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March 28, 2025
Clash Detection in Navisworks vs. Model Coordination in BIM 360/ACC: Key Differences and Use Cases
Introduction
In the world of Building Information Modelling (BIM), clash detection and model coordination are essential for project efficiency and error reduction. Two of the most popular tools for these tasks are Autodesk Navisworks and the coordination capabilities in BIM 360 (now part of Autodesk Construction Cloud, or ACC). While both tools aim to streamline coordination across trades, they cater to slightly different workflows and project requirements. This blog breaks down the capabilities of each tool to help project teams choose the right solution for their needs.
Navisworks: Robust Clash Detection for Large Projects
- Overview of Navisworks
Autodesk Navisworks has long been a staple for clash detection and model review in BIM workflows. Known for its advanced clash detection capabilities, Navisworks allows users to aggregate models from multiple disciplines, detect clashes, and manage them with high precision.
- Key Features for Clash Detection Navisworks offers rule-based clash tests, detailed clash grouping, and extensive reporting capabilities. These features help BIM managers conduct thorough clash analyses, prioritize clashes, and create customized clash views for stakeholder review.
- Ideal Use Cases Navisworks is particularly useful for large-scale projects with complex multidisciplinary coordination, such as hospitals, airports, and commercial high-rises, where detailed control over clashes and extensive reporting is needed.
BIM 360 / ACC: Integrated Model Coordination in the Cloud
- Overview of Model Coordination in BIM 360 / ACC
BIM 360 and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) bring model coordination into the cloud, enabling seamless collaboration across teams. With cloud-based model coordination, teams can upload models, perform clash detection, and track issues in a central location accessible to all project participants.
- Key Features for Model Coordination
In BIM 360 or ACC, the model coordination module provides automatic clash detection for uploaded models, generating clash views that team members can access and review in real time. The cloud-based environment also supports issue tracking and assignment, making it easy to manage clashes within the broader project workflow.
- Ideal Use Cases
Model coordination in BIM 360 or ACC is suited for projects that benefit from real-time collaboration, particularly when multiple stakeholders need access to the latest models and issues. It’s ideal for distributed teams and projects where continuous coordination is essential.
Key Differences Between Navisworks and BIM 360 / ACC for Clash Detection
Choosing Between Navisworks and BIM 360 / ACC
- Choose Navisworks if you need advanced control over clash detection, such as custom rules and detailed reporting, or if your project requires extensive offline analysis and detailed clash grouping.
- Choose BIM 360 / ACC if you value real-time coordination, need cloud access for multiple stakeholders, or want an integrated issue-tracking system that fits into a broader project management workflow.
Integrating Navisworks with BIM 360 / ACC for Enhanced Coordination
In many workflows, Navisworks and BIM 360 / ACC are used together. Teams can use BIM 360 or ACC for initial clash detection and collaborative coordination, and then bring the models into Navisworks for more detailed clash analysis. This combined approach allows teams to leverage the strengths of both platforms for a seamless coordination process.
Conclusion
Both Navisworks and BIM 360 / ACC provide valuable clash detection and model coordination features, but each has its own advantages. Navisworks excels in detailed, customizable clash detection for complex projects, while BIM 360 / ACC offers accessible, cloud-based model coordination with real-time collaboration. By understanding these differences, project teams can choose the best solution or combination of tools for their unique project requirements.
