Introduction
As a professional engineer or designer, you must be familiar with Navisworks, a powerful software that allows you to visualize and analyze 3D models, clash detection, and project management. One important and helpful feature of Navisworks is its ability to design a Search Set. It helps you to arrange and manage your model data effectively. In this post, we will explore what search sets are and, how to create them.
What Is a Search Set?
Before we start, let’s understand what is search sets. In simple terms, a search set in Navisworks is a dynamic group of objects and elements within your model to meet specific criteria. Instead of finding things manually every time, you can simply use these predefined search sets to locate and separate them immediately. These search sets are defined based on the properties, classifications, or other attributes. This feature is very essential to work with as it organizes your model data and makes your workflow more efficient.
Steps to Build a Search Set
Step 1: Define your Criteria
To build the search sets, you need to identify the specific criteria for which you want to build the set. Consider the following criteria:
- Property-Based Criteria: You can search based on properties such as material type, fire rating, or any other relevant property.
- Classification-Based Criteria: Use classifications (e.g., walls, doors, beams) to narrow down your search.
- Attribute-Based Criteria: Look for specific attributes assigned to objects (e.g., “structural,” “electrical,” etc.).
Step 2: Go to the “Find Items” Window
- Open Navisworks and load your model.
- Go to the Home tab and click on Find Items.
- This window allows you to set up your search criteria.
Step 3: Specify Your Search Parameters
- Inside the Find Items window:
- Choose the appropriate search category (e.g., Properties, Search Sets, Selection Tree).
- Set each property or attribute’s desired conditions (e.g., equals, contains, starts with).
- Combine multiple criteria by using the logical operators (AND, OR).
Step 4: Execute the Search
- Click the Find All button.
- After clicking the button, it will highlight all the items which meet your specified criteria in both the Scene View and the Selection Tree in Navisworks.
Step 5: Review and Refine
- Inspect the selected items to ensure that they match your expectations.
- If needed, adjust your criteria and again run the search.
Step 6: Save your Search Sets
- Open the Sets window (usually located on the right side of the interface).
- Click Save Search.
- Give your search set a descriptive name (e.g., “Steel Beams,” “Fire-Rated Doors”).
Step 7: Organize Your Sets
- Consider creating folders within the Sets window to organize your search sets.
- Rename sets for clarity.
- Delete or move sets as necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of creating search sets into the Navisworks can help you enhance your work productivity and efficiency when working with complex model design. By following this process, you’ll be able to create and utilize search sets more efficiently. Just remember to look after your criteria, stay organized and enjoy the power of dynamic grouping to elevate your BIM workflow.
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