Verification of lean construction benefits through simulation modeling: A case study of bricklaying process

Abstract

The construction industry includes a large number of specialized areas and disciplines, most of which are based on cyclical processes during the construction phase. With the introduction of the lean construction concept, researchers have begun to apply lean principles to construction processes. The research described in this paper applies lean principles to a construction operation using computer simulation. Simulation makes it possible to evaluate the effects of implementing lean principles into construction processes prior to real world application. A case study of the bricklaying process was conducted to quantify and evaluate the results of applying lean principles. Data required for constructing the simulation model were gathered from the construction site through work and time study techniques. Preliminary results show improvement opportunities exist in the bricklaying process due to a high share of non value-adding work. The results of lean principles implementation also reveal that lean principles can enhance the performance of the bricklaying process through more than 40% productivity improvement.