Exercise 5.1.1: Creating a Composite Model

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

Export model files to different file format supported for transferring model information to Navisworks^® Manage (including NWC, DWG, and IFC).
Set the appropriate global options for working effectively in Navisworks^® Manage.
Open and append multiple model files to create a single composite model.
Transform individual models to provide the proper alignment and positioning in the composite model.

Figure 5.1.2 - Setting the global options in Navisworks

Download Unit5_Lesson1_Exercise1_Start.zip: Imperial or Metric
Autodesk Revit MEP 2011, Navisworks Manage 2011

Export the Autodesk^® Revit^® MEP plumbing model named MEP_Plumbing.rvt to a NWC file using the Autodesk^® Navisworks^® 2010 Export Utility Add-in. Make sure that Geometry Compression is not enabled in the export settings.
Export the Revit MEP lighting model named MEP_Lighting.rvt to an IFC file.
Open the composite model file named Unit5_Lesson1_Exercise1_Start.nwf, then append the two exported files—MEP_Plumbing.nwc and MEP_Lighting.ifc—from the previous steps.
Adjust the offset of the MEP_Lighting.ifc to bring it into alignment with the composite model. Select the model in the selection tree, then click the Item Tools tab, and choose Move. Transform the model -20 feet (-6.10 m) in the x-direction by entering -20 into the pull-down menu.

Figure 5.1.3 - Transforming the Lighting model to new coordinate positions

Exercise 5.1.2: Exploring a Composite Model

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

Interact with the composite model in the scene view using the orbit, walk-through, and sectioning tools.
Explore the hierarchy of elements in the composite model in the Selection Tree.
Manipulate the appearance of elements in the scene view using the Hide, Require, and Override commands.
Create and save viewpoints of interest that feature different systems or aspects of the model.
Publish the model as a compressed .nwd file for sharing with others.

Figure 5.1.4 - A viewpoint employing a sectioning plane

Download Unit5_Lesson1_Exercise2_Start.zip: Imperial or Metric
Navisworks Manage 2011

Create new viewpoints to illustrate specific points and features to reviewers of the composite model. Apply hide, require, and overrides to emphasize the key elements and eliminate extraneous items from each viewpoint saved. Create these viewpoints:
- Structural Frame-Overall—an overall view that isolates the Structural_Model and hides the other models.
- Structural-MEP—an overall view that shows the structural and MEP models and hides the Architectural_Shell.
- Restroom-Wet-Wall-Top—a perspective view of a restroom from the top and with a green color override to draw attention to the plumbing model.
- Exposed Ceiling-Level 1 Retail-Section Box—an internal camera view created by walking into the Level 1 retail space and aiming the camera up at the ceiling with the Look Around tool.
Create new folders named Plumbing, Structural, and Mechanical to organize the viewpoints. Then move the new viewpoints into the appropriate folders that match their discipline.
Save a new copy of the master NWF file to capture these changes and the current state of the composite model.

Figure 5.1.5 - Viewpoint of all Autodesk® Revit® Structure and Autodesk® Revit® MEP elements

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

Interrogate the composite model to find particular elements.
Define selection sets of like elements that include elements from several of the appended models.
Define search criteria to select sets of elements that share common properties or parameter values.
Merge previously defined selection sets and organizing the sets into folders.

Figure 5.1.6 - Using the section box to expose the building systems in a 3D view

Download Unit5_Lesson1_Exercise3_Start.zip: Imperial or Metric
Navisworks Manage 2011

Create a multicriteria Search Set, called Wood Framing, that contains the wood framing elements that meet at least one of the following constraints:
- Item Name Contains timber
- Item Name Contains joist
- Item Name Contains pine
- Item Name Contains wood
Create a Selection Set, called Windows & Doors that includes all the windows and doors of the model, regardless of the family type.

Figure 5.1.7 - Selection set of the wood framing elements