
The growth of Building Information Modeling(BIM) software has introduced a tech-first approach in the design and construction industry. Engineers are exploring new-age tools to improve efficiency and workflows. Tools that let professionals from all disciplines, stakeholders and clients review and resolve any errors before entering the construction phase. Among these tools is Autodesk Navisworks, a powerful software that is now gaining acceptance among AEC professionals. Navisworks has launched a host of new features and improvements, significantly enhancing project management and collaboration experience. So, through this blog, let's understand the benefits of learning Navisworks and explore the best online Navisworks course & training programs available in the USA for civil engineers.
What is Autodesk Navisworks?
Navisworks, developed by Autodesk, is a renowned software that is specially designed to improve BIM workflows. It enables engineers to integrate, visualize, coordinate and analyse 3D models in a unified environment. With the clash detection feature, it helps identify and resolve conflicts between different building elements during the early phase of the design process. This minimizes costly reworks and delays during the actual construction. It allows users to create 4D simulations, adding time-based data to visualize schedules and processes.
The software supports various Navisworks file types such as NWC, NWD, and NWF, making it highly compatible with different files. It offers three types of interfaces customised to different needs— Navisworks Freedom, Navisworks Manage, and Navisworks Simulate.
Why Is Learning Navisworks Beneficial for Civil Engineers in the USA?
It’s possible to use Navisworks to identify bottlenecks and resolve them. Here are the benefits of Navisworks that you should know about:
1. Complete Project Visualization
Navisworks provides powerful design visualization tools that enable engineers to develop detailed 3D models of projects. These models help stakeholders understand the project's scope, aesthetics, and purpose. High-quality visualizations also improve client presentations, making it easier to convey design intent and secure approvals.
2. Clash Detection
This software allows professionals to detect and highlight clashes between various building elements, including structural components, mechanical systems, and electrical conduits. Identifying these conflicts early enables civil engineers to resolve them before construction starts, saving time, cutting costs, and minimizing the need for rework.
3. 4D Simulation
Navisworks enables 4D simulations, adding time as a fourth dimension to the 3D model. This feature allows professionals to develop construction schedules and visualize the sequence of activities over time. By simulating the construction process, project teams can spot potential scheduling issues, streamline workflows, and ensure the project stays on track for timely completion.
4. Accurate Project Estimation
One of Navisworks' features is its ability to generate accurate Bill of Quantities (BOQs) and cost estimates. This allows engineers to create precise budgets and prevent cost overruns. It also supports value engineering, enabling the evaluation of different design options based on their cost impact.
5. Better Risk Management
It helps identify and manage project risks with its thorough analysis tools. By visualizing the entire project and understanding the connections between various elements, architects and engineers can anticipate potential risks and create strategies to mitigate them.
6. Enhanced Collaboration
This software allows for the integration of data from multiple design tools and formats. Since architects and civil engineers use various software for modeling, analysis, and project documentation, Navisworks enables them to easily consolidate all this data into its interface. This integration enhances coordination among project stakeholders, minimizing misunderstandings and ensuring alignment throughout the project.
7. Streamlined Communication
Using Navisworks provides a variety of tools for generating reports, adding markups, and sharing project details with stakeholders. These features ensure that all project participants have access to up-to-date information and can offer feedback in an organized way. Improved communication reduces the chances of errors and helps ensure that project objectives are achieved efficiently.
Top Online Courses To Learn Navisworks
If you’re a civil engineer with a background in BIM, enrol in a Navisworks online training course. It is effective, affordable, flexible and doesn't require you to leave your job. Here’s a list of best online training courses that you can consider:
1. Navisworks and BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers by Novatr
Duration: 7 months
Fees: $2,500
The BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers by Novatr is one of the most trusted online Navisworks training options available. This comprehensive course covers over 10 BIM software tools, featuring live weekly sessions, practical ISO-standard workflows, mentor support, and a capstone project. Upon completion, participants earn dual certification from Autodesk and Novatr, along with a professional portfolio, significantly increasing their chances of securing a position with leading global AEC firms. The course also offers access to a dedicated placement cell, continuous career guidance, and an average salary increase of 60%.
Why Choose Novatr’s Program?
Unlike other courses, Novatr offers a flexible environment that fits into a professional’s busy schedules, allowing them to balance their course with other commitments. Participants have lifetime access to course materials which allows ongoing learning. Additionally, the program provides dual certification from Autodesk and Novatr, improving the value of the qualification. The curriculum is endorsed by over 200 industry professionals, ensuring it is relevant and aligned with the demands of the current job market.
