CRN 16186 MSc Construction Management Assignment Sample 

Does Smart Construction Deliver Lean Projects

1.0 Introduction

The construction industries in the world are struggling to make informed decisions. In many circumstances, completing a building operation according to the plan is very difficult. Sometimes it is not clear that what is to be completed when it is needed to complete. Sufficient attention is not given to the construction site to reduce waste, risk and inefficiencies. There are various types of risks in construction projects. The lean methodology can be used in construction sectors to minimize the time, cost and waste materials. Lean construction helps to use smart technologies for planning huge construction projects. IoT and BIM are used in the construction sectors. For sustainable construction, it is very much essential. Enough attention is not getting BIM and IoT. Advanced technologies and lean construction are utilized in infrastructure construction. “Internet of things “ and “ Building information modeling” are utilized in the construction sector.

2.0 Literature review

2.1 Empirical studies

According to Guerriero et al 2017, the management of lean is gaining interest. The management of lean is very much essential in construction sectors. Improvement of construction sectors is essential. Lean management helps to improve the efficiency of construction sectors. The productivity of construction sectors can be increased with the help of lean management. “Building information modeling” can be considered as the main approach for any kind of construction project. This modeling is very much helpful to make the process of projects transparent, integrated and fluent. Lean manufacturing was first developed by the Toyota system. There are various measurement tools that can be enforced in construction sites. Various studies described the waste materials in construction sites. The waste materials are very harmful. They affected the outcomes of construction projects. According to the journals, the effort of production is represented by wastes in construction sites(Guerriero et al 2017). The main wastes that were considered in lean literature were waiting, searching materials, losses or accidents, moving etc. The materials cost of the building is increased up to 30 per cent by these types of unnecessary operations. The cost of building is also increased with these unnecessary operations.4D CAD is used for planning any kind of structure.

According to Guerriero et al 2017, the new system of design is very much helpful for modern construction. In this new world, the number of huge construction projects is also increasing. The planning of these new structures should be done properly. The planning of complex structures is not easy. High software is required for planning these kinds of structures.4D modeling of structures can be done with the help of smart technologies. Advanced technologies and lean construction is used in construction industries. The productivity of construction sectors can be increased with the help of smart technologies. The issues that can be seen in construction projects can be minimized with the help of smart technologies. Thus the significance of smart technologies is very much high. The environment of construction sectors can be changed with smart technologies. Smart technologies are very much helpful for the planning phase. This technology is also useful for a construction site(Guerriero et al 2017). At present various innovative ideas are used for the development of buildings and infrastructures. Thus the environment can be changed with the help of smart technologies.

According to Gbadamosi et al 2019, the construction industry is one of the main industries in the world. The economy of any country depends upon this industry. The productivity of construction sectors is getting less nowadays. The productivity of construction industries should be increased. Hence various new technologies like smart technology are used for construction planning and management. Smart construction means increasing the resources of construction. The number of devices, machinery, people and components in construction sites should be increased with the help of digital technologies for the transformation of construction industries. IoT and BIM are used in the construction sectors to increase the productivity of construction sectors. There is a total of three phases in the construction of a structure. These are construction, management and design. The process of these three phases is improved with the help of innovative methods and technologies. Now the design process of any kind of structure is done with the help of 2D models. Now the design of the structure is performed in 5D BIM(Gbadamosi et al 2019) Now various types of prefabricated materials are used in construction. Offsite preassembled and prefabricated components are used in the construction sectors. Now the traditional method of construction is replaced with the preassembled and prefabricated materials of construction. For the construction phase, new things are seen in modern construction sectors. At present, the managers of construction sectors are adopting various types of innovative technology for monitoring processes and maintenance. Thus a sustainable change can be seen in modern construction sectors. IoT can be described as the objects having unique identification. It sends various types of data regarding the state and environment.

