• Revit
  • Construction Cloud
  • Navisworks Products

Introduction to BIM for construction management

Turn your skills into actionable results. Learn the technologies, best practices, and workflows to effectively and efficiently deliver a construction project using Revit, Navisworks, and Autodesk Construction Cloud.


Course overview

Introduction to BIM for construction management is designed to give you the skills for the tasks you’ll encounter during the design and planning stages of a construction project. Discover how 3D modeling in Revit impacts construction project planning. You’ll learn how to use mass modeling as a means of achieving conceptual cost estimates and use the same data to inform and drive ongoing design decisions. Gain core skills in model federation and 4D simulations in Navisworks before taking on tasks such as clash detection, reporting, and creating simple quantity takeoffs in Autodesk Construction Cloud.

After completing this course, you'll be able to:

  • Model to match construction methods and use parts to improve model accuracy.
  • Create and manage callouts and views
  • Create a federated model.
  • Use LIDAR for construction.
  • Create and manage 4D simulations in Navisworks.
  • Segment elements to model location for scheduling tasks.
  • Use 4D simulations for materials planning and management.
  • Run clash tests, create clash reports, and retest.
  • Create quantity takeoffs.
  • Use the BIM model to add maintainable asset data.

Course downloads

These downloadable resources will be used to complete modules in this course:

Course outline

15 min.

Getting started

Discover what you'll learn in this course and download the software and resources you need.

Before you move forward with the course, download the course resources.


15 min.

Introduction to BIM for construction

BIM plays a key role in helping construction professionals improve collaboration with designers and engineers. Centralized storage of all the 3D models and documentation ensure that everyone has the correct information at the right time. This reduces errors, prevents expensive rework and ultimately, reduces costs.

In this module, you’ll learn how to:

  • Explain how BIM in used in construction, from planning to designing to building and to operating.
  • Describe how standards play a role in BIM workflows.


15 min.

Modeling to match construction methods

Begin construction modeling and learn how to prepare a typical model with a higher level of development (LOD) that is suitable for construction planning.

In this module, you’ll learn how to:

  • Work with steel models for construction planning.
  •  Work with precast and in-situ concrete models.


30 min.

Parts and parts schedules

In this section, you’ll shift to the architectural model and the subdivision of architectural elements like facades, walls, and floors. You’ll learn techniques for adding details to these elements, including floor and wall finishes. Then you’ll divide parts to add construction detail and assign and override material to parts.

In this module, you’ll learn how to:

  • Create parts to add construction details.
  • Edit parts and review quantities.
  • Work with parts and division profiles.


30 min.

Design communication

An important skill in construction planning is the ability to communication the design effectively to various team members. In this section, you’ll add 3D details for design communication, adding annotations, text, and tags. You’ll also work with PDF documents.

In this module, you’ll learn how to:

  • Develop detailed construction views.
  • Create 3D views.
  • Import and export PDF documents.


15 min.

LiDAR for construction

LiDAR provides many key efficiencies when used for surveying and mapping or the capture of existing structures. The point clouds can then be used to take any measurements off-site and used in software such as Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks and Infraworks.

In this module, you’ll learn how to:

  • Describe LiDAR and its use in construction projects.
  • Work with point clouds in Revit.
  • Explain how ReCap Pro and Infraworks are used in the workflow.


15 min.

Cost estimating

Typical construction projects are complex in nature and providing an accurate cost estimate can take a lot of time and effort. This section provides the details for creating early cost estimates by considering the mass model in Revit. You’ll create schedules and use them for estimating costs. 

In this module, you’ll learn how to:

  • Use conceptual massing tools.
  • Create schedules and use formulas.


15 min.

Construction planning and simulation in Navisworks

Learn the core skills in model federation in Navisworks. In this section, you’ll create the model in Navisworks and adjust project origin and orientation values. Then you’ll create and manage viewpoints for the model, allowing you to set camera positions that are best for the project and for teams. You’ll create and manage search sets in preparation for running 4K simulations. Then you’ll create animated construction sequences with tasks and defined start and end dates. You’ll associate model elements to tasks and refine construction elements in Revit to achieve a more realistic and accurate construction simulation.

In this module, you’ll learn how to:

  • Create a federated model and align multiple models.
  • Work with viewpoints.
  • Create and manage search sets.
  • Run construction simulations.
  • Use parts in simulations
  • Segment building elements.
  • Track building elements.
  • Manage materials.

For an additional final challenge, go to the course downloads and perform the steps in the course challenge exercise to coordinate and quantify models in ACC.


30 min.

Model coordination in Autodesk Construction Cloud

Learn the core skills in effective model coordination in ACC. In this section, you’ll define a coordination space and then create e a view of combined models with specific model categories visible to act as a clash set. You’ll perform clash tests and review the results. Create clash test reports in preparation for distribution to project delivery teams, manage clash testing in updated models, and rerun clash tests. 

In this module, you’ll learn how to:

  • Create a coordination space.
  • Save views for clash management.
  • Run and review clashes.
  • Review issues and update clashes.


30 min.

Takeoffs in Autodesk Construction Cloud

Quantity takeoffs are essential in estimating costs accurately in the construction industry. Along with setting the schedule for materials purchasing, it involves the real costs of a construction project and when done correctly, the process allows teams to stay on budget and optimize their workflow.

In this module, you’ll learn how to:

  • Set up the takeoff project and create packages.
  • Perform a takeoff from a 3D model.
  • Analyze the results of the takeoff.


15 min.

Assets in Autodesk Construction Cloud

Quantity takeoffs are essential in estimating costs accurately in the construction industry. Along with setting the schedule for materials purchasing, it involves the real costs of a construction project and when done correctly, the process allows teams to stay on budget and optimize their workflow.

The Assets tool in Autodesk Build allows teams to track and visualize construction components across a project's lifecycle from design through commissioning and handover. In this section you will learn how to connect Revit models to Assets in Build so that key Information can be accessed, enriched and tracked via the web and mobile app on a construction site.

In this module, you’ll learn how to:

  • Set up and update assets in Build.
  • Perform a takeoff from a 3D model.
  • Review assets and track progress on the building site.

For an additional challenge, go to the course downloads and perform the steps in the challenge exercise to create a construction simulation for an architectural model.


15 min.

Final test

Ready to test your knowledge?

Pass this required test with a score of 75% or more to complete the course and earn a certificate of completion.


Teaching supplements

Teach this course in the classroom or assign it to students as homework. Download the provided instructor guide for teaching the course content in the classroom, with learning objectives and estimated times for demonstration and practice. 

Additionally, lecture slides, exercise files, and 2 challenge exercises with grading rubrics are provided. Students can either work in teams or solve the challenges on their own.

Want to create custom learning playlists to share with your students?
Share modules and courses using Lists. Once you create a List, share the URL with your students and they can sign into their Autodesk Account to access.

  • To create a Playlist, select [+] 'Add to list'.
  • To share a list with others, set the list visibility to Public and share the link.

Download teaching supplements: