Analysis framework for the interactions between building information modelling (BIM) and lean construction on construction mega-projects

Abstract

Purpose The construction industry encounters substantial challenges in its evolution towards sustainable development and to the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) technology and lean construction (LC) practices on construction mega-projects. This study aims to present critical challenges and to investigate the interactions of BIM and LC on construction mega-projects encountered by key stakeholders in their efforts to integrate BIM and LC. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach is adopted to introduce and validate LC principles and BIM functionalities resulting from a detailed analysis of extant literature, followed by a conceptual analysis of the interactions between BIM and LC on construction mega-projects. A quantitative questionnaire survey is then used. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests are used for data analysis, and analysis of variance tests elaborate and validate results. Findings The research yielded ten BIM functionalities and ten LC principles, which are categorised in four principle areas and four BIM functionality groups. A research framework for analysis of the interaction between BIM and LC is then compiled. Originality/value Research findings and the proposed framework will enhance the adoption of BIM and LC practices on construction mega-projects and allow project key stakeholders to place emphasis on tackling crucial challenges and barriers identified in this research. The framework will guide and stimulate research; and as such, the approach adopted up to this point is constructive. The identified interactions between BIM and LC on construction mega-projects show positive synergies between the two.

Competency framework to integrate lean construction and integrated project delivery on construction megaprojects: towards a future of work global initiatives in multinational engineering organisations

“…The most significant KDs to integration of LeanIPD&GID on CMPs were “collaboration in design, construction works and engineering management,” “coordination and planning of construction work,” “senior organisational management support,” “boosting implementation of LC, and integrating project delivery” and “earlier and precise 3D visualisation of designs.” While least significant KDs were “acoustic (sound) simulation and analysis,” “structural analysis and design,” “BIM training,” “development of a legal framework for BIM” and “adequate cost allocation to BIM.” Research then clustered KDs to five-factor clusters. PCA concluded that the most significant factor clusters were “attitude-related factors,” “project objectives-related factors” and “technical-related factors.” The motivation behind the study and the findings of the study aligns with previous work such as that by Evans et al (2021c) and Evans et al (2021a), who argued that on modern CMPs, evaluation should not be only on the use of smart tools in design, construction and operation, but on full integration between BIM, LC, IPD, LeanBIM, LeanIPD and LeanIPD&GID transformative initiatives on CMPs.…”

“…Accordingly, to enhance the execution of BIM and LC practices in the construction industry, more effort needs to be deployed by key project stakeholders in ensuring interoperability and data compatibility (Evans et al , 2021c). Meanwhile, Evans and Farrell (2020) and Evans et al (2021a) reiterated the need for clear understanding and evaluation of BIM and LC criteria in construction projects. There is a need to integrate BIM with LC assessment methods.…”

“…Evans and Farrell (2020) applied a Delphi study to investigate critical barrier factors (CBFs) encountered by key construction stakeholders in their efforts to integrate BIM and LC on CMPs. The research concluded that the most significant barriers to integration of LeanBIM are: “lack of mandatory BIM and LC industry standards and regulations by governments,” “lack of involvement and support of governments,” “resistance of industry to change from traditional working practices,” “high cost of BIM software licences” and “high initial investment in staff training costs of BIM.” Evans et al (2021c) applied a Delphi survey to investigate the critical success factors (CSFs) that enhance integration between BIM and LC practices on CMPs and concluded that the five significant BIM CSFs that boost LeanBIM synergy were “collaboration in design, construction works, and engineering management,” “senior organisational management support,” “coordination and planning of construction work,” “earlier and precise 3D visualisation of design” and “boosting implementation of LC and integrating project delivery.” Evans et al (2021a) introduced a framework for interactions between BIM and LC on CMPs, detailing a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature. This research included a conceptual analysis of interactions between BIM and LC on CMPs and yielded 10 LC principles and 10 BIM functionalities that are necessary for their integration.…”

“…This section discusses FOW global initiatives; it is considered a continuation and progression of several research projects by Evans et al (2021b) and Evans et al (2021a). It conceptualises, defines and redefines concepts adopted in the research of BIM, LC, IPD, GID, LeanBIM, LeanIPD and LeanIPD&GID.…”

“…A plethora of published literature has provided holistic reviews and undertook empirical studies to discuss and show the different application and use of BIM and lean construction (LC) to improve the construction industry (Evans and Farrell, 2020). However, limited studies have examined competencies, COVID-19 impacts and responses, KDs to global integrated delivery (GID), integration between LC and integrated project delivery (IPD) and integration between LeanIPD and GID, as LeanIPD&GID, on CMPs (Evans and Farrell, 2020; Evans et al , 2021a, c). Much criticism has been raised about the separate implementation of either BIM or LC practices in the built environment (Olawumi and Chan, 2019b) due to difficulties and more problems caused by its adoption.…”