I am at the start of a new project and we are using OpenRoads SS4, primarily using the template and corridor tools to create longitudinal objects like retaining walls, sea defenses, roads and footpaths.The client has requested we deliver a Navisworks model so quantities can be extracted and for interrogation purposes. I am able to import the OpenRoads model into Navisworks for interrogation. But something I cannot work out is, what is the best method of exporting the model out of OpenRoads and into Navisworks, so that quantities can be extracted?Many thanks in advance,
James
Hi James,
What you will need to do is create a blank 3d dgn, reference in your OpenRoads Default-3d model, turn off the levels of elements you don't want to export and then merge to reference to master. This has worked really well for us in the past for use with Navisworks.
One misconception is that Navisworks can calculate quantities, but its not that smart. It can sum up volume attributes that are attached to a model. So for quantities to be attached you will need to add an volume attribute to every element that Navisworks can read. With some basic vba macro skill, you should be able to add a tag to all the elements with their volume and this will come into Navisworks as an attribute.
One thing to note is that there are sometimes some weird mesh distortion issues in Navisworks when working with OR DGNs, so in this case you'll have to export this dgn to DWG, but unfortunately the tags will be lost (and tags only exist for cells or blocks in DWG). If you need to import a DWG, the best method we've found is to create a spreadsheet with all the attributes you want, using the element ids (or entity hangle in DWG) and the Data Tools in Navisworks to apply tagging.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Mark
OpenRoads Designer 2022 R3 (10.12) | Microstation 2023 | ProjectWise CE 3.4
Hi Mark,Thank you for your prompt reply. Do you have a vba example you have used to add the volume attribute to elements?Many thanks,James