Understanding Lean Construction and its importance for a Sustainable Future

Understanding Lean Construction and its importance for a Sustainable Future

Lean Construction is a method of construction that aims to reduce waste in the timeline of the construction project by finding ways to maximize productivity and efficiency. This methodology is similar to value engineering and applies the principles of lean manufacturing to building construction. With lean construction the project is completed faster, there are lower costs involved and the output and value at each stage of the building’s lifecycle is maximized. In the below blog we look at the benefits, principles and the importance of Lean construction. We will also be talking about BIM Services and how it enables lean construction.

Benefits of Lean Construction

With sustainability and resource prevention at the forefront of everyone’s minds lean construction is perhaps the future of construction industry. Its most important benefit is that it decreases the production waste thereby reducing the resources utilized as well as increasing the capacity of innovation where in novel methods of construction along with non-traditional and more sustainable materials can be used throughout the construction. From construction company’s point of view lean construction could decrease process waste and optimize resources ultimately reducing any monetary loss. It also identifies any problem areas and aims to solve them in the most constructive manner and increases productivity and profit.

Process of Lean Construction

The process of lean construction can be summarized in the following four steps:

Study: Quantify the impact and do a thorough research about each and every stage of the construction process.
Plan:
Identify areas of improvement and determine how to go about making the change
Do: Carry out the plan and enact the changes that lead to a positive impact
Adjust:
Make modifications as and when needed to the plan. It is critical to adjust the plan as per the situation demands so that the final goal can be achieved.

Principles of Lean Construction

There are six main principles of Lean Construction, below we will not just be looking at the six principles but also stating how Building Information Modeling can be a valuable tool to ensure these principles are achieved.

Identify Value from the Customer’s Point of View: The more traditional approach of construction operates with the aim of building what the clients asks to build. However, lean construction aims to develop a deeper relationship between the architect, designer and the client so that it possible for them to understand why a client wants to building something or design something. This allows AEC professionals to provide better deliverables.
BIM has enhanced 3D visualization that helps architects and engineers better present their ideas to the client. Clear visualization helps the clients not just gain proper understanding but also help them point out areas they like and dislike. This provides the AEC professionals the insight they would need to understand what their client values.

Define the Value Stream: Once it becomes clear what the client needs it becomes easier to lay out all the processes necessary to deliver that value. The requisite labour, materials, equipment etc. need to be mapped out. Any steps or resources that do not add value need to be removed at this point.
4D BIM links time related data with the 3D geometry of the building. It includes information like start and end date of processes, delivery timeline of material and equipment etc. Having access to all the time related information allows the AEC professionals to check for variances and make an informed decision. Moreover, the data rich 3D model has other information regarding materials, equipment, manufacturer’s details etc. which would also make it possible to compare design options and how it will affect time and cost. Finally, the enhanced collaboration capabilities of BIM means that everyone involved in the project remains on the same page and they can provide their input irrespective of their location. Moreover, any changes made in the 3D model are updated in the BIM model instantly and made available to all the stakeholders so that they can provide their input. This means any valuable information is not lost in miscommunication.

Eliminate the waste: Waste of any kind has to be eliminated. It could be a waste caused due to overproduction, defects etc. It could be caused to due to scheduling errors for instance like when workers are ready but the materials have not reached, or when the materials arrive but no one is there to utilize them. It’s a waste of time. It could also be waste of talent caused because the person is not matched to their job.
Using BIM in the preconstruction stage itself goes a long way in eliminating waste. As stated above with 3D visualization it is possible to ensure that the client is aware about the final design and there are no changes to be made in the end. Similarly, it reduces rework as there is less chances of miscommunication between all the stakeholders. BIM Coordination Services on the other hand detects any hard, soft or workflow clash. This is crucial to eliminate mistakes. Any kind of interference which could potentially cause errors onsite is rectified in the designing stage. This would mean that the onsite construction process goes smoothly.

Streamline Work Processes Flow: Workflow errors cause a lot of unnecessary delays and waste. By planning for predictability and ensuring clear communication it is possible to optimize workflow. When all the parties are looped in there are less chances of setbacks.
With the virtual 3D model any workflow error is detected for instance if the delivery time is scheduled after the assembly time. Moreover, 4D BIM also ensures that the timeline is maintained throughout the project.

Pull Planning and Scheduling: Pull Planning announces tasks on downward schedule i.e., when one task is completed the next is activated. This provides a concrete list of expectations and duties as well as provides a guide for handoffs.

Need for improvement: Integral to lean construction is the drive to keep improving. As-Built BIM models can here be useful for storage and reference. As they account for onsite changes, they can provide a guide about changes that have taken place and also can be studied to see better alternatives.

Conclusion

Current scenario today sees an increasing need for lean construction. With global warming and climate control being one of the defining concerns of our century, followed by the impending resource scarcity it is imperative the construction sector adapts new methods and materials that can help them become more sustainable and environmentally conscious. Sustainability is not just a trend but it is the way of the future.

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