Brian showed building models can be used by Autodesk Navisworks to improve integration, collaboration and interoperability throughout the pre-construction phase of a building life-cycle. In this session you will see how models can be used to reduce RFI's and change orders as well as speed up communications.

Following Autodesk's presentation of Navisworks, Andrew discussed how Ayers/Saint/Gross is utilizing Navisworks in current projects. Since many MEP consultants have not yet embraced Revit MEP and Revit Structure, there are two methods we've used to assemble a full BIM model. One of which is to model the MEP and structural systems ourselves. This quickly eats into fee, but can be worthwhile to find interferences in geometries. The other method A/S/G has used is to merge the consultants' models in Navisworks. By combining models from RAM Concept, AutoCAD MEP and Civil 3D, we are able to do comprehensive clash detections and identify potential change orders prior to the construction manager finding them. Once we have located any problem areas in the model, we then collaborate directly with consultants using the embedded NetMeeting capability. Consultants can visualize the clashes, we discuss potential resolutions and they immediately make the change in their model. We have already realized a reduction in costly QA / QC discrepancies since this is dramatically changing our workflow during design and coordination.

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