issues throughout the project lifecycle.
Step 03: Create a new clash test
Select Add Test and assign a descriptive name based on the disciplines being compared, such as Architectural vs MEP or Structural vs Plumbing. Well-organised test names make it easier to track coordination progress across multiple project reviews.
Step 04: Define the test settings
Choose the two model groups you want to compare and specify the clash tolerance, search criteria, and rules. Configuring these settings helps minimise duplicate clashes and improves the accuracy of the results.
Step 05: Run the clash detection test
Execute the clash test to allow Navisworks to analyse the models for physical interferences. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, the process may take a few minutes to complete.
Step 06: Review and prioritise the detected clashes
Examine the Navisworks clash detection results individually to determine whether they are critical issues, duplicate clashes, or false positives. Grouping clashes by location, trade, or severity enables teams to focus on the issues that require immediate attention.
Step 07: Resolve clashes and review results
Share the clash reports with the respective teams so they can revise their models accordingly. After the updated models are received, append the latest versions and rerun the clash test to confirm that the identified conflicts have been resolved before construction begins.
How Do You Review and Resolve Clash Results?
Scanning and fixing clashes demands focus, an eye for detail, and persistent effort. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:
Identify High-Priority Clashes: There are 3 types of clashes; hard, soft, and workflow clashes, with the first one being the most critical of all. Addressing each of these clashes needs a unique approach. Professionals should start by resolving primary conflicts that affect structural integrity and then move on to digital construction scheduling issues.
Filter False Positives: Occasionally, clashes may occur due to modelling tolerances, temporary components, or intentional design overlaps. Excluding these results helps project stakeholders focus on genuine coordination issues.
Group Similar Clashes: Professionals can organise clashes by discipline, location, or building system. Reviewing related issues together simplifies coordination and speeds up the resolution process.
Assign Issues to the Right Teams: Each clash should be communicated to the responsible discipline. Clear ownership improves accountability in the Navisworks clash detection process and reduces delays.
Validate the Changes: Update the latest 3D models into Navisworks and rerun the clash tests. This confirms that previously identified conflicts have been resolved and no additional clashes have been introduced.
Document the Process: Maintain clash reports, issue logs, and resolution records throughout the project. These documents track progress, support communication, and provide a reference for future coordination meetings.
What Are the Best Practices for Accurate Clash Detection?
Clash detection can go haywire in AEC projects, leading to chaos and misconceptions. Let’s have a look at the best practices for clash detection and BIM coordination:
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Review the federated model visually before running clash detection to identify obvious modelling errors and missing elements.
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Divide large projects into logical zones or disciplines instead of testing the entire model at once to simplify clash analysis.
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Create separate Navisworks clash detection tests for each building system to generate organised and easy-to-review results.
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Group related clashes by location or floor level to streamline coordination meetings and issue tracking.
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Share clash reports with all stakeholders after every coordination cycle to ensure design revisions are based on the latest findings.
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Archive previous clash reports to monitor coordination progress and maintain a record of resolved design conflicts.
Which Common Mistakes Should You Avoid in Navisworks?
Since BIM is a relatively new technology, professionals can feel lost in navigating the software and workflow. Here are the key mistakes one should avoid during Navisworks clash detection:
- Running clash detection without verifying that all models are aligned can produce misleading results.
- Performing a single clash test for the entire project often creates an overwhelming number of clashes that are difficult to review.
- Closing clash reports without validating the revised models increases the risk of unresolved conflicts reaching the construction stage.
How Can You Learn Navisworks for BIM Coordination?
To upskill in Navisworks construction technology, students and professionals can read blogs, watch content created by industry experts, and YouTube tutorials. Autodesk also offers a free video series for interested learners to explore the software.
Once they have a sound understanding of the basics, individuals can register for short-term and long-term courses depending upon their bandwidth. Short-term programs such as the ones on Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning are more software-focussed.
On the other hand, long format training such as the BIM Professional Program by Novatr teaches multiple BIM software (10+ tools and add-ons including Revit, Navisworks, and Autodesk Cloud Construction), alongside BIM workflow. This offers students a comprehensive understanding of the subject and equips them to deal with professional challenges heads-on.
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