BIM-based Last Planner System tool for improving construction project management

Abstract

Abstract The Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) industry strongly affects the economy, the environment, and society as a whole. However, when compared to other industries, its productivity, over recent decades, has been very low. Currently, the AEC industry is undergoing major changes, mostly driven by the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the integration of new technologies. When coupling these with Lean principles, there is the potential to improve the productivity and efficiency of construction projects. Although Lean Construction and BIM are approaches with quite different initiatives, both have a profound impact on the industry. Many studies have shown the advantages of the Last Planner System (LPS), yet its integration with BIM technology has not been fully exploited. The Last Planner System of Production Control – a production planning system designed to produce a more reliable project plan – and the principle of promoting continuous improvement are introduced. By capitalizing on the synergies between Lean Construction and BIM, this study proposes a construction management tool that combines the LPS with the 3D visualization of construction projects to improve productivity and reduce construction waste. The prototype tool is mainly aimed to be used as a construction management tool during the construction phase. The tool allows dividing construction projects into work zones, obtaining a fully automated quantity take-off, and offers a color-coded 4D construction simulation for the short-term planning process of the LPS. It allows for a systematic evaluation and analysis of the construction planning in terms of productivity, manpower allocation, and quantification of waste considering the short-term planning process, which promotes continuous improvement of future construction planning.