The construction process is very much complex. There are various stages in construction. At first, planning is necessary. Then according to the planning construction process is progressed. This construction process is very much essential for the health of the structure. Suitable materials should be used for the construction of infrastructures and buildings. Now the traditional method of construction is replaced with preassembled materials and prefabricated materials. These materials are manufactured in the factories and then they are assembled in the construction site. Therefore it is a valuable step for construction. Managing the process of construction is not an easy task. The management should use smart technologies for addressing the issues in construction sites. The risks are another threat in construction sites. Several injuries can be seen in construction industries. This can be controlled with the help of smart technologies. The principles of lean construction are very much helpful to increase the value of different construction sectors. It can be increased with help of lean construction. The advancement of technology is very much essential for the construction sector. Advanced technologies can help to improve the outcome of construction industries. The management of construction sectors can be changed with lean construction. The waste materials in the construction site can be reduced with the help of this management. Construction businesses are developing “Intergraph Smart construction” of Hexagon PPM’s. With the use of this structure, an effective plan may be created.

According to Bae et al 2008, the expectations of customers can be obtained with the help of approaches of lean production. The industry of construction can be considered a valuable industry. But environmental pollution can be seen in this industry. Therefore sustainable development is needed. For sustainable development, smart technologies are required. Lean construction is an approach with which the issuers in construction sectors can be reduced. Lean construction helps to deal with challenges and problems which occur on a construction site. Sustainability in construction can be obtained with the help of following principles. These are –

1. To eliminate the waste materials.
2. Adding values to the customers.

Prefabricated materials are now used in construction sectors. For sustainable development, it is very much essential. There are many features that can be seen in the prefabrication process. Thus sustainable construction can be done with the help of these features. The features are given below in a listed manner-

1. The conditions of work can be safer.
2. Enhanced supply chain integrating of environmentally friendly materials has a higher potential.
3. Environmental impact can be reduced with the help of stacked materials, transferring workers, onsite activities, temporary structures and machines (Bae et al 2008).
4. Materials depletion can be reduced in this process.
5. Recycled materials can be used in this process.
6. Adaptability and flexibility are enhanced in this process.
7. The cost of the life cycle is reduced.
8. The economic impact of local communities is reduced in this process.

The condition of a construction project is should be examined properly t first. Prefabrication has several benefits. Disadvantages also can be seen in this process. The impacts of the prefabrication process can be divided into three types. These are environmental, social and economic. The cost of prefabricated materials are reduced thus economic benefits can be seen in this process. The cost of materials that are used in on-site construction is huge. Therefore economic benefits can be seen in this process. The condition in off-site construction is very much safe rather than on-site construction. In prefabricated construction, green materials are used therefore it becomes eco-friendly. Eco-friendly construction can be done with the help of green materials. In prefabricated construction; the supply chain of green materials is enhanced. Thus sustainable buildings can be constructed with the help of these green materials. Here fewer workers is needed. Therefore local economy cannot be affected by this.

According to Tezal et al 2017, construction automation and lean construction can be considered two important efforts in the construction industry. These two aspects can help to better the performance. Visual management is another strategy in lean construction. To minimize the waste materials Toyota introduced the system of lean production(Schimanski12 et al 2019). The utilization of resources can be maximized with the help of these strategies. At first lean production was introduced in the automotive industry. Then it was spread into different sectors like the IT and construction sector and healthcare services. In the construction sector, the concept of lean construction was discussed since 1990. Visual management can be considered a fundamental element in the system of lean production. The tool of visual management helps to coordinate, communicate and realize the targets of the system of lean production in a specific workplace. Lean construction means the process of introducing IT tools in the process of construction. However there are few conceptual works that examine the linkage between the process of lean construction and traditional visual management (Tezal et al 2017). Besides a few scientific articles and operational prototypes, there are no, proper information regarding digital construction and lean construction. At present the construction projects are complex. Various issues can be seen in those construction issues. The main cause of these types of issues is poor communication and improper coordination. Operational data and construction drawings are frequently stored in unstructured formats on several systems.

