Take a Deep Dive into Navisworks vs Solibri Model Checker!

Take a Deep Dive into Navisworks vs Solibri Model Checker!

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. File Formats 2.1. Celibri 2.2. Navisworks
3. Model Checking Capabilities 3.1. Celibri 3.1.1. Creating Checking Rules 3.1.2. Advanced Checks 3.2. Navisworks 3.2.1. Filtered Element Groups 3.2.2. Clash Tests 3.2.3. Checking Model Data Consistency
4. Reporting of Coordination Issues 4.1. Celibri 4.1.1. BCF Format 4.1.2. Integration with Issue Managers 4.2. Navisworks 4.2.1. Report Formats 4.2.2. Integration with Issue Managers
5. Conclusion

Title: A Comparison of Celibri and Navisworks for Model Coordination

Introduction: Model coordination is a crucial part of the construction process, ensuring that all elements of a building fit together seamlessly. Two popular programs used for model coordination are Celibri and Navisworks. While both programs have similar functions, they each have special features that make them better suited for certain types of projects. In this article, we will compare the file formats supported, model checking capabilities, and reporting of coordination issues in Celibri and Navisworks, helping you make an informed decision on which program to use for your specific needs.

File Formats:

Celibri: Celibri has limited ability to read various types of file formats. In most cases, it is used to work with IFC file format. It can also open DWG and PDF files, although this is relatively rare. However, Celibri cannot read popular native file formats like RVT files from Revit or PLN files from Archicad. This means that if you want to check your Revit model in Celibri, you first have to export it to IFC. Celibri is faster at loading and working with IFC models compared to Navisworks.

Navisworks: Navisworks can handle a wide range of file formats used in the AEC industry. As an Autodesk product, it can easily load files from popular Autodesk programs like Revit, Inventor, Recap, or 3ds Max. It can also work with file formats from other vendors such as Rhino or Katya, as well as open file formats like IFC. Navisworks needs to be properly configured for reading various file formats, and it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the different reader settings. Navisworks can save files in NWD and NWF formats, as well as export to popular 3D formats like FBX, 3D DWF, and KML.

Model Checking Capabilities:

Celibri: Before checking a model using Celibri, checking rules need to be created. The Ruleset Manager in Celibri allows users to define which elements to check and what type of checks to perform. Celibri has a wide range of prebuilt rules and templates that can be used or adjusted to meet specific checking criteria. While building rules in Celibri may seem complicated at first, it offers a greater variety of checks compared to Navisworks, including advanced checks such as accessibility validation, value comparison validation, and space validation.

Navisworks: Navisworks does not have a dedicated tool for creating checking rules like Celibri. Rules are created using the Find Item tool and Clash Detective tool or a combination of both. However, the checking capabilities of these tools are limited compared to the Rule Set Manager in Celibri. Navisworks performs well in checking geometrical collisions, allowing users to create groups of elements and perform clash tests. However, when it comes to coordinating component information or checking model data consistency, Navisworks falls short.

Reporting of Coordination Issues:

Celibri: Celibri offers multiple file formats for reporting coordination issues. Reports can be saved in BCF (BIM Collaboration Format), PDF, RDF, and Excel spreadsheet documents. The BCF format allows coordination reports to be connected to the 3D model, facilitating issue resolution. Celibri can also be integrated with issue management tools like BIM Track or BIMcollab, enabling seamless coordination report sharing and management.

Navisworks: Navisworks allows reports of coordination issues to be saved as XML, text, or HTML files. Viewpoints can also be exported to store issues in a save viewpoint window. However, Navisworks does not support saving reports in the BCF format by default. A paid plugin is required for BCF support. Navisworks can be integrated with issue management tools like BIM Track or BIMcollar through add-ons, enabling coordination reports to be stored in one place on the cloud.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both Celibri and Navisworks are powerful tools for model coordination. Celibri excels in advanced model checking capabilities, comprehensive checks, and built-in support for the BCF format. However, it has limited file format support compared to Navisworks. Navisworks, on the other HAND, can handle various file formats and offers additional features like 4D construction sequencing and animations. The choice between Celibri and Navisworks depends on the specific needs of the project and the importance of features like file format support, advanced checks, and integration with issue management tools.

Highlights:

• Celibri is better suited for building projects requiring open BIM file formats, while Navisworks excels in infrastructure projects where IFC formats may not be used.
• Celibri offers a wide range of prebuilt rules and templates for comprehensive model checking and coordination.
• Navisworks has versatile file format support, allowing it to open a wide variety of file types from different software vendors.
• Both Celibri and Navisworks can be integrated with issue management tools for seamless coordination report sharing and management.

FAQ:

Q: Can Celibri Read popular native file formats like RVT files from Revit or PLN files from Archicad? A: No, Celibri cannot read popular native file formats. It is primarily used for working with IFC file format.

Q: Can Navisworks save reports in the BCF format? A: No, Navisworks does not support saving reports in the BCF format by default. A paid plugin is required for BCF support.

Q: Which program is better for advanced model checking? A: Celibri offers more advanced features and capabilities for comprehensive model checking compared to Navisworks.

Q: Can both Celibri and Navisworks be integrated with issue management tools? A: Yes, both Celibri and Navisworks can be integrated with issue management tools like BIM Track or BIMcollab for coordination report sharing and management.