Developing an Approach to Develop and Validate a Lean Construction Plan Using Performance Evaluation of Repetitive Subprojects

Abstract

Waste, a non-value-added activity or process, is among the issues in every project that directly influence its main objectives, including time, cost, and quality. Lean thinking, following its success in the manufacturing industry, has been introduced to the construction industry, with the reduction of waste as its main purpose. The objective of this study is to develop an approach for developing and validating a lean construction plan (LCP). An LCP is developed through a systematic approach, specifying non-value-added processes and choosing appropriate lean techniques. To validate the developed plan, an evaluation of the progressive improvement of repetitive subprojects is utilized as an effective approach. The validation process is necessary for the support of top management its commitment to implementing an LCP; this is especially true in large construction projects that are associated with higher risks, due to changes in existing management approaches. A real project, used as an example of an application, is studied to illustrate the use of the approach and demonstrate its capabilities in construction projects.