The model validation tool allows users to set requirements for clashes and clearances between objects in their building models without having to wait for feedback from a second party. Users with access can self-evaluate models using the feature.
The tool makes it possible to analyze whether objects comply with the clash and clearance requirements for the project by applying them to the model inside of Dalux, instantly providing users with the information they need to either:
- Make the necessary changes in the modeling software
- Collaborate with other project participants by commenting on objects that don't comply with the requirements
- Decide to ignore the clash/clearance issue if it is not relevant
Read more
If you want to learn more about validating metadata in your model files, read this article: Metadata properties in Model validation.
Activate model validation
User rights
A project administrator or project planning manager needs to activate model validation.
Model validation is part of Design and is automatically available when Design is activated.
To activate Design, go to
Settings
Box
Design
'Activate':
Tips and tricks
We recommend setting up model validation in the Dalux desktop app. This allows for easier synchronization when making model validation results available in the browser with the 'Automation' feature.
Set up access to model validation
User rights
To set up access to model validation you need to be a project administrator or a project planning manager.
After activating Design, permissions will need to be set for users to have access to model validation. Any custom user group can be added, from Settings
Box
Design
'Groups with access'.
Alternatively, access can be given when setting permissions for user groups in the users' section of settings.
Set up disciplines and object groups
Set up disciplines
To create requirements, create disciplines to be used by either yourself, your user group, or everyone in the project. We recommend setting up disciplines for each design discipline in your project, e.g., Architecture, HVAC, MEP, etc.
User rights
To set up a discipline for a user group, you need to be the group admin for that user group.
To set up a discipline for everyone in the project, you need to be a project administrator or project planning manager.
Project administrators and project planning managers cannot set up disciplines for user groups without also being a user group admin.
Other user groups that were given access to Design can only create checks for themselves.
To set up these disciplines, go to
Design
Select a building
Model validation.
Click on Add
'Discipline', give the discipline a name and decide whether it should be visible to only you, a specific user group, or everyone who has access to
Design.
Create object groups
Object groups are 3D elements sharing the same attributes, such as their category. Setting these up lets you manage which checks to execute, what to ignore, and the severity of certain checks.
Create an object group via Add
3D object group.
In the new window, give the object group a name and place it in a discipline, then filter for the objects by setting their criteria. You can choose different filter settings:
- Isolate: Filters only elements that match the criteria
- Hide: Filters out all but matching elements
- Free text search: Filters elements whose names include the text
Check the viewer to ensure the correct elements are filtered before clicking 'Save'.
Set up checks
Once you have set up your disciplines and object groups, you can define the checks that should be executed for clashes and clearances.
- Clashes are overlapping elements with a defined tolerance.
- Clearances are elements that breach minimum distance requirements from other objects.
To set up a new check, click on the cell in the matrix of the desired object groups
In this example, we will demonstrate checks for wall elements and the HVAC pipe and duct system. Wall elements are part of the Architecture discipline, while pipes belong to the HVAC discipline.
Select whether to set up a clash or clearance, define the tolerance, and choose if the results are minor or critical issues.
In this example, we set up a clash check with a tolerance of 100mm, which we consider a minor issue.
Configure this for object groups where you want to perform checks or have others do so.
Automation
To save clicks and let the model validation run in the background, you can activate 'Automation' for the relevant buildings.
Technical information
To run automatic model validation and make results available in the browser, the model needs to be reprocessed after Automation is activated. To do so, click on Run checks in the desktop app. Check are also available after a building has been re-processed, such as new versions being uploaded or building information added.
Go to
Settings
Box
Design
'Automation'
Select the building you want to run model validation automatically for
If automation is activated for a building, checks will be reprocessed automatically when new model files are added to the building or existing model files are updated. When creating new disciplines or new object groups, the building must be reprocessed before automation includes these in the results.
Read more
If you want to learn more about performing model validation checks, read this article: How to perform checks in Model validation.