While explaining to an Architect that the method they use to model up calls between columns might not be helpful to contractors and quantity surveyors, the question was asked: “If I use join geometry on the wall, would the volume on the wall be different in a Revit schedule and a Navisworks take-off? ”
I do not model using this method (I try to model as someone who would build the building), I did not know the answer. I decided to do a test and get a definitive answer.
In the wall below, the columns were drawn to interfere with the walls. The yellow arrows point to a wall on whose intersections join geometry was used, while the red arrows point to a wall on which join geometry was not used.
Note the wall volumes in a material take-off schedule differ.
A 3D view is created and named “Navisworks”
This view is then written to an NWC file using the Navisworks exporter.
After opening it up in Navisworks, the project is set up
The UniFormat classification system is used
Metric is chosen
Cubic meters are chosen for volume.
Browse to the required category in the quantification workbook, the two walls are selected. Right mouse click (RMC) and choose Quantification>Take off to: Exterior Walls
As can be seen, the volumes match the result in Revit.
Navisworks does then recognize the functionality of Revit when the Join Geometry tool is used. However, let’s not forget, the person who choreographs the construction of the building is unable to schedule / timeline the individual pieces of the walls, as it is only one wall each.
