by Jeffrey C Kadlowec, Architect
Abstract
The construction industry is experiencing greater client demands and higher rates of failure with rising costs, labor shortages and poor performance. Technologies brought forth by the fourth industrial revolution are beginning to shape the future of construction. Translating concepts successfully from manufacturing into construction requires technical training and stronger leadership. Human activities, environment impacts and sustainable practices must be considered to improve productivity and efficiency. Lean principles promote better utilization of materials, reducing waste in all forms, and creating more inherent value.
Keywords: lean construction, productivity, efficiency, sustainability
Lean Principles
Greater project complexity and increasing client demands are leading to more project failures due to higher costs, labor shortages, and a lack of proper management in an industry known for poor performance. Megaprojects provide significant impact to economic development yet 98% of these project result in time and cost overruns with 30% average cost increase, only 80% original value, and 77% at least 40% behind schedule [Gartoumi 2024]. Success is dependent upon the best utilization of materials, minimal waste, create value, and meet quality standards while reducing costs, assuring timely delivery and achieving client satisfaction. Best quality can be achieved through proper management of contracts, costs, stakeholders, and value, while lean construction (LC) principles correct problems and promote continuous improvement.
Lean principles have affectively improved processes throughout the manufacturing sector over the past thirty years. Similar concepts are changing the construction industry in project management, cost and quality control, planning and scheduling, and sustainability. Workflow is being adapted to integrate building information modeling (BIM), prefabrication and modularity with a focus on project performance and reliability [Gartoumi 2024]. Many internal barriers, including traditional design practices, lack of leadership, technical training, and equipment costs, still hinder implementation of LC and the benefits and opportunities it offers.
The primary goal of lean construction is reducing waste in overproduction, inventory, transport, movement, excess procedure, wait time, and defects [Awad 2021]. Construction remains primarily a project-based production process, while manufacturing is product-based (see Fig 1). Industrialization decreases material cost while rising living standards and increasing labor costs. Improving the design-build process will require integrating methods from both industries and combining the work of architects, engineers and construction managers through BIM to increase performance, productivity and sustainability.
Figure 1. Technology, products and design [Awad 2021]
There is a growing interest by professionals and academics towards sustainability throughout the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry with lean principles of improving efficiency and reducing waste at the forefront of the environmental movement. Contemporary society has become aware of the deterioration of ecosystems caused by rapid population growth and profit driven economies. Human activities must be reconsidered holistically to avoid stressing the natural environment beyond its limits and creating irreversible results [Carvajal 2019]. The current systems of production and consumption must be adapted to meet social demands and adequate welfare without disrupting natural cycles or destroying capital and resources. By promoting LC and evaluating projects through BIM, design alternatives for structures, envelopes and materials can be considered and developed to reduce overall costs and CO2 emissions while improving thermal comfort, environmental quality and building performance [Faria 2023].
The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are creating major changes to traditional means and methods especially in design, engineering and management [Lekan 2022]. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) into lean construction management (LCM) is one of the many new fields of research to address growing challenges faced by AEC professionals. The United States, United Kingdom and China are at the forefront of technological innovations and implementation as increased demands are encountered throughout the industry [Dumrak 2022]. Waste reduction, reduced lead times, decreased variability, increased productivity, project delivery systems, construction safety, and improved efficiency are the primary areas of focused attention.
Machine learning, cloud computing, simulations, and optimization are AI tools that have greater reliability at various stages of design and construction when integrated with BIM. Parametric modeling and supply change management offer new ways of analyzing variables and constraints to provide practical solutions. Functionality and compatibility still limit collaboration between the myriad of organizations and stakeholders, though common understanding of contributions, risks and rewards is essential to success outcomes and achieved through better communication and greater disclosure. Big-data analytics must be harnessed by construction managers to provide the required information need to support critical decision-making [Dumrak 2022]. These combined practices will decrease waste and rework, leading to increased quality, productivity and efficiency.
References
Awad, Tamar; Guardiola, Jesús & Fraíz, David. (2021). Sustainable Construction: Improving Productivity through Lean Construction. Sustainability. 10.3390/su132413877.
Carvajal-Arango, David; Bahamón-Jaramillo, Sara; Aristizábal-Monsalve, Paula; Vásquez-Hernández, Alejandro & Botero, Luis. (2019). Relationship Between Lean and Sustainable Construction: Positive Impacts of Lean Practices over Sustainability During Construction Phase. Journal of Cleaner Production. 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.05.216.
Dumrak, Jantanee & Zarghami, Seyed. (2022). The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Lean Construction Management. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. 10.1108/ECAM02-2022-0153.
Faria, Pedro; Sotelino, Elisa; Travassos do Carmo, Cristiano & Nacimento, Daniel. (2023). Evaluating Construction Projects’ Alternatives Using Lean Construction and Sustainability Principles in an Information Model Framework. Sustainability. 10.3390/su152316517.
Gartoumi, Khalil; Aboussaleh, Mohamed & Zaki, Smail. (2024). Implementing Lean Construction to Improve Quality and Megaproject Construction: a case study. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction. 29(1): 1-22. 10.1108/JFMPC-12-2022-0068.
Lekan, Amusan; Clinton, Aigbavboa; Stella, Essien; Moses, Emetere & Biodun, Obaju. (2022). Construction 4.0 Application: Industry 4.0, Internet of Things and Lean Construction Tools’ Application in Quality Management System of Residential Building Projects. Buildings. 10.3390/buildings12101557.
