A BIM-lean framework for digitalisation of premanufacturing phases in offsite construction
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 17 May 2021
Issue publication date: 26 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The research introduces means for improving premanufacturing processes (design, procurement and bidding) by leveraging digitalisation in offsite construction. Specifically, this paper proposes a framework that provides measures for the planning and implementation of digitalisation in offsite construction by positioning building information modelling (BIM) as the key technology and lean principles to add value and reduce waste.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper follows the design science research approach to develop the proposed framework and attain the aforementioned objective. The developed framework includes data collection, value-stream mapping and simulation to assess current processes, develop and propose improvements. An empirical implementation is employed to demonstrate the applicability of both the framework and the measures used to evaluate the outcomes.
Findings
The application of the proposed three-stage framework resulted in 9.45%–23.33%-time reduction per year for the various improvement categories in premanufacturing phases. Employing simulation and applying the developed measures provide incentive for upper management to adopt the suggested improvements. Additionally, while the empirical implementation was tested on a modular construction company, the methods used indicate that the framework, with its generic guidelines, could be applied and customized to any offsite company.
Originality/value
While several studies propose that BIM-Lean integration offers an advantage in the context of production systems, this paper focuses on the initial design and planning phases, which are mostly overlooked in the literature. Moreover, the present study provides quantitative evidence of the benefits of data integration through BIM technology.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors appreciate the technical writing assistance of Jonathan Tomalty and Kristin Berg. In addition, the authors express their gratitude to Lafaete Locações and CMC Módulos, especially to Alberto Silva, Edison Tateishi, Bruna Xavier and Hugo Machado. This work was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Grant File no. IRCPJ 419145-15 and the University of Alberta.
Citation
Barkokebas, B., Khalife, S., Al-Hussein, M. and Hamzeh, F. (2021), "A BIM-lean framework for digitalisation of premanufacturing phases in offsite construction", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 28 No. 8, pp. 2155-2175. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2020-0986
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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