Building Information Modeling and Lean Construction: Technology, Methodology and Advances From Practice

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is seen as an emerging approach that will help the construction industry in achieving lean construction principles by eliminating waste; cutting costs, improving team productivity and creating positive project outcomes. While BIM is a building-modeling tool, it is also seen as a process and BIM is quickly converging to demand one integrated, collaborative process involving all disciplines throughout the entire building lifecycle. By analyzing three case studies, this paper explores the relation of BIM and Lean Construction. Specifically, this paper provides insights into how BIM can facilitate lean measures through design to construction to occupancy. Some of the examples include BIM – enabled automated work package creation, resource leveling, value planning, prefabrication, and the benefits of coordination through the use of BIM methodology. It also examines BIM and Lean Construction pre-existence, and value of BIM in terms of improvement in project cost, schedule, quality and reduction of waste.