2. The Complete Autodesk Navisworks Course by Udemy
Duration: 3-4 hours
Fees: $37.12
This Autodesk Navisworks training course teaches how to integrate 3D models from different disciplines into a unified environment for effective model reviews. The curriculum tools such as TimeLiner, Animator, Scripter, Quantification, and Clash Detective. Participants learn to use both Autodesk Navisworks Simulate and Manage features to open, review, quantify, and perform interference checks on 3D models. The course also includes techniques for linking task-scheduling files, creating 4D construction simulations, validating construction schedules, conducting clash detection tests for design accuracy, and extracting material estimates from models.
3. Building Modeling for Design & Construction by Stanford University
Duration: 10 weeks
Fees: $4542
This Navisworks course teaches techniques and processes of creating, editing, and managing building elements like walls, windows, and roofs for design and construction. It helps in creating custom parametric models and applying performance-based analysis for architectural design, construction planning, and simulation. Participants explore six design projects that allow them to learn various software and prepare them to handle complex projects.
4. BIM Certificate Program by Arizona State University
Duration: 3-6 months
Fees: Available upon inquiry
This Navisworks course demonstrates the importance of BIM software in designing, analyzing, and constructing projects. The program emphasizes project-based tasks and workflow efficiency through real-world scenarios, covering aspects like site utilization, quantity takeoffs, and clash detection. Additionally, it provides the flexibility of online learning along with expert support and practical training throughout the course led by industry professionals.
Best Online Trainings To Learn Navisworks in USA (For Civil Engineers)
If you're new to Navisworks, you may want to explore the following Navisworks free courses, which cover everything from building composite models to conducting clash detection and managing large-scale projects.
5. Autodesk Navisworks: Fundamentals by IMAGINiT Technologies
Duration: Self-paced
Fees: Free of cost
This particular free Naviswork course available on Youtube provides an introduction to the essential features of Autodesk Navisworks, a powerful tool for model coordination, clash detection, and project management. It covers essential functions such as navigating 3D models, utilizing the clash detection tool, and performing quantity takeoffs. Specifically designed for beginners, the course demonstrates how Navisworks fits into BIM workflows, helping professionals effectively manage construction projects and reduce errors. It's the perfect starting point for those new to Navisworks, getting practical insights and learning best practices for real-world applications.
6. Navisworks Manage Essentials by KETIV Technologies
Duration: Self-paced
Fees: Free of cost
The Navisworks online course offers a straightforward introduction to the fundamental features of Navisworks Manage. Tailored for beginners, this course covers tools for model coordination, clash detection, and project management. It explains how to navigate 3D models, use clash detection to spot design issues, and efficiently manage project data. It is highly recommended for those new to Navisworks who want to enhance their project coordination abilities and build confidence in using the software.
7. Navisworks Tutorial for Beginners by Civil CAD Tutorials
Duration: Self-paced
Fees: Free of cost
The Navisworks Tutorial for Beginners is designed to walk new users through the fundamental features of the program, offering a step-by-step approach. This tutorial emphasizes skills such as creating and exploring composite models and organizing sets of model elements, helping users build confidence in navigating the software. Perfect for those beginning their Navisworks journey, it provides a solid foundation for understanding how to effectively use the software in project coordination and model management. It’s an excellent starting point for anyone looking to gain hands-on experience with Navisworks as a beginner.
Conclusion
Top organizations worldwide prefer civil engineers proficient in advanced software, Navisworks being one of them. If you’re looking for a program to deepen your understanding in Autodesk Navisworks, check out the BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers by Novatr. This course is specifically designed to cater to different professions and provides in-depth training. Participants are mentored by industry professionals and get to work on a capstone project, to put their learning into practice. Novatr provides placement assistance to ensure participants can secure promising jobs in established construction companies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Navisworks a BIM tool?
Navisworks is a project reviewing software by Autodesk that facilitates clash detection and conflict resolution across different building components, ensuring coordination in workflows and processes when working on BIM projects.
2. How to view Navisworks files without a subscription?
You can download Navisworks Freedom, a free version to view, open and navigate 3D model data in NWD and DWF formats.
3. What are the important features of Navisworks?
Some key features include real-time visualization, 4D scheduling, and dynamic simulation of all file formats, and tools for measuring, commenting and redlining.
4. What is the viewpoint in Navisworks?
It is an essential feature that allows you to save and recall different settings related to the view and navigation of the model. Viewpoints are snapshots of the model as it is displayed in the Scene View.
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