Lean construction and simulation for performance improvement: a case study of reinforcement process

Abstract

PurposeThis research seeks to evaluate the impact of applying lean construction principles on the performance of reinforcement operations using a discrete-event simulation (DES) approach.Design/methodology/approachProcess mapping of reinforcements operations was first established through field observation and interviews with construction managers involved in the selected project. Subsequently, quantitative data were gathered and then used to identify the best probabilistic density functions for each activity duration based on the fit-quality tests. Upon testing the validity of the real-world model, a lean simulation model was developed, using ARENA software, to investigate the impact of lean construction principles on the performance of such processes.FindingsLean principles are effective in enhancing the performance of the selected construction process. Output performance measurements for real-world model and lean model revealed that lean construction principles led to 41% improvement in process productivity, 14% enhancement in process efficiency and 17% reduction in cycle time.Research limitations/implicationsThe statistical findings only represent the process under study (reinforcement process) and cannot be generalized to other construction activities. In order to draw generalizable conclusions, future works are needed to extend this study to different project sizes and more complex construction processes (e.g. bricklaying process and concrete pouring operations). Moreover, there are other factors such as labor skills, rework and uncertainty, site conditions that require further analyses for leaner construction projects.Originality/valueThe methodology and the techniques presented in this work can be used for decision making by analyzing various lean construction scenarios and evaluating their impacts on performance outcomes of any construction process prior to real-world implementation.

Una revisión sobre Lean Construction para la Gestión de Proyectos de Construcción

“…According to the Lean Construction Institute (ILC), Lean Construction is a philosophy that is oriented towards the management of construction productions and its main objective is to reduce or eliminate the activities that do not add value to the project and optimize the activities that do, For this reason, it focuses mainly on creating specific tools applied to the project execution process and a good production system that minimizes waste (Bajjou and Chafi, 2020b); (Lean Construction Institute, n.d.-c); (Mohd Arif Marhani et al, 2013). Understanding waste as everything that does not generate value for the activities necessary to complete a production unit, LC classifies construction waste into seven categories (Al-Aomar, 2012):…”

“…Although the principles behind the "Lean" philosophy, such as improving construction project execution models, maximizing customer value and minimizing losses (Bajjou & Chafi, 2020b;Bertelsen, 2004), were known, it was Lauri Koskela who formulated, in 2000, after ten years of research;then in 2002, Glenn Ballard improved them (Ballard et al, 2002.…”

Applicability and integration of concrete additive manufacturing in construction industry: A case study

“…Lean Construction (LC) in an innovative way of construction project management aiming at increasing value for clients while reducing waste, improving quality, avoiding workings accidents on constructions sites, as well as preventing negative impact on the environment. [29][30][31][32][33] Regarding the relationship between FA and LC, 71.4% of respondents consider that there is a relationship between both approaches. On the other hand, with the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic, 60.3% of the companies consider that this pandemic will not have an impact on the decision-making process regarding the applicability and integration of AM (see Figure 3 and Table 2).…”

Exploring the critical waste factors affecting construction projects

“…Besides that, waste generation has a negative impact by reducing the efficiency, productivity and value of the construction process (Aslam et al , 2020; Harris and McCaffer, 2013; Koskela, 1992; Leong et al , 2020). Construction waste has become a burden on users, as they eventually have to bear the cost of waste (Bajjou and Chafi, 2018a, 2020a; Paez et al , 2005; Salem et al , 2005). Reduction of waste is an effective aspect of sustainable development, as it would benefit both the environment (by minimizing environmental pollution) and construction companies (by increasing their performance by lower cost of production) (Bajjou and Chafi, 2018b).…”