The construction business uses a variety of technologies, one of which is BIM, a type of computer software that gives digital characteristics of locations. On the other hand, lean construction is a method that streamlines building projects and reduces waste.
Considering these favorable outcomes, how might combining these two factors impact the construction industry? Let's look at some benefits of using lean construction for your next project.
(Photo : Unsplash/C Dustin )
What is Lean Construction and BIM?
Lean construction emphasizes the management and design of construction processes rather than solely the final product. It is a production management-driven, relationship-oriented methodology for delivering construction projects. As mentioned, its objectives are to optimize value for stakeholders while mitigating inefficiency, strongly emphasizing fostering collaboration among teams.
On the other hand, many construction professionals, including engineers, architects, real estate developers, constructors, and manufacturers, can strategize, design, and erect a structure or building within a single 3D model through this highly collaborative process called Building Information Modeling or Building Information Management.
It is also possible to extend into the management and operation of structures by using information that the building or structure owners have access to, resulting in the term Building Information Management.
Apart from the completion of the building, this information enables property administrators, governmental bodies, and municipalities to make well-informed decisions using data extracted from the model.
Also Read: Staged Construction Site Accidents: Proposed Bill Aims to Mitigate Insurance Fraud in New York
Benefits of Using Lean Construction with BIM
Adopt Pull Systems
By implementing a pull system, upstream units ensure they produce sufficient components to meet demand and reduce work-in-progress by producing only when downstream units require them. Utilizing a BIM database allows construction teams to pull drawings whenever required, hence reducing design overload.
In addition, integrating BIM quantity takeoffs with the ERP systems of the supplier and the enterprise allows for just-in-time logistics of consumables and materials, facilitating prompt coordination between suppliers and the construction field.
Minimize Variability in Production
One way to reduce production unpredictability is to utilize automated quantity takeoffs connected to BIM models. Compared to the precision of manual procedures, computerized processes are significantly more precise. The updated linked quantity files ensure its accuracy in the event of a design change during the project.
Implementing Single-Piece Flow by Generating Drawings On-Demand
By outsourcing the generation of shop drawings for steel or precast fabrication, construction teams can produce and review smaller quantities of information. Using this strategy, they can offer the relevant details whenever they are required to do so. It reportedly enables just-in-time manufacture of the appropriate components, resulting in a flow process requiring only one element.
Enhance Production Cycle Efficiency
Critical duties such as structural, thermal, and acoustic performance evaluations, cost estimations, and adherence assessments to the client's program can be completed expeditiously by integrating Lean Construction and BIM. Both collaborative design and parallel processing on several workstations are effective ways to reduce the time needed for the design phase of the process.
Minimize Variability in Final Product
Evaluating design alternatives according to their functional properties, including acoustic, wind, thermal, and others, can mitigate some of the inconsistency resulting from delayed client-initiated adjustments. In addition, BIM models can be applied to design, constructability, and space clash analysis, ultimately improving the overall quality of the construction process.
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