According to Tezal et al 2017, 2D drawings in CAD, building photographs, spread sheets, 3D models, satellite imagery, and hand sketches are the platforms that are used to store the drawing of construction. To manage or access this type of information is difficult (Tezal et al 2017). As a result time is spent searching and collecting pertinent information. Maintaining a smooth flow of information among numerous parties that are participated in a building project remains a difficulty. Though various types of new technology arrive, this process is still very difficult. In construction projects, mistakes, improper understanding of the process of construction and rework are common.

According to Guerriero et al 2017, for years a large community of research has been working together on the application of various types of new technology in construction projects. For BIM, virtual design and the development of software are extremely important.4D CAD helps to represent a graphic simulation process. In the construction process, 4D CAD is very much useful. It helps to create the model of the structure in 3D and simulation can be done of this building in it. Now the models can be created in 4D CAD easily(Schimanski et al 2021). Users can easily visualize and create the sequences of the construction projects. Different alternatives can be chosen with the help of this software. The software named 4D CAD helps to plan the structure and helps to create the 3D model of the structure.4D model can also be created with the help of this software. By using this software Spatio-temporal information can be gathered, this information is very much essential for construction projects(Gong et al 2019). The tools of 4D CAD can support various visualization of the planning process of construction like GANTT, CPM, Vico etc. There are mainly two generations that can be seen in this software. These are- collaborative 4D-CAD and Visual 4D-CAD. Visual 4D-CAD is helpful for the improvement of communication(Guerriero et al 2017). Communication between the stakeholders is very much important in a construction project. On the other hand, collaborate 4D-CAD helps to interact and collaborate for formulations of best options regarding the construction.

According to Babaeian et al 2021, the goals of construction industries can be obtained with the help of new approaches like new technologies. Digitalization is very much essential in the construction industry. Information technologies are used in the construction sector for the establishment of bonds between materials, equipment and people. The main aim of an information system in construction is to exchange information between several parties(Babaeian et al 2021). Time is very much essential for exchanging the necessary information. This system helps to reduce various issues on the construction site. Hence the significance of information systems in the construction site is huge.

2.2 Theories and models

“4D CAD to BIM” for the use in construction site:

4D CAD is very much essential in the modern construction system. The construction process becomes easier with the models in 4D CAD. Simulation of buildings can be done with the help of this software. At first, the model is created in 3D CAD. Then simulation can be done with the help of this software.

Visual communication of 4D:

The main aim of a model that is created in 4D is to envision the process of construction. Better understanding can be done by this process. The responsibility of the stakeholders in the construction project can be obtained with the help of models in 4D(Dakhli et al 2019). This helps the designers very much. Inputs can be captured from clients in this process.

4D Scheduling: The phases in the construction process can be forecasted with the help of this process. Tasks are divided with the help of this 4D CAD.The process of construction can be scheduled with the help of this process.

Safety management in 4D:

By describing safety equipment inside the 4D modelling, it is feasible to accurately predict and identify hazardous situations of various types. Furthermore improvement can be seen for the structure by displaying the resistance of various concrete structures through time.

Environmental management and site layout:

The 4D models can be utilized to visualize a layout of the site over time. The storage areas in a construction site can be shifted with the help of the layout of the construction site. The location of cranes can be known by this process. Therefore there are various benefits for 4D models. This can help for creating the layout of the construction site. Thus all stakeholders are benefitted from this process of construction.

Clash detection: Clash detection in 4D can be done easily. Dynamic and static conflict that occurs in the construction site can be detected with the help of 4D modeling of the structures.

Complex design processes and construction can be done with the help of BIM. It is a new technology that is very much helpful for the designing of complex structures(Elizar et al 2017). The construction process can be easier with the help of this technology. Innovative ideas regarding construction can be done with the help of BIM process. There are several benefits that can be seen in BIM. These are discussed below in a listed manner-

1. It is resource and cost savings.
2. The life cycle of project is shorter and efficiency can be increased.
3. Coordination and communication is improved with BIM.
4. More opportunities can be seen for modular construction and prefabricated construction.
5. The quality of outcomes can be higher with the help of BIM.

BIM can be considered a tool that can be used for designing and construction process of modern building. Here several methods and tools are used for designing process and construction process. Thus safe, cost-0effective and efficient design and construction can be developed for the buildings.

