Analysis framework for the interactions between building information modelling (BIM) and lean construction on construction mega-projects
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
ISSN: 1726-0531
Article publication date: 29 January 2021
Issue publication date: 15 November 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry encounters substantial challenges in its evolution towards sustainable development and to the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) technology and lean construction (LC) practices on construction mega-projects. This study aims to present critical challenges and to investigate the interactions of BIM and LC on construction mega-projects encountered by key stakeholders in their efforts to integrate BIM and LC.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research approach is adopted to introduce and validate LC principles and BIM functionalities resulting from a detailed analysis of extant literature, followed by a conceptual analysis of the interactions between BIM and LC on construction mega-projects. A quantitative questionnaire survey is then used. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests are used for data analysis, and analysis of variance tests elaborate and validate results.
Findings
The research yielded ten BIM functionalities and ten LC principles, which are categorised in four principle areas and four BIM functionality groups. A research framework for analysis of the interaction between BIM and LC is then compiled.
Originality/value
Research findings and the proposed framework will enhance the adoption of BIM and LC practices on construction mega-projects and allow project key stakeholders to place emphasis on tackling crucial challenges and barriers identified in this research. The framework will guide and stimulate research; and as such, the approach adopted up to this point is constructive. The identified interactions between BIM and LC on construction mega-projects show positive synergies between the two.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
With sincere thanks and appreciation, the authors acknowledge the valuable feedback, inputs, and guidance received from Dr Helen Dion (The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK) and Mr Alex Evans (Calgary, Canada), that spark our thinking. Equally, the authors thank our outstanding experts for their generous contributions that made this study possible.
Citation
Evans, M., Farrell, P., Zewein, W. and Mashali, A. (2021), "Analysis framework for the interactions between building information modelling (BIM) and lean construction on construction mega-projects", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 19 No. 6, pp. 1451-1471. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-08-2020-0328
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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