Using Building Information Modelling to achieve Lean principles by improving efficiency of work teams

Xun Zhang; Salman Azhar; Abid Nadeem; Malik Khalfan

doi:10.1080/15623599.2017.1382083

Using Building Information Modelling to achieve Lean principles by improving efficiency of work teams

Xun Zhang
, Salman Azhar
, Abid Nadeem
, Malik Khalfan

Management Science & Engineering

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

91 Scopus citations

Abstract

Both Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Lean principles have significant impact on efficiency and effectiveness during a project development process within the construction industry. It is widely accepted that BIM can be used as a tool to help reduce project cost; shorten project duration by optimizing the construction sequence; improving the coordination of project teams; providing communication platform for different disciplines; etc. A further exploration can be made to find out whether BIM can be used as a tool to help project teams to achieve the Lean principles. In this research, a hypothesis was developed to validate if BIM can be used as a tool to achieve the principles of Lean construction by improving the construction productivity during a project. Several metrics were investigated to measure the contributions of BIM towards project productivity. By analysing a case study, this paper explores the connection between BIM and Lean principles; the contribution of BIM in the improvement of coordination and collaboration of work teams; enhancement of project quality; and reduction of waste and cost.

Original language	British English
Pages (from-to)	293-300
Number of pages	8
Journal	International Journal of Construction Management
Volume	18
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2017.1382083
State	Published - 4 Jul 2018

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

Keywords

Building Information Modelling
construction projects
Lean construction

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10.1080/15623599.2017.1382083

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Cite this

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title = "Using Building Information Modelling to achieve Lean principles by improving efficiency of work teams",

abstract = "Both Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Lean principles have significant impact on efficiency and effectiveness during a project development process within the construction industry. It is widely accepted that BIM can be used as a tool to help reduce project cost; shorten project duration by optimizing the construction sequence; improving the coordination of project teams; providing communication platform for different disciplines; etc. A further exploration can be made to find out whether BIM can be used as a tool to help project teams to achieve the Lean principles. In this research, a hypothesis was developed to validate if BIM can be used as a tool to achieve the principles of Lean construction by improving the construction productivity during a project. Several metrics were investigated to measure the contributions of BIM towards project productivity. By analysing a case study, this paper explores the connection between BIM and Lean principles; the contribution of BIM in the improvement of coordination and collaboration of work teams; enhancement of project quality; and reduction of waste and cost.",

keywords = "Building Information Modelling, construction projects, Lean construction",

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note = "Funding Information: This research illustrated the main applications of BIM and Lean practices in an actual project. BIM helped to establish a communication platform for work teams, improved the quality of coordination, developed productivity of work efficiency and made the project safer. It is a known fact that Lean is the process which focuses on maximizing productivity as well as minimizing waste. The research results showed that BIM not only helped in clash detections, but also helped in the development of value adding work-flow through work team coordination and communication. The hypothesis about whether BIM can be used as a tool to achieve the principles of Lean construction by improving the construction productivity of a project was supported by the results of this research. In the case study, the BIM coordination gave work teams a high degree of confidence. As we know, the morale of work teams is a very important impact factor on the project productivity. The further research can focus on (1) the impact of BIM on work teams morale. It can be analysed that BIM can be used to develop construction productivity of workforce; (2) development of the interaction of BIM with Lean techniques. One of the limitations of this study was mapping each metrics with the findings. Since the outcome of this paper was based on the results from one case study, not much emphasize was given on the statistical analysis. The authors have tried to present results in more generic terms to suit the analysis done in this paper. Further research in this area through conducting more case studies could overcome this shortfall. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor \& Francis Group.",

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Using Building Information Modelling to achieve Lean principles by improving efficiency of work teams

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

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