There are several phases in the designing process using BIM. These are – modeling, workflow, construction, handover. Modeling is the first step. In this stage, architects use the tool named BIM for creating the 3D models of the structures. Identification of potential issues can be done in this process which is very much essential for the construction (Lee et al 2021). During construction various issues can be seen. With BIM, the issues in construction sectors can be minimized. Furthermore, calculations and choices regarding design can be made with the help of BIM. The workflow of efficient construction can be obtained with the help of this process. Therefore workflow is the second phase of BIM. After the establishment of workflow, the team of construction helps to construct the complex buildings. They can visit the models that are created using BIM during the construction process. The construction process becomes easier with the help of this modern technology (Sepasgozar et al 2021). After the successful completion of construction, the structure is handed over to the clients.

 IoT: Technological software can be used for construction. In this software, the physical things are combined. Trackers, storage, sensors are used for the construction process. The main aim of IoT in construction is to use technological equipment and devices. The use of resources is optimized with the help of these things. Proper planning can be done using IoT. Risk can be lowered with the help of advanced technology in construction. Because the construction sector is directly progressing and starting to grow in tandem with the growth in population in order to satisfy the needs, they are introducing new strategies, techniques, and systems in order to enhance the efficiency and fight the prevailing building company problems and concerns. IoT can create a location where the materials and equipments of construction can be used. There are various equipments that can be used for the modern construction process (Sayed et al 2019). These are sensors, wearable, maintenance system, “real-time site map”. These are essential tools that can be used for the development of modern construction processes. The sensors in construction are very much helpful. It is attached with various types of software. This can calculate the temperature, humidity and pressure for the construction. Wearable are another devices that can be used for construction. These devices are very much helpful for warning the workers about some places. If the laborers in the construction site are near to any danger zone, then it can be useful for the people. These wearable are connected with many devices. Further these devices are connected with the server. In this way, information about the dangerous zone can be obtained. Real-time map for site is also helpful for construction because it helps all the engineers and labors. The information about the dangerous can be given with the help of this system.

There are various benefits that can be seen in construction. The significance of IoT in construction sector is huge. These are discussed below-

1. Safety concern: In a construction site, various problems occur. The issues should be addressed properly for the development of sustainable construction. Sustainable development can be seen after addressing the critical situation (Nascimento et al 2017). Various disasters can affect the outcomes of construction projects. Therefore IoT can help to address various types of problems in the construction site. Various discipline patterns and safety protocols are taken to address the critical situation in the construction site.
2. Budgeting and resources management: IoT can assist actual business owners throughout tracking and generating a solid vision of complex budget planning in a single step, and use the most widely used and effective techniques to decrease the cost of the project by ensuring proper deployment of new equipment as well as other resources(Jiang et al 2021). Not only that, but it could also help in making plans through trying to keep track of available resources and maximizing their value without having wasted any.
3. Waste management: The issue of construction trash receives the same level of attention as that of the project itself. This not only has an environmental impact and degrades the ecosystem, but it also creates a trash and debris dumping problem that must be managed on-site (Talebi et al 2019). The utilized IoT can assist them in developing a sustainable plan for employing recycled items and embracing zero waste vocabulary, as well as educating laborers on the construction’s sustainable approach.
4. “Daily remote management”: Drones are used in modern construction sectors for safety purpose. It is very much essential for construction.

Sustainable development can be seen in construction where BIM and IoT are used. These are essential materials that can be used for the development of construction industries. Lean management helps to improve the efficiency of construction sectors. The productivity of construction sectors can be increased with the help of lean management. “Building information modeling” can be considered as the main approach for any kind of construction project(Li et al 2019). This modeling is very much helpful to make the process of projects transparent, integrated and fluent. Lean manufacturing was first developed by the Toyota system. There are various measurement tools that can be enforced in construction sites. Various studies described the waste materials in construction sites. The waste materials are very harmful. They affected the outcomes of construction projects.

