Simulation of a Construction Project: Assessing Impact of Just-in-Time and Lean Principles

Abstract

The construction industry is always searching for better ways to manage construction projects and improve productivity while leaving a smaller ecological footprint. To help with this goal, a simulation model was developed in a 3D simulation modeling framework to examine the impact of successful concepts from the manufacturing industry, such as just-in-time (JIT) deliveries, Lean tools, and prefabrication in construction. The model developed was based on a real 6-story wooden building erected in the province of Quebec, Canada. Through a design of experiment, results of the simulation showed the impact of each concept and their interactions on the construction duration, shortages, and labor utilization. They also put into light the quantitative advantages and disadvantages of implementing 0%, 50%, or 100% Lean management methods, keeping between 1 and 4 days of buffer stock on the construction site, having 80% or 100% prefabrication of components, and using 1 or 2 construction teams. As a result, this paper contributes to the work of scholars and practitioners by simulating a real construction project to assess the impact of prefabrication, JIT, and Lean principles with tangible metrics, construction duration, shortages, and labor utilization.