Improving Design Coordination With Lean and BIM, an Indian Case Study

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Lean construction principles have been used independently as significant methods to construction process improvement. Their combination presents challenges and opportunities in implementation, especially when applied in the field. This study explores two perspectives, firstly identifying factors and issues in design coordination of construction projects; secondly, applying lean and BIM functions simultaneously to overcome some of the problems in design coordination. Relative Importance Index (RII) method was adopted to identify major critical factors of design coordination and their effect on the three categories viz; design management, time management and cost management. Subsequently, BIM and lean functions such as 4D simulation integrated with Look ahead planning, Quantity take off, Clash detection during look-ahead and weekly work planning, to reduce change orders and RFIs for additional value to customer were applied in an integrated fashion. This improvised BIMLean process facilitates the design co-ordination during construction phase for all project stakeholders. Finally a matrix is drafted based on previous research that shows integration of Lean Principles and BIM functionalities adopted for the case study.