2.3 Conceptual framework

Figure 1: Lean construction

(Source: self-created in MS-word)

2.4 Dependent and independent variable

Smart construction helps to deliver lean projects. Lean projects depend upon smart technologies.BIM and IoT are very much helpful for sustainable development. Therefore lean projects depend upon two things. These are BIM and IoT. These two aspects are very much essential for the construction (Alves et al 2019).4D models can be created with the help of BIM. On the other hand, IoT is used in construction for safety purposes. Green buildings are constructed with the help of advanced technologies. Prefabricated construction can be done with the help of modern technologies.

3.0 Methodology

3.1 Research approaches and strategies

The approach of research can be divided into two categories. One of them is the inductive approach and another is the deductive approach. The deductive approach helps to gather various types of essential information from existing theories regarding lean construction and smart technologies in construction. Various types of innovative technologies can be seen in the construction sector. The pieces of essential information regarding these technologies can be gathered with the help of a deductive approach. On the other hand, the inductive approach helps to gather essential information on smart technologies in construction sectors through new theories.

3.2 Data collection and analysis

Data regarding this topic can be collected from various sources. The sources of gathering the information can be divided into 2 parts. These are the primary sources and secondary sources. The primary information can be obtained from the questionnaires and surveys. Surveys and interviews are very much essential to gathering primary information regarding smart technologies in construction sectors. On the other hand, secondary sources help to get the necessary information. Various types of journals, websites of companies can be used to gather secondary information regarding smart technology and advanced technology in construction sectors. The planning phase of construction is very much important. Therefore strategies and approaches are very much helpful for any kind of research. In this research, strategies are also important.

3.3 Key search teams

3.4 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

3.5 Data retrieval process

Figure 2: Data retrieval process

(Source: self-created in Draw.io)

Above figure shows the process of data retrieval for the given research. Here search team is used for identification of the study. There are two criteria. One is publication type, language and time period and another is geography and subject. From internet, total 642700 journal and articles were suggested for the specific topic. After the application of first criteria the number of journals and articles are 379699. Duplicates of those articles were removed. The number of duplicate journals is 3500. The number of those articles for given topic after removal of duplicates is 100. For reviewing the articles 1380 journals were available and 100 journals are reviewed. Further after the review of those articles 20 numbers of articles are selected. In this process the whole process of data retrieval has been performed.

3.6 Quality assessment methodology

4.0 Conclusion

Smart technologies are very much helpful for the construction industry. It helps to reduce the risks in the construction sector. It helps to manage all the issues in the construction sector. Working culture and environment can be built with the help of smart technologies. In the construction industry, many people work together. A team can be built with the employees. Hence sufficient knowledge is necessary for managing the issues in construction sites. Collaboration of workers is highly needed for construction. Smart technology is crucial in construction projects. The workers can know about these types of technology. Sufficient training should be given to them for addressing the issues. Risk management should be developed properly for managing the issues in construction sectors. Lean construction helps to manage all the issues in the construction sectors. Lean construction used various types of smart technologies for solving problems. Hence it is very popular in the world.

Reference list

Journals

Alves, A.C., Ferreira, A., Maia, L.C., Leão, C.P. and Carneiro, P., 2019. A symbiotic relationship between Lean Production and Ergonomics: insights from Industrial Engineering final year projects.

Babaeian Jelodar, M. and Shu, F., 2021. Innovative use of low-cost digitisation for smart information systems in construction projects. Buildings, 11(7), p.270.

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Bae, J.W. and Kim, Y.W., 2008. Sustainable value on construction projects and lean construction. Journal of green building, 3(1), pp.156-167.

Dakhli, Z., Danel, T. and Lafhaj, Z., 2019. Smart construction site: ontology of Information System Architecture. Modular and Offsite Construction (MOC) Summit Proceedings, pp.41-50.

Dezi, L., Pisano, P., Pironti, M. and Papa, A., 2018. Unpacking open innovation neighborhoods: le milieu of the lean smart city. Management Decision.

Díaz Arévalo, C.A. and Terreros Rojas, L.E., 2021. Elaboración de una guía de procesos constructivos de sistemas de construcción modular, bajo la metodología lean construcción para la empresa Smart Brix, en el proyecto del Ministerio de Defensa Nacional en la ciudad de Bogotá.

Elizar, Suripin and Wibowo, M.A., 2017, November. The concept of value stream mapping to reduce of work-time waste as applied the smart construction management. In AIP Conference Proceedings (Vol. 1903, No. 1, p. 070010). AIP Publishing LLC.

El-Sayed, I., Abaza, A., Kamel, A. and Khallaf, R., 2019, December. Identification of Wastes in Construction Projects: Case Study of Porto Sokhna Island Project. In Joint International Conference on Design and Construction of Smart City Components (pp. 73-79). Springer, Cham.

Gao, Z., Aslam, M. and Smith, G., 2020. Strategies to Increase the Adoption Rate of Lean Construction. EPiC Series in Built Environment, 1, pp.364-372.

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Guerriero, A., Kubicki, S., Berroir, F. and Lemaire, C., 2017, June. BIM-enhanced collaborative smart technologies for LEAN construction processes. In 2017 International Conference on Engineering, Technology and Innovation (ICE/ITMC) (pp. 1023-1030). IEEE.

Jiang, Y., Liu, X., Kang, K., Wang, Z., Zhong, R.Y. and Huang, G.Q., 2021. Blockchain-enabled cyber-physical smart modular integrated construction. Computers in Industry, 133, p.103553.

Korb, S. and Sacks, R., 2018, December. Towards multi-project simulation of a lean production system for customized apartment buildings. In 2018 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC) (pp. 3897-3908). IEEE.

Lee, D., Lee, S.H., Masoud, N., Krishnan, M.S. and Li, V.C., 2021. Integrated digital twin and blockchain framework to support accountable information sharing in construction projects. Automation in construction, 127, p.103688.

Li, X., Shen, G.Q., Wu, P., Xue, F., Chi, H.L. and Li, C.Z., 2019. Developing a conceptual framework of smart work packaging for constraints management in prefabrication housing production. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 42, p.100938.

Nascimento, D.L.D.M., Sotelino, E.D., Lara, T.P.S., Caiado, R.G.G. and Ivson, P., 2017. Constructability in industrial plants construction: a BIM-Lean approach using the Digital Obeya Room framework. Journal of civil engineering and management, 23(8), pp.1100-1108.

Nwaki, W.N. and Eze, C.E., 2020. Lean construction as a panacea for poor construction projects performance. ITEGAM-JETIA, 6(26), pp.61-72.

Sandagomika, N.M.G.H., Sandanayake, Y.G. and Ekanayake, B.J., 2020. Drivers and Barriers of Using Intrenet of Things for Successful Lean Implementation in Construction Projects in Sri Lanka. FARU JOURNAL-2020, p.12.

Schimanski, C.P., Pasetti Monizza, G., Marcher, C. and Matt, D.T., 2021. Development of a BIM-based production planning and control system for Lean Construction through advancement and integration of existing management techniques. Frontiers of engineering management, 8(3), pp.429-441.

Schimanski12, C.P., Monizza, G.P., Marcher12, C. and Matt34, D.T., 2019. Conceptual foundations for a new lean BIM-based production system in construction.

Sepasgozar, S.M., Hui, F.K.P., Shirowzhan, S., Foroozanfar, M., Yang, L. and Aye, L., 2021. Lean practices using building information modeling (Bim) and digital twinning for sustainable construction. Sustainability, 13(1), p.161.

Talebi, S., Tzortzopoulos, P., Koskela, L., Poshdar, M., Tommelein, I.D., Tezel, A. and Antunes, R., 2019, June. A vision for the future of the computer-aided tolerance management in construction based on the lessons learned from manufacturing. In Proceedings of the CIB World Building Congress, Hong Kong, China (pp. 17-21).

Tezel, B.A. and Aziz, Z.U.H., 2017. From conventional to IT based visual management: a conceptual discussion for lean construction. Journal of information technology in construction, 22, pp.220